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.
The new year is a time for planning ahead as well as reminiscing about the “good ol’ days.” Our thoughts wandered to our youth when there were drive-in restaurants and hot cars. Nancy grew up in Franklin Park and was the proud owner of a Ford XL with a 429 cu. in. engine with dual quad Holley carburetors. This was her pride and joy and her parents’ worst nightmare. Of course, with a car like that, you had to drive through a local drive-in restaurant called Skip’s located near North Avenue and First Avenue in Melrose Park. She would slowly drive through with her windows open, her eight-track tape deck blaring, and her engine rumbling. Then she turned out on North Avenue and drag race down to Thatcher Road, turn left, and drive through Thatcher Woods, aka Dead Man’s Curve, with her headlights off. Nancy was her parents’ “problem” child.
During this trip through Dead Man’s Curve, she would drive past Russell’s BBQ, pull in, and order a sandwich. Nobody actually ordered food at Skip’s. All of these memories gave us a taste for barbeque. We jumped into the Mini-Mobile, Nancy floored it, and off we raced to the closest place we could think of, The Texan Bar-B-Q in Algonquin.
The Texan Bar-B-Q
101 N. Main Street
Algonquin 60102
(847) 658-2130
texanbbq.net
Directions: Take 47 to Algonquin Road, East to Main Street (Rte.31), North to restaurant.
Travel Time: 21 minutes
When you drive up, as they say, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” It may not look like much, but trust us and give it a try. It is handicap accessible if you go to the front of the building.
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. 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 table, and prominently display your receipt on it.
We decided to order off the “Lunch Specials” menu which are served daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nancy loves brisket, so she went with the Sliced BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich ($13.99). This comes with your choice of two sides and she picked coleslaw and curly fries. There are three barbeque sauces 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). She chose the mild and the spicy barbeque sauces. Her sandwich was delicious and satisfied her barbeque craving.
Jim ordered the Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwich ($10.99). For his sides he chose the crinkled fries and BBQ beans. He also wanted the mild and spicy sauces for his sandwich. The sandwich was tender and delicious, but the BBQ beans were exceptional and unlike any other.
We saw the Texas Sized Corn Bread Muffin ($3.69) advertised next to the cash register and decided to split it. It arrived warm and we slathered on the pats of butter that came with it. This was a real treat.
This restaurant is a little piece of Texas, from the saddle straddling the room divider, to the Texas longhorns on the wall. We think the lunch specials are the way to go. Our tummies were full and we still took home doggie bags, for us, not for Rosie.
The price for reminiscing was $36.35. Nancy not getting a speeding ticket, priceless…
Jim’s take: Next time we go, I’m trying their ribs. They look delicious and I’m getting the BBQ beans for my side again.
Nancy’s take: Best barbeque brisket around, and next time I’ll get the BBQ beans. I tried Jim’s and they were awesome.
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