Location: Galena
Top Restaurants in Galena
Top Things to do in Galena
- 1. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co
- 2. Ulysses S. Grant Home
- 3. Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum
- 4. Grant Park
- 5. The Old Blacksmith Shop
- 6. Chestnut Mountain Resort
- 7. Galena Welcome Center
- 8. Washburne House State Historic Site
- 9. Horseshoe Mound
- 10. Mangelsen - Images of Nature Gallery
Where to Eat in Galena: The Best Restaurants and Bars
If not for the modern-day goods sold in the retail establishments, you might think Galena was frozen in time. The six-block Main Street boasts striking examples of various architectural styles, ranging from French Colonial to Greek Revival, and a whopping 85% of the town is a national historic district. General Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. President, lived here briefly before leaving to head the Union troops in the Civil War. Upon his triumphant return, the town presented him with an elegant mansion. That house and other restored historic homes are open to the public. There's much more here to fascinate the history enthusiast: the Old Market House and the Historical Society and Museum, housed in a stunning Italianate home. Before its Civil War glory days, Galena was a booming lead-mining town. Today, you can descend underground into the Vinegar Hill Lead Mine. But don't stay down there too long, or you won't get to enjoy the rolling hills and lush valleys of this charming getaway, which also offers fine dining, numerous bed and breakfasts, golfing and antiquing.
Things to do in Galena
1. Otto's Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 845 reviews
Breakfast and Lunch
Reviewed By CassPaige12194 - Amherst, Massachusetts
This was the highlight of our trip to Galena. We are from Chicago and have tons of breakfast places at our reach, but this beats out all of them! The owner sat us and greeted us. They had wonderful specials and excellent service. I had the sweet potato hash and my boyfriend had the special quiche. The sweet potato hash was unlike I had ever had. We also split a scone, which was freshly baked and delicious. We took home two mugs because we loved the story so much. The only thing I would consider changing would be more comfortable chairs and lowering the prices of the hot tea. $2.25 seemed a bit steep for hot water and brand name tea. Otherwise, it was exceptional in every way and I would recommend it over and over again.
2. Kaladi's Coffee Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By Bill D - Forest Park, Illinois
Was happy to find Kaladi's next to our parking space when we arrived early Sunday morning, especially after some really bad hotel coffee. My cappuccino was excellent, rich and creamy, and my girl friend liked her Americano. The butter croissant wasn't as flakey as I'd have liked, but was delicious.
Kaladi's (named after the shepard who reportedly discovered coffee after watching his goats lively antics after eating ripe coffee berries) was quite busy the morning we were there, but there were plenty of comfortable chairs and couches to settle into.
Great place to relax for a while and plan your day as you wake up enjoyably.
3. Chocolat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By SavingsBond007 - Saint Louis, Missouri
We visited Chocolat while on holiday in Galena. We really enjoyed the beautiful creations and treats in the shop though it is a bit on the pricey side at $2 or more per piece of candy.
4. Fritz and Frites
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 599 reviews
Reviewed By Theresa G - Carmel, Indiana
Visited on a Friday night in late January 2018. Intimate restaurant with amazing food!!!!!!!!! My husband ordered the Weiner Schnitzel and it was perfect. I had the roast chicken and each bite was infused with flavor. I was celebrating my 60th bday and Sarah, our wonderful waitress, brought out a surprise signature prune dessert with ice cream. Such a wonderful restaurant with AMAZING service, great food and a beautiful ambience! Go! You won’t be disappointed!!!!
5. Devour Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Allen21096 - Chicago, Illinois
We visited Devour Cafe for a quick breakfast before we began our tour of the Main St. stores. The owner, Ryan, was working and he is very personable and efficient. We had their signature quiche and it was really good. We decided to share, as we knew that we would probably stop at other places. Devour Cafe can be described as quite the eclectic cafe. They do a nice job and they are worth a stop. The prices are reasonable.
6. Myrtle's Pies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Autumnd7 - Pekin, Illinois
We were so excited to find pie while shopping. Overall tasty and average price.
These are our taste buds the chocolate cherry kind of odd, the pb apple we didn't taste either flavors, the white mint chocolate delicious. All crusts were so yummy flaky and scrumptious.
We have eaten alot of pie so we feel like we know pie well.
Kind customer service worth a try.
7. Root Beer Revelry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Jessica G - Machesney Park, Illinois, United States
Just a cute little shop on the main street in town we go every time we are in town and we get some root beer and some of the other flavors to take home we like all the pop that they have and will go back again and again
8. Goldmoor Dining
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
Unmatched Old World decor, a diverse wine cellar, and premier personal service are all complemented by our chef"s creative cuisine. Enjoy dining in one of our cozy booths or elegant tables with breathtaking views overlooking the Mississippi River.
Reviewed By Dennis W - Holton, Kansas
We were downtown at Jamie's wine bar and she mentioned this is where we should eat. We were thinking we would just walk downtown for supper, but thought what the heck and decided to make a rez and drive to dinner. We were greeted by...MoreDear Dennis, thank you for sharing your Goldmoor experience, comments like yours reinforce our believes and passion and we are delighted that you came to visit. We hope you will return for another wonderful meal.
9. Little Tokyo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By kaj99 - Barrington, Illinois
Had dinner at Little Tokyo last night and it was wonderful. I started with a simple soup of broth, mushrooms and onions. It was very light and full of flavor. Then I had the shrimp tempura appetizer which was perfect..not greasy at all. Just hot and crispy and delicious. Then I had a Rock-N-Roll which was definitely the best roll I have ever had and I've had many. It had shrimp tempura which gave every bite a nice crunch in the middle. It had a nice sauce on top and the presentation was beautiful. Also had asparagus! I can't say enough how much I loved this meal! Will certainly be back!
10. Fried Green Tomatoes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Fried Green Tomatoes proudly serves wonderful steaks and boasts a Wine Spectator Award winning wine menu. Outstanding service and an inviting atmosphere make Fried Green a must stop while in downtown historic Galena, Illinois. Fried Green Tomatoes is the place for steak, fresh scallops, and homemade lasagna. Reservations accepted. PLEASE NOTE: We are a multi-level dining facility in a historic downtown building. For the dining enjoyment for all of our guests, we do not provide highchairs or booster seats. Corkage fee $15.00 per regular sized bottle.
Reviewed By jaredsgirl - East Moline, Illinois
Me and my husband had dinner with another couple yesterday . The food , as always, was fantastic! However , our waitress was terrible! We have been here several times of the years and this was the first time we had a bad experience. Our waitress was not attentive or friendly. We couldn't get refills on drinks , she forgot to bring our bread out , she was slow to make rounds and if you asked her anything she seemed to be irritated. At the start of the meal we had told her we wanted separate bills for us and the other couple . She gave us the bill on one . When we asked for her to separate the bill , she rudely told us we should have expressed that at the start - which we did. She proceeded to to grab the bill and stomp off. I always have given them 5 stars , but after our experience with the waitress I only gave 3. Not sure if we will return , we all were turned off by the waitress !
