OK, I am officially reviving this thread with hopes of suggestions in/around Beloit as I am buying a 2nd home here. We're building a BBQ Retreat, right on the Rock River - think Dude Ranch for BBQ guys (huge outdoor cooking area, several smokers/grills/fire pits, dock for fishing/boating, horseshoe pits, etc.). I'm renting the house to BBQ Enthusiasts who want to show up - equipment clean and ready to cook, commercial fridge stocked with cuts of meat to cook (brisket, ribs, shoulder), rubs, injections, wood stacked, etc. All the fun, none of the prep work - a short 2 hour drive from Chicago.
Anyways, that's why I'm buying property up here - but I am also planning on spending many of my Sunday nights-Tuesday (my weekend) here with my family. I'm here now, for the 2nd time in 2 weeks, closing on the property and checking out the local scene. I'll be spending quite a bit of time up here this summer getting the place ready, so I'll have plenty of opportunity to eat out.
We've had the kids with on these past 2 trips, so I haven't done the supper clubs in town (Bennedettis's and 615 club look good). I love the idea of the Wisconsin Supper Club, but don't have much experience with them. Intel appreciated.
We visited Bushel & Peck's, a fairly new(ish) addition to the scene - downtown on State St. Farm-to-table cafe, lots of locally sourced groceries and coffee/panini menu made with ingredients from a farm the group owns. It was very good. Took home some house-made fermented pickles and some root beer. Had a sandwich, was very good. Nice space, funky/farmy/portlandy, nice people, I'll be back.
Bushel & Pecks
328 State St, Beloit
http://www.bushelandpecks.com/Visited Bagels & More next door to B&P's (won't even give the address): Awful. Bad food, HORRRIBLE & RUDE (don't even want to start this rant again) service from the owner, will never step foot in that place again.
Saw a Rib place called Miss Vicki's Ribs in South Beloit, on Blackhawk drive. It looked promising: an older African American woman was standing outisde with 3 old school pits puffin' along. I had 2 wild, exhausted, sun-burnt children with me, so it wasn't the right time to stop but I'd report back when I do.
Miss Vicki's Famous BBQ
722 Blackhawk Blvd, South Beloit
We've had ice cream from M&M's Dari-Ripple in S. Beloit - super cute family owned ice cream shop that is very popular with the locals.
M&M's Dari Ripple
470 Blackhawk Blvd, South Beloit
Tried Pizza from a local staple today:
Tilley's Pizza
900 4th St, Beloit
Bad pizza, eh... service, they want you there drink - not eat. I wouldn't recommend.
There is this awesome (looking) drive in up the way called "Circus Drive IN" that has apparently been there for 60 years (or something like that). They used to have kids rides along with the classic, car-hop served burgers n custard. They've been closed/owners changed a few times, and the latest rendition doesn't look great. If I was a ridiculous dreamer, with absolutely no risk adversion, I would try to buy the place and bring it back to its glory. I LOVE this kind of joint, and this one has great bones. Anyone have stories about Nick's Circus Drive In in Beloit, WI?
Nick's Circus Drive In (I'll add pics when I'm home, but google search 'em - it's a classic)
3525 S Riverside Dr, Beloit, WI, US, 53511
So that's my start: add-on, fill-in, or just wait for my next journey - I'm gonna dig through Beloit/Janesville/Rockton, etc. to find the hidden spots, and try any reco's you guys may have - Madison is easy, so is Rockford, I want the local stuff near Beloit....