Spring Restaurant Guide 022520

Illinois Valley

Spring Menu Guide February 2020

A Special Supplement to

• Burgers • Steak • Pizza • Pasta • Italian • Chinese • Mexican • Hot Subs • Breakfast • Dessert • Late Night

& Mmmore

2 February 25, 2020 | Spring Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

Old-Fashioned Diner Atmosphere!

Voted Best Diner in Illinois among The Food Network’s 50 Best Diners in the Country!

Voted

#1

Place for lunch

Carry outs available 815-223-0848

#2 Place for

Known for our Handmade Pork Tenderloins, Hand-Cut Fries, Chili, Taco Salads and Shakes & Malts

burgers

www.igloodiner.com Open 10:30 - 10 • 6 Days a Week • Closed Tuesday

2819 4th St. • Peru

Fried Chicken

Penne Primavera

Strawberry Pecan Salad

Your Table is Ready Prime Rib Every Saturday Night

starvedrocklodge.com

So many choices are waiting for you at Starved Rock Lodge.

From freshly fried chicken to gourmet salads, penne primavera or a steak, our menu will surprise you! New this season, we even feature a local fare special made with ingredients from our region.

Now Taking Reservations for Easter and Mother’s Day Buffets.

Please call (815) 220-7386 for holiday buffets.

A NewsTribune Publication | Spring Restaurant Guide | February 25, 2020 3

JJ’S SPORTS PUB & GRILL Tuesdays Salad BEaat”r $ 50 “All You Can 2 d Soup & Sala

Burgers

8 Thursdays $ 00 Wednesdays 6 after 5:00PM with purchase of beverag e

$ 50

Cheap Tenderloin Chicken Basket

JJ’S SPORTS PUB & GRILL

after 5:00PM

4 1/4 Dark 5 1/4 Light

$ 95 $ 95

after 5:00PM with purchase of beverage

50¢ Wings

ood

F d o o G • s e im T d o o G • Watch the Games

Sandwiches Appetizers Jeremy’s Favorites Turkey Club LENT Nachos • Pub Chips Cheddar Cubes Popcorn Chicken Onion Rings Monterey Jack Sticks Mozzarella Sticks Cheddar Broccoli Bacon Bits Mini Corn Dogs • Mini Tacos Pretzel Bites Breaded Mushrooms Pickle Fries • Cheese Fries French Fry Basket Sweet Battered Corn Nuggets

Homemade Italian Beef Philly Steak Sandwich or Wrap 1/4 lb Burger • 1/2 lb. Burger

Wings 6 pk $6 | 12 pk $11 | 18pk $16 Sauces: Ranch, Honey Mustard, Marinara, Blue Cheese, BBQ

Monday - Friday 11am-2am Sat 11am-3am • Sun 11am-2am

Grilled Cheese Hot Ham Sandwich Fish Sandwich Garlic Hoagie BLT Italian Sub hot or cold

Chicken

SPECIAL

FRIDAY’S DURING LENT AFTER 5 PM

All You Can Eat Fish FF & Salad $8

Breaded Chicken Sandwich Grilled Chicken Sandwich Chicken Strips Chicken bacon Ranch Sandwich or wrap

104 W Main St • Downtown Ottawa • 815-431-1816

4 February 25, 2020 | Spring Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

#1 Voted

#1 Asian

Restaurant and

Satisfy your massive cravings with Fresh and Delicious food made from scratch!

#1 Buffet

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 7 days a week,

Fajitas • Nachos Burrito Bowls • Tacos Happy Family

Shrimp Lo Mein

Four Seasons

Sesame Chicken

Mixed Vegetable

Hunan Shrimp

CATERING BUY ONE ADULT DINNER BUFFET, GET SECOND ADULT BUFFET FOR House Of Hunan

$5.89

EXPIRES 08/31/20 Cannot be combined with any other offer.

One coupon per person.

BUY ONE ADULT LUNCH BUFFET, GET SECOND ADULT BUFFET FOR House Of Hunan

$3.89

EXPIRES 08/31/20 Cannot be combined with any other offer.

