Scents of summer at Russell’s Barbecue
At Russell’s Barbecue, it’s always picnic season.
The distinctive building near the corner of Thatcher and North Avenue in Elmwood Park – with a smokestack proudly bearing the name – has beckoned generations with red-checkered tablecloths, unique BBQ sauce and good memories.
“The restaurant has been here since 1930, so a lot of people kind of grew up with it and they like the nostalgic look of it, the history of it,” said assistant manager Eric Meyer.
Ordering up a platter of meat accompanied by the signature, cinnamon-spiced BBQ sauce delivers a warm feeling even when there’s snow on the ground.
“When I come here, it reminds me that summer will return!” said recent diner Kim Martin.
No matter the temperature outside, the staff at Russell’s diligently crafts dishes that remind us of warm summer nights, seated at picnic tables, licking sauce off fingers. They are sort of reverse-season Santa’s elves in that way. Conjuring up treats that evoke the best of outdoor dining.
“Ensuring that everything is consistent is important,” Meyer said. “Because folks come here wanting to have what they’ve always had. To relive memories. We introduce some new things, but also keeping the core, original menu the same.”
When Russell’s added smoked meats, the old-fashioned joint tickled the tastebuds of a new generation.
“The smoker, it’s been 7-8 years already,” manager Ben Tapia said. “We got a good response! Every year, it seems like people order more and more. But nobody’s forgetting about the BBQ either.”
On a recent weekday afternoon, the dining room was sprinkled with customers who come for more than just the food.
“We drove all the way from St. Charles,” said Liz Minnis. “I’ve been coming here since I was a baby. I introduced my husband to it. I guess I’m passing the love on.”
Husband Rob Minnis added, “We always get their sauce for our backyard BBQ parties.”
That sentiment was echoed by another diner, Jean Zarlenga. “I’ve got to get six bottles of the sauce when I leave today, to take to friends in Rockford. What’s great here is the quality, prices, family atmosphere – and don’t forget that they have a drive thru!”
The menu has all the slow-cooked pork, beef and chicken that you’d expect, but it also has a wide range of sandwiches, burgers and sausage options. Shrimp and fish dinners hit the spot too. And if one of your group wants to scale down, there are six different salads to choose from, as well as a soup of the day. Chili is always on offer.
The front counter serves beer on tap. And in the dining area there is a full bar with mixed drinks, wines and even more beer by the bottle.
The small fry are not forgotten. Seven children’s meals range from the usual chicken tenders and grilled cheese to mini versions of the adults’ smoked and BBQ sandwiches.
Going back for decades, all kids’ meals come with a token that can be redeemed at Russell’s renown toy vending machine. That’s a memory that will take many customers back to their childhoods.
If you still have room, desserts come in many forms: cookies, cakes, pies. And party trays are available with sliced meats sold by the pound.
When you are pining for soft summer breezes and the scent of the grill wafting through the air, Russell’s is there to hold you over until the thermometer catches up with your appetite.
“It would break my heart if Russell’s ever closed,” said customer Elizabeth Lorence.
Info to Go:
- russellsbarbecue.net
- 1621 North Thatcher Ave, Elmwood Park
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10:30AM to 10:00PM, Friday–Saturday 10:30AM to 11:00PM
