 Roy's Hickory Pit BBQ is a small family run restaurant that has been in operation in Hutchinson, Kansas since 1982. Roy's is only open Tuesday to Saturday from 11AM until 3PM, or until the meat runs out. Roy's was closed the first time I tried to eat there, and I called to confirm they would be open before visiting in February 2009. Arriving at the small old building about noon on a Saturday, I opened the door to find the line waiting to get the counter was backed up to the entrance. Although a few of the people in line left when they heard that the turkey was all sold for the day, it took perhaps 15 minutes for me to get to the counter. I dined at Roy's again on the first Saturday in July of 2011. Arriving a bit before noon, the line of people waiting to order food was the width of the main room and 3/4 of the length of the exterior of the restaurant. We made friends with other people in line and discovered we might as well have arrived a little bit later. We were inside the building before more people got in line behind us. But it is good thing that we didn't wait very much later - they were out all but hot links by 1PM. As you reach the counter, you can see the meats available displayed in a class case. The lady working the counter works quickly and the food is plated by two people working right behind her. She is friendly & funny and seems to know about a third of the customers in line. I've now sampled most of the meats and my favorite is the mild Polish sausage - which surprised me, I am a "hot" food lover. I also liked the brisket & ribs. Linda and other people we spoke with were big fans of the turkey. None of the smoked meats have been disappointing The Texas toast is fried on a grill and very good. The side dishes at Roy's are part of a tiny bar where people dish their own items to eat in or take out. I'm not impressed with the side dishes. The regular coleslaw was OK, but none were a real treat. With the exception of the beans, the sides are all cold and there are French fries, onion rings, cheesy corn or anything like that. I noticed that many of the regulars buy only meat. Although there are only 7 or 8 tables, there has been no problem finding a free table. Most people get their barbecue to go.
Hutchinson Kansas Restaurant Guide
copyright 2009-2011 by Keith Stokes |
