(LASALLE COUNTY, Ill.) — While Starved Rock State Park and Starved Rock Lodge are a huge part of what makes LaSalle County such an attractive place to visit, there are many fantastic food and drink options nearby to round out a fantastic getaway.
During our stay to Starved Rock (read the full article here!), we ventured out in nearby towns in LaSalle County like Ottawa, Peru and La Salle! Here are some great options for you to try during your next trip to Starved Rock Country.
Please note: There are many other amazing places to visit while in the area. These are just a few that we were able to try over our weekend there!
1: Starved Rock Lodge Restaurant
Nestled in the coziness of Starved Rock Lodge is the Lodge’s dining room, home to one of my wife and I’s favorite steaks ever. But let’s start with the appetizer.
If you’ve read enough of my articles by now, you’d know cheese curds are a go-to for us. These were packed with the right amount of crisp and flavor that melts in your mouth. Instead of ranch, it’s served with the Lodge Lager beer cheese sauce.
There’s a common theme for us when we get steaks out. I get the ribeye, she gets the filet mignon. This is definitely one of my favorite ribeyes I’ve had. This time I went with the green beans and baked potato. Hard to go wrong with a baked potato!
Rachel’s filet mignon lived up to the expectation once again, and she got green beans and mashed Yukon gold potatoes for her sides.
The lodge is obviously the most convenient option for you if you’re staying at Starved Rock Lodge. It’s just a quick walk through the Lodge to get there from your room, and they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
But, there are plenty of other amazing options nearby that you should check out. Let’s get into it!
2: The Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company
Right along the downtown strip of Ottawa, Illinois you’ll find The Lone Buffalo. It’s the home of Tangled Roots’ original craft brewery and their restaurant. The modern, relaxing vibe is welcome to all customers, and then menu is amazing as well.
To start, we went with the dry rub Drunken Wings. Served with ranch and Brewmaster BBQ sauce, these wings are meaty, juicy and delicious.
Rachel ordered the spicy pepperoni flatbread and loved it. She said it wasn’t too spicy but had the right amount of kick.
I enjoyed the Halfway to Nashville chicken sandwich, loaded with pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, dill pickles, frites aioli on a brioche bun.
These all were part of the brunch menu recently launched by the Lone Buffalo. Just because it says it’s brunch, doesn’t mean you can’t get lunch type items! There’s a great variety where if you’re feeling french toast, you can get it! If you want a chicken sandwich like me, more power to you!
Speaking of french toast; that’s what we got Bennett!
BBQ, bourbon, blues. That’s a good motto! And that’s what Haze is all about. Located at 159 Bucklin St. in La Salle, Illinois, Haze provides top tier BBQ and a great selection of meats.
To try them all, I had to go with the Haze smokehouse platter, covered with BBQ ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and “sassy sausage.” For sides, I got the sweet potato tots and ham & poblano mac n cheese. It was all incredible and the prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get.
The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The vibe inside the restaurant was awesome, and you could even look through some windows inside and see the chefs cooking meats on the grills.
Haze also has a fantastic outdoor space for parties and events. We saw a birthday party there with roughly 50 people and there was plenty of room for families to gather and the staff did a great job serving them.
I love this place. If you are ever in North Utica, Illinois – you have to stop by Lodi Tap House.
I’m gonna say it, they have my FAVORITE cheese curds ever. Beer battered, flaky, cheesy goodness. Let’s take a look.
I mean, come on. Just absolutely beauty right there. I also had to try the fried mushrooms this go round. Delicious as well!
I guess I was in a chicken wings mood this weekend, because I got them again! We split 2 flavors, Korean ginger zing and sweet chili amazing!
For the meal, we went with the smashed burger, which was phenomenal as well.
Lodi Tap House is on Mill Street in North Utica, which is one of my favorite places for a day trip. When the weather gets warmer, the street gets blocked off and all the businesses open up outdoor seating. It’s a fantastic atmosphere and you have a plethora of options to choose from. Multiple eateries, two wineries (remember my article at August Hill?) and… an ice cream, coffee and food store. Which is where we’re heading next 🙂
5: Bruce & Ollie’s Ice Cream, Specialty Coffee and Deli
I went on too long in my life without ever having Bruce & Ollie’s ice cream.
Located in the Bickerman Building on Mill Street, Bruce & Ollie’s has some of the best ice cream around from Capannari Ice Cream located in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. And the best way to serve it up. In an ICE CREAM FLIGHT.
Move over wine flights, ice cream flights are here to take the cake! What a phenomenal way to let you try a little bit of everything and make it fun. We went with the Cosmic Cookie, Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel W/ chocolate-covered pretzels, Cherry Vanilla and Lick-The-Bowl Cake Batter (in order from top to bottom).
My favorite was the Cosmic Cookie, Rachel’s was the Cherry Vanilla, Bennett wanted whatever dad was eating. So mainly the Cosmic Cookie and Cake Batter. He’s got good taste in ice cream!
Like I mentioned, Bruce & Ollie’s has many more options like coffees, floats, sundaes and even food items. I was too stuffed from lunch when we stopped by, but there’s always next time!
As you can see, LaSalle County is home to a large amount of fantastic restaurants. I barely scratched the surface with this list!
I hope you get to explore LaSalle County similar to how I have, and let me know your favorite places to eat, drink and have fun!
Until next time, cheers!
Matt Sheehan Official 
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