Rick's Smokehouse & Grill

First just let me state I live in Texas where BBQ is a way of life. Ricks serves up some of the best BBQ I have ever had. Really good smoke, uses hickory, rub has a great flavor without overpowering the meat. Makes his own along with his own sauces. I had the Pork Ribs and Smoked Turkey, partners had Ribs and Brisket. all I can say is AWESOME. Add to that the unique atmosphere of the restaurant and this is a don't miss in Terre Haute.

Ok BBQ, certainly not 4-5 stars. The pulled pork for the kids sandwich was not hot, although they liked the sandwich and the Mac n cheese. The brisket was on the dry side but not too dry. I liked it but the wife did not. Biggest complaint would be the sauces. All tasted the same and had a particular flavor I can't identity but I didn't like it. I enjoy when restaurants have a variety of choices to include vinegar based sauces and a mustard based sauce. Neither to be found here. We searched this place out while traveling south on 41. It's about 2 miles off the highway and probably not worth it to divert from the main road.  A little pricey too: $9.29 for a sandwich, fries and drink. Pros, they didn't skimp on meat portion (I was happy with the size), staff was friendly, sweet potato fries were awesome and the atmosphere was pleasant.

When you park in the back lot (mind the pot holes) and walk by the giant smoker on your way into the back entrance, you can't help but get a little excited and filled w/ anticipation. Welp, let me tell you upfront, go in w/ low expectations and hopefully, you'll be pleasantly surprised.  I think I built this place up too much for some co-workers and they were let down.  Let me start off by saying that this place is not the king or the best of anything but nothing was like full blown disappointing.  

The pulled pork was legit soft and tender w/o being mushy.  It was not over or under seasoned.  It was no dried out.  Yeah this stuff is sitting in a metal bin for a couple hours in the morning probably but are there BBQ joints where this is NOT the case?  The brisket IS fattier than normal but not _overly_ fatty.  I mean, shoot, brisket is a fatty cut by definition so a little fat is to be expected.  The mac and cheese was NOT "elbow pasta w/ velvetta melted on top".  I could actually tell it was real cheese based on the curd and oil separation in the bowl.  Again, not the best mac and cheese but served hot and very passable.

I remember the cashier/order taker being a little short w/ my menu questions even though I was the only one in line so I didn't really like that.  I actually went twice in one week.  Once for lunch and once for dinner.  On the 2nd visit the service was different people and much friendlier.