LTHForum.com

HI,

Decatur is half way between Springfield and Champaign on IL-72, which passes through I-55 and I-57 respectively.

At a Christmas party, a friend who knows I do this food forum sidled up with recommendations for her family's hometown of Decatur.

Krekel's with 4 locations in Decatur serves a double cheese tomato burger as well as a lemon custard cone. I did a little search to discover I have eaten at Krekel's maybe 10 years ago. What reminded me was learning they have the Chicken Mobile. Long ago when my nieces were tiny, we spied the Chicken Mobile and followed it to its nest at Krekel's. The girls were very excited hanging out the car and screaming their admiration for the Chicken Mobile.



While looking for more information on Krekels, I found this blog entry with a thumbnail sketch on the food scene:



My friend made a second recommendation of Rocky's for their mozarella and/or string cheese wrapped in wonton wrappers, fried and sprinkled with garlic salt. I couldn't find them in the directory, so they may have bit the dust.

Krekel's Custard
801 East Wood Street
Decatur, IL 62521
217-429-1122

Krekel's Custard
1355 North Illinois Route 48
Decatur, IL 62526
217-362-0121

Krekel's Custard
1340 North State Highway 121
Mt Zion, IL 62549
217-864-5725

Krekel's Custard
2121 North Grand Avenue East
Springfield, IL 62702
217-525-4952
http://www.krekelscustard.com/

Krekel's Kustard North
3727 North Woodford Street
Decatur, IL 62526
217-875-4044

Krekels
310 Carroll St
Pawnee, IL 62558
217-625-4952

Krekels Dairy Maid
2320 E Main St
Decatur, IL 62521
217-423-1719

_________________
Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast

While we are on the subject of Decatur places, for anyone that is authentic BBQ starved (which is most of us in the Chicago area), I found the following place down there:

Great Boars of Fire
214 W. South
Oreana, IL

217-521-0900

It is set up as a catering outfit, and they started off as a competitive BBQ team based way down in Southern IL (in Anna, IL) which is kind of an unheralded cradle of BBQ in that area. As it is a catering outfit, you have to call in advance if you want to pick things up, but they are very nice at accomodating people. So far I have tried a smoked turkey, bbq brisket, and baby back ribs, and all could have played in KC.

As a footnote, they opened up a B&B that sounds pretty nice at their complex in Anna. Their website is www.greatboarsoffire.com

Glenn

I am heading to Decatur this weekend and am looking for some dining recommendations, particularly donuts and steak. I searched prior listings and did not see much except for Krekels, which I can't wait to try. A friend recommended Bizou, but I may be more in the mood for a local steakhouse if there's a good one.

Wow, this is the first link to Decatur and food I've ever seen, anywhere. I spent a good chunk of my life visiting my grandparents and uncles in Argenta which is right next to Oreana (they actually share a high school since the towns are so small - about 800-1000 each). To me, Decatur, was "town" where you bought your grocery staples.

Next time I'm down there, visiting my uncle, I'll have to try some of these places. Thanks.

You might want to try Porter's on Merchant (on Merchant St.) in downtown Decatur (I guess downtown, or "main st." type area). It's a decent, local place. The steaks and other menu items were pretty good and the service very nice. It's as upscale a place as I found in Decatur and I enjoyed it on both of my visits there.

The chain Texas Roadhouse is also in Decatur, but it's a chain and it can be loud. But you know what, the steaks were actually pretty good and cooked to a perfect medium rare, so I'm not complaining.

Finally - a thread about the town where I reside! Porter's On Merchant is one of our better local steakhouses, but Doherty's Pubs and Pins on East William Street (2-3 blocks NE of Porters) has excellent steaks. It's an Irish Pub but the chef - John Medina -was wooed from Porters. They do an excellent fish and chips interpretation IMHO and I love their Scotch egg and fried pickles, too.

Bizou is a very nice place too - owners Megan and Mike Comerford are friends of mine and Mrs. Davooda and I often dine there. Chef Ray does the best couble-cut glazed pork chop I've had anywhere and bartender Brad Cain pours a mean dirty martini.

