Hickory Roasters — Restaurant in Elk Grove Township

Not at all like it once was! Nearly 20 years ago, this place was a food connoisseur's "gem" of a discovery. Long before "rotisserie" chicken even started becoming commonplace, the tremendously creative, dedicated and charismatic founder was preparing delicious marinated and precisely seasoned chicken cooked to perfection in slow-roasted fashion over hickory in a firepit. The ribs received the exact same type of commitment and dedication rendered their chicken. Everything was top-notch, moist and mind-blowingly flavorful....an incredibly delicious concept. I couldn't tell you how many times this business must have changed ownership to become the embarrassment of its one-time self but, it is no longer anywhere near what it once was. Both the chicken and ribs had the taste of old meat which was overcooked and practically flavorless. The chicken lacked any sense of creative seasonings or true hickory flavor.......like it was purchased at the nearby Meier's and slapped on a spit-skewer until it became like shoe leather void of texture or taste. Trying to eat the ribs was like chewing on a baseball glove smothered in a terribly unflattering vinegary ketchup sauce. While attempting to express my dismay as sensitively as possible, I was met with abrupt hostility from the man in charge whom, in broken English said, "What??!!" "You want money back??!!" I said I'd prefer trying perhaps a fresher version. With that, he went directly to the center of my half-slab of dried out ribs and attempted to crack it open to show there may be any amount of moisture somewhere......avoiding the 80% overcooked area. He then aggressively shuffled through the warming cabinet and brought out a mildly improved version of the rawhide and slathered more of the horrible sauce on it and shoved it at me saying "There! No charge!". Sadly, I realized I would never be returning again. Farewell.............to the Hickory Roasters...

Quantity was good, sides were relatively flavorless (a little salt goes a LONG way), gyro was T H I N L Y sliced and almost crunchy. Chicken was undercooked and pink, we were told that "that's ok as long as the bone isn't bloody/bleeding" (um...what? I've been a cook for 10+ years and never once was it acceptable to send PINK chicken). I understand that it is family owned and operated, but if thats the case the environment should be more welcoming and not reflect that youre clearly having issues at home. The lady that took or order didn't welcome us at all and practically hit us with the "what do you want" and drudged along with no sense of enthusiasm or pride in her job. Prices are different on their paper menu and their menu board inside, so make sure you check and see what youre actually paying. Wouldn't be surprised if there was a handful of health code violations. Personally, I wouldnt waste any more money here but if you're into flavorless food and the nostalgic "Ed Debevics" treatment than this place is right up your alley. No wonder the parking lot is...

Started paleo dieting from past one month. Hence, was looking for some good grilled chicken around Arlington heights. Tried the rotisserie chicken we get in Jewel Osco. They smelled very bad after a bite for some reason even after reheating it with some garlic and onions. Threw two of them entirely. Google review suggested me this place - Hickory Roasters. Wanted to try the grilled chicken here. Ordered a thigh and two sides. It also came with a muffin. To be honest, the chicken did not smell at all. The piece was very succulent. The sides of green beans and cucumber salad were great. Ended up ordering two whole chicken for take away. The ambience wise it's a small and cosy place. The downsides being Asked to replace muffin(being in diet) with green beans and it came little with a grumpy face from the worker. The people at the restaurant who serve you are mostly poker faced for some reason. If not for the workers, i would have rated them 5 stars but i would definitely visit them again and again. Finally found a place where i can get a healthy and...