This is one of my favorite places to eat. Not only is the food delicious, but the staff is great. Jason one of the owners always comes around and talks to patrons. He doesn't just ask how is the food, he makes you feel at home. I frequent the BBQ King with family and friends. It's a fun place to go for a drink, appetizers, or a full meal. The Woodstock fries are the best! The sliders are a great deal. The bar offers daily specials and a variety of beers. The BBQ King is a Woodstock staple and should not be missed.
(5)
Layda C.
5 stars for the ribs - tons of meat, tender, amazing smoky flavor. Biggest ribs we've had. But they lose stars in the sides. Today was our 2nd visit in 6 days. We really loved those ribs! Sides we've tried: Mac n cheese (flavorless, tastes like it came from a box), cole slaw (overpowered by too much of a mayo/mustard dressing), corn muffins (flavorless,powdery dry) Good side: fries were crispy, buns on sandwiches are toasted and buttery - great Sauces were very good, add one that's hotter! Service was awesome - attentive, friendly, helpful. Suggestion to the restaurant - try some flexibility on the menu - could I get an extra side of meat? Of course I will pay extra, but don't force me to get an entire extra meal. We will be back for the ribs and the service!
(4)
Mrs. S.
Sunday (February) between lunchtime and dinner time turned out to be perfect timing. Were able to park close by and there was almost no wait time for our food. Even so, we ended up at the bar because there are so few tables. The bartender took good care of us although we weren't drinking. We had fun watching some competitive skiing on the big screen TVs. My brisket cheesesteak was great. The nicely smoked meat was neither fatty nor dry. I was surprised to find I loved the cole slaw. It's in a creamy dressing with some unusual flavor- curry maybe?
(4)
Dave S.
Like many, I found this place through Yelp. You usually can't go wrong with our communities recommendations and that was certainly true here. There are several BBQ joints within 30 minutes but in my humble opinion none come close. The place looks the part and that's a great start. The staff are friendly but not hovering. The prices are downright reasonable but the true star here is the meat. My wife and I had lunch and way over ordered to sample a bunch and have leftovers. So glad we did! The baby back ribs (got them dry rub and no sauce) were perfect. Amazing smoky crust and the meat still so tender it fell off the bone. Fanfreakingtastic! The sampler plate had tender juicy chicken, pulled pork that was flavorful and would make an awesome Sammy for those bread eating folks. It also had rock star quality brisket. My only wish is they were closer so it could be my weekly go to place. For now whenever I'm in the burbs and looking to get my BBQ fix on, you will find me here.
(5)
Melissa S.
Okay I'm a Texan born and bred so I know something about barbecue and this place has chops. I don't mean pork chops but they have definitely got pulled pork, baby backs, sausage, brisket and more. Start out with the meat sampler so you can try it all as a teaser. Served on classic Texas toast. Awesome! Then go for the ribs - wow! I get them without the sauce (plenty of sauce in the table to dip) cause the sauce will disguise the quality of the meat and rub. And these baby's have a great rub and beautiful smoked bark. The cole slaw is in a mayo/mustard base (wish they had the classic Texas vinegar dressing instead) which has a good flavor. Baked beans are ridiculously tasty -they must have smoked bits of que in them to add so much depth of flavor. For drinks there is a full bar along with a large number of Illinois microbrews - great for those of us who live across the border ( no spotted cow here). Be prepared to order at the counter and find yourself a seat. There aren't too many of those in this slightly bigger than a hole in the wall joint but oh it's worth the wait. Decor is downright homey and welcoming along with the friendly staff. After you've pigged out take a walk around the square and browse the local shops. It's a beautiful setting for a day trip.
(5)
Scott C.
Excellent Bar-B-Q and a great place to grab some food and a drink. I had the pork sandwich and it came with fries and slaw. Was very good. Tried all three of their sauces - couldn't pick among they were very good. It was a very busy Thursday night, very popular spot with the locals well worth the stop. We were seated at the bar
(5)
Laurence K.
Well after a bit of confusion basically my fault for not reading the menu correctly We had a really delicious lunch The brisket sandwich was one of the best I've had and the pulled chicken sandwich was also excellent Sauce wise . The mild was very good nice flavor The spicy though lacked flavor and heat Maybe I had a bad batch The fries were good could of been hotter the Cole slaw was not very good Just tasted like mayo and cabbage They need to revisit the recipe all in all very good BBQ And I will def be back to try the ribs
(3)
S T.
While passing through wood stock I wanted a drink and I found this BBQ place with a full bar. The place smelled smokey amazing when I walked in and I knew I would be getting carry out after my drink. The place is pretty nice with the high ceilings and lots of wood. There is flat screens at the bar with various sports playing. Mood lighting under the bar was cool. The young woman who was working the bar, one arm full of tats was on the ball and give great service. The place has seating for eating and a great bar on the other side. The bar has great beers on tap and not bud or miller. I asked her to give me your most popular tap and I don't remember what it was but it was premium beer. See my pictures I ordered the full slab of St. Louis to share if they ended up being good. The full slab comes with beans, slaw, corn bread, slice of bread and sauce on the side. BBQ sauce is a personal thing from every BBQ place and I didn't like them as with most places. The ribs looked great and meaty when I opened them up. The ribs had great flavor and that nice pink smoke ring. The bones pulled clean off the meat, see my pictures. The ribs were very meaty, moist and tender. The ribs stand on there own and don't need the sauce because they were freaking delicious and put other places to shame. The rub is tasty and almost looks like a moist glaze but it's not BBQ sauce. Hours later as left overs they still impress with no reheating and still amazing. The beans were very good with a meaty flavor because there is meat in them and not sweet like some places. The slaw had a Hellmans mayo flavor that I liked. I have no opinion on the corn bread because I don't care for it. Overall this place has some very good BBQ and it's a shame that it's so far away because I would make it my go to place.
(5)
Christa C.
We love BBQ King! The rib special on Friday is always delicious, but my personal favorite is the philly cheesesteak made with rib meat :) The papers and cheese are the perfect topping for this yummy and HUGE sandwich! We never go away hungry and its a great place to either eat in or take out. The staff is fast and courteous, always making sure each meal is perfectly hot and delicious. Definitely a place you want to check out!!
(5)
Richard W.
I've had a lot of BBQ, and this was absolutely the best I've had in Illinois! We got the 4 1/2 pound sampler, everything was fantastic. Even their sauce was outstanding. The food is great, for customer service, employees are friendly but you are on your own. Finding a seat can be a problem if they are busy or you have a larger group, but I think it is worth the wait and working through seating. You have to order your food at the counter, so don't wait at your table. If it is your first time visiting, don't be afraid to ask someone what you're supposed to be doing!
(5)
Karen G.
Great barb b question done right. Nice selection. Attentive staff. What more could you want? I had the baby back ribs and they were pretty tender. Love their barb b q sauce. Came on a busy Saturday evening but didn't wait long at all.
(5)
Monica T.
This place really lives up to its name. My favorite has been the ribs but nothing on the menu has disappointed me. Service isn't always the fastest but the food is always delicious. When you go order the sauce not on the menu: Carolina Mustard.
(5)
Carrie Z.
I found this spot thanks to Yelp reviews. It lives up to the hype. Been here twice now on Consecutive Sunday afternoons, and I will stop again next time I'm in town for a meal. Brisket, sausage, ribs, pulled pork, fries and macaroni are all tasty. I'd order them all again without hesitation. The portions are large and easy to split, just ask. There were 4 people during the 1st visit, 5 during the 2nd. All orders were served correctly on the first try. We had macaroni both visits and it was seasoned differently both times, indicating it's home made. I liked both versions. Hard to describe the difference though. Both were TexMex-ish. One tasted more like nacho cheese mac. The other was not a seasoning I recognized, but liked. Cumin? My kids preferred the nacho cheese version, but ate both. The only thing I'd like changed is that coleslaw and bread come automatically with several dishes, and no one in my family ears either. I'd prefer to avoid the waste and pay $1 less. Plenty of food without them for most adults.
(4)
Jeremy S.
Woodstock is in serious need of a decent barbecue place. Unfortunately, this is not it. The brisket that is served has a huge layer of fat on it. The nachos come out soggy and disgusting. The barbecue sauce is lacking in flavor. The beans are merely Bush baked beans with a little pepper added. The beer selection is seriously lacking. The only beer you'll ever see on special is Miller light. The coleslaw is merely diced cabbage, lacking in texture and taste. It is a cute little restaurant, but the attitude from the employees here leaves a lot to be desired. Do not expect any service. If you need something, you have to get up and ask for it. If you want good barbecue, good service and a good experience, I suggest you forego this place and go eat in Algonquin or McHenry, as the places there offer food that is 100 times better than BBQ "King" and a good selection of beers without the attitude.
(1)
C K.
Do not order the burnt ends. They are disgusting and 99% fat. They deep fry them which makes them even worse. I felt like I would have a heart attack. The coleslaw has a ton of mustard and I wouldn't order that either. The Mac and cheese however was very tasty. I will go another time and try other things but do yourself a favor and avoid the burnt ends and coleslaw
(2)
Melanie M.
Yummy. Mixing sauces is the way to go. They were out of the jalapeño cornbread (*sad sigh*) so we tried the regular instead. NOT upset we couldn't try the jalapeño one. Chicken was tender. But my favorite was the buttery toasted goodness they called a bun. Coleslaw was so-so. Chatty cashier girl. Surprisingly clean bathroom. My dining partner had the pork sandwich and would like to add it was juicy, tender, flavorful and delicious. Three thumbs up!
(5)
Kathleen L.
Stopped in last Sunday night with the family and I ordered the brisket...it came to me an unappealing shade of gray, very dry and tough. And sure enough I got sick later that night. I only ate one slice before I listened to my gut and stopped eating. I was very surprised as we've never had any issues. Ribs are the best there, they're phenomenal! Im not sure what went wrong with the brisket but its very disconcerting. You won't go wrong with the ribs, mac and cheese, and beans. Friendly staff and excellent bartender!
(3)
Juan J R.
I've heard great things about this place so I decided to try it, was really disappointed with the ribs & rib tips the outside meat was tuff & the BBQ sauce was OK the side items were awesome!!! Especially the BBQ Beans BUT the coleslaw was terrible, really BAD TRUST me that was top five worst coleslaw ever. Pit Rib House in Hickory Hills beats this place by far, sorry Woodstock I understand this place is the Pride of the square
(2)
Bonnie B.
Great food, great service! It is a bit noisy as there are high ceilings and you should keep in mind it is a bar atmosphere where the dining area is. When you arrive, you place your order in the back and they bring it out to you. It is decorated cute and the wait staff is very attentive. We had the baby back ribs. The meat was fall off the bone and had a fantastic smokey flavor. The baked beans were great and cole slaw was good too. We'll be back!
(5)
K B.
Great Brisket & BBQ sandwiches! Small and cozy atmosphere, usually just eat at the bar. The last time I was there they had a special on Moscow mules - so good
(4)
Raeni 3.
I like this place! It may be small and quaint , but has very friendly, courteous service, the meat is moist and very tasty. Very good size portions, I never leave hungry. I have tried Porkies and had a much better experience here, Porkies was just, alright. I hope the bikers at Harley stop in and give this place a try also. An outdoor patio would be awesome in the summer!
(4)
Karl J.
I recommend going with a group and plan on eating family style because everything is good. Sides - I recommend the Mac & Cheese and the Beans. Cornbread pulls a close 3rd Entree - Get as much meat as you can! Pulled pork is a must. The sausage is underrated as well. It's a great place to watch and there's no better place to get BBQ in McHenry County.
(5)
Margaret R.
My husband and I frequent BBQ King. We recommend it to our friends. We order to go when we have company at our home. I am reading the reviews today and I am befuddled...I love the coleslaw!!! It is has a hint of vinegar and has a great texture. There is an order window. Order there, and someone will bring out your food. If you need anything else, get up and get it. The fried potato salad is unlike anything you have ever eaten. Might clog the arteries, but I am dying happy! The BBQ is the icing on this cake! Delicious! Don't change a thing!
(5)
Greg H.
This is a wonderful roadside stop for lunch or dinner. Had pulled pork sandwich with fries n slaw my partner had the two by two combo meat was done to perfection sides were delicious and very well balanced with the meat. Highly recommend!
(5)
Steve N.
Awesome BBQ. The brisket is tender and juicy. No sauce required. Love their sweet potato fries too!
(5)
Danielle D.
By far the best BBQ in the area! Prices are reasonable and the food is delicious! We go there often and always have a great experience. Everyone that works there is very nice and they take good care of you.
(5)
Trixie D.
I'm glad I gave this place another chance - the food is excellent! I had a pulled pork sandwich with fries, slaw, and cheesy mac. The pulled pork was perfectly juicy, tender. And great flavor: no sauce needed, the true test of good BBQ. Both the slaw and mac had a tangy-ness that I couldn't put my finger on, but really liked. I'm not a big slaw fan so I was surprised I liked it. They had a pretty good selection of beer too. I'd definitely suggest checking this place out!
(4)
Amy W.
Decent barbecue, but really disliked their coleslaw...think it's a matter of preference, but I like mild coleslaw; I can taste an intense amount of vinegar in this version and I can't stand coleslaw that has any acidic base to it. If you like vinegar in coleslaw, you'll love King's! The barbecue was very good, as were the fries...but overall, I'm in love with Porkie's. I think this is a great place for barbecue nevertheless and would definitely recommend to anyone looking while Porkie's is under construction. Would for sure come back in the future.
(4)
Ernie H.
I ordered a Beef Brisket Sandwich on a bun, and it came with fries, coleslaw and a pickle slice. The BBQ sauce was on the side. The beef brisket was ~6 - 1/4" thick slices on the bun and had a nice smokey taste. The fries were just your typical, nothing special. The coleslaw was slightly creamy, but bitter tasting and not very good! I had containers of all three of their BBQ sauces on the side. None of them were all that special, but all three were each a different style. Since I asked for sliced brisket instead of the standard chopped brisket, there was a $1.00 up-charge. The really big turn off was the $13.38 price for a sandwich and fries! Even if the price was less, it was not good enough to return. I'll keep going to The Texan BBQ in Algonquin!
(2)
Tom I.
Honestly, there are not many good things I can say about my BBQ King experience. They day I went was incredibly busy, so they must be doing something right. I have had ribs at dozens of restaurants, and I can say with certainty that these were the most disappointing. They were not inedible, but at $27 a slab I had high expectations. Compared to the other ribs in the county, these are easily the worst. If you are going for ribs, stick to The Texan, which is not only better, but is also $7 cheaper a slab. With the exception of the beans, the sides were terrible, and none of the sauces were good.
(2)
Lance N.
The food was so awesome. Upon walking in it is very clean and well decorated. You order your food towards the back and sit down and they bring it out to you. A pop came with the food so I just bought a shot of rum to add to it. My brother and I tried a lot of food there. Everything was tasteful and delicious. Our eyes were bigger than our stomach for sure.
