US-20: Fredonia NY to Vale OR

Well Roadfooders, I'm hoping you can help me out. I'm heading out west to see friends and landscapes--hope it will be a great drive in the MINI at a pace and to places I've never had the luxury of seeing due to time constraints. I'm hoping to stay pretty much off the interstates and thinking about taking US-20 from Fredonia NY to Vale OR.

I searched the archives but couldn't find much for US-20, and most of what I did find was a few years old. Do any of you have any good roadfood stops I ought to make? I'd be grateful for any suggestions!

Thanks.

On BR-20 west of Belvidere, IL is The Smokin' Coop and I liked the barbecue I had there last year, but it's a seasonal operation so keep that in mind if your trip is going to be in September or later.

I believe we might have a forum member who lives in Freeport, IL...possibly BigTed?
Are you planning on deviating from US-20 to avoid the Chicago area?  If you pass through at least part of it on 20 you'll certainly come across a few places to get a Chicago-style hot dog; in fact, there's a Portillo's on Lake St./US-20 in Addison.
 
Brad

in new york on rt 20 there are many stops. in madison ny there is quacks diner, a great breakfast stop. further on rt 20 in morrisville is the copper turret. this is a non-road food place but is run by the college in morrisville as part of their food service program and is an excellent stop. in cazanovia there is the brae loch inn. again not a road food place but a great restaurant. this trip sounds like one friends and i have always talked about but could never coordinate.have a great time.

I ate at a place in Ashtabula, Ohio once called Hil-Mak or similar. I think they have a website, I'll look later. Not really road food, but really good seafood. Excellent perch.
 
 
 

tedlovesdogs


Well Roadfooders, I'm hoping you can help me out. I'm heading out west to see friends and landscapes--hope it will be a great drive in the MINI at a pace and to places I've never had the luxury of seeing due to time constraints. I'm hoping to stay pretty much off the interstates and thinking about taking US-20 from Fredonia NY to Vale OR.

I searched the archives but couldn't find much for US-20, and most of what I did find was a few years old. Do any of you have any good roadfood stops I ought to make? I'd be grateful for any suggestions!

Thanks.

Just in case you want some written inspiration for your trip, years ago I picked up at a used book sale an interesting book called "20 Days on Route 20" by Mike Czarnecki. It's about a trip he took in 1996 along the whole route.
 
I see the book has been reprinted:

http://www.foothillspublishing.com/us20/id7.htm

Not only that but in 2010 he took another Rt 20 trip, and the first 7 days of that trip are available for viewing on the site, along with pictures, many of which are of roadfood stops. There's also a downloadable song about Rt 20 on the website.

Enjoy your trip!

If you want something weird/eclectic in Waterloo/Cedar Falls Iowa, then its hard to ignore Galleria De Paco
http://www.paco-rosic.com/

A few suggestions for NW Ohio and NE Indiana:
 
Toledo, Ohio - Tony Packo's Restaurant at 1902 Front Street in Toledo is the original location mentioned by Corporal Klinger in MASH, and is reviewed here on Roadfood.com, web site www.tonypackos.com
 
Pioneer, Ohio - Spoke's Country Kitchen is a local restaurant at the intersection of OH-15 and US-20.
  
Shipshewana, Indiana - The 5 & 20 Country Kitchen at the intersection of IN-5 and US-20 has an "Amish buffet".  About 2 miles north on IN-5 in the center of Shipshewana is the Blue Gate Restaurant, with "Amish and Mennonite cuisine", web site www.riegsecker.com
 
Middlebury, Indiana -  About 2 miles north on IN-13 in the center of Middlebury is the Village Inn, a small local restaurant with mostly local customers, many Amish.  This establishment is reviewed here on Roadfood.com.  About 3 miles west of IN-13 on US-20 is Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Indiana's largest restaurant with "Amish Style Cooking", web site www.essenhaus.com

Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone--much appreciated!

Brad_Olson I do plan to skirt around Chicago, at least for the most part. Roughly, at this time, I'm looking at Shipshewana, IN to Momence, IL, to LaSalle, IL to Winnebago, IL, then back to US-20. I can't recall at this moment which routes that 'detour' would take me on (I remember is it about a dozen, to say off the interstate(s)), but that' the (or "a") general plan.

Thanks again!

