Mystery Diner: Niel and Shorty’s BBQ Co. is the go-to place for barbecue in Princeton

Plenty of sides to choose from to go with BBQ

Jan. 20, 2021

Join the Mystery Diner as they take a trip to Starved Rock Country's own Niel and Shorty's BBQ Co. in downtown Princeton!

While its name may be Niel and Shorty’s, there is no shortage of tasty barbecue items on their menu.
Niel and Shorty’s BBQ Co. is the go-to place for barbecue on South Main in Princeton. They offer a full menu featuring sandwiches, burgers, smoked barbecue plates, baby back ribs, chicken and seafood. — While its name may be Niel and Shorty’s, there is no shortage of tasty barbecue items on their menu.

Niel and Shorty’s BBQ Co. is the go-to place for barbecue on South Main in Princeton. They offer a full menu featuring sandwiches, burgers, smoked barbecue plates, baby back ribs, chicken and seafood.

They are currently open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday for lunch and 4 to 8 p.m. for dinner. Niel and Shorty’s also can supply their smoked meats and homemade sides for any parties or gatherings. Call 815-303-NIEL (6435) for pricing.
While Niel and Shorty’s is offering dine-in service, we opted for carryout, helped by their friendly staff. And my party of five was not disappointed.
We all have our old standbys when we go to Niel and Shorty’s. — They are currently open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday for lunch and 4 to 8 p.m. for dinner. Niel and Shorty’s also can supply their smoked meats and homemade sides for any parties or gatherings. Call 815-303-NIEL (6435) for pricing.

While Niel and Shorty’s is offering dine-in service, we opted for carryout, helped by their friendly staff. And my party of five was not disappointed.

We all have our old standbys when we go to Niel and Shorty’s.

For me, it’s a combination plate of pulled pork and turkey with sides of baked beans (you’ve got to get baked beans when you have barbecue) and potato salad. It was delicious as always.
One person in my party ordered a combination plate of pulled pork and brisket with sides of baked beans and potato salad.
Another order was for a brisket plate with the popular Niel and Shorty’s sweet potato waffle fries and potato salad.
Two people in my group both ordered a pulled pork plate with sides of taffy apple salad and sweet potato waffle fries. — For me, it’s a combination plate of pulled pork and turkey with sides of baked beans (you’ve got to get baked beans when you have barbecue) and potato salad. It was delicious as always.

One person in my party ordered a combination plate of pulled pork and brisket with sides of baked beans and potato salad.

Another order was for a brisket plate with the popular Niel and Shorty’s sweet potato waffle fries and potato salad.

Two people in my group both ordered a pulled pork plate with sides of taffy apple salad and sweet potato waffle fries.

Each of the smoked barbecue plates costs $12.95.
We also ordered some sweet corn nuggets ($6.95) for an appetizer, and as its name implies, the nuggets were “sweet” tasting.
Several other options are available for appetizers, ranging from $2.95 to $7.95, including corkscrew shrimp, fresh homemade seasoned pork rinds, homemade chip basket, pickle fries, fried okra, “Shorty’s loaded skins,” “twigs and berries” (mozzarella sticks and battered cheese curds) and spicy cauliflower.
They serve ample portions, so most of us had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. Total bill for our party of five was $77.50. This trip has whetted our appetite for more Niel and Shorty’s. — Each of the smoked barbecue plates costs $12.95.

We also ordered some sweet corn nuggets ($6.95) for an appetizer, and as its name implies, the nuggets were “sweet” tasting.

Several other options are available for appetizers, ranging from $2.95 to $7.95, including corkscrew shrimp, fresh homemade seasoned pork rinds, homemade chip basket, pickle fries, fried okra, “Shorty’s loaded skins,” “twigs and berries” (mozzarella sticks and battered cheese curds) and spicy cauliflower.

They serve ample portions, so most of us had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. Total bill for our party of five was $77.50. This trip has whetted our appetite for more Niel and Shorty’s.

IF YOU GO
WHAT: Niel and Shorty’s BBQ Co.
WHERE: 646 Main St., Princeton
PHONE: 815-303-6435
INFORMATION: nielandshortys.com
• The Mystery Diner is an employee at Shaw Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story. — IF YOU GO

WHAT: Niel and Shorty’s BBQ Co.

WHERE: 646 Main St., Princeton

PHONE: 815-303-6435

INFORMATION: nielandshortys.com

• The Mystery Diner is an employee at Shaw Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.