One coupon per person.

houseofhunanperu.com 815-223-0969 2718 4th Street • Peru A NewsTribune Publication | Spring Restaurant Guide | February 25, 2020 5

Meat & Mingle

Mon-Fri Dinner from 5-10pm Lounge opens at 4pm Sat Dinner from 4-10pm Lounge opens at 3:30pm Sun Dinner from 4-9pm Lounge opens at 3:30pm

815.872.3500 www.primequarter.com

Looking for a night out with great food? How about “grilling your own” at the Prime Quarter Steak House®?

Choose from the finest cuts of USDA Choice beef or try one of our succulent seafood selections.

250 Backbone Road East, Princeton 250 Backbone Road East, Princeton Just south of Interstate 80 Just south of Interstate 80

The

Voted theVoted NewsTribune’s Annual both The Times28 and READERS’ CHOICE Readers’ Choice The News Tribunes2019 #1 for Steak Readers Choice #1 for Steak th

Find Us on Facebook

STEAKS Your dinner includes...

Any one of these magnificent USDA Choice steaks or the catch of the day fish; a build-your-own, all-you-care-to-eat salad bar served on a chilled plate; a hot baked potato with your favorite toppings; and as much of our famous Texas Toast as you like.

Simple Price...

Grill your own - you’re the chef . . . . . . . . . . . $25.95 When our chef prepares it for you . . . . $2.00 (Extra) (Not responsible for well done steaks) Children’s portion (age 12 and under) 6-8 oz. Top Sirloin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.95 Children’s Hamburger (age 12 and under) . . . .$7.95 (Includes salad bar, baked potato and Texas Toast) Child’s meal from parent’s plate (age 5 and under) . . $2.00 (All dinners and a la carte items charged on a individual basis) Sorry, no separate checks for parties of 10 or more.

Beef Brochette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22 oz Catch of the day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12 oz Filet Mignon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 oz Kansas City Strip Sirloin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-20 oz Rib Eye (Delmonico) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 oz T-Bone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-24 oz Teriyaki Beef Brochette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22 oz Teriyaki Filet Mignon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 oz Teriyaki Top Sirloin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22 oz Top Sirloin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22 oz When dining out or at home, thorough cooking of foods from animal origin reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

A La Carte

Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.95 Burgundy Mushrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.95 Build your own Salad Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.95 Salad Bar & Baked Potato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.95

Share a Steak Many of our steaks are so large that some guests can’t eat one by themselves. We have a solution – Split-A-Steak. Any two guests can order one steak (Beefeater not included), each visit the salad bar, enjoy a hot baked potato and Texas Toast for just $14.95 per person.

6 February 25, 2020 | Spring Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

We’re more than great ice cream We also have delicious food!

15% OFF

with coupon

We deliver!

920 W Peru St, Princeton

815-872-1200 502 S Spalding St. Spring Valley

815-663-8416

check out our app

Bacon Burgers

Pork Tenderloins

Taco Salads

Our Famous “Frosty Mug” Homemade

Rootbeer

Floats

Frosties

Flurries French Fries

Chicken Salads

Shakes Hot Dogs Sundaes Cheeseburgers Fish

Cheese Stix

“Flavor Burst”

Ice Cream

Chili

Pizza Burgers

Onion Rings

CALL IN FOR CARRY-OUTS OR CAR-HOP SERVICE TO YOUR WHEELS OUTSIDE AT THE DRIVE-IN.

OPEN 7 DAYS AT 10AM 225 COLUMBIA AVE. • OGLESBY 815-883-9254 A NewsTribune Publication | Spring Restaurant Guide | February 25, 2020 7

A’s BELLA VISTA L

Rockin’ the Valley for Over 40 Years!

