Calico Cafe

O. M. G.   This place...I cannot say enough. Calico is the owner and she was working hard the day we were there. We stopped for lunch on July 2nd, 2013. I had the super special of the day, the bacon stuffed, bacon wrapped meatloaf sandwich. 2 slices on toasted bread with mozzarella cheese slice, offered with homemade fries or homemade chips (I went with homemade chips per Calico's recommendation and they were great). The sandwich was awesome. My wife had their Texas toast chicken melt with homemade coleslaw and homemade cream of broccoli soup. Again, awesome. The kids got sandwiches off the kids menu and when they came out, they were cut and stacked in a tent shape, great. I also had a cup of the homemade potato salad, again, awesome. If you ever find yourself along the Fox River in central Illinois, do yourself a favor and find it on your GPS and stop by.

Calico cafe is a diner, and a great one at that. If you are in the area, maybe visiting Matthessian State Park or Starved Rock, or staying at Fox River Resort, this is a perfect choice for breakfast or lunch.

We went in June 2013, and the restaurant was full of happy diners. The very friendly owners were cooking food and waiting tables, and it was clear they were proud of their food.

We ordered the veggie omelet with swiss cheese and it was cooked perfectly. Fluffy, cheese fully melted, vegetables fully cooked and chopped small enough that you didn't need a knife. Offered in 2 sizes if you want a smaller option than the 4-egg. I took the small omelette after running 7 miles and it was just the right size.  

We also ordered a side of sausage links and practically licked the plate.

Finished off with a rhubarb strawberry pie with fresh whip cream on top. I am still dreaming of that pie.

Cost is very budget-friendly.

They appeared to still be doing some painting on the ceiling and a few walls, but hopefully the next time I'm back they'll be completely done. One star short because they didn't have everything on the menu that we wanted to order, no non-dairy milk/creamer, and also (mostly) because the bathrooms aren't as lovely as the rest of the place (but it might have had to do with the time I was visiting in relation to the painting work). I would give it 4.5 stars but the half-star isn't an option here.

Charming place, locally owned, great service, tasty food. Loved it. Will go back. Fully support this cafe!

Great little place. Had the Hay Bailer Special, biscuits & gravy with 4 eggs on top. Skipped dinner that night.