The Back Door Lounge - Oglesby

Great place for drinks, but do not eat here. Lots of frozen microwaved food. For your own enjoyment, please eat elsewhere.

The service was excellent, the young man who was our serves was fantastic, attentive, kind, and polite. I believe, if memory serves me well his name is Kam.Cheese curds are always yummy. We were going to share fish tacos and pot roast but I like more my tacos so did not share. These were fry fish tacos which are okay, even though I prefer grilled.Food is mediocre and the patio and view are wonderful. A safe bet when we go hiking at Matthiessen or Starved Rock

Absolutely terrible. The food was horridly rancid. My friends and I decided to order their BBQ glazed salmon and flank steak after a long day of hiking- something tasty and replenishing. What we got was not even remotely close to something edible. I couldn’t even finish half of my plate. They are charging you $32 for an unseasoned piece of store-bought frozen salmon smothered with a cheap BBQ sauce on a paper plate. The sides were unspeakably gross. Cold corn and beans with the most pale looking coleslaw I have ever seen. Not to mention the waitress who attended us gave weird looks as we ordered these dishes, now we know why. However, she didn’t even say anything about it. I do not recommend this place to anyone. It makes McDonald’s look like fine dining.

We arrived too early for dinner in the main restaurant, but The Back Door Lounge was a welcome alternative. A nice menu of entrees sandwiches appetizers and dessert served in the rustic cabin bar atmosphere and an outdoor seating area that features the panoramic Starved Rock area. Ed, our server, was friendly and informative and our food was nicely prepared. Specifically recommended is the soup, Chicken Quesadillas, Fish Tacos and the best Peach Cobbler Ive had in ages. A decent craft beer offering and other cold beverages are available.Parking: If you are a guest at the lodge the parking is adjacent to the lodge. Restaurant guests have a large lot, a short scenic walk up to the door to the main room or around back to the bar.

Wonderful experience overall. Rooms are rustic, but comfortable. A great place to crash after a long day of hiking. The restaurant was good. Fried fish and pot roast were delicious. Do make reservations. The cafe was convenient, but could be open a little later in the day for an evening snack. Trail system throughout the park is unparalleled.