With just over 1,200 residents, the small town of Ladd, Illinois is fairly quiet. But, an award-winning, headline-grabbing restaurant happens to be hidden within city limits! Rip's Tavern draws patrons from all over the Midwest who are in search of one thing: delicious fried chicken.
Locals tell stories about the nearly three-hour wait that patrons used to endure in Rip's early days. The wait still might be a bit long today, but is usually closer to an hour.
It's simply chicken, fries, and a couple of optional sides. The can't-miss combo are the "crunchies" (free for dine-in orders) and pickles. People truly go nuts for them!
advertisement
advertisement
Be sure to order some extra chicken to take home with you.
There's a good chance that you'll run into people who have driven even farther than you, because they just love Rip's chicken. Bond over your love for the tender meat and fresh fries.
Rip's Tavern is located at 311 N. Main Avenue in Ladd; learn more about the restaurant here. Have you ever been to Rip's Tavern? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
Once a cornerstone of Des Plaines' religious community, the former Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has recently be converted into a one-of-a-kind Mediterranean restaurant. While keeping the church's stain glass and other architectural features intact, Foxtail on the Lake offers a memorable dining experience overlooking Lake Opeka. The restaurant opened last fall adding to a seven decade legacy that has been built into the walls of the church.
advertisement
Butting up against Des Plaines' Lake Park, this restaurant is surrounded by greenery.
There are multiple dining spaces worth giving a try-- some on the ground floor by the windows and other spots higher up that have sweeping views of the entire space.
There are no bad seats at Foxtail on the Lake, as everywhere you go immerses you deeply in the history of the building. The glass and lighting in the restaurant are from the church, and a piece of the of the altar has been placed over the host stand as a reminder of the building's history. When you plan out a visit to Foxtail on the Lake, consider booking a night at the nearby Hilton Chicago/Northbrook so you can enjoy their specialty cocktails, (such as Forgive Me Father, Hell Froze Over, or Gotta Have Faith), and take a quick cab ride to a hotel. If you are looking to really dive in deep to Illinois' historic roots, head to Chicago to try Daley's Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in the city. Have you been to Foxtail on Lake? Let us know what you thought about it!
The Prairie State is filled with incredible natural beauty — from its national and state parks to its lush gardens to its magnificent natural wonders. One thing outsiders may not know about Illinois, though, is that it's also home to a number of awe-inspiring waterfalls that can be viewed from hiking trails and scenic drives. While there are opportunities to sometimes picnic near these falls, many aren't quite safe or accessible for dining. So when I discovered an upscale restaurant with a private waterfall, known as Connected in Peoria, Illinois, that made it feel like you were actually outdoors, I was beyond delighted. Let's take a look inside!
advertisement
Connected, located at 3218 N. Dries Lane, is an award-winning fine dining establishment in the Central Illinois city of Peoria.
Its interior transports visitors into another world that emulates an outdoor village, complete with building facades, strung lights, and recreated nature.
Its menu showcases an upscale take on classic American fare with Italian influence, serving everything from hot and cold antipasti to house-made pasta, fresh seafood, and signature entrees that feature wild boar, filet mignon, lamb, and veal.
The water feature was added in 2010 as a way to help immerse diners in an environment that felt calming, natural, and like it was outdoors. This waterfall restaurant in Illinois is a popular spot among locals and has become a regular for some.
The statement piece has become a beloved aspect of the dining experience, touching on the senses not only for its striking visual beauty but also for its subtle, relaxing sound.
And it's not the only water feature in the establishment, either — a smaller rock waterfall soothes diners in another corner of the restaurant. At every turn, it's the most peaceful setting for a quiet evening out.
Elsewhere, a small creek provides a one-of-a-kind table-side experience. These incredible features contribute to the overall ambiance, creating the perfect setting for a romantic evening out and what is sure to be a most memorable experience.
So, will this restaurant with a private waterfall in Peoria, Illinois make your dining bucket list? When searching for a "waterfall restaurant near me," you can't go wrong with Connected in Peoria.
Do you know of another unique restaurant in Illinois worth visiting? Tell us in the comments!
Start making plans to visit this spot that's one of the best restaurants in Peoria, Illinois by checking out the Connected website and the Connected Facebook page. And while you're in the area, why not make a weekend getaway out of it? Peoria is a top destination in Illinois for its rich history, natural beauty, and fantastic downtown area.
Located on the riverfront in East Peoria and pet-friendly, Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria is the perfect place to stay while you explore the city. Grab a pint at this brewery in a former church, explore the most scenic road in America at this famous scenic drive, or spend a night touring Peoria's waterways with this beloved boat cruise. You will have a blast exploring this charming city.
