Let's face it, Chicagoland is the mecca of food cuisine, but Southern BBQ is not one of them. However, Smokin' Coop is a great place to get BBQ when you are not down South in Tennessee! It's worth the drive, as we went to Belvidere from Crystal Lake to try this place out. This is a seasonal restaurant and it was opening weekend. We waited a long winter to try it out! It's located in the middle of nowhere where and definitely gives off country vibes... which is great! Once inside you place you order and pay and find a table to sit inside a large barn turned restaurant. They give you a buzzer, but someone will bring the food to your table. In the warmer months, they provide outdoor seating which is inviting. I opted for the pulled pork sandwich, baked sweet potato and their mac n cheese. I also tried a slice of their cherry pie. The pulled pork came in a generous portion, moist and flavorful. I enjoyed their original BBQ sauce that they also make in house. The sweet potato was good with the butter and brown sugar. Unfortunately, I would not get the Mac n cheese again, not impressed by it. Basically, overcooked noodles, lackluster cheese sauce and already chilled from being placed in a container to serve. My husband had the brisket sandwich and unfortunately said it was a bit over cooked and dry. I shared my pork sandwich with him and he obviously agreed with me that it was very good. We will return for the pork and we want to try their BBQ ribs next time too. Oh! The cherry pie is also made in house and it was pretty good also! Definitely deserving of 4 stars, we will be back! read more

Yum! We love coming here in the summer! We've brought our dog before too! The bbq is delicious! We've tried the pork, chicken, and ribs. The sides are equally as good as the desserts! Get here early because it fills up! They do take out as well. read more

Stopped in for lunch and have to say the brisket sandwich was good but the turkey club was out of this world probably one of the best sandwiches I've had in a long time. Definitely coming back to try the rest of the menu. read more

Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit - Brisket sandwich. - Barbeque Near Me - Belvidere, Illinois

Everything on the menu is amazing! Best brisket around IMO. Their staff is friendly and very professional. The prices are reasonable. One of my favorite places to get a good meal in a good environment at a good price. They are an "open air" restaurant so they are only open in the summer. read more

Great BBQ pit smells filled the air. An outside fancy picnic style venue. Wow, nice background music to reminisce the 50's. At a counter inside building garage doors all opened, feels like a real outdoor cookout. By a coincidence checked my watch from time of order, 11 minute wait, in a crowd. Wow. Come hungry and enjoy the short wait. Plenty of seating, all tables really clean. Got some carry out and dine in. Packaging great. Deliciousness and freshness topped off with tender, falling off the bone smokehouse BBQ ribs. Great sides, great flavor. Fast, too. First visit. Heard by word of mouth. Today my sister offered this as a great place to eat. Visiting as out of towner so yah we'll try it. Glad we did. Thank you Smokin' Coop crew! Bonus. Car show really nice event as well! Wow the outdoor "portable potties" are clean with running water. Like it. Thanks. We will be back. read more

Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit - Best side choices. Tastes great! - Barbeque Near Me - Belvidere, Illinois

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Just driving by makes my mouth water. Unique environment, great tasting food, friendly staff.

I had the turkey sandwich. Found the food was delicious. Servers were very polite and friendly. I ordered takeout and was served rapidly. read more

Our tenth BBQ stop in Illinois was a seasonal 'cue joint that finished the year on October 1st. You can dine inside, or on a patio, but facilities are limited to port-a-potties. $32 purchased a half rack of ribs, a large mac 'n cheese with extra brisket, a loaded baked potato with pulled pork, and a slice of homemade cherry pie. The ribs were a tad soft, falling off the bone when picked up, but the understated rub allowed the smoky flavor to shine. The potato was superb, and the pulled pork added great flavor. The white cheddar/gouda mac was just creamy enough to be moist, but still firm enough to provide a solid base for the well smoked brisket. Take away the meat, and you would still have a great dish here! Be sure and finish up with a piece of the homemade cherry pie ... yum! read more

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Had to go to Chicago today decided to stop at Smokin on the way home. The brisket was lean and delicious. The ribs were fall off the bone just as they described the pulled pork was very tasty. The sides match the main course the baked beans were delicious and the mac and cheese was also good. It's only open during the summer months so get there before the end of September or it will be closed The only downside I could say is the corn muffin was very dry. read more

Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit - Barbeque Near Me - Belvidere, Illinois

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Best BBQ in the Rockford area. Great servers are always smiling. Dogs are welcome, as it is an open area restaurant. Now the bad news is... closed Sundays, and closed for until spring. read more

My husband and I love barbecue. We used to have a spot in Woodstock called porkies but they changed ownership. I found this place and thought it would be promising based on the menu and reviews. We went there today having high hopes. We got two brisket combos and a pulled pork sandwich for my son. I saw a review saying the brisket tastes like roast beef and I agree. There was no flavor and the bbq sauce is average. My son wanted nothing to do with the pulled pork. It was a one and done experience. I will say the service was really nice and attentive. The beepers did get a little annoying when multiple tables were going off at the same time. read more

very average food. my husband didn't like his bbq sandwich at all. He said I can make it better.

Brisket was dry...really dry! I wanted to like this place I truly did! Ended up with a small spot of bbq sauce on my shirt and wanted to wash it out quick before it set..asked where the bathroom was and I was directed to a PORTAPOTTY As busy as they are -no running water?!? The prices didn't reflect the quality of the food or the plastic outhouse. Sink/handwashing station is literally 12 inches from the toilet. Which is essentially an open sewer. I definitely should have gone to Mission BBQ. Was trying to support a mom and Pop place though.... read more

As always, I was traveling and seeking out the best BBQ that the area had to offer. That is exactly how I found the coop. It stood out instantly because of the cool outdoor setup. It had all the trappings of an outdoor style restaurant with a cool rustic feel. Service was fast and the food was great, meats- well smoked and the sides were fresh. I would go back here for sure. Dinged them one star cause I wasn't crazy about the sauces but sometimes that just comes down to preference. read more

Service is good. The kids that work there are friendly and helpful. Usually a short line to place your order. But our food has always come out quickly. Nice outside seating. They have an open area and a covered area for eating. The outside chairs are a bit uncomfortable. But under the roof chairs are padded. read more

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Plenty of parking, friendly staff. The ribs were over cooked and falling off the bone with pieces of bone and not seasoned. They relay completely on bbq sauce to season them, very disappointing. Can't recommend them. read more

I had never been here, went with friends. Oh my, I wish they would open a new store in NC where I live! The brisket sandwich was generous, the meat was tender and so delicious! Served with a side of au jus... So yummy. I had a side of the Mac and cheese and my husband had a side of baked beans so we could share. Both were absolutely delicious, but if you could give me a tub of that Mac and cheese and a spoon.....Yum! Staff was friendly and attentive. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone! read more

Food was amazing staff was super friendly, this was my family's first time coming here and we can't wait to come back. The only complaint I have was the dog that was chained up to the side of the restaurant barked extremely loud which made us ended up deciding to leave. read more

Smokin Coop BBQ Review Belvidere Illinois. Out in the West Texas town of El Paso, I......wait. Never mind. On a country road between Chicago and Rockford, IL, there's a guy doing BBQ every summer, Mon-Sat, lunch, and dinner. Completely "al fresco" there are picnic tables and chairs scattered under the trees just off the road. There is a port-a-potty. The menu is is ribs, chicken, beef, and some creative sandwiches, like smoked ham or a turkey club. I went with the latter, and it was superb. Not the best club I've ever had in my life, that honor goes to Portland Oregon's oldest restaurant, "Hubers" who specialize in all things turkey. There are lines for food, lines for beverages. There is a loaded baked potato that people rave about. All dinners come with two sides and a piece of cornbread. Sides choices include slaw, beans, potato salad, or apple sauce. Plates run between $7 - $20. This is a great place to take advantage of COVID dining. Plenty of distancing and open air. read more

Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit - Exterior - Barbeque Near Me - Belvidere, Illinois

