I wanted a prime rib to smoke on a charcoal grill (per an episode of Cook's County on PBS). I saw…read moreTom featured in our Rotary International magazine and thought I'd give the biz to a fellow Rotarian, and a place I could stop on the way home from Galena. Did NOT disappoint! Our prime rib was amazing, the pork shoulder roasts made a fabulous Pork Ragu, and looking forward to using the short ribs in my Osso Bucco with polenta.

Lucky to have a local quality meat processor! They care. Drive from Dekalb to them! Recommend!read more

I think we have found our new lunch spot for our Iowa trips. I regret that we have not stopped here…read morebefore. The pork Bahn Mi sandwich - what a winner! Obviously assembled by someone who appreciates food. The cucumber slices were just the right thickness - and an ample amount. The slaw, the pork, the cilantro, the sauce, the bun - it all came together for a delicious experience. And the onion rings were lightly battered with thick onions - superb. I didn't take a pic - but Rick enjoyed his brisket. Other customers were raving about the ribs the day we were there. We each had a Mud Run beer and pleasant conversation with the staff. I am seriously planning an extra trip to visit Mom just so I can stop to have a Mud Run lunch on the way.

The food is hands down phenomenal! We expect decent food, but we were just blown away after the…read morefirst bite. It's a good thing we don't live here because we'd hear daily. The food came out piping hot and every bite was heavenly.

I can't say enough great things about this farm and the wonderful people who run it! We had a great…read moretime going through the corn maze, picking apples (I ate so many I barely had room for the donuts ), petting cute animals and taking a hayride through the farmland. Mike Dittmar was incredibly kind and talked to us about the history of the farm. We found out they have this neat Airbnb on property and can't wait to book next year. One piece of advice- I seriously almost didn't buy the donuts because I'd eaten so many apples while picking and I'm glad I decided to because they are insanely delicious!!

No pumpkins in pumpkin patch!!! No apples on apple trees. Shabby kids play equipment - screws…read moreexposed, rotten, falling apart. This place has seen better days. It's a rip-off because they take ur money and send you to get pumpkins that aren't there, and to a small apple area with bad apples. I get dry weather hurt but then Do Not pretend it didn't and take the money! Go elsewhere. Response to owner: Correction - I should hv said no pickable apples... All we wanted to do was PICK apples and pumpkins - lady owner should not hv taken our money if admission was not needed for that. I am 100% correct to report that lady owner sent us to an empty pumpkin patch where there were NO pumpkins to pick. None. I am 100% correct play equipment is in disrepair and worn out. Spin it as you will but overall a disappointing experience - owners can't even agree on what admission covers.

Good ice cream and a retro vibe. Service was solid and the flavors were fun (cedar point ice cream…read moreif you're familiar). Big inside seating and lots of room outside as well. Prices were more than fair. Would come again.

I came in Friday at 5:30, and the 3 workers at the counter were extremely rude. As soon as me and…read moremy partner walked in we could tell the energy was off. They kept chuckling amongst themselves everytime we asked a question, and even after I replied to their "How are you?" (which was the male employee who wasn't as rude and obnoxious as the 2 girls). I even felt uncomfortable asking to try an ice cream because of how rude and unwelcoming those employees were. I've come here plenty of times and I've never felt this uncomfortable just getting ice cream! Union Dairy do better, don't hire teens who don't know how to act respectful on the job. I definitely wont be returning.

Checked out this local brewery in Lena of course. It certainly is one of the highlights around…read morehere. Lena Brewing Company has beers but also food to fatten people up. A pretty busy place with locals and people from other areas. There's about what's expected on the menu it seems. Before even coming in there's a smell of barbecue. It's got a pretty full menu. There's a bar in the middle surrounded by plenty of tables. Beers are the main thing of course. It's about $7 a pint. Best one we had of these was the Coldstream Lager. This is a full bodied Bavarian style. A lot of the food is meaty. Brisket and that kind of stuff. Among the appetizers is the Cowboy Caviar. One of the few vegetarian options. This is a mixture of beans, cilantro, corn, jalapeños, red onions, and tomatoes. It's about $16 for the Tex-Mex Bowl. This has avocado, cilantro rice, Cowboy Caviar, marinated cucumbers, pico de gallo, and Thai sauce. Of course an option is to get it with meats added. There's plenty more things including burgers and pork belly tacos among the livestock based foods. For around here it's one of the better places for big crowds. It's got beers and barbecue along with some healthier options. They're closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Great stopping point on the way to Galena! Delicious food and brews! Brisket Mac wrap was one for…read morethe books!

I wanted to love Rocky Waters Vineyard but our experience unfortunately fell short from start to…read morefinish. When driving up, none of the wine vines are visible as most are along the hillside that was covered by overgrown foliage. The main building has a residential log cabin feel that was turned into a main floor winery. When walking in, we were nicely greeted by a female staff member and an adorable pup! One orders food, tastings, or glasses at the counter and staff will bring it to you. We originally wanted to sit outside but quickly realized how buggy it was. We transitioned back inside just in time for our wines to be ready. The wine tasting came as (7) 1oz selections. The presentation was lack luster seeing they all came in a throw away plastic shot glass. They were kind to include a complimentary sample of their (2) slushie drinks of the day. Most of the wines had an odd bite or unique finishing note. Our favorite was the Tower Red Wine! The slushies weren't bad but they are made from a bag they also sell. Additionally, we ordered the Italian Dipping Oil. We saw them go to the back to make it fresh. It was the perfect sharing size but was definitely overpriced. Rocky Waters has so much potential but also has some room for growth to elevate the experience offered.

Very watery vinegar tasting wines. No body to them at all. Slushes were good. We pass in this one.read more

I live locally and try new ice cream spots frequently. Korner Stop is my favorite and tell…read moreeveryone to come here. When you arrive, there is usually a line, because it is worth the time! Best soft serve I can find. You know the kind of creamy and lacking flavor types; nope, not this one. They have the perfect recipe for the vanilla and chocolate here and it is consistent each time. Freezes to a perfect swirl and stays intact. Perfection. Sabula is an hour round trip for this yummy ice cream, and I make the trip often. Support this local gem.

Genuinely the best ice cream I've ever had, great texture, temperature, and flavor! Also, all of…read morethe workers are so nice!

This is now SHIVERS!…read more This is amazing ice cream! Great flavors, and a friendly staff. Our servers were all very young, but also friendly and helpful. We did have a challenge in ordering a Sunday with Cherry ice cream, as this was made with vanilla, and then for some reason, raspberry topping. My wife didn't care for it much, so I went back, and they were very good and making this better, adding the cherry topping with a smile. During COVID-19 restrictions, we couldn't eat inside, but there are tales with umbrellas and also a covered area usually for farmer's markets. Great outdoor seating, and plenty of it! Overall, great ice cream! Make sure you're clear with what you want, and you should have a wonderful experience.