Location: Mendota
Countries
Mendota Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Mendota
Mendota is a city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States, in the state's north-central region. The population was 7,372 at the 2010 census, and was estimated to be 7,204 by July 2015. It is part of the Ottawa-Peru, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area. Mendota is located approximately 70 miles east of Moline and 55 miles south of Rockford. The current mayor is David W. Boelk, an independent elected to a four-year term.
1. Cindy's on 34
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By timmy2003 - New Holstein, Wisconsin
Service is very poor. From the moment we walked in until it was time to pay and leave, it was like pulling teeth to even get one of the waitresses to look at us to help us... We ate this while passing through the area. My Pa got the beef roast with potatoes, carrots, and a cup of soup. I got the pork roast with mashed potatoes, california blend veggies, and a cup of soup. The beef was a very poor cut. It was very tough. The carrots and potatoes were very gummy. The pork roast was average. Very under seasoned and just boring. The mashed potatoes were very underwhelming. The california veggies were as though there were dumped out of the bag and microwaved for a minute. They were not seasoned and were very hard. The soups were not seasoned at all and no matter how much salt and pepper we kept adding it just stayed tasting bland. We definitely won't be back. Not worth the money, poor service, and very dirty place.
2. Ziggie's Family Room Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By nursemom2700 - Joliet, Illinois
this was the 2nd time we stopped here. The food is soo good and soo much. The wait staff are just like family. The breaded veal is to die for. not fancy, just so good!!!!!!!!!!
3. El Zarape Mexican American
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By photoguywisconsin - Oshkosh, Wisconsin
This restaurant is a nice looking place. It's run by some nice folks, but I found their food to be fairly ordinary. I'm sure it's the best Mexican restaurant for miles around, but it's actually kind of "ordinary". They do serve large portions. I think their lunch buffet is fairly popular.
4. Rosati's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By KristinesShower - La Salle, IL
I'm a pizza snob and although this is no Bianchi's - this is pretty damn good pizza. We had a round of appetizers consisting of buffalo wings (garlic parm), garlic cheese bread and cheese stix.
Buffalo wings were really good - they were big, meaty and had a great flavor. My husband is somewhat of a wing snob and really liked these.
Cheese Stix were just like normal cheese stix - nothing to write home about, but you got a lot for the money.
Garlic cheese bread was really good. I love cheese bread and this reminded me a lot like the old cheese bread pizza hut used to have in the 80's - it was crunchy and soft, the cheese wasn't overbearing and the flavor was excellent. The marinara sauce is an outstanding compliment to this bread. My new favorite.
We had the special for the night and it was a large pizza, one topping for $10 - great pizza, thin cracker crust and the sauce made it. I really like this place and although we don't go to Mendota a lot, I can see us going there every time we do go.
The restaurant was clean, big and the waitress even turned the Cubs game on for me. This is a great place for groups, families and lovers of pizza!
5. Sip-N-Snack
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By menbx5 - United States
The other reviews are correct ~ very noisy atmosphere. Most of the locals who frequent this restaurant come here not only for the chicken, but also to meet with friends and enjoy their company. Think of this as a small town family restaurant with a very limited menu that also serves alcohol.
You simply can't beat the price!
If your looking for great homemade fried chicken, this is the place!
I enjoy the chicken when we order carry out and do not eat at the restaurant. Call ahead for your carry out order and expect at least a 30 minute wait ~ but it's always worth the wait!
6. Sicily Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By 1267Nel - Warrenville, Illinois
We came for a late meal while traveling and the restaurant was empty except for the owners and family having dinner. Felt bad to interrupt them. We had garlic cheese bread and a sausage pizza. The cheese bread was good but the pizza was the star of the show. The crust was thick, just the way I like it, and the edges had a nice crunch to them but not too crunchy. We asked for light sauce and the pizza was made just that way. Plenty of cheese and sausage. If we're in the area again, we will return.
7. China House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By chester110105 - Boca Raton, Florida
China House is an absolute staple in Mendota, and it is wonderful! It's not a big place, but they have a lovely selection of dishes, and the best General Tso's Chicken I have ever had. The prices can't be beat - lunch is all-you-can-eat for about $8 per person! Dinner is only slightly more expensive. We eat here every time we visit Mendota, which is once or twice a year.
8. Trucky's Pork Patrol BBQ
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By tenniskill - Winterset, Iowa
I tried Trucky's Pork Patrol during the Sweet Corn Festival in August. First off, Trucky's needs to be commended for the food they have donated to Moore, Oklahoma and Pilger, Nebraska (among other charity donations). These fine folks of the Truckenbrod clan (who once collectively ran the Food Center in town) are now taking their turn at smoked meats and the art it takes to deliver great taste. These are not guys who just like to sit around a pit and wait on meat... the brothers are artisans who give each other a challenge weekly, if not daily to outsmoke the other in greater quality smoked meats. I do not believe they have a restaurant... yet... but if you can find their stand... the money you give them will equate out to a great result on your plate ... the food is insanely great and your contributions will see the investment go towards those who have been dealt with devastation. The Truckenbrod clan has assisted those in weather disasters... so when you invest in their product you are really investing in what is great about America. Your dad would be - overtly - proud!
9. Main Street Station Restaurant Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Shirley P - Mendota, Illinois
Tex, owner and chef does a great job. They have daily specials for lunch and dinner. They have a cookout the fourth Sunday of every month which is fantastic. Choices include pork chops or ribeye. With the meat you get a salad bar (fantastic) and dessert.
10. Taco Bell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Sheila C - Bad Axe, Michigan
We have stopped at a lot of Taco Bells, but were pleasantly pleased at the size of the portions and the freshness of the food. It was lunch hour but they kept everything moving and processed everyone efficiently.
