I'm here in Cobden once or twice a year. This was my first time stopping here, and I only wish I would have discovered this place sooner. I got the chicken nachos loaded with just about everything. Also got a salad with chicken, and even that was great!Great food and the staff was really friendly as well. I highly recommend! Can't wait to stop in again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nachos
Dan Brutlag
Awesome pulled pork sandwiches, beans and potato salad was great too. Definitely would go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork
Mizz Virgo
I make it my business to eat here EVERY Friday! The staff here are the most heart warming people I have ever met! The owner is just as amazing! The food is above and beyond every time! This place is a must if you ever want some GREAT Barbecue!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gail M
The best brisket ever! Salad was fresh and tasty too. Friendly service.Don't pass it up!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket
Kasia #silocalfans
There are a lot of people who come a long way to eat here and I am now in that club. Don the owner does an amazing job while busy at smoker and greeting customers. Amazing the brisket and smoked turkey are fantastic. Homemade sauces are to die for and they are going to bottle and sell. We had the brisket nachos - so so good! This is one BBQ you joint you have to try!!Outdoors picnic tables are available.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason S
We had a large group of 14 friends visit Southern Illinois towards the end of September for the wine trail and of course to eat at Old Route 51 South BBQ in Cobden. I know from experience that they can run out of food because it’s simply the best BBQ around. I have eaten BBQ in the Carolina’s, Tennessee, Texas, and Kansas City and this is some of the best I have ever tried. I contacted Don (the owner) and gave him advance notice of our party. I told him everything we wanted about a week ahead of time so that we were sure to get some of that lip smackin, finger lickin good BBQ. Especially after a day on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Don is passionate and dedicated to his craft. He uses love and nothing but the best ingredients to make magic in the form of food. Our food was ready when we got there, and let me tell you that we were all blown away with how good everything was. The best burnt ends and mac n’ cheese. IN. MY. LIFE. The beans, fruit and nut salad, sauces, and don’t forget the weekend specials. The smoked and sliced pork loin sandwich with his homemade Carolina sauce is drool inducing. I can’t say enough good things about Old Route 51 South BBQ, Don, and his crew. If you are ever anywhere near this place you owe it to yourself to go. If you don’t you are doing yourself a disservice.
Tommylikefood
First time eating here and it was really good. I had the brisket and my wife had the turkey. Both were excellent. The owner was walking around and waiting on customers to make sure everything was good. Highly recommend.
Karen W
This was the best BBQ we ever had! We had smoked turkey. It was so tender and such a great flavor. The beans were also the best ever. Kind of smokey tasting. Very delicious! Mashed Potatoes were excellent, but also filled me up a bit too much :). We sampled the brisket. I never knew it could be as tender and cut as easy as a well cooked filet. So good!On top of this, the service was phenomenal. The cashier obviously loves what they make and takes pride in how they prepare the food. When we told her it was our first time, she gave suggestions. While we were eating, the owner brought over a table fan to shoo any flies and stopped to chat, making sure everything was good. He was so friendly. By the time we left, we felt like old friends.After we left, my husband and I joked that we may have to retire sooner to eat there more often.If you get the chance, stop in. You won't regret it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
KarenW782
We decided to stop due to the reviews. In fact we drove about 50 minutes away to try it. Definitely worth it! We had smoked turkey. It was so tender and such a great flavor. The beans were also the best ever. Kind of smokey tasting. Very delicious! Mashed Potatoes were excellent, but also filled me up a bit too much :). We sampled the brisket. I never knew it could be as tender and cut as easy as a well cooked filet. So good! On top of this, the service was phenomenal. The cashier obviously loves what they make and takes pride in how they prepare the food. When we told her it was our first time, she gave suggestions. While we were eating, the owner brought over a table fan to shoo any flies and stopped to chat, making sure everything was good. He was so friendly. By the time we left, we felt like old friends. After we left, my husband and I joked that we may have to retire sooner to eat there more often. If you get the chance, stop in. You won't regret it.
LowNSlowIII
Great food and prices! Definitely going to stop by often!
I got the pulled pork with chow and baked beans! I’ll be craving this mouthwatering meal until next time I visit the forest! Looking forward to trying the peach tea!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
alicia kessel
Great real wood smoked bbq and more! Go early before they sell out! Seating outside only! Friendly staff, near several wineries and orchards! Cash only! Worth the drive!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Beans
Michael B
THE BEST BBQ in Southern Illinois! I'm from Texas originally, so I know a thing or two about bbq. Not only is this bbq great, the owner actually comes out, talks to you, and makes sure you're doing OK. I love how you eat outside and they play music. I will be back and I will recommend this place to everyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Julian Loma
I’m from Kansas City visiting family in Cobden and I regret not visiting this place earlier! Firstly, the service was amazing, employees were happy and welcoming, my food was given to me within 10 minutes of ordering which is amazing. Secondly, the food itself (ribs, brisket, potato salad, mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, cheese cake) was so incredible! The ribs were so juicy and flavorful, along with the tender brisket, not to mention the delicious bbq sauce that accompanied the other flavors. To wash it all down their peach tea was such a nice touch to it all, cold and refreshing. All in all this place deserves all the love and support it gets! Will be coming back !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ribs
Joe Hayes
Had lunch last Saturday with my wife at RT. 51 BBQ. As always their food and service was on point ☝️. Wife had burnt ends and Mac Cheese both were our standing. I had brisket sandwich and the "secret side". They side was baked beans with peachesWow - could have ate a bunch of thoseThey were so good! Then there was the brisket - what can I say? I have ate some excellent brisket several places in the Midwest, big name places and some almost unheard of. None we close to as good as RT 51 BBQ. Perfect flavor and correct texture. Above excellent! To top it off his homemade sauce is spot on. Bottle this sauce. Visit them you will not sorry with anything you eat. Friendly, fast service! How can you beat it.
