Review: Country BBQ - Bethalto, IL

It's been awhile since I found and reviewed a new BBQ joint.  However, this past weekend I had some time to kill and I was in an area that I don't often visit.  So, I plugged "BBQ" into Google Maps on my iPhone and found out that I was only a couple of miles from Country BBQ.

I followed the guidance directions and pretty soon, I'd located Country BBQ.  It's a small place that you'd miss if you weren't looking for it, but that's usually where you find the best BBQ.  So I found a spot to park, stepped to the counter, ordered, and grabbed one of the dozen or so tables in the place.

I ordered the 2-meat plate.  Sliced beef and pulled pork, along with sides of cole slow and BBQ beans.  They did have sweet tea (the mark of any good BBQ joint), but I skipped it as I'm watching the extra calories and cutting them out where I can.

The food came out quick enough and I was impressed by the generous portions. Definitely a good value.  The cole slaw was kind of a cross between a vinegar and creamy based slaw, but it was very good.  The BBQ beans were okay, but there was a flavor there that I couldn't put my finger on and frankly didn't care for all that much.  When I ordered "sliced beef", I assumed that would be brisket.  Disappointingly, it was closer to a shaved roast beef and not very "bbq like".  However, the pulled pork was very good.  It was finely chopped, but I really enjoyed the flavor.  

There were 3 kinds of sauce on the table.  I chose the "regular" sauce and while it was thin, I thought it was very good.  I did not try the mustard sauce or the other sauce that appeared to be a thick KC style sauce.  Two giant slabs of Texas toast rounded out the meal.

Overall, I liked the joint.  I'd recommend the pulled pork for sure.  Here's how Country BBQ in Bethalto, IL stacks up on my score card:

• BBQ - B


• Side Dishes - B


• Atmosphere - B


• Value - A


• Overall - B

If you find yourself in the area, give this place a shot.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.  

Cheers,
Braddog