Grandpa John`s Rib Shack in Peoria

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack in Peoria
3 / 5
49 reviews

7805 N University St, Peoria, IL 61614-1205, Peoria

Overview

Cuisine
  • Barbecue

Restaurant Hours

Monday

08:00 - 17:00

Tuesday

08:00 - 17:00

Wednesday

08:00 - 17:00

Thursday

00:00 - 17:00

Friday

00:00 - 17:00

Review

Add rating restaurant:
Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
SN
Saquane Noel
google
11.21.2024
1/5

First time I tried Rib Shack... Placed a pickup order and had to wait 10 mins once I arrive when woman on phone said 5 mins & I gave 15 mins before going. They was out of cornbread waffle, baked beans taste like Chili, ribs tender but no season (flavor or taste). Very minimum BBQ sauce. Sweet potato fries full of pepper, no salt and under cooked. I checked reviews after I ate my food and read that others have the same opinion regarding food. I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
AL
Annette L
google
11.19.2018
2/5

Last two (2) visit food either burnt or fries uncooked. They were nearly raw.😝

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
LD
Lucas Dam
google
11.09.2018
5/5

Been working a few miles away for the last Three Years. Wish I found it sooner. Excellent Food! The Staff is just as good. Can't wait to go more often

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
GG
Gershom Gumayan
google
10.25.2018
5/5

Great ribs. Love the spicy beans.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
CW
Carrie Wolf
google
10.20.2018
1/5

This place is a rip off, teeny tiny portions. Never seen such a scimply sandwich. I feel totally ripped off. Ordered carry out so I didnt know until I was already home.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
hunnybunny
google
10.17.2018
3/5

The pulled beef and pork just wasn't what I expected for a "rib shack" . They taste like pot roast meats from a Crock-Pot and we're a bit over salted. Also the two BBQ sauce options (regular) was like an Arby's sauce... The (spicy) was like Arby's sauce with Sriracha sauce. I was disappointed.... But I think my disappointment was because I went in with expectation of BBQ /smoke type of flare.... It was not that at all. Decent prices and quick counter service.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
SW
Sean Whitelow
google
10.12.2018
1/5

Worst Resteraunt in Peoria, IL.The ribs tips some were to hard andthe coleslaw was spoiled, I'll never eat their again.....

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
TS
Tina S Woods-Miller-Young
google
10.11.2018
4/5

Ate here last night for the second time since they opened. The front staff was very friendly and my order was prepared in a timely manner, unfortunately the ribs I received were very tough and pretty much bone no meat. 👎. I filled up on fries. My bf ribs were great! 1 out of 2 dinners. We will be going back again.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
TS
Ted Sterling
google
09.24.2018
5/5

This was our second visit in a week. We enjoyed the rib meal last week & the combo meal today. Both were delicious. We will visit Grampa John's again!

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
JR
Janice Rossi
google
07.26.2018
5/5

Amazing food! They definitely have a new customer. Atmosphere was nice with friendly staff. Worth the drive. Best ribs in Peoria! Thanks from-Sample N Millz Bakery

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
DH
Dennis Hagerdorn
google
07.05.2018
5/5

Wednesday Rib Tips Special. Meaty, tender and almost more than I could finish. Consistently outstanding.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
MP
Michael Payne
google
06.14.2018
5/5

Wednesday Lunch Special is an incredible deal! 1lb ribtips, fries and drink for ~$8.00. Can't go wrong there! Ribtips are usually tender and meaty and great with or without sauce! This is my favorite Wednesday lunch getaway whenever I get the chance.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
AW
Amy Walker
google
05.17.2018
5/5

This place was great. The girl at the counter was knowledgeable and happy. She seemed to be enjoying her job. The food was freaking amazing and there was a lot of it. The sweet potatoes fries and even the regular fries ( which appear to be handcut) were to die for. The Bbq portions were more than we could eat on out plates and we had to take it home. I was surprised that this place was not packed because the food and the prices were more than fair and it was served hot and fresh.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
KC
Keena Coffey
google
04.19.2018
4/5

Food is still wonderful but the sauce isn't as sweet anymore. I want the old sauce back.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
DS
Daniel Shinall
google
04.12.2018
4/5

I give food 4 stars but 1 star for service. Kitchen takes way to long to get food out. Especially for not being busy

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
sg
sharon gordon
google
02.24.2018
5/5

Love the rib tips! Always good to swing by and get a dinner..great service and food. Since I live out of town, I also purchased some sauce...excellent!!

