+1 618-643-4294
Deep South, nestled at 300 S Marshall Ave in McLeansboro, Illinois, proudly serves up a hearty and irresistible Southern barbecue experience that’s bound to satisfy both casual diners and barbecue aficionados alike. This charming barbecue restaurant masterfully blends traditional Southern flavors with creative culinary twists, creating a menu that bursts with bold, smoky, and comforting tastes.
Whether you're a fan of classic smoked meats or looking to indulge in something unique, Deep South’s menu delivers a mouthwatering variety that appeals to all cravings. The All You Can Eat Crab Legs special available on Saturdays is truly a standout — a delightful challenge of tender, juicy crab meat that guests like Caitlyn Kirchoff have found both fun and memorable. For those who prefer more traditional fare, the Pulled Pork Sandwich and BBQ Grilled Cheese Sandwich offer succulent smoked pork drenched in sweet barbecue sauce, perfectly complemented by freshly toasted bread. Rodney Groff’s praise of the pulled pork basket — with its impeccably seasoned, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fries — attests to the kitchen’s thoughtful attention to texture and flavor.
Pizza lovers will appreciate Deep South’s inventive specialty offerings including the Dill Pickle Pizza and Chicken Bacon Ranch, which regular visitor Stel LaBlue celebrates for consistently delivering great flavor and satisfying portions. For a more elevated dinner, dishes like the Steak and Lobster or Chicken Alfredo showcase the kitchen’s range, pleasing diners like Rashel Farris who found the lobster alfredo rich and delicious alongside perfectly seasoned fish and fries.
The dining atmosphere at Deep South is the welcoming backdrop to this culinary journey — a quaint, rustic charm that invites you to relax and savor each bite. The attentive service, exemplified by friendly staff like Brooke Healy mentioned by guests, ensures that meals arrive promptly and with care, even on busy Friday nights.
But beyond the tempting aromas and smoky flavors, Deep South feels like a true community hub. It’s where friends gather to share the famous BBQ Nachos piled high with cheesy, tangy, and spicy delights, or start the meal with shareable favorites like Toasted Jalapeno Poppers and Toasted Ravioli, echoing classic Midwestern comfort.
Deep South stands out in Southern Illinois’ culinary scene by delivering not just food but an experience — one filled with rich flavors, hearty portions, and the warmth of Southern hospitality. If you’re craving a place where every dish tells a story and every bite comforts the soul, Deep South is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re tackling the all-you-can-eat crab legs or savoring a smoky pulled pork sandwich, this barbecue restaurant leaves a lasting impression that beckons you back for more.
We drove an hour and a half to try Deep South! It’s the only place around with an unlimited crab leg special (only on Saturdays). 4 people in our group did the crab legs while 2 others ordered off of the regular menu! The crab was tough to crack but it was fun and memorable! I’ll definitely be back but I’ll try something else on the menu next time. The crab was delicious but a lot of work! The crab special does include 2 sides! The fries were absolutely fantastic!
Is a quaint little rustic restaurant, had never been here before. I ordered the pulled pork basket, you get fries or potato salad, I chose fries, the fries were very good, they were seasoned, and were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just the way I like them, they were perfect. The pulled pork was very good, had a good smoky flavor. Had a good helping of pork, for a sandwich. They put barbecue sauce on the sandwich for you, so if you don't want barbecue sauce you need to tell them. My wife ordered a salad of some kind, I'm sorry, I don't remember what it was, but it was big and she thoroughly enjoyed the salad. It was crisp and fresh and had ham, turkey, chicken,very good. She ordered Chipotle dressing, gave it a little kick. The waiterses were friendly and helpful. Came very close to giving them 5 stars, but it's very hard to get 5 stars from me.
I've been to Deep South several times and have never had a bad experience. So far, we always order a combination of wings, burgers, and Pizza. Everything has been great! We try to get a specialty pizza whenever we go. The pickle pizza is amazing as well as the chicken bacon ranch.
Excellent Everything! Onion Rings, and Jalapeno Poppers were so good! Mushroom Swiss burger on pretzel bun and fries was yummo! The lobster alfredo, garlic bread, and salad was delicious! And the fish and seasoned fries were excellent! Our waitress Brooke Healy was very polite and attentive! The food was on our table in no time on a Friday night, and the prices were very reasonable! We will absolutely be back!
A good addition to the Southern Illinois BBQ scene. Solid effort even with a packed house at 4:30pm! 5 star on Saturday all-you-can-eat crab legs.
Ordered takeout, the food was good and hot, portions were generous, the staff was friendly, and the facility was clean and had a down-home feel to it. My husband and I both ordered the fish and shrimp plates with fries. The serving of fish was plenty there were 6 large pcs of shrimp and they were 2 bite shrimp done to perfection not heavily battered they had more of a panko breading which was perfect. Photos were taken after I had started eating
Will have to visit again. Super clean restaurant, people was waiting to get in the door and the food was fantastic. Highly recommend if you're in the area.
Never had a bad time here. Food is amazing and the service. There pizza is really good. Can't beat the all you can eat crab legs!!