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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
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
American, Barbecue
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
features
Does this restaurant specialize in Southwestern style food?
Details
About
Located in the capital city, Springfield, Illinois, Hickory River Smokehouse tourists come far and wide for their favorite BBQ! You might say Springfield diners have a palate for REAL Texas barbecue! Smoked for hours and hours, using hickory wood, Hickory River is known for the most tender, flavored meats.
CUISINES
American, Barbecue
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol
Contribute
4.0
103 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
35
Average
19
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Matt Martin
55 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
We have had Hickory River the last two times we’ve been to Springfield and it has been good both times. Our family of 4 all ate for about $32 (one appetizer of BBQ nachos was big enough to split) with three meals and 4 drinks. The staff was friendly and the food was really good. The BBQ Horseshoe was really good and I’d recommend it.
Written June 7, 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, Matt. We are happy to hear your family was happy and hope to see you again.
Written July 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stuart L
Springfield46 contributions
Apr 2020 • family
Got the family pack. Brisket and turkey were moist and cooked perfectly. Beans and Cole slaw are AMAZING! Beans have chunks of brisket, slowly cooked and delicious. Cole slaw is a apple cider, red wine vinegar, sugar combo, very tasty!! Cornbread was to die for. Very impressed! Will return!
Written April 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
Thank you for the great review, Stuart! These kind words mean a lot to us, and hope you'll be back soon for more delicious BBQ!
Written May 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ocassionaltrip
Palatine26 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
We were looking for a place for lunch we decided barbecue was different. We walked in and were greeted by the friendly staff. I ordered a brisket sandwich and my partner ordered the pulled pork nachos and we shared the fires.
The food came out hot and delicious. They offer a couple different sauces, I have to say she got the honey barbecue and I actually liked it, I git the mix of mild and hot which was great The brisket had a nice smoke taste. The cheese on her nachos had a good zing.
Too bad we didn't spend more time in town or else we would have gone back for dinner. Really good, well worth a visit
Written April 12, 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.
Hickory River
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and leave such a positive review! We're happy to hear that you two had a great meal! We hope you'll stop by and try some of our other menu items next time you're in town. However, if you just can't wait, we do sell our BBQ Sauce online so that you can have a taste of Hickory River at home!
Written June 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark W
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • couples
My wife and I are on an extended road trip. While in Springfield, we decided to try Hickory River as we like BBQ and it was near our hotel. Placed order online -fairly straightforward, with one major issue (below).
I picked up our order and brought it back to the hotel. I tried to check the bag before leaving restaurant but it was packed so tight, it would have been a challenge to repack it.
Pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches were good, lots of meat and tasted good. The sides were an issue…beans were inedible, fries limp, cole slaw is vinegar-based and there was very little of it. Mac ‘n cheese…don’t know as they forgot to include it.
The online ordering issue? They ask for the tip when placing the order…before their service and quality have been experienced. This has become a common practice and it is a big pet peeve of mine. Combine that with the also common practice by many restaurants to leave items out and the overall experience is very poor.
We cannot recommend Hickory River based on our experience.
Written February 20, 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.
David G
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • family
My wife and I were looking for a new restaurant to enjoy and so we tried here. What a disappointment for me. It was like eating in a cafeteria. The meat wasn't bad but it was lukewarm at best and the portion sizes on the sides would have been appropriate for a child but not adults. The staff was very nice but it didn't make up for the very pricey food. We don't plan to return. If I'm going to pay premium prices then I'll go somewhere else like Smokey Bones and get my money's worth.
Written April 28, 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
I’m really sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations. It’s important to us that our guests leave satisfied, and I’m disappointed that we fell short. Your feedback about the portion sizes, temperature, and value is valuable, and we’ll use it to make improvements. Thank you for giving us a try!
Written July 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandy S
8 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
My husband loved his rib dinner. Beans and cornbread were all much to his liking! Being on a diet, I chose smoked turkey breast with sauce on side. Delicious!Added a crisp salad and I loved my meal!
Written April 17, 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.
Shane Talbert
Thank you for leaving this review! Our turkey is delicious.
Written July 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric I
81 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We got carryout. We tried pretty much everything (6 of us). The meats were quite good, but not excellent. The chili was very good. Brisket was good, pulled pork was good, ribs were good. Sausage was outstanding. Our daughter loved the mac and cheese.
But the cornbread! Wow! Best cornbread I've had this side of Texas.
Written February 1, 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.
Leswes62
Bolingbrook61 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
My husband and I loved the bbq. I had the half chicken and my husband had ribs and pulled pork. Delicious! The workers were so
Nice and accommodating! Next time we are in town we will drop by!
Written July 18, 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
We’re so glad you and your husband enjoyed the BBQ! It’s fantastic to hear you loved the half chicken, ribs, and pulled pork. Thank you for mentioning our team’s service; we always strive to be welcoming and accommodating. We look forward to seeing you next time you’re in town!
Written July 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tina F
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • family
Great casual atmosphere & great food. I took our grandson there for dinner. He ordered chicken tenders & Texas toast & I had the pulled pork nachos. YUM
Written July 14, 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 the lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you and your grandson enjoyed the chicken tenders, Texas toast, and pulled pork nachos. It’s wonderful to know the atmosphere and food made for a great dinner outing. Hope to see you both again soon!
Written July 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DABP
142 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
This place used to be wonderful, but the last time we ordered sliced brisket it was way more fat than we will accept. The sides also lacked flavor. At least my sweet tea was awesome!
Written December 20, 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.
Timothy B
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • family
The food was excellent good prices awesome taste and quality now the service was out of this world Courtney is the best very helpful , pleasant she knows her job very well and can’t wait to go back and see her
Written September 20, 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 appreciate your feedback! Come back and see us.
Written October 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rich H
Vancouver153 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
Hungry for BBQ, I went crosstown from my hotel to try this place out. While I've had better, this was a good, filling meal with a nice cold drink.
Written July 2, 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
Thanks for leaving the review, Richard.
Written July 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cndfarm
Canton3 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
excellent food with fast and friendly service priced right close to our hotel and event. excellent waitress free refills on beverages
Written March 18, 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.
Dawnie_Bird
Springfield461 contributions
Oct 2019 • none
When we have friends over we like to buy the brisquet by the pound then make side dishes at home. The meat is very good. They also have a dining room.
Written October 14, 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.
Ron A
Brooklyn641 contributions
Oct 2019 • none
Anymore there are many so-called BBQ joints but few, in my opinion,live up to being GREAT BBQ. Hickory River starts out wiith the sense that OK THIS is a great BBQ place. But it fallsl down a couple notches: i ordered the 1/2 slab of babyback ribs. Good taste, good smell, pretty good BBQ sauce but the amount of meat off the bone was about one fork stab. i know Babybacks have less meat than St.Louis ribs but a few strands of meat is lacking. No BBQ sauce on the tables nor various BBQ flavored sauces. I always look forward to BBQ places sauce and taste. The sides: fires & beans were normal. It was a little confussing for 1st time costomers at check out was were/how about the fries and the money taker offered no instructions---i had to ask.
Written October 3, 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.
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