U.S. 20: Route crosses the Cascades and heads east | OregonLive.com

Thanks Bill! I went to school at Oregon State, and have traveled part(s) of US-20 through there, but I'm looking forward to doing more of it this trip!

tedlovesdogs


Thanks Bill! I went to school at Oregon State, and have traveled part(s) of US-20 through there, but I'm looking forward to doing more of it this trip!

I understand. I grew up 3 blocks from the Santa Fe Trail, US 50, and have always wanted to travel it from C to C.
I've been on lots of it, but not all at the same time.

As an aside, I loved that blue hair  cafeteria in DT Corvallis, but I can't remember the name of it.

The Lawrence Park Dinor in Erie, PA has oustanding breakfast and lunch in a historical building with great atmosphere. 
 
The Lawrence Park Dinor @ 4019 Main Street, Erie, PA 814 - 899 - 4390. 
  
White Turkey Drive In on Highway 20 in Conneaut, OH has been around over 50 years and serves outstanding burgers, sandwiches, ice cream and cold drinks open daily for lunch and dinner.
 
White Turkey Drive In @ 388 East Main Road, Conneaut, OH 440 - 593 - 2209.
http://www.whiteturkey.com/
 
Louisa's Mexican Grill on N Broadway in Geneva, OH just past the Fire Department on Highway 20 has outstanding Mexican food for lunch and dinner.
 
Louisa's Mexican Grill @ 41 North Broadway, Geneva, OH 440 - 466 - 3327.
http://www.luisasmexican.com/
 

Hamburger is tasty.

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Moss Prime Rib and Spagetti House in Elyria, OH serves outstanding salads, pasta, steaks and seafood for lunch and dinner. Berry's Restaurant In Norwalk, OH serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere.  Miller's Drive In is an old fashioned drive in that's been serving good burgers and cold drinks on E. Main St. in Bellvue, OH for 25 years.  The burgers and fried chicken are outstanding. Stella's Restaurant on Highway 20 in downtown Perrysburg, OH offers fine dining in a casual atmosphere serving outstanding soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks and seafood for lunch or dinner.  The Mango Tree on Highway 20 in Toledo, OH serves fine steaks and fresh seafood for lunch and dinner open on Sunday.
 
 
Moss Prime Rib and Spagetti House @ 525 Broad Street, Elyria, OH 440 - 322 - 8611.
http://www.mossprimerib.com/
 
Berry's Restaurant @ 15 West Main Street, Norwalk, OH 419 - 668 - 2394.
http://www.eatatberrys.com/
 
Miller's Drive In @ 1345 East Main Street, Bellevue, OH 419 - 483 - 7020.
http://millersdrivein.com/
 
Stella's Restaurant @ 104 Louisiana Avenue, Perrysburg, OH 419 - 873 - 8360.
http://www.stellasrestaurantandbar.com/
 
Mango Tree @ 217 South Reynolds Road, Toledo, OH 419 - 536 - 2883.
http://www.mangotreedining.com/

Littleman, you are THE man! Thanks for all the suggetions! Even though it may not be for this trip, I'm especially grateful for the Lawrence Park Dinor in Erie. It's the first I've heard of good roadfood there, and we do get over there on occassion while in the normal mode of life...

Bill, I'm rackin' my feeble little brain trying to remember the cafeteria you spoke of in Corvallis. I remember Squirrels (the bar) and Kinetic Bagels (now gone) and the 3rd St. Bakery (I think), but I cannot come up with the cafeteria. I'll take a close look when I'm there...

City BBQ in Toledo, OH on Highway 20 has excellent southern style BBQ.
 
City Q BBQ @ 7402 West Central Avenue, Toledo, OH 419 - 517 - 7777.
http://cityqbbq.com/
 
Timber's in Angola, IN has oustanding seafood and steaks for lunch and dinner.
 
Timber's Casual Dining and Lounge @ 1212 West Maumee Street, Angola, IN 260 - 665 - 7487.
 
Stop at Grossman's Tap Room in Lagrange, IN for good bar food and cold drinks.
 
Grossman's Tap Room @ 211 S Detroit Street, Lagrange, IN 260 - 499 - 3393.
 
Go To Kate O'Conner's Irish Pub for good road food.
 
Kate O'Conner's Irish Pub @ 415 East Michigan Street, New Carlisle, IN 574 - 654 - 8114.
http://www.kateoconnors.com/
 

"Hail, Hail Fredonia, land that I love"
I love the Marx brothers. Glad to see Fedonia get some love.

Turn N on Franklin Street in Michigan City, IN and go N past St. John Road to Holly's Restaurant for good BBQ, burgers and Mexican as well.
 
