Award-Winning, Texas-Style Barbecue

Welcome to Hickory River Smokehouse, where Texas Barbecue is our passion! At Hickory River, every cut of carefully-selected beef brisket, pork shoulder, turkey breast, pork loin and on-the-bone chicken are hand-rubbed with our signature spice blend. And, like true Texas Barbecue "joints," we also offer our own delicious, perfectly-spiced Polish Sausage for folks who know their Southwestern 'Cue. All of our meats are infused with hickory wood smoke in our on-site barbecue pit, then offered up juicy and delicious with the option of our award-winning Texas-style BBQ sauce drizzled on top or served on the side. Sound perfect? It's often described that way. But our regulars from Chicago to Springfield to Dayton to "The Motherland" (Austin, Texas) like to add one or more of our signature sides. You won't want to miss our Ranch Beans, Texas-Style Chili, or our famous, house-made Potato Salad.

You can’t get taste like this anywhere else in the Midwest! It's the sort of Barbecue you'd expect to find in Central Texas--not Central Illinois! We hear it all the time from Texans who are just passin' through, or have been transplanted into one of our markets. Come see us at Hickory River Smokehouse--and see what Texas-Style Barbecue is all about!

What is "Texas Barbecue?"

Clicking the above link will take you to a detailed explanation and review of some of the most important historical mileposts along the way to what we now call "Texas Barbecue." If you have 5 minutes, you may learn something you didn't know about Texas 'Cue!

More than a Dozen Great Links to Texas Barbecue Information & Resources

Don't know much about Texas Barbecue? NO WORRIES. The links on this page will take you through virtual tours and maps and great articles about the places and people and amazing barbecue options throughout the Lone Star State. Especially helpful (for Barbecue lovers from every part of the U.S. and around the world) is the article "Barbecue Defined," where considered, well-researched information about the history of barbecue is provided. Also excellent articles from some of America's most respected food writers and publications, all focusing on Texas-style barbecue. Enjoy!