Though it is one of the most important rivers in the state, the Illinois River often gets overshadowed by those around it, but we found the best way to enjoy this mighty body of water. This restaurant trail will lead you to bars and diners that all feature waterfront views of Illinois’ namesake river.
Make summer more amazing this year with a visit to some of the most beautiful and exciting restaurants in Illinois. Check out the riverfront eateries below:
Clocking in at two and a half hours, this trail takes you along the Illinois River Scenic Byway to some of the state’s most amazing places to eat. Riverfront views abound on this unforgettable trip.
Google Maps/Only In Your State
- Evandy’s Boatel - 100 Bob Michael St. in Naples
Facebook/Evandy’s Boatel
Facebook/Evandy’s Boatel This restaurant is a favorite for celebrating holidays and enjoying live bands. It serves incredible crab, salmon, and catfish dishes as well as appetizers so good, they could be meals. The restaurant also serves fried chicken, steak, pastas, and an extensive selection of wine and beer. There is also a general store selling candy and soda. The place is open Tuesday through Sunday and has an outdoor patio for your river-viewing pleasure.
- Jonah’s Seafood House & 2601 Oyster Bar - 2601 N Main St. in East Peoria
Facebook/Jonah’s Seafood House & 2601 Oyster Bar
Facebook/Jonah’s Seafood House & 2601 Oyster Bar In operation since 1986, this casual restaurant serves upscale seafood dishes, such as shellfish, lobster, and calamari, and features a modern oyster bar. You’ll be able to enjoy views like this one from your table by the window. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, and there are also a bakery and fresh market that sell fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, and more.
- Burger Barge - 1401 N Main St. in East Peoria
Facebook/Burger Barge
Facebook/Burger Barge Open daily for lunch and dinner, this atmospheric dive is known for its truly epic burgers, seafood, sandwiches, salads, and more. The menu features unique creations like chippizza, which is pizza toppings on top of nachos. The joint also serves up a masterpiece called Anchor Pies, which is best described as a burger and fries salad. Prepare yourself for large portions and amazing views of the Illinois River.
- Kuchie’s on the Water - 579 Wesley Rd. in Creve Coeur
Facebook/Kuchie’s on the Water
Facebook/Kuchie’s on the Water This casual bar and diner has a huge appetizer list as well as a wealth of burgers, seafood, and sandwiches. You can dock your boat while dining and sit out on the deck to watch all the others floating by. Don’t forget to try their famous Shipwreck Bloody Mary before you go.
- River Beach Pub - 13637 N River Beach Dr. in Chillicothe
Facebook/River Beach Pub
Facebook/River Beach Pub River lovers will be able to enjoy views at this restaurant from both the inside and outside. It is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday with occasional Sundays. Guests enjoy casual dining, live performances, and a menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads, burgers, and other American fare that is crave-worthy.
If you love waterfront dining, check out 10 more Illinois restaurants on the river.
Google Maps/Only In Your State
Facebook/Evandy’s Boatel
This restaurant is a favorite for celebrating holidays and enjoying live bands. It serves incredible crab, salmon, and catfish dishes as well as appetizers so good, they could be meals. The restaurant also serves fried chicken, steak, pastas, and an extensive selection of wine and beer. There is also a general store selling candy and soda. The place is open Tuesday through Sunday and has an outdoor patio for your river-viewing pleasure.
Facebook/Jonah’s Seafood House & 2601 Oyster Bar
In operation since 1986, this casual restaurant serves upscale seafood dishes, such as shellfish, lobster, and calamari, and features a modern oyster bar. You’ll be able to enjoy views like this one from your table by the window. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, and there are also a bakery and fresh market that sell fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, and more.
Facebook/Burger Barge
Open daily for lunch and dinner, this atmospheric dive is known for its truly epic burgers, seafood, sandwiches, salads, and more. The menu features unique creations like chippizza, which is pizza toppings on top of nachos. The joint also serves up a masterpiece called Anchor Pies, which is best described as a burger and fries salad. Prepare yourself for large portions and amazing views of the Illinois River.
Facebook/Kuchie’s on the Water
This casual bar and diner has a huge appetizer list as well as a wealth of burgers, seafood, and sandwiches. You can dock your boat while dining and sit out on the deck to watch all the others floating by. Don’t forget to try their famous Shipwreck Bloody Mary before you go.
Facebook/River Beach Pub
River lovers will be able to enjoy views at this restaurant from both the inside and outside. It is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday with occasional Sundays. Guests enjoy casual dining, live performances, and a menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads, burgers, and other American fare that is crave-worthy.
Have you been to any of these restaurants? Share your photos and thoughts with us!
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