Robbie's is a great Merchant street boite but they're closed for private parties on Saturdays, so you probably won't be able to make it there. If you return to Decatur on a Friday night, get to Robbie's before 6pm or it's packed until 10pm.

Krekel's mentioned upthread is always good but for a heapin helpin of hamburger love I go to The Wharf in South Shores for a Wharfburger. It's a huge, lovely mess of a burger and probably is as close to Kuma's Corner as you can find downstate. The Wharf also does hand-breaded deep-fried chicken gizzards and mushrooms that are to die for. Not that it's smoke-free, you can even taste the food more!

Decatur loves its hot wings too - with the Wing Zone and Wing Stop providing franchise style service. But Elmer's, The Whit's End and The Lone Oak Tavern are the places to go for the wing night specials - they'll make them as hot as you want.

Decatur has also become a sort of Mexican restaurant mecca in the past decade too. I think we have probably a dozen places now - they do a good job but to me every place tastes the same and the menus are darn near identical. I asked for tacos al pastor once and the waiter hadn't heard of them...perhaps they are native to a different region than he is from.

Anyway - if you're coming to Decatur we do have some strong local options. We also have very chain known to man, it seems, but I try to steer clear if at all possible. The one chain place that I will patronize is Bennigan's on the east side of town south of the airport. I have not had a bad meal or service there - ever.

Regards,
Davooda

Davooda,

I should have posted when I was traveling to Decatur many a time. Thanks for the nice list . . . it will certainly help me some in the future. If you do find a Mexican spot that you think is really worth trying, I'd love to hear about it. And if there are any other ethnic spots (Chinese, Thai, etc), I'd love to hear about those too. Thanks again.

A long, long, long, time ago Decatur was part of my sales territory and I would spend a night there every couple of weeks. The Hollidome was pretty much the only motel and I always ended up having dinner at a Steak place near Miliken(sp). I can't remember the name but the Tag Line was "For Steaks you'll remember"

_________________
Why does man kill? He kills for food. And not only food: frequently there must be a beverage.
Woody Allen

BR and fellow LTHers - I would be happy to field any inquiries about dining in Decatur. While our city does enjoy plenty of good places to dine, it does lack the diversity of offerings one finds in a major metro area. I've seen attempts come and go because the population simply won't support it due to low numbers and, what I really think is the issue, the overall populations' affinity for plainer, simpler and - most of all - low cost dining options.
So, it's a bummer that we do not have even one Thai place (we have to drive to Springfield), and while we have a plethora of Chinese places that do a pretty good Kung Pao or General Tso's, we do not have anything approaching Little Three Happiness or Lao Sze Chuan.
Our local BBQ could use an injection of "Honey1" ways and means but it's pretty good - relegated mostly to stands on streetcorners throughout the city. Hickory River on the east side of town is a new addition and, while I haven't tried it myself, several friends tell me it's strong. I have become spoiled after Honey1 and many trips to KC so it's all pretty underwhelming to me.
You won't find any truly ethnic restaurants either, but the 4-5 local fine dining options will feature items of ethnic derivation on their menu along with very solid preps and presentations of "regular" upscale food.
And there is a small gourmet shop inside Haines & Essick (E. William St. downtown) called "The Gathering Place" where Melody Burrus offers really good cooking classes, the kinds of offbeat and cool gourment items urban dwellers may take for granted and her own custom spice blends that I love.
We now also have a small but representational wine shop called "The Decanter"on N. Main Street in downtown. Mike, Jay and Kevin team up to offer as wide a variety of reds, whites, roses, ports, bubblies, and craft brews as they can shoehorn into the space. There are tastings every Thursday from 4-7 and Saturdays from 10-4, I think.
Well, that's it in a nutshell - let me know if anyone needs suggestions when you're in town.

