Hickory River Smokehouse – American
The air at Hickory River Smokehouse is thick with the intoxicating scent of slow-burning hickory, drawing guests into a rustic haven where the art of low-and-slow barbecue takes center stage. Succulent slabs of baby back ribs and tender ribbons of pulled pork emerge from the pit with a deep, smoky crust, offering a melt-in-your-mouth richness that celebrates authentic pitmaster traditions. Every plate, from the hand-sliced beef brisket to the savory smoked chicken, delivers a soulful, hearty experience that captures the essence of a true backyard feast.
1706 North Cunningham Avenue, Urbana IL 61802 https://hickoryriver.com/locations/illinois/urbana/overview.htmlRating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Hickory River Smokehouse
Dairy-Free at Hickory River Smokehouse
Hickory River Smokehouse in Urbana has 5 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cole Slaw, Smoked Texas Tater with Chopped Beef Brisket and Turkey in the Garden. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Hickory River Smokehouse
Hickory River Smokehouse in Urbana has 3 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Smoked Texas Tater with Chopped Beef Brisket, Turkey in the Garden and Smoked Texas Tater with Pulled Pork. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Hickory River Smokehouse
Hickory River Smokehouse in Urbana has 9 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cole Slaw, Beef Brisket Plate and Macaroni & Cheese. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Hickory River Smokehouse
Hickory River Smokehouse in Urbana has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beef Brisket Sandwich, Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich and Smoked Half Chicken Plate. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Hickory River Smokehouse
Hickory River Smokehouse in Urbana has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including Turkey in the Garden. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Hickory River Smokehouse
Hickory River Smokehouse in Urbana has 1 vegan-tagged dish on its current menu, including Bottled Root Beer. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Hickory River Smokehouse
Hickory River Smokehouse in Urbana has 7 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cole Slaw, Macaroni & Cheese and Ranch Beans. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Hickory River Smokehouse
Hickory River Smokehouse in Urbana has 7 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cole Slaw, Brownie and Macaroni & Cheese. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Hickory River Smokehouse
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Pulled Pork Nachos | 125.2 g | 49.8 g |
| Smoked Half Chicken Plate | 0 g | 37.2 g |
| Turkey in the Garden | 21.2 g | 21.9 g |
| Seasoned Waffle Fries | 23.5 g | 17.7 g |
| Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich | 1 g | 15.7 g |
| Beef Brisket Sandwich | 0 g | 14.9 g |
| Soft Drink | 101.3 g | 8.3 g |
| Bottled Root Beer | 39.4 g | 6 g |
| Coffee | 39.3 g | 5.6 g |
| Our Famous 'Cue Shoe | 2.4 g | 5.5 g |
| Smoked Chicken Wings (12) | 6.8 g | 5.2 g |
| Macaroni & Cheese | 16.4 g | 5 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Sunday - Thursday
- 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its delectable menu spanning from appetizers to main courses, guests frequently highlight the standout soup as a particularly flavorful favorite. Diners rave about the relaxed vibe and professional, welcoming service that ensures a seamless experience from start to finish. Reviewers often recommend making a reservation to fully enjoy the warm atmosphere and consistently high-quality dishes.
Menu
BBQ Plates
Includes your Choice of 2 Sides & Homemade Sweet Cornbread or Texas Toast
- Beef Brisket Plate - $14.99: Sliced or chopped beef brisket. Includes choice of 2 sides and homemade sweet cornbread or Texas toast. Dietary tags: Halal, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pulled Pork Plate - $13.49: State fair winner pulled pork. Includes choice of 2 sides and homemade sweet cornbread or Texas toast. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pulled Chicken Plate - $13.49: Smoked pulled chicken. Includes choice of 2 sides and homemade sweet cornbread or Texas toast.
- Smoked Turkey Breast Plate - $13.49: Low-fat smoked turkey breast. Includes choice of 2 sides and homemade sweet cornbread or Texas toast. Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, GERD-Friendly, TLC
- Sliced Pork Loin Plate - $13.49: Smoked sliced pork loin. Includes choice of 2 sides and homemade sweet cornbread or Texas toast. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium
- Smoked Country Ham Plate - $13.49: Smoked country ham. Includes choice of 2 sides and homemade sweet cornbread or Texas toast.
- Smoked Half Chicken Plate - $13.99: Smoked half chicken. Includes choice of 2 sides and homemade sweet cornbread or Texas toast. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Polish Sausage Plate - $12.99: Smoked polish sausage. Includes choice of 2 sides and homemade sweet cornbread or Texas toast.
- Baby Back Pork Ribs - Full Slab Plate - $26.99: Full slab of baby back ribs. Includes choice of 2 sides and homemade sweet cornbread or Texas toast.