(5)
Charlie N.
I LOOOOVVEEE this place!!! and I LOVE food. I am a foodie in denial. I just enjoy eating. I have been to BBQ all over the country, and HONESTLY the smoked chicken here is to die for, (PS get the the beans and potato salad, AMAZING) In fact worth the drive from the city to Woodstock in you are visiting Chicago. Also, you can't beat an awesome selection of craft beers to accompany your BBQ!!! Definitely recommended!!
(5)
Laura K.
I love how Jason reply's to any negative comment someone adds with attitude just like the rest of his staff has. Seeing as I received notification Sunday at almost 10 pm that with your phone number you left me I did not think it was best to call so late at night. Then came Monday and between working and you know the Blackhawks playing for the Stanley Cup I thought it would be best to call on Tuesday. But you didn't give me time to do that. What one person thinks is attitude might just be ones personality. So the fact that you had someone working your register (again that was the older lady with short hair) who wasn't pleasant and willing to listen to my complaint about the food is what set everything off. You failed to even respond to anything about the food that your establishment provided because as you can see from the pictures I provided it was NOT what it should have been. Also I there was no need to mention anything about a refund of 2 free meals because that did not happen. I asked for my money back MINUS an order of chicken fingers and fries. What I got back was money for the BBQ Burger only. It is not my fault the register lady did not charge me for the chicken fingers like I said.I still paid $16.95 for my 2x2 of chicken and $4.99 for chicken fingers and fries. Please go back and review one of your 16 cameras you have available and get your story straight.
(1)
Lawrence Z.
I've been here for lunch a handful of times prior to writing this review. My first experience was pretty good. I wasn't sure what to do when I got there, but once my eyes adjusted to the lighting, I realized you had to seat yourself...(no big deal). I went with a friend who loves BBQ and he really loved it. The BBQ is GREAT! I wish they had more options for the sauce, but what they do have is very (VERY) good! Their cole slaw....OMG! Let me tell you about their cole slaw. First, I don't even like cole slaw to begin with, but I will COME HERE AND JUST ORDER THEIR SLAW! I'm not 100% sure of what's in it, but I think God had a hand in it! If I could just review this stuff, it would have gotten 7 out of 5 stars...which is IM-possible. Still, that rating stands! When I go, I always order extra...so if YOU go and there isn't anymore, it's my fault! ...next time, get there early! The staff seems nice and I liked the fact the owners mother works there. Anyone who will hire his mama to work in his restaurant is O.K. with me. Hmm...maybe it was her recipe for the slaw????
(4)
Alfasha Z.
Best kept secret in Woodstock (and maybe not so secretive anymore!) I only heard of this place a few months ago from my friend and am glad I remembered it for dinner today with the hubby. Try these: 1. The chicken wings - smoked and super juicy. We did ours with the buffalo sauce, could almost eat it without any sauce. It's simply ridonkeylous. Don't shy away from the wings even if you're here for the ribs and brisket. The next time we come here I'm definitely trying their chicken 2. The baked beans - ahhhh-maaaa-ziiinnnnggg!!! It's got this smokey taste, isn't too sweet and has some sort of meat in it that makes the taste even better. Get this as your side 3. The beef brisket - I got the sliced kind and the meat was so, so tender and moist and is very, very juicy. Add the Carolina gold sauce on this and you're set 4. The ribs - 7.5/10 5. The fried potato salad - like, what?! Whoever came up with this should get a medal for coming up with this 6. Mac & cheese - has a smoky taste to it, very cheesy Seriously, come out here. We know we will for the chicken!
(5)
Cameron B.
The food was poor and the atmosphere decent at best. Not very expensive but still not worth the price.
(2)
Ben C.
4.5 stars. BBQ king makes some great food. The pretzel bomb & brisket cheese steak sandwiches are always good. The ribs... Awesome. Sliced brisket... Awesome. The wings, especially the garlic parm are great. Take out is always quick. I have only eaten inside a couple times, they have a solid beer selection on tap. The only things I believe they could improve on would their cornbread and getting some desserts. Peach cobbler or banana cream pudding, please! All in all, this is easily the best BBQ in McHenry county.
(5)
John B.
The "go-to" place for BBQ in the Northwest Suburbs! My wife and I went back again this past Sunday to satisfy our impromptu "need our BBQ fix" moment--they did not disappoint--again! We were greeted at the counter by I believe it was Jason's mother-in-law, a super-friendly lady! We ordered the same thing as before. He added just a smidge (a culinary term) of finishing salt atop the meat just before bringing it to the table--WooHoo! Great Job Jason! Keep up the great work! We'll be back again, and again, and again... Happy Eating! --Chef JB
(5)
Mitch Y.
One of the best BBQ spots in the Chicago area! We had pulled pork sandwich (juicy, tender with fluffy, buttery buns) that came with fries (crispy and good) and coleslaw (so so). We also had a side of mac and cheese (more liquid than expected, but delicious. Get large) and corn bread (light and fluffy). We will definitely go back!
(5)
Amy W.
Tonight we dropped in for a light dinner and enjoyed the meat madness appetizer. This gives the diner a chance to taste 5 meats: chicken (moist and tender), pork (very nice), brisket (only okay tonight), sausage (spicy and served sliced thin and lightly fried), and rib tips (outstanding-smokey and juicy). There are three sauces on the table: suey (spicy in a black pepper way), Carolina (a vinegar sauce), and original (sweet). The sauces here are only okay by my standards, but since the meat is so good that's not a problem. We tried the baked beans, which are smokey and sweet and contain ground meat (definitely not vegan!). The atmosphere is that of a small intimate bar. They have closely spaced tables that are all close to the bar and four T.V.s each tuned to a different channel (including DIY and Food Network- not all sports). We would return for ribs for sure.
(4)
Mel V.
The only reason it didn't get the last star is because this place has City Prices for this area & a Very small dining area. Now to the food .... Fabulous is all I can say! There is not one item I can complain about, every item is Delish & tasty!!! The pretzel bomb is to die for! A must try if in the Woodstock area.
(4)
Joe T.
Was looking for local places to try out and found this. Wait time to order seemed like it took way longer to probably should have, they definitely need to streamline their process and not have the same person at the register also serving and prepping orders. Prices were a bit high, nearly $50 for 3 people. Other than that, my pretzel bomb was really good. The burger and cobb salad my siblings had looked good too. Was stuffed so the higher price is worth it on occasion.
(4)
Korina S.
I was so excited to find this place on Yelp. It reminded me of BBQ places in Tennessee. I had the pulled pork and it was delicious! The meat was so tender and tasty. The bun was slightly grilled. I like that the sauce is on the side so you are able to squeeze on as much as you wish. My family loved every bite. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Herbert H.
Very good food, friendly staff and promptly ready. Nice location on the backside of Woodstock Square. It was easy to park only a few steps away. This is my third time eating here since my son introduced it to me about a month ago. Met the owner too, very friendly and enthusiastic about his craft. Uses Shun knives, which are awesome. Royfill
(5)
Doc L.
Staff is awesome and friendly. We eat here often & the beer selection is very good. From time to time an over smoked dry meal but otherwise I would give it a 5. Jason the owner could mingle with the regulars a bit more but when he does very informative on the art of smoking and brew.
(4)
Chris W.
So I wanted to take the wife somewhere for BBQ. Looked on Yelp and almost did not come here. But my gut was telling me to try this place. Thank god I did!!!!!!! The food was juicy, hot and flavorful. The staff was friendly, and the place was extremely tidy and clean. I even met the owner and seemed like a nice guy, and thanked us for coming in. We spent $42 with tip and I would have paid double that. I had the Pig out with Pork, chicken, and sausage and for sides potato salad, fries, and beans. When speaking with the owner I stated I love spicy sauce and wished theirs was hotter. He let me take home some of their Habanero Pineapple sauce and it was crazy good. Bravo to this place....I am defiantly coming back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
James O.
I have noticed that I am telling too many people about this place, I am starting see friends and family there more than I am, since first visiting over a year ago we go at least twice a month to once a week, ok we have been there more than once a week before, it's so good! I think I might have to go today. But really when I can get BBQ in the best of flavor, sauces, and portion it's hard not to go often. I like too that when we go kids drinks and mine are remembered and nearly to us before we are seated, that means a lot and goes a long way, thank you
(5)
Amanda G.
Meat was great bar was great bartender awesome. Lacking. Was service. And coleslaw and how we were handled . With the awful side dish we paid 225 for. Here is what we ordred sliders. Slaw. And a pork sandwich. Side cornbread . We wanted 2 sandwich but sub fries for corn bread they wanted to charge 2.00 up charge to change french fries for bread what a scam. The bread as a side was 225. So u loose the fries and have to pay for the side anyway. They are a scamming place . Good Meat Bartender Bar Bad Service Policies Scamming
(3)
Melissa B.
Best BBQ place in McHenry county by far!!! You have to stop by and try all the great food and craft beers. The pretzel bomb sandwich is the BOMB! Brisket is so good too. They also cater.
(5)
ally a.
Super adorable atmosphere! Got carryout, yummy food! Prices are reasonable 2 sandwiches with fries & Cole slaw $26.16. Cole slaw was missing vinegar, salt & pepper, but overall a fulfilling meal. Hope to go back in the spring time to eat in and walk around town!
(4)
Karli C.
READ ME! ~~Service~~I have to say that every employee I encountered was just sweet as pie. They were so nice and the girl working the food counter was so attentive and hard working. It was so refreshing to see. ~~FOOD~~I have been told by so many people "You have to go to BBQ KING!!!". So on I went with my Fiance to get some yummy BBQ. My Fiance ordered the sandwich with mac and cheese on it. It did taste good, but the mac and cheese on it was very dry and had little flavor. Like it had been sitting out for a long time. There was a lot of meat on the sandwich which was flavorful and juicy. The fries seemed fresh and homemade, but lacked flavor and salt. The meal came with a drink that was "serve yourself" style, so yay to free refills! He loved the Carolina Mustard Sauce and the Original BBQ Sauce they had. However, he couldn't justify spending the amount of money he did on the meal because of the few things he disliked. He also got a bloody mary, but was slightly disappointed as it was a store bought mix served from a fully stocked bar..... I ordered the Brisket, which was super super dry. I did add some of the sauce they provide on the table, which helped a little with the dryness. I suggest getting a side of more pickles to put on it. My favorite was the Mustard sauce, it was sweet and slightly vinegary, which I love with my BBQ. I was so excited that it came with a side of coleslaw, but I was disappointed that they gave very little and it had no flavor. It was a bit like they might just throw mayo on shredded, watery cabbage and place it with your meal. I looooove coleslaw with my BBQ, it's a necessity, so that was a BIG deal to me. If they could add a little sweetness, thickness and creaminess to it, it would make a big difference. DO IT!! haha. I, unlike my fiance, did enjoy the fries, because of how fresh and crisp they were, but I do agree, they need some salt. I just dipped them in BBQ sauce and I was happy with that. All in all, the service is 5 stars. We weren't as happy with the food as we thought we would be, but we're still going to come back to give the ribs a chance. If it weren't for the excellent service, we might not have decided that, but we think that counts for something =)
(4)
Paul B.
Cool scene. Great place for a casual business meeting or catching up with friends. The pulled pork was awesome. They deliver and catered a business lunch for us once --- loved by all! I'd happily go back.
(3)
Amy L.
My husband and I decided to try BBQ King because we wanted to find a good bbq restaurant. When I walked in, I noticed how clean and welcoming the restaurant was. The staff is super friendly and constantly check on you to make sure you are enjoying your food and having a good experience. I got the pulled chicken, sweet potato fries, and slaw. The pulled chicken was nice big chunks of chicken, not shredded and mushy like many other places. The sauces were perfect. When we were leaving, the owner came over and asked us how we were enjoying our food. You don't get this kind or personal treatment at larger chain restaurants. We will be back not only because of the delicious food, but because of the genuine care that the staff provides. They make you feel welcome and important. This place is 5 stars in my book.
(5)
Javier H.
Man I always wanted to come here and finally had the chance, great service and there food is amazing and they are really the "BBQ king" small space inside but its alright quick service, by the time I filled my drink and sat down the lady was right behind me with my food. Its a good place to come with like 3 or 4 friends since its tight inside unless your going to hit the bar then there's a bit more room....but I'll ferrsure be going back soon!
(5)
Dan P.
Great smoked brisket and the pulled porks no slouch. Nice little place that reminds me of a little place in Nashville. Good place and I will be back.
(4)
Chris S.
Have heard this place is the best for BBQ in the area so we had to try it. The food was really good, sides were even excellent, LOVE the fried potato salad! The only mistake we made was going the night of a Blackhawks Stanley Cup game. Very little seating and felt like we were rushed out the door, but the place has to keep the line moving to make it I am sure. We will be back, just on a slower night.
(4)
Tara P.
Not much of a BBQ fan until I had BBQ king, now I crave their pulled pork sandwiches, absolutely fantastic! Highly recommend!
(5)
Jason G.
The BBQ is pretty good. There aren't many places to sit and the owner is the biggest arrogant ass ever...doesn't seem to care too much about the customers. I mean smile once, please, we are PAYING customers. I'd much rather spend my money where it is appreciated.
(2)
Karen R.
Yum! Love their pulled pork sandwiches and love the peppery-tasting coleslaw! The Pretzel Bomb is good but too much for me (pulled pork sandwich topped with Mac 'n' Cheese). Took a star away for the female bartender who (Oct. 2014) offered my friend and I to taste a beer before buying it, but expected us to try it out of the same cup (um, no) and was snippy about it. Separate tasting cups, please. As well, others I know have also been given a difficult time by this same person. Love the food, but it's too crowded for dining in so we just do takeout now.
(4)
Aletta J.
Did takeout yesterday. Yes, it was busy at 1:30 on a Sunday and our two orders too 22 mins. They had one person taking and delivering orders. She warned me it could take up to 30 mins for our take out order (call ahead!!). I requested no bread (gluten free not by choice), but got two slices anyway. Ordered the pork w/ potato salad and cole slaw and another order of brisket w/ mac/cheese and cole slaw. The cole slaw was tasty, but lacking salt. The rest was delicious and most of my brisket was the fatty nubbins which the dog devoured. The portion size of meat was ok - not huge - but the price for two dinners was 32 bucks including soda. Environment was good (not too loud) and the "jane" was clean, but out of hand towels. I alerted the cashier but figured she was too busy. I know they're working out kinks since they're a few years old. but I would suggest: 1. Pre-packaged towelettes for the take out folks. We were house hunting in our car and this would have been terrific. No napkins came with the takeout. Have them readily available. 2. Wrap your silver prior to serving so it all goes on the plate or keep wrapped silverware on the tables in an old six pack (xtra sauce, ketchup, mustard, and silver -- check out Elgin Public House for reference) 3. It was a bit understaffed and the staff seemed very overwhelmed. One lady stood for 7 mins waiting to give her order while the cashier delivered. 4. Stop the styrofoam containers and go green with your cups and take out items. Lastly, even if you're busy, SMILE! Good luck to you in Woodstock!
