Favorites: Restaurants, Hiking Trails, Shops & More!

Jim And Josie
Jim And Josie
Favorites: Restaurants, Hiking Trails, Shops & More!

Food Scene

Some of our favorite places to grab a bite.
A new restaurant. The owners, Michael and James have created such a gem here. Atmosphere is quiet, and cozy. It’s a small space so reservations are highly recommended, and please let them know we sent you.
Savory Kitchen
309 North Main Street
A new restaurant. The owners, Michael and James have created such a gem here. Atmosphere is quiet, and cozy. It’s a small space so reservations are highly recommended, and please let them know we sent you.
Fritz and Frites is a chef owned and operated French and German bistro at the north end of Main Street, and about a 12 minute walk from our Guest House. It has become our go-to dinner restaurant, and visitors looking for great food and quaint atmosphere can find it here. The French Onion Soup is a delicious classic. Personal favorites include the Poulet Roti (garlic roasted half chicken) and the Sauerbraten. Also, the Sunday brunch here is wonderful. Reservations recommended, especially during the summer and fall months.
21 locals recommend
Fritz & Frites Bistro
317 N Main St
21 locals recommend
Fritz and Frites is a chef owned and operated French and German bistro at the north end of Main Street, and about a 12 minute walk from our Guest House. It has become our go-to dinner restaurant, and visitors looking for great food and quaint atmosphere can find it here. The French Onion Soup is a delicious classic. Personal favorites include the Poulet Roti (garlic roasted half chicken) and the Sauerbraten. Also, the Sunday brunch here is wonderful. Reservations recommended, especially during the summer and fall months.
A delicious selection of sushi, raw and cooked. I'm always happy when the rolls arrive because they always look so colorful. Some of our favorites include: The Romeo & Juliet, Fantastic Roll, Rock'N Roll, the Sweet Potato Roll, Avocado Roll and California Roll. We love this place for lunch! Nice outdoor patio too. About a 12 minute walk from our Guest House, located on the North end of Main Street, across the street from Big Bill's.
19 locals recommend
Little Tokyo Restaurant
300 N Main St
19 locals recommend
A delicious selection of sushi, raw and cooked. I'm always happy when the rolls arrive because they always look so colorful. Some of our favorites include: The Romeo & Juliet, Fantastic Roll, Rock'N Roll, the Sweet Potato Roll, Avocado Roll and California Roll. We love this place for lunch! Nice outdoor patio too. About a 12 minute walk from our Guest House, located on the North end of Main Street, across the street from Big Bill's.
About a 12-15 minute walk from our Guest House, located on the North end of Main Street. We like this place for their bar, tasty food, great service & ambience. The Italian inspired menu changes often, and there is always something new to try. This is a very popular restaurant here in Galena. Book early because the popular times fill up fast.
49 locals recommend
Fried Green Tomatoes
213 N Main St
49 locals recommend
About a 12-15 minute walk from our Guest House, located on the North end of Main Street. We like this place for their bar, tasty food, great service & ambience. The Italian inspired menu changes often, and there is always something new to try. This is a very popular restaurant here in Galena. Book early because the popular times fill up fast.
Our favorite bakery in Galena. Provides take and go breakfast options like empanadas and quiches. We’ve tried almost every pastry, and everyone of them have been delicious. The Buffalo chicken empanada is a favorite. Gluten free options are available.
16 locals recommend
Galena Garlic Company
303 S Main St
16 locals recommend
Our favorite bakery in Galena. Provides take and go breakfast options like empanadas and quiches. We’ve tried almost every pastry, and everyone of them have been delicious. The Buffalo chicken empanada is a favorite. Gluten free options are available.
A must for ice cream! We love the family owned atmosphere. Great flavors of ice cream and palettas. So much variety, and open later than most shops. We go there at least once a week in the summertime, we like it so much. 😊
La Michoacana Irmanaju Coffee Bakery & Ice Cream Shop
110 South Main Street
A must for ice cream! We love the family owned atmosphere. Great flavors of ice cream and palettas. So much variety, and open later than most shops. We go there at least once a week in the summertime, we like it so much. 😊
Unique, tasty breakfast & lunch set in a neat historic building on the East. This is a great spot serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and specialty drinks. Some favorites include the Sweet Potato Hash (a little spicy, but that's the way we like it!), Cinnamon Swirl French Toast, Egg Tacos and Biscuits & Gravy. It's about a 20-25 minute scenic walk from the Guest House. Cross the Galena River via the pedestrian foot bridge (Meeker Street Bridge). You can follow the gravel path along the river.
37 locals recommend
Otto's Place
100 Bouthillier St
37 locals recommend
Unique, tasty breakfast & lunch set in a neat historic building on the East. This is a great spot serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and specialty drinks. Some favorites include the Sweet Potato Hash (a little spicy, but that's the way we like it!), Cinnamon Swirl French Toast, Egg Tacos and Biscuits & Gravy. It's about a 20-25 minute scenic walk from the Guest House. Cross the Galena River via the pedestrian foot bridge (Meeker Street Bridge). You can follow the gravel path along the river.
