great places to eat near Matthiessen State Park

We will be taking a short getaway to Matthiessen State Park and wondered if there are any gems nearby to eat at? I think we would drive 30 minutes, slightly more if it was great. We're open to any cuisine but would rather pay under $20 for an entree. Thanks!

We really enjoy going to Annie's Hideaway in Naplate. It's a supper club only open for dinner. Great fried chicken, which is what I always order, but the steaks are supposed to be good, too. Right in your price range, too.

August Hill Winery has surprisingly good sparkling wine and offer tastes and appetizers in their tasting room in Utica.

Steve's Bakery in Ottawa is a great stop for cinnamon bread and other goodies.

Polancic's Meats in Ottawa is home to the breaded tenderloin.

For those who don't know, including me, Matthiessen State Park is south of Starved Rock.

GNRs Cajun Connection and Rip's Tavern aren't far.

The GP wrote:GNRs Cajun Connection and Rip's Tavern aren't far.

Cajun Connection is a fun place, but they're moving and will be closed until a grand opening June 20-23 (saw this on their Facebook page).

Not sure I like that idea. While the high quality food made Cajun Connection destination worthy, a big part of their charm was the building itself. Moving from what appears to have once been either a private home, or vintage Roadhouse, to a bigger more modern building may alleviate some lengthy wait times, but I'm afraid it might kill a piece of what makes CC so great.

Reckon we'll need to wait until they reopen to find out.

Buddy

Hi all, Thanks for all your great suggestions. Unfortunately, with the combination of heat, flooding and availability, we changed plans and headed north into Wisconsin instead. We were not able to try out any of your suggestions but are very grateful to have them. We take a lot of weekend trips and I’m sure we’ll end up near Matthiessen soon and when we do, we’ll report back. Thanks much!!!