You will find this classic building right in the heart of Downtown Ottawa, like most legions this…read moreis pretty much a beer and shot place, but that is ok after all this place is for the veterans. The Hall hosts Bingo every week and the occasional entertainment, they also rooms that can be rented for events. If your a Vet and you are disabled they have you covered, wheel chair ramp in the front and a chair lift if you need to go up stairs.

This Legion Post is for dues paying members, yet they let non- members in without an escort. They…read morehave a drawing where members all put in a dollar and sign the book- watched the drawing one night and the bartender let her friend draw and she drew the number of her boyfriend standing next to her- rigged- and if the jackpot gets really high, one of the board members wins it- the whole place is a scam.

Just a quick update after having had dinner here last Friday 10/18. It's sad to see fewer German…read morerestaurants in Peoria, I loved Hofbrau, so sad to not see it open, lots of memories. But the Friday night dinners are great, and lots of good people too! And I love this sign near the kitchen.

Nice home cooked German food and German beer.! Very…read moreinexpensive, you do need cash though and if you don't drink the beer. Your meal and drinks shouldn't be over $20 bucks.! And that is all you can eat.!

I have been a member of the Village Newcomers Club (also known as the Village Club) for three years…read morenow and I just love it!! They offer so many fun activities and joining is a great way to meet people. We moved from Texas to Winnetka, IL about 3 years ago and we have made many friend through the club. I started attending their book club and then tried other things they offered. I have made some lifelong friends. They offer a lot of different social activities like book club, coffees, members meetings, adult socials, girls night out, family socials, a moms and tots group and a whole lot more. I highly recommend them!

I joined the Village Newcomers Club because I was looking for a local book club, but I quickly…read morebegan to participate in a lot of the other activities, as well. There's something for anything - adult social gatherings, girls nights out, coffee mornings, newcomers coffees, family events, wine tastings, toddler playdates, an annual holiday party, etc. There's always something going on. I've lived in the area for seven years but have met so many wonderful people through the VNC. The club covers the entire New Trier Township (Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Northfield) and I've met people I wouldn't have otherwise met. Whether you've just moved to the area or looking for more ways to socialize, this is a great way to do it.

A great little bar where no one is a stranger and everyone are friends. This bar has long pours…read moreand the best price you'll ever find.

From the moment you walk in you feel welcome and comfortable . the bartenders are very helpful and…read morekind. From an afternoon Glass of wine to a fancy cocktail they have it all. The outside patio is amazing in good weather.

This place is great ! Every walk of life comes here to have a great time. The karaoke and crowd…read moremake it a really fun and memorable time. The bartenders are great and know how to make a drink. Everyone is friendly. Jody, the owner, is running a really good tavern. One of the funnest around.

I like it here - right down the road from work. Members place, and I didn't renew (because I don't…read morelive close anymore), but when I head in with my parents (who are still members), I am still welcomed. Also, you can't beat club beer prices!

Food is always very good, service is good & there is always room for " a couple of extra people "read more

I joined my husband's family in celebration of his birthday. We had a late lunch at a local…read morerestaurant and convened here to continue the celebration. I have never been to a VFW, but found this location to be a fun and relaxing venue. I met a few veterans and their families who brought food for all to enjoy. Libations were offered at the bar at a reasonable cost. A band was scheduled to play at 7 pm, but I had to leave and didn't get to hear them. I'm sure they did a good job. Out of curiosity, I did a little research about this particular post and its namesake. I learned that the Harry E. Anderson Post 9545 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was established on July 19, 1947. Corporal Anderson was the first soldier in Will County Illinois to die during World War II. He was killed in Guam on December 7, 1941. On September 12, 1995, the post was completely destroyed by fire. However, plans to rebuild the it began almost immediately while trailers served as the temporary post. On November 19, 1996, the new building was completed and formally dedicated on January 11, 1997. VFW Post 9545 is one amongst approximately 9,000 posts worldwide. Its mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans' services, community services, national security, and a strong national defense. Frankly, I'm impressed with the organization and its structure; specifically, VFW Post 9545. I took a photo of its organization chart. I'm an American who actually likes being an American. Yes, the country has its issues just like all countries. But the USA is my home

VFW's bring up childhood memories of cranky old men complaining about the war. At least that is…read morehow they seemed where I grew up. This place is anything but cranky old men complaining about the war. My first experience here was completely surprising. I came for the Friday fish fry with my father and the nugget, who was a baby at the time. During Lent, this place is PACKED with people on Friday nights. I could not believe it. While waiting for my fish to arrive, I got a glass of wine at the bar. I thought I misheard the price...nope I didn't...it was soooo cheap compared to a bar or restaurant. After I bit into a nice meaty piece of fried fish, I was hooked (buh duh cha). The fish fry continues all year long...not just during Lent. Don't like fish, no problem. They have Italian Beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and fried shrimp. The price of your meal also includes coffee, and cake for dessert. You can't go wrong. Don't forget to bring some cash for the raffles. They usually do a 50/50 raffle, and some other thing. For Valentine's Day there was a delicious pork dinner and a band. For St. Paddy's they do a corned beef dinner. High suggested! Tuesday is Bingo and Thursday is wing night. There is almost always something going on here. Check it out!

