09.08.2008 9:16 am
Monday’s lunch pick: 17th Street Bar & Grill
P-D Restaurant Critic and Food Writer
Let’s give the east side something to do — at least for those of you with lunchtime access to the O’Fallon/Fairview Heights/Belleville area. 17th Street is several levels better than your standard barbecue shack in terms of atmosphere, and Mike Mills’ ‘cue lives up to its award-winning reputation. I’m a ribs fan here, although virtually every meat on the menu is worth a try.
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Joe Bonwich has been the restaurant critic for the Post-Dispatch since 2002 and has covered the local food scene for various publications for more than 25 years. He does his best to maintain his anonymity so that he isn't recognized in restaurants (which is why his picture looks like it does). 
Definately worth the trip. Great smokey flavor. No wonder they have won numerous awards at barbecue contest. I like the pulled pork myself. Give it a try.
I really like the beef ribs and the brisket.
The pork is good too.
Actually Joe is right everything is good there.
If you are worried about your diet, then just don’t eat for a few days. Save those calories for a trip down 17th Street - good stuff. If you’re going to blow your Weight Watcher points, make it worthwhile, and this restaurant’s delicious food makes it worthwhile.
I went to school at SIU and I got my first taste of 17th St. barbeque at the original location in Murphysboro, IL. The name comes from the location of that restaurant- it is on 17th St in Murphysboro. Mike Mills and company, under the name Apple City Barbeque, won Grand Champion of Memphis in May(largest bbq fest in the world) three times, a feat that has never been repeated.
One of the keys of this barbeque is that they smoke with apple wood, giving the meat a delicate sweet smoky flavor. The “magic dust”(dry rub) is also an excellent compliment to the meat. This is not your typical drenched-in-sauce back yard barbeque- it is slow smoked for multiple hours with dry rub. You can apply extra sauce and dust at the table but it really is not necessary. The bbq may be the feature but all of their sides are top shelf as well- especially the potato salad, baked beans, and onion rings(my personal favorites).
If you also enjoy going to wineries, I would recommend a day trip to the Carbondale/Murphyboro area about 2 hours south of St. Louis in the heart of “Little Egypt”. Hit up a few stops on the Southern Illinois Wine Trail and then get some ribs at 17th St before you head home!