1001 8th St. • LaSalle 815-220-1001

Family & friend gatherings and sports

WE DO BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER FROM 9 A.M. TO 9 P.M. • 7 DAYS A WEEK WiFi CARRYOUTS • DELIVERY • CATERING

WE DELIVER TO SPRING VA• LLEY UTICA • OGLESBY • LA SALLE PERU Wednesday and Sunday live afternoon entertainment

NEW LOOK! NEW Tacos MENU! Reuben Sandwich

Breakfast

Cuban Sandwich

Sunda morniny g $1.95

Cheeseburger in Paradise

253 9TH STREET • LASALLE, IL 61301

Steaks, chicken, seafood & pastas.

8 February 25, 2020 | Spring Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

815.223.8960 • 9thStPub.com

Downtown La Salle Catering & Private Parties Available

Homemade Soups

Muffin Scones Shortbread Cookies Granola Jellies, Jams & Preserves Wine Jellies Chocolate Chip Cookies Cupcakes Cream Caramels Fudge Popcorn

Gourmet Baked Goods Organic Locally Roasted Coffee

A NewsTribune Publication | Spring Restaurant Guide | February 25, 2020 9

Stop in at the area’s newest and sports bar and grill.

Bar open everyday 10am-2:00am Serving food daily: Monday - Friday 11am-2pm and 5pm-9pm Weekends 11am-8pm

Mendota, IL 61342

815-539-5985

Call for reservations, parties & catering www.elzarapemendota.com

SPECIALS

FRIDAY: Shrimp Vegetable Fajitas Full Menu

Home Area’sof the Marga Best ritas

SATURDAY:

Ribeye Steak Dinner $19.99 Full Menu SUNDAY BRUNCH: 10a - 1p BUY ONE SUNDAY BUFFET, GET A SECOND HALF OFF.

Open 7 Days a Week M-Th 11am-9pm Fri-Sat 11am-10pm Sun 10am-8pm

Created by Our Very Own In-House Chef Daniel!

EXPIRES MARCH 29, 2020.

Chef Daniel’s Special

Catering Available!

Catering for factories, weddings, events, parties and more!

Serving Mexican and American food.

Plenty of options!

Grilled chicken and shrimp with sautéed green peppers and mushrooms served over rice. Smothered with cheese sauce and topped with avocado • 13.99

New! Molcajete Dinner for 2 Grilled chicken and shrimp with sautéed green peppers and mushrooms served over rice. Smothered with cheese sauce and topped with avocado • 28.99

10 February 25, 2020 | Spring Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

Mona’s Toluca

Capponi’s

Capponi’s

Restaurants

Toluca

WEEKNIGHT SPECIALS Mona’s

MONDAY NIGHTS - Chicken Oscar served with Dinner Salad or ½ Fried Dark Chicken with Side & House Salad

Also, Last Monday of Every Month

Liver & Onions with a Side, Pasta & House Salad TUESDAY NIGHT - Pasta Night- Your choice of 2 pastas, 2 pc. sausage , 2pc garlic bread and house salad

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - 2 Meals for $22 from Select Menu includes House Salad THURSDAY NIGHT - Our Famous Fried ½ Chicken Served with Pasta, Side & House Salad

MONA’S HOURS: WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 4:30-8:30 Mona’s and Capponi’s FRIDAY & SATURDAY 4:30-9:30 FRIDAY NIGHT - All You Can Eat Walleye SUNDAY 3:00-8:30 served with Side & Salad CAPPONI’S HOURS: SATURDAY - Chef’s Choice MONDAY & TUESDAY 4:30-8:30 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 4:30- 9:30 SUNDAY - Serving from Our Full Menu All Day. SUNDAY 11:00-3:00 SERVING OUR FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN, PASTAS, STEAKS & SEAFOOD FOR OVER 87 YEARS.

PLANNING AN EVENT?

Let us cater our delicious recipes to you.

Weddings • Anniversary • Birthdays • Company Appreciation Functions

WHATEVER THE OCCASION. CALL US TO MAKE IT A SUCCESS!

