05/01/09

It's a shadow of what it once was

by Bonedaddy54

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.

• Pros: The memories.
• Cons: The food.

02/22/09

Don't waste your time!

by ponyboy1

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.

02/08/09

Why go there

by Blotto82

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.

• Cons: Owners

01/15/09

Cinnamon??

by Ribbit

I have to admit, we haven't been here in AGES, but on a lunch date with friends we happened upon Russells again.

I ordered my standard, chicken and was in for a really bad experience. Having just had Sweet Baby Ray's two nights before...I now know good barbecue.

My chicken was covered in a sauce filled with little brown specks. It took nearly 15 minutes to place the flavor I was getting, and that was cinnamon. It was awful! I know others swear by Russells in the bbq community, I used to be one, but no more. I actually dipped my napkin in my water glass to try to wash off as much sauce as I could.

I guess it's just something I never noticed before--but once you get good barbecue, it's really easy to taste when something falls short.

I won't be back!

• Pros: No line...No wait.
• Cons: Cinnamon BBQ Sauce??

04/16/08

RUSSELLS IS GOOD

by KENNETHP

There is no restaurant that everyone likes. Some people love Fords, others a Chevy. I have seen some very mean spirited reviews of Russells. There are many kinds of BBQ, such as the Rendesvous in Memphis, or Bodacious BBQ in Texas, or Bubbalou's in Orlando, Florida. Each are different types of BBQ. Each are excellent in their own way. To suggest that Famous Dave's is better than Russels is absurd. Bad BBQ is in abundance all over the nation. There are many different styles. Memphis dry ribs, North Carolina, St. Louis baby backs, Kansas City, or Texas. Russell's has been around since the 1920's. You might also consider the Butler Inn, just outside Milwaukee in Butler, Wisconsin.

I was first brought into Russells as a kid in the 40's. I now live in Florida, going back to Elmwood Park is almost a religious pilgrimage. Yes some things have changed a little. But essentially it is the same, or as much as it can be given that the meat isn't near the same today. (the animals are being raised and fed differently) and butchered differently. Same everywhere.

If you want damn good ribs - good chicken etc - Russell's is about as good as it gets. But not the only good BBQ in the world. I never found anything near as good in Chicago.

• Pros: It's good BBQ.
• Cons: It is not society dining. It's for "folks" fingers sticky folks.

11/30/07

barbecue

by wallen7

Been coming here from the 60's until the orginal owners had to sell due to illness. Was very good at that time. Now the present owners are riding on past laurels. Living now in a state that does not have good to excellent food I look forward coming back to Chicago every 3-4 months for some old favorites that I use to enjoy. This place has been off my list for at least 5 years............So sad

• Pros: Service is fast
• Cons: food

07/18/07

I'm a convert

by luvs2travel

I've never liked barbecue ever. But for some reason I like Russells (though twin Anchor's also get's my thumbs up). My other half is always very eager for a road trip to Elmwood park, he's no dummie! It's not fancy, it's just plain ol' food that tastes good at a reasonable price. If if wasn't so good there wouldn't be lines or a wait. People in Chicago have way too many great options to waste their time on bad food. Our fav is the pulled pork with extra sauce... yum!

There's also a location right off rt 53/290/355 on Algonquin rd.

• Pros: great food, price, parking, location

06/05/07

It is what it is and we love it.

by luckyduck4ever

When I was a child, a trip to Russell's was an exciting treat. Now I live much farther away but sometimes I just have to make the trip to assuage my craving. Their barbecue sauce is unique (at least in my experience) so don't go with expectations of it being just like any other favorite you may have. In fact, if you are new to Russell's, put aside whatever preconceptions you may have about what "real" barbecue or barbecue sauce "should" be. It's bound to be different from what you expect but you still may love it just like so many of us "old-timers" do.

Some folks love the ribs but I always get a sandwich, usually pork, sometimes beef, and smother it with Russell's incomparable sauce. I like the cole slaw better than anyone else's too. IMO, the fries are as good as any ... and definitely better with RUSSELL'S BBQ SAUCE :o)

• Pros: Unique and delicious!
• Cons: Too far away to go as often as we'd like.

05/13/07

Don't Bother - Fake Bar-be-que, and not even a good fake!

by iloveribs

If you want boiled, baked ribs, then this is the place for you. I have had Lems, Coleman's, Joes, Famous Daves, Robinsons, Kennys, The Rib Joint, and Barbara Anns, and this place does not rank among any of them! The ribs are not smoked or grilled - they are boiled and baked! The meat is fatty and not seasoned. The sauce tastes like 'watered-down' Open Pit, and it does not stick to the meat at all!!! After all the fancy newspaper and TV reviews, I came here with great expectations! It is Mother's Day, 2007, and mom was looking forward to some good down-home ribs! What a let down! We would have done much better with ribs from a TV dinner! If you want even half-way decent ribs, don't go here.

• Pros: Close to home and came with good reviews - don't always believe what you hear
• Cons: It was horrible! A waste of money. Will never go back.

04/26/07

Good food...Good atmosphere

by tb5150

I have been going to Russell's since I was old enough to walk. We always have and will continue to make it a family tradition to go there whenever we're in the area. They have good food (I reccomend the bbq sandwiches, crab cakes and their sauce of course) and fast, friendly service. I think for many people though they keep going back for the nostalgia and to step back in time. I know for me at least whenever we go I like to sit outside at their picnic tables where my grandmother would love to sit!

• Pros: Good food, nice atmosphere
• Cons: None!