Holly's Restaurant and Pub @ 3705 Franklin Street, Michigan City, IN 219 - 879 - 5124.
http://www.hollysrestaurant.com/
 
Or right up the street you will find one of the last great hot dog and root beer drive in restaurants in the Midwest.
 
Carlson's Drive In @ 118 West Coolspring Avenue, Michigan City, IN 219 - 872 - 0331.
 
http://www.carlsonsdrive-in.com/
 
http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Reviews/6737/carlsons-drivein
 
If you like good BBQ ribs and outdoor dining turn S on Wagner Road in Porter, IN and go to Wagner's for good road food.
 
Wagner's Outdoor Dining @ 361 Wagner Road, Porter, IN 219 - 926 - 7614. 
  
When you bypass Chicago just E of LaSalle, IL on I 80 get off at Exit 81 and go S to Highway 6.  Turn back E to Ron's Cajun Connection for outstanding cajun food.
 
Ron's Cajun Connection @ 897 U.S. 6, Utica, IL 815 - 667 - 9855.
http://www.ronscajunconnection.com/
 
Just W of Freeport, IL on Highway 20 turn N on Galena Road. Go to Wagner Road and take a right to the Big Red Barn at Rafter's Restaurant for outstanding seafood and steaks for lunch or dinner.  It's less than a mile from Highway 20. 
 
Rafter's Restaurant @ 9426 West Wagner Road, Lena, IL 815 - 369 - 5330. * LD. H20.
http://www.raftersonline.com/
 
Take a right on Main St. in  historice Galena, IL and go to Boone's Place Restaurant and Pub for good sandwiches, salads, seafood and steaks in casual atmosphere or go just up the street to One Eleven Main for casual local cuisine for lunch or dinner in a great atmosphere. 
 
Boone's Place Restaurant and Pub @ 515 South Main Street, Galena, IL 815 - 777 - 4488.
http://www.boonesplace.com/ 
 
One Eleven Main @ 111 North Main Street, Galena, IL 815 - 777 - 8030.
http://www.oneelevenmain.com/
 

Go to the right on Locust St. in Dubuque, IA to 2nd St.  Take a right and go to Main St.  Take a left and go to Cafe Manna Java for outstanding casual dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Just up the street is Pepper Sprout for casual fine dining for lunch or dinner.
 
Cafe Manna Java @ 269 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 563 - 588 - 3105.
http://www.mannajava.com/
 
Pepper Sprout @ 378 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 563 - 556 - 2167. FD/LD.
http://www.peppersprout.com/main.htm
 
Get off Highway 20 at Exit 252 near Independence, IA and go N to the first street and turn left on Swan Lake Blvd.  Enjoy the good country dining at The Homestead Restaurant for lunch or dinner.  Go to Famous Dave's BBQ in Cedar Falls, IA on University Ave. for good southern style BBQ. Go to Crossroads Restaurant and Lounge on Highway 20 in Early, IA for good country breakfast, lunch or dinner. Take I 29 N in Sioux City, IA to Exit 149 and go S on Larsen Park Road to Bev's on the River at the Hilton Garden Inn overlooking the river serving outstanding fresh seafood and steaks open for lunch and dinner.  Looks like a good place to spend the night overlooking the river. 
 
Just W of Sioux City, IA on Highway 20 go N on Highway 9 a couple of miles to a Road Food Institution at Bob's Bar and Grill for outstanding burgers, sides and cold drinks. In O'Neill, NE stop by Blarney Stone Steakhouse for lunch or dinner for fine sandwiches, seafood, steaks and cold drinks on Highway 20.  W of O'Neill stop by Westside Restaurant for outstanding breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Stop by Jordan's Fine Dining in Valentine, NE on Highway 20 for casual breakfast, lunch or dinner open 7 days a week. Stop in at Heritage Grill in Chaldron, NE on 2nd Street one block N Of Highway 20 for fine sandwiches, burgers, steaks and fresh seafood for lunch or dinner.  The Wonder Bar at the Parkway Plaza Hotel on S Center St. in Casper, WY serves outstanding lunch or dinner in a nice atmosphere. 
 
Stop by Eggington's for good country style breakfast or lunch at 2nd St. in Casper, WY.
 
