Stopped in with the kids for the first time and was treated very nicely by the staff. They had a…read morebig selection for the size of the store and had things I haven't seen offered at other ice cream shops. The kids loved it and I'll go back. Cute little shop b

Front Street Creamery in El Paso, Illinois, is a nostalgia-packed " cool place" that'll transport…read moreyou straight back to the Clarissa Explains It All era. Owned by Matt & Kerri Kaps and (who've nailed the "cool local hang" vibe), this spot serves up frozen custards and sorbets with a side of 1990s whimsy. Let's break it down, Saved by the Bell-style: Waffle Tacos & Kid-Approved Hits Their waffle tacos are the stuff of lunchbox legends are made from. For the under-12 crowd, banana pudding custard reigns supreme, blending Nilla wafer nostalgia with silky texture. Parents, prepare for repeat requests. Grown-Up Flavors with Flair Champagne sorbet? Absolutely Fabulous. This bubbly-inspired treat dances between sweet and tart, while pistachio custard delivers a nutty richness that'll make you rethink every '90s "low-fat" trend. Blood orange sorbet steals the show with its zesty punch-perfect for and weather. Retro Candy & Hy-Vee Collab The attached candy shop is a time capsule of Dunkaroos-era snacks, from Warheads to Fruit by the Foot. Pro tip: Grab a tub of their vanilla bean custard at Bloomington's Hy-Vee for home-based nostalgia trips. Why It's All That With its converted grocery store aesthetic and Friends-level hangout energy, Front Street Creamery is the Midwest's answer to 1995. Culinary Chronicles approves-this spot's got more flavor layers than a Lisa Frank trapper keeper.

This charming restaurant is located in a church fellowship hall adjacent to a church which dates…read moreback to 1896. The church is not currently in use but can be rented for a wedding or other event, we didn't go inside but maybe next time. When you arrive, the owner has lots of pretty hats you can wear if you want to get into the tea party mood...great idea! The dining area has a sweet "church hall" feeling & is simply decorated. The gift area features local artists work, a nice touch. As for the food, we thoroughly enjoyed everything we had! My friend is gluten intolerant & Ruth's has a comprehensive gluten-free menu as Ruth's sister has a severe allergy. Even the soup of the day (with pasta in it!) was gluten-free! Those w/ food allergies will be pleased with all of the available options. I had the beef & cheddar sandwich served on a fresh ciabatta roll w/ a horseradish infused aioli & caramelized onions. There are a half dozen or so sides & I selected broccoli salad, yummy!! I had a delicious apricot iced tea to drink. For dessert, my gluten impaired friend was tickled to be able to have chocolate chip cookies which were baked fresh for her. I enjoyed a delicious cup of strawberry soup & took home a slice of sugar cream pie, also delicious. And to top it all off?? My total was all of $12.50 before tip! We'll be back!

I absolutely loved the avocado toast here. The avocado to toast ratio was perfect and they…read moresprinkled a slightly spicy tangy powder on top that made it extra delicious. They topped it with some pumpkin seeds as well. I asked for no egg and it was still so satisfying. The cafe itself is cozy and welcoming with a cute exterior seat that makes a perfect little stop on a road trip. Inside there are comfortable chairs by a fireplace that give it such a homey feel. They also have a to go fridge with ready to heat items which is very convenient. The staff was friendly and kind which made the visit even better. Definitely worth stopping in if you are passing through.

