Hickory Pit Review

Hickory Pit BBQ in McHenry, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Most of us can agree that when it comes to good food, it is hard to resist outstanding BBQ. When it comes to this staple in American cuisine, there is so much to appreciate. It may just be meat and sauce to the untrained eye and palette, but if one takes a moment to appreciate the time and patience that went into making each thing great, they might enjoy their meal quite a bit more. With that said, I have had the opportunity to visit many outstanding BBQ restaurants all over the country and experienced some great tasting food along the way. While Illinois is not considered one of the typical “BBQ regions”, I have had my fare share of great BBQ-style food close to home in the Lake/McHenry County area. One of my favorite spots is Hickory Pit, a local BBQ joint near the downtown McHenry area.

Opened since 2012, Hickory Pit has been serving up quality food to guests for the past couple of years. Their simple menu and reasonable prices make it a solid option for those who want to have a nice, relaxing night out without breaking bank. The menu features four different kinds of meat: pork (pulled pork or baby back ribs), chopped or sliced beef brisket, chicken (pulled chicken or a half/whole chicken), and spicy sausage. These items can be ordered as sandwiches or platters, the most reasonably-priced option being the entree with two sides. Customers can choose between fresh cut fries, sweet potato fries, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, a corn bread muffin, or a fountain drink. Other menu items include eight different burgers, known as Pit Burgers, Tacos, Hickory Fries, which are Hickory Pit’s fresh cut fries topped with a meat and other goodies, and a couple other Signature Sandwiches. Guests can expect to spend $8 to $12 on average for a meal, which is very reasonable by BBQ standards.

Chopped Brisket Sandwich
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

The restaurant is free standing, has ample seating, and a great feel. Its cement floors, darker colored, picture covered walls, and country music playing in the background made me feel like I was in an actual BBQ joint down south, minus the accents. There is a only single flat screen television in the place, which gives me a good impression as a visitor in regards to Hickory Pit’s unstated message; you are here for the food and to enjoy eachother's company.

I have been a frequent visitor of this hidden gem since it opened and can say that I have not had a bad meal there yet. My go-to meal, which is featured in the pictures above, is a chopped brisket sandwich with fresh cut fries and mac and cheese, although I may sub out one of those for an ice cold coke if I'm feeling a fountain drink. The brisket is tender, has a great bark and smoke ring, and is excellent when accompanied by one of their four sauces (I chose Chipotle Maple). The fries were fresh and hot and the mac and cheese was on point. The best part; I left completely full and only spent $9.40. Considering what we are used to paying for mediocre food in this area, you are getting a steal. If you are ever in the McHenry area or just in the mood to get some good BBQ, be sure to visit Hickory Pit at 3102 West IL-120, McHenry, IL 60051. 

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area