Located on the North end of Main Street, and about a 12 minute walk from the Guest House. Big Bill's offers a full service espresso bar, and they roast their own coffee. Friendly staff. Nice place to grab a light and healthy lunch. Lots of vegan & vegetarian options too. Breakfast is also offered. Check their hours to make sure they're open.
10 locals recommend
Big Bill's Sandwich Shop and Coffee Bar
301 N Main St
10 locals recommend
Located on the North end of Main Street, and about a 12 minute walk from the Guest House. Big Bill's offers a full service espresso bar, and they roast their own coffee. Friendly staff. Nice place to grab a light and healthy lunch. Lots of vegan & vegetarian options too. Breakfast is also offered. Check their hours to make sure they're open.
We like this place for it's casual atmosphere and homemade sandwiches & soups! Try the bread pudding, it's heavenly.
13 locals recommend
Embe Eatery and Lounge
233 S Main St
13 locals recommend
We like this place for it's casual atmosphere and homemade sandwiches & soups! Try the bread pudding, it's heavenly.
The Courtyard is good for breakfast. Buffet style, and there is plenty of offerings!
7 locals recommend
DeSoto House Hotel
230 S Main St
7 locals recommend
The Courtyard is good for breakfast. Buffet style, and there is plenty of offerings!
Great place for lunch in a fun and interesting atmosphere. Serving burgers, salads & sandwiches. Delicious shakes!
13 locals recommend
Durty Gurt's
235 N Main St
13 locals recommend
Great place for lunch in a fun and interesting atmosphere. Serving burgers, salads & sandwiches. Delicious shakes!
For pizza!
13 locals recommend
Cannova's Pizzeria
247 N Main St
13 locals recommend
For pizza!
When the day is lovely, sit outside on their patio! Their newly updated roof top patio boasts lovely views. Our favorites here include: Chunky Guacamole Dip, El Pastor Tacos, Chicken Tacos, Vegetarian Fajitas, Flautas and Vegetarian Combo. About a 12 Minute walk from our Guest House. Located on the corner of Commerce and Franklin Streets, across the Old Blacksmith Shop and Big Bill's. Online ordering, pick-up and delivery available.
8 locals recommend
Campeche Restaurant
230 N Commerce St
8 locals recommend
When the day is lovely, sit outside on their patio! Their newly updated roof top patio boasts lovely views. Our favorites here include: Chunky Guacamole Dip, El Pastor Tacos, Chicken Tacos, Vegetarian Fajitas, Flautas and Vegetarian Combo. About a 12 Minute walk from our Guest House. Located on the corner of Commerce and Franklin Streets, across the Old Blacksmith Shop and Big Bill's. Online ordering, pick-up and delivery available.
Located on historic Main Street in Dubuque, Iowa. Their menu has something delicious for everyone- with a variety of gluten free, vegetarian & vegan options. It's cozy and romantic too!
29 locals recommend
L.May Eatery
1072 Main St
29 locals recommend
Located on historic Main Street in Dubuque, Iowa. Their menu has something delicious for everyone- with a variety of gluten free, vegetarian & vegan options. It's cozy and romantic too!
Attention foodies! Only about 25 minutes west of Galena, Brazen is located in the Historic Millwork District in Dubuque, Iowa. Chef Kevin Scharpf was born and raised in Galena, and competed in Season 16 of Top Chef. The menu changes seasonally, and serves up unique and delicious locally sourced mid-western dishes. We love the atmosphere, and the food is fantastic. You'll love it! Reservations are recommended.
33 locals recommend
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar
955 Washington St
33 locals recommend
Attention foodies! Only about 25 minutes west of Galena, Brazen is located in the Historic Millwork District in Dubuque, Iowa. Chef Kevin Scharpf was born and raised in Galena, and competed in Season 16 of Top Chef. The menu changes seasonally, and serves up unique and delicious locally sourced mid-western dishes. We love the atmosphere, and the food is fantastic. You'll love it! Reservations are recommended.
A great place for outdoor seating while enjoying the sunset against the beautiful backdrop of the Mississippi River.
Sunset Grille
8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd
A great place for outdoor seating while enjoying the sunset against the beautiful backdrop of the Mississippi River.
Pete's Thai Kitchen is located in Dubuque, Iowa and is about a 30 minute drive from Galena. Delicious curries and stir fry.
10 locals recommend
Pete's Thai Kitchen
609 E 22nd St
10 locals recommend
Pete's Thai Kitchen is located in Dubuque, Iowa and is about a 30 minute drive from Galena. Delicious curries and stir fry.
Tasty panini. Fun atmosphere.
Kaladi's Coffee Bar
309 S Main St
Tasty panini. Fun atmosphere.
Great coffee & nice atmosphere.
20 locals recommend
Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea Co
315 S Commerce St
20 locals recommend
Great coffee & nice atmosphere.
French inspired pastries, sandwiches and a large selection of wine by the glass. Our favorites so far have been the Nutella and almond croissants, and truffle fries. Ordering from the kitchen seems like a fresher option. Located on the South end of Main Street.
17 locals recommend
Bread and Vine Bakery
217 South Main Street
17 locals recommend
French inspired pastries, sandwiches and a large selection of wine by the glass. Our favorites so far have been the Nutella and almond croissants, and truffle fries. Ordering from the kitchen seems like a fresher option. Located on the South end of Main Street.
Galena Roasters Coffee Shop

