Barbecue, moonshine offer Southern comfort at Mount Prospect's Whiskey River
The owners of Dick's River Roadhouse in Mount Prospect have changed things up, reopening the 6,000-square-foot space in July as Whiskey River BBQ & Honky Tonk. The new concept focuses on Southern flavors including barbecue, moonshine cocktails and country music, and the owners are already looking to open a second location in Hoffman Estates in December.
Motif: The space is packed with country kitsch, with photos of barbecue, bull riders and country musicians including Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. The brick and wood-paneled walls are also cluttered with guitars and steer horns.
More than 50 TVs are used to show sports games. Upstairs serves as a private party space — it was hosting a 35th birthday party when we were there — but can also be used for overflow seating.
Food: Favorites from the appetizer meal are available for $2.99 from 3 to 6 p.m. or after 10 p.m., a true boon to the late-night crowd. We loved all the bites we tried including the hand-breaded cheese curds served with Cajun ranch dressing, meant as an alternative to cheese sticks, and the made-to-order mac and cheese, which features shell pasta coated in three cheeses, baked and topped with crispy bacon. The meaty chili verde is more reminiscent of gumbo, served with cornbread and creamy whipped maple butter.
Brisket rules the barbecue menu. The meat is smoked for 15 hours making it tender and so flavorful that it doesn't need barbecue sauce. We found that a good thing since the three sauces were underwhelming and could have used a punch more flavor to kick up the pulled pork and ribs.
The house-made sides are all solid including green beans covered in Cajun bacon gravy and baked beans, which are a mix of legumes instead of just the standard navy beans. Whiskey River also does plenty of catering and takeout.
Liquid consumption: The long drink menu includes a variety of whiskeys — including moonshine, bourbon and Scotch — which you can order as a shot, mixed into a cocktail or sip as part of a flight presented on a paddle. Groups can also order $15 shot skis, which offer four shots.
A list of $5 cocktails served in Mason jars appeals to those who like their drinks on the sweeter side. Options include the Thunder Punch, a super-sweet mix of mango and coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime and grenadine, and the Georgia Peach Sangria, a blend of Moscato, peach schnapps, brandy, Sierra Mist, pineapple juice and peach syrup. The beer selection includes both classic domestics and craft brews.
Crowd: The bar has been drawing in customers from Mount Prospect along with surrounding communities. Families, couples and older groups tend to flock in for dinner, but the crowd gets younger as the night goes on. Blackhawks and Bears games bring out big crowds, and the spot also serves as a hub for a Nebraska alumni group during college football game days.
Music: DJs spin Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, starting with country tunes and Southern rock, then switching to Top 40 as the night goes on. Live country acts perform on Wednesdays.
Service: Our server was friendly, talking up her favorite menu items and generally popular dishes. Whenever there was a delay, she was quick to let us know she hadn't forgotten about us.
Parking: There are plenty of spots in the large free lot.
Overall: Whiskey River provides a great place to stay up late eating and drinking.
Whiskey River BBQ & Honky Tonk
702 N. River Road, Mount Prospect, (847) 298-7200, <a href="http://whiskeyriverchicago.com">whiskeyriverchicago.com</a>
<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday