Restaurants and attractions on the I&M trail, Joliet to Starved Rock

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Permalink Reply by Alex Z on June 20, 2013 at 6:58pm

Great thread! I'm planning to do this too, but to continue on to Iowa. Looking forward to the responses.

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on June 20, 2013 at 7:45pm

We had brunch one Sunday at Tracy's Row House in Ottawa. Very enjoyable. It's a little off the I&M trail, but you can follow the Ottawa River Walk right to the restaurant. 

Here is the menu. They do have some veggie options. http://www.tracysrowhouse.com/menu/

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Permalink Reply by mark stetson on June 21, 2013 at 7:51pm

I always liked Duffy's in Utica for burgers, but I don't know about vegeterian options.

 

The Starved Rock Lodge has some vegetarian fare.   If you want to venture into Ogelsby, Garzanelli's is a favorite in the area.  The place looks unchanged for the past 50 years, so interesting as nostalgia.  Odd to me for an Italian restaraunt, but it's probably best known for chicken.  Mr. Salsa's is a decent Mexican joint.

 

 

Farther West, for Alex.  All these places are in small towns within a couple of miles of the Hennepin Canal trail:

 

There's a new Filipino restaraunt in Bureau at the former Ranch House location on IL Rt. 29. I don't know anything about it, just saw the sign the last time I rode the trail.  Unusual for the area.

 

Piccolo's in Tiskilwa.  Pizza and subs.  Stuffed spinach pizza is one of my favorites.  4 - 9 PM, closed Monday.  The Indian Valley Inn is popular with the locals, weekend menu varies - fried livers and gizzards, mmmmm.

 

Main ST BBQ in Wyanet.  Haven't been there, but have heard some good reports.

 

Bellucio's in Sheffield.  Pretty much the same menu as Piccolo's, as they were started by two brothers.  Bellucio's has the bonus of allowing you to bring your own beer.  Also in Sheffield:  Z Best Cafe: Menu and hours vary with the day.  Busy on Friday and Sat. eves, reservations recommended.   Chestnut ST Inn:  B&B that also serves gourmet Mediterranean food on Friday and Saturday evenings.  No choice in menu, it changes daily.  Reservations required.

 

The Wagon Wheel in Mineral.  Popular with the locals, but I doubt there's anything unusual about the food.  Last time I was in there, we were 60 miles into a 75 mile ride.  Stopped for one beer, stayed for three - talking to a WWII navy vet that had a lot of good stories.

 

 

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Permalink Reply by mark stetson on June 21, 2013 at 8:34pm

Also should mention Brother's Pub in Sheffield - Live music in a middle of nowhere town of 1200 (although it is the hometown of Jason Ringenberg).  http://thebrotherspub.com/events.html  Dave Chastain's YouTube video of "Voodoo Child" makes me think it would be worth it to pedal over there July 5th. 

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Permalink Reply by Z Maz on June 22, 2013 at 1:05am

Don't forget to stop by Washington Park to read up on some history about the Lincoln-Douglas debates while in Ottawa.

Duppie 13.5185km said:

We had brunch one Sunday at Tracy's Row House in Ottawa. Very enjoyable. It's a little off the I&M trail, but you can follow the Ottawa River Walk right to the restaurant. 

Here is the menu. They do have some veggie options. http://www.tracysrowhouse.com/menu/

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Permalink Reply by jptuplin 3.2 on June 23, 2013 at 10:24pm

Channahon has a park with locks and lock tenders house. Next is McKinley Woods with lots of shade and a good view of the river. There is another lock tenders house and water at Aux Sable. Downtown Morris (30 mi) is situated a block from the towpath and has a bridge and welcome center for visitors. Weit's Cafe is straight north on the right.
Seneca and Marsailles have gas stations, restaurants and other small business within a block of the trail. The same is true of Ottawa. Utica has a small museum. There isn't much between these towns, they are 1 to 1 1/2 hour apart so good spots for a break.
My wife and I did this ride last summer with another couple. I'm hoping we can do it again this year.
Two cautions: 1. Parts of the towpath are rough due to flooding. 2. Utica to Starved Rock is a climb over the Illinois River bridge and up to the lodge. Best wishes for a great trip.

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Permalink Reply by mark stetson on June 25, 2013 at 10:39pm

What are the lock tender's houses like on the I & M?  On the Hennepin they are all pretty derelict, with plywood over the windows, generally unmaintained since the state got control of them.

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