LNT_Menu & Restaurant Guide_101525

Illinois Valley Restaurant Guide Fall 2025

! t u o e k Ta ! y r e v i Del ! s u n e M

Must-Tr y Specialtie s!

Welcome to

Voted Best Plac e For Mexican Food & Margaritas in 2024 & 2025 B est of the IV

Always Fresh Always Good Weekly Specials – Dine In Only Quesadilla Mondays Taco Tuesdays Burrito Wednesdays Enchilada Thursdays Fajita Fridays Steak Saturdays Chicken Sundays

- $2 off quesadilla dinners, $1 off quesadilla sides - $2 hard shell tacos, $2 off all taco dinners - $2 off all burritos dinners Kids - $2 off all enchilada dinners ice cr get free purch eam wit - $2 off all fajita dinners h a meal se of a kid - $2 off steak dinners every s day - $2 off all chicken dinners

MUNCHIE HOUR! From 2-5 p.m. Mon-Fri $2 off all Margaritas $1 off draft beer $3 cans ½ price nachos and Mexican street corn 2 October 2025 | Menu & Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

5 OFF

$

Expires 2/28/26.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

5 OFF

$

Expires 2/28/26.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

OPEN 6 A.M.-10 P.M. DAILY 1212 1st Avenue, Mendota 815.539.5060 www.ziggiesrestaurant.com

Est. 1972

FAMOUESDOUBL D BREADEE CHEES BURGER

Serving Daily Specials Dine in • Carry Out • Curbside/Drive-Thru Private Dining Room Available for Parties Download the

Check Out Our Full Menu and Order Online at

Ziggie’s

app today!

PLAY SLOTS HERE! Video Slots

Video Poker

Amusements

A NewsTribune Publication | Menu & Restaurant Guide | October 2025 3

Alfano’s Little Sicily PIZZA, PASTA,

Spring Valley

SUBS, GYROS, TACOS, SANDWICHES, WINGS, SHRIMP, APPETIZERS, DESSERTS & MORE!

Order your frozen pizzas or grab some we already have in stock

We Go the Extra Mile!

We Deliver to a 15-Mile Radius or Will Meet You Somewhere Delivery 11am to 2am - 7 Days a week!

DELIVERY AREA: Arlington, Bureau, Cedar Point, Cherry, Dalzell, DePue, Dover, Florid, Malden, Granville, Hennepin, Hollowayville, Jonesville, Ladd, LaMoille, LaSalle, Lostant, Magnolia, McNabb, Mark, Mt. Palantine, Oglesby, Ottville, Peru, Princeton, Seatonville, Spring Valley, Standard, Starved Rock, Tonica, Utica, Webster Park

815-663-9081 • 815-664-5422 115 West Saint Paul Street • Spring Valley

WE ACCEPT

www.alfanolittlesicily.com

4 October 2025 | Menu & Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

IT’S ALWAYS A GOOD TIME BY THE RIVER! 1525 WATER STREET, PERU, IL

815-250-0675

RIVERFRONTBAR.COM

THANK YOU!

Best Outdoor Dining/Patio Best Live Music Venue One of the Best for Chicken Strips

SERVING 7 DAYS A WEEK MONDAY: WING SPECIAL TUESDAY: TACO SPECIAL WEDNESDAY: CHEAP CHICKEN THURSDAY: BARSTOOL BINGO A NewsTribune Publication | Menu & Restaurant Guide | October 2025 5

Celiac-safe food choices

G

luten intolerance has gained greater recognition in recent years, as many people have transformed their diets to include fewer foods that contain gluten. Although many avoid gluten as a personal choice, people with Celiac disease must avoid gluten to stay healthy.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, gluten is a general name for the proteins found in various grains. Gluten helps various foods maintain their shape, essentially serving as a glue that holds foods together. While gluten is largely in foods that one expects, including certain pastas and bread products, it also can be hidden in less obvious types of foods.

For those with Celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response to the gluten protein in the small intestine, says the Mayo Clinic.

