Smokin' Notes BBQ - East Peoria — Restaurant in East Peoria

My boyfriend and I went in here at 3.30pm and ordered our drinks and an appetizer, neither of which were brought to our table for 25 minutes. We ordered the loaded fries with the brisket on there. I asked the waitress what kind of BBQ sauce they used because the BBQ sauce that was on our food tasted EXACTLY LIKE Sweet Baby Ray's. She tells me that they make it in house (I asked a few other ppl who have been there about the BBQ sauce and they all, aside from one, believe it to be Sweet Baby Ray's as well) Anywho, after the appetizer we sat for another 40 minutes before getting up to walk out because they had yet to bring our main dishes. I can understand if there has been a lot of ppl there but there was literally one, just one other table that was occupied while we were there. So we were just about to walk out when they finally bring out the food we order, I tell the lady I'd like everything to go (we were standing at the front counter when they took the food to our table) she goes to the back and returns with to go boxes and just shoved them across the counter at us. We go back to the table and pack up the food and they didn't even have the damn order correct!!! We finally get our food and get out of there. We taste the food and it was beyond bland. The cheese in the Mac and cheese was separated, the "Southern fried Chicken" was garbage -the chicken at Popeye's is better than that, the collard greens had no distinct taste at all and the potato salad lacked any and all seasoning whatsoever!!! I would not recommend this place to anyone. All in all we walked out of there at about 4.50. I will...

Located roughly a mile south, down Sterling from the Hwy 74 exit. Located in Sterling Bazzar shopping center at the far end. A great stop off for passers thru Peoria needing a bite to eat and gas (Kroger gas is right here and priced right). Side Note: When you walk inside you are hit with the wonderful aroma of yummy smoked meats. Nice clean family establishment run by a gentleman who knows his way around the smoke pit. They slow smoke their meats (after using a proprietary blend of spices with sweet nutmeg notes, some meats are injected with juice to add flavors) for a minimum of 4 hours up to 12 hours and have meat smoking every day, so it's always fresh. You can't miss the smoke ring here, it's very evident. We were pleasantly surprised by the generous size portions, if you leave hungry, it's on you. We ordered the loaded fries appetizer to share, it came with a choice of shredded pork or brisket and topped cheese blend with ranch dressing. This item could be more generously sprinkled with meat but it was way more than two could possibly eat. We both decided to have the Anthony's Combo which includes two meats and one side. We both chose brisket and pulled pork and our sides we chose were candied yams (an upcharge special item) and baked beans. The meats were tasty and tender. We could not finish the meat nor the sides, we got a to go box. For the price, you are getting a fair meal. If you are on a budget, get a brisket sandwich with a side. We are from Kansas City and know our BBQ, We will...

We ordered take-out ribs with the tater salad and Annie's beans - What topped the entire meal was of course the ribs - they weren't overcooked, shriveled up or dried out, but instead they were plump and juicy and tender with great seasoning and smoke preparation. Most places could learn a few things from how you are preparing your ribs..and I smoke some pretty nice ribs. Secondly, the side of beans - oh wow...pinto beans, but not just boiled and whole, they were slow cooked also to the point where they were pieces, plenty shy of being refried bean consistency - don't worry there... but this heavenly blend of beans - n - meat were the best flavor I've had with subtle smoky sweet undertones(not overwhelming or underwhelming)...maybe a more suitable name for this side dish would be 'tender meat stew - with a lil bit of awesome beans' ?? no kidding. Then the side dish of tater salad...I love egg whites in tater salad which is how this was served - and creamy...you might need to season with salt/pepper to taste -- as it should be the end eater that decides how much salt/pepper they want. WELL DONE and THANK YOU FOR THE BEST BBQ dinner and sides we have had since way before COVID in this area...see you next time! I will spread the word amongst my...