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
LA
Larry Alston
google
01.15.2018
4/5

Good as always but could be better. Young lady at the counter was friendly, smiling, social, and was awesome. The ribs seemed to lack flavor but thank goodness there was plenty sauce to add. The Diet soda was horrible and too carbonated. Many customers and orders at the time but the food came promptly. Good experience as expected.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
rbradfordjr
google
01.07.2018
1/5

Would love to have given this 0 stars. Was actually hoping to give it 5 stars but.... Called and placed an order for carryout and when my fiance got there to pick it up they informed her that they were closing early and were apparently "out" of what I ordered. No call, no nothing. You're a BBQ place but you ran out of ribs and rib tips?? Will take a lot to convince me to try it again. Sucks because I've heard so many great things about the food. In my world service and consideration for your customers are just as important as the quality of your food.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
sk
sevenbugs ksh
google
11.14.2017
1/5

Had the bbq pulled pork sandwich special. The pork was not seasoned, just placed on thin sandwich bread which immediately was soggy and fell apart. The bbq sauce was not cooked in the pork. It came separate in a squeeze bottle, cold! The bbq sauce tasted like watered down ketchup but was orange in color. The fries were very thick and sorta soggy. You did get a large amount though. I managed to eat the sandwich but this wasn't the kind bbq I was craving therefore I won't return. The root beer drink was good!

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
MP
Marshall Palmer
google
10.04.2017
5/5

Awesome food. Darice White is the best cool ever. Definitely my comments to the cook

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
kp
kimberly parker
google
08.09.2017
2/5

Nothing like being the great eatting place it use to be...ijs

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
AB
Angel Bottone
google
07.14.2017
1/5

There was only 1 worker there to take the order, make the order, package the order and be a waitress. Didn't get my coleslaw. Can't recognize the beans because they look like soup.all of the sodas are a disgusting blend of generics that I've never heard of before. The rib tips were so dry we couldn't eat them. Very disappointing and way too expensive for what we did not get.the owners didn't even bother to come in they let her work all by herself and she was as in-depth and incapable as a person could ever be. I will never spend my money there again.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
RG
RAKESH GUNDLA
google
06.14.2017
4/5

Good place for quick ribs 😁

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
VL
Victor Lebron
google
06.03.2017
1/5

Well what can I say.... having lived in Memphis and Texas I have experienced the big bbq real bbq dishes and believe me when I say something I am a pro when it comes to food and look for trying all places specially little greasy spoon mom n pop shops sometimes carry the best food in town. This place had only salt on their pork no pepper no other seasoning.. their fries were the best. I tried their ribs and these were cold like a rock with zero smokiness, their sauce was like ketchup with a twist nothing special. I can cook bbq I even won a Memphis contest twice coming from Puerto Rico we know how to cook pork and beef so I am sorry but this Grandpa John is like a texmex of the bbq world.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
MR
Mike Rhodes
google
06.01.2017
4/5

Got the chicken and the flavor was great, but the outside was dry. Inside was great.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
RH
Randy Hazlett
google
05.26.2017
5/5

My cousin and I stopped in there this afternoon walked in the door and the smell was unbelievably DELIGHTFUL 😊!! HE HAD THE BARBECUED PULLED PORK AND I HAD THE BEEF RIB TIPS THEY WERE UNBELIEVABLY DELICIOUS I COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW GOOD THAT THEY WERE MY COUSIN SAID THAT IS PULLED PORK WAS REALLY REALLY GOODI LOVE THE TASTE OF THEIR BARBECUE SAUCE THAT THEY HAVE THAT YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR MEAT REALLY DELICIOUS I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT EVERYBODY GO THERE BECAUSE THE FOOD IS UNBELIEVABLY DELICIOUS.....

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
RW
Rick Willis
google
04.23.2017
5/5

Best ribs around. Barbeque sauce...to much vinegar.....

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
TG
Tammy Gallaway
google
02.08.2017
1/5

Went to this place on 8/2/16... ordered the lunch special which was pulled pork sandwich fries and drink. Asked for BBQ sauce which they gave but I thought it was ketchup (it did not taste like BBQ sauce instead it tasted like water down ketchup ) fries did not taste well...made me very sick. The place was packed but the quality of food is terrible. The cashier had a rip in her pants, hair was a mess, long dangling earrings (her appearance was not appealing at all) she should had been sent home to change clothes. Will NEVER GO BACK TO GRANDPA JOHNS! Grandpa John needs to retire!!! If any one of you are looking fpr some good BBQ ...I would suggest Smoking notes on Sterling Ave. It's great food and actually taste great. Worth the money!

