Cat & Fiddle Tavern — Restaurant in Illinois

Visited this bar on a Friday evening with the intent to try their fish. Seating was pretty full when we walked in, but we found a table and sat down. A moderately-sized bar dominated one end of the open floorplan, while several adult electronic games lined the opposite side. In between were a mix of low and high tables with just enough space to move between them. No booths.

About a minute after we sat down, another couple came in and were immediately offered menus and had their drink orders taken. But instead of acknowledging us, the server walked away and we were ignored for several minutes before we were offered similar attention. I suspect they were regulars, unlike us.

Anyway, we ordered immediately but the drinks took over five minutes to arrive and were accompanied by apologies for sudden food orders when they made it to the table. The cups were impressively large, which was fortunate because nobody ever came back to offer refills our entire time there. Our food, however, arrived in short order after our drinks. My cod plate had four fillet medallions finished in a cornmeal breading and while I prefer a beer batter, they were quite good. I didn't get to sample the mac-and-cheese because they were out, so I substituted hush puppies that only had a weak onion flavor. The fries were OK.

My wife only ordered a small salad and onion rings. The salad was served on a plate (not in a bowl) with the dressing already applied. She prefers dressing on the side and should have specified so but by that point that might have been pushing it. It seemed a bit meager for $5.50. But the rings were excellent, thick-cut and beer-battered, and a decent portion for the price.

Anyhow, we finished most of it and asked for the check and a small to-go box. We had to ask a second time after several minutes as much of the staff was clustered behind the bar chit-chatting as the crowd died down. I walked the ticket up to the bar to pay before leaving.

Overall, we found the atmosphere cramped and far more bar-like than tavern/pub-like. The food was mostly good but the service was mostly poor, leaving us with a mixed experience worthy of three stars. During our visit, we actually observed another gentleman rise from his table and approach the bar to get service for him and his companion, only to be reassured that a server would be there shortly.

I think takeout might have worked out...

My wife and daughters go there every Sunday for lunch. They volunteer at the nearby Mid-America Horse Rescue and the whole group picks this place for lunch. It's a great bar/grill, warm, genuine. Very warm staff makes this simple off-the-beaten-path a great place for a simple lunch or drink. Some rave about their fried chicken special on Sunday (though my wife and girls have...

Cat & Fiddle is a local tavern that has a bar menu and daily specials. I have been going there for about a year and it is great. I really enjoy their meatloaf Monday. It's tasty and has great portions. The staff and the regulars are all friendly. Julie, the owner is very friendly and is usually there everyday. If you have any questions, she will answer them. I highly recommend the...