Tapatios - (Near Ottawa, IL)

sutherlandk19 My husband and I stopped in at Cured and Cultured for a late-in-the-day anniversary lunch on a Saturday afternoon. The place was empty (it was 2:30pm when we got there) and we had the whole place to ourselves. I really havent heard people talk about Cured and Cultured, which is surprising because the food was INCREDIBLE. Every bite of each food item is flavor-packed, and not too rich at the same time. The husband ordered sweet Thai chili- and lemon pepper-seasoned chicken wings with a side of french fries (deep fried in peanut oil I think) and sipped on some Woodford Reserve. I enjoyed Leos brisket sandwich (recommended to me by our very attentive server, Matt) with a side of bacon ranch pasta salad. The flavors complemented each other perfectly and the portion sizes were just right. The restaurant benefits from a full bar and a patio out back for warmer weather and live music. I was surprised to see a mini liquor store when we first walked in. I even questioned if we went to the right place because it doesnt even appear to be a restaurant. At the checkout counter is a deli where I believe customers can take home choice items. Im excited to return during the warmer months to try more food on their menu and enjoy some music on the back patio. It was wonderful to have such a great dining experience on that side of Belleville. Its providing a much-needed boost to the area. After tip for two people- an entree, a side, and an alcoholic drink per person; we spent more than $70. I get inflation, but I do wish food this good was more accessible. Updated note: Returned for my second visit two years later celebrating Fathers Day and my dad said their bleu cheese was the best hes ever had. Valerie took care of us on this visit and was so friendly and helpful. Eager for my next visit!

Sophie Kershaw-Patilla What an adorable diner! Our family stopped for lunch on our way home along I88. The diner is only a few minutes from the interstate, and there is free public parking around the area. The diner is small and quaint with four red diner tables with two chairs each (so our family of 4 took up half the seating). Plan ahead - there are riverfront picnic tables a block away, if your group wont fit. Many people stopped in for to-go orders, but I could see this being the spot for locals to hang out and eat lunch while chatting about town news. There is Sprecher root beer on tap and other bottled drinks in a mini fridge. There is also a dessert fridge - the cakes are scrumptious! The batter for their fried chicken and onion rings was really light and had a great flavor. Hubby enjoyed a Dixon Dog, and I had a fried pickle burger. Yum!

Mark Great place with a fun casual atmosphere. The whole establishment is impressively clean - something unusual these days. The menu had a nice array of choices and the staff were very friendly. I had the smoked brisket and it was terrific. This place is a gem!

Dave Lawrence Fantastic breakfast menu. Family met here for Saturday morning breakfast/brunch. Food was delicious and the breakfast menu provided a great selection. Service was very prompt and professional. Great meal for a very reasonable price. Recommend this restaurant

Jordan Shank For starters ~ the establishment is well maintained and gorgeous on thee inside. The atmosphere is relaxing and quiet if you get there before 8pm despite the days of their events(they have a lot so check their Facebook for updates). Service is always provided in a timely manner, although they are short staffed at times due to no fault of the establishment, just a lack of interest for the job in the area. The girls always rock it out and get everyone taken care of, patience is of the essence. The bar area is beautiful and they have a little bit of everything, seltzers, domestic beers, drafts, IPAs, tons of bourbon, whiskey, vodka, tequila, and brandy options ranging from bottom to top shelf. (Ive yet to ask for something they didnt have) The food is immaculate and during their journey of getting up off the ground they have regularly added new things to the menu providing a beautiful array of items. The prices are average to high depending on your taste. As a regular, I would reccomend Neon Tiger to any and everyone, its 100% worth stopping in.

Sarah Gordon 2 pc fish meal and the Broken Bread fish sandwich. Excellent! Huge pieces of fish seasoned just right. Crinkle cut fries (we asked for ours to be well-done) were seasoned lightly and didnt even need ketchup. Fish isnt greasy and held together very well. Will definitely return to try the Italian beef!! I almost forgot to take a picture to show how big the fish is before I ate it. LoL