Hiking, Parks & Nature

Our favorite places for outdoor activities and adventures.
A great place for a peaceful walk while enjoying the beauty of the driftless area. Beautiful vistas, and wonderful for an afternoon picnic. Only about a 15 minute drive from our place. Be sure to bring bug spray in the warm months! One of our favorite spots.
19 locals recommend
Horseshoe Mound
1679 N Blackjack Rd
19 locals recommend
A great place for a peaceful walk while enjoying the beauty of the driftless area. Beautiful vistas, and wonderful for an afternoon picnic. Only about a 15 minute drive from our place. Be sure to bring bug spray in the warm months! One of our favorite spots.
Also known as the Galena River trail for walkers and cyclists. Check out the City of Galena website to download map of trails. The Buehler & Downtown Trail close to our place thru Meeker Street Bridge. Link below. http://www.cityofgalena.org/documents/filelibrary/top_tabs/city_services/parks/Galena_River_Trail_PDF_555D9143ED7D7.pdf
Depot Park
91 Bouthillier Street
Also known as the Galena River trail for walkers and cyclists. Check out the City of Galena website to download map of trails. The Buehler & Downtown Trail close to our place thru Meeker Street Bridge. Link below. http://www.cityofgalena.org/documents/filelibrary/top_tabs/city_services/parks/Galena_River_Trail_PDF_555D9143ED7D7.pdf
Beautiful views of the Mississippi River. A quiet & peaceful area for hiking. Contains an archeological site, the Aiken Mound Group.
12 locals recommend
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve
870 S Pilot Knob Rd
12 locals recommend
Beautiful views of the Mississippi River. A quiet & peaceful area for hiking. Contains an archeological site, the Aiken Mound Group.
This park is located in Dubuque. It sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. There is a spectacular view of the tri-state area!
22 locals recommend
Eagle Point Park
2601 Shiras Ave
22 locals recommend
This park is located in Dubuque. It sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. There is a spectacular view of the tri-state area!
Quiet and secluded. Hike down an old train path. A good workout with gentle and moderately challenging inclines.
Winston Tunnel
2102-3206 S Rocky Hill Rd
Quiet and secluded. Hike down an old train path. A good workout with gentle and moderately challenging inclines.
Gorgeous view of the Mississippi and great hiking trails, and the historic Julien Dubuque Monument. Visit their website: www.minesofspain.org
29 locals recommend
EB Lyons Interpretive Center at Mines of Spain
8991 Bellevue Heights Rd
29 locals recommend
Gorgeous view of the Mississippi and great hiking trails, and the historic Julien Dubuque Monument. Visit their website: www.minesofspain.org
Beautiful falls only about 15-20 minutes away from the Guest House. Located in the Galena Territory.
13 locals recommend
Thunder Bay Falls
233 Thunder Bay Rd
13 locals recommend
Beautiful falls only about 15-20 minutes away from the Guest House. Located in the Galena Territory.
Charming park overlooking the downtown area. About a 20 minute walk from our Guest House. Make sure to grab a bite to eat at Otto's while your there!
11 locals recommend
Grant Park
625 Park Ave
11 locals recommend
Charming park overlooking the downtown area. About a 20 minute walk from our Guest House. Make sure to grab a bite to eat at Otto's while your there!
A small, intimate garden nestled on a hillside overlooking the historic town of Galena. The secluded and privately owned three and one-half acre garden sits atop natural outcroppings which have been enhanced with hand built terraces. Water features include flowing brooks, ponds, and a twenty-foot waterfall cascading from a natural bluff. A replica of a small mine cut into the side of a limestone wall and a sunken garden built in the ruins of one of the first African-American churches in Illinois are among other unexpected delights. Two gazebos provide a place to reflect upon this unique and beautiful treasure. Due to challenging terrain sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Linmar Gardens is not handicap accessible. Located on South Prospect Street, Galena.
6 locals recommend
Linmar Gardens
504 S Prospect St
6 locals recommend
A small, intimate garden nestled on a hillside overlooking the historic town of Galena. The secluded and privately owned three and one-half acre garden sits atop natural outcroppings which have been enhanced with hand built terraces. Water features include flowing brooks, ponds, and a twenty-foot waterfall cascading from a natural bluff. A replica of a small mine cut into the side of a limestone wall and a sunken garden built in the ruins of one of the first African-American churches in Illinois are among other unexpected delights. Two gazebos provide a place to reflect upon this unique and beautiful treasure. Due to challenging terrain sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Linmar Gardens is not handicap accessible. Located on South Prospect Street, Galena.

