Ryan's Tavern

Not sure what I liked most-- the juxtaposition of the peace sign on beads covering one doorway next to the Confederate Flag, the sloshed gentleman at the end of the bar (it was 7:30), or the fact that the entire place was empty and rather frigid, despite being quite colorful and cozily decorated.

The burger was OK. I made out spending $14.50 for three drinks and the burger, so it was cheap. I don't know what makes it two stars, but I don't want to rate it too badly.

"What's Hot Rod Night?" The sign outside advertised Hot Rod Night on Thursdays. It was a Thursday. "Oh, I don't know. I don't work that night." One of those moments when there's really nothing more to say, I guess. She seemed a little baffled by the idea of me speaking to her.

Worth a visit. To overstate things a little bit, you will be disappointed if you are looking for craft beer and a seitan burger.

We tried to stop at Ryan's tonight while en route home from Northern Illinois.  The waitress/bartender seemed as confused as we were at our presence there.  I'm not sure what was more off-putting: the Confederate flag, or the fact that despite advertising burgers (and cheeseburgers) in two separate places on their sign, they did not actually have any burgers.  None at all.  No other food to speak of either.

Our 5 minute visit probably is not representative of Ryan's, but if I were driving down the highway looking for a place to eat and wanted to know if this was an option, I'd want to know that it really isn't.