Location: Monmouth
Countries
Most Popular Restaurants in Monmouth
Monmouth is a city in and the county seat of Warren County, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,444 at the 2010 census, down from 9,841 in 2000. It is the home of Monmouth College and contains Monmouth Park, Harmon Park, North Park, Warfield Park, West Park, South Park, Garwood Park, Buster White Park and the Citizens Lake & Campground. It is the host of the Prime Beef festival, held annually the week after Labor Day. The festival is kicked off with one of the largest parades in Western Illinois. Monmouth is also known regionally as the "Maple City". It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.
1. Cerar's Barnstormer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew W
There aren't many nice sit down restaurants that gladly welcome babies and have highchairs available, but the Barnstormer was great for a wonderful family meal.
We were in town visiting family, and called for reservations-- Carl couldn't have been nicer. They were extremely accommodating with our large group, and the food was even better than the service.
The crab cakes were a great appetizer, you get 4 for $10-- which is great value. You get your choice of soup or salad, I highly recommend the french onion. In terms of entrees, there are so many to choose from-- and they all sound good. I went with the honey walnut chicken, and it's honestly one of the best chicken dishes I've ever had. I got sweet potato casserole for my side, and couldn't put it down.
The pricing wasn't bad at all. If you were to go to a place like that in a city like St. Louis or Chicago, your bill would be $30-$50 higher, easily.
Definitely worth a visit if you're around the 309.
2. Dairy Queen
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By maiagaia - Macomb, IL
I am really torn between an average to very good rating for the following reasons:
*Service: indifferent at the cashier, server who brought meal very good..she spilled the french fries and immediately offered to bring another serving at no charge
* $6 Crispy Chicken lunch included a refillable soft drink, fries, substantial crispy chicken sandwich and small sundae, really a very good value. I would like the option of redeeming the ice cream sundae coupon at a later time at another location. Perhaps that is an option. Or offer a value lunch for $4 that is friendlier for those who want to eat more modestly.
* Cleanliness: not at this location. I did not pay attention the outside but the inside floors were sticky and needed a good sweeping. All tables were not cleaned off or wiped down
*Interior: very cramped with poor traffic flow, soda station right in the middle of a traffic lane
Parking was easy in and out off Main Street; we were there around 12:30. I am sure during the school year with Monmouth College nearby that it gets considerably busier.
We are in Monmouth at least once per week and probably would go back to this Dairy Queen in spite of my observations. DQ food is pretty consistent at whatever location we have been at.
3. Petey's Pub & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By Bill A - Monmouth, Illinois
Petey's is a non-chain non-fast food dining experience. Conveniently located at the cross roads of U.S. 34 and U.S. 67. It has a sports bar motif with plenty of T.V.'s to find your favorite event. The menu is sandwich or light meals. The bar area is separated by a dividing structure. Food is available in the beverage section
4. Alfano's Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Darren C - Asheville
Monmouth has a smattering of good restaurants, and Alfanos is definitely among the few. You will not be disappointed in the classic Italian entrees or their pasta dishes. Way better than Olive Garden! I tried the Pasta Alfano on this trip and was delighted. My partner tried the chicken parmesan without the pasta and it was a low carb delight. Lasagna is also fantastic. The slightly spicy creamy sauce with chicken and ham made this Pasta Alfano a dish that I would crave more of and eat often if I lived in Monmouth. They are reliably open for a later dinner, which is saying a lot for Monmouth. Not open at all for lunch. Can’t speak to the pizza as I am a long-time follower of the Italian Village. Iceberg salad is not their strong point. This is an excellent restaurant located just south of the square. It worthy of veering down South Main from 34 to experience. Nice atmosphere too. Enjoy the Italian Street scene in the dining room to the right. College students and hotel guest seem to love their pizza delivery.
5. Maple City
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By charlie1horse - Morton, Illinois
Service was slow, understandably so, as the place was packed. My order was delivered incomplete, so the waitress had to reorder the American fries and they arrived 1/3 of the way through my meal. Thick sliced, deep fried potato is not American fries, Inedible. Will not go back.
6. Papa's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By DFWTom - Dallas, Texas
We stopped in for a quick bite for lunch on Monday. The place was packed with locals! Always a good sign and unusual for anyplace in Monmouth to be so full. My sister-in-law from the Florida Keys hasn't stopped talking about their breaded pork tenderloins since having one a couple of weeks ago so that is what my sister (Portland) and I (Dallas) ordered. Excellent!
Service was friendly and attentive, food came out quickly and hot. Lunch menu includes daily specials (Monday it was tacos). Prices are comparable to a farmer's cafe rather than the more expensive restaurant casual dining. Atmosphere was the standard Midwest: beer signs on the walls with clean tables and floor. Two minor drawbacks: I don't care for the usual type of hand cut fries served by cafes in the Midwest (these are no better) and they didn't have Pabst on tap (gasp!), though there were several other brands available on tap, I enjoyed my tall boy can of cold PBR.
You bet I will return the next time I make a trip to Illinois. I always try to get a tenderloin while up there. Now I will make it a point to get my tenderloin fix at Papa's.
7. Bijou Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By notesfork - Monmouth, Illinois
The Bijou is a good standard bar with all that a person expects from a bar....drink specials, etc....But, what makes this bar stand out is their tasty food! Excellent fries, and really good sandwiches/burgers.
8. Los Ranchitos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By flleasing - Maitland, Florida
Better than I was expecting in such a small town. With very limited choices in town for non fast food we thought it was good. Food was fresh and well prepared. The gentleman who served us was friendly and warmed up when we made a small joke. If I'm back in Monmouth I would go back.
9. Cottage Corner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By maiagaia - Macomb, IL
Don't expect fancy or cutesy..do expect solid food, moderate to generous portions for not a whole lot of your hard earned moola.
This former drive-in might be termed a "hole- in-the-wall" and you might drive right past it, but do stop in. Breakfast is served all day; hours are from (I think( 5 am to 8 pm) The menu is diverse, but manageable to read. Expect typical diner type offerings, no gourmet cooking but satisfying, down-home offerings. A variety of pies is offered; there are usually at least two specials and two types of soup daily. Our total bill was around $13 today with tip. We did not have any beverages other than water, though. The waitresses are quick and efficient and friendly.
Cottage Corner is , I think, a favorite with the locals, and now, us.
10. La Tapatia Monmouth Il
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Zesti - Monmouth, Illinois
I have enjoyed eating at La Tapatia for twelve years, since they were a tiny restaurant in the back of a Mexican grocery store (the store is still there -- be sure to stop in after your meal). I've been happy to see them expand to a full restaurant, with an expanded menu, though I usually order the same two or three things. The burritos are so big, I always take half of it home. There are several vegetarian options, too, and the prices are fantastic. Entrees are $5-$10, and they have cheap margaritas on Tuesday and Saturday night. I grew up eating lots of fantastic Mexican food in Arizona, so I was thrilled to find such good food in my new community.
