One thing most Metropolis citizens have in common is their love for barbecue – specifically Bill’s BBQ, an iconic local eatery that’s been serving hungry customers since 1965.

Tucked inside a simple blue block building on East Seventh Street, Bill’s is known for smoked pork barbecue that is chopped for sandwiches right in front of you. It is also popular for its perfectly seasoned cheeseburgers and cleverly named breakfast sandwiches.

“The Heart Attack is one of our breakfast sandwiches loaded with sausage, egg, cheese, bacon and ham,” says Maranda Souders, daughter of owner Bill Souders. “Then there’s The Stroke, which has your choice of two meats, two eggs and two pieces of cheese.”

In addition to the food, customers come back for the friendliness of the place. It’s not uncommon for Bill to be standing behind the counter, joined by Maranda and her brother, Chad.

“We have hundreds of regular customers who come in daily, and with at least half of them, we remember their order and have it ready for them as soon as they walk in the door,” Maranda says. “This is the kind of place where you can sit and talk with anybody about anything. One group of older gentlemen come in every single day for coffee.”

Bill’s wife, Vickie, helps out by making all the restaurant’s homemade soups, which range from meaty chili to vegetable beef made from a chuck roast. Then there are french fries, potato salad, coleslaw, homemade cobblers, fountain drinks and fresh-brewed iced tea.

“For people who were born here and moved away, it’s a piece of home,” Maranda says. “A lady from Metropolis who now lives in New York ordered five pounds of barbecue the other day, and she was so excited because she hadn’t eaten it in 25 years. She didn’t even care how much it cost.”

If You Go...

Bill’s BBQ is located at 1105 East Seventh St. in Metropolis. It’s open 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday. The phone number is (618) 524-2503.

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