Regards,
Davooda

I saw someone talking about "back in the day" places.
So glad someone mentioned Pauls Place, best milkshakes and malts ever (still open).
Sad to say those great places you went while on business are no more. The Brown Jug is gone, as is the Blue Mill, both places you could take your sales pitch or prom date if your expense account allowed for it.
But one institution has been left out. Still serves relish trays and "courses" Probably the best steak house left in town. Dark and reminiscent of a private club, Tom's Grill and Lounge: Located on HWY 51 as you pull thru town. Its located next to rail road tracks about the time you wonder if you can make it out the other side of the city (1856 N Main St) parking around back past the package window. Don't worry it IS safe to park there. Small and wonderful, one of the first drive thru liquor stores, so don't forget to pick up package before going back to the hotel.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but Tom's Grill has been closed for several months now. I really miss it too - their throwback relish trays, garlic salad dressing and killer steaks were awesome.

Porter's on Merchant, Bizou and Robbie's (since it's now smoke-free) would all be all excellent other options for a business dinner and - perhaps best of all for atmostphere - The Beach House on Lake Decatur in Nelson Park. Matt Damon had a party there last Friday night - he's in town filming "The Informant."

Davooda

I grew up in Decatur and am headed back there next week for the holidays. We're looking for a nice place (non-chain) to get dinner and i wondered if you had any recommendations? I was going to go to Tom's Grill but i heard it closed.

We did try Bizou there about 2 years ago and it was awful. I mean AWFUL. i had seared tuna w/ california rolls and it was the worst california rolls i've ever had. The rice was all gummed together and they were ice cold, like they had been made in advance and stuck in the fridge a day earlier. My wife had a fairly simple dish and it was not well-executed either.

Any suggestions?

thanks,
David in Nashville

David - Mrs. Davooda and I had dinner at Bizou last Friday and both entrees were very good. I had the bourbon-glazed double-cut pork chop (actually, I always get this at Bizou because it's always excellent) and my wife had the Salmon Wellington - a solid interpretation of the theme. The chef is new since your last visit (the former guy ran hot and cold and if you were there on an off night, it could be really bad.)

However, The Beach House (the old beach house building in Nelson Park on the east side of the marina parking lot) is a real pleaser too and has a much nicer view! And their wine list is very good with many solid values along with a few upscale options. Perhaps that could work for you on this visit.

If you're dining on Friday night, I would strongly suggest Robbie's on Merchant Street and get the duck breast entree if it's offered. Chef Josh does it perfectly - pink in the middle and juicy as all get out. And he makes a dipping sauce of - I think - mango, cilantro and chiles that really complements the slight gaminess of the duck. It's my fave entree at Robbie's. Robbie's is small and fills up fast so we either get there before 6pm and put our name in for a table or go after 8:30 - and then sometimes they have run out of some menu items...

Sadly, that's about it. Still no Thai place, the Chinese places are pedestrian as are the Mexican places (though we do have 8 or 9 at last count).

PM me if you want more detailed info - happy to help.

Davooda

_________________
Life is a garden, Dude - DIG IT!
-- anonymous Colorado snowboarder whizzing past me March 2010

Davooda,

Thanks for the recommendations. I've been to Robbies many many years ago, and it was always great. I think we'll give it a try.

David

Decatur takes its chili seriously as this car parked on Merchant Street makes clear.



In operation nearly 65 years, Paul's is the oldest chili parlor in town.





The recipe is older still, reportedly unchanged from Eureka Confectionery's 1920s bowl of red. It's a well-spiced (though not hot), tomato-less, bean-laden version with just the right amount of flavorful grease floating on top.



I'm not a fan of chili mac and Paul's version did little to change my mind.



The Chili Bowl, located in a Phillips 66 gas station, is Decatur's newest chili parlor. I ordered my Bowl-O-Chili at the Inferno heat level and was pretty impressed. It was plenty hot but had great complexity. The owner explained he uses a blend of six peppers.



Decatur is now home to Ray's Chilli (note the regional use of two Ls), an old Springfield brand. Ray's began canning chili in 1922.



