Mystery Diner: Tony’s Butt Shack in Hollowayville offers delicious smoked meat, much more

I’ve had Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ and Catering at graduation parties, and it was delicious.

So when a friend recently raved about the restaurant’s Thursday taco special — 10 tacos for $15 — I knew I had to try it.

I mean, smoked meat inside tacos, it has to be tasty, right?

It was.

We ordered a variety of tacos — Nashville hot, brisket, pulled chicken and pulled pork.

While the brisket, pulled chicken and pulled pork tacos were fairly traditional, appealing tacos with a fried shell, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and salsa, the Nashville hot stood out.

It’s made with pulled pork, hot sauce, coleslaw and pickles.

Some in our group felt the Nashville hot taco was too spicy and some thought it wasn’t spicy enough, and I’m sure, like Goldilocks, some people find it to be just right.

No matter the spice preference, everyone in our group felt the smokiness from the meat, the spice from the sauce, the sweetness of the coleslaw and the acidity from the pickles was an excellent flavor combination.

Tony’s also has a wide variety of appetizers using its smoked meats as well.

After much discussion, we decided on the Brisket Totchos ($8.99), which are tator tots topped with Texas brisket, homemade cheese sauce, bacon, sour cream and chives.

We had our order delivered, and this appetizer traveled surprisingly well. We all agreed the tots — and likely the tacos — would be even better eaten while dining in.

For barbecue traditionalists, Tony’s offers a variety of combos that come with smoked meats (pulled pork, pulled chicken, smoked ham, brisket, shaved pork loin, ribs, Polish sausage) and sides.

And for you non-barbecue lovers — I don’t really get that, but I don’t judge — Tony’s has plenty of salads, fried chicken, pasta, burgers and sandwiches to choose from.

We ordered Tony’s Signature Burger ($10.74), and, unexpectedly at a barbecue joint, it was one of the biggest hits of the night.

The burger was on a ciabatta bun and topped with bourbon glaze, American cheese and a homemade bacon jam, which created an incredible sweet and savory flavor.

Just like the appetizers, it was difficult to choose which burger to order as there are many mouth-watering options.

It wouldn’t be a barbecue place without a long list of sides to choose from, and Tony’s didn’t disappoint here either.

We went with fried potato salad, mac and cheese, fries, hickory smoked beans and Brunswick stew.

The fried potato salad is an unusual option that’s hard to find and done well here.

Overall, Tony’s provide an enjoyable dining experience with good food for a reasonable price. I look forward to eventually dining in to experience more of what the restaurant has to offer.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering

WHERE: 601 U.S. Highway 6, Hollowayville

PHONE: 815-894-2277

INFORMATION: www.tonysbuttshack.com

• The Mystery Diner is an employee at Shaw Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.