Where to Eat in Nauvoo
One of the things visitors to Nauvoo often say is that there are not a lot of dining choices in Nauvoo. Nauvoo does have places to eat, but from the outside looking in there may not seem to be many options. Although there are only a few restaurants, and several of those are closed seasonally, there are a few food options you might not have considered. Here is an insider's look into dining options in Nauvoo. Where, when, and what to eat.
The Red Front
Nauvoo’s primary dining option is The Red Front. Locally owned and operated this gem has a nice selection of family friendly choices. Open year round this is Nauvoo’s staple meal. Hamburgers, tots, and sandwiches make up most of the menu but there are a variety of ready to eat options as well. Salads, cookies, rice krispie treats, and the famous ice cream brick are local favorites. Don’t miss out on their famous burgerdilla or the chicken salad sandwich! They also have a variety of frozen meal options that are good to take home and reheat. Seasonal offerings include soups and quesadillas along with their famous Harry Potter day and other events. Their cinnamon rolls are a favorite! They are not open on Sunday’s, but the take home options work well if you plan ahead.
Hotel Nauvoo
No trip to Nauvoo is complete without a stop to Hotel Nauvoo’s famous buffet. Open from March through October, the town favorite is known for their seven meat buffet. Hotel Nauvoo has been owned by the Kraus family since the 1940s. Their buffet features carved roast beef, turkey, ham, fried chicken, fried catfish, and fried shrimp. Plus a forty item salad bar and dessert. There really is something for everyone. You will not leave hungry. Though it is possible to order off the menu, most do the buffet option. They are only open Friday and Saturday and they are only open seasonally. Popular weekends can fill up fast, so reservations are recommended. You can also do a take home option for the buffet as well in case you don’t want to deal with the crowds.
Wine Barrel
The Wine Barrel is Nauvoo’s local bar attached to the oldest winery in the state of Illinois. Open seven days a week, they have a great selection of drinks and snacks sure to keep you happy. Yes, they have food. No, you do not have to drink alcohol if you don’t want to. Angelini’s frozen pizza is a locally made pizza that they will reheat for you or you can purchase frozen. They also have a variety of dip options (our favorite is the spinach artichoke), soft pretzels, and cheese and crackers. Nauvoo Nibbles is located in the winery, just a few steps away, and has a wide selection of dried goods and snacks. Fresh bread is available in the winery as well as grape juice made from Nauvoo grapes.
Lock 19
Soon to open, Lock 19 is a family friendly restaurant located in a remodeled gas station. They plan to feature signature hamburgers, handcut french fries, and family favorites with a British flair. The owners have previously had a food trailer on the same spot, but are close to completing renovations on the gas station and are excited about opening their storefront. Lock 19 also offers catering, and has some very yummy catering options. Opening in April 2024.
Casey’s
Casey’s pizza is a midwest staple. Yes, this is the gas station, but the food is better than one might expect if you aren’t familiar with the Casey’s chain. They have a variety of foods from salads, sandwiches, and your basic gas station snacks and drinks. But they are most well known for their freshly made pizza. You can buy by the slice, or order a whole pizza. During pageant season in July be sure to order well in advance as wait times can sometimes be over an hour. The wait is worth it! They do not deliver, so you will need to plan to pick up your order. They also have an app that you can order on as well. Easy and convenient, Casey’s really is a good food option.
Annie’s Frozen Custard
Annie’s has been a long time Nauvoo destination for their frozen custard. Custard is similar to ice cream but is thicker and creamier. Last year Annie’s ownership changed and the store got a makeover. But the custard is the same recipe that has been used since they opened. Annie’s has always been known for their custard and waffles, but they are now adding some salads and more savory options to their menu. They are also only open from March through October, but are a great summer option for a quick bite.
Sunset Hill Shaved Ice
Sunset Hill is a refreshing stop on a hot day. With their selection of Hawaiian shaved ice and sodas, you will enjoy this fun seasonal store as a great way to beat the heat. Open May through October they have a variety of gift options as well.
Fudge Factory
The Fudge Factory is a Nauvoo favorite and is known for its world famous homemade fudge. They have a variety of sweet treats sure to satisfy every sweet tooth. Homemade caramels and hand dipped pretzels and treats, as well as seasonal Easter eggs, and caramel apples are local favorites. They also ship! Riverbend Boutique is a fun gift shop filled with locally made craft items and is located in the shop. Fudge Factory is a must stop for every Nauvoo trip. Open year round, except the month of January.
Dollar General
Dollar General is a great option for picking up something to eat. Without a grocery store, Nauvoo is lucky to have Dollar General available with a little bit of everything. They have most dry goods that you would need as well as refrigerated and frozen food items available. Need eggs, milk, or bread? Dollar General has that!
Catering
One of the most often overlooked food options in Nauvoo is catering. Nauvoo has several catering options with a variety of choices. Catering can be done anywhere you are staying in Nauvoo or you can rent a location to have a catered meal. The Inn at Old Nauvoo has two dining rooms available to rent for catered functions, the State Park has a shelter house, and you can rent the community center, Nauvoo Kirche, or Knights of Columbus Hall. There are several options for caterers as well. Nauvoo Catering is comfortable catering large crowds for the large youth groups that come to town through the summer. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are available as well as a box lunch option. Lock 19 catering has a variety of offerings from amazing charcuterie boards to fantastic creme brulee. White table cloth and silverware plated meals, to grab and go box lunches. Hy-Vee is a grocery store chain and is located in Fort Madison. They have a nice variety of food and are very experienced caterers.