Over time, this reaction damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing nutrients. Gluten also may cause inflammation

in other parts of the body.

The current approach to treating Celiac disease is to avoid any foods that contain gluten, and that list is long.

Grains that contain gluten include wheat, barley, rye, triticale, farina, spelt, kamut, wheat berries, farro, and couscous. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they often are manufactured and packaged on equipment that also processes other grains, so they can become cross-contaminated. It’s essential to look for grains that contain a “certified gluten-free” label.

There are many things those with Celiac disease and gluten intolerances cannot eat, but the good news is there are plenty of gluten-free foods that are safe and delicious. Foods that make the most sense are those that are naturally gluten-free, including: • fruits • vegetables • rice • potatoes • rice noodles • meats and seafood (not battered)

• corn and corn products like corn starch and corn chips • legumes • nuts • millet • quinoa • amaranth • teff • cassava • tofu • Non-wheat beers and other alcoholic beverages Try to avoid pre-mixed or prepared products. Avoid any foods and beverages that you cannot confirm as gluten-free.

Soy sauce and teriyaki sauce are traditionally made with fermented crushed wheat, which people who must avoid gluten may not recognize. Soups thickened with a “roux” typically have flour in them. Salad dressings may use malt vinegar or modified food starch that is made from wheat. Some cheeses have added flavors or other ingredients that may contain gluten. Gluten may be in the products used to prevent caking in shredded cheese.

Also, some imitation meat products add wheat gluten to

6 October 2025 | Menu & Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

bind the “meat” and may use yeast extract for flavor.

Going gluten-free requires vigilance and constant awareness of ingredients. However, there are many foods and recipes that people who must avoid gluten can still enjoy.

TF24A345

BREADSTICKS

PIZZONE

-OUR FRESH MADE DOUGH WITH A SEASONED GARLIC BUTTER BASE TOPPED WITH CHEESE AND SERVED WITH A SIDE OF PIZZA SAUCE

-OUR FRESH MADE DOUGH FILLED WITH YOUR CHOICE OF UP TO 3 TOPPINGS AND SERVED WITH A SIDE OF PIZZA SAUCE

-PLAIN BREADSTICKS -BREADSTICKS WITH CHEESE

$9 $12

PEPPERONI PINWHEELS -OUR FRESH MADE DOUGH ROLLED, FILLED WITH CHEESE, PEPPERONI, BAKED TILL GOLDEN BROWN AND LATHERED WITH OUR SEASONED GARLIC BUTTER. SERVED WITH A SIDE OF PIZZA SAUCE -ORDER OF 6

$9

SMALL LARGE

$13 $19

BEEF ROLLS -OUR FRESH MADE DOUGH FILLED WITH ITALIAN BEEF AND MOZZARELLA CHEESE SERVED WITH A SIDE OF AU JUS SMALL LARGE

$15 $24

-LARGE DAYTIME ORDERS AVAILABLE WITH 24-HOUR NOTICE -CATERING FOR BIRTHDAYS, MEETINGS, AND LARGE EVENTS ETC. AVAILABLE WITH MINIMUM 24 HOUR NOTICE -MENU PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE TAX -MENU PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SPECIALTY PIZZAS

10” 12” 14” 16”

BACON CHEESEBURGER:

$13

$14

$20

$23

$13

$14

$20

$23

$13

$14

$20

$25

$14

$15

$22

$25

$13

$14

$20

$23

$13

$14

$20

$23

Hamburger, Bacon, American, Cheddar & Mozzarella cheese

B.L.T: Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo

B.B.Q CHICKEN: Barbecue sauce, Chicken, Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese

CHICKEN BACON RANCH:

Ranch Dressing, Chicken, Bacon Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese

HAWAIIAN: Cheese, Canadian Bacon, Ham, Pineapple

HOT & SPICY:

Sausage, Pepperoni, Pepperoncini, Red Pepper Flakes, Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese

MEAT LOVERS:

$14

$15

$22

$25

$13

$14

$20

$23

$22

$25

Cheese, Sausage, Pepperoni, Canadian Bacon, Ham

VEGGIE DELUXE:

