Carrol Lou's Smokehouse — Restaurant in Decatur

Maybe Decatur, Illinois is just not the place to find a good barbecue place/smokehouse.

We went here and it was so uncomfortable. You aren't seated, you stand at the register and place an order for really overpriced food. The cashier refuses to give recommendations when asked. You stare at this torn up piece of paper "menu" that's been scotch taped to the counter in front of the register. It looks gross and you're on the spot to hurry to order.

Since there are no waitstaff at all we seated ourselves in the house. I mean, the house that was converted into a church which has been converted into a restaurant, if you want to call it that. It could've been quaint and cute but it wasn't really. They really could've made it unique and cute with the right atmosphere that'd really make the place stand out and shine. Did they? Nah. The decor is random and no theme to it. It's like sitting in not-your grandma's house of random junk on high shelves. They also did not clean around the windows so there were old bees nests and cobwebs. I guess if you don't pay for waitstaff you probably don't pay for someone to do thorough cleanings of the place.

The chairs were very wobbly and unstable. Clearly unsafe. I was afraid I would fall and steadied myself in preparation. I am sure that if I leaned back even a little the poor thing would've collapsed under me. It was uncomfortable! Why don't they invest in new chairs?!

So, if you're going to get food from this place it is very obvious they don't expect you to eat-in. I noticed that barely anyone was eating-in so I guess all of the locals knew. Oops, lesson learned!

The food wasn't all bad. It was "so-so", mediocre at best, but was better than Hickory River Smokehouse. These places seem to think that a smokehouse is just pouring bbq sauce over second-choice meat. This place has so many bbq sauces to choose from when, really, they should just pick their 2-3 AMAZING ones that really stand out, and then assign them to meals (and allow for substitutions). The food was overpriced. I can't believe we paid over $40 for lunch for 2 adults. LUNCH. In DECATUR! The ribs were extremely fatty and greasy. I've never seen ribs like that. Major sign it was a cheap buy, second-choice cuts. Drinks are overpriced bottles. The water was even off-brand. How weird they feel the need to even mark-up their cheap water! Yeah, you read that right. NO drink refills at a smokehouse. ...WHAT?!

Our food arrived at completely different times. Nobody seemed to care about serving it together. My food came out room temperature and theirs was hot. Just sloppy/lazy of them to not care about us actually dining TOGETHER.

Again, there's no waitstaff. If you need to report an issue you'd need to get up from your wobbly chair you're balancing on and carry the food to the front. Have these people ever eaten good BBQ? The mess is real when it's good! Come on, guys!

We had to clear the table ourselves after. I don't mind, but that's also unusual for a smokehouse to expect customers to do. Again, a good smokehouse KNOWS that their customers are messy if the food is good. Customers are pigging out on heavy foods. We just want to drop a healthy tip and walk away from the mess.

Also, if a place says that they serve food until X:XX time or until the food runs out after years of being in business then that isn't a good sign. If you can't estimate your average customer base and meet those demands after 6-8 months in business then you're obviously trying to cut costs by keeping as little food in stock as possible and expecting the customers to just deal with it. After a year+ in business it's just really sad to see the lack of customer care. Really a poor business choice.

I would not recommend this place for good smokehouse food or BBQ. The people are cutting way too many corners to reduce costs at the obvious expense of customer satisfaction and comfort. Don't...

After spending the day at the Decatur zoo, my partner and I googled “food near scolville zoo” and we found Carrol Lou’s Smokehouse and decided to check it out. We were a little taken aback when we pulled up and it appeared to be someone’s house with a parking lot. We looked uneasy at each other and decided, YOLO- let’s try it! THANK GOD WE DID! Holy cow- the food is amazing!! We had no clue what to order and said it was our 1st time here. A customer chimed in and recommended the brisket horseshoe with the Monterey Jack cheese. I ended up getting the pony shoe instead (just a smaller portion but same toppings) Hands down, that was the BEsT brisket I have ever had. Incredible flavor and beyond tender. My Partner is an avid meat BQQ cooker and until Sunday I would say his meat is the best. Not anymore, Carrol Lou’s is now #1. My partner got the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw topping, he got the Carolina sauce on the side. The pulled pork was juicy and extremely tender. The sandwich had a massive about of meat on it. DELICIOUS!! For sides we got the brisket Mac and cheese (10/10) and the baked beans. The Beans are very unique with slices of peaches in them. They are very good, a tiny bit on the sweet side- but we both enjoyed them. When we left we got a peanut butter cookie and chocolate chip cookie. They are so moist, soft and flavorful absolutely recommend. This hidden gem in Decatur is incredible and we absolutely will not only be back, we will be telling everyone to go check them out! Keep up the great work Carrol Lou’s Smokehouse- your food...

I remember when this place was customer focused. Those days are long gone apparently. The lady working the counter is obviously struggling and has to stop after each item is told to her, to go find someone who actually knows what they are doing to ring it up. I ALWAYS get burnt ends with 7 pepper and ghost pepper seasoning but today that is not allowed, and very adamant about it. Upcharge is NOT an option? I don’t want your sugar sauce options, I want dry seasoning. The worst part about it all, is there are two veteran employees (that usually are VERY helpful) hiding in the back while the line backs up and customers aren’t offered any service. Apparently takes 2 to chop some brisket. If I am not mistaken one is an owner and could clearly and concisely see and hear all these issues happening. Also, train your employees to look people in the eye when you speak to them, not the floor. Furthermore speak up or turn the music down so I don’t have to lean over the safety barrier to her what you’re saying. Just because it took you 10 min to get the order in, doesn’t mean read it back at 500mph either. I was told my balance was 43, and got change for 34 as was indicated on the receipt.

Typing this up in the parking lot, and order just got here and guess what? It’s wrong. Just wow.

Today you lost a customer that has been literally hundreds of times and recommended you as many times if not more. Hope you’re satisfied with giving away that business businesses that give a darn. Let us know if you get your passion for serving...