(3)
Chad R.
this place is super close so i go there more than i should ( right behind the apartment) the meats usually prety great. but on occasion the chicken sandwich has bones, and the brisket can get pretty dry. so as far as what they are mainly selling thats pretty decent. but the sides are sad. pretty flavorless. but the main problem with this place is they are ALWAYS running out of things on the menu... i have even called in an order , everythings great untill i go to pay.. and they inform me that they are out of fries? who runs out of fries?! and i look around and everyone in the place has fries in their baskets.. so why was my order that i called ahead for missing its fries?! the manager came and asked me if id like sweet potato fries instead (which arent very good at all) i told him no thats cool just take off the side of fries he goes to the register to take off the side of fries i ordered with my sandwitch which already comes with fries. so i sign the receipt thinking id atleast get my fries with my sandwich ya know.. nope just a plain ol' chicken sanwich in the styrofoam box that i paid a whole $10.65 for.
(2)
DeeAnne L.
I'm not a huge fan of BBQ, but this place is fantastic!!!! The BBQ chicken nachos (don't remember what they're called) those are my favorite. The woodstock fries are delicious too!!
(4)
Jeff S.
Thoroughly under-impressed after a visit here yesterday, the overall taste of the food was just a big letdown :( All of the signs pointed to an excellent BBQ experience from the moment we parked down the corner. I could already smell the smoke from a block away, and the interior is well decorated to look like a traditional southern BBQ shack with a nicely stocked bar. The beer list is beyond excellent, covering Chicago breweries like Revolution and 5 Rabbit. The chalkboard menu was complete with all the expected fare, everything was adding up. We opted for their March special meat platter which had about 10 oz of chicken, pulled pork, chopped brisket, sausage, and rib tips. On the table were their three BBQ sauces: regular, one called 'Sooey', and a Carolina Gold. Note that the latter was a Northern Carolina vinegar-based sauce and not the southern-style mustard base. We also added mac-n-cheese and BBQ beans for sides. We asked about their chili and it didn't come with any meat in it (what, no chopped brisket in the chili?). The food arrived in a few minutes and all looked pretty good. The brisket was pretty heavy on the fat, but the pulled pork looked really good; a proper mix of smoked, burnt ends and red/pink inside. And this is where it all went south, and not in the way I hoped. The flavor of all the meat was just 'meh' and all the meats managed to walk this strange line of moist yet dry. The meat was not dry in texture, especially the chicken as it was nearly dripping, but everything just 'tasted' dry. The sausage had a hint of spicy bite to it, but was a bit rubbery to be honest. The pork was our least favorite, dry and completely void of a smoky flavor (even though the entire place was permeated with that smoke aroma). The chicken was actually the best, as it tasted the least flat. The two small rib tips we got were mostly bone and cartilage so I was only able to get a few bites of actual meat from them. Hard to say but I wouldn't mind trying the dry rub ribs at some point just to see if they are any better. And the BBQ sauces were all just odd. Flavors that I couldn't place and not falling into the spicy, sweet, or smoky ranges. They did add some flavor to the various meats but I couldn't really find a favorite. To top it off the two sides were no better. The mac-n-cheese was the most bland I've ever had. Just elbow macaroni mixed in what appeared to be Velveeta; yuck. No spices, no bread crumbs, nothing else that I could determine. The BBQ beans were average, but were mixed with a ground meat that tasted like breakfast sausage to me and really offset the flavor in a displeasing way. That being said the rest of the experience was alright and based on how busy they were even at 2PM I'm sure they will do fine. The food was certainly edible and if I lived nearby I'd probably visit on occasion, but for our occasional trips just to get BBQ I'll spend the 45 minutes driving to into the city for Smoque BBQ any day of the week.
(2)
Suzan K.
Great bbq. Ribs were tasty, chicken was a bit dry. The fries and sweet potato fries were good but nothing special. Had the nachos with beef brisket and it was great. The brisket was good and there was a good amount of it. Couldn't finish everything. Small restaurant but very friendly staff.
(4)
Lauralyn T.
First timer, and I'd give 5 stars for the food. However, 2 of us got our food, and were nearly finished before the other 3 in our party got their entrees, despite their order being placed before ours. This happened at an adjoining table too. Find it odd that a BBQ place wouldn't have towelettes to clean off fingers.
(4)
Ryan S.
In one of my previous lives, I was a vagabonding black bluesman from the dirty, dirty South who knew a thing or two about some Que. Now, as a pasty-skinned white man from the North, that inherited trait of sniffing out some good BBQ still clings to my DNA like sauce on fingertips and you're just going to have to take my word that I am who I say I was when I tell you about BBQ King ... and all I have to say is: this joint IS THE REAL DEAL, folks! I think the best way to gauge BBQ is by delving into a restaurant's brisket. And I tried it first. But, 'tried' is really not the word for it. I devoured the chopped brisket; savoring each and every delicious bite as best I could in mere minutes. Smoky, tender, juicy, fatty (but by no means blubbery), gelatinous, and teeth-bouncing-fibrous-little-tubes-and-chucks of marvelous meat danced on my taste buds like embers above a campfire. The meat was absolutely smoked to perfection -- not too smoky, not too woody and not too overpowering -- but just right, like when Buddy Guy hits the high notes on his polka dot Stratocaster or when Sunnyland Slim would tickle the ivory on the piano. To share the limelight, BBQ King's original sauce (a sweet tanginess) marries the meat flawlessly; cutting the richness to precision. It got my toes a-tapping. Can you hear the 12-bar scheme in C yet? I remember thinking after the first bite that I would be putting BBQ King in the company of some of my favorite smoke shacks. Places like: Smoke Daddy (Chicago), Smoque (Chicago), Twin Anchors (Chicago - try the ribs!), Lazy Dog (Boulder, Colorado), and Butts on the Creek (Maggie Valley, North Carolina). And BBQ King, does, in fact, belong in said company. I tried the pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw and their fries as well, and it was all good too. But the brisket is where it's at. It's top notch. What B.B. King is to The Blues, BBQ King is to the 'burbs ... *blues music: I gotta tell you friends / Here's what you gotta do / If you got that hankering for something tasty / Make your way over to King's for the best Goddamn barbeque *
(4)
Brett W.
Best barbeque that I've had outside of Kansas City or Texas. The brisket, pulled pork and ribs are outstanding. Great sauce selection too.
(5)
Jeremy R.
St Louis Ribs were spectacular, as we're the slaw and beans. Add to it, the friendliest staff and you get a banner meal. They smoked it and we came!
(5)
Ken M.
Best BBQ around! The nachos with the pork are awesome. The sliders melt in your mouth. Great atmosphere, small inside but friendly. Great rotating selection of beers .
(5)
Derek L.
This place is fantastic. Pork chicken or brisket. Great sauces too. You want a Bloody Mary that drinks like a meal, it's here. Complete with bbq ribs.
(5)
John S.
Outstanding local BBQ restraunt Sunday special half chicken with two yummy sides of your choice. Off the square location with great service and comfortable feel. Would not have found without Yelp. Check it out if you like BBQ
(5)
Brian F.
Great BBQ and friendly staff. Right off the square in Woodstock and well worth making your lunch spot. Soooo good.
(5)
John M.
We ordered the Meat Madness Platter and the Mac and Cheese and split it between two people. It was awesome!
(5)
Paul L.
Officially my favorite BBQ place anywhere. We live in Chicago and were out here getting a Christmas tree. I had the brisket philly sandwich and my friend the pulled pork. Awesome brisket and pork... Tender and flavorful. The fries are among the best..every single one crispy but not burnt. Even the buns are perfect for BBQ: soft and a bit chewy so the bread doesn't overpower the BBQ, but sturdy so it never fell apart while eating the sandwich. The coleslaw is probably the only thing I wasn't in love with, but it's not bad. It's a creamy coleslaw (personally prefer vinegar), with a mild mustard flavor. All around amazing meal. We would drive back from the city to go here.
(5)
J M.
Lived in woodstock for 11 years. Hated the lack of quality bbq... AwwwweeeeweBBQ King. Very good. I was so happy to find you. I want to go back everyday, but that cant happen. Excellent food, excellent bar... Great bbq and amazing drinks in this tiny little place. Get the deluxe bloody mary with spare ribs attached as garnish , or an amazing draft choice in beer. I would live here if i could... Summary: Dining in is difficult (small), amazing food, beer and bloody mary fans be careful... Also wish they had servers take the order..
(5)
Brian F.
Simply awful. Probably the worst BBQ I've ever had the misfortune of tasting. Flavorless garbage without any sauce to improve the sorry bland excuse of a meal. I'm fairly confident that these other reviews are written by the employees after they were bribed to lie about the quality of their establishment. The staff was curt and never once offered to refill our beverages or see if we needed anything. They took my food, without asking, when I went to the bathroom even though I wasn't finished. You couldn't pay me to return to this dump
(1)
Nathan S.
Great atmosphere with a cool bar, playing live music while I gobble up some great authentic BBQ.
(5)
Sylvia R.
Well done to the owner of this establishment- Woodstock is in SORE need of a great restaurant and this one hits the nail on the head! Though small, it's tastefully decorated, and the staff couldn't be friendlier. A man working there was nice enough to explain to us upon walking in exactly how to order. The BBQ is AMAZING- melt in your mouth delicious- the chicken, ribs, and pulled pork were gone in seconds, we loved it. We will definitely be back- this place is great, and I hope to see it here for years to come!
(5)
Wendy D.
We've eaten there twice, probably won't return again. The owner really comes off as a jerk! The employees all looked very unhappy and it felt like we had walked in after they've had a big blow up. It was uncomfortable! The owner had plenty of chances to act friendly, possibly ask how our meal was, do something to show clients he was happy they were there and wants them to come back. Such as shame because the place is really charming, well decorated. I watched someone try to carry out their catering order and the whole thing was very unprofessional. Not boxed or bagged, the lady carried 4 dozen or more buns flopping around falling out of her arms. The meat in the foil container wasn't sealed. The staff didn't look like they had the order together and ready to go for the client. As far as our food, it's just average. I make better bbq at home using Cooks Illustrated recipes and direction's. The pulled pork was not pulled, it was a small chunk that didn't fit the bread. Half of the meat on every sandwich is crispy/burned bits and the rest is fine. Too much bread to meat ratio. I needed to add sauce bite for bite in order to tolerate the dryness. The first time we got the brisket with cheese and peppers it was good. The second time we got it you couldn't see the peppers or taste the cheese..........it really was just a plop of brisket on bread. The coleslaw has way too much mustard and is really not good at all. I don't understand why it isn't put into it's own container. It's just plopped on your plate running into your fries and sandwich. The fries aren't anything special. They were limp the second time we ate there. Maybe the owner should stay home and let the pleasant girl behind the register run the place, she seemed like the only person there that cared. Everyone else ignores you.
(2)
Scott A.
Very nice environment. Colorful and friendly. The staff always seems happy. Lots of TV screens to watch. I've ordered the barbecue beef and found it tasty and good quality every time. The french fries are also very good. It's not a complaint against them because tastes are individual, but I don't like the cole slaw.
(4)
Nikki Z.
Second time we ate here. We didn't have a bad experience the first time, but felt that there could be a little improvement. We decided to give it another try. I had the brisket sandwich, my husband had the wings. We ordered it to go, as it was really busy (Friday night) and there was no place to sit. We didn't mind taking it to go. My husband said the wings were okay. But did not like any of the sauces that he asked for. I am really disappointed borderline upset about my order. When I removed the top of my bun to pour a little suey sauce on, all that was there were 3 hunks of charred dry meat. I removed the hunks and tried to shred it myself; the meat was so tough that I had to use force to do it. After all that, I took one bite, and was done. It was so dry that all the sauce in the world could not save this sandwich. We decided that it wasn't worth coming back again. However, I gave it 3 stars because the staff was friendly, food was hot, and it does have the potential to be a place to maybe have a beer and a snack.
(3)
Mitch L.
Great food, fun time, good service. And the folks are awesome. Atmosphere at its finest.
(5)
Scooby O.
The place has finally opened! Overall I thought the food was good. I've had better BBQ before, but I've also had worse. Portions are decent without being obnoxious. Prices are very good. A sandwich, fries, cole slaw, and a pickle for under $10. The place is a bit smaller than I expected, but that's not really a problem. The bar is nice. There are three big TVs at least one more TV in the restaurant. Decorations seem nice enough. They were out of some of the food, but I see that as a good thing. I'd rather they be out of something instead of trying to throw it together and having it be low quality. They're also serving food at the McHenry County Fair this week, so that could be another reason they are out of some items. You have to expect few hiccups for the opening of a restaurant. It's exciting to have another local place in Woodstock that serves good food. I'll be back again.
(4)
Dan G.
We stopped by here on a visit to Woodstock with some friends for a impromptu "Groundhog's Day" tour. You could smell the deliciousness of the smoker outside. We walked in and ordered some beers and looked over the menu. The menu reads like what you would expect from a great BBQ place: brisket, pulled pork, chicken, sausage, ribs, etc. I ordered the two by two with brisket and pulled pork, the others ordered a variety of other meats so I got to try a little bit of everything. And it was flat out delicious. They got the smoking of their meats down to a science well done! On the table were a variety of BBQ sauces but this stuff didn't need it too much the taste was in the meat. They also have a bunch of awesome sides to go with you BBQ I had the corn bread and the baked beans. Both were fantastic. I was really impressed by this place good beer and BBQ you can't beat that!
(4)
Cindy T.
Lets start with the meat. I had the pulled chicken. The only thing I could say about it was that it wasn't dry. But seriously no taste what so ever, has to drench it in bbg sauce, which I never do to any meat . Hubby had the pork, said it was actually good. Now for the sides....ugh :( The mac'n cheese had no taste, was so bland I thought it tasted like rubber. (When you cook your pasta people, ADD SALT) !! The "creamy" cole slaw...what cream ??, more like a vinegar slaw, but again, nooo taste, just like eating cut up cabbage ! The baked beans tasted like canned...& the corn bread, if you call it that, tasted like bakery yellow bread. Our 1st & last time there, not a stand out in my book at all, sorry !!!
(1)
Brendan F.
Awesome BBQ! Had the chopped brisket & pulled pork, the meat was tender and delicious. I tried the house BBQ sauce, and loved it. The Carolina BBQ sauce was just so-so. Had the fried potato salad, it was amazing. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Sean M.
All I have to say: MOTHA-FUCKIN' PRETZEL BOMB! I love this place. The food, the drinks, and the people that work there are all amazing and super friendly. Owner is super down to earth guy and really cares about the place. If you're a BBQ fan, don't pass this place up!