I know it's a Fish Fry but they have 1/2 pound prime rib burgers that are the best tasting burgers…read moreI have ever eaten. And I've eaten a lot of burgers! The fish can be ordered fried (not as healthy) or baked (healthy). Both taste great but I can't resist fried!

I wish more people knew about how amazing Guild Row is! My husband and I sort of stumbled upon it…read moreone afternoon. They have a huge outdoor patio, and we decided to eat lunch there. What a calming space - both indoors and outdoors. There are plenty of tables to sit and do work. There are numerous outlets outside so that your devices will never die on you! The bar opens at 3pm. We were there earlier so we grabbed an espresso and enjoyed the sunshine. The patio is dog-friendly! I can't wait to go back this week and get some work done!

Got to visit Guild Row and their new LTO ("LIMITED TIME ONLY") which is a patio bar and restaurant…read more LTO features Po'Boy, Wine, Live Music and soft serve ice cream. This restaurant is only available for a limited time through the summer months of 2024. We were fortunate to attend an After Party Popup sponsored by Motorshucker with complimentary food samples and wine from Regalis & Cream. We were able to divulge in some yummy caviar (Regalis Ostera Noir) and oysters. In addition to some lite bites of salami, meats, cheeses and peppers. These all came from Regalis and were delicious. I would definitely like to try their full size charcuterie board this summer. I may even try to order some charcuterie meats and cheeses from Regalis. They were premium quality. LTO also had for purchase their full menu. We ordered the Catfish Po Boy and Kettle Chips. Very impressed with this sandwich. They did a good job of frying the fish and the hoagie bread was perfect. The kettle chips compliment the sandwich. The Raventos i Blanc was the favorite wine tasted on this occasion. Guild Row itself is very cute co-working space. Lots of tables, couches and comfy areas to work. This space serves also as a social club. I could see how combining the two are a perfect pair. The members only lounge had a full service bar: liquor, wine, and beer. Our evening was awesome. We enjoyed the sounds of the live music, the divine smells coming from the fire pit. Would definitely consider a membership as a person that WFH and will be on the look out for more opportunities to visit LTO (no membership needed).

First impression: WOW! How many times can you say to your friends and family that you stayed in a…read moregrain bin? It's incredible how transformed it is inside! Marcia is a wonderful hostess. Very flexible, welcoming and great conversationalist! She called to make sure we arrived all right since we were getting in late, and gave us plenty of breakfast options for the morning. It was gorgeous to see the moon out the window in the bedroom loft and be away from the city lights. We even woke up to birds happily chirping right outside our window, too! The silo is quite roomy, perfect for quiet getaways away from the noise of modern day life. There are modern amenities like a TV, but why bother when you can enjoy snuggling around the ironcast fireplace? We will definitely be recommending this once in a life time experience to all Starved Rock/outdoor adventurers!

One day, I was abducted. No need to be sorry for me; I had…read moreactually been warned in advance by an "anonymous" letter which was signed "The Bridal Shower Gang". My friends had indeed decided to take me away from my groom-to-be for a weekend to be just-us-girls together. They set their choice on a rustic retreat, far from the city and all the book-induced headaches that we all shared as students/instructors at U of C. So after a little ride in Mimi's old faithful we arrive in the outskirts of Ottowa and park in front of a silo. The weather is really grey, a cold wind is blowing and we are welcome by Marcia, the lady of the house. Emmanuelle quickly leaves us behind to go say hi to Mary-go-round, the local mare while we patiently listen to Marcia explaining all the high and lows of the area. If you don't know where to go, what to do or what to eat - she's definitely your woman and an endless well of information............ The premises are nice but not fancy. The silo we stayed in was newly renovated and it showed - there's a neat mezzanine with a queen size bed and a couple pieces of furniture, a adorable bathroom and a lot of kitchen amenities (microwave, fridge, a burner, glasses, etc.) and a wood-burning stove - which was much appreciated in this cold November weekend! There's also an AC unit for the summer months. Overall it's a cool place to hang out - but you have not to mind sleeping in the bathroom or on a bench under the window....if it sounds weird, it's because it is! I also have to mention the dozen or so of dead flies by the upstairs window...I didn't mind them but I would understand if some people don't enjoy their company that much. If you decide to go pay a visit to Marcia, the silo is your best bet. The little house where my other friends stayed didn't sound too appetizing, and even rural charm has its limits: the three of them had to share the bed because the couches were covered with mouse excrement.... and it really looked worn out, like an old hunting hut which hasn't known the loving touch of a woman for years. Almost everything was forgotten though the next morning around breakfast which was plentiful, satisfying and filled with the purrs of Simba, the most adorable and social cat we had ever seen..... It is 10 minutes away from Starved Rock State Park and it really makes you forget the hustling and bustling of the city. And Miss Illinois slept there!!! If THAT is not an argument!!!