HICKORY RIVER SMOKEHOUSE, Peoria - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

Menu

BBQ Plates

Comes with Choice of 2 Sides & Homemade Sweet Cornbread or Texas Toast

Beef Brisket

Sliced or Chopped

$18.00

Pulled Pork

Multiple State Fair Winner

$15.00

Low-Fat Smoked Turkey Breast

$15.00

Sliced Pork Loin

$15.00

Smoked Country Ham

$15.00

Smoked Half Chicken

$14.00

Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?

Yes

No

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

About

Peoria likes Hickory River Smokehouse's "down home" Texas hospitality and flavorful meats from the Smokehouse! Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River, established in the 1600's. Peoria residents know good BBQ, often commenting on Hickory River Smokehouse's dry-rub, a blend of seasonings that quench their taste buds!

PRICE RANGE

$5.00 – $15.00

CUISINES

American, Barbecue

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

FEATURES

Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Drive Thru

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Write a review Upload a photo Ask a question

4.0

280 reviews

Excellent

162

Very good

59

Average

34

Poor

13

Terrible

12

Greg G

East Peoria1 contribution

Amazing food, great service, my favorite BBQ in Peoria

May 2020 • none

I absolutely love this place. The food is fantastic, especially the pulled pork and brisket. The sauce is amazing, and the sides are great. Plus, the people working here are friendly and welcoming. And yes, it is "counter service", but that just means getting the deliciousl food that much quicker. I eat here about twice a week.

Written May 25, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hickory_River_Mktg

Thank you, Greg! We truly appreciate your kind review and feedback!

Written July 1, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Karen C

West Peoria1 contribution

Salad Fail

Jun 2022 • none

I had a coupon for $2 off "Turkey in the Garden" so I picked it up at the drive thru. I had it before but it's been a long while. The server took my coupon and my money and then said, "We don't have any salads in stock so they are going to make you one". That seemed strange to me. Do they arrive at the store pre-made? This was the strangest "salad greens" I've ever seen. All one kind, very dark green and limp. A corner of cukes and tomato and and turkey that was dry and tasteless. Went straight into the trash.

Written June 30, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mjohnstone1

We normally make salads in the mourning for the day. There is a good chance we had just sold out by the time you had arrived. Our Salads more than 95% of the time are made with fresh cut romaine lettuce. On the off chance we are not able to get romaine sometimes iceberg is substituted but that is pretty rare. I would be more than happy to replace this with something more to you liking the next time you are in. Just give me a call if you would like to make arrangements to have this replaced. - Mike Johnstone

Written February 6, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MNmover

Rosemount233 contributions

Quick service

Jul 2022 • solo

Cute western decor. Large menu board where you order and they bring it to your table. Super quick service. I had the pulled pork sandwich and Mac n cheese which was good. The chili was my favorite (not too spicy) with large portions of meat in it.

Written July 22, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shane Talbert

Good chili always hits the spot! Thank you for leaving a review.

Written July 20, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Martin J

35 contributions

Worth a visit or two

Aug 2024 • solo

I tried the sample plate with sliced brisket and pulled pork. The claim (was a trophy on display) to have a winning pulled pork, and I agree. Great taste with no sauce needed. The brisket had a good smoke ring and was finished very well for being outside of Texas. It could have used a stronger run. The slaw was good. The potato salad wasn't my style but was well prepared.

Written August 4, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mokesha M

1 contribution

Great place

Aug 2024 • family

Great place to eat. Friendly staff. Food was great will definitely be going back and recommending this place to anyone I know that travels to Peoria and wants to eat barbecue.

Written September 1, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Terry

Morton95 contributions

Average all around.

Jul 2024 • friends

Place is clean. Staff is friendly. Parking is good. Now the food. It's ok. Average. Potions are decent. Prices ok. I would eat here again if my buddies want to come here.

Written July 19, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hickory River Smokehouse

Thank you for the feedback! We’re glad you found our place clean and our staff friendly. It’s good to know you found the portions and prices reasonable. We appreciate you considering us for future visits with your friends. We hope to make your next experience even better!

Written July 30, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

d e

Peoria172 contributions

Thumbs up

Mar 2024 • couples

Everyone likes different things. But for quick service, friendly available staff, and good portions of food with the choice of multiple sauces, this is where we have gone several times.

Written March 13, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hickory River Smokehouse

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! We’re glad to hear that you appreciate our quick service, friendly staff, and generous portions. It’s great to know you enjoy the variety of sauces as well. We look forward to serving you again soon!

Written July 30, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Dan R

1 contribution

Nasty

Jan 2023 • solo

$24 on the brisket dinner I got a handful of meat a tablespoon of mashed potatoes a tablespoon of chili the worst Texas toast I've ever had in my life you're better off taking yourself to McDonald's or mission BBQ this was the worst food I've had in a long time

Written January 24, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mjohnstone1

Sorry for your meal not being to either yours or our standards. Not sure when you were in or how this could have happened and been your experiences with our food based solely on the number of people we feed daily. Did you ask to speak to a manager or let anyone know you were having an issue while you were here? We try and make sure we speak to every table to ensure quality not only of or food but service. I assure you had anyone been made aware of an issue we would have corrected anything we could or offered you a refund. I do however apologize as this is far from the norm. Feel free to give us another shot and please ask for me personally and I will make sure you find future visits more to your liking. Mike Johnstone, Co-Owner.