(5)
Laura A.
my fave is the half chicken, it is a smoked tender bit of heaven served in a basket with two side items of your choice. personally i like the corn bread and mustard based cole slaw. you can bathe your dinner in one of several delicious bbq sauces that are conveniently located at each table. i like the Carolina Mustard bbq sauce. if you dig the sauce, they sell their sauces in bottles to go. did i mention beer? well they offer several ice cold craft beers on tap and more in bottles and cans. beer prices are fair. they offer drink and food specials daily and are posted on the wall behind the bar. very friendly service. an overall great place with a few caveats. seat yourself and serve yourself. visit the bar order a drink and food or alternatively go to the back counter and order your food and then go to the bar and order your drinks. then go sit down and prepare yourself for the best bbq the county has to offer. enjoy!
(5)
Jay B.
I tried this place based on yelp reviews and was glad I did. Pulled pork sandwich had a ton of meat and bread was nice and soft. Fries and slaw pretty good too. I only wish I didnt have to drive so I could have tried some of the awesome drafts they had available.
(5)
Goshia K.
Great place for great bbq! They also have a good selection of beer. The bbq nachos are delicious and I absolutely love their wings and sauces! The last time I had good bbq was in Memphis so to have a place like this in town is a real treat.
(4)
Scott D.
This place is definitely a diamond in the rough. Very small and you wouldn't even know it was there if you weren't looking for it. The wife and I have been looking for that local casual restaurant in Woodstock where you could sit down and have a fantastic meal at a reasonable price and we have finally found it! BBQ Pork, beef brisket, chicken - all top notch. We have been there 3 times and it has never failed to be incredible. I also really like the bar set-up. Although I have never had a drink here, they do have some microbrews and daily specials on alcohol. It's obvious they take their beers very seriously. They also have a number of large TV's if you want to sit at the bar, drink and just hang out. My only opportunity for improvement would be that the sauces are a little to runny and lacking that 'punch you in the face' flavor I crave when eating BBQ. I know it's a reach, but I like my sauces thick and zesty and hope they can create one that just brings it! Definitely worth a try if you have never been here. 5 stars.
(5)
Chris S.
If you know the names Gates and Arthur Bryant, then you know I'm grading this on a curve. BBQ king is some great local BBQ. They have a good smoker and the brisket is cooked very well. It's served dry (rub only) and the Carolina mustard sauce is very good. The hand cut fries were crisp which shows the attention to detail. It's a small store front and they did a lot of takeout orders which is all good. It was packed during the LITH rib fest which tells a lot more than I can. All in all I'm a fan. Great place for a BBQ sandwich and the price point is great.
(5)
Lia L.
The hubby and I got around to trying the place. We each ordered the 2x2's, which are 2 choices of meat and two sides plus drinks. We got our orders to go. He chose pulled pork and pulled chicken with French fries and the fried potato salad, and I chose the pulled pork and sliced brisket with cornbread and also the fried potato salad. There were positives and negatives with our experience. I'll start with the negatives as we're still going to give this place another try. Negatives: The potato salad DID have celery, even though I asked the person taking our order if it did or not and she said it did not. If she had properly known that there was celery in it, I would have chosen a different side. Even after meticulously picking out every piece of celery, the potato salad was just...weird I guess. The little cornbread loaf was over-baked and I had to cut off the "crust" kind of like it was a piece of white bread. As I had just tasted the best cornbread ever a few days ago (bought at "Fresh Market"), I was underwhelmed. The BBQ sauce that came with it was one tiny little cup that only provided enough sauce for about 1/4 of the meat that came with our meals. I had to supplement with some Aldi store bought Sweet Baby Ray's. The space of the restaurant is quite small, and we felt awkward standing around in the dining room while other patrons were trying to watch the Bears game from feet away. Quite a lot of space in the dining area has been dedicated to an impressive bar. At the time we were visiting, however, there was nobody sitting at the bar, so...it seemed like wasted space. Positives: The smokey flavor of the meat was unique and different to the other bbq joints I've been to before. The brisket had a nice smokey tang to it and reminded me slightly of the flavor of summer sausage. My husband an I both enjoyed our meaty choices. The portion size at first looked small compared to the idea that it was 2 meats and 2 sides, but while eating, we realized it would be a major feat to finish all the food in one sitting. Our meals were quite filling and there was leftovers the next day. Drinks were included in our order and as there was a wait between ordering and it being served, we managed to get refills. Score? Soft white bread slices were included with our meals, which helped cut some of the saltiness of the meat. I also spied some amazing looking bread buns for the sandwiches that were going out to sitting diners in the restaurant. I might just try a bbq sandwich on our next visit in order to taste the bread it's on. We definitely intend to go again to try some other items on the menu. There are other classic BBQ joint sides that I'll give a try on our next go around: bbq baked beans, mac and cheese, cole slaw, etc. Just because there were negatives to our experience doesn't mean this place isn't worth it. The meat, which is the most important part of a barbeque place, was the best part anyway.
(4)
Ricki L.
The best bbq ever. I lived in southern KY for 9 years and had plenty of bbq there. This place beats them all. I had the pulled pork sliders, the meat was tender and moist with a wonderful smoky flavor, which didn't even need sauce. The slider buns were a nice deviation from the insipid white bread you often get in bbq joints. Baked beans were seriously amazing, not too sweet, not too spicy a real complexity of flavor. Service here was really good and very polite. There's a full bar with a decent beer selection, and the decor is nice. Would definitely come here again.
(5)
Chad L.
We decided to give BBQ King Smokehouse after waiting over a year to open and we weren't overly impressed. They were out of sliced brisket, the pretzel bomb, some type of ribs all at 6:00 pm on a Thursday, and there is no sign of this until being denied when ordering. It would be nice if they had a small board by the register listing what they are out of. More bothersome is the lack of gloves being worn in the open kitchen. None of the staff is wearing gloves as they cut and grab your BBQ meats and pile them on the sandwiches etc. This seems like a health code violation to me, and isn't all that appetizing, especially seeing them touch their faces and then go right back to touching the food. They seem overwhelmed and were giving orders to the wrong tables. They took our food to another table and i had to tell the waitress that it was ours. I also overheard that it wasn't the first time it had happened. The BBQ was decent, if not a little dried out, but the flavor was good. I enjoyed the Mac and Cheese but the Slaw was dry and the cornbread was overdone and very dry. My wife and I shared the 3 meat and 3 side combo and had the chopped brisket (Since they were out of sliced), pulled pork and the sausage links. Of the three, I would only order the links again. I really enjoyed the different sauces provided that seemed homemade and added alot to the meat. The place is small but very nicely appointed. I hope they make it but they are going to have to work a little harder and buy some gloves for the staff.
(3)
Mrs A.
I was in Woodstock twice this year. The first time, I noticed BBQ King because I parked near it. The second time, my husband and I were starving and I immediately knew where I wanted to go. It was late on a Friday night and there were only two other tables occupied. My husband and I walked in and sat down and waited...and waited...and waited...and waited...we were just about to walk out the door when the bartender came over to us and explained that apparently they don't actually wait on the tables. Um...WHAT!? She was super nice though and helped us to order and talked about how BBQ came to be. My husband and I are foodies and I have no problem saying this was the BEST BBQ I have had in a loooooong time! We ended up leaving there with a $75 bill because we wanted plenty to take home! Now, admittedly the food was outstanding but I will also disclose that I have family and friends in the area and I have heard an excessive amount of bad reviews all surrounding the staff. I don't know if things have changed there since then but the ownership really needs to take heed to the things that are being said. Although negative comments can feel like personal attacks, it needs to be realized that when there are SO many people saying the same thing, it's probably not likely their wrong. That having been said...loved the food!
(4)
Brian S.
Awesome place, big screens and great tasting food. After talking to the owners I found that the meat is the very best you can get. No mass produced garbage filled meat here! Coming from Texas I didn't think I could find good BBQ in Illinois, but BBQ Kings will rival any smoke house in Texas or Tennessee. Friendly staff and fast service too.
(5)
Joe D.
What an awesome place! The restaurant was immaculate and the staff was incredibly friendly. I felt like I was having lunch at my friends house. The food is absolutely out of this world. I had the chopped brisket and sausage combo with baked beans and potato salad and it was GLORIOUS!!! The brisket was falling apart it was so tender and juicy. They had some homemade sauces that I loved, but I just couldn't keep putting it on because the meat was so flavorful to begin with. Can't wait to go back and try more of the menu. If you love good BBQ, you need to try this place out.
(5)
Erin D.
You know criminals always return to the scene of the crime, right?! Well I do!!! I'm such a BBQ bitch, I had to come back twice to make sure I wasn't dreaming and that this place was actually in Woodstock. To be fair, I had lunch here then returned within 24 to have dinner. Each time, the place was packed. Seating seems to be on a first come first service basis and is pretty limited, so grab a table and walk up to the kitchen and place your order. I had the brisket both times so I could carefully sample the sauces which are amazing. I had fries and cole slaw with mine each time and true to the BBQ it was good. Kudos to this team for opening this up. Keep up the good work, see you soon.
(4)
Sean C.
We were out for a casual Sunday drive and found this hidden gem. All the things you come to expect from a Southern BBQ join, but well North of the MDL. A small but spot on draft beer selection, with many great bottled options. Charming and friendly staff adds to the Southern charm appeal. This was just our first of what is sure to be many more visits. Unlike what I read in another Yelp review, the Woodstock fries are not to be missed and the sides are something special.
(4)
Robert C.
First off GREAT place. Clean... sharp looking. Ordered and was WOWed on how good it was...hand cut fries, great bun and the beef and BBQ sauce was wonderful, then tried the baked beans, large portion and they were just as good as everything else. This place can only get better with a little more time for the staff to work together. I can't wait to go back again.
(4)
The Decide R.
Great BBQ..... Great craft beer selection..... What else could one want in life??? The only criticism I have is I'm not a fan of the ribs, they were dry the one time I had them. But their pulled pork and brisket is where it's at. Try the King Mac... pulled pork on top of mac'n'cheese and topped with crispy onion straws, you wont be disappointed.
(4)
Kathie C.
great BBQ & sides - very friendly staff and bartenders - great variety of beers and fun mixed drinks - overall home town awesomeness!! finally a place in Woodstock worth going to hang out, eat, have a drink and be comfortable.
(5)
Christine F.
Being from Texas, I know good BBQ. I LOVE this place! The meat is high quality and smoked like real barbecue should be. They have the full sports package and huge TVs, it's a great place to watch games. Their roasted potato salad is to die for also.
(5)
Alice H.
Best BBQ ever!
(5)
Rich W.
BBQ King is very delicious!! I have eaten at the smokehouse four times. Each time I have ordered the pulled pork sandwich. The pork is outstanding. Although, my last visit I was disappointed in the amount of pork they put on my sandwich. I am hoping it was a one time issue. Thursday is $7.00 pulled pork sandwich special.
(4)
Jake M.
The food here is great, had the pulled chicken sandwich. Just as good if not better than the texan
(5)
Jul H.
I've been here twice but had carry out each time, so I can't comment on table service. It is very busy, and a small space, so it is difficult to get a table. I recommend the pulled pork sandwich. The cole slaw is excellent and the fries are very good. I was disappointed in the macaroni and cheese, which was gluey, not creamy. Still, with the size of the pork sandwich, plus fries and coleslaw, I didn't need another side.
(4)
Brian P.
don't bother with that place in crystal lake. This place has better food, better atmosphere and a much better vibe. Save yourself the trip.
(5)
Charles S.
I dropped by for lunch and was not disappointed. I had the aptly named Pretzel Bomb - pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, on a pretzel bun. It was as good as I hoped. Service was quick and efficient, and prices are reasonable and on par with similar BBQ places. The beer menu is great without being overwhelming, full of local craft brews and seasonals. The sweet potato fries were very tasty too, but to gripe just a bit I don't see why they are $2 up-charge over regular fries; I still paid it without hesitation. I will come back here, and next time for ribs and cornbread.
(5)
Cory B.
This place took forever to open but I am glad it did. I had the pulled pork, it was awesome, didn't even need sauce which is the true test of bbq. I got to meet the owner, seemed like an O.K. guy and by the looks of him, he does plenty of taste testing! I wish I lived closer to Woodstock, since this is some of the best BBQ I have had in a while and I am glad they also offered some decent beer choices, not just miller lite.
(5)
Michelle B.
I cannot recommend this place enough! I am so glad they are finally open. Between my family and I, I think we tried all the meats. They were all amazing but I particularly loved the baby back ribs and the pulled pork. The portion sizes are exceptional as well. You will definitely not leave hungry. Typically the sides at a BBQ joint are the low point for me, but these were a pleasant surprise. The beans, coleslaw, fried potato salad and cornbread were all excellent. As a lover of craft beer, we were excited to see that they had some great bottles (a rare find in Woodstock). They have Lagunitas IPA, Little Sumpin Sumpin, Two Brothers Domain Dupage, Goose Island 312, and a few other staples like Sam Adams. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Larry B.
truly epic smoking of meat. great ribs and brisket. i prefer St Louis style ribs and they have them. nice sides as well. especially the BBQ beans which are awesome. nice selection of beer. I hope they will start doing turkey legs at some point that would just add to this mecca of Q.
(5)
Natasha M.
Good pulled chix sandwich on pretzel bun. Coleslaw was good. Not too saucy. three bbq sauces to pick from. Good variety of beer. No problem on service or food. Will go again.
(3)
Mark M.
This place is really good. Another reviewer mentioned that the meat didn't need sauce--- I agree, it was top notch. I like its small scale, friendly people, great brisket, outstanding BBQ nachos and that they decided to open this place just off the square adding to its charm. Great stuff- a nice addition to Woodstock's restaurant options.
(5)
David A.
This was good food and staff was very friendly. Prices are reasonable and I would definitely go back.
Everything is good here and it is priced very reasonable. Welcome to Woodstock!
(5)
John D.
Ordered Carry out. Food was horrible. 1/2 slab of Baby Back Ribs was really a 1/2 slab of burnt fat. Cole slaw is not made with lettuce!!!! Beans are from canned service foods. Texas Toast was two pieces of un-toasted white bread. $50.00 for an absolute disaster.
(1)
Joseph M.
Been a customer since they opened, wife and I have eaten there several times and have ordered take out a bunch of times. We both ordered sandwiches tonight, and when I ordered I asked as I always do can I substitute Beans in leu of Fries, the gal said yes no problem, well I paid my bill and while walking back to my set realized she charged me for the change $4 total. When she delivered our food I brought what I thought was an oversight up and she was dumb enough to tell me Beans cost more than Fries so they have to charge. Well why I was waiting to give my order I noticed they buy there beans from Bush as in Bush Baked Beans that every grocery store sells. She may be dumb enough to believe this but as a former cook I know she's lying, well this little issue has pissed me off and I will not be going there any time in the near future. I put up with there over priced drinks, but I will not put up with that type of nickel and dime Bullshit. We usually come in on Thursday night, a night which their dead, I hope she takes those left over beans and enjoys them.
