Station One Smokehouse — Restaurant in Plainfield

Station One Smokehouse, located in Plainfield Illinois, is a mecca for barbecue enthusiasts. With a dedication to the craft of smoking that's evident in every mouthful, this establishment serves as a homage to America's rich tradition of barbecue.

Our dining experience reached a pinnacle with their signature sampler platter for four. A well-curated culinary journey into the world of smoked delights, this platter is a testament to the restaurant's prowess in their craft. It showcases a range of smoked meats that cater to a myriad of taste preferences, making it the perfect dish for sharing among friends or family.

The smoked beef brisket is a standout, tender and imbued with a deep smoky flavor that speaks of slow cooking and careful seasoning. Every slice is a meat lover's dream, meltingly tender and exceptionally flavorful.

The smoked turkey breast brings a lighter, but equally flavorful, counterpart to the platter. The smoke imbues the usually mild turkey with an enticing depth of flavor that is beautifully complemented by its natural juiciness.

The smoked baby back ribs are an absolute delight. Expertly cooked to a point where the meat falls off the bone, they are a perfect blend of smokiness, sweetness, and a slight tang, all rounded off by the rich pork flavor.

For those with a penchant for heat, the jalapeno sausage packs a punch. It's not overly spicy but leaves a warm trail of heat in its wake. The cheddar sausage, on the other hand, is a comforting mix of savory and creamy, with the cheddar providing a lovely counterbalance to the smoky sausage.

The platter comes with three sides, which add a wonderful accompaniment to the meat feast. Each one is thoughtfully prepared and delicious in its own right, lending an array of textures and flavors that enhance the overall dining experience.

Station One Smokehouse proves to be more than just a barbecue joint. It's a destination that promises an authentic, satisfying journey into the world of American barbecue. Their commitment to quality is undeniable, with every dish skillfully prepared and packed with flavor. Whether you're a barbecue purist or someone just seeking a hearty, flavorful meal, Station One Smokehouse serves up an experience that will keep you coming...

What a pleasant surprise to get a decent bbq restaurant in the area. (I've only been here once so far, but do recommend others give St.1 Smokehouse a try.).

after having been there a number of times now, I can say this is my preferred bbq, outside of my home. They cook things properly and to my preference...with a nice bark. Most importantly, the meat, fat, connective tissue is broke down correctly. This doesn't mean everything always turns out perfect. This is bbq and items fluctuate in quality, to a degree.

They are also improving and changing things up. The pulled pork, that I mentioned below in my first review, is now consistently broken down quite well. For me, it's become one of their top items. Although I still find myself ordering the brisket most times I go in there. Sausage has gone through a few changes, each variation is enjoyable. All in all, nice place

Because bbq can be so tough to hold, I normally like to try a new bbq place three to four times before writing a review. Turnover and learning your daily customer base is key. For this reason I will never complain when a bbq restaurant tells me they're out of an item or if they pull an item if it had been sitting to long.

Setting aside a truly impressive resume from the Chef, the first thing I noticed was that this place knows how to properly break down protein. Belly, brisket and ribs were all beautifully cooked. Bbq is so much about starting with a good product and applying proper technique, St1 accomplishes this. The simplicity of the rub is appreciated. The ribs were probably the best that I've had from a bbq joint to date. My portion of pulled pork was taken a bit too far, but certainly still okay. Corn bread was nice and unique...it gave me the impression of a version of polenta cornbread, really tasty!

I could go on about a proper bark, nicely rendered fat, etc, etc. Oh, the in house sausages are well done as well. Finer grind than I would have suspected, but a welcome interpretation. The sausage was well made, well stuffed, and nicely cooked.

Station 1...

TL; DR Version: Great smoked meats, wonderful side dishes, friendly service and contemporary decor in the heart of Plainfield.

We arrived shortly after 12:30, and event though this was but Station One's third day in business, the queue was not an issue. Once we entered the establishment, the smell of smoked meats was intoxicating. As we waited in line, we reviewed the menu posted above the counter. The menu is not complicated, by any means: You can choose to have your meats by the half-pound, or in sandwich form. The menu board was clear and easy to understand.

I decided upon the pork belly, and my wife opted for the pulled pork. The pork was sliced and weighed out in open view, dripping with juices as they are placed on the paper-lined metal tray. From there, we asked for some Mac-N-Cheese and Elotes, which were served in paper trays. The metal and paper service complement the overall decor, which is industrial. As we collected, and paid for our food, the staff was very friendly, freely answering questions and even going so far as to provide some small samples of their cornbread and the broccoli slaw. After snagging some slices of white bread and spicy pickles, we made out way to our table.

Our food was everything we would want in barbecue: The meat was tender, smokey, and full of melt-in-your mouth flavor. The macaroni and cheese was creamy, using large-gauge pasta designed for holding sauce. Our elotes were hot, and in a flavorful melange of chili powder, cheese, and creamy sauce.

We did not have a chance to try the bar, but it looked cozy, and well-appointed with good quality liquors (and Malort). Perhaps next time :) Thanks, Station One, for providing another wonderful dining option...