On the Menu

Downtown Decatur:

Robbie’s
122 Merchant Street
423-0448

Distinctive atmosphere; full menu with soup and other items changing daily. On tap – Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Warsteiner Dunkel, Blue Moon. Signature drinks – Nightcap, Cosmopolitan. Served during appetizer crawl – Mini Pizzas, Bruschetta, Escargot.

Lincoln Square Lounge
121 N. Main
423-2180

Decatur institution since 1932, and known for their gyros. Daily lunch specials are served and the menu features Greek specialties. On tap – Bud Light, Miller Lite, 312, Leinenkugel Red, Blue Moon, with one or two changing seasonally. Signature drinks – Ouzo shots and an ever-expanding selection of Greek wines. Served during appetizer crawl – Flaming Saganaki, Gyro Bites, Wings.

Porter’s on Merchant
170 Merchant Street
429-0669

A relatively new offering on historic Merchant Street featuring signature steaks and sauces, desserts, and other specialties. On tap – Guinness, 312, Leinenkugel Wheat, with occasional changes. Signature drink – the Crabhouse shooter, a tropical cocktail on the rocks. Served during appetizer crawl – Crab Cakes, Coconut Shrimp, Toasted Ravioli.

Bizou
259 N. Main
422-7000

Fine dining in an eclectic atmosphere, featuring an open kitchen concept. Menu changes frequently and features contemporary American fusion. On tap – no draft beer, but lots of bottled beer and many white and red wine varieties. Signature drink – Full bar, wine list is updated frequently to correspond with menu offerings. Served during appetizer crawl – Lobster Bisque, Chicken Skewers, Seared Tuna.

Katz
112 Merchant Street
429-5289

Martini bar with live music weekly. On tap – Michelob Ultra Light, Michelob Amber Bock, 312, Woodchuck Cider. Signature drink – you name the martini, they can probably make it - 28 versions listed on the menu. Served during appetizer crawl – Mini Cheesecakes, Dessert Martinis.

Doherty’s Pub & Pins
242 E. William
428-5612

Newly remodeled restaurant with an extensive menu featuring several Irish dishes. A private meeting room is available, and eventually, bowling lanes will re-open. On tap – Harp Lager, Bass Ale, Guinness, Bare Knuckle Stout, Carlsberg, Tetley’s English Ale, Goose Island, 312. These change frequently. Signature drink – Steve’s Christmas Mint Martini.

The Decatur Club

Every bride wants to make a dramatic entrance and the Decatur Club provides just the place...the grand staircase descending to the ballroom. April through October is the peak wedding season in Decatur, creating high demand for this regal space. But, there's much more to savor in this renovated building that has been serving the needs of the Decatur community for 125 years. Banquet rooms can accommodate various functions, whether you need space for a business meeting, private dinner or special celebration. Club Manager Jeff Ingle and his staff are "at your service" with an impeccable eye for detail and a vast menu of club specialties. Members also enjoy reciprocity with clubs around the world.
To book an event, or inquire about Decatur Club membership, call 429-4208.

The West End:

Lock, Stock & Barrel
129 S. Oakland
429-7411

Varied and frequent live music acts. A variety of seasonal drafts on tap. Friendly ownership and staff. Large-screen TVs. Specializes in high-quality pub grub, appetizers, and sandwiches. Try the Reuben with its nice soft bread or the Black Forest - their specialty.

Tuscany Steak & Pasta House
1099 W. Wood
429-7000

Try the Veal — it’s the best in the city. Order the delicately nuanced Chicken Marsala, or any of the other excellent choices on this large, eclectic menu. There’s something for everyone here. You won’t find anything on draft, but be sure to peruse the excellent wine and hard liquor selection.

The Bourbon Barrel Bar & Grill
1355 N. Rt. 48
429-7506

A guy has to love a place that tells it like it is. BBB&G advertises as a neighborhood bar with two big things going for it: “Good Food. Cold Beer.” Fair enough. We recommend this more relaxed atmosphere for winding down after dinner. We also recommend the house specialties, pork tenderloin and fried mushrooms. There are all sorts of (legal) gambling-type games to keep your wandering attention occupied. Mainly domestics and the hard stuff.

The Winery
1093 W. Main
422-7718

The most mood-lit of mood-lighting. Especially after dark. And the late-night Winery Burger is a legendary example of local color. You don’t go here to rub high-society elbows. But you can play great tunes on the juke and are guaranteed not to run into any senators looking for favors. Mainly domestic drafts and bottles and, in some cases, cans. Also well drinks.

