Kelly's Restaurant and Lounge — Restaurant in Sterling

I was introduced to Kelly's 3 years ago. Because I live 50 minutes away, and friend who introduced me to their fantastic food and service lives 40 minutes from Kelly's , we were able to meet there only 5 times before the pandemic hit.

We checked Kelly's website a number of times as businesses started opening up in Illinois - understandably, due to the pandemic, a red "x" was next to "dine-in" on their website.

Fast-forward to 4/24/21 - I am soooo excited to see a green check-mark next "dine-in"!!! We made arrangements to meet there for dine-in on 5/1/2021 - imagine our disappointment that sign on their door proclaimed not only "curb-side pick up only", but also verbiage stating "no customers allowed to enter" … Don't get us wrong, we completely understand wanting to keep your employees AND customers safe - but the misinformation on their website made us very frustrated, especially since we had all traveled an average of 45 minutes ...

So, we went to a different local establishment, Wagon Wheel, where we had a great meal, great service and very much enjoyed getting to spend...

Always been supportive of historical sites, Kelly's is always busy, but I wish their burritos and some other things had a bit more flavor lately, as they seemingly lost it all. Nothings changed here in at least 20 years that's for sure. Definitely getting more and more expensive for the same mid quality food, people from out of town hear about this place like its the best Sterling has to offer, and honestly I bet most are disappointed the reputation doesn't track. They've also been updating little building things recently but, ageing interior is as bland as the food, worn out/cheap tables and chairs are as 'old as the hills' as some say, and it seems they just want to pack as many of the older regulars in as possible rather than live up to their big personality / history. Hope they bring some heat (as in effort) back before the more traditional Mexican restaurants moving in nearby...

It was absolutely amazing!!! I was a little iffy about a Mexican restaurant named Kelly's but the reviews were great, so we gave it a try. We ordered the sampler appetizer and the first bite into the nacho portion was absolutely delicious!!!! It didn't take long for our appetizers to come out after ordering. Then not even 5 minutes after we finished our appetizer here came our entrees. My hubby ordered the shredded chicken burrito and it was huge, he was automatically impressed by the size of it. I ordered the sirloin fajitas and when it came out I was like wow look at that steak. 😍 the meat was so tender and the taste was phenomenal!!! My hubby is in town working and it was his birthday so I drove up there to have dinner with him and this was the PERFECT place. I would absolutely drive nearly 2 hours to eat...