Location: Utica
Top Restaurants in Utica
Top Things to do in Utica
- 1. Matthiessen State Park
- 2. Lock 16 Visitor Center & LaSalle Canal Boat
- 3. Senica's Deer Park Golf Club
- 4. Starved Rock State Park
- 5. Hegeler Carus Mansion
- 6. August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Co. Tasting Room
- 7. Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
- 8. LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum
- 9. Starved Rock Family Fun
- 10. Illinois River Winery
Top 10 restaurants in Utica, United States
Both Matthiessen State Park and Starved Rock State Park are located here, famous for its St. Peter sandstone rock formations. Alternatively, you could head to August Hill Winery or Illinois River Winery for a tasting.
Things to do in Utica
1. Cajun Connection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By Teahan - Chicago, Illinois
I had heard about this place years ago and finally got to try it. It was very good and for sure a change of pace considering you are in central Illinois. The menu features all the items you would expect to find down south and you have the option of getting it fried, blackened, or grilled. We tried to gator, frog legs, oysters and a few more items. We left stuffed and happy. Friendly staff and quaint setting
2. Nonie's Bakery & Cafe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 179 reviews
Nonie's is a family owned bakery and cafe. Opened June 2012 in Utica IL near Starved Rock State Park. Nonie's serves All Day breakfast and lunch and offers a wide variety of baked goods and novelty desserts. Vegetarian options also available. Espresso drinks and locally roasted coffee.
Reviewed By Gina J - Bloomington-Normal, Illinois
We stop in at Nonie's whenever we hike in the area. I almost always have the trail hiker sandwich. Fresh ingredients on homemade bread, and then DESSERT! Everything we've tried has been so good. This time it was pumpkin spice cake and dutch apple crumb bar. I took apple cider donuts home to my hubby and he said they were the best ever. Reasonable prices and friendly staff. Seating indoors or on the deck (which is great for us bc we can keep an eye on our dogs in the car). We prefer Nonie's to eating at Starved Rock Lodge, which used to be our go-to.
3. Two Girls and a Cupcake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By duranie4life - Chicago, Illinois
Every time I go, they have different cupcake offerings, although there are a few consistent offerings. The cakes are always moist and delicious no matter what kind you get. The cupcakes are $3 each no matter how many you get. If anything, they should offer a special price for a half dozen or dozen, even a buck cheaper would be great.
4. Starved Rock Lodge - Main Dining Room
Overall Ratings
4 based on 308 reviews
The Main Dining Room is located in the heart of Starved Rock Lodge and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Sunday Brunch is a favorite at Starved Rock! In addition to our delicious food, we offer a variety of wines, homemade Artisan ice cream and great desserts. Locals and guests enjoy our restaurant because of its beautiful, historic setting. Reservations are recommended and always appreciated. Holiday Buffets are offered on Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Easter. Reservations are required for holiday buffets. For reservations, please call: (815) 220-7321
Reviewed By David W - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Our family spent a couple of days this week staying at Starved Rock State Park watching Eagles. We had heard good "things" about the restaurant at the Starved Rock Lodge's Main Dining Room from Trip Advisor reviewers. Well, our reviewers were right on. The Main Dining Room is quite beautiful and harkens back to a much more simple time in American history. The menu is quite lengthy and with great choices. Personally, I chose an American staple...chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, with green beans...plus homemade rolls. I was not disappointed. The chicken fried steak was locally breaded, perfectly deep fried, plus had two very large pieces as the portion. The mashed potatoes and gravy were GREAT! The green beans were nicely done and tasty. All in all, the food was really good. The best part of the meal, in reality was our waitress. She was exceptional...friendly yet professional, knowledgeable and attentive.
5. Skoog's Pub & Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Located in Utica Illinois, Skoog's Pub & Grill is famous for their great homemade food. Opening in 2000, Skoog's has quickly become one of the most popular gathering spots for locals and park visitors in the historic "Starved Rock State Park" region. Skoog's was built on the idea of great food, large portions, and an enjoyable dining and drinking experience.
Reviewed By IowaTravellinGuy
Spent time in Utica visiting Starved Rock. Utica was disappointing in that it only seems to have any touristy stuff open on weekends. In any case was hoping to have a good dinner. Skoogs was that perfect small town place. The burgers were huge and to be honest they were about the best burgers I ever had. The prices were amazingly affordable and food really good. My wife and I took the leftovers and we got two meals for the price of one. Staff very friendly. It was a small town bar and restaurant so staffing was pretty minimal so you won't have a waitress checking on you often but only a small complaint.
6. Country Cupboard
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By DisneyDad21 - Oswego, Illinois
Ice cream, both hard and soft serve was very good. Nice variety of flavors. Ice cream reasonably priced. Nice place to stop for treat after visiting parks. Could see place getting overwhelmed when busy, but was not crowded when we were there. Also appears to have menu for hot food as well, but seemed like the ice cream is the main reason to stop.
7. Duffy's Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By giggly711 - Illinois
We arrived late in town so almost all the places were closed. So we walked to Duffy's. It's a bar atmosphere and we loved it. The menu is small but oh so tasty!! The employees are super nice!
8. Triple J Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Jillyjillyjilly - Valparaiso, Indiana
I got a fruit slushy and soft serve parfait. You can mix the 4 different slushy flavors. The texture was smooth and creamy and they offer many toppings!
9. Canal Port
Overall Ratings
4 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By Barbara P
What a nice treat! We stopped in for lunch and had great sandwiches. The raspberry tea was so refreshing. Beth was a GREAT waitress and anticipated our needs! I would highly recommend for a meal and a stroll through town.
10. Elements at Starved Rock Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By rtsnodgrass07 - Chicago, Illinois
We stopped in here for drinks as we were staying here for the weekend. It just had a nice laid back feel to it. The food looked really good - so we will be back to try that next time!