The Homestead Restaurant @ 2000 Swan Lake Blvd., Independence, IA 319 - 344 - 9055.
http://www.homestead-restaurant.com/
 
Famous Dave's BBQ @ 6222 University Avenue, Cedar Falls, IA 319 - 266 - 0200.
http://www.famousdaves.com/
 
Crossroads Restaurant and Lounge @ 112 U.S. 71, Early, IA 712 - 273 - 5683.
 
Bev's on the River @ The Hilton Garden Inn @ 1110 Larsen Park Road, Sioux City, IA 712 - 224 - 2387.
http://www.bevsontheriver.com/ 
  
Bob's Bar @ 5205 Main Street, Ponca, NE 402 - 945 - 2995.
http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Reviews/5100/bobs-bar-grill
 
Blarney Stone Steakhouse @ 432 East Douglas Street, O'Neill, NE 402 - 336 - 1336.
http://www.blarneystone-oneill.com/ 
 
Westside Restaurant @ 49134 Highway 20, O'Neill, NE 402 - 336 - 9909.
http://www.kbrx.com/WESTSIDE.html 
 
Jordan's Fine Dining @ 322 East Highway 20, Valentine, NE 402 - 376 - 1255.
http://www.jordansfinedining.com/
 
The Heritage Grill @ 127 West 2nd Street, Chadron, NE 308 - 432 - 3648.
http://www.theheritagegrille.com/
Eggington's @ 229 East 2nd Street, Suite 200, Casper, WY 307 - 265 - 8700. * BL.
http://www.eggingtons.com/
 
The Wonder Bar @ The Parkway Plaza Hotel @ 256 South Center Street, Casper, WY 307 - 234 - 4110.
http://www.parkwayplaza.net/wonderbar/default.htm

When you get to Thermopolis, WY stop at Lil Wrangler Restaurant and Drive In on Highway 20 for good breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Go E on Broadway in Thermopolis, WY to Prospector for good Italian pasta and pizza or Pumpernick's for good country good and outdoor dining.  Stop at Butch's Place in Kirby, WY just N of Thermopolis, WY for good steaks and cold drinks.  Stop in Worland, WY at Ranchita Cafe on Big Horn Avenue for outstanding Mexican food for lunch or dinner. If I were crossing WY on Highway 20 I would plan a side trip on Scenic Highway 14 through Big Horn National Forest and the Big Horn Mountains.  I would spend a night at Bear Lodge Resort and dine at Moose Crossing Restaurant at the lodge.  Your side trip to Scenic Highway 14 could originate in Greybull.   Stop in Greybull for the night and dine at Lisa's.  I would spend  the night at The Historic Greybull Hotel on Highway 20.  You could walk to Lisa's down the street 4 blocks.  Stop at Granny's Restaurant in Cody, WY for outstanding country food for breakfast, lunch or dinner on Highway 20.  Zapata's on Highway 20 in Cody, WY has good Mexican cuisine.  Wyoming Rib and Chop House is a nice restaurant for good steaks and seafood.  Proud Cut Saloon has good burgers and sandwiches for lunch and dinner.  Fill up your gas tank and drink some cold water.  It's 3 hours to your next stop in West Yellowstone, MT.  Take a left on Madison Ave. in West Yellowstone, MT and go to Trapper's Family Restaurant for good country food for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  There's a nice view of the Teton's.  Take a right on Madison Ave. and go to Bullwinkle's Saloon and Eatery for outstanding burgers, sandwiches, BBQ ribs, steaks and seafood for lunch or dinner. Go to Running Bear Pancake House for outstanding breakfast or lunch on Madison Ave.  Stop by Mack's Inn Resort for the night and have breakfast, lunch or dinner at Henry's Fork Landing Restaurant.  Stop by Trout Hunter on Henry's Fork for the night and have breakfast, lunch or dinner at their Last Chance Bar and Grill.  Stop by Stockman's Restaurant for a nice lunch or dinner in Rigby, ID.  Take Lindsay Blvd. in Idaho Falls, ID and go S to W Broadway.  Take a left and go to Smitty's Pancake and Steak House for outstanding breakfast, lunch or dinner.  For fine dining for lunch or dinner in Idaho Falls, ID take a left off Broadway on River Parkway and go to Rutabagers.  Brownstone Restaurant is a fun place for lunch and dinner just up the street from Rutabagers on River Parkway.  Stop at Grinde's Diner in Mountain Home, ID for fine breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Lil Wrangler @ 800 Shoshoni Street, Thermopolis, WY 307 - 864 - 4180
Prospector @ 500 Broadway Street, Thermopolis, WY 307 - 864 - 3343.
Pumpernick's Family Restaurant @ 512 Broadway Street, Thermopolis, WY 307 - 864 - 5151.
http://pumpernicksfamilyrestaurant.com/
Butch's Place @ 101 East Main Street, Kirby, WY 307 - 864 - 2669.
Ranchito Cafe @ 544 Big Horn Avenue, Worland, WY 307 - 347 - 8501.
Bear Lodge Resort @ 5600 US14A, Dayton, WY 307 - 752 - 2444.
http://www.bearlodgeresort.com/
Lisa's @ 200 Greybull Avenue, Greybull, WY 307 - 765 - 4765. H20.
http://www.lisaswesterncuisine.com
Historic Hotel Greybull @ 602 Greybull Avenue, Greybull, WY 307 - 202 - 0329.
http://historichotelgreybull.com/
Granny's Restaurant @ 1550 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 307 - 587 - 4829.
Zapata's @ 1362 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 307 - 527 - 7181.
Wyoming Rib and Chop House @ 1367 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 307 - 527 - 7731.
http://www.ribandchophouse.com/
Proud Cut Saloon @ 1227 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 307 - 527 - 6905.
Trapper's Family Restaurant @ 301 Madison Avenue, West Yellowstone, MT 406 - 646 - 9375.
Bullwinkle's Saloon and Eatery @ 19 Madison Avenue, West Yellowstone, MT 406 - 646 - 7974.
http://www.yellowstonebullwinkles.com/
Running Bear Pancake House @ 538 Madison Avenue, West Yellowstone, MT 406 - 646 - 7703.
Mack's Inn @ 4292 Highway 20, Macks Inn, ID 208 - 558 - 7272.
http://www.macksinn.com/
Trout Hunter on the Henry's Fork Lodge @ 3327 N Highway 20, Island Park, ID 208 - 558 - 9900.
The Last Chance Bar and Grill @ 3327 U.S. 20, Island Park, ID 208 - 558 - 0919.
http://www.trouthunt.com/
Stockman's Restaurant @ 3 North 3800 East, Rigby, ID 208 - 552 - 6500.
http://www.stockmansrestaurant.com/
Smitty's Pancake and Steakhouse @ 645 West Broadway Street, Idaho Falls, ID 208 - 523 - 6450.
Rutabaga's @ 415 River Parkway, Idaho Falls, ID 208 - 529 - 3990.
http://www.rutabagasidahofalls.com/
Brownstone Restaurant and Brewhouse @ 455 River Parkway, Idaho Falls, ID 208 - 535 - 0310.
http://brownstonebrewpub.com/Brownstone_Brewery,_Idaho_Falls,_ID/Brownstone_Brewing_Co..html
Grinde's Diner @ 550 West 6th South, Mountain Home, ID 208 - 587 - 5611.
http://www.grindesdiner.com/

Littleman, again!, thanks for all the suggestions! I look forward to checking many of them out (but doubt I'll be able to try 'em all!).
 
How do you get to so many places nationwide? You must have one heck of a lot to time or do a whole lot of traveling! In any event, thanks for all the input!
 
By the way, I see the WY Rib and Chop House has a MT version, but in Meadeville PA. I guess I could try 'em coming and going. I wonder how with their select western US locations, they happened to pick Meadeville as their East Coast launch...

OK, so I'm starting to get serious about trip planning. I've got the first few days sorta lined out. Day 1 will be from Fredonia NY to Shipshewana, IN. I think I'm good for that day. I'm hoping to make a stop at Slyman's in Cleveland for lunch and probably The Blue Gate in Shipshewana for dinner. Breakfast...hmmm, we'll see..
 
Day 2 is the day I avoid Chicago doing a series of south and west jaunts to hopefully avoid the worst of the traffic. I hope to make it to around Freeport, IL that day, which kinda looks like a little hole-in-the-wall (just my kind of place). No idea on lunch stops that day. The halfway point looks to be around Reddick, IL. I'll be going thru Momence, Kankakee, Blackstone, Streator, etc. so if you know of anything in one of those places, please chime in. Also, if you know of anything around Freeport, that would be great. 
 
Day 3 is from Freeport, IL to Sioux City, IA. Sioux City is well covered on RF, but if you know of anything special between the two endpoints, I'd be grateful. 
 
Day 4 will be from Sioux City, IA to Casper, WY. Littleman has given me a lot of good suggestions in WY (though I'm always open to more options), but midway-ish lunch stops would be appreciated.
 
Day 5 I think will be between Casper, WY and Gardiner, MT. I have friends in Gardiner and probably for the next several days / travels on my way to Kalispell, MT; Wenatchee, WA, Seattle-ish area, then down to Corvallis and Eugene, OR. However, I certainly won't turn down any of suggestions for those areas. My knowledge of their offerings is several years old now.
 
I am traveling mostly on US - 20 except when avoiding larger cities or when the old 20 route has been swallowed up by an interstate. Once I leave US-20, I'll probably be on US-93, then US(?)-2 over to the coast. I'll be checking back for more ideas later and as travel plans get a little firmer. Even if you can refer me to a previous thread for this rough itinerary, that would be great.
 
Also, if you know of any good Mom-n-Pop motels roughly along this route, that would be helpful too.
 
Thanks!

Spend the night in Shipshewana, IN at Country Inn and Suites on N Van Buren.  Turn N on Van Buren in Shipshewana, IN and go N 2 miles to CIS for a comfortable night.  A full complimentary breakfast is served daily.  If you prefer a great country breakfast go S on Van Buren 2 miles back to Highway 20 and eat at Dutchmaid Diner. Blue Gate at The Riegsecker Market is outstanding and the market is fun visiting.   If you would rather have a great steak for dinner go S on Van Buren from CIS to Frontier Steakhouse. 
 
Country Inn and Suites @ 1175 N VanBuren Street, Shipshewana, IN 260 - 768 - 7780.
http://www.countryinns.com/shipshewanain
Dutchmaid Diner @ 1265 N State Road 5, Shipshewana, IN 260 - 768 - 4635.
http://www.dutchmaiddiner.com/
Blue Gate Restaurant at Riegsecker Marketplace @ 105 Middlebury Street Shipshewana, IN 888 - 447 - 4725.
http://www.riegsecker.com/php/blue_gate/index.php
Frontier Steakhouse @ 450 N Van Buren Street, Shipshewana, IN 260 - 768 - 4544. 

Reddick is not going to have any decent road food.  You can stop in Kankakee, IL at Big Randy's Bar and Grill on Highway 17 for good burgers, wraps or sandwiches for lunch or dinner.  If you want good country food go to Carlos' Restaurant on Highway 17. I would drive on past Kankakee, IL to Dwight, IL and go to Old Route 66 Diner for outstanding country food for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  This will be your best dining experience of the day.  If you decide to stop in Streator, IL go to Buster's Family Restaurant.
 
Big Randy's Bar and Grill @ 2122 West Station Street, Kankakee, IL 815 - 939 - 3727.
http://www.bigrandysbarandgrill.com/
Carlos Restaurant @ 2060 W Station Street, Kankakee, IL 815 - 932 - 2924. 
Old  Route 66 Family Diner @ 105 South Old Route 66, Dwight, IL 815 - 584 - 2920.
http://www.route66restaurant.com/
Buster's Family Restaurant @ 1603 North Bloomington Street, Streator, IL 815 - 672 - 5551.

Just E of LaSalle, IL on I 80 get off at Exit 81 and go S to Highway 6.  Turn back E to Ron's Cajun Connection for outstanding cajun food.
 
Ron's Cajun Connection @ 897 U.S. 6, Utica, IL 815 - 667 - 9855.
http://www.ronscajunconnection.com/ 
 

As we were just in Cody, WY the other day, I recommend the Silver Dollar Bar and Grill on the main drag.  Had a really good hamburger that we'd been craving for several weeks.  Had heard service wasn't that great, but we  were there during off-hours, so it was fine.  In Casper, we ate dinner at the Silver Fox, 3422 Energy Lane, a high-end restaurant that was recommended by our motel.  The steak was good, especially since it was late at night and they looked like they were closing.  Very good service, however. 
 
Also, if you are interested in a little detour near Cody, see Heart Mountain, site of one of the WW II Japanese internment camps, just off Highway 14A.  Extremely eye-opening about this sad period.

The Hampton Inn in Freeport, IL is the best hotel in town.  It's downtown, highly rated and very nice. Go S on Highway 26 which is N West Ave.  Turn left on Galena Ave. and go to Hamton Inn at S Galena and W Main St.  Go to Cannova's Italian Restaurant for fine Italian pizza and pasta for dinner.  Go E to S West Avenue and go S to W Empire Street. Take a right and go 4 blocks to Cannova's.   The Hampton Inn will offer you a complimentary breakfast that should get you going before you head West.   Just W of Freeport, IL on Highway 20 turn N on Galena Road. Go to Wagner Road and take a right to the Big Red Barn at Rafter's Restaurant for outstanding seafood and steaks for lunch or dinner.  It's less than a mile from Highway 20.  
   