Del's Popcorn Shop, located downtown on Merchant Street, has been popping locally grown corn since 1934.





In addition to very good popcorn, Del's serves Elam's root beer. Elam's on Eldorado was a drive-in famous for pork tenderloins and root beer until it was torn down in the 1980s. Del's has inherited the recipe and serves Elam's by the glass or jug. I have to say it's some of the best root beer I've tasted.

One of Decatur's highlights was a hamburger from Krekel's Kustard.





More details can be found here.

Paul's Confectionery
999 N Water St
Decatur IL
217-428-6665

The Chili Bowl
1250 W Southside Dr
Decatur IL
217-330-3777

Ray's Chilli
http://www.rayschilli.com/

Del's Popcorn Shop
142 N Merchant St
Decatur IL
800-950-3357
http://www.delspopcorn.com/

Krekel's Kustard
801 E Wood St
Decatur IL
217-429-1122

Wow, much of that looks delicious - but that hamburger almost has me wanting to make the drive. Beautiful lacy top on there!

_________________
No guts, no glory.
http://www.chicagonow.com/quips-travails-braised-oxtails
http://quipstravailsandbraisedoxtails.blogspot.com/

ReneG - I am simultaneously thrilled and sad to see your post! Thrilled to see my town featured - with photos! - on my beloved LTH, and sad that I had not been the one to post. Kudos to you for doing so.

Krekel's is a must do for anyone visiting and you made it to the right location, too! The West Wood Street location pumps out the best representation of Krekel's burgers, IMO. Second best, IMO, is the Krekel's Dairy Maid on East Eldorado.

Del's also roasts nuts in-house and makes their own candies. I once had a fresh-from-the-roaster handful of cashews and thought I had found Nirvana. The double-dipped chocoloate covered peanuts are killer. In the fall, usually beginning a couple weeks after Labor Day, owner LouAnn Jacobs and her merry band of employees make homemade caramel and offer caramel apples, offered with or without nuts, and in single, double or triple dipped formats. There is so much caramel on it, the triple-dipped apple comes in a styrofoam bowl!

Would that I had known you were planning a visit, as I could have suggested a couple other Decatur stops that would have helped round out a nice visit:

The Wharf
201 W 1st Drive in South Shores (behind the Marathon gas station)
Hard to find, but the pub grub is tough to beat. Hand-cut and breaded deep fried mushrooms, chicken livers and gizzards, the Wharf Burger (delicious and huge with swiss and a special sauce), and steak fries that are always cooked just right. Their soups are homemade and delicious, too.

The Beach House
2301 E Lake Shore Drive (Yes, Decatur has a Lake Shore Drive, too)
in Nelson Park, northeast of the marina
The Beach House is the latest iteration in a string of probably seven restaurants that have tried to make it at this location overlooking Lake Decatur. IMO, it is the best of them all and is thriving to the point where they can confidently shut down the rastaurant on a Saturday - because the catering business has three weddings to do - knowing that the place will just fill up again. The menu is eclectic American, the wine list is more wide than deep but the price points are perfect for this community, and the bar is a happening venue of its own along the north wall. The head bartender relocated to Decatur (his hometown) after a long run at a neighborhood bar in Lakeview.

BTW - the "Chili" license plate on the Mustang is short for Chiligiris - the long-time Decatur family that owns the Lincoln Lounge directly across Main Street from Merchant Street. The Davoodas are pleased to be close friends with the family. The Lincoln has been in the Chiligiris family for probably 80 years now (they are proud possessors of the first liquor license to be granted in Decatur after the repeal of Prohibition) and also features a full restaurant called Angelo's. The Lincoln serves the best gyros in town, IMO, though you can also get a top-notch gyro from Chris Droukas, the Gyro King at the SE corner of North MLK Jr Drive and Pershing Road.

