Cal's BBQ — Restaurant in East St. Louis

We went to a local competitor whom we love no shade to them, but they were out of snoot. Now if you know, you know. Snoot is a classic Midwest staple of the summer time and when that craving hits? IT HITS! Sooo we had passed Cals on the way there so we doubled back, we were so surprised at the exterior of the restaurant! The classic brick building with the smoke stacks in the back was very aesthetic! The smell let us know we were about to be in for a treat!

Food: Lord have mercy, we got two rib tip and snoot combo plates, a small potato salad, and an order of tater tots with cheese, and when I tell you, the food was piping hot when it came as soon as we lifted the lid, the smoke that emitted from our food was unreal. It was so good. The first bite was the snoot. We didn’t eat it until we got home, which was about 45 minutes later and it was still hot and the tips were so tender you can bite right through the gristle which is my favorite part. The sauce was like your traditional old school barbecue sauce not tomato based but you know somebody has some blessed hands back there making up the sauce absolutely delicious and finger licking good…. I’m telling you guys if you want some barbecue, they are killing the competition very tasty and very affordable. Don’t sleep on Cals bbq.

Service: There was a man & a lady that came to the window, this was our 1st time there so we weren’t sure if we could order at the window and they said it was fine with a smile! We sat there and waited for our food and it was given to us in a timely fashion with another smile! That really goes a long way these days!

Atmosphere: Loved the look of the building, nice and quant. Went through the drive thru which was really convenient but they also have an inside you can go into, nice paved parking lot! This is truly a gem...

5/5 Stars

A Hidden Gem for BBQ Enthusiasts

Cal's BBQ in East St. Louis is a must-visit destination for barbecue lovers.

Highlights:

Tender, flavorful meats (ribs, brisket, pulled pork) Delicious homemade sides (coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread) Cozy, casual atmosphere Friendly, attentive staff Affordable prices Variety of BBQ sauces Catering and takeout options available

Tips and Recommendations:

Try the combo platter for a taste of everything Don't miss the slow-cooked ribs Pair your meal with a cold drink Check for daily specials and discounts Ask about their secret menu items!

Rating Breakdown:

Food Quality: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Overall Experience: 5/5

Will I Return?: Absolutely!

Cal's BBQ is a treasure trove of flavors, offering authentic, mouth-watering barbecue.

Additional Tips:

Best for casual dining and takeout Suitable for families and groups Limited seating, but worth the wait Cash and card accepted Parking available

Special Features:

Live music events (just check calendar) Outdoor seating (seasonal) Loyalty program for frequent customers

Pro Tip: The crispy snoots are a Cal's...

Well, first, opening time isn't when it's open, sometimes (late). Next, there is a drive thru that allows cars to sit for 10 to even 25 minutes, which is unreasonable. Finally got my order, which was pretty good, but disappointing, as i couldnt get brisket on a thursday, while the menu clearly says thursdays and fridays. Food was actually smoked, unlike a couple of other local joints. However, the guy working the window forgot BOTH of my sides of potato salad. Which brings me to the nail in the coffin... they DO NOT EVER answer their phone, so like why even have a phone number? So I waited until the next day to give them another shot at getting my brisket and maybe the 2 sides of potato salad that I didn't get the day before. Nope! The guy there said, "No brisket" again. AND to top it all off, went in the back to get another person's order and was gone for 13 minutes before I walked out, after having been in the drive thru for another 20 minute stint.

Needless to say, I will NOT be back... which is sad, as I LOVE BBQ, especially brisket. I also like supporting small businesses in the local community but this one is a "no" for me. Go at...