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.
Right on the heels of the popular Food Network TV Show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” otherwise known as “Triple D,” we would like to present to you our version. This “Five D” review (Dining Duo’s Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives) will be on the Texan Bar-B-Q in Algonquin.
The Texan Bar-B-Q
101 N. Main Street
Algonquin 60102
847-658-2130
www.texanbbq.com
Directions: Take 47 North to Algonquin East to Main Street (Rte.31) North to restaurant.
Travel Time: 21 minutes
When you reach your destination, try to find a parking spot behind the restaurant. We usually wind up parking next to the dumpster. Walk up the rickety stairs past the cowboys’ restroom (1) and then the cowgirls restrooms (2), then keep going past the take-out window, and just around the corner is where the fun begins.
Pick your entree from the menu on the wall and don’t overlook the chalkboard specials. If you desire, pick up an adult beverage from the cooler or the ice-filled washtub. If none of that floats your boat, then just ask for a fountain drink when ordering. After you’ve made your selections, proceed to the person seated behind the cash register to place your order. You will get a receipt with a number on it and glasses for your beverages. Walk around the corner, pick your favorite table, prominently display your receipt on it, and wait for your delicious, mouthwatering barbeque to arrive.
While you’re food is being prepared, go to the condiment bar and get your barbeque sauces. There are three to choose from: Mild (standard barbeque sauce), Hot (a hotter sauce with a touch of chili powder), and finally the Spicy (a spicy jalapeno sauce with a hint of vinegar). These are located across from the self-serve soda fountain.
Since we went for a late lunch, we decided to snack on the Texas-Sized Homemade Corn Muffin for $2.39. This was served warm and large enough for us to share.
Nancy had the “Big D” sandwich ($11.99), which was a half-pound of barbeque beef brisket served with your choice of potato and either coleslaw or beans. Nancy chose curly fries and beans. For her sauce, she went with the “Hot” style since she’s not a lover of vinegar, and I think she’s hot!!!
Jim decided to pig out and went with a full slab of Baby Back Ribs ($20.99). This came with a warm bun, and for his two side choices he asked for beans and potato salad. Jim chose the “Spicy” sauce which registered a “4” on his “Sweat Head” meter. He cooled it down with a tall glass of Green River soda. Remember that?
This restaurant is a little piece of Texas, from the saddle straddling the room divider, to the Texas Longhorns on the wall, along with a picture of John Wayne staring at you. There’s no frills here, just honest to goodness barbeque.
The cost for rustling up all this grub was $39.82, pardner.
Tip: Tell them to leave off the sauce when ordering. That way you can slather on your favorite sauce or mix and match.
FYI: Handicap accessible with the ramp at the front door, although it is not as scenic as our suggested route.
Jim’s take: I finished off an entire slab of lean, tender ribs. As the “Duke” once said, “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.”
Nancy’s take: Best barbeque ever since I love my beef lean. The corn muffin was hot, moist, and delish. So Jim won’t waste away to nothing, he gets the other half of my sandwich for lunch!
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
