Russell's Barbecue

I thought the barbecue here was terrible. I never had a sauce that tasted so wierd. However the ribs were tender. The sauce just ruined the taste. Pros: tender ribs Cons: gross sauce more

Russell's is a fun and nostalgic place. I was satisfied with my meal and had fun listening to the jukebox and talking with my friends, but i couldn't help but feel deja vu the moment i tasted the sauce. Suddenly, I was back in the 7th grade cafeteria, biting into my ""ribwich."" Not to say that the sauce was bad, it was just not what I consider authentic bbq. If you go with an open mind, you will have a good time no matter what your authentic bbq sauce tastes like. Pros: atmosphere, jukebox, nostalgia more

I cannot call Russell's BBQ. BBQ style ....o.k. But not BBQ. What's missing???? The smoke. I could be wrong , but I don't remember smelling smoke. You must have hardwood flavor for BBQ. They must roast or grill their food. They don't put it in a pit or smoker. I was so embarassed when I recommended this place to an associate (from Memphis here in Chicago on business) for lunch. I only did it because I'd heard(not actually visited )this place. Memphis knows real BBQ. My associate laughed at but ate there with me. Needless to say ,I'll never go again. If you want ""BBQ like"" or ""BBQ style ""food, go to Russell's. more

I grew up on this joint. Now I live 3000 miles away and have NO SUBSTITUTE. The Editorial dissed the slaw as ""weak"". NO WAY! This slaw is most unique and true Russell's fans crave it as much if not more than the sauce. I agree however that the O-rings are excellent but should be added to the meal. Not used as a substitute! Pros: Food, Consistency, The Sauce Cons: Only in Chicago Area more

Entering Russell's we expected to eat one of the best bar-b-que restaurants in Chicago. We order a slab of ribs and a pork sandwich. The service was quick and we sat down to enjoy our bar-b-que. We poured on the sauce and dug in. After one bite of the pork sandwich we asked, ""What Is The Meat?"" The pork was dry, no flavor, and tasted like processed meat. We did not finish half the sandwich. First bite into the ribs we asked, ""How can someone mess up ribs?"" The ribs had no flavor, dry, and fatty. The sauce could not save the ribs or sandwich. The slaw, we will not even go there. Not able to eat the ribs, pork sandwich or slaw we tried the fries. Even the french fries had very little flavor and were soggy. Pros: Good Parking, Inexpensive, Not Crowded Cons: No Flavor, Dry Meat, Bad Sauce more

Russell's Bar-B-Q is the best in the world. The sauce is PERFECT. My parents went there on their first date and now I've gotten my kids hooked on it. My husband thinks I'm nuts when I cart home 12 bottles of sauce when we head home to Colorado. Pros: Everything! Cons: sauce not avail in CO more

I've been going to Russell's for over 15 at 2 locations. Always brought there by a friend I used to work with. And I always come away with the same feeling.... I want more...it isn't worth the price. That and you have to know the system. Be a newbie and they treat you like a fool. Cons: Pricy, Small portions more

I started going to Russels in 1945 when I was in high school. I live in Oswego so was happy when they opened in Glenn Ellys several years ok. They have by far the best BBQ around. None can even come close. I am addicted to the pork bbq. I only wish that they would open up in the western suburbs. They should look inti Osweg as it is a very fast growing community. Robert Novota Pros: BEST BBQ AROUND Cons: To FAR TO TRAVEL FROM more

Yes, Russell's 70 plus years of delivering tasty BBQ sandwiches, and ribs definitely qualifies it as an institution that defines the River Grove area. How such a watery BBQ sauce has such an addictive taste is part of the magic that you experience when eating at Russell's. It compliments both the sandwiches, ribs and fries. You can buy it by the bottle. It seem over time though that while prices have increased, (My pork sandwich, fries cole slaw & drink: near $8) the portion size has decreased. Overall a kid-friendly, nostalgic place to eat. Will disappoint heartier appetites though. Pros: nostalgic, kid-friendly/fun, BBQ sauce Cons: skimpy portions for $, cole slaw/corn so-so, tourist trap/ avg svc more

This place has Excellent food, service, and food is served quick and hot. more

I've been a fan of Russell's for over 40 yrs. It's the world's best Bar B.Q. Pros: great taste, outdoor booths, not fancy-blue collar Cons: bit expensive, crowded most times, small parking lot more

The beef and pork are shredded to perfection and served on a melt-in-your-mouth bun that requires a delicate balancing act to raise to eat. This, of course, is after applying copious amounts of the wonderfully tangy BBQ sauce (available for purchase, of course, to enjoy at home). My favorite is the beef sandwich, only occasionally do I indulge in the ribs, though the sauce is noticeably spicier and that much more delicious on a meaty slab! Enjoy a platter at the original Elmwood Park location at Thatcher (Cumberland) just north of North Ave. and you'll see why they've been around since the 30's! Pros: Sauce, Inexpensive, Lots of seating more

I think that Russell's is just like home and I can compare it to places here in Texas more