Hampton Inn @ 109 South Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL 815 - 232 - 7100.
http://www.hamptoninnfreeport.com/
Cannova's Pizza @ 1101 West Empire Street, Freeport, IL 815 - 233 - 0032.
http://www.cannovaspizzeria.com/pgs/about.htm
Rafter's Restaurant @ 9426 West Wagner Road, Lena, IL 815 - 369 - 5330.  
http://www.raftersonline.com/
 

Go to the right on Locust St. in Dubuque, IA to 2nd St.  Take a right and go to Main St.  Take a left and go to Cafe Manna Java for outstanding casual dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Just up the street is Pepper Sprout for casual fine dining for lunch or dinner.
 
Cafe Manna Java @ 269 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 563 - 588 - 3105.
http://www.mannajava.com/
 
Pepper Sprout @ 378 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 563 - 556 - 2167. FD/LD.
http://www.peppersprout.com/main.htm
 
Get off Highway 20 at Exit 252 near Independence, IA and go N to the first street and turn left on Swan Lake Blvd.  Enjoy the good country dining at The Homestead Restaurant for lunch or dinner.  Go to Famous Dave's BBQ in Cedar Falls, IA on University Ave. for good southern style BBQ. Go to Crossroads Restaurant and Lounge on Highway 20 in Early, IA for good country breakfast, lunch or dinner. Take I 29 N in Sioux City, IA to Exit 149 and go S on Larsen Park Road to Bev's on the River at the Hilton Garden Inn overlooking the river serving outstanding fresh seafood and steaks open for lunch and dinner.  Looks like a good place to spend the night overlooking the river.  
 

The Homestead Restaurant @ 2000 Swan Lake Blvd., Independence, IA 319 - 344 - 9055.
http://www.homestead-restaurant.com/
 
Famous Dave's BBQ @ 6222 University Avenue, Cedar Falls, IA 319 - 266 - 0200.
http://www.famousdaves.com/
 
Crossroads Restaurant and Lounge @ 112 U.S. 71, Early, IA 712 - 273 - 5683.
 
Bev's on the River @ The Hilton Garden Inn @ 1110 Larsen Park Road, Sioux City, IA 712 - 224 - 2387.
http://www.bevsontheriver.com/ 

 

Just W of Sioux City, IA on Highway 20 go N on Highway 9 a couple of miles to a Road Food Institution at Bob's Bar and Grill for outstanding burgers, sides and cold drinks. In O'Neill, NE stop by Blarney Stone Steakhouse for lunch or dinner for fine sandwiches, seafood, steaks and cold drinks on Highway 20.  W of O'Neill stop by Westside Restaurant for outstanding breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Stop by Jordan's Fine Dining in Valentine, NE on Highway 20 for casual breakfast, lunch or dinner open 7 days a week. Stop in at Heritage Grill in Chaldron, NE on 2nd Street one block N Of Highway 20 for fine sandwiches, burgers, steaks and fresh seafood for lunch or dinner. 
 
The Hampton Inn in Casper, WY is the best hotel in town.  When you cross the river take a right on The Wonder Bar at the Parkway Plaza Hotel on S Center St. in Casper, WY serves outstanding lunch or dinner in a nice atmosphere.  I second The Silver Fox for casual fine dining for dinner in Casper, WY.  If you want to stay close to The Hampton go to Side Lines Sports Bar on Wilkins just W of The Hampton for good burgers and steaks.  Watch the football game while you eat dinner. Stop by Eggington's for good country style breakfast or lunch at 2nd St. in Casper, WY. 
 