I cannot believe it was my first time at smokin coops! If you are craving BBQ, this is the place - skip the restaurant BBQ chain and come here! This place is outdoors only - they have a tent where they do the cooking and plenty of outdoor seating. They even had a portable sink which I've never seen before. We came here Friday night around 5:30pm and there was only 1 car ahead of us - right after we ordered there were soooo many cars that started rolling in to the point they had 2 lines going! The line went pretty quick and our food only took a few minutes. Since this was my first time I of course wanted to try everything on the menu!! I got the 1/2 rack of ribs (comes with 2 sides and corn bread) and pork and beans and potato salad. The ribs were so tender it literally fell off the bone!!! I didn't even have to get dirty or pick up the rib to eat it - i just ate it with a fork and the bone was clean! Pork and beans had good flavor - it tasted like an apple bbq sauce. Potato salad also good with big slices of potatoes. The cornbread was probably my least fav - it wasn't as moist and on the dry side where it just crumbled. Also tried the brisket - we thought it was brisket ends but it was actually a sandwich that came with au jus. It was so tender and flavorful. And we got the loaded baked potato - butter, sour cream, cheese, pulled pork - so good!!!! read more

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Meat trio was great! Got option A and a side of mac n cheese. Worth it. There was also a car show going on. Great way to kill time while waiting for food. read more

THIS IS NOT REAL BBQ BRISKET! The meat looks grey and honestly has no real true flavor. I don't know how people loves this place. I guess they don't know what they don't know. Alabama and Texas know what's up. read more

This is a favorite summer place for BBQ. The food is fresh and delicious .. and service is excellent!!

always good no matter what is ordered. I usually get ribs also had barbecue chicken. Nice to sit outside. Service is excellent. easy together to all backroads from Roscoe. read more

I hate barbecue. I normally never ever want to eat barbecue, except for this place. Ribs is one of the worst things to eat in my opinion, but I will eat them here. I enjoy their brisket more than anything as well as the cornbread Service is good here and the kids working the registers/taking orders are very helpful. the wait time is pretty decent. My only complaint is the price. read more

My best friend and I were torn on where to go for lunch the other day. She suggested this place because we are both big lovers of meats. I have always heard good things about it so I was intrigued! There was so much to choose from on the menu, but I went with what she got- a loaded potato which had pork on top. (Amazing!!) the sauces were great too! Sides were very reasonably priced. I got coleslaw for $1.45 and cornbread was only 49 cents! It was more sweet like cake than cornbread. The pie was incredible! I got peach, which included huge and fresh peaches! They had other selections which I'm dying to try- Cherry, strawberry rhubarb, apple, and forest fruits! I am definitely going to come back here! Lots of stuff to try still! Went yesterday and want to return today with the boyfriend haha. read more

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Cannot go wrong with Smokin' Coop(s)!! * From their superior cornbread, to their delicious quarter chickens, plus juicy Brats, Coop's has you wanting more!! * With their new remodel (2022), the ambiance level is top notch in ordering ahead through online, ordering through their "drive through" and since Covid, paying with a card(!!!), Coop's has been more of a go-to lunch/dinner spot for my family and friends. * Other than two older gentlemen that are usually sitting at the front, or roaming the restaurant, every other team member is extremely friendly and give that extra mile, I search for! * Highly recommend trying Coop's out at least once! Granted, you'll most likely be turning that one time try into a reoccurring go-to for BBQ! -- Helpful suggestion/tip, but a "pig ear" or a bone for your pup as well! They'll scarf it down in no time! Mine absolutely love them!! **However, their stool might look funny after eating them... read more

Loved this place but went the week before they closed for the season! Best bratwurst I've ever had!

Been here 2 times and was satisfied both times. I would recommend giving this place a try. I had the brisket dinner combo with potato salad,Cole slaw,and corn bread for around 13.00. read more

Their bbq is amazing and the staff is super friendly. I try to come here a couple times a season .

