Swanny's — Restaurant in Colona

Swanny's was recommended to me by a coworker, who mentioned both the tacos and pizza were really good. Since home is in Bettendorf, this was going to be a trip a little out of the way. Getting off work today, I was eager for something a little different and off my normal beaten path, so I drove down I-80 and over to Colona for some tacos.

The most prominent thing about Swanny's to me was its location. If it weren't for Google Maps, I'd assumed I'd missed a turn and ended up in a random neighbor hood. But there it was - one block down from the American Legion hall and around the corner. A building that blends perfectly into the rest of the houses surrounding it. I parked in the grass across the street and headed in.

The interior of Swanny's is solid - the floors are a new looking ceramic tile, the walls are mostly wood paneling of some type, and the ceiling is a painted black popcorn ceiling. Budweiser light fixtures line the space, with other neon signs and smaller fixtures providing the overall low lighting. The kitchen is separated from the main area by only a few windows and screens, the ladies cooking tacos to be seen by any one passing by.

I took one of the only seats open at the bar and ordered a Hamm's when the bartender came over to me. Soon after I placed an order for two hard shell tacos, which came not long after. The tacos were alright - well seasoned beef, a crispy shell, and fresh toppings otherwise. Definitely worth the $2 per taco price.

It would be easy to dismiss the place as a cash-only, dive bar on the edge of the greater Quad Cities area. To do so would be missing the point of Swanny's however which, is in the first observation laid in this review - Swanny's is a neighborhood bar. The place was full on a Monday with all sorts of people chatting and having a drink or two with some tacos. I felt welcome, but at the same time felt out of place. I'd definitely come back to try the pizza again, but would have to see if my work colleague would want to come with as well....

Great, local bar with incredible food and fun atmosphere! Stopped by for a Friday night and Saturday afternoon for customer appreciation weekend! The team here is awesome. Bartenders are great and service is quick. Highlight is definitely the pizza - we tried multiple styles/flavors and everything was delicious! Highly highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area - all the locals know this is the place to be for great food and relaxing atmosphere to drink! Plenty of tvs, indoor and outdoor seating, and slots in the back. Don’t...

Very well priced and a great taste to go with it. Not sure i remember white sauce tasting like theirs does nonetheless it was good. We did wait over an hour and the employees kept apologizing for the wait to receive our food. I would recommend being a little bit more organized for heavy flow of customers, so that everything is done in an organized fashion rather then being confusing for employees and frustrating for customers. Will be back for...