When visiting Galena, Illinois for a romantic getaway there are many wonderful romantic restaurants with excellent food. There are restaurants that specialize in Prime Steak, Italian Fare and Irish Pub Food. The restaurants have a charming romantic atmospheres. Many of them are in historic buildings that were standing in the times of General Ulysses S. Grant, who lived in Galena.
Grant’s home is available to tour today. Abraham Lincoln was a notable visitor to Galena, who spoke from the balcony of The General’s Restaurant. Most of these restaurants are in, or near, the center of town. The town’s cobblestone streets are nestled in sloping hills.
Following are some fine, romantic Galena restaurants:
Backstreet Steak and Chophouse
216 South Commerce Street
Galena, Illinois 6036
815-777-4800
Backstreet Steak and Chophouse is located one block off of the busy historic section. Steakhouse has a casual atmosphere. Backstreet Steak and Chophouse was inspired by the “Best of the Best” steakhouses. This high quality restaurant is the only prim steak house in the Tri State area.
The specialty of the house is USDA aged Prime Beef. Steaks are charcoal grilled over an open flame. Entrees include selections such as Kansas City Strip, Filet Mignon, Beef Tenderloin Kabob, Pepper Crusted Filet, Porterhouse. and Cajun Rib-Eye. Steaks range from $16 to $31. Any Steak can Surf for an additional $15.95. Non-Steak entrees include Stuffed Chicken Florentine, Smothered Chicken, Shrimp, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Sesame Tuna, King Crab Legs and Lobster Tail. There is a wine list to complement the dinner selections.
Fried Green Tomatoes Galena Restaurant
213 North Main Street
Galena Illinois 61036
815-777-3938
Fried Green Tomatoes is located in a historic building that was built in 1838. The Dowling Building originally housed an ornamental iron works. There have 15 different businesses housed in the building in its 166 year history.
Joseph Jefferson, a popular touring actor / producer used the theatre venue. Jefferson had fancy wall stencil designs applied more than 150 years ago. These fancy wall stencil designs still decorate the walls today.
In 1854, the father of Ulysses S. Grant owned the Leather and Finding Store in this building. Ulysses S. Grant moved to Galena in 1860 to help his Father and brothers with the leather business.
Fried Green Tomatoes, an Italian Restaurant, is now housed in this building with the illustrious history. The charming restaurant is conveniently located in town. The Romantic Italian menu includes choices such as: Lasagna, Fettuccine, Chicken Primavera, Pollo Vesuvio, Pollo Marsala,Vitello Scallopini, Salmon Scallopini,and Lobster Tail. The Great Midwest Cookout items offer delicious filet and lobster entrees. Entrees are priced at $14 to $40. The wine list has selections to complement your romantic meal.
General’s Restaurant
DeSoto House
230 South Main Street
Galena, Illinois 61036
815-777-0090
DeSoto House has been a Galena Landmark for over 150 years and is the oldest operating hotel in the State of Illinois. During it’s notable history has been the hub of Galena’s social and political activity. The most prominent visitor was Abraham Lincoln, who spoke form the hotel balcony in 1856,.
Historic DeSoto House has been offering hospitality for 151 years and continues to do so today. The General’s Restaurant was named in honor of the nine Civil Generals. The atmosphere is casual and gracious.
General’s Restaurant offers Traditional Favorites which includes House Specialties such as The Drunken Soldier which is boneless breast of chicken marinated in tequila, lime and lemon juice. Cornish Pasty, which was a traditional meal for miners to carry to work, is another specialty. Other favorites include: Cabbage Town Wiener Schnitzel, Tips and Spaetzle, Poached Salmon Argenteuil, Tilapia DeSoto, General Grant’s Filet Mignon, General Parker’s New York Strip Steak, Iowa’s Best Pork Chop and Surf and Turf. entrees are priced at $14 to $25.
Vinny Vanucchi’s
“Little Italy”
201 South Main Street
Galena, Illinois 61036
Vinny Vanucchi’s Little Italy is a taste or an old world Italian neighborhood restaurant in Galena. enter the restaurant through an old-fashioned deli and import store. There are four levels of dining.
Vinny’s Galena restaurant Is an old world styled restaurant featuring authentic Italian cuisine. Vinny’s offers Frankie D’s fettuccine specials, Baked and stuffed pasta dishes, Italian dinners, house specialties and a kid’s menu. House specialties include: Seafood Italiano, Pasta ala Vinny, Calamari and clams marinara, pollo compomare and seafood millennium. Vinny’s Italian Dinners includes delicious fare such as: chicken cacciatore, chicken parmigiano, veal marsala, veal parmigiano, pepper steak Italian, and New York Steak. Dinner entrees are priced from $14 to $22.
Woodlands Restaurant and Lounge
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa
444 Eagle Ridge Drive
Galena, Illinois 61036
815-777-5050
The Woodlands Restaurants offers Midwestern specialties in a comfortable room with magnificent lake views.
Entrees includes dishes such as Ahi Tuna, Chamomile Salmon, Veal Pot Roast, Greek Style Chicken Pasta, Rack of Lamb Provencal. Prices $16 to $26.
Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub
The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel
9853 US Hwy 20
Galena, Illinois 61035
815-776-0707
Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub is a authentic Irish Pub with traditional Irish fare. The Pub’s rich ornate interior was designed and handcrafted in Ireland, for a charming Gaelic atmosphere. Entrees include Gaelic Steak, Irish Seafood Bake, Shepherd’s Pie, Paddy’s Stew, Irish Oak Smoked Salmon and traditional Fish and Chips.
All prices subject to change without notice. Contact the restaurant for further information.