(2)
Katherine K.
Great food at a reasonable price. Good place to go if you want to catch a football game.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Laura S.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. Not only is the food delicious, but the staff is great. Jason one of the owners always comes around and talks to patrons. He doesn't just ask how is the food, he makes you feel at home. I frequent the BBQ King with family and friends. It's a fun place to go for a drink, appetizers, or a full meal. The Woodstock fries are the best! The sliders are a great deal. The bar offers daily specials and a variety of beers. The BBQ King is a Woodstock staple and should not be missed.
(5)Layda C.
5 stars for the ribs - tons of meat, tender, amazing smoky flavor. Biggest ribs we've had. But they lose stars in the sides. Today was our 2nd visit in 6 days. We really loved those ribs! Sides we've tried: Mac n cheese (flavorless, tastes like it came from a box), cole slaw (overpowered by too much of a mayo/mustard dressing), corn muffins (flavorless,powdery dry) Good side: fries were crispy, buns on sandwiches are toasted and buttery - great Sauces were very good, add one that's hotter! Service was awesome - attentive, friendly, helpful. Suggestion to the restaurant - try some flexibility on the menu - could I get an extra side of meat? Of course I will pay extra, but don't force me to get an entire extra meal. We will be back for the ribs and the service!
(4)Mrs. S.
Sunday (February) between lunchtime and dinner time turned out to be perfect timing. Were able to park close by and there was almost no wait time for our food. Even so, we ended up at the bar because there are so few tables. The bartender took good care of us although we weren't drinking. We had fun watching some competitive skiing on the big screen TVs. My brisket cheesesteak was great. The nicely smoked meat was neither fatty nor dry. I was surprised to find I loved the cole slaw. It's in a creamy dressing with some unusual flavor- curry maybe?
(4)Dave S.
Like many, I found this place through Yelp. You usually can't go wrong with our communities recommendations and that was certainly true here. There are several BBQ joints within 30 minutes but in my humble opinion none come close. The place looks the part and that's a great start. The staff are friendly but not hovering. The prices are downright reasonable but the true star here is the meat. My wife and I had lunch and way over ordered to sample a bunch and have leftovers. So glad we did! The baby back ribs (got them dry rub and no sauce) were perfect. Amazing smoky crust and the meat still so tender it fell off the bone. Fanfreakingtastic! The sampler plate had tender juicy chicken, pulled pork that was flavorful and would make an awesome Sammy for those bread eating folks. It also had rock star quality brisket. My only wish is they were closer so it could be my weekly go to place. For now whenever I'm in the burbs and looking to get my BBQ fix on, you will find me here.
(5)Melissa S.
Okay I'm a Texan born and bred so I know something about barbecue and this place has chops. I don't mean pork chops but they have definitely got pulled pork, baby backs, sausage, brisket and more. Start out with the meat sampler so you can try it all as a teaser. Served on classic Texas toast. Awesome! Then go for the ribs - wow! I get them without the sauce (plenty of sauce in the table to dip) cause the sauce will disguise the quality of the meat and rub. And these baby's have a great rub and beautiful smoked bark. The cole slaw is in a mayo/mustard base (wish they had the classic Texas vinegar dressing instead) which has a good flavor. Baked beans are ridiculously tasty -they must have smoked bits of que in them to add so much depth of flavor. For drinks there is a full bar along with a large number of Illinois microbrews - great for those of us who live across the border ( no spotted cow here). Be prepared to order at the counter and find yourself a seat. There aren't too many of those in this slightly bigger than a hole in the wall joint but oh it's worth the wait. Decor is downright homey and welcoming along with the friendly staff. After you've pigged out take a walk around the square and browse the local shops. It's a beautiful setting for a day trip.
(5)Scott C.
Excellent Bar-B-Q and a great place to grab some food and a drink. I had the pork sandwich and it came with fries and slaw. Was very good. Tried all three of their sauces - couldn't pick among they were very good. It was a very busy Thursday night, very popular spot with the locals well worth the stop. We were seated at the bar
(5)Laurence K.
Well after a bit of confusion basically my fault for not reading the menu correctly We had a really delicious lunch The brisket sandwich was one of the best I've had and the pulled chicken sandwich was also excellent Sauce wise . The mild was very good nice flavor The spicy though lacked flavor and heat Maybe I had a bad batch The fries were good could of been hotter the Cole slaw was not very good Just tasted like mayo and cabbage They need to revisit the recipe all in all very good BBQ And I will def be back to try the ribs
(3)S T.
While passing through wood stock I wanted a drink and I found this BBQ place with a full bar. The place smelled smokey amazing when I walked in and I knew I would be getting carry out after my drink. The place is pretty nice with the high ceilings and lots of wood. There is flat screens at the bar with various sports playing. Mood lighting under the bar was cool. The young woman who was working the bar, one arm full of tats was on the ball and give great service. The place has seating for eating and a great bar on the other side. The bar has great beers on tap and not bud or miller. I asked her to give me your most popular tap and I don't remember what it was but it was premium beer. See my pictures I ordered the full slab of St. Louis to share if they ended up being good. The full slab comes with beans, slaw, corn bread, slice of bread and sauce on the side. BBQ sauce is a personal thing from every BBQ place and I didn't like them as with most places. The ribs looked great and meaty when I opened them up. The ribs had great flavor and that nice pink smoke ring. The bones pulled clean off the meat, see my pictures. The ribs were very meaty, moist and tender. The ribs stand on there own and don't need the sauce because they were freaking delicious and put other places to shame. The rub is tasty and almost looks like a moist glaze but it's not BBQ sauce. Hours later as left overs they still impress with no reheating and still amazing. The beans were very good with a meaty flavor because there is meat in them and not sweet like some places. The slaw had a Hellmans mayo flavor that I liked. I have no opinion on the corn bread because I don't care for it. Overall this place has some very good BBQ and it's a shame that it's so far away because I would make it my go to place.
(5)Christa C.
We love BBQ King! The rib special on Friday is always delicious, but my personal favorite is the philly cheesesteak made with rib meat :) The papers and cheese are the perfect topping for this yummy and HUGE sandwich! We never go away hungry and its a great place to either eat in or take out. The staff is fast and courteous, always making sure each meal is perfectly hot and delicious. Definitely a place you want to check out!!
(5)Richard W.
I've had a lot of BBQ, and this was absolutely the best I've had in Illinois! We got the 4 1/2 pound sampler, everything was fantastic. Even their sauce was outstanding. The food is great, for customer service, employees are friendly but you are on your own. Finding a seat can be a problem if they are busy or you have a larger group, but I think it is worth the wait and working through seating. You have to order your food at the counter, so don't wait at your table. If it is your first time visiting, don't be afraid to ask someone what you're supposed to be doing!
(5)Karen G.
Great barb b question done right. Nice selection. Attentive staff. What more could you want? I had the baby back ribs and they were pretty tender. Love their barb b q sauce. Came on a busy Saturday evening but didn't wait long at all.
(5)Monica T.
This place really lives up to its name. My favorite has been the ribs but nothing on the menu has disappointed me. Service isn't always the fastest but the food is always delicious. When you go order the sauce not on the menu: Carolina Mustard.
(5)Carrie Z.
I found this spot thanks to Yelp reviews. It lives up to the hype. Been here twice now on Consecutive Sunday afternoons, and I will stop again next time I'm in town for a meal. Brisket, sausage, ribs, pulled pork, fries and macaroni are all tasty. I'd order them all again without hesitation. The portions are large and easy to split, just ask. There were 4 people during the 1st visit, 5 during the 2nd. All orders were served correctly on the first try. We had macaroni both visits and it was seasoned differently both times, indicating it's home made. I liked both versions. Hard to describe the difference though. Both were TexMex-ish. One tasted more like nacho cheese mac. The other was not a seasoning I recognized, but liked. Cumin? My kids preferred the nacho cheese version, but ate both. The only thing I'd like changed is that coleslaw and bread come automatically with several dishes, and no one in my family ears either. I'd prefer to avoid the waste and pay $1 less. Plenty of food without them for most adults.
(4)Jeremy S.
Woodstock is in serious need of a decent barbecue place. Unfortunately, this is not it. The brisket that is served has a huge layer of fat on it. The nachos come out soggy and disgusting. The barbecue sauce is lacking in flavor. The beans are merely Bush baked beans with a little pepper added. The beer selection is seriously lacking. The only beer you'll ever see on special is Miller light. The coleslaw is merely diced cabbage, lacking in texture and taste. It is a cute little restaurant, but the attitude from the employees here leaves a lot to be desired. Do not expect any service. If you need something, you have to get up and ask for it. If you want good barbecue, good service and a good experience, I suggest you forego this place and go eat in Algonquin or McHenry, as the places there offer food that is 100 times better than BBQ "King" and a good selection of beers without the attitude.
(1)C K.
Do not order the burnt ends. They are disgusting and 99% fat. They deep fry them which makes them even worse. I felt like I would have a heart attack. The coleslaw has a ton of mustard and I wouldn't order that either. The Mac and cheese however was very tasty. I will go another time and try other things but do yourself a favor and avoid the burnt ends and coleslaw
(2)Melanie M.
Yummy. Mixing sauces is the way to go. They were out of the jalapeño cornbread (*sad sigh*) so we tried the regular instead. NOT upset we couldn't try the jalapeño one. Chicken was tender. But my favorite was the buttery toasted goodness they called a bun. Coleslaw was so-so. Chatty cashier girl. Surprisingly clean bathroom. My dining partner had the pork sandwich and would like to add it was juicy, tender, flavorful and delicious. Three thumbs up!
(5)Kathleen L.
Stopped in last Sunday night with the family and I ordered the brisket...it came to me an unappealing shade of gray, very dry and tough. And sure enough I got sick later that night. I only ate one slice before I listened to my gut and stopped eating. I was very surprised as we've never had any issues. Ribs are the best there, they're phenomenal! Im not sure what went wrong with the brisket but its very disconcerting. You won't go wrong with the ribs, mac and cheese, and beans. Friendly staff and excellent bartender!
(3)Juan J R.
I've heard great things about this place so I decided to try it, was really disappointed with the ribs & rib tips the outside meat was tuff & the BBQ sauce was OK the side items were awesome!!! Especially the BBQ Beans BUT the coleslaw was terrible, really BAD TRUST me that was top five worst coleslaw ever. Pit Rib House in Hickory Hills beats this place by far, sorry Woodstock I understand this place is the Pride of the square
(2)Bonnie B.
Great food, great service! It is a bit noisy as there are high ceilings and you should keep in mind it is a bar atmosphere where the dining area is. When you arrive, you place your order in the back and they bring it out to you. It is decorated cute and the wait staff is very attentive. We had the baby back ribs. The meat was fall off the bone and had a fantastic smokey flavor. The baked beans were great and cole slaw was good too. We'll be back!
(5)K B.
Great Brisket & BBQ sandwiches! Small and cozy atmosphere, usually just eat at the bar. The last time I was there they had a special on Moscow mules - so good
(4)Raeni 3.
I like this place! It may be small and quaint , but has very friendly, courteous service, the meat is moist and very tasty. Very good size portions, I never leave hungry. I have tried Porkies and had a much better experience here, Porkies was just, alright. I hope the bikers at Harley stop in and give this place a try also. An outdoor patio would be awesome in the summer!
(4)Karl J.
I recommend going with a group and plan on eating family style because everything is good. Sides - I recommend the Mac & Cheese and the Beans. Cornbread pulls a close 3rd Entree - Get as much meat as you can! Pulled pork is a must. The sausage is underrated as well. It's a great place to watch and there's no better place to get BBQ in McHenry County.
(5)Margaret R.
My husband and I frequent BBQ King. We recommend it to our friends. We order to go when we have company at our home. I am reading the reviews today and I am befuddled...I love the coleslaw!!! It is has a hint of vinegar and has a great texture. There is an order window. Order there, and someone will bring out your food. If you need anything else, get up and get it. The fried potato salad is unlike anything you have ever eaten. Might clog the arteries, but I am dying happy! The BBQ is the icing on this cake! Delicious! Don't change a thing!
(5)Greg H.
This is a wonderful roadside stop for lunch or dinner. Had pulled pork sandwich with fries n slaw my partner had the two by two combo meat was done to perfection sides were delicious and very well balanced with the meat. Highly recommend!
(5)Steve N.
Awesome BBQ. The brisket is tender and juicy. No sauce required. Love their sweet potato fries too!
(5)Danielle D.
By far the best BBQ in the area! Prices are reasonable and the food is delicious! We go there often and always have a great experience. Everyone that works there is very nice and they take good care of you.
(5)Trixie D.
I'm glad I gave this place another chance - the food is excellent! I had a pulled pork sandwich with fries, slaw, and cheesy mac. The pulled pork was perfectly juicy, tender. And great flavor: no sauce needed, the true test of good BBQ. Both the slaw and mac had a tangy-ness that I couldn't put my finger on, but really liked. I'm not a big slaw fan so I was surprised I liked it. They had a pretty good selection of beer too. I'd definitely suggest checking this place out!
(4)Amy W.
Decent barbecue, but really disliked their coleslaw...think it's a matter of preference, but I like mild coleslaw; I can taste an intense amount of vinegar in this version and I can't stand coleslaw that has any acidic base to it. If you like vinegar in coleslaw, you'll love King's! The barbecue was very good, as were the fries...but overall, I'm in love with Porkie's. I think this is a great place for barbecue nevertheless and would definitely recommend to anyone looking while Porkie's is under construction. Would for sure come back in the future.
(4)Ernie H.
I ordered a Beef Brisket Sandwich on a bun, and it came with fries, coleslaw and a pickle slice. The BBQ sauce was on the side. The beef brisket was ~6 - 1/4" thick slices on the bun and had a nice smokey taste. The fries were just your typical, nothing special. The coleslaw was slightly creamy, but bitter tasting and not very good! I had containers of all three of their BBQ sauces on the side. None of them were all that special, but all three were each a different style. Since I asked for sliced brisket instead of the standard chopped brisket, there was a $1.00 up-charge. The really big turn off was the $13.38 price for a sandwich and fries! Even if the price was less, it was not good enough to return. I'll keep going to The Texan BBQ in Algonquin!
(2)Tom I.
Honestly, there are not many good things I can say about my BBQ King experience. They day I went was incredibly busy, so they must be doing something right. I have had ribs at dozens of restaurants, and I can say with certainty that these were the most disappointing. They were not inedible, but at $27 a slab I had high expectations. Compared to the other ribs in the county, these are easily the worst. If you are going for ribs, stick to The Texan, which is not only better, but is also $7 cheaper a slab. With the exception of the beans, the sides were terrible, and none of the sauces were good.
(2)Lance N.
The food was so awesome. Upon walking in it is very clean and well decorated. You order your food towards the back and sit down and they bring it out to you. A pop came with the food so I just bought a shot of rum to add to it. My brother and I tried a lot of food there. Everything was tasteful and delicious. Our eyes were bigger than our stomach for sure.
