Russell's Bbq
(708) 453-7065
1621 N Thatcher Ave
Elmwood Park,
IL
60707
41.9091
-87.8239
Neighborhood: Elmwood Park
What People Are Saying About Russell's Bbq
The Editor
Elisa Kronish
Citysearch
In Short
Old-timers who dined at Russell's when it opened in the 1930s now introduce younger generations to this local favorite, where guests order at the counter and find a seat in one of two cafeteria-like rooms. Meaty ribs are seasoned, then drizzled with smoky-sweet sauce. Popular beef and sliced pork sandwiches arrive on rolls with sauce on the side. Other options include sandwiches, half-chickens and burgers, plus sides of thick-cut onion rings.
User Reviews
Bonedaddy54
May 01, 2009
Russell’s BBQ in Elmwood Park was my first dining experience I can recall from my childhood. I fell in love with BBQ as a result, and have spent all of my adult life refining my skills as a BBQ pit master. There are many regional BBQ’s, and most every fan of the “Q” has a favorite style, but good “Q”, even if not one’s favorite, is still good. Prior to leaving the Chicago area in ‘06, my wife and I went to the Elmwood Park location for one last time, knowing our return to Chicago was going to be infrequent. As per normal, the ribs and pork sandwiches were wonderful, and the distinctive sauce was tasty. We returned to Chicago in ’09, and decided to stop at the Rolling Meadows location (which we have frequented many times) for a quick lunch before our flight – WHAT A DISASTER!!! The meat was dry, and the sauce was terrible. I was wondering if the Rolling Meadows location was under new ownership – I questioned if it was still affiliated with the original Russell’s. For decades, Russell’s was always consistent – event when they had three locations. Well, in reading the reviews, it seems the Elmwood Park location also has lowered their standards. New ownership?? Nothing is forever, but it’s sad when an iconic restaurant which has generational follower-ship exists in name only… I’ll go again – for the memories… Not to eat.
read full review
ponyboy1
February 22, 2009
After reading all the the reviews and hearing how good this place should be, I was more than disappointed. THIS IS NOT GOOD BBQ AT ALL. I ordered the so-called famous beef sandwich... truly tastless and dry. I also tried a FULL slab of their boiled ribs. If you call this good bbq then by all means keep going there, but if you want real bbq it is not to be found here. The coleslaw is the worst I've ever tasted.
read full review
Blotto82
February 08, 2009
Owners' s*ck. They don't know how to treat their employees. Bad business people who are milking the place for all it is worth for their own personal gain. In the little time these people have owned it they changed far too much. Now tell me, would you want to eat at a place like that? I for sure don't.
read full reviewThe Details on Russell's Bbq
The Extras:
Wish you could take that sauce home with you? You can. Grab a pint of the stuff on your way out for just a couple bucks.
Save Money:
Kids can choose from eight inexpensive junior meals. A token entitles them to a treat from the gumball machine hidden behind a decorated wall in the back room.
Where to Sit:
Smokers fill simple wooden booths in the front, where a jukebox plays everything from Bobby Rydell to ZZ Top. The rear room is nonsmoking and attracts a younger crowd.
Category:
Restaurants, Barbecue Restaurants
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Brunch, Family Style Dining, Lunch Spot, Group Dining, Cheap Eats
General Info:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Section
