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    Clarks Run Creek

    4.9 (18 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 7:00 PM

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    Seating

    I made the trip down to Ottawa, IL to meet with some friends for the weekend. I was told by one of my friends that there was a great wine tasting place that I had to try that was in the Utica area right next to Ottawa. The name of this fantastic spot is Clarks Run Creek Wine and Gifts in Utica, IL. I want to make one thing clear that I am not a wine aficionado by any stretch of the word. I did not have high hopes of going to a wine tasting. Little did I know this would be one of the best experiences I've ever had in a bar. The moment that I walked into this extremely unique establishment with my friends I knew it was going to be something special. There is a standing only bar in the center of the room where you order five different wine tastings for $7. It is an absolute steal. The bargain of the wine tasting is usually enough for someone to come into this establishment, but the real star of the show was one of the workers behind the bar named Cindy and her sidekick Caleb. I have never had so much fun in a bar then the fun we had with Cindy. She has a hilarious, no BS attitude with a personality that you just want to hang around. As myself and my friends drank delicious wines we never laughed so hard while talking with Cindy and the other patrons in the room. The entire experience almost felt like improv and everyone was having a blast. It really does not hurt either that the wines are delicious. They have some really unique wines infused with all different types of fruit. The wines will satisfy any pallet for those who like extremely sweet wines or traditional flavors. My favorite wines of the ones I tasted were Marionberry and Drunken Apple. I was already starting to feel a slight buzz from the wine and decided to try a whiskey tasting with my friend. The whiskey tasting was delicious and gave me an excuse to stay longer in this "Cheers" like atmosphere. I was fully expecting my bill to be massive from all that we had to drink. I was in total shock to see that the pricing was so fair. We walked around the Utica downtown area checking out some other establishments and ended up coming back to Clarks Run Creek for a second round because it was so much fun. Another aspect worth mentioning about the downtown Utica area is there is seating set up on the closed-off street, making it a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the weather with friends. I cannot emphasize enough for anyone that is in the Utica, IL area to check them out. You will have a complete blast. The wine is delicious, but the real draw is the atmosphere with the fun patrons and Cindy and Caleb. I give Clarks Run Creek an extremely rare 9 out of 10. I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to go check them out.

    A great sign for sale...
    Al G.

    This is a very cozy and inviting wine and craft beer shop, they even have a few spirits to choose from. Upon our arrival we were welcomed and were given the run down on the selections available. They do not produce any of their own wine, but they have several local winery selections available. Plus other wines from across the country. Gordy was our server and he is very friendly, and makes some great suggestions. He really made our trip.... I reccomend stopping for a tasting and or enjoy a bottle while kicking back. We are looking forward to our next visit. Tell Gordy, Nicole and Al said hi!

    Winery

    Do I recommend this place??? Hell yeah we do!!! The wine selection is amazing from Illinois wines to a variety of California wines. The BEST part is how "at home" they make you feel here. Cindy and her friend "$hit a$$ Steve" we're as polite as could be, and hilarious to talk to. I felt like I was at a local bar back home with friends here. If you're in Utica, definitely stop here for a wine tasting.

    Inside! Cindy!
    Sherry P.

    What a cozy and welcoming spot! As Cindy might claim, ALL of the wines are amazing! 6 bucks for 5 tastes! You can't beat it! There are cute items for sale on both floors. This was truly one of the highlights of my trip!

    Wine tasting and trying out the Fireside

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    4 months ago

    Great service!!! Both Gordy and Cara were very knowledgeable about the wines and very friendly.

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    11 days ago

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    8 months ago

    The staff were amazing and incredibly helpful with recommendations for wines. Absolutely will be back.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    The service by the proprietor was friendly and excellent. He gave us plenty of personal attention and information about the area.

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    8 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Clarks Run Creek

    Review Highlights - Clarks Run Creek

    The wine is delicious, but the real draw is the atmosphere with the fun patrons and Cindy and Caleb.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    PK UnKorked Wine Shop & Tasting Room

    PK UnKorked Wine Shop & Tasting Room

    4.8(4 reviews)
    36.9 mi

    This was a beacon of light in the area. Met a friend halfway from her house to mine in Pontiac for…read moresome girl time. Looking for things to do and this popped up. We decided to give it a try. It was a nice place to relax and have wine and food. There was enough parking in front and I believe some on the side. Chairs and tables and sofas were available to sit at. There was also another seating area on the side should you not want to be on the music side. Wine is available for purchase and there is a wine club if live in the area. There was music on this particular evening, acoustic rock. It was two men with guitars and you can request music via a scan code. Great idea! They were good and had a lot of songs to choose from. We went for the flight, nachos and a flatbread pizza. The flight was good as we were able to determine what glass/bottle we wanted with our food. The nachos may have been good but unfortunately they arrived cold. I assume as they were sitting waiting for the pizza. The pizza was good and hot. We had the meat pizza with the sauce. It was a little sweet for me, so maybe they were going for a bbq twist on the tomato sauce but still decent. The people at the counter were very nice and answered any questions.

    These are difficult times for many of us but especially so for small business owners so it's very…read moregood to meet them and get to shop at their stores or eat at their restaurants. They offer unique experiences that can't be matched. We stopped in Pontiac on our drive up Route 66 and walked around the beautiful courthouse on the day after Christmas, we encountered 4 people total, incredible. We almost walked by without stopping but something caught my eye so we stepped in. Beautiful, well maintained and tastefully renovated shop. Great selection of wine of all varieties and we enjoyed a nice conversation with the owner who suggested a red and white, which we bought. Highly recommended.

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    PK UnKorked Wine Shop & Tasting Room
    PK UnKorked Wine Shop & Tasting Room
    PK UnKorked Wine Shop & Tasting Room

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    Clarks Run Creek - gourmet - Updated June 2026

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