Decatur has a wonderful Greek Community and the annual May Dinner at Church of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is something that LTH-ers may wish to consider road-tripping to experience. Excellent food, home-made baked goods, dancing to a Greek band, etc. Big Fun and reasonable in price. It's the church's biggest annual fundraiser and the community really pulls out all the stops.

Decatur is also home to Decatur Celebration each summer (usually the first weekend in August). In its 25th year, the Celebration is a free street festival where the entire downtown area (18 square blocks) is closed for Friday - Sunday, featuring several stages for live entertainment of a wide variety, a craft far, strolling entertainers, a carnival for the kids, and I think something like 75 unique food items in outdoor stalls throughout the Celebration.

Thanks again, ReneG, for the post! If anyone is planning a visit to Decatur and wants suggestions on dining or whatever, let me know.

Davooda

_________________
Life is a garden, Dude - DIG IT!
-- anonymous Colorado snowboarder whizzing past me March 2010

It was my understanding they purchased the recipe two years ago for the root beer. Otherwise this root beer was unavailable since Elam closed. It's pretty cool to have a recipe untasted for a generation return.

Regards,

_________________
Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast

For those not from Decatur I just wanted to give an update so you don't come to Decatur looking for places that no longer exist. Since the posts above Toms Grill has closed down, something about tax evasion... But we still love Tom.

Also Mr.G moved, then closed, and is now a chineese resturaunt, if it didn't close yet.

Lone Star Steak House is no more either, it moved out a few years ago.

El matador on pershing and MLK closed, became rustys which had good food but also closed.

One place that wasn't mentioned before that is no longer here was the sunny side cafe on Eldo in between Mc.doandls and the dry cleaners. At one time it was a great place to have breakfast, its now a fish fryer style food place haven't been there since it changed.

Some of my favorites

Itialian -
One thing I can't believe hasn't been mentioned yet is the Pizza Factory! I love my pizza and have had my share, but theres nothing better than a calazone from the Pizza Factory. And their breadsticks are to die for. Currently their running $5.00 Calazones on Tuesday can't even get digiorno for that price! They have 1 little table if you want to eat there, but most order out.

We also have pastabilities - decatur's little italy, they have affordable prices in a nice dinning atmosphere. And are located downtown so you can get some shoping done before or after a meal.

Another Decatur great is LaGondola. Their torpedos and Garlic bread is made on a sweet bread and is delicious. Their a family owned resturant with great service and a good dining experience. If your ordering out its best to plan and call ahead or you will be waiting awhile, everything is made fresh! The only down side is they are closed on Mondays.

Greasy~n~good.

A newer addition to Decatur is Tasty's A Chicago style grill that Im willing to bet has some of the greasiest yet best tasting food around. If you want a Chili dog or a Gyro they've got it. Oh and dont forget your bag of fries!

Passed through Decatur several months ago with only enough time for a few quick bites. Krekel's has a new roof and sign (has the sign maker ever heard of kerning?) but the burgers haven't changed.









Low grade beef and cheap custard (lemon with sprinkles!) never tasted so good.

Then a stop at Paul's for a bowl and a slice.







The pie board's rhubarb light was aglow so there really was no question what to order.





Turns out it was the last of the rhubarb, annoying one of the regulars at the counter. A good slice, not great.

We also had time for a quick egg roll and wonton soup at the ancient Chinese Tea Garden in downtown Decatur.





So how was the food? Uhh, isn't that a great old sign?

Krekel's
801 E Wood St
Decatur IL
217-429-1122

Paul's Confectionery
999 N Water St
Decatur IL
217-428-6665

Chinese Tea Garden
105 N Main St
Decatur IL
217-429-1688

Rehe G - would that I had known you would be in town, as I could have steered you toward some better representatives of Decatur's dining scene. Calling it a "scene" is actually very kind...but there are solid options and a couple you tried are definitely not on that list, e.g. The Chinese Tea Garden's claim to fame is its role as a meeting place in the ADM price fixing scandal...