Cheese, Mushroom, Green Peppers, Onion, Tomato, Black & Green Olives

SUPREME:

$14

$15

Cheese, Sausage, Pepperoni, Canadian Bacon, Mushroom, Green Pepper, Onion

TACO:

$14

$15

$22

$25

Seasoned Taco Meat, Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Tortilla Chips 105 N MAIN AVE, LADD IL AVAILABLE FOR CARRY OUT

815-894-4524

BUSINESS HOURS: WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY 4PM to 10PM

A NewsTribune Publication | Menu & Restaurant Guide | October 2025 7

Pair beer with food like a pro Fresh Delicious & Healthy

Food to Take-Out and Eat-In

Excellent Food and Amazing Prices We Specialize in Cantonese, Szechuan, Hunan Children under 3 FREE Open 6 days a week, closed Wednesdays

ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET

Happy Family

Shrimp Lo Mein

Four Seasons

Sesame Chicken

Mixed Vegetable

Hunan Shrimp

10% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE ORDER

10% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE ORDER

EXPIRES 12/31/25 Minimum $15 purchase.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

One coupon per table

EXPIRES 12/31/25 Minimum $15 purchase.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

One coupon per table

houseofhunanperu.com 815-223-0969 2718 4th Street • Peru 8 October 2025 | Menu & Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

Craft brewers have opened the public’s eyes to a much wider array of beer styles than may be available at the local liquor store or supermarket. Below you can find some suggestions for beer and food pairings, courtesy of the Brewers Association.

• Blonde Ale: Match this ale with lighter food choices, such as chicken, salads, and light, nutty cheeses.

• India Pale Ale: The hoppy forward flavor of IPAs makes these popular beers a good pairing with strong, spicy foods, or bold, sweet desserts.

• Amber/Red Ale: Pair a wide range of foods with amber ales, like chicken, seafood, burgers, and spicy cuisine.

• Porter: The strong flavor of porter will work well with roasted or smoked food, barbecue, sausages, or blackened fish.

• Dark Lager, Dunkel, Schwarzbier: Hearty, spicy foods, barbecue, and roasted meats also complement these dark beers, as do pizzas and burgers.

• Hefeweizen: Fans of this light German or Austrian beer will learn it pairs well with salads, seafood, sushi, and traditionally weisswurst, a white Bavarian sausage.

• Imperial Stout: This beer can easily overwhelm many foods, but can stand up to foie gras or smoked goose. Longaged cheeses, like gouda, parmesan or cheddar, also can work with stout, as do rich, chocolate desserts.

• American Wheat Ale: Choose this beer to go with very light foods like salads and sushi. It’s generally too light for dessert, but might work with fresh fruit.

Furthermore, when pairing beer with food, keep in mind that beer with hop bitterness, roasted malt, high carbonation, and higher ABVs balance sweet, rich (fatty) and umami flavors in food. Hop bitterness also can emphasize the spice of foods, such as in chili or certain ethnic cuisines. A sweet or malty beer balances out spiciness or acidity in foods. DE23B423

Friday & Saturday – Fish Special 100 E. HENNEPIN STREET, MARK, IL

815.339.2210

Every Wednesday Starting at 11:00 a.m.

HOMEMADE* MEXICAN Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Rice, Beans, Burritos, Tacos, Taco Salad, Nachos Quesadillas, Chimichangas, Tamales [when available], Fajitas & Our Regular Menu HOMEMADE RED & GREEN SALSA

Famous for

Serving Cod, Whole Catfish, Chicken, Pasta Gyros Off the Spit [when available] ½ Rack BBQ Ribs [when available] Plus Our Regular Menu

Sunday- Breakfast All Day! Lunch also available at 11a.m.