(5)Charlie N.
I LOOOOVVEEE this place!!! and I LOVE food. I am a foodie in denial. I just enjoy eating. I have been to BBQ all over the country, and HONESTLY the smoked chicken here is to die for, (PS get the the beans and potato salad, AMAZING) In fact worth the drive from the city to Woodstock in you are visiting Chicago. Also, you can't beat an awesome selection of craft beers to accompany your BBQ!!! Definitely recommended!!
(5)Laura K.
I love how Jason reply's to any negative comment someone adds with attitude just like the rest of his staff has. Seeing as I received notification Sunday at almost 10 pm that with your phone number you left me I did not think it was best to call so late at night. Then came Monday and between working and you know the Blackhawks playing for the Stanley Cup I thought it would be best to call on Tuesday. But you didn't give me time to do that. What one person thinks is attitude might just be ones personality. So the fact that you had someone working your register (again that was the older lady with short hair) who wasn't pleasant and willing to listen to my complaint about the food is what set everything off. You failed to even respond to anything about the food that your establishment provided because as you can see from the pictures I provided it was NOT what it should have been. Also I there was no need to mention anything about a refund of 2 free meals because that did not happen. I asked for my money back MINUS an order of chicken fingers and fries. What I got back was money for the BBQ Burger only. It is not my fault the register lady did not charge me for the chicken fingers like I said.I still paid $16.95 for my 2x2 of chicken and $4.99 for chicken fingers and fries. Please go back and review one of your 16 cameras you have available and get your story straight.
(1)Lawrence Z.
I've been here for lunch a handful of times prior to writing this review. My first experience was pretty good. I wasn't sure what to do when I got there, but once my eyes adjusted to the lighting, I realized you had to seat yourself...(no big deal). I went with a friend who loves BBQ and he really loved it. The BBQ is GREAT! I wish they had more options for the sauce, but what they do have is very (VERY) good! Their cole slaw....OMG! Let me tell you about their cole slaw. First, I don't even like cole slaw to begin with, but I will COME HERE AND JUST ORDER THEIR SLAW! I'm not 100% sure of what's in it, but I think God had a hand in it! If I could just review this stuff, it would have gotten 7 out of 5 stars...which is IM-possible. Still, that rating stands! When I go, I always order extra...so if YOU go and there isn't anymore, it's my fault! ...next time, get there early! The staff seems nice and I liked the fact the owners mother works there. Anyone who will hire his mama to work in his restaurant is O.K. with me. Hmm...maybe it was her recipe for the slaw????
(4)Alfasha Z.
Best kept secret in Woodstock (and maybe not so secretive anymore!) I only heard of this place a few months ago from my friend and am glad I remembered it for dinner today with the hubby. Try these: 1. The chicken wings - smoked and super juicy. We did ours with the buffalo sauce, could almost eat it without any sauce. It's simply ridonkeylous. Don't shy away from the wings even if you're here for the ribs and brisket. The next time we come here I'm definitely trying their chicken 2. The baked beans - ahhhh-maaaa-ziiinnnnggg!!! It's got this smokey taste, isn't too sweet and has some sort of meat in it that makes the taste even better. Get this as your side 3. The beef brisket - I got the sliced kind and the meat was so, so tender and moist and is very, very juicy. Add the Carolina gold sauce on this and you're set 4. The ribs - 7.5/10 5. The fried potato salad - like, what?! Whoever came up with this should get a medal for coming up with this 6. Mac & cheese - has a smoky taste to it, very cheesy Seriously, come out here. We know we will for the chicken!
(5)Cameron B.
The food was poor and the atmosphere decent at best. Not very expensive but still not worth the price.
(2)Ben C.
4.5 stars. BBQ king makes some great food. The pretzel bomb & brisket cheese steak sandwiches are always good. The ribs... Awesome. Sliced brisket... Awesome. The wings, especially the garlic parm are great. Take out is always quick. I have only eaten inside a couple times, they have a solid beer selection on tap. The only things I believe they could improve on would their cornbread and getting some desserts. Peach cobbler or banana cream pudding, please! All in all, this is easily the best BBQ in McHenry county.
(5)John B.
The "go-to" place for BBQ in the Northwest Suburbs! My wife and I went back again this past Sunday to satisfy our impromptu "need our BBQ fix" moment--they did not disappoint--again! We were greeted at the counter by I believe it was Jason's mother-in-law, a super-friendly lady! We ordered the same thing as before. He added just a smidge (a culinary term) of finishing salt atop the meat just before bringing it to the table--WooHoo! Great Job Jason! Keep up the great work! We'll be back again, and again, and again... Happy Eating! --Chef JB
(5)Mitch Y.
One of the best BBQ spots in the Chicago area! We had pulled pork sandwich (juicy, tender with fluffy, buttery buns) that came with fries (crispy and good) and coleslaw (so so). We also had a side of mac and cheese (more liquid than expected, but delicious. Get large) and corn bread (light and fluffy). We will definitely go back!
(5)Amy W.
Tonight we dropped in for a light dinner and enjoyed the meat madness appetizer. This gives the diner a chance to taste 5 meats: chicken (moist and tender), pork (very nice), brisket (only okay tonight), sausage (spicy and served sliced thin and lightly fried), and rib tips (outstanding-smokey and juicy). There are three sauces on the table: suey (spicy in a black pepper way), Carolina (a vinegar sauce), and original (sweet). The sauces here are only okay by my standards, but since the meat is so good that's not a problem. We tried the baked beans, which are smokey and sweet and contain ground meat (definitely not vegan!). The atmosphere is that of a small intimate bar. They have closely spaced tables that are all close to the bar and four T.V.s each tuned to a different channel (including DIY and Food Network- not all sports). We would return for ribs for sure.
(4)Mel V.
The only reason it didn't get the last star is because this place has City Prices for this area & a Very small dining area. Now to the food .... Fabulous is all I can say! There is not one item I can complain about, every item is Delish & tasty!!! The pretzel bomb is to die for! A must try if in the Woodstock area.
(4)Joe T.
Was looking for local places to try out and found this. Wait time to order seemed like it took way longer to probably should have, they definitely need to streamline their process and not have the same person at the register also serving and prepping orders. Prices were a bit high, nearly $50 for 3 people. Other than that, my pretzel bomb was really good. The burger and cobb salad my siblings had looked good too. Was stuffed so the higher price is worth it on occasion.
(4)Korina S.
I was so excited to find this place on Yelp. It reminded me of BBQ places in Tennessee. I had the pulled pork and it was delicious! The meat was so tender and tasty. The bun was slightly grilled. I like that the sauce is on the side so you are able to squeeze on as much as you wish. My family loved every bite. We will definitely be back.
(5)Herbert H.
Very good food, friendly staff and promptly ready. Nice location on the backside of Woodstock Square. It was easy to park only a few steps away. This is my third time eating here since my son introduced it to me about a month ago. Met the owner too, very friendly and enthusiastic about his craft. Uses Shun knives, which are awesome. Royfill
(5)Doc L.
Staff is awesome and friendly. We eat here often & the beer selection is very good. From time to time an over smoked dry meal but otherwise I would give it a 5. Jason the owner could mingle with the regulars a bit more but when he does very informative on the art of smoking and brew.
(4)Chris W.
So I wanted to take the wife somewhere for BBQ. Looked on Yelp and almost did not come here. But my gut was telling me to try this place. Thank god I did!!!!!!! The food was juicy, hot and flavorful. The staff was friendly, and the place was extremely tidy and clean. I even met the owner and seemed like a nice guy, and thanked us for coming in. We spent $42 with tip and I would have paid double that. I had the Pig out with Pork, chicken, and sausage and for sides potato salad, fries, and beans. When speaking with the owner I stated I love spicy sauce and wished theirs was hotter. He let me take home some of their Habanero Pineapple sauce and it was crazy good. Bravo to this place....I am defiantly coming back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)James O.
I have noticed that I am telling too many people about this place, I am starting see friends and family there more than I am, since first visiting over a year ago we go at least twice a month to once a week, ok we have been there more than once a week before, it's so good! I think I might have to go today. But really when I can get BBQ in the best of flavor, sauces, and portion it's hard not to go often. I like too that when we go kids drinks and mine are remembered and nearly to us before we are seated, that means a lot and goes a long way, thank you
(5)Amanda G.
Meat was great bar was great bartender awesome. Lacking. Was service. And coleslaw and how we were handled . With the awful side dish we paid 225 for. Here is what we ordred sliders. Slaw. And a pork sandwich. Side cornbread . We wanted 2 sandwich but sub fries for corn bread they wanted to charge 2.00 up charge to change french fries for bread what a scam. The bread as a side was 225. So u loose the fries and have to pay for the side anyway. They are a scamming place . Good Meat Bartender Bar Bad Service Policies Scamming
(3)Melissa B.
Best BBQ place in McHenry county by far!!! You have to stop by and try all the great food and craft beers. The pretzel bomb sandwich is the BOMB! Brisket is so good too. They also cater.
(5)ally a.
Super adorable atmosphere! Got carryout, yummy food! Prices are reasonable 2 sandwiches with fries & Cole slaw $26.16. Cole slaw was missing vinegar, salt & pepper, but overall a fulfilling meal. Hope to go back in the spring time to eat in and walk around town!
(4)Karli C.
READ ME! ~~Service~~I have to say that every employee I encountered was just sweet as pie. They were so nice and the girl working the food counter was so attentive and hard working. It was so refreshing to see. ~~FOOD~~I have been told by so many people "You have to go to BBQ KING!!!". So on I went with my Fiance to get some yummy BBQ. My Fiance ordered the sandwich with mac and cheese on it. It did taste good, but the mac and cheese on it was very dry and had little flavor. Like it had been sitting out for a long time. There was a lot of meat on the sandwich which was flavorful and juicy. The fries seemed fresh and homemade, but lacked flavor and salt. The meal came with a drink that was "serve yourself" style, so yay to free refills! He loved the Carolina Mustard Sauce and the Original BBQ Sauce they had. However, he couldn't justify spending the amount of money he did on the meal because of the few things he disliked. He also got a bloody mary, but was slightly disappointed as it was a store bought mix served from a fully stocked bar..... I ordered the Brisket, which was super super dry. I did add some of the sauce they provide on the table, which helped a little with the dryness. I suggest getting a side of more pickles to put on it. My favorite was the Mustard sauce, it was sweet and slightly vinegary, which I love with my BBQ. I was so excited that it came with a side of coleslaw, but I was disappointed that they gave very little and it had no flavor. It was a bit like they might just throw mayo on shredded, watery cabbage and place it with your meal. I looooove coleslaw with my BBQ, it's a necessity, so that was a BIG deal to me. If they could add a little sweetness, thickness and creaminess to it, it would make a big difference. DO IT!! haha. I, unlike my fiance, did enjoy the fries, because of how fresh and crisp they were, but I do agree, they need some salt. I just dipped them in BBQ sauce and I was happy with that. All in all, the service is 5 stars. We weren't as happy with the food as we thought we would be, but we're still going to come back to give the ribs a chance. If it weren't for the excellent service, we might not have decided that, but we think that counts for something =)
(4)Paul B.
Cool scene. Great place for a casual business meeting or catching up with friends. The pulled pork was awesome. They deliver and catered a business lunch for us once --- loved by all! I'd happily go back.
(3)Amy L.
My husband and I decided to try BBQ King because we wanted to find a good bbq restaurant. When I walked in, I noticed how clean and welcoming the restaurant was. The staff is super friendly and constantly check on you to make sure you are enjoying your food and having a good experience. I got the pulled chicken, sweet potato fries, and slaw. The pulled chicken was nice big chunks of chicken, not shredded and mushy like many other places. The sauces were perfect. When we were leaving, the owner came over and asked us how we were enjoying our food. You don't get this kind or personal treatment at larger chain restaurants. We will be back not only because of the delicious food, but because of the genuine care that the staff provides. They make you feel welcome and important. This place is 5 stars in my book.
(5)Javier H.
Man I always wanted to come here and finally had the chance, great service and there food is amazing and they are really the "BBQ king" small space inside but its alright quick service, by the time I filled my drink and sat down the lady was right behind me with my food. Its a good place to come with like 3 or 4 friends since its tight inside unless your going to hit the bar then there's a bit more room....but I'll ferrsure be going back soon!
(5)Dan P.
Great smoked brisket and the pulled porks no slouch. Nice little place that reminds me of a little place in Nashville. Good place and I will be back.
(4)Chris S.
Have heard this place is the best for BBQ in the area so we had to try it. The food was really good, sides were even excellent, LOVE the fried potato salad! The only mistake we made was going the night of a Blackhawks Stanley Cup game. Very little seating and felt like we were rushed out the door, but the place has to keep the line moving to make it I am sure. We will be back, just on a slower night.
(4)Tara P.
Not much of a BBQ fan until I had BBQ king, now I crave their pulled pork sandwiches, absolutely fantastic! Highly recommend!
(5)Jason G.
The BBQ is pretty good. There aren't many places to sit and the owner is the biggest arrogant ass ever...doesn't seem to care too much about the customers. I mean smile once, please, we are PAYING customers. I'd much rather spend my money where it is appreciated.
(2)Karen R.
Yum! Love their pulled pork sandwiches and love the peppery-tasting coleslaw! The Pretzel Bomb is good but too much for me (pulled pork sandwich topped with Mac 'n' Cheese). Took a star away for the female bartender who (Oct. 2014) offered my friend and I to taste a beer before buying it, but expected us to try it out of the same cup (um, no) and was snippy about it. Separate tasting cups, please. As well, others I know have also been given a difficult time by this same person. Love the food, but it's too crowded for dining in so we just do takeout now.
(4)Aletta J.
Did takeout yesterday. Yes, it was busy at 1:30 on a Sunday and our two orders too 22 mins. They had one person taking and delivering orders. She warned me it could take up to 30 mins for our take out order (call ahead!!). I requested no bread (gluten free not by choice), but got two slices anyway. Ordered the pork w/ potato salad and cole slaw and another order of brisket w/ mac/cheese and cole slaw. The cole slaw was tasty, but lacking salt. The rest was delicious and most of my brisket was the fatty nubbins which the dog devoured. The portion size of meat was ok - not huge - but the price for two dinners was 32 bucks including soda. Environment was good (not too loud) and the "jane" was clean, but out of hand towels. I alerted the cashier but figured she was too busy. I know they're working out kinks since they're a few years old. but I would suggest: 1. Pre-packaged towelettes for the take out folks. We were house hunting in our car and this would have been terrific. No napkins came with the takeout. Have them readily available. 2. Wrap your silver prior to serving so it all goes on the plate or keep wrapped silverware on the tables in an old six pack (xtra sauce, ketchup, mustard, and silver -- check out Elgin Public House for reference) 3. It was a bit understaffed and the staff seemed very overwhelmed. One lady stood for 7 mins waiting to give her order while the cashier delivered. 4. Stop the styrofoam containers and go green with your cups and take out items. Lastly, even if you're busy, SMILE! Good luck to you in Woodstock!
