It's summer, so I've been finally firing up the grill. But for times when I don't feel like grilling, or the weather doesn't cooperate (in Illinois, a frequent occurrence), I love to go out for a burger. Illinois has a lot of great restaurants serving up delicious, juicy burgers. Here are my top 15 burger joints:
There is no better feeling in the world than having a cool drink while looking over the water. Throw in a screened-in porch, and you have the perfect recipe for a relaxing dining experience. Located on the north side of the Illinois River between Starved Rock Nature Preserve and Buffalo Rock State Park, Captain's Cove Bar & Grill at Starved Rock Marina is your typical dockside wateringhole. I am hoping to visit this family-owned restaurant in Ottawa, IL later this year to soak up the peaceful environment around Starved Rock and the Illinois River.
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Captain's Cove Bar And Grill At Starved Rock Marina is located on the second floor just above the marina store and office.
With boats and recreational vehicles constantly going in an out of the water, this is a great stop to engage with the Illinois River— even if just for people watching.
Captain's Cove Bar And Grill is located in a serene spot.
This is a fan-favorite spot to dine at Captain's Cover Bar & Grill. Large shipping vessels often pass by along the river, making this a great spot for dinner (or lunch) and a show!
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The interior dining room also has great views, but the focus in here is on the great food and service.
Being surrounded by nature preserves and parks, Captain's Cove Bar & Grill has a laid-back atmosphere. Here, you won't be pressured to rush through your meal.
Captain’s Cove Bar & Grill are well-known for their seafood dishes.
The grouper is pretty popular as are the oysters. There are some locally-loved shareable plates like the jumbo mushrooms and jalapeño poppers that I think I'd would want to try.
If seafood isn't your thing, Captain's Cove Bar & Grill has lots of 'turf' options to complement their 'surf'.
The ribeye steak is a hearty meal that is sure to fill you up. The restaurant's four burgers are known for being quite large and worth every penny.
Whether you are looking for an affordable meal or for a relaxing spot to have a drink, Captain's Cove Bar And Grill At Starved Rock Marina is the place to be.
If you stop by in the late afternoon, be sure to ask to sit on the patio. Even if its a little warm out there, temperatures will dip. This is an ideal spot to catch the sun setting over the Illinois River, and I promise you won't want to miss it.
There is so much to explore all across Starved Rock State Park. There are plenty of trails and walking paths to explore the park's biodiversity, but I would suggest scheduling a guided kayak tour ahead of time with Kayak Morris— you can even bring your dog in you kayak while paddling around! Are there any peaceful waterfront restaurants in your town? Tell us your favorite spot!
Every once in a while, I find myself with an insatiable hunger, as if my stomach were a bottomless pit. And no matter what I eat, I'm still famished! It's during times like these that I'm happy places like Schooner's Restaurant in Bloomington, Illinois exist. Not only is this Illinois mom-and-pop restaurant alive and thriving after being open since 1983, but the food is still outrageously good. And HUGE! This is why some locals have started to declare Schooner’s home to the largest tenderloins in Illinois.
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Schooner’s Restaurant in Bloomington, Illinois has been a local favorite for Midwestern eats since the early 1980s.
Locally owned and operated, Schooner’s has been the premier place for giant plates of food, from what some call the best buffalo wings in town, to home of the King Tenderloin.
Schooner’s is renowned for its tenderloin sandwiches, a regional delicacy that it prepares with particular flair, often drawing praise for its size, flavor, and the quality of ingredients.
Schooner’s brings together people from all over to feast on hearty, American-style comfort food, whether it’s Gebby's Beer Batter Chicken or the weekly dinner specials.
Have you ever dined at Schooner's in Bloomington before? Do you think these are the largest tenderloins in Illinois? Sound off in the comments section! We'd love to hear what you think of this meal. You can also find out more about this restaurant, including current menu items and hours of operation, by visiting the Schooner's Bloomington Facebook Page.
