Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
When the Dining Duo heard that the Crystal Lake Rib House moved to a larger and more modern location, it was our duty to check it out. It’s actually 300 yards closer and on the opposite side of the street. When you walk in, it’s like “Let’s Make A Deal.” You have 3 doors to choose from, “Door Number 1” is for carry-out orders, “Door Number 2” is for the “Varsity Club” bar, and “Door Number 3” is for the dining room.
Crystal Lake Rib House
540 E. Terra Cotta Avenue
Crystal Lake 60014
(815)477-3600
www.crystallakeribhouse.com
Directions: Take 47 North to 176 East (turns into Terra Cotta Avenue)
Estimated Travel Time: 24 minutes
To quote their menu, “If you’re looking for fancy-schmancy service and exotic atmosphere, you’re in the wrong place. But if you’re looking for good food and a friendly face…don’t move!”
The vestibule features drawings of little piggies created by crayon-wielding young artists. The walls in the restaurant are covered with photos of various teams, which are sponsored by the restaurant, and there are a lot.
The tables and booths are all wood, which is a good thing, because we’re thinking they have to be hosed down after each meal. The waitresses wear cute black t-shirts with a pig face that sparkles on the front, and a curly tail on the back. And they say they aren’t fancy schmancy….
For an appetizer, we had the Texas Toothpicks ($8.95), which were strips of jalapeno peppers and sweet onions battered, deep fried, and served with a honey mustard sauce. We never saw this type of appetizer anywhere else, and it was definitely a keeper.
Now for the sloppy stuff. For our dinner, Jim ordered the Big Mix ($18.95), which was half a chicken ($1.75 up-charge for white meat only) and half a slab of ribs. I ordered a full slab of ribs ($19.95). Both our meals came with a “hockey puck” sized fresh baked roll with honey butter and coleslaw. We had our choice of sides. Jim had the baked beans and I had the garlic smashed red potatoes (it wasn’t on the menu, but our waitress suggested it to me, she must be psychic).
The food arrives quickly, so keep that in mind if you’re ordering an appetizer. The ribs or lean and meaty and the chicken is tender and tasty. The ribs are prepared with a dry rub. If you are not keen on a vinegar-based barbecue sauce, have them leave it off. But you hungry readers need not fret, as there is a bottle of barbecue sauce on every table, along with a very hot Sonoran sauce. It registered a 4.0 on Jim’s “Sweat Head Meter.”
The total price for this “pig out” was $56.95. As Porky Pig would say, “That’s all folks!” My piggy husband had 2 lunches from our left-overs, not bad!
FYI: Be on the lookout for Groupon Coupons for the Crystal Lake Rib House. They are available quite often. In fact, we used one that evening. The restaurant is handicap accessible.
Jim’s take: The ribs are phenomenal!!! The Texas Toothpicks were just spicy enough to be dangerous for my “Sweat Head Meter.” I also liked the smoky flavor of the baked beans.
Nancy’s take: I never order ribs at a restaurant. I’m very fussy because I have my own recipe for barbecue ribs. These ribs got my stamp of approval. The Texas Toothpicks were great, but I disagree with Jim, they could have been spicier for my taste.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