Nestled in the heart of Gridley, Illinois, Common Grounds Cafe & Pie Shop at 102 Gridley Rd . is a…read moreculinary pit stop that transforms humble small-town charm into a flavor-packed adventure. Owned by Katrina and Kyle Reinhard, this cozy café--housed in a revamped gas station with a drive-thru--delivers bold twists on comfort food, artisan coffee, and pies that could rival any big-city bakery.  Pie Odyssey The pie case here is a treasure trove of creativity. Dive into the Key Lime Pie--a tangy, velvety masterpiece hailed by Chicago restaurateurs as "the best they've ever had". The Coconut Cream Pie floats on a cloud of whipped topping, while the Chocolate Cream Pie is a decadent, cocoa-rich dream. Don't miss the Kuchen, a German family recipe with a buttery crust and custardy filling that tastes like German heritage. ( their rotating selection promises surprises.)  Drinks with a Dare Their coffee game is strong, thanks to Gobena Coffee--roasted locally and supporting global orphan care. The Banana Cream Latte is a creamy, whimsical sip, while the Strawberry Piña Colada Smoothie tastes like a tropical vacation in a cup. Adventurers can try seasonal concoctions like the "Winter Wonderland Steamer" or a spicy chai latte.  Savory Quests Breakfast kicks off with a hearty Steak Bagel, layered with juicy beef and a perfectly fried egg. For lunch, the Buffalo Chicken Flatbread packs a punch with smoky heat balanced by cool ranch drizzle. The Beef & Cheddar on Ciabatta is a melty, savory triumph, and the Country Ham Quiche (likely a typo for "quiche") features flaky crust and robust ham chunks--a nod to their farm-fresh ingredients.  Vibe & Verve Once a gas station stop, now a rustic-chic hub with leather armchairs and a fireplace, Common Grounds blends small-town warmth with gourmet flair. The Community Room hosts everything from pie tastings to bridal showers, and the staff's friendliness is legendary. Just brace for prices that lean urban. Final Bite Common Grounds is a detour worth taking. Come for the pies, stay for the caramel-smoked macchiatos, and leave planning your next visit. As one reviewer raved: "You don't need a big city for big flavors". Rating:  5/5 stars -- where every bite feels like a discovery.

The Knight and The Bible…read more On a drive up to Chicago to catch a vacation flight, we stopped at The Cup and The Scone to get us caffeinated for the rest of the drive. We got there about 30 minutes before close and the barista was super nice as we ordered our drinks. Emily got a caramel latte and I got the.. you guessed it... an iced americano. We also grabbed a blueberry-lemon, cranberry-orange, and birthday cake scone. While we stood there as the barista was making our drinks, we chatted her up a bit and we were able to get a few free stickers from her. She said they don't use them all too much and was happy to give us two each. Once we got our drinks, we took off to the upper part of the coffeehouse and promised we wouldn't be too long since they were closing soon. Before we headed upstairs, I took some photos with the suit of armor that is by the counter. When we got upstairs, I was surprised to see another suit of armor, so I took a photo with that one, too. The Cup and The Scone specializes in a lot of gluten-free products and a small bit of religion. I don't know if their entire menu is gluten-free but as someone who's mom is gluten sensitive (and I will probably be at some point), the care about GI issues is great. As for the religious stuff, if you don't see the occasion bible strewn about the place, you'd honestly never know. But, their website seems to support helping people and I think that also is super great as this world is getting rough and scary. Any who, Emily and I really enjoyed our drinks. The americano hit all the right notes and Emily was delighted with her latte. We were split on the scones. I really liked the birthday cake while she really liked the cranberry-orange while we both thought the blueberry-lemon was just alright. We held true to our promise and dipped out before 2pm and hit the road. If I find myself in Pontiac for some reason in the future, The Cup and The Scone will definitely be my spot to get some americanos.

I was initially drawn to this spot by the big knight in shining armor that I saw on Yelp (I'm a big…read morechess fan) and then pleasantly surprised at how cool this place is. The decor really makes this spot, with lots of fun themed signs throughout the restaurant. This definitely gives it a different and more fun vibe than the average coffee house and the upstairs loft is cozy to hangout in as well. The coffee flavors and preparation are quite good here -- flavorful, and made with high quality ingredients. I also enjoyed the mini scones, with a nice texture that was soft but a little more firm than a muffin. Overall, definitely worth a visit if you're in Pontiac. Great vibe and delicious food.

Review Visit: August 26th, 2015…read more Located in Lacon, IL, The Coffee Hub is a fantastic little coffeehouse in a little town. Between some pretty good coffee and a delicious-looking menu written in and on a unique backing, this place is a gem. I got my usual Iced Caramel Latte and is was good. The staff was friendly. I wanted to sample more of their menu, but I was headed to Matthiessen State Park, so I had already eaten a decent meal before heading out. I would love to go back some day and try their ice cream and baked goods! :3

Had a wonderful spiced chai. Great friendly service. Lots…read moreof interesting li CA Al art for sale in variety of price points. Charming cozy vibe. Will be back. Wish I lived closer. Craving one as I write this.

