Husband and I were invited out to this place by some friends. They informed us of a band playing that evening. Checked into the event. They had two bands playing back n forth all night. I've passed this place up on occasion driving to mt Vernon. Always wanted to check it out. Glad we did. They have a gravel based parking. They have outside seating under a roof. Once you walk inside it's like you're in a wooded swamp like area. It was packed a bit so couldn't take many inside photos. The food is Cajun based. so you want some gator or catfish bites. They are one of the places to go to in Clinton County. I tried their grilled chicken sandwich with cheese. A side of Cajun fries( not Spicy- husband thought they may season with ole bay) we shared fried pickles and fried okra- we were almost full off of those alone. Large portions for appetizers! even their ranch dressing they brought out to dip the pickles in seems homemade. staff was amazing and attentive. We sat at the bar to eat and all of the ladies were wonderful! they also have a bar outside. Which was perfect as we were going to watch the bands. Overall we had a great time there! read more

See all

Service was ok, but server brought catfish nuggets when I ordered the fillet. The coleslaw was gray and rubbery looking. I've worked in food for 40 years and I know what FRESH slaw looks like. The server said it was made fresh that day like every Friday. I told her I didn't believe that and to take it away as we were not eating that. Last week everything was excellent. Big difference from one week to the next. I don't think we'll be going there next Friday. Consistency is a must when you're serving food. She did not offer a replacement of any kind and our bill DID NOT reflect a discount either, disappointing. The customer is always right, remember that! read more

Wow. One of the best restaurants I've been to, and I consider myself a bit of a picky either. I got the Bayou Platter, which currently costs $28. It includes: a bowl of gumbo, fried gator, gator legs (cod blocks if they're not available), Cajun fries, and a Maryland crab cake. I've never tried any of this before, but that was all AMAZING. I'm surprised that they had gator, based on how much it seems to be ordered. The Bayou Platter had so much food that I couldn't eat it all. The service was amazing, they gave us our drinks and food pretty quickly. The atmosphere of the restaurant is pretty good, although it can get wild, especially with being a bar. The outside and inside really reminds me of the South, with some very nice decor. Yes, minors/kids are allowed, but they obviously can't buy alcohol. Overall one of the best restaurants I've been to. I'll certainly be coming back. read more

This was a random stop on the way home after taking my service dog swimming in Carlyle lake. I'm really glad we stopped. The food (cheese burgers and fries) and the customer service was excellent. Definitely going back. read more

We stopped for lunch. A bar & grill establishment but everyone there was very nice & welcoming. A fairly good sized menu. We had alligator bites & frog legs. Very delicious. Great service. Their dip was a little dull but all & all a very good place to eat. We'll be back. read more

The service was a little slow, but food came out hot and fresh. The shrimp po boy was very good! I also ordered the Cajun fries but they weren't Cajun at all... still good though read more

6 weeks trying to order gator or gator tacos. Always either out of alligator or out of tortillas or wont pick up the phone. Bartender always seems to be in a bad mood. Really not alot of good things to say. Tried around 10 items over the years off their menu and 2 of them were edible. Bar rescue did not help at all, same menu same service. read more

When entering it looks like Jon Taffer's team missed or the new employees messed up the blinds? The paint job is good and the remodel inside looks very nice! We sat ourselves and the service was pretty good! The server kept up with us the whole time. The place was pretty clean. The food was decent. The cheese burger was good but it didn't seem like the meat was fresh, maybe frozen? The catfish chunks were cooked well and were good. They are still using the old menu and still calling themselves Swamp Tales even though the sign says Swamp Town. We thought it was Swamp Town and since it says it on the building we thought it was online too. It took a minute to find the website! read more

At first glance this seems like a really enjoyable spot. As soon as I walked in I was greeted warmly from the staff. I sat down and ordered a tea and they were "out" of tea. What the heck ever. Sounds like poor management to be out of tea. My friend ordered a PBR and it was expired so can't have that either. We were a big group but the waitress was not equipped to handle us. Another waitress stepped in to help and she tried her best but the service was not great. No silverware until after food was served, no refills, and she didn't even bring us all what we ordered. Overall poor service. They were very friendly and they were trying. I loved the atmosphere and decor. The food was just ok. I was here in a Sunday and I wished I had ordered the chicken dinner special. I got the gator bites (tough), gator legs (salty) and étouffée. I liked the pickle chips appetizer. I would come back. I just don't think they dealt with big parties well. I would also order differently. No one in my party really loved their food. It was just ok. read more

