The Story Behind This Amazing Illinois Sandwich is Incredibly Unique
The horseshoe sandwich, an iconic and messy dish from central Illinois, features meat, potatoes, and cheese, and was originally created for travelers at the Leland Hotel in Springfield.
When most people hear the word "horseshoe," they think of actual horses. But if you're from central or southern Illinois, you have a completely different association. Yes, we're talking about the horseshoe sandwich. It's one of Illinois' most iconic foods, and yet many people (even other Illinoisians) don't know what it is. The easiest way to describe it is an open faced sandwich, with some sort of meat, smothered in a potato item, and then doused in cheese. Forget the poutine fad, you need to head down to central Illinois for this delightful sandwich.
The story behind it is very interesting. It was invented at the Leland Hotel in downtown Springfield. It was developed for travelers to eat during long horse and carriage rides. Horseshoe sandwiches are notoriously messy, so it's unclear why anyone ever thought that would be a good idea on a bumpy carriage ride. But we thank them for that oversight, because the result is absolute deliciousness.
Not a good deal of restaurants serve them - we are profiling D'Arcy's Pint and Boones Saloon. Each does their own twist on the classic (different meats or toppings). But understand that you're going to be getting 1000% of your daily fat content, because each of these plates weighs a few pounds. Yes, really.
There is plenty of waterfront dining in Illinois, especially in Chicago, but many of those places are high-end restaurants in the middle of one of America's most bustling cities. For those who want a more relaxed dining experience, or are planning a few days on a rural Illinois lake, we highly recommend a visit to Fairmont Shores, located on the banks of Fox Lake in the small village of Lake Villa. This charming neighborhood joint is a little of everything - a restaurant, a watering hole, and a frequent stop for the vacationers who drop into this relaxed area of Illinois. A dinner at Fairmont Shores offers both comfort food and a feast for the eyes, so join us and discover why this unique restaurant is well worth the trip!
Fairmont Shores, on the banks of Fox Lakes, is one of those neighborhood restaurants that feels like it's part of the very fabric of the town. It might be full of regulars, but everyone's welcome here!
This is a casual family restaurant with stunning lakeside views, and the affordable and extensive menu is guaranteed to have something for everyone in your party.
The menu here trends toward comfort food, with some of the best fried chicken in this part of Illinois and other classics like burgers or meatloaf stackers. The restaurant has regular specials, so make sure to check ahead about the menu before you come.
Fairmont Shores is also a bar, and while you'll always be able to order the classics, keep an eye out for seasonal drinks - Halloween is right around the corner!
If you're lucky enough to dine here at sunset, you're going to be in for an amazing show as the sun goes down over Fox Lake. It's the perfect finish to a memorable day in one of the most beautiful areas of Illinois.
Have you dined at Fairmont Shores in Lake Villa? What's your favorite spot for waterfront dining in Illinois? Let us know in the comments section! You can see the full menu on the Fairmont Shores website, and make sure to follow the Fairmont Shores Facebook page for the latest updates. While you're in Lake Villa, make time to take the Hastings Loop Trail, a short laid-back hike with stunning waterfront views. And if you're looking for a place to stay in the area, we found a great Airbnb at the Petite Lake Resort only minutes away by car.
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!
