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Hours
Sun
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Mon
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$5.00 – $10.00
CUISINES
American, Barbecue
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
features
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Hickory River Smokehouse originated in Urbana, Illinois. You might say, our Urbana folks, were our taste testers! This college town, welcomed, supported and patronized our restaurant since the first day we opened in January of 1995. We must be doing something right, because our loyal customers visit us regularly! Featuring the best Texas BBQ in Illinois, the Urbana Hickory River restaurant's BBQ is Smokin' delicious!
PRICE RANGE
$5.00 – $10.00
CUISINES
American, Barbecue
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Drive Thru
Contribute
4.0
134 reviews
Excellent
76
Very good
34
Average
8
Poor
7
Terrible
9
Andrew S
6 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Chopped brisket sandwich is my usual go to, but I tried something else and was very pleased. Country smoked ham topped with mixed sauce was last night. It was so tender unlike ham that I cook at home. I definitely would order again. I also enjoy their topping bar that includes sour cream and shredded cheese for when I order fries.
Written January 5, 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 so much for this great review, Andrew!
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carl R
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • couples
Lived in NC for 35 years, and seek out BBQ when traveling throughout US for the past 40 years. While my preference has always leaned towards Carolina style Q, I was VERY impressed with the pulled pork here. It was definitely, without a doubt, in the top 3 I have ever had. Cooked and seasoned perfectly, and the tenderness and taste was wonderful. My wife had wings, and she said they were great. The sides we had the "home cooked" taste, and were all very good as well. We have only been the one time, but we will definitely be repeat customers. You must try, and I am confident you will also be impressed!!
Written February 29, 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.
Shane Talbert
We appreciate your support! This is what we live for!
Written October 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne B
7 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Have always had good food here! We've tried many BBQ resturants across the country and Hickory River is still at the top of our list. Husband had a brisket sandwich with two sides. I had a dish I had won on Facebook: Cue Shoe Platter! they were both great!
Written March 7, 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 Anne! We're happy to hear how much you love Hickory River and hope you'll keep dining with us!
Written May 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sightsee788151
Charleston1 contribution
Mar 2021 • friends
We bought to large Pepsi's $2.50 a piece ,they were filled all the way with ice. Mt wife went up to ask for a refill since there wasn't much drink in there, and the manager said no refills !! She said if you want a refill buy another large drink, who does that ? I don't know of a business that does that . Also the food was ok , you get way better food at wood and hog and black dog in Urbana. Alot friendlier service to .
Written March 21, 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.
Denise C
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • family
Instead of cooking, I got dinner at the Hickory River drive thru. I got the family pack with pulled pork, sides, and blueberry cobbler. We used to like HR, but this was awful. The pork was so salty, it was pretty much inedible. The cobbler tasted burnt. I can spend $58 on one meal at a lot of locations. What a huge disappointment!
Written September 8, 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.
Hickory River Smokehouse
I'm so sorry to hear that you had a poor experience. We serve hundreds of family meals daily, which is not up to our standard. Next time anything like this happens please call the store and we would be happy to remake or refund you.
Written November 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David M
Elko18 contributions
Jan 2021 • couples
We eat at the Urbana location at least 2 times a month. I have never been disappointed with any food I have purchased. If you are wanting authentic Texas BBQ flavor and smoke, eat at Hickory River Smokehouse. You will not be disappointed. I recommend the 3 meat combo!
Written January 7, 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.
Shane Talbert
The 3 meat combo is one of my personal favorites! Thank you for leaving a review, David.
Written July 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Troy Taylor
1 contribution
May 2020 • family
We went through the drive through during covid. We had a car full! They did a great job of getting our order correct (and we didn’t help that process.). Our drinks were well labeled and the food was well packaged. Not to mention, the food is good.
Well done, Hickory River! Thank you.
Written May 29, 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, Troy! We appreciate your business and the kind review!
Written July 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bobbi H
4 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
We came in for a late dinner. Rich was very helpful and friendly when wet ordered. Our food was ready quickly and we had a very pleasant meal. Rich came by to take our empty trays and was very friendly and kind! It was a delight to meet Rich and so nice to connect with someone that enjoys life so much. Thank you Rich for your service and best of luck!
Written February 25, 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.
Shane Talbert
Awesome. 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.
Trikenurse
Cortland10 contributions
Sep 2022 • couples
Had half chicken and brisket. Brisket a little dry but got 7slices with a dinner! Chicken spot on! Coleslaw is vinegar based and good. Mac n cheese yum. Potato salad good. Corn bread very good. Place is very clean including restrooms. Service is you order at counter and pick up at counter. Dining area nice.
Would go back! (They also have beer)
Written September 28, 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 for taking the time to leave this review! We look forward to having you back soon.
Written July 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David M
Danville23 contributions
Jul 2021 • friends
I ordered the pulled pork dinner. Lots of good meat and very tasty. Sides were good. Staff were friendly and helpful. My friends brisket dinner was good too. Roomy dining area. Just real good food at a reasonable price.
Will go again when it that area.
Written July 27, 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.
Shane Talbert
We are happy that you enjoyed it! See you again soon.
Written July 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debra G
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • solo
This is the place to go for a delicious BBQ meal. The smoked turkey is consistently great! There's plenty of food to satisfy anyone.
Written October 28, 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.
Hickory River Smokehouse
Debrag, thank you for recommending us! We appreciate having served you. Come back again soon.
Written November 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
YveP
Destin5 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
Party of 4. Evening (~6:30 pm) of 10/24.
- Two orders of Brisket Sandwich. Reviews: Good, but not as moist or tasty as Brisket at Bobo's.
- Two Orders of 2-Meat Combo dinners. Reviews: Pulled pork - moist & delicious! Ribs: dried out & not very tasty. Ribs at Bobo's are MUCH MORE moist, juicy, tender, and delicious!
- Their award winning Honey BBQ sauce is the most delicias bbq sauce we've ever tasted!
- Service: Excellent
Process:
- Read thru menu
- Order at counter. Receive order #
- Serve your own drink
- Get food at counter once # is called
Not realizing that it was a self-serve restaurant, I left a 25% tip. In retrospect, I would've probably tipped less, though a very nice and efficient lady cleared our table off continuously.
Bottom line: Just ok food for top dollar. Bobo's will become our go-to restaurant for delicious BBQ.
Written October 25, 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.
Hickory River Smokehouse
We are glad you loved our pulled pork and Honey BBQ sauce. Our friendly service is something we pride ourselves on. As for the rest of the review...we really appreciate you taking the time and respect that everyone has their own preferences.
Written November 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bob D
Champaign4 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
We stopped by there to pick up a pound of pulled pork for dinner. It was extremely fatty. My wife would not eat it. I can’t believe the carver allowed all the fat ring to be included.
Written June 17, 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
I'm sorry to hear this happened, Bob. Next time please give us a call so we can make it right. Also, we will be talking to our carvers.
Written July 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Justin M
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • solo
Excellent Texas style BBQ! Best service in town! Definitely recommend going here. They forgot an item, but we're eager to make it right and super nice.
Written March 17, 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, Justin! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Written July 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kevin s
Fisher2 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
I would rate them a 1 I ordered a brisket sandwich and got a fatty pork sandwich instead I tried to call them and no one answered I shall not order food from these people again there's other barbecue joints in Champaign Urbana Illinois that are better
Written December 24, 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.
Shane Talbert
Sorry that happened to you. I'm sure if you called during our business hours we would be happy to replace your sandwich.
Written July 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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