The food was really good. Everything is seems fried. But worth the stop. Gator bites and the gumbo is really good. read more

Swamp Tales - Honey wings. - Bars Near Me - Carlyle, Illinois

See all

This was my first time. We had the frog legs and catfish both were good. They both came fries and jalapeño hush puppies. The service was good and you can sit in/outside. Casual dining. read more

This place is good, if you order the right thing. My advice: steer clear of the Cajun/seafood dishes. Instead, go for your typical burger and fries combo. The cheeseburgers are very good. They're fairly thick, and hand patties. Much like a burger your Mom would make. They also have a nice burger bar with plenty of fixings. I also highly recommend the pork rinds. Every time I've ordered them, they're still popping when they get to the table. The fries are pretty solid too. And, finally, the fired pickles are worth a try. They also have a full bar with standard beer on tap. It's a nice place that is worth a try. read more

Swamp Tales - Pork rinds are amazing. - Bars Near Me - Carlyle, Illinois

See all

Bartender was awesome. Great Bloody Mary. I had the hot honey wings. Crunchy and saucy at the same time. Husband got the cat fish nuggets and he stuffed himself they were so good. Outdoor area was unique with pond and indoor has neat decor. Will keep on my list for future travels to southern IL read more

Swamp Tales was a nice surprise for me as I passed through Carlyle. I've never tried alligator before, so I was excited to see what this place had to offer. Lucky for me, they had it in stock. After trying their famous Gator nuggets, I can confirm that Gator does in fact taste like chicken. I also ordered Cajun curly fries and seafood gumbo for my sides. I was disappointed in the fries because there really wasn't any Cajon flavor to them at all. The seafood gumbo was another miss for me. The cup was 3/4 rice with just a few pieces of shrimp on top. There was very little sauce/broth at all. Overall, I would come back to eat here for the Gator nuggets. read more

The gumbo was exceptionally good. Fried mushrooms were watery, indicating they had been frozen. The gator was a major disappointment - dry and tasteless, and it was served as weirdly-shaped, thin bits and pieces, instead of chunks. Plastic utensils and styrofoam bowls. An overall disappointing visit on a Saturday afternoon. Infortunately, we won't bother for a second visit. read more

The grilled catfish with crawfish etouffee is absolutely five star! We ordered a salad to go with, but it was pretty pathetic. The spicy pickle fries were pretty tasty. Our waitress was attentive, quick, and friendly. Would like to get back and try some other things. read more

Swamp Tales - a fire hydrant hanging from the ceiling - Bars Near Me - Carlyle, Illinois

The food was okay. Service was horrible! The waitress couldn't even be bothered to smile or be polite! When we cashed out she wouldn't make eye contact at all! Thankfully the bartender told us to have a nice night. Two bar tenders were letting a man holler at the bar drunk before 7pm. They have potential to be a good business, but at this rate, they are their own worst enemy. read more

Driving up to this place we had high hopes because we knew they serve alligator. But we had no idea it would be as nice and delicious as it was! The staff was friendly, the food is amazing and the decor is something you just have to see. Straight out of a Louisiana byou! read more

See all

Good food. Good service. We went on a Saturday evening and there wasn't a wait for a table. The food was HOT and came out quickly. We'll definitely be back!!! read more

Honestly, the food is good. Just good. I really like their burgers and cajun fries. I've tried the fried shrimp and didn't particularly care for it. Service can be a little iffy. Our to go orders have been good but we check it before we leave. From other peoples word and my own experience, it sounds like a 50/50 shot! read more

I love this place. Cheeseburgers better than any I have ever had, Cajun food, gator, all delicious! The étouffée is so good. I have never had anything bad here and I try something new every time I come. If you are looking for a fun atmosphere and good food, make the drive. It's worth it. read more

See all

The alligator was AMAZING! It was served hot and fresh and was delicious ! We will definitely go back and take friends, it was that good!

