Come and experience the ultimate BBQ experience at our Stringtown BBQ restaurant! We pride ourselves on our slow-cooked, tender, and juicy meats. All smoked to perfection over real wood. Our menu features a variety of meats, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken, as well as delicious sides and desserts. Our friendly staff will make you feel right at home, and our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or a night out with friends. Don’t miss out on our daily specials and happy hour deals!
Based on 85 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.6 stars. Price
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No delivery
Address:
895 N Francis St, Washburn, IL 61570
Phone: (309) 248-7022
Website: https://stringtownbbq.com/
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–10 PM |
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Alan Held
I grew up in Washburn and was happy to return to Central Illinois to visit my Mom for a few days along with my wife. There are some very old and established restaurants that I wanted to revisit from my youthful days but Mom said we should try the new BBQ restaurant in my hometown. Always listen to Mom. This was a great meal. I now live in Kansas and spend a lot of time in Texas as one of my sons lives in the Lone-Star State. In fact, I was in Fort Worth less than a month ago. We cherish BBQ. The BBQ I have had in TX is NOT ANY BETTER than what we enjoyed this evening in my hometown. We started with ice tea—-sweetened just right…not as sweet as in TX…and that’s a good thing. I ordered Pulled Pork which was truly outstanding. The portion was larger than I’ve ever received at a BBQ restaurant…Smoked perfectly. The cole slaw was very good…cole slaw is one of my favorite side dishes when made right…this was. I was a bit disappointed in my fries…just sort of bland. I would suggest trying to use more seasoning (maybe even season salt). Texture was fine…just needed more punch. My wife ordered the Wednesday evening special…Meat loaf. She was thrilled. Wrapped in smoked bacon (the meat loaf…not my wife), the flavor was simply great. Fortunately, she let me have a bite…wow. The mashed potatoes were “ok” according to her review…I’m not a big gravy person so I could easily pass on those. She LOVED her baked beans…I can see why…sweet and loaded with meat as well. Mom had brisket. I’ve never seen it presented this way…a thick slab rather than thin slices or pulled. There’s was, appropriately, a bit of a vein of fat (the best flavor was near there) in the cut…no problem with that…it’s the way it should be. I have to say that I thought, from one of the bites I had, that it had perhaps just a bit too much pepper in the crust. I see what they are going for here…I just think it over powered the brisket a bit…but, still great. Mom had the beans as well…she savored every bite. She also enjoyed her Cole slaw. All of us had a corn bread muffin…just fine. We had no room for dessert as we were more than full and even brought some leftovers home. These were some of the largest portions I’ve ever had of meat at a BBQ restaurant…take that, Texas. So, now I have another reason to visit my hometown. As a child, fried chicken was about the only kind of food you could get in my hometown at a restaurant unless you ordered up a hamburger or cheeseburger at “Jack’s” (which is long gone). I saw on a neighboring patron’s fast that the chicken at Stringcity looked super a swell…maybe on my next trip home…unless they decide to deliver about 550 miles away. Oh, the service was excellent tonight…we felt so welcome (especially from the owner who was attentive and friendly…wouldn’t have minded talking to him for hours…but he had work to do. Our server answered all our questions and was fun to chat with. Central Illinois has been gifted with a wonderful addition to the restaurant scene. Thanks to the new owner and chef for doing such a great job. We are very happy travelers. Go Wildcats!
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Heather Soviar
This was our first time here under the new ownership. Overall it was pretty good. I kept 4 stars because I know they had some staff illnesses and shortages the night we went (it was posted online). And I know they’re still establishing a menu.
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Jared Nighsonger
Rib sandwich was good, tad bit on the dry side though. The cowboy beans were awful. They looked nothing like another reviewers picture. They looked like cheap canned beans in some sort of liquid that tasted really sweet. Almost could taste maple syrup, not sure though. Cornbread muffin was average. The giant loaded pretzel was very good. The portion size for the brisket dinner was very disappointing. And half of it was just fat. Staff was friendly and prompt.
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Sour Bleu
Had it for the first time after hearing about it for awhile. The atmosphere was nice, the dining hall was nice and open and it felt pretty comfortable to eat there. The appetizers we had cheese curds and it was pretty good! I went on a Wednesday to try the meatloaf people have been raving about and I can say it was delicious. The smoked bacon was something I’ve never tried with a meatloaf but it’s worth it. The coleslaw was unique as it wasn’t overly sweet but instead had a bit of kick to it, it was well made. The serving size I had was perfect for the price tag on the dinner special. The drink I had was nice too. The burger we had was pretty good but the cheese wasn’t the best choice. The fries side was made nicely. The service was nice and professional, Overall I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a good BBQ place to eat at. Hopefully next time I can catch a live band. The stage had me excited!
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Christine Bregar
We arrived for dinner on a Saturday around 5:30 pm. The dining room was about 80% occupied and there seemed to be enough waitstaff for the diners at the time. It didn’t seem too busy. The brisket was very good, the barbeque sauce paired nicely with it. BUT…the fries were undercooked and the corn muffin was tasty but cold. Warm muffins with melted butter are so much better and would have been a more enjoyable addition to our meals. Service was okay, but we did have to ask for menus as none were provided when we were seated, and it seemed we were served our meals at the same time or later than those who arrived after us. Not sure we’ll be back.
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Chloe Janssen
Our first visit and we have nothing but great things to say. Food was great. Owner came around often and was super friendly and knowledgeable about food allergens. So appreciated the birthday treat. We will definitely be back!
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Pete
Went here on a gut feeling hunch from the significant other and never regretted the decision. A very inviting and comfortable place to enjoy great food and good times! We got a chance to meet and chat with the owner Dave who is a perfect fit for the industry! He’s very outgoing, motivated, and really enjoys what he he is accomplishing-a very successful and noteworthy business.
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Donna Adams
We all had the tenderloin sandwich. Very meaty and delicious. The cheese curds were great! And I have not really liked them in the past.
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James TenHaken
I would have given the food a 5th star, except the quantity was lacking. If you are going to charge 10+ dollars for a brisket sandwich, it needs to have more than an ice cream scoop of chopped meat on a McDonald’s size hamburger bun. I definitely was not filled up in anyway from my meal. Way over priced for the volume of food presented. Very disappointed.
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Emily Ferns
Not much ambience, as it’s a bar and grill but there’s a lot of room to bring groups or the whole family! Food is delicious and reasonably priced for BBQ. A hidden gem in a small town. ♥️
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