Crepes, Skillets, Pork Chops, Steaks, Omelets, Biscuits & Gravy

HOURS Sun & Mon 5am-2pm,

Wed & Fri 6am-8pm, Thurs 6am-2pm, Sat 5am-8pm, Closed Tues

STEAK

BURGERS B • Dine-in • Drive-thru • Delivery

4240 Venture Dr., Peru | (815) 224-3111 | Door Dash Available through www.steaknshake.com A NewsTribune Publication | Menu & Restaurant Guide | October 2025 9

Alternatives A to alcohol when dining out

ccording to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, or whiskey each feature between 100 and 120 calories per 1.5ounce shot. The average beer comes in at 150 calories per serving. It’s easy to see how calories can quickly pile up.

Many people would rather save their calories for food than drink them away. Thankfully, individuals can choose from an array of low-calorie, non-alcoholic beverages when hitting the town.

KOMBUCHA Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. Since it is fizzy, kombucha can replace beer when dining out. There are various flavors of kombucha, and many replicate the flavor profile of a tangy or refreshing cocktail.

NON-ALCOHOLIC BEERS AND CIDERS You’ll have to check the nutritional information regarding caloric content since options vary, but if skipping alcohol is the ultimate goal, non-alcoholic beers and ciders are good options. They offer the flavor and effervescence of their traditional counterparts without the alcohol.

CLUB SODA WITH MIXERS Club soda mixed with bitters, cranberry juice, lemon/ lime, or other flavor combinations can create flavorful alcohol alternatives. Plus they are refreshing and will not cause dehydration, which can occur when consuming alcohol.

10 October 2025 | Menu & Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

KANNA Kanna is a plant used in South Africa for centuries, according to Trip, a CBD retailer. Kanna is known for creating a feeling of lightness and tranquility. It may be consumed as an alternative to alcohol to relieve anxiety. While kanna is usually sold in powder form, it can be brewed into a tea or used to make other beverages.

GINGER BEER Ginger beer is spicy and potent, making it much stronger than its cousin, ginger ale. It’s made by fermenting ginger, sugar, water, and lemon juice, says Medical News Today.

The result is bold ginger flavor with natural carbonation.

Like other soft drinks, the calorie count in ginger beer varies depending on the brand.

There are sugar-free alternatives that can help reduce the calorie load.

MATCHA OR OTHER TEAS Matcha is a type of green tea that is exposed to more sunlight to produce higher chlorophyll and amino acid content. Matcha, like other teas, is high in antioxidants, which is a boon for the body.

Matcha is widely available at coffee shops and other establishments. Chilled versions of matcha can be substituted for alcoholic beverages when people want to relax and unwind.

Additional tea alternatives include regular iced black or green teas.

A night out is a great time to try new drinks. Those who want to avoid high-calorie alcoholic beverages have many alternatives to choose from.

DE24B400

845 1ST STREET LASALLE

Dine-In Pick-Up

MONDAY - SATURDAY 11:00am - 8:00pm SUNDAY 10:30am - 5:00pm

-8080 0 8 7 5 81

Type of foodS DeSaYuNoS ChImIcHaNgAs TaCoS ToStAdAs PlAtIlLoS BuRrItOs ToRtAs QuEsAdIlLaS FaJiTaS HaMbUrGuEsAs BeBiDaS

A NewsTribune Publication | Menu & Restaurant Guide | October 2025 11

AMERICAN CUISINE WITH THE MOST EXTENSIVE MENU STARVED ROCK COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER. SATISFYING APPETITES SINCE 1985.

UPTOWN GRILL polished. modern. casual.

AREA’S LARGEST MENU • FULL MENU, LUNCH THRU DINNER, EVERYDAY KITCHEN & BAR SERVING LATE • KID FRIENDLY FOOD CUT & AGED STEAKS IN-HOUSE • FRESH SEAFOOD & OYSTERS GOURMET BURGERS & SANDWICHES • CRAFT BREWS & WINE SELECTION PRIVATE BANQUET ROOM • PATIO DINING • DOGS WELCOME RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED • CURBSIDE PICK-UPS • ONLINE ORDERING

815.224.4545 • 601 FIRST STREET • LASALLE • UPTOWNGRILL.COM • SM-LA2274125

12 October 2025 | Menu & Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication