Great River Road - Minneapolis to St. Louis

The last threads on this topic were in '03 and '05, and things may have changed...
 
I am driving the Great River Road (both sides of the river) from Minneapolis to approximately St. Louis  and back in a couple of weeks, and would love recommendations for great food in towns along the way, as well as favorite rib joints in St. Louis. I have articles and guides, so I am looking more for personal experience.
 
Thanks a bunch,
Jo, who believes the two most beautiful words in the English language are "road trip"

jo;
I suggest when you get to Grafton, IL just outside of STL take the ferry and go to Brussels, IL and stop for Sunday supper at the Whitman Hotel. It is an old hotel converted into several dining rooms, an old style general store and bar. It serves down home country style food family style. Just wait to be seated (sometimes if you are a small party they will sit you at a comunal table) and watch as the food starts rolling out. Most memorable is the fried chicken and all the trimmings. Mashed & gravy, string beans, jello mold, etc. It really is a step back into the past and the ferry ride is a great way to see the mighty mississippi.
bkk