(3)Chad R.
this place is super close so i go there more than i should ( right behind the apartment) the meats usually prety great. but on occasion the chicken sandwich has bones, and the brisket can get pretty dry. so as far as what they are mainly selling thats pretty decent. but the sides are sad. pretty flavorless. but the main problem with this place is they are ALWAYS running out of things on the menu... i have even called in an order , everythings great untill i go to pay.. and they inform me that they are out of fries? who runs out of fries?! and i look around and everyone in the place has fries in their baskets.. so why was my order that i called ahead for missing its fries?! the manager came and asked me if id like sweet potato fries instead (which arent very good at all) i told him no thats cool just take off the side of fries he goes to the register to take off the side of fries i ordered with my sandwitch which already comes with fries. so i sign the receipt thinking id atleast get my fries with my sandwich ya know.. nope just a plain ol' chicken sanwich in the styrofoam box that i paid a whole $10.65 for.
(2)DeeAnne L.
I'm not a huge fan of BBQ, but this place is fantastic!!!! The BBQ chicken nachos (don't remember what they're called) those are my favorite. The woodstock fries are delicious too!!
(4)Jeff S.
Thoroughly under-impressed after a visit here yesterday, the overall taste of the food was just a big letdown :( All of the signs pointed to an excellent BBQ experience from the moment we parked down the corner. I could already smell the smoke from a block away, and the interior is well decorated to look like a traditional southern BBQ shack with a nicely stocked bar. The beer list is beyond excellent, covering Chicago breweries like Revolution and 5 Rabbit. The chalkboard menu was complete with all the expected fare, everything was adding up. We opted for their March special meat platter which had about 10 oz of chicken, pulled pork, chopped brisket, sausage, and rib tips. On the table were their three BBQ sauces: regular, one called 'Sooey', and a Carolina Gold. Note that the latter was a Northern Carolina vinegar-based sauce and not the southern-style mustard base. We also added mac-n-cheese and BBQ beans for sides. We asked about their chili and it didn't come with any meat in it (what, no chopped brisket in the chili?). The food arrived in a few minutes and all looked pretty good. The brisket was pretty heavy on the fat, but the pulled pork looked really good; a proper mix of smoked, burnt ends and red/pink inside. And this is where it all went south, and not in the way I hoped. The flavor of all the meat was just 'meh' and all the meats managed to walk this strange line of moist yet dry. The meat was not dry in texture, especially the chicken as it was nearly dripping, but everything just 'tasted' dry. The sausage had a hint of spicy bite to it, but was a bit rubbery to be honest. The pork was our least favorite, dry and completely void of a smoky flavor (even though the entire place was permeated with that smoke aroma). The chicken was actually the best, as it tasted the least flat. The two small rib tips we got were mostly bone and cartilage so I was only able to get a few bites of actual meat from them. Hard to say but I wouldn't mind trying the dry rub ribs at some point just to see if they are any better. And the BBQ sauces were all just odd. Flavors that I couldn't place and not falling into the spicy, sweet, or smoky ranges. They did add some flavor to the various meats but I couldn't really find a favorite. To top it off the two sides were no better. The mac-n-cheese was the most bland I've ever had. Just elbow macaroni mixed in what appeared to be Velveeta; yuck. No spices, no bread crumbs, nothing else that I could determine. The BBQ beans were average, but were mixed with a ground meat that tasted like breakfast sausage to me and really offset the flavor in a displeasing way. That being said the rest of the experience was alright and based on how busy they were even at 2PM I'm sure they will do fine. The food was certainly edible and if I lived nearby I'd probably visit on occasion, but for our occasional trips just to get BBQ I'll spend the 45 minutes driving to into the city for Smoque BBQ any day of the week.
(2)Suzan K.
Great bbq. Ribs were tasty, chicken was a bit dry. The fries and sweet potato fries were good but nothing special. Had the nachos with beef brisket and it was great. The brisket was good and there was a good amount of it. Couldn't finish everything. Small restaurant but very friendly staff.
(4)Lauralyn T.
First timer, and I'd give 5 stars for the food. However, 2 of us got our food, and were nearly finished before the other 3 in our party got their entrees, despite their order being placed before ours. This happened at an adjoining table too. Find it odd that a BBQ place wouldn't have towelettes to clean off fingers.
(4)Ryan S.
In one of my previous lives, I was a vagabonding black bluesman from the dirty, dirty South who knew a thing or two about some Que. Now, as a pasty-skinned white man from the North, that inherited trait of sniffing out some good BBQ still clings to my DNA like sauce on fingertips and you're just going to have to take my word that I am who I say I was when I tell you about BBQ King ... and all I have to say is: this joint IS THE REAL DEAL, folks! I think the best way to gauge BBQ is by delving into a restaurant's brisket. And I tried it first. But, 'tried' is really not the word for it. I devoured the chopped brisket; savoring each and every delicious bite as best I could in mere minutes. Smoky, tender, juicy, fatty (but by no means blubbery), gelatinous, and teeth-bouncing-fibrous-little-tubes-and-chucks of marvelous meat danced on my taste buds like embers above a campfire. The meat was absolutely smoked to perfection -- not too smoky, not too woody and not too overpowering -- but just right, like when Buddy Guy hits the high notes on his polka dot Stratocaster or when Sunnyland Slim would tickle the ivory on the piano. To share the limelight, BBQ King's original sauce (a sweet tanginess) marries the meat flawlessly; cutting the richness to precision. It got my toes a-tapping. Can you hear the 12-bar scheme in C yet? I remember thinking after the first bite that I would be putting BBQ King in the company of some of my favorite smoke shacks. Places like: Smoke Daddy (Chicago), Smoque (Chicago), Twin Anchors (Chicago - try the ribs!), Lazy Dog (Boulder, Colorado), and Butts on the Creek (Maggie Valley, North Carolina). And BBQ King, does, in fact, belong in said company. I tried the pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw and their fries as well, and it was all good too. But the brisket is where it's at. It's top notch. What B.B. King is to The Blues, BBQ King is to the 'burbs ... *blues music: I gotta tell you friends / Here's what you gotta do / If you got that hankering for something tasty / Make your way over to King's for the best Goddamn barbeque *
(4)Brett W.
Best barbeque that I've had outside of Kansas City or Texas. The brisket, pulled pork and ribs are outstanding. Great sauce selection too.
(5)Jeremy R.
St Louis Ribs were spectacular, as we're the slaw and beans. Add to it, the friendliest staff and you get a banner meal. They smoked it and we came!
(5)Ken M.
Best BBQ around! The nachos with the pork are awesome. The sliders melt in your mouth. Great atmosphere, small inside but friendly. Great rotating selection of beers .
(5)Derek L.
This place is fantastic. Pork chicken or brisket. Great sauces too. You want a Bloody Mary that drinks like a meal, it's here. Complete with bbq ribs.
(5)John S.
Outstanding local BBQ restraunt Sunday special half chicken with two yummy sides of your choice. Off the square location with great service and comfortable feel. Would not have found without Yelp. Check it out if you like BBQ
(5)Brian F.
Great BBQ and friendly staff. Right off the square in Woodstock and well worth making your lunch spot. Soooo good.
(5)John M.
We ordered the Meat Madness Platter and the Mac and Cheese and split it between two people. It was awesome!
(5)Paul L.
Officially my favorite BBQ place anywhere. We live in Chicago and were out here getting a Christmas tree. I had the brisket philly sandwich and my friend the pulled pork. Awesome brisket and pork... Tender and flavorful. The fries are among the best..every single one crispy but not burnt. Even the buns are perfect for BBQ: soft and a bit chewy so the bread doesn't overpower the BBQ, but sturdy so it never fell apart while eating the sandwich. The coleslaw is probably the only thing I wasn't in love with, but it's not bad. It's a creamy coleslaw (personally prefer vinegar), with a mild mustard flavor. All around amazing meal. We would drive back from the city to go here.
(5)J M.
Lived in woodstock for 11 years. Hated the lack of quality bbq... AwwwweeeeweBBQ King. Very good. I was so happy to find you. I want to go back everyday, but that cant happen. Excellent food, excellent bar... Great bbq and amazing drinks in this tiny little place. Get the deluxe bloody mary with spare ribs attached as garnish , or an amazing draft choice in beer. I would live here if i could... Summary: Dining in is difficult (small), amazing food, beer and bloody mary fans be careful... Also wish they had servers take the order..
(5)Brian F.
Simply awful. Probably the worst BBQ I've ever had the misfortune of tasting. Flavorless garbage without any sauce to improve the sorry bland excuse of a meal. I'm fairly confident that these other reviews are written by the employees after they were bribed to lie about the quality of their establishment. The staff was curt and never once offered to refill our beverages or see if we needed anything. They took my food, without asking, when I went to the bathroom even though I wasn't finished. You couldn't pay me to return to this dump
(1)Nathan S.
Great atmosphere with a cool bar, playing live music while I gobble up some great authentic BBQ.
(5)Sylvia R.
Well done to the owner of this establishment- Woodstock is in SORE need of a great restaurant and this one hits the nail on the head! Though small, it's tastefully decorated, and the staff couldn't be friendlier. A man working there was nice enough to explain to us upon walking in exactly how to order. The BBQ is AMAZING- melt in your mouth delicious- the chicken, ribs, and pulled pork were gone in seconds, we loved it. We will definitely be back- this place is great, and I hope to see it here for years to come!
(5)Wendy D.
We've eaten there twice, probably won't return again. The owner really comes off as a jerk! The employees all looked very unhappy and it felt like we had walked in after they've had a big blow up. It was uncomfortable! The owner had plenty of chances to act friendly, possibly ask how our meal was, do something to show clients he was happy they were there and wants them to come back. Such as shame because the place is really charming, well decorated. I watched someone try to carry out their catering order and the whole thing was very unprofessional. Not boxed or bagged, the lady carried 4 dozen or more buns flopping around falling out of her arms. The meat in the foil container wasn't sealed. The staff didn't look like they had the order together and ready to go for the client. As far as our food, it's just average. I make better bbq at home using Cooks Illustrated recipes and direction's. The pulled pork was not pulled, it was a small chunk that didn't fit the bread. Half of the meat on every sandwich is crispy/burned bits and the rest is fine. Too much bread to meat ratio. I needed to add sauce bite for bite in order to tolerate the dryness. The first time we got the brisket with cheese and peppers it was good. The second time we got it you couldn't see the peppers or taste the cheese..........it really was just a plop of brisket on bread. The coleslaw has way too much mustard and is really not good at all. I don't understand why it isn't put into it's own container. It's just plopped on your plate running into your fries and sandwich. The fries aren't anything special. They were limp the second time we ate there. Maybe the owner should stay home and let the pleasant girl behind the register run the place, she seemed like the only person there that cared. Everyone else ignores you.
(2)Scott A.
Very nice environment. Colorful and friendly. The staff always seems happy. Lots of TV screens to watch. I've ordered the barbecue beef and found it tasty and good quality every time. The french fries are also very good. It's not a complaint against them because tastes are individual, but I don't like the cole slaw.
(4)Nikki Z.
Second time we ate here. We didn't have a bad experience the first time, but felt that there could be a little improvement. We decided to give it another try. I had the brisket sandwich, my husband had the wings. We ordered it to go, as it was really busy (Friday night) and there was no place to sit. We didn't mind taking it to go. My husband said the wings were okay. But did not like any of the sauces that he asked for. I am really disappointed borderline upset about my order. When I removed the top of my bun to pour a little suey sauce on, all that was there were 3 hunks of charred dry meat. I removed the hunks and tried to shred it myself; the meat was so tough that I had to use force to do it. After all that, I took one bite, and was done. It was so dry that all the sauce in the world could not save this sandwich. We decided that it wasn't worth coming back again. However, I gave it 3 stars because the staff was friendly, food was hot, and it does have the potential to be a place to maybe have a beer and a snack.
(3)Mitch L.
Great food, fun time, good service. And the folks are awesome. Atmosphere at its finest.
(5)Scooby O.
The place has finally opened! Overall I thought the food was good. I've had better BBQ before, but I've also had worse. Portions are decent without being obnoxious. Prices are very good. A sandwich, fries, cole slaw, and a pickle for under $10. The place is a bit smaller than I expected, but that's not really a problem. The bar is nice. There are three big TVs at least one more TV in the restaurant. Decorations seem nice enough. They were out of some of the food, but I see that as a good thing. I'd rather they be out of something instead of trying to throw it together and having it be low quality. They're also serving food at the McHenry County Fair this week, so that could be another reason they are out of some items. You have to expect few hiccups for the opening of a restaurant. It's exciting to have another local place in Woodstock that serves good food. I'll be back again.
(4)Dan G.
We stopped by here on a visit to Woodstock with some friends for a impromptu "Groundhog's Day" tour. You could smell the deliciousness of the smoker outside. We walked in and ordered some beers and looked over the menu. The menu reads like what you would expect from a great BBQ place: brisket, pulled pork, chicken, sausage, ribs, etc. I ordered the two by two with brisket and pulled pork, the others ordered a variety of other meats so I got to try a little bit of everything. And it was flat out delicious. They got the smoking of their meats down to a science well done! On the table were a variety of BBQ sauces but this stuff didn't need it too much the taste was in the meat. They also have a bunch of awesome sides to go with you BBQ I had the corn bread and the baked beans. Both were fantastic. I was really impressed by this place good beer and BBQ you can't beat that!
(4)Cindy T.
Lets start with the meat. I had the pulled chicken. The only thing I could say about it was that it wasn't dry. But seriously no taste what so ever, has to drench it in bbg sauce, which I never do to any meat . Hubby had the pork, said it was actually good. Now for the sides....ugh :( The mac'n cheese had no taste, was so bland I thought it tasted like rubber. (When you cook your pasta people, ADD SALT) !! The "creamy" cole slaw...what cream ??, more like a vinegar slaw, but again, nooo taste, just like eating cut up cabbage ! The baked beans tasted like canned...& the corn bread, if you call it that, tasted like bakery yellow bread. Our 1st & last time there, not a stand out in my book at all, sorry !!!
(1)Brendan F.
Awesome BBQ! Had the chopped brisket & pulled pork, the meat was tender and delicious. I tried the house BBQ sauce, and loved it. The Carolina BBQ sauce was just so-so. Had the fried potato salad, it was amazing. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Sean M.
All I have to say: MOTHA-FUCKIN' PRETZEL BOMB! I love this place. The food, the drinks, and the people that work there are all amazing and super friendly. Owner is super down to earth guy and really cares about the place. If you're a BBQ fan, don't pass this place up!