East Side:

Bennigan's
2350 S. Mt. Zion Rd.
864-9878

Guinness, Harp, Bass, Killian’s, Newcastle, Blue Moon, Bud, Bud Light, Miller Lite, and draft Sprecker’s Root Beer are on tap. Annie the Hostess suggests their new line of fajitas, especially the mixed grill combination featuring shrimp, steak, and chicken. Rickie recommends the Fajita Pita and says to ask for extra sauce on the side. Justin the Server likes the Country Chicken Wrap, and the dessert list is sublime. NOTE: At Bennigan’s, kids eat free on Tuesdays and all the burgers are $4.99 on Wednesdays.

Ruby Tuesday
4405 E. Rt. 36
423-9989

Blue Moon, Sammy Adams Boston Lager, Stella Artois, Bud Light and Miller Lite are on tap. Jennifer Smith, the bartender, is partial to the Chicken Oscar. Tilly, a carnivore if ever there was one, favors the Triple Prime Burger, medium-rare. (Extra-light on the
medium.) The Jumbo Lump Crab Burger is not appealingly named, but Aunt Tabby likes it.

Sliderz
E. Rt. 36

Smithwick’s, Blue Moon, Amber Bock, Honker’s Ale, Bud Light, Miller Lite are on tap. Everything is baseball-themed. Appetizers are “Warm Ups,” from which the menu progresses to On Deck, From the Outfield, The Bullpen, Fouls, and Extra Innings.

beach house
Nelson Park
422-7202

On the shores of Lake Decatur, you can order fresh seafood flown in regularly from Destin, Florida, at the Beach House — just one way proprietor Todd Mason aims to earn your patronage. A comfortable bar, extensive wine list, attentive service, and lake views also work to make your dining experience enjoyable. A popular spot for business lunches during the week, it's best to claim your table early for their soup and salad combos. For dinner, we liked Todd's Tator Tots, crispier than mom made them, and a tasty complement to the Mini Filets Two Ways, which are encrusted with horseradish and bleu cheese. Make your reservation by calling The Beach House in Nelson Park. Tel: 217-422-7202.

North Side:

O'Charley's
On Tap: Leinenkugel’s Summer Sunset (seasonal), Killian’s, Michelob Amber Bock, Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite. Complimentary O’Doul’s available to designated drivers – a very nice courtesy indeed.

On the Grill: Steak Tips Monterey (over rice pilaf with a sauté of mushrooms, onions, and Monty Jack cheese), Louisiana Sirloin, Blackened Rainbow Trout, Cedar-Planked Salmon. Also: Try the Spanish Omelette at the O’Charley’s Sunday brunch.

Texas Roadhouse
On Tap: The Usual Suspects, plus one or two curiosities depending on what month you stop by. Don’t worry, Bud Light fans. You will not walk away without quenching your craving for that taste you so enjoy…

On the Grill: Something called Chicken Critters (?!), Smothered, Oven Roasted, or BBQ Chicken, Country Veg Plate, Grilled Shrimp, Pork Chops, Sweet Potatoes

Applebee's
On Tap: Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Michelob Light, Miller Lite, Corona Extra, Heineken, Sam Adams, Killian’s (Note – four or five of these typically are available on draft, the rest bottled.)

On the Grill: Steak & Honey Grilled Salmon, Steak & Shrimp Seasoned Skewers, Steak & Roasted Garlic & Asiago Chicken, seven excellent salad selections, a Brushetta Burger

Cheddar's
On Tap: Bud, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Amber Bock

On the Grill: Chicken Tenders are exceedingly popular here; the World Class Bacon Burger is pretty notable. To stick with the batter and deep-fried theme, try the Chicken-Fried Steak. But fear not, veg-heads – both our vegetarian buddies named Keith liked the salads, too!

Ethnic:

Guadalajara
South Shores Center
423-9724

Maybe it's the friendly smiles when you walk in the door or the bottomless salsa and chips while you wait for your meal. Or, maybe it's the frozen margaritas with salt on the rim and a side of chicken quesadillas. We think the reasons for going back to Guadalajara are "all of the above." Owner David Fuentes credits the success of his restaurant to customer service and great food, and we think he's right on both counts. We received attentive and prompt service and hot, delicious food. (The steaming chicken fajitas were a big hit.) Plus, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. This is a great place for friends to gather - they'll just move tables together to accommodate your group.

Guadalajara is located in South Shores Center and is open daily for lunch and dinner. The phone number is 423-9724 or you can fax in your order for pick-up at 428-7616.