Stopped on the way home from a winery due to a Yelp search. We are picky about our brisket but they measured up nicely. We got both the brisket sandwich and the dinner. The bread on the sandwich was fresh and there was a moderate amount of meat. The au jus was delicious as well. I asked for a taste of the potato salad before ordering and this is my only complaint... she said they don't do that. Skip the potato salad btw... meh. I will be back to try other items if I'm in the area. read more

Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit - Barbeque Near Me - Belvidere, Illinois

Absolutely best place to get ribs and pulled pork! I have been visiting this place for about 2 years now and have never had a complaint about the service neither the quality of their meat!! read more

I absolutely love this place! My parents raves about this place for years. Most recently. We took my brother's family. Everything here is awesome, and I love the atmosphere. The Brisket is a must! I wish they were open year round. My only complaint is that on this latest visit, the bathroom did not have a good way to wash hands, as the portable sink was empty of water, as was the hand sanitizer. read more

The rib meat fell of the bone. Exceptional service and the prices are reasonable. Can't wait to go again soon!!

Food is okay but very bland with no flavor. Definitely doesn't taste like anything is smoked. Don't waste your time or money when there's better options. read more

Ribs are amazing. Beans and pork thankfully don't have any heat to them but just a tin of goodness. Outdoor seating.

THE BEST OF THE BEST! great service, great prices especially for this economy, and even better food! everything is always delicious!! we've been going there for 20 years and have never been disappointed! the atmosphere is phenomenal and on wednesday they have all the classic cars out and a dj for cruise night from 4pm-7pm read more

Went on a Yelp search for something for lunch while in the area. This looked like one of those places that would have great bbq. I called ahead before I left because it looked like a place that wouldn't take credit/debit cards and I was right. BRING CASH. Here is my take on it. I love the atmosphere. Tents outside with picnic tables, country atmosphere, nice big area, rustic appeal. No frills, which I like. I had the brisket dinner which includes your choice of 2 sides and cornbread or you can get a baked potato and cornbread. I got the baked potato. The brisket was sliced very thin and had no flavor at all. There was no smoke flavor and the brisket itself was not flavorful. I just used the bbq sauce they had which wasn't anything to write home about, but was fine. This was not juicy brisket. It was like roast beef. But, it was edible. I would get something different next time. We smoke brisket at home that turns out much better. My son got the loaded potato which was a baked potato with pulled pork and cheese. He said it was very good and it looked delicious. I would visit again because it was a great atmosphere. I'd avoid the brisket and get something else. We also brought home a piece of peach pie that was delightful, so grabbing some dessert there is also a winning idea. read more

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Looks excellent from the street. Serving from a shack, seating in a room open to the outside, etc. But, this is a perfect example of a restaurant that does very well commercially because they cook what the clientele is looking for, but that doesn't mean it's good BBQ by industry standards. The brisket was thinly sliced and appeared to have been soaking in juices. There was a smoker taste but no discernible bark and it was otherwise bland. The pulled pork was also juice laden, and a little on the mushy side. The best meat was the baby back ribs. Meaty with some smoke. A little over cooked, but overall reasonable. Our sides were Applesauce, Coleslaw, Baked Beans and Potato Salad. All were pretty good. read more

Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon for a taste of bbq before they close for the season. This place is hitting on all cylinders for the ambiance; picnic tables, rustic decor, and outdoor eating. Just how bbq should be. One thing to note about the facilities is that the only restroom is a port-a-pottie. That didn't bother us, but if that bothers you, do your business before getting here. The ribs were tender, juicy, and fell right off the bone. That may sound like a good thing, but not necessarily. You couldn't even pick up a bone and eat off it, which detracted a little from the bbq experience. Eating ribs with a knife and fork just ain't right. Regardless, the meat was delicious and I would get the ribs again. Their house bbq sauce was a highlight of the meal. Sweet and flavorful, it complimented the meats well. The other highlight for me was the potato salad. A unique dill-based potato salad, it was tasty and I could not get enough of it. Here's our full rating of all the items we ordered (on a 1-5 scale). Ribs - 4 Brisket - 2 Chicken - 3 Pulled pork - 4 Beans - 3 Cole slaw - 3 Potato salad - 4 Cornbread - 3 Bbq sauce - 5 A few last comments - the brisket was a bit tough and lacked smoke flavor - the pulled pork and smoked chicken were really good - the cole slaw is the same recipe as Jewel deli. Skip it unless you really like jewel cole slaw. - the beans were decent read more

Smokin' Coop BBQ Pit - Barbeque Near Me - Belvidere, Illinois