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
PM
Phillip Mitchell
google
01.19.2017
5/5

They made a small mistake on our to go order that we didn't notice until we got back across town to our hotel. We called and they did above and beyond to make it right! Excellent food and old school customer service! What more could you ask for?

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
RD
Reginald Dortch
google
01.13.2017
5/5

Excellent food.Excellent staff. DEFINITELY coming back

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
PG
Paul Gaumer
google
01.04.2017
5/5

Best BBQ in Central Illinois!

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
DB
Darrell Brown
google
11.26.2016
5/5

The young man who took our order was an ass hole. But the Young lady who served us was outstanding we had rib tips and fries preparation and presentation was 5 🌟.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
dcscott0602
google
11.20.2016
4/5

I've been there a few times. The staff seems very friendly, the ribs are good, the sauce is not bad (though I hear a lot of other customers say each time that it is not the original). Only thing preventing me from 5 stars is that the fries have been pretty highly salted each time. Small rib order with 2 sides and a drink for $12. I felt it was adequately priced, the restaurant was clean, and the staff was courteous. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for ribs without paying for a break-the-bank type of meal.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
BB
Beth Bonk
google
11.09.2016
5/5

Delicious food, fast service, nice atmosphere!

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
BH
Ben Hoerr
google
10.26.2016
4/5

Tried Grandpa John's for the first time this week. Very satisfied. Ribs were meaty, moist, and tasty. Sauce wasn't the best I've ever had, but still unique. Great value. I'll certainly go back.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
ML
Micah Lavender
google
10.04.2016
5/5

Good food and friendly service.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
GD
Gary Doll
google
09.09.2016
4/5

Great food. Order the special for lunch, it's a good price. Other menu items are a little pricey. Still a very good place to eat.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
HW
H W Collins
google
08.21.2016
5/5

Best BBQ for miles around, still as good as John made downtown back in the 80's!

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
KK
Kristie Klein
google
08.06.2016
5/5

Fantastic!!!! This is a great hometown business you love to support! They have great food! The portion sizes are nice & the prices are good, especially for the amount & quality of the food. Their service is superb! The business is kept top-notch in being clean! Our family loves Grandpa John's!

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
KM
Kevin Myers
google
07.16.2016
5/5

Best bbq anywhere great food yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum you will love it

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
FM
Fred Meyer
google
07.06.2016
5/5

Always good! Put the sauce on EVERYTHING!!!

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
WT
We'reThe Thompsons
google
06.23.2016
5/5

Good Food And Great Service Deff Will Be Returning!!

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
PP
Patti Parrish
google
04.20.2016
1/5

Thought I'd try this place again for lunch... but they were closed. Think they are closed for good! Wouldn't be surprised.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
DC
Danielle Clesceri
google
04.10.2016
4/5

Was a good BBQ joint.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
SW
Steve Weber
google
03.04.2016
2/5

Ribs tips were pale with little to no smoke or flavor, let alone any bark. Not sure how they cooked these but strange texture. The chicken tasted like it was cook a week ago and warm up. Sauce was nothing like the original. this place was great when it was on University but since it's moved to Willow knolls it is bad every time I've been there. The only reason I'm giving it two stars is because the sweet potato fries were good.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
KS
Kimberly Summers
google
02.16.2016
5/5

The place is very charming. The food was excellent, especially the handcut fries. And, the staff pleasant and extremely helpful.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
cr
chris ratledge
google
02.13.2016
5/5

The best ribs in the world

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
JF
Jack Friedrich
google
01.11.2016
5/5

Here's the real scoop -Grandpa John's Rib Shack is the best place in Peoria to grab ribs or rib tips. A thorough cooking process leaves these ribs at the perfect, fall-off-the-bone, state. Seasoned and clearly prepared with care, Grandpa John's takes pride in their ribs.Take into account their tangy, yet not overwhelming BBQ and you get the perfect rib combo. I personally recommend adding it to their in-house, hand cut fries. It makes the whole experience all the better. Their Wednesday 1lb rib & fries special is both affordable and filling.This place has a history in Peoria and deserves to be recognized as such. Great food, great atmosphere. High quality of taste. You would be hard pressed to spend your lunch money at better comfort food establishment.

Grandpa John`s Rib Shack
BJ
Bill Jenkins
google
01.02.2016
5/5

Barbecue sauce that has to be tasted to be believed!They've vastly improved their service times since they've opened. There's barely time to get your drink now before your food is being brought out. The food itself is beyond belief. The pulled beef has to be the most delicious meat I've ever had. The portions are very ample, as well. With the barbecue sauce added, it's an experience that transcends time and space itself. It's really fantastic. I usually go once or twice a week, and I'm impressed every time. Spectacular!

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