Main Dining Room at Starved Rock Lodge

Reviews

• Limeren T.

  star star star star star 13 July 2026

  The food at the Starved Rock Dining Room never really made an impression on me, until this year. A couple of weeks ago, we had a lunch buffet there (a steal at $11+) and the food was good. It included sweet potato fries, cauliflower rice, mac & cheese, crab rangoon, fried cod, pot roast, SR fried chicken, baked chicken, bread rolls, DIY salad, and a large selection of desserts.
  
  Went on a trolley and boat ride tour a month ago ($42), and lunch was included (including the tip!) so I chose the pot roast and it was really good!
  
  Yesterday, I hiked all the canyons and had lunch at the Veranda (same menu as the Dining Room, but al fresco). My fabulous server Tyler assured me that the battered walleye fillet ($12.25) was a good size and would be filling, so I gave it a go. It was battered and fried to perfection! It came with tartar sauce, cole slaw, and I opted for a side of mashed potatoes (choose white or dark gravy). Raspberry iced tea, mixed to perfection by Tyler, complemented my meal nicely. I have found my new favorite meal item at Starved Rock!

• Mario L.

  star star star star star_border 12 July 2026

  Food is pretty mediocre but it truly came in handy as I needed to replenish from my hike. Nice spot to eat, relax and soak up the nature.

• Sheila C.

  star star star star star_border 10 July 2026

  This is a wonderful place for a Sunday brunch!
  I highly recommended you call ahead for a reservation. Some time days and time frames, depending on what is going on at the lodge and conference center, can be very busy. Having a reservation will save you some time and heartache if they are overly busy. The day we visited they were still taking walk-ins, but this was early in the conference and wedding season.
  We had a wonderfully delightful hostess, Hannah. She was cheerful and always available for refills and any of our other needs, ketchup & another napkin. Hopefully management knows what a wonderful asset Hannah is for promoting their warm and caring atmosphere.
  The brunch was delightful. They offer something for all tastes, salads (greens and pasta style), pasta (stuffed shells with cream sauce), meats (lamb, hand carved roast and ham), omelets made to your order and the dessert table is AMAZING! There are cakes (3-layer types), pies (fruit and rhubarb), chocolate and lemon bars as well as fresh fruit.
  My only "didn't like" was the amount of salt I tasted in the sauces. Staff might want to take another look at that particular seasoning.
  The price point is around $16/person, drinks are extra and they do serve alcohol.
  This is truly a jewel hiding in Chicagoland burbs.

• Eva H.

  star star star star star_border 28 June 2026

  Had a lunch included on the trolley tour, food was VERY good, chips were homemade, probably the ale in Pot Roast made it so good as well as the glazed (cooked) baby carrots.  Regular menu is even better with many selections. Service is VERY good, not bad reviews of it which was years ago (always just trust latest reviews).

• Tandalaya W.

  star star star star_border star_border 20 June 2026

  I really enjoyed the experience at the Main Dining Room and the drinks and scenery at the Back Door Lounge did not disappoint.  I have not been to Starved Rock in years, and I always came with the kids. It was interesting because this was my first time coming without the kids and they were not missed.  It is an excellent place to bring the family, but it is also a nice place for some much needed adult time.  The food was tasty and the staff were very attentive.