Ethyl's Smokehouse & Saloon

My family and I were recent guests at this quirky little establishment.  Visiting from CT as we have on other occasions, we are always interested in trying a new spot, and this place didn't disappoint.

Named Ethyl's due to its gas station/petro theme, this place offers good grub with a nod to BBQ.  Appetizers are classic: nachos, toasted ravioli, quesadilla, potato skins and the like.  We didn't order any, but a nearby table got the BBQ nachos and I was immediately jealous.

Instead, our party focused on entrees- pork, specifically.  Me and my mom are suckers for ribs, so we split a full rack, which was a total of eight meaty, tender, juicy ribs.  These were absolutely delicious and lightly smoked to perfection.  Knowing that we were sharing, the kitchen split the rack for us, which I thought was very considerate.  The added bonus?  No plate charge.  Thank you!  The entree came with two sides.  Mom chose sweet potato fries, which had good flavor, but could have been hotter and crisper.  They were served with a kind of honey-cinnamon dipping sauce which could make just about anything delectable.  I ordered cole slaw which was creamy, light, and crisp.  I got an additional side of baked beans which were freakin' awesome- sweet, spicy, porky, and comforting.

The rest of the table ordered chopped pork sandwiches.  Everyone was happy, though there were some comments that the pork was merely drizzled with scant sauce, as opposed to coated.  I agree- I would expect it to be saucy too but, to Ethyl's credit, there are squeeze bottles of their homemade sauces on each table, so you really can add as much as you like.  One sauce is a standard tangy sweet BBQ, while the other is sweet and spicy.  I liked them both.

Other sides included onion rings (too thick cut for my taste, but others enjoyed them and they looked expertly fried), as well as mac and cheese which was devoured after the first bite.

I imagine this place makes a great hangout on nights and weekends.  They had drink specials, which is always appreciated, and my mom's house rum and coke was only $3- are you kidding me?!  I also really liked the selection of local beer (I already loved everything Schlafly and now O'Fallon Gold- yum!).  I would definitely return.

Not a bad little place. It's always good to know where decent eateries are near my suppliers in case I need to stop in for a business lunch or maybe just rustle up some grub for myself and/or co-workers when I'm out in O'Fallon. (Lots of industrial parks out there, so I am finding myself out there more and more often for work related things.) I tried the Harvest Salad upon recommendation from a co-worker. MAN, this salad was one of the best I had in a looong time. I opted for the smoked chicken on top. So tasty! I would def go here again, and maybe bring my BF as he loves BBQ. I also want to try their mac n cheese and some of their other items. Love the atmosphere, totally cool. I will be back!!

love this place. great atmosphere. bbq is excellant! tons of tv's an three bar areas. family atmosphere. sand volleyball. Enclosed patio area is best.