I'm here in Cobden once or twice a year. This was my first time stopping here, and I only wish I would have discovered this place sooner. I got the chicken nachos loaded with just about everything. Also got a salad with chicken, and even that was great!Great food and the staff was really friendly as well. I highly recommend! Can't wait to stop in again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nachos
Awesome pulled pork sandwiches, beans and potato salad was great too. Definitely would go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork
I make it my business to eat here EVERY Friday! The staff here are the most heart warming people I have ever met! The owner is just as amazing! The food is above and beyond every time! This place is a must if you ever want some GREAT Barbecue!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best brisket ever! Salad was fresh and tasty too. Friendly service.Don't pass it up!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket
There are a lot of people who come a long way to eat here and I am now in that club. Don the owner does an amazing job while busy at smoker and greeting customers. Amazing the brisket and smoked turkey are fantastic. Homemade sauces are to die for and they are going to bottle and sell. We had the brisket nachos - so so good! This is one BBQ you joint you have to try!!Outdoors picnic tables are available.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a large group of 14 friends visit Southern Illinois towards the end of September for the wine trail and of course to eat at Old Route 51 South BBQ in Cobden. I know from experience that they can run out of food because it’s simply the best BBQ around. I have eaten BBQ in the Carolina’s, Tennessee, Texas, and Kansas City and this is some of the best I have ever tried. I contacted Don (the owner) and gave him advance notice of our party. I told him everything we wanted about a week ahead of time so that we were sure to get some of that lip smackin, finger lickin good BBQ. Especially after a day on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Don is passionate and dedicated to his craft. He uses love and nothing but the best ingredients to make magic in the form of food. Our food was ready when we got there, and let me tell you that we were all blown away with how good everything was. The best burnt ends and mac n’ cheese. IN. MY. LIFE. The beans, fruit and nut salad, sauces, and don’t forget the weekend specials. The smoked and sliced pork loin sandwich with his homemade Carolina sauce is drool inducing. I can’t say enough good things about Old Route 51 South BBQ, Don, and his crew. If you are ever anywhere near this place you owe it to yourself to go. If you don’t you are doing yourself a disservice.
First time eating here and it was really good. I had the brisket and my wife had the turkey. Both were excellent. The owner was walking around and waiting on customers to make sure everything was good. Highly recommend.
This was the best BBQ we ever had! We had smoked turkey. It was so tender and such a great flavor. The beans were also the best ever. Kind of smokey tasting. Very delicious! Mashed Potatoes were excellent, but also filled me up a bit too much :). We sampled the brisket. I never knew it could be as tender and cut as easy as a well cooked filet. So good!On top of this, the service was phenomenal. The cashier obviously loves what they make and takes pride in how they prepare the food. When we told her it was our first time, she gave suggestions. While we were eating, the owner brought over a table fan to shoo any flies and stopped to chat, making sure everything was good. He was so friendly. By the time we left, we felt like old friends.After we left, my husband and I joked that we may have to retire sooner to eat there more often.If you get the chance, stop in. You won't regret it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We decided to stop due to the reviews. In fact we drove about 50 minutes away to try it. Definitely worth it! We had smoked turkey. It was so tender and such a great flavor. The beans were also the best ever. Kind of smokey tasting. Very delicious! Mashed Potatoes were excellent, but also filled me up a bit too much :). We sampled the brisket. I never knew it could be as tender and cut as easy as a well cooked filet. So good! On top of this, the service was phenomenal. The cashier obviously loves what they make and takes pride in how they prepare the food. When we told her it was our first time, she gave suggestions. While we were eating, the owner brought over a table fan to shoo any flies and stopped to chat, making sure everything was good. He was so friendly. By the time we left, we felt like old friends. After we left, my husband and I joked that we may have to retire sooner to eat there more often. If you get the chance, stop in. You won't regret it.
Great food and prices! Definitely going to stop by often!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I got the pulled pork with chow and baked beans! I’ll be craving this mouthwatering meal until next time I visit the forest! Looking forward to trying the peach tea!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great real wood smoked bbq and more! Go early before they sell out! Seating outside only! Friendly staff, near several wineries and orchards! Cash only! Worth the drive!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Beans
THE BEST BBQ in Southern Illinois! I'm from Texas originally, so I know a thing or two about bbq. Not only is this bbq great, the owner actually comes out, talks to you, and makes sure you're doing OK. I love how you eat outside and they play music. I will be back and I will recommend this place to everyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’m from Kansas City visiting family in Cobden and I regret not visiting this place earlier! Firstly, the service was amazing, employees were happy and welcoming, my food was given to me within 10 minutes of ordering which is amazing. Secondly, the food itself (ribs, brisket, potato salad, mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, cheese cake) was so incredible! The ribs were so juicy and flavorful, along with the tender brisket, not to mention the delicious bbq sauce that accompanied the other flavors. To wash it all down their peach tea was such a nice touch to it all, cold and refreshing. All in all this place deserves all the love and support it gets! Will be coming back !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ribs
Had lunch last Saturday with my wife at RT. 51 BBQ. As always their food and service was on point ☝️. Wife had burnt ends and Mac Cheese both were our standing. I had brisket sandwich and the "secret side". They side was baked beans with peachesWow - could have ate a bunch of thoseThey were so good! Then there was the brisket - what can I say? I have ate some excellent brisket several places in the Midwest, big name places and some almost unheard of. None we close to as good as RT 51 BBQ. Perfect flavor and correct texture. Above excellent! To top it off his homemade sauce is spot on. Bottle this sauce. Visit them you will not sorry with anything you eat. Friendly, fast service! How can you beat it.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Beans