- Baby Back Pork Ribs - Half Slab Plate - $17.99: Half slab of baby back ribs. Includes choice of 2 sides and homemade sweet cornbread or Texas toast. Available at: dinner, lunch
Combo Plates
Includes your Choice of 2 Sides & Homemade Sweet Cornbread or Texas Toast
- 2 Meat Combo - $17.99: Choice of two meats. Includes 2 sides and cornbread or toast. Available at: dinner, lunch
- 3 Meat Combo - $19.99: Choice of three meats. Includes 2 sides and cornbread or toast. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smokehouse Combo 1 - $18.99: 4 Bones of Baby Back Ribs and 1 Meat choice. Includes 2 sides and cornbread or toast. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smokehouse Combo 2 - $21.99: 4 Bones of Baby Back Ribs and 2 Meat choices. Includes 2 sides and cornbread or toast. Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches
- Beef Brisket Sandwich - $8.99: Sliced or chopped beef brisket on a bun. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pulled Pork Sandwich - $7.99: Award-winning pulled pork on a bun. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich - $7.99: Low-fat smoked turkey breast on a bun. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pulled Chicken Sandwich - $7.99: Smoked pulled chicken on a bun. Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
Other Fixins
- Our Famous 'Cue Shoe - $11.99: BBQ Pulled Pork & fries on Texas Toast, smothered in special cheese sauce. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pulled Pork Nachos - $10.99: Fried corn nachos topped with Pulled Pork, Ranch Beans, House Queso, & Choice of BBQ Sauce. Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smoked Texas Tater with Pulled Pork - $9.99: Large baked potato topped with pulled pork. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smoked Texas Tater with Chopped Beef Brisket - $10.99: Large baked potato topped with chopped beef brisket. Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Turkey in the Garden - $10.49: Garden Salad topped with Smoked Turkey Breast. Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Low-Cholesterol, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smoked Chicken Wings (6) - $9.99: 6 wings with choice of sauce. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smoked Chicken Wings (12) - $17.99: 12 wings with choice of sauce. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Tenders (3) & 1 Side - $8.99: Three chicken tenders served with one side. Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Potato Salad - $2.49 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cole Slaw - $2.49 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, GERD-Friendly, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ranch Beans - $2.49: BBQ Pinto Beans Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Macaroni & Cheese - $2.49 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seasoned Waffle Fries - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Onion Rings - $3.49: Breaded and deep-fried Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Renal
Desserts
- Cobbler - $3.99: Peach, cherry, apple, or blackberry Dietary tags: Halal, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Soy Free
- Brownie - $2.49 Dietary tags: Halal, Low-Sodium
- Big Chocolate Chip Cookie - $1.99 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium
Beverages
- Soft Drink - $2.49
- Iced Tea - $2.49: Sweet or Unsweet
- Bottled Root Beer - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal
- Coffee - $1.99
Frequently Asked Questions about Hickory River Smokehouse
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This restaurant is unique for its authentic pitmaster traditions using slow-burning hickory to smoke meats like baby back ribs and brisket.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Customers praise the flavorful soup, high-quality dishes, and professional service within a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere rated 4.0/5.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- The menu offers vegan, keto, gluten-free, and low-carb options including ranch beans, smoked Texas taters, and high-protein smoked chicken wings.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Hickory River Smokehouse offers a casual dining experience with a relaxed vibe, rustic atmosphere, and budget-friendly pricing.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- The restaurant has a website at https://hickoryriver.com/locations/illinois/urbana/overview.html, though online ordering is not explicitly mentioned in the provided data.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Ranch beans and the Smoked Texas Tater with chopped beef brisket both accommodate multiple diets, including gluten-free and high-protein.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The extensive menu features diverse barbecue plates, combos, and sandwiches, catering to over twenty dietary preferences including vegan, keto, and gluten-free.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- This budget-friendly ($) restaurant offers good value with high-quality barbecue plates and a 4.0/5 rating for its flavorful menu.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Families can enjoy a relaxed vibe and budget-friendly pricing with kid-friendly options like chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and brownies.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Reviewers recommend making a reservation to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, professional service, and standout dishes like the flavorful soup.
- Is Hickory River Smokehouse dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Hickory River Smokehouse has 5 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cole Slaw, Smoked Texas Tater with Chopped Beef Brisket and Turkey in the Garden.
- What can I eat at Hickory River Smokehouse on a dairy-free diet?
- Cole Slaw, Smoked Texas Tater with Chopped Beef Brisket and Turkey in the Garden carry the dairy-free tag, out of 5 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Hickory River Smokehouse have vegan options?
- Yes. 1 dish is tagged vegan on the current menu, including Bottled Root Beer.
- Is Hickory River Smokehouse gluten-free?
- 3 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Hickory River Smokehouse?
- Pulled Pork Nachos, at roughly 49.8g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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