Mona’s & Capponi’s | Est. 1933

BERNARDI’S 2137 Washington Road, Washington, IL • BERNARDI’S II 123 N Mill Street, Pontiac, IL BERNARDI’S PUB & ITALIAN EATERY 12200 N Brentfield Drive, Lake of the Woods Plaza, Dunlap , IL A NewsTribune Publication | Spring Restaurant Guide | February 25, 2020 11

Choose Skoog’s Catering for your special event! Parties large or small Fun, Family Friendly Dining and Entertainment Starters • Soups & Salads Sandwiches, Pasta and Entrees

Every Wing Night Wednesday $ 2 domestic pints Blue Gill every Friday Night BBQ Ribs, Steak, Fish & Pasta Specials Thursday - Saturday Nights

FOUNDED IN 2000 Y OWN A LL

Come join us the 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month for mouthwatering Prime Rib!

155 Mill Street, Utica 815-667-5800

ED • LOC

ED • LOC

YO ALL WN

HOME OF THE FAMOUS JUMBO WINGS Voted

#1

Wings

We Are More Than Just Pizza!

PIZZA, PASTA, SUBS, RIBS, GYROS, TACOS, SANDWICHES, APPETIZERS, DESSERTS & MORE. Delivery 11am to 2am - 15 Hours a Day 7 Days a week in a 15 mile radius or call & we’ll meet you!

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

Dine in, Pick-up or Delivery Open for Lunch & Dinner 12 February 25, 2020 | Spring Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

Sea The Magic...

Fresh Fish • Steaks • Pastas Sandwiches • Wraps • Salads 213 West Madison Street • Downtown Ottawa Reservations - Call Ahead Ordering Carry Out • 815-324-5184

Locally Owned and Operated by Paul & Mary Breznay

1 Off

$

Any Medium McCafe drink including Milk Shakes and Hot Chocolate

Princeton Location 2139 N. Main St.

Princeton

Spring Valley Location 800 W. Dakota St.

Spring Valley

(Excludes Premium Roast Coffee & Hot Tea)

coupon required, limit one coupon per customer per visit, not valid with other offers and expires April 30, 2020.

A NewsTribune Publication | Spring Restaurant Guide | February 25, 2020 13

Open Year Round!

2380 Water Street • Peru • Located Inside South Shore Boat Club • tonysbuttshack.com

Chicken • Salads • Burgers Wings • Tacos • Wraps Sandwiches • Flatbreads Spring Valley, IL

Spring Valley

Serving Food Monday-Friday 11-2 & 5-9 Saturday 12-9 • Sunday 12-7

14 February 25, 2020 | Spring Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication

R

on McFarlain founded the Cajun Connection in 1995. He started out as a small restaurant with a few tables. The early days of his business were primarily spent educating guests on Cajun foods, giving away lots of gator to skeptical patrons, and perfecting his light Cajun batter. As time went on, word spread about the quality of the food and his boisterous personality.

In 1997, Amy (Martin) McFarlain, joined Ron in operating the business. By 2001, the Cajun Connection no longer had to give away gator for patrons to give it a try and had outgrown it’s humble beginnings and moved down the road to it’s current location.

The Cajun Connection features many recipes from Ron’s family. He was raised in the swamps near Lake Charles, Louisiana. His family instilled a love for home cooking. Anything the family hunted from the swamps, was brought home and cooked for the family. This “swamp to table” mentality has stayed with Ron. Every dish that is served to our guests, has been given the attention Ron would give to anything cooked for his family.

Amy and Ron strive to provide the most authentic Cajun experience possible. From our Boudin to our Red Beans and Rice, we can “Guaarantteee” it will be authentic Cajun.

• Crawfish • Alligator • Jambalaya • Shrimp • Homemade Pecan Pie • & so much more!

The Cajun Connection 2958 North IL Route 178 • Utica, IL

(815) 667-9855 A NewsTribune Publication | Spring Restaurant Guide | February 25, 2020 15

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

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 • LIVE MUSIC • PATIO DINING • DOGS WELCOME

815.224.4545 • 601 FIRST STREET • LASALLE • UPTOWNGRILL.COM • 16 February 25, 2020 | Spring Restaurant Guide | A NewsTribune Publication