I have been hearing about Swamp Tales for over three years now and finally got around to trying it out. I really wanted to try the gumbo (which is one of their specialties), but unfortunately when I went they only had a seafood gumbo that I skipped. Those that ordered the seafood gumbo did not like it, so I lucked out on that. I ordered the 2lbs of chicken wing special ($9) and had some very tasty wings. They must have been baked and then deep fried given how juicy they were. They came with a side cup of sauce (not smothered). Still disappointed they didn't have the chicken and sausage gumbo (even though it's a menu item). I wasn't able to drink when I went, but I did notice the $1 beer special. No wonder it's always packed at 5pm! Definitely a local gem. The inside looks like a country lodge. Also, the fried alligator nuggets are very good. read more

Had high hopes but alas was disappointed. The Creole Crawfish Etouffee was a thick paste with tiny bits of meat. They were out of beignet at 4:30 on Friday, so I assume they are not made in restaurant. Alligator is on menu but did not try. Everything was deep fried and not given time to drain before placed on plates. Crab Rangoon had little to no crab and extremely sweet. Catfish nuggets were smooshy, greasy and tasteless. Fries came from a bag and were barely cooked. The mini tacos were deep fried also but they were the best food item we got. Waitress did a good job of taking care of us. Have a cute fake gator at entrance read more

Service was good but the food was not very good. Gumbo was watery and not very good. The cat fish was ok but breading was very salty. Not a place I would go back to. Sad we hoped to find a new restaurant. read more

If you looking for something a little different this is the place to go. The kids live a basket of gator. Seating is limited at times but worth the wait. read more

Food wasn't very good and service was very very slow. There were only 3 tables with people. Couldn't get a waitress for anything. We walk out the front doors to leave and all the staff are all sitting at a table smoking and eating outside. read more

Great food--particularly the gator. Service was fast and our food came out piping hot. For what we received, we thought it reasonably priced as well. Would definitely eat at again if we are ever in the area. read more

This. Place. Was. Terrible. I do not understand how it has over 4 stars other than the fact that it is one of the only restaurants out there and so maybe people do not know better. We came on a Saturday night and sat at our table without service after ordering for approximately 1 hour. At that time, our waitress came back to tell us they were out of 2 different meals (of which half of our table had ordered). An hour after we ordered. They then had to re-order and about 10 minutes later *some* food came out for the people that did not have to switch orders. Somewhere between 15-25 minutes later the rest of the food came out. It was nothing special. Some of our guests had almost an hour and a half wait for food that was in no way shape or form worth it. read more

Worst, robotic service we've ever had. Waited 5 minutes with no one greeting us, no one telling us they'd be right with us, nothing. No signage saying 'wait to be seated' or 'help yourself.' 5 or so staff floating around yet no greeting. Waitress was awful. Basically chucked the food on the table. Did the same with the check. I think she said 10 words. Food was decent. We will not go back. read more

Odd place in the middle of nowhere. The service was detached and there was some guy dropping f-bombs in the kitchen. Despite these otherwise death nail issues, the food was great. I had a grilled catfish with crawfish etouffee. It was spiced appropriately for a cajun affair. If they could get everything else aligned, this could be a great place. read more

Delicious gator bites! Atmosphere not so great. I plan on going back just to eat more gator. Might take it to go though.

I had the gumbo, and was spicy but bland... if that makes sense. I love spicy food, but it seemed to be all spice and no actual flavor. The waitress was nice but the overall service was very slow, and it wasn't busy. I was also less than happy with the salad. For 4.00 I expected a little more than iceberg lettuce, a quarter of a Roma tomato and abut 12 sprinkles of cheese. Others in our party had the alligator and thought it was fine. It's also very loud... which is ok if you're there for the bar but not so much for dinner. My visit was a few months ago... so I won't say that I won't go back. Everywhere has growing pains, and I enjoy frequenting locally owned businesses when I can, but it's not the highest on my list at the moment. read more

Off the beaten path and worth the drive. Ate at the bar but has an open floor plan with out door seating. Crawfish etouffee was fantastic . Tastes exactly like you would find in the south. The workers are super friendly and very on point. Gave it 5 stars for service, cleanliness, and price. read more

Stopped by after the lake. 8:30 Asked - Still have food? Yep. Ordered the etouffee plate. 15 minutes later, it came out cold. Small plate, big pile of white rice, and a bit of sauce over the top. $12. Must have ran out and decided to serve crap. You get to fuck me once. Not a second time. read more

Crawfish etouffee is served hot and the spice is just right! Voodoo wings with bbq sauce are awesome!