Smoke and sauce are the boss

Since opening in 1930, Russell’s Barbecue has consistently served up juicy, tender meats just waiting to be kissed by their signature barbecue sauce. And you can get a plate 365 days of the year at 1621 N. Thatcher Ave. in Elmwood Park.

Assistant manager Eric Meyer has been with the restaurant for 13 years. During that time, he’s seen plenty of regular customers and ones who come back on a nostalgia trip to take it all in. 

“People say that it’s just as good as they remembered it,” Meyer said. “Looks the same as we remembered it too. They like coming here to see that. We’ve made a few updates, like bringing orders out to the table, but we have pretty much the same menu as they remember.”

The food offerings run deep. BBQ sandwiches: beef, pork and ham. Baby back ribs, rib tips and chicken can be combined in several dinner configurations.

Smoked BBQ cooks 16 hours in the smoker before it hits a diner’s plate. You can get smoked chicken wings, beef brisket, pulled pork or pulled chicken. A smoked meat nacho platter translates all that flavor to a new experience. Any of those meats can be piled over freshly fried tortilla chips and topped with homemade chili, cheddar cheese sauce, tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, salsa and sour cream. 

Shrimp, fish and chicken tenders are breaded and fried to golden perfection. There are nine different sandwiches, such as Philly steak, tuna melt and a veggie burger. 

Appetizers, salads and a wide selection of sides sets up the chance to please most every eater. Cakes, shakes, ice cream and pies provide the finishing touch. 

Kids aren’t left out either. There are junior sizes of the BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, grilled cheese and chicken nuggets. Each kids’ meal comes with a token for the toy vending machine that has delighted the youngsters for generations. 

A full bar serves cocktails, wine and beer. And slot machines await those old enough to play.

The restaurant does a lively drive-through and delivery business too, as well as catering. 

“The famous meat trays, as we call it, has barbecue beef, pork and ham,” Meyer said. “We sell that by the pound. Or we also have packages where you can get that with buns and sauce and a side of your choice. We also have rib packages and smoked meat options too. Pretty much anything we do, can sell in bulk if somebody wanted it.”

When Meyer was asked what he orders, he said, “I’d say the BBQ beef, the original beef sandwich, that’s my go-to. It’s just the classic. It’s probably been on the menu as long as the place has been here.”

Well, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it – put fixins on it and take a bite!