Written February 6, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TravelerG8

469 contributions

Great BBQ Option

Aug 2022 • none

Stopped for a midweek dinner visit. Staff very friendly and the food was tasty with good portion sizes for the pork loin and ham dinners. Easy location near hotel.

Written September 12, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hickory River

Thank you for your great review! We're happy to hear that you enjoyed your dinner with us, and hope you'll be back again.

Written October 10, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Thad

1 contribution

Did not like

Aug 2022 • none

At the drive-thru I purchased the Pork Loin Dinner, Bean and Mac-n-Cheese sides. My order was served fairly quickly at a $13 price tag, not bad. Inside the container were several slices of meat, which were flavorless, tough, dry and looked like they were simple sliced from loin roll that was heated, not much browning on the edges. The beans tasted like they were baked beans from a can, did not enjoy them much. The mac-n-cheese could have just as well been made from a box; they were cheesy but not very cheesy tasting. The included Homemade Sweet Cornbread was sweet enough but dry, not moist at all. All said, I'll not return to try their other menu items.

Written August 31, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shane Talbert

Hi, Thanks for leaving a review. Smoked meat isn't for everyone.

Written July 20, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

nancy w

Indianapolis152 contributions

Good value

Aug 2022 • friends

Flavorful bbq, good price (especially for seniors) and good service. Friends were not happy with the chili side, but My vinegar coleslaw was good and the green beans were good.

Written August 21, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shane Talbert

Thank you! Our coleslaw is amazing, we agree.

Written July 20, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tina W

1 contribution

As far as BBQ—meh

Apr 2021 • couples

The ribs were ok, brisket was horrible because it was so dry you couldn’t eat it without drinks of water in between, Mac n cheese was gross, waffle fries were good. Kinda high priced for such mediocrity.

Written April 19, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JD1232013

Milwaukee29 contributions

Just ok BBQ

Jul 2020 • none

Had takeout during a work visit. BBQ was ok, but nothing special. Drive through took a very long time and the customer in front had their order messed up.

Written September 28, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hickory_River_Mktg

Hi JD, thank you for your feedback. With COVID and all of the changes and new safety measures in place, orders can occasionally take a bit longer. If you ever experience that your order wasn't correct, we invite you to call us as soon as possible and we'll make it right! We hope to see you again soon, and hope your experience will be better than the last!

Written October 1, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

sommerize

Elgin20 contributions

Christmas brisket was fabulous

Dec 2019 • family

Our small family devoured the takeout brisket on Christmas day. I would absolutely recommend HR in Peoria!

Written December 27, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ezio M

24 contributions

Chef Mike (Microwave)

Dec 2019 • none

First time visitor to this eatery and was greatly disappointed as it’s more of a fast food stop than a resturant. We both ordered a pulled pork sandwich with a side of macaroni and cheese. The employee working behind the counter went into a hotbox (what they told me it was) and souped out a couple servings of pulled pork out of an uncovered metal container and put it buns that were on the counter. The macaroni and cheese also taken out of an uncovered metal container that was sitting in a hot box as well and neither item was made fresh just in storage in the metal containers. My concern was that it didn’t appear that the temperatures were regulated enough for fresh food. When we got to our table and we opened our sandwich to add some barbecue sauce the pulled pork was cold. I Immediately took both sandwiches back to the serving area and asked the employee behind the counter if he could remake them fresh and hot or if he had a way to warm them up and he suggested I use the microwave that was out there for customers next to the soda machine. He advised me he had no way of heating it up in the back kitchen so the microwave was our only choice, obviously we returned the food got my money back and we left. On our way out the manager stopped us and said he would make us new sandwiches at no cost to us. I asked him if there is no way of warming the food in the back kitchen then how and where was he going to get the hot fresh Pulled pork from and he indicated that he was going to take it out of the same container in the same hot box behind the counter. Not wanting to risk getting sick we passed on the free sandwiches and I would recommend everybody else to find another place to eat unless they like warming their food up with a microwave after it’s given to you. Great job chef Mike

Written December 22, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mjohnstone1

Ezio: Thanks For you visit. I am sorry our food was not more to your liking. As you can see from our more favorable reviews many people truly enjoy our food. Based on your review I would assume your visit was made close to our closing time. Typically all of our food is served from a steam well below our serving line. However when it gets close to closing time the food is moved from the line for cleaning and place into a “Holding Sham”. I believe it is fair to assume you have little to no experience with such a unit. These insulated temperature and humidity controlled boxes are what we keep all of our hot food in prior to it going into the steam well. They actually hot hold food in a much more regulated environment than the steam wells. In fact we have 6 of these units that we use daily. I assure you these units are 100% safe and hold food at over 150 degrees and would not be approved for use by the health department if they were not. I would have never asked you to warm anything up in the microwave and believe me the employee who did was redirected in how to handle a situation such as yours. I would have been more than happy to replace your food with something hotter had you wished but apparently that was not the case. Again, thanks for your visit and I hope you have better luck finding something more to your liking next time. -Mike Johnstone

Written October 23, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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