I have off and on went here for years, starting when it was half the size and Jessie set in the window next to the fire pit.
Food is still good, but no longer great like before.
The ribs I had were off the reheat and cooked so well they are falling apart. Not too fresh looking. Â The hot links are good, but not smoky crispy like before.
The fries were fresh, and the beans and slaw were great. Â
Steve needs to pay attention to food quality like his dad did. The rest will come back.
UPDATE
I raved about this place the first time I had it. I didn't think I'd need to try another place in town. Well, the second time wasn't as great. The ribs were OK but not as good and I have to admit... that sauce is kinda weird. The spicy version is OK on the brisket but I'm not a fan. One thing's for sure: ask for sauce on the side if you're not getting ribs or you won't taste much else. None of that changes the fact that the ribs I got here the first time were huge and delicious, so I'll leave some of my first review.
THE FOOD
This is Kansas City style BBQ and the ribs I had today were right up there with the best. Just like at Arthur Bryants, you get meat, slices of plain white bread, and sauce on the side. The ribs were amazing "as is" and were VERY meaty. The sliced sausage was pretty good and the brisket was slightly dry but was also good, even better on the bread with sauce. The sauce is tomato-heavy with a chili-like aftertaste. It's... interesting... not bad. The beans were pretty good (very thick and sweet) and the potato salad was average. The ribs were definitely the highlight.
THE EXPERIENCE
I was a bit worried when I walked in and had the place to myself at 6pm but Steve had me reassured in no time. We talked the whole time he made my plate and then I talked about how good it was. I told him that I moved here a few months ago and was surrounded by BBQ joints (Buckingham's, Whole Hog, Rib Crib) and knew there had to be something better. He said "Welcome to the family. We got the real deal over here." I thanked him and agreed. Then a 40-year patron came in and took over the conversation. Soon after, a couple guys came in, gave Steve a hard time, and went behind the counter to grab a chess board. They've been eating, playing chess, and even helping out at Crosstown for 20 years. Feels like a neighborhood spot, but very welcoming at the same time.
I cam in from out of town and had a craving for barbecue. I found this place on Yelp! and am really glad that I did. It was some of the best barbecue I've had. The location is out of the way and looks like it's probably a converted house, but that's by no means a bad thing. The owner greeted me as soon as I walked in and gave me a fantastic recommendation. I had the big boy - ribs, roast cuts, sausage, fries, and baked beans. The ribs were tender and smokey, the roast cuts were tender and juicy, the sausage was bursting with flavor, the fries were a little limp, but still good, and the baked beans were fantastic. The barbecue sauce was sweet and slightly spicy, very different from what I'm used to, but not in a bad way. The owner was very friendly and helpful. Overall it was a great experience and worth the trip.
Review Source:This place is a small family owned restaurant (my favorite kind). The cook took our order and served us. Â The service was fast and friendly, but the food...the food is what will keep you coming back over and over. The sauce is awesome, the variety was impressive, and the ribs were the best I've had in a very long time. Â Let's not forget the portions are HUGE!
Review Source:Holy massive portions Batman. This place is not afraid to show you how good their barbecue is with giant plates. I drove there for lunch with a friend who complained about the distance the ENTIRE way. When we got there he complained about the lack of people the interior and about anything else he could. We ordered and when our food came he was still complaining. One bite and his eyes got wide with sauce all over his face he said "Damn this is good, i mean really good" I think that pretty much sums up this place. It has an amazing history fall off the bone barbecue with a great tangy spicy sauce. The brisket is the best I've had in Springfield so far and the ribs are awesome. The coleslaw is not merely a side it deserves it's own listing. The pulled pork was moist and tasty. Again the smokey goodness is highlighted by this sauce. They also sell just the sauce at the counter. Normally I would say something witty and clever right here but I am just too damn satisfied right now to be anything but pleasant.
Review Source:Yeah, my first 4 star rating EVER. This is a solid place. Yeah, you're eating on paper plates and wiping your mouth with paper towels, but since when is BBQ fancy? Everything about this place stands out as BBQ. Hell, the toothless cook really put things in motion for me: if she can eat it, then it must be good.
Price is skewed. It is too expensive. In actuality, the price is only what it supposed to be because it is a mom-and-pop shop.
Ketchup-based sauce.
Spicy.
I'm at a loss for words right now. I'm actually drooling.
The only reason this gets a 4 instead of a 5 is because I'm not an idiot. BBQ can never earn a perfect 5 because that would mean that BBQ can be narrowed down to a science rather than a fine art. With that said, the cooks at Crosstown are artists!
Why are you still reading this. Get your meat on! GO EAT!
I'm basing my rating on one experience, so read with caution. Â That said, my rib tip plate at Crosstown was so darn good I haven't forgotten it. Â I usually go to Buckingham's, since it's closer to my parents' house, but Crosstown gives it a run for its money. Â It's also a completely different vibe - much more like a diner, definitely not across the street from Bass Pro - which I really enjoyed. Â Recommended!
Review Source:This is my favorite BBQ place in the Queen City.
Simply put they have moxie, swagger, great service, and tremendous meats!
Make sure to get your entree with sauce on the side, otherwise they will drench the plate with a custom sauce that is really good but is better in moderation.
The fries are fresh cut and the story behind the place is golden.
Its in a part of town that many people have forgotten about but still smokes a great rack of ribs and more!
Highly recommended!
Edit: Upon checking my bank account balance online after eating at Crosstown I realized that after I paid they added to my original bill and also the bills of the two friends who went with me.
***CROSSTOWN ADDED TO MY ORIGINAL BILL***
Original: The barbecue is decent enough that I'd go back to Crosstown on occasion, but the prices were a bit steep. $15 (after tip) for a barbecue sandwich, fries, cole slaw and a drink seems too much, especially considering the average quality of the food (the bread was thin, plain, store-bought white bread). The portions were a bit lacking too, considering the price.
Almost forgot: the first thing I noticed after sitting down and looking out the window was the bullet hole in said window.
I used to be quite in love with this barbecue place--until I found better ones. The people are very friendly, and it has a great atmosphere. The story behind it is kind of fascinating, too--the founder was a black dump truck driver who struggled with segregation when he founded the place, and actually had to sleep in the restaurant at the beginning because he couldn't find any housing in Springfield.
But friendliness, atmosphere, and stories don't fill your belly. The barbecue is decent, but only decent. Their ribs are all right, but their sandwich meat is a lot drier than it ought to be.
For better barbecue, head south to St. George's, west to Pappy's, or east to the Rib Shack.
Bottom line-Overrated. I've been twice, looking for the food that lives up to the hype, but all I've experienced is un-smokey, plain flavored sandwiches. Very boring BBQ in my opinion-diced beef and pork takes away from the texture of a properly smoked meat, thus making their meats very typical tasting. The service has been ok both times...nothing fantastic though.
Review Source:One of the best culinary experiences available in Springfield, Missouri. My first trip there was during my sophomore year of college. I think. My roommate and I made a whole experience out of it. We got a full slab of ribs and potato salad. The sandwiches are incredible too. Everything is very basic, and proper BBQ, and it just can't be beat. The best experience is to go and sit in that place, the conversation is always good. Can't say enough good things about it.
Definitely a good idea for kids coming from out of town, bands, new students, whatever to stop by Crosstown and enjoy a meal with friends.
I drove an hour and a half out of my way to go to this place! A friend of mine had been raving about it and it's so rare that I drive through MO that I had to go check it out. It was all that he promised and then some. I say that because the hospitality that we received was awesome!
If you ever get out this way.... definitely stop for some ribs and hot links. It's sooo tangy and smokey my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
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