I am happy to help any fellow LTHer planning to visit "The Pride of the Prairie" for both upscale (limited) and pub grub (lots more) and "joints" (a goodly number). I probably should develop a suggested "guide" but haven't made the time yet.

Until then - anyone heading this way please give me a shout! We even have a new butcher shop that makes its own sausage and jerky...not on par with Ream's but solid!

Davooda

_________________
Life is a garden, Dude - DIG IT!
-- anonymous Colorado snowboarder whizzing past me March 2010

...and I see now that I used the "would that I had known" phrase in a previous post after your visit...anway, there are some new options in Decatur and I am happy to suggest.

D

_________________
Life is a garden, Dude - DIG IT!
-- anonymous Colorado snowboarder whizzing past me March 2010

Davooda,
Have you been to the Vietnamese place near the Walmart? (btw, not until I moved to central il did I start using landmarks instead of streets or addresses). Husband and I work at Millikin and have had a couple of good meals there. There are also some new places that have sprung up near campus, but I've only been to the pizza place. The name escapes me at this time.

Pho Golden Palace (near the north Wal-Mart as opposed to the East or "Mt Zion" Wal-Mart) is a solid option for limited Thai offerings. I don't think it's as good as Magic Kitchen in Springfield, but if you can't make the drive west it is a good alternative.

Donnie's Homespun Pizza is the joint near Millikin you mention - and it's expanded into the space to the south to include a full bar. They have at least four good draft tappers and a decent bottle selection too...the pizza is OK but the Davoodas much prefer Del Carmen's East on 22nd Street and Prairie just west of the huge Huck's convenience/gas station.

Jan's East End Grill now boasts Chef Josh Irby (formerly of Robbie's and Southside Country Club fame) and he has greatly elevated the menu there. Jan's is located on Brush College Road north of William Street Road on the east side.

The Lincoln Lounge has undergone an onwership change (still Greek, but different branch of the family tree) and food is now limited to gyros and grill offerings in the "bar side." The "other side" is not in use but could be in the future. Still the best gyro in town, IMO, and inexpensive drinks to boot. Live music now on Saturday nights, I believe.

Sloan's Calznoes on Merchant Street and Prairie also has good pizza and calzones AND they will do a Chicago style deep dish if you pre-order a day ahead!

Main Place Bar and Grill in One Main Place downtown (SW corner of Main and Main) has been remodeled and is under new management. Solid pub grub offerings and a wonderful patio on the south side for al fresco dining.

And my new fave is the latest iteration of The Wharf - a formerly dark, dank, smoke-filled tavern tucked in behind the Marathon gas station in South Shores. Matt - the new owner and formerly Robbie's FOH manager - opened the space on the south side and built an outdoor deck that doubles his seating space in the warmer months and brings some much needed light into the space. You can't beat a Wharf burger or, if you are feeling especially naughty (and hungry) try the Shipwreck - a huge burger dish that I think could feed three. And their nachos are served on a cafeteria-size tray - I know they could serve three or more! Stella and a couple other good tappers, $6 mixed drinks and wines and stellar service make for a great experiene - but word has gotten out and the place is packed from abour 5pm until closing ever night.

PLUS - you have to check out the burrito truck (Decatur's first food truck!) in the west side of the former car wash on Pershing Road to the east of Culver's. Very, very good. There is also another food truck on East Pershing in the parking lot of the Sundown Lounge that I hear is good, but I haven't been able to try it yet.

If you like baked goods, Lana's Cakewalk in Campustown (south of Donnie's) has delicious cupcakes and macaroons. And Wildflour Bakery on West Main (adjacent to the totally restored Texaco gas station) offers several types of loaves daily, with cookies, cakes, pies, petit fours, etc and soups and sandwiches. A full service coffee bar and Lottery machines make it a destination!

Davooda

And speaking of al fresco - downtown has undergone a major renovation and many of the eateries are going to be able to offer outdoor dining due to greatly expanded sidewalk space.

_________________
Life is a garden, Dude - DIG IT!
-- anonymous Colorado snowboarder whizzing past me March 2010