This cafe is so cool, and actually one of the most chill places in the whole of the Midwest. All…read morethe food options are modern day top quality eats, coffee level is great because they roast their own beans. The service and the option to chill and have a few drinks makes this place a must visit and support type of place because we want to keep these type of people in business.

First visit for Bloody Mary Sunday and was impressed. Bloody was spicy and great stick of…read morecondiments including Wagyu beef salami. Fresh baked goods and breakfast burritos charcuterie boxes wines soft drinks. Service was warm and friendly. Will be coming back

Millstone Bakery is such a little gem. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the service is…read moregenuinely friendly. My friend had the warm cider, which was comforting and flavorful, and I ordered a matcha tea that was absolutely delicious. I paired it with one of their sweet cakes, and it was fresh and perfectly indulgent. Definitely a lovely spot to relax for a bit. I'll be back.

I've been on a quest for good coffee in the area. Unfortunately even the "coffee" places around…read morehere often just shovel sugar into poorly made espresso. This place is different! I knew when I saw a pour over on the menu chances were good. It was. This wasn't just good coffee for the area, it was good coffee period. True third wave specialty coffee brewed well. Will return!

wow this food was so good. came a little after open and got helped right away. drinks didn't take…read morelong just got some waters and sodas. then ordered food and that didn't take too long either, timing was reasonable. the server was very nice and the bartender as well. i got the cesar wrap 9/10, towards the bottom is was thigh meat i think and i didn't like that very much. the wings 10/10 it was half off as well. super flavorful. off the menu the spicy chicken pita 7/10, could use a little more flavor. all fries were very good and the ranch was very good reminded me of wing stop ranch.

Local Tap Craft Kitchen and Ale House in El Paso, Illinois, has quickly become a culinary standout…read moresince its 2022 opening, blending community roots with inventive Midwest flavors. Owned and Managed by Aaron Thomas with his really great team. This family-friendly alehouse prioritizes local partnerships and menu creativity, earning its place as a surprise standout in central Illinois' dining scene. Culinary Highlights The menu shines with elevated bar classics, including Ropp Jersey Cheese curds sourced from Normal, Illinois. ~a crispy, creamy nod to regional agriculture.  Wings tossed in bourbon-Sriracha glaze and lemon-pepper buffalo rub draw regulars, while the Italian beef sandwich, paired with sweet potato fries and maple mayo, offers a sweet-savory twist. The showstopper is the custom steak-blend burger: certified Angus beef smashed on a brioche bun, smothered in American cheese, and served with loaded fries-a "step above" typical pub fare. Surprise Standout Culinary Chronicles' sleeper hit is the maple mayo dip, a sweet-smoky companion to crispy sweet potato fries. While rumors swirl about its cult following, the dip exemplifies The Local Tap's knack for balancing familiarity with innovation. Community and Craft True to its name, the restaurant champions local breweries such as White Oak, Riggs Beer Company, and Casper Brewing. Also, fostering a patio-to-indoor vibe that's equally suited for family dinners or friend gatherings. Weekly cocktail features, like the raspberry Long Island iced tea and barrel-aged Old Fashioned, underscore their bar program's versatility. With its commitment to Midwestern flavors, community ties, and dishes that surprise even seasoned foodies, The Local Tap is a destination worth the drive. As Osborn and Thomas expand their culinary playbook-including this week's chicken cordon bleu ciabatta with white wine cream sauce-the restaurant solidifies its role as El Paso's flavorful heartbeat.

Came on a Saturday during the farmers market. The shop was very crowded and the line was super…read morelong- all the way to the bathroom. Took about 40-45 mins to finally get our coffee after walking in but the baristas were all super kind and apologized for the wait despite it being out of their control and them working diligently. They have a wide assortment of pastries that look absolutely delicious and of course, coffee, with syrup options (they use the 1883 brand), and a seasonal menu. We got the vanilla and the caramel latte, and both were the perfect amount of sweet and had good flavor. Would absolutely recommend!

The food was okay but not worth the price. I haven't tried their coffee but the place is cute and…read moreworkers are kind. Menu is small and not very interesting I'll try other coffee shops instead

Sally Sue Peruvian light roast has been the only coffee I bought for 3 years . It's positively…read moredelicious and I recommend it wholeheartedly