(5)Laura A.
my fave is the half chicken, it is a smoked tender bit of heaven served in a basket with two side items of your choice. personally i like the corn bread and mustard based cole slaw. you can bathe your dinner in one of several delicious bbq sauces that are conveniently located at each table. i like the Carolina Mustard bbq sauce. if you dig the sauce, they sell their sauces in bottles to go. did i mention beer? well they offer several ice cold craft beers on tap and more in bottles and cans. beer prices are fair. they offer drink and food specials daily and are posted on the wall behind the bar. very friendly service. an overall great place with a few caveats. seat yourself and serve yourself. visit the bar order a drink and food or alternatively go to the back counter and order your food and then go to the bar and order your drinks. then go sit down and prepare yourself for the best bbq the county has to offer. enjoy!
(5)Jay B.
I tried this place based on yelp reviews and was glad I did. Pulled pork sandwich had a ton of meat and bread was nice and soft. Fries and slaw pretty good too. I only wish I didnt have to drive so I could have tried some of the awesome drafts they had available.
(5)Goshia K.
Great place for great bbq! They also have a good selection of beer. The bbq nachos are delicious and I absolutely love their wings and sauces! The last time I had good bbq was in Memphis so to have a place like this in town is a real treat.
(4)Scott D.
This place is definitely a diamond in the rough. Very small and you wouldn't even know it was there if you weren't looking for it. The wife and I have been looking for that local casual restaurant in Woodstock where you could sit down and have a fantastic meal at a reasonable price and we have finally found it! BBQ Pork, beef brisket, chicken - all top notch. We have been there 3 times and it has never failed to be incredible. I also really like the bar set-up. Although I have never had a drink here, they do have some microbrews and daily specials on alcohol. It's obvious they take their beers very seriously. They also have a number of large TV's if you want to sit at the bar, drink and just hang out. My only opportunity for improvement would be that the sauces are a little to runny and lacking that 'punch you in the face' flavor I crave when eating BBQ. I know it's a reach, but I like my sauces thick and zesty and hope they can create one that just brings it! Definitely worth a try if you have never been here. 5 stars.
(5)Chris S.
If you know the names Gates and Arthur Bryant, then you know I'm grading this on a curve. BBQ king is some great local BBQ. They have a good smoker and the brisket is cooked very well. It's served dry (rub only) and the Carolina mustard sauce is very good. The hand cut fries were crisp which shows the attention to detail. It's a small store front and they did a lot of takeout orders which is all good. It was packed during the LITH rib fest which tells a lot more than I can. All in all I'm a fan. Great place for a BBQ sandwich and the price point is great.
(5)Lia L.
The hubby and I got around to trying the place. We each ordered the 2x2's, which are 2 choices of meat and two sides plus drinks. We got our orders to go. He chose pulled pork and pulled chicken with French fries and the fried potato salad, and I chose the pulled pork and sliced brisket with cornbread and also the fried potato salad. There were positives and negatives with our experience. I'll start with the negatives as we're still going to give this place another try. Negatives: The potato salad DID have celery, even though I asked the person taking our order if it did or not and she said it did not. If she had properly known that there was celery in it, I would have chosen a different side. Even after meticulously picking out every piece of celery, the potato salad was just...weird I guess. The little cornbread loaf was over-baked and I had to cut off the "crust" kind of like it was a piece of white bread. As I had just tasted the best cornbread ever a few days ago (bought at "Fresh Market"), I was underwhelmed. The BBQ sauce that came with it was one tiny little cup that only provided enough sauce for about 1/4 of the meat that came with our meals. I had to supplement with some Aldi store bought Sweet Baby Ray's. The space of the restaurant is quite small, and we felt awkward standing around in the dining room while other patrons were trying to watch the Bears game from feet away. Quite a lot of space in the dining area has been dedicated to an impressive bar. At the time we were visiting, however, there was nobody sitting at the bar, so...it seemed like wasted space. Positives: The smokey flavor of the meat was unique and different to the other bbq joints I've been to before. The brisket had a nice smokey tang to it and reminded me slightly of the flavor of summer sausage. My husband an I both enjoyed our meaty choices. The portion size at first looked small compared to the idea that it was 2 meats and 2 sides, but while eating, we realized it would be a major feat to finish all the food in one sitting. Our meals were quite filling and there was leftovers the next day. Drinks were included in our order and as there was a wait between ordering and it being served, we managed to get refills. Score? Soft white bread slices were included with our meals, which helped cut some of the saltiness of the meat. I also spied some amazing looking bread buns for the sandwiches that were going out to sitting diners in the restaurant. I might just try a bbq sandwich on our next visit in order to taste the bread it's on. We definitely intend to go again to try some other items on the menu. There are other classic BBQ joint sides that I'll give a try on our next go around: bbq baked beans, mac and cheese, cole slaw, etc. Just because there were negatives to our experience doesn't mean this place isn't worth it. The meat, which is the most important part of a barbeque place, was the best part anyway.
(4)Ricki L.
The best bbq ever. I lived in southern KY for 9 years and had plenty of bbq there. This place beats them all. I had the pulled pork sliders, the meat was tender and moist with a wonderful smoky flavor, which didn't even need sauce. The slider buns were a nice deviation from the insipid white bread you often get in bbq joints. Baked beans were seriously amazing, not too sweet, not too spicy a real complexity of flavor. Service here was really good and very polite. There's a full bar with a decent beer selection, and the decor is nice. Would definitely come here again.
(5)Chad L.
We decided to give BBQ King Smokehouse after waiting over a year to open and we weren't overly impressed. They were out of sliced brisket, the pretzel bomb, some type of ribs all at 6:00 pm on a Thursday, and there is no sign of this until being denied when ordering. It would be nice if they had a small board by the register listing what they are out of. More bothersome is the lack of gloves being worn in the open kitchen. None of the staff is wearing gloves as they cut and grab your BBQ meats and pile them on the sandwiches etc. This seems like a health code violation to me, and isn't all that appetizing, especially seeing them touch their faces and then go right back to touching the food. They seem overwhelmed and were giving orders to the wrong tables. They took our food to another table and i had to tell the waitress that it was ours. I also overheard that it wasn't the first time it had happened. The BBQ was decent, if not a little dried out, but the flavor was good. I enjoyed the Mac and Cheese but the Slaw was dry and the cornbread was overdone and very dry. My wife and I shared the 3 meat and 3 side combo and had the chopped brisket (Since they were out of sliced), pulled pork and the sausage links. Of the three, I would only order the links again. I really enjoyed the different sauces provided that seemed homemade and added alot to the meat. The place is small but very nicely appointed. I hope they make it but they are going to have to work a little harder and buy some gloves for the staff.
(3)Mrs A.
I was in Woodstock twice this year. The first time, I noticed BBQ King because I parked near it. The second time, my husband and I were starving and I immediately knew where I wanted to go. It was late on a Friday night and there were only two other tables occupied. My husband and I walked in and sat down and waited...and waited...and waited...and waited...we were just about to walk out the door when the bartender came over to us and explained that apparently they don't actually wait on the tables. Um...WHAT!? She was super nice though and helped us to order and talked about how BBQ came to be. My husband and I are foodies and I have no problem saying this was the BEST BBQ I have had in a loooooong time! We ended up leaving there with a $75 bill because we wanted plenty to take home! Now, admittedly the food was outstanding but I will also disclose that I have family and friends in the area and I have heard an excessive amount of bad reviews all surrounding the staff. I don't know if things have changed there since then but the ownership really needs to take heed to the things that are being said. Although negative comments can feel like personal attacks, it needs to be realized that when there are SO many people saying the same thing, it's probably not likely their wrong. That having been said...loved the food!
(4)Brian S.
Awesome place, big screens and great tasting food. After talking to the owners I found that the meat is the very best you can get. No mass produced garbage filled meat here! Coming from Texas I didn't think I could find good BBQ in Illinois, but BBQ Kings will rival any smoke house in Texas or Tennessee. Friendly staff and fast service too.
(5)Joe D.
What an awesome place! The restaurant was immaculate and the staff was incredibly friendly. I felt like I was having lunch at my friends house. The food is absolutely out of this world. I had the chopped brisket and sausage combo with baked beans and potato salad and it was GLORIOUS!!! The brisket was falling apart it was so tender and juicy. They had some homemade sauces that I loved, but I just couldn't keep putting it on because the meat was so flavorful to begin with. Can't wait to go back and try more of the menu. If you love good BBQ, you need to try this place out.
(5)Erin D.
You know criminals always return to the scene of the crime, right?! Well I do!!! I'm such a BBQ bitch, I had to come back twice to make sure I wasn't dreaming and that this place was actually in Woodstock. To be fair, I had lunch here then returned within 24 to have dinner. Each time, the place was packed. Seating seems to be on a first come first service basis and is pretty limited, so grab a table and walk up to the kitchen and place your order. I had the brisket both times so I could carefully sample the sauces which are amazing. I had fries and cole slaw with mine each time and true to the BBQ it was good. Kudos to this team for opening this up. Keep up the good work, see you soon.
(4)Sean C.
We were out for a casual Sunday drive and found this hidden gem. All the things you come to expect from a Southern BBQ join, but well North of the MDL. A small but spot on draft beer selection, with many great bottled options. Charming and friendly staff adds to the Southern charm appeal. This was just our first of what is sure to be many more visits. Unlike what I read in another Yelp review, the Woodstock fries are not to be missed and the sides are something special.
(4)Robert C.
First off GREAT place. Clean... sharp looking. Ordered and was WOWed on how good it was...hand cut fries, great bun and the beef and BBQ sauce was wonderful, then tried the baked beans, large portion and they were just as good as everything else. This place can only get better with a little more time for the staff to work together. I can't wait to go back again.
(4)The Decide R.
Great BBQ..... Great craft beer selection..... What else could one want in life??? The only criticism I have is I'm not a fan of the ribs, they were dry the one time I had them. But their pulled pork and brisket is where it's at. Try the King Mac... pulled pork on top of mac'n'cheese and topped with crispy onion straws, you wont be disappointed.
(4)Kathie C.
great BBQ & sides - very friendly staff and bartenders - great variety of beers and fun mixed drinks - overall home town awesomeness!! finally a place in Woodstock worth going to hang out, eat, have a drink and be comfortable.
(5)Christine F.
Being from Texas, I know good BBQ. I LOVE this place! The meat is high quality and smoked like real barbecue should be. They have the full sports package and huge TVs, it's a great place to watch games. Their roasted potato salad is to die for also.
(5)Alice H.
Best BBQ ever!
(5)Rich W.
BBQ King is very delicious!! I have eaten at the smokehouse four times. Each time I have ordered the pulled pork sandwich. The pork is outstanding. Although, my last visit I was disappointed in the amount of pork they put on my sandwich. I am hoping it was a one time issue. Thursday is $7.00 pulled pork sandwich special.
(4)Jake M.
The food here is great, had the pulled chicken sandwich. Just as good if not better than the texan
(5)Jul H.
I've been here twice but had carry out each time, so I can't comment on table service. It is very busy, and a small space, so it is difficult to get a table. I recommend the pulled pork sandwich. The cole slaw is excellent and the fries are very good. I was disappointed in the macaroni and cheese, which was gluey, not creamy. Still, with the size of the pork sandwich, plus fries and coleslaw, I didn't need another side.
(4)Brian P.
don't bother with that place in crystal lake. This place has better food, better atmosphere and a much better vibe. Save yourself the trip.
(5)Charles S.
I dropped by for lunch and was not disappointed. I had the aptly named Pretzel Bomb - pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, on a pretzel bun. It was as good as I hoped. Service was quick and efficient, and prices are reasonable and on par with similar BBQ places. The beer menu is great without being overwhelming, full of local craft brews and seasonals. The sweet potato fries were very tasty too, but to gripe just a bit I don't see why they are $2 up-charge over regular fries; I still paid it without hesitation. I will come back here, and next time for ribs and cornbread.
(5)Cory B.
This place took forever to open but I am glad it did. I had the pulled pork, it was awesome, didn't even need sauce which is the true test of bbq. I got to meet the owner, seemed like an O.K. guy and by the looks of him, he does plenty of taste testing! I wish I lived closer to Woodstock, since this is some of the best BBQ I have had in a while and I am glad they also offered some decent beer choices, not just miller lite.
(5)Michelle B.
I cannot recommend this place enough! I am so glad they are finally open. Between my family and I, I think we tried all the meats. They were all amazing but I particularly loved the baby back ribs and the pulled pork. The portion sizes are exceptional as well. You will definitely not leave hungry. Typically the sides at a BBQ joint are the low point for me, but these were a pleasant surprise. The beans, coleslaw, fried potato salad and cornbread were all excellent. As a lover of craft beer, we were excited to see that they had some great bottles (a rare find in Woodstock). They have Lagunitas IPA, Little Sumpin Sumpin, Two Brothers Domain Dupage, Goose Island 312, and a few other staples like Sam Adams. We will definitely be back!
(5)Larry B.
truly epic smoking of meat. great ribs and brisket. i prefer St Louis style ribs and they have them. nice sides as well. especially the BBQ beans which are awesome. nice selection of beer. I hope they will start doing turkey legs at some point that would just add to this mecca of Q.
(5)Natasha M.
Good pulled chix sandwich on pretzel bun. Coleslaw was good. Not too saucy. three bbq sauces to pick from. Good variety of beer. No problem on service or food. Will go again.
(3)Mark M.
This place is really good. Another reviewer mentioned that the meat didn't need sauce--- I agree, it was top notch. I like its small scale, friendly people, great brisket, outstanding BBQ nachos and that they decided to open this place just off the square adding to its charm. Great stuff- a nice addition to Woodstock's restaurant options.
(5)David A.
This was good food and staff was very friendly. Prices are reasonable and I would definitely go back.
(4)Naté G.
Everything is good here and it is priced very reasonable. Welcome to Woodstock!
(5)John D.
Ordered Carry out. Food was horrible. 1/2 slab of Baby Back Ribs was really a 1/2 slab of burnt fat. Cole slaw is not made with lettuce!!!! Beans are from canned service foods. Texas Toast was two pieces of un-toasted white bread. $50.00 for an absolute disaster.
(1)Joseph M.
Been a customer since they opened, wife and I have eaten there several times and have ordered take out a bunch of times. We both ordered sandwiches tonight, and when I ordered I asked as I always do can I substitute Beans in leu of Fries, the gal said yes no problem, well I paid my bill and while walking back to my set realized she charged me for the change $4 total. When she delivered our food I brought what I thought was an oversight up and she was dumb enough to tell me Beans cost more than Fries so they have to charge. Well why I was waiting to give my order I noticed they buy there beans from Bush as in Bush Baked Beans that every grocery store sells. She may be dumb enough to believe this but as a former cook I know she's lying, well this little issue has pissed me off and I will not be going there any time in the near future. I put up with there over priced drinks, but I will not put up with that type of nickel and dime Bullshit. We usually come in on Thursday night, a night which their dead, I hope she takes those left over beans and enjoys them.
(2)Katherine K.
Great food at a reasonable price. Good place to go if you want to catch a football game.
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