 
Bob's Bar @ 5205 Main Street, Ponca, NE 402 - 945 - 2995.
http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Reviews/5100/bobs-bar-grill
 
Blarney Stone Steakhouse @ 432 East Douglas Street, O'Neill, NE 402 - 336 - 1336.
http://www.blarneystone-oneill.com/ 
 
Westside Restaurant @ 49134 Highway 20, O'Neill, NE 402 - 336 - 9909.
http://www.kbrx.com/WESTSIDE.html 
 
Jordan's Fine Dining @ 322 East Highway 20, Valentine, NE 402 - 376 - 1255.
http://www.jordansfinedining.com/
 
The Heritage Grill @ 127 West 2nd Street, Chadron, NE 308 - 432 - 3648.
http://www.theheritagegrille.com/
 
Hampton Inn @ 1100 North Poplar Street, Casper, WY 307 - 235 - 6668.
http://tinyurl.com/2bb323e
 
The Wonder Bar @ The Parkway Plaza Hotel @ 256 South Center Street, Casper, WY 307 - 234 - 4110.
http://www.parkwayplaza.net/wonderbar/default.htm
 
Silver Fox Restaurant and Lounge @ 3422 Energy Lane, Casper, WY 307 - 235 - 3000.
http://www.silverfoxrestaurant.net/
 
Side Line's Sports Bar @ 1121 Wilkins Circle, Casper, WY 307 - 234 - 9444.
http://www.sidelines.us/

Eggington's @ 229 East 2nd Street, Suite 200, Casper, WY 307 - 265 - 8700. * BL.
http://www.eggingtons.com/ 

Here are some of my favorites in Montana.............
LOLO............
Lo Lo Steakhouse @ 6600 Lolo Creek Road, Lolo, MT 406 - 273 - 2622.
http://lolocreeksteakhouse.com/media/2418/lolo%20creek%20steakhouse%20menu.pdf
MISSOULA...........
Pearl Cafe and Bakery @ 231 East Front St., Missoula, MT 406 - 541 - 0231.
http://www.pearlcafe.us/
Scotty's Table @ 131 South Higgins Ave., Missoula, MT 406 - 549 - 2790.  http://scottystable.net/
The Montana Club @ 4561 North Reserve St., Missoula, MT 406 - 541 - 8141. http://www.montanaclub.com/
The Red Bird @ 111 N. Higgins Suite 100, Missoula, Montana 406 - 549 - 2906.
http://www.redbirdrestaurant.com/
LIVINGSTON .........
2nd St. Bistro @ 123 North 2nd St., Livingston, MT 406 - 222 - 9463.  
http://www.secondstreetbistro.com/
The Sport @ 114 South Main St., Livingston, MT 406 - 222 - 3800.
The Stockman Bar @ 118 North Main St., Livingston, MT 406 - 222 - 8455.
KALISPELL.........
Capers Restaurant @ 121 Main St., Kalispell, MT 406 - 755 - 7687.
http://www.capersmontana.com/
Norm's News @ 34 Main St., Kalispell, MT 406 - 755 - 5500.
The Knead Cafe @ 25 2nd Avenue W., Kalispell, MT 406 - 755 - 7510.
http://www.theknead.com/
Wheat Montana Bakery and Deli @ 405 Main St., Kalispell, MT 406 - 257 - 6430.
http://www.wheatmontana.com/
HELENA......
Benny's Bistro @ 108 East 6th Ave., Helena, MT 406 - 443 - 0105.
http://bennysbistro.com/
Brewhouse Pub and Grille @ 939 Getchell St., Helena, MT 406 - 457 - 9390.
http://atthebrewhouse.com/
Lucca's @ 56 North Last Chance Gulch St., Helena, MT 406 - 457 - 8311.
http://www.luccasitalian.com/..........
BUTTE...........
Uptown Cafe @ 47 East Broadway St., Butte, MT 406 - 723 - 4735. http://www.uptowncafe.com/
BOZEMAN.........
Cafe Zydeco @ 1520 West Main St., Bozeman, MT 406 - 994 - 0188.
http://cafezydeco.com/
John Bozeman's Bistro @ 125 West Main Street Bozeman, MT 406 - 587 - 4100.
http://www.johnbozemansbistro.com/
The Nova Cafe @ 312 East Main St., Bozeman, MT 406 - 587 - 3973.
http://thenovacafe.com/
BILLINGS...........
Bistro Enzo @ 1502 Rehberg Lane, Billings, MT 406 - 651 - 0999.
http://bistroenzobillings.com/
Walker's Grill @ 2700 1st Avenue North, Billings, MT 406 - 245 - 9291.
http://walkersgrill.com/

Oh, yes, we were also at the 2nd Street Bistro in Livingston earlier in the week. (Can you tell we were on a road trip?) Bistro Stroganoff was magnificent.  Again, a little high-end, but worth it.  Stay at the Murray Hotel next door.  Livingston is awesome!!

WOW! Fantastic suggestions everyone--thank you so much! I very much appreciate the input.