#2 of 52
August 7, 2021: Wittmond wasn’t on my mind when I started to make my list, not until my friend, Linda, suggested it on one of my Facebook posts. Her suggestion brought on a feeling of nostalgia in me because for a long time Wittmond was a favorite of my sister’s family. I never was able to join them on their trips, but always felt I’d eventually take my own. Instead, I put it out of my mind and forgot about it until Linda suggested it.
Wittmond is a restaurant on a peninsula in Illinois surrounded by the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Although some roads have bridges to the peninsula, the best way to get there is by ferry.
We got to the back of the line and waited 5 or so minutes to be waved onto the ferry by a smiling, jovial older man. Once parked where directed, he asked if we wanted a one way or two way ticket. We opted for the two way and after we paid, we got out of the car to enjoy the view.
Looking like tourists, we watched the tug spin around to push us to the distant shore and snapped a few pictures. The water lapped at the side of the ferry rhythmically, calming and soothing us.
The drive after was on country roads and past farm fields.
We pulled up at Wittmonds and parked parallel to the building. The first thing we noticed was the three entry doors. Two of them had “Use other door” signs which lead us to a bar entrance. Feeling claustrophobic, we walked the narrow hallway with the bar on the left and a wall on the right. Past the war we turned right into a large room full of either memorabilia or flea market merchandise. We were confused as to which, no one was there to clarify it for us.
Further in, we entered the restaurant and were lead to a dining table in the back. The building may have seen better days, but the food lived up to its reputation.
First, it isn’t like a regular restaurant with menus and selections. Everything is served family style to the table, and they bring more of whatever you ask for. We opted to add the roast beef to our order, but it really wasn’t necessary.
Our server brought our drinks and the preliminary dishes. We barely had time to sample each before she brought our the main course. The food was fantastic and plentiful. Our server was friendly and efficient. We left feeling full and satisfied.
Although the building itself has long past its prime trying to contain a restaurant, bar, hotel, and possible antique store, the people who run it haven’t. Everyone we met were friendly and the food was delicious.
All said, I’d recommend Wittmonds to everyone. It is well worth the drive and the money. Do yourself a favor and check out other things to do in Calhoun County and make a day of it.
CinStew's New 52 