Bears Den - (Near Ottawa, IL)

5 /5 Joe Grady: Whether you are a millionaire or you are poor, you can stop in the Bears Den and feel like you belong to this amazing dive bar. People come for the food, alcohol, social interactions, and gambling. But everyone stays because they love the atmosphere and amazing employees. Hands down the best dive bar Ive ever been to.

5 /5 T. W.: Eric was phenomenal. Strongly recommend to anyone who wants great food in a cool atmosphere.

1 /5 Daniel: Lovely restaurant, disgusting food. Coming from a door dash driver, dont order here. Fries sat out on counter for 12 minutes as well as mozzarella sticks and chicken strips (anyone craving some food poisoning?). For those that do not know: Chicken and Mozzarella sticks must be cooked to 165 and not fall below the danger zone of 140 between the time it takes them to cook the food and bring it to the customer. Chicken and mozzarella sticks are both danger foods as one is meat and the other is dairy. Both of which start growing bacteria over time as they are left in the open without a heat source. Fries, thankfully you probably wont get too sick; maybe some puking from old stale fries. But leaving them out on a counter while cooking meat is a huge no no and should never have happened. Fries should honestly be the last thing in the box after the meat is done; same as mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders. Honestly if this place actually had food handlers certificates they would know this stuff and this never would have happened. Originally I was actually excited to return and get food; but I wouldnt eat there now if it were free as the emergency room visit afterwards wont be free.

1 /5 crystal stadel: Wings were over cooked. Patty melt burger was not cooked all the way. Still bloody. Sent back to cook more. Was still pretty red in the middle when I got it back. No taste to Patty Melt. Bland. We used to love coming here because the food was so good. Disappointed this time. Prolly won’t come back.

4 /5 Raven Breez: Recommended by friends for the sausage sandwich here, so I had to try it. The home of the sausage sandwich, which is a 1/2 pound sausage burger, was fantastic. The place was pretty busy with most people eating when we walked in, a good sign the food is good. The girls were hustling. I love that its away from the crowds in Ottawa and Utica. The only thing I didnt like was the dolphins jersey on the bear. We will definitely go back.