Shopping

There are so many fun shops along Main Street. Here are some of our favorites!
If you love to cook or like to eat, this is the place to shop. The Grateful Gourmet carries a vast assortment of kitchen gadgets, quality teas, locally roasted coffee & local honey. It seems there is something for everyone at this store. A local favorite.
6 locals recommend
The Grateful Gourmet Co.
204 N Main St
6 locals recommend
If you love to cook or like to eat, this is the place to shop. The Grateful Gourmet carries a vast assortment of kitchen gadgets, quality teas, locally roasted coffee & local honey. It seems there is something for everyone at this store. A local favorite.
Love this shop. The people are so friendly, and the popcorn is addicting.
8 locals recommend
Great American Popcorn Company
115 N Main St
8 locals recommend
Love this shop. The people are so friendly, and the popcorn is addicting.
What a fun store to visit. Filled with unique items that make you laugh, and gifts for kids.
10 locals recommend
Poopsie's
402 S Main St
10 locals recommend
What a fun store to visit. Filled with unique items that make you laugh, and gifts for kids.
Chocolate & delicious truffles.
Chocolat
229 S Main St
Chocolate & delicious truffles.
Nice wine and cheese selection. Try their grilled cheese sandwich.
23 locals recommend
Galena River Wine & Cheese
420 S Main St
23 locals recommend
Nice wine and cheese selection. Try their grilled cheese sandwich.
A beautiful shop that carries lovely apothecary goods.
16 locals recommend
Galena Garlic Company
303 S Main St
16 locals recommend
A beautiful shop that carries lovely apothecary goods.
Fun, hip store with all the latest trends. Owned by Austin Scott, a 21 year old social media influencer with over 500k followers. The Neighborhood is known for its vintage clothing, home decor and trendy gifts. Popular brands include Puravida Bracelets, Wildflower Cases and Impala roller skates. LGBTQ+ Safe Space
The Neighborhood Trading Company
223 S Main St
Fun, hip store with all the latest trends. Owned by Austin Scott, a 21 year old social media influencer with over 500k followers. The Neighborhood is known for its vintage clothing, home decor and trendy gifts. Popular brands include Puravida Bracelets, Wildflower Cases and Impala roller skates. LGBTQ+ Safe Space
Great canned goods from jams to the hottest of hot sauces. Be sure to visit both stores, they are located across from each other.
Galena Canning Company
106 S Main St
Great canned goods from jams to the hottest of hot sauces. Be sure to visit both stores, they are located across from each other.
BEAUTIFULLY hand crafted wooden spoons and cutting boards. Located across from PT Murphy's Magic Show Theater, just off Main Street.
8 locals recommend
Galena Sportswear
119 N Main St
8 locals recommend
BEAUTIFULLY hand crafted wooden spoons and cutting boards. Located across from PT Murphy's Magic Show Theater, just off Main Street.

Essentials

Our local go to grocery store. They carry a good selection of cheeses and wine, baked goodies, and a decent selection of organic products.
10 locals recommend
Piggly Wiggly
997 Galena Square Dr
10 locals recommend
Our local go to grocery store. They carry a good selection of cheeses and wine, baked goodies, and a decent selection of organic products.
Has pretty much everything you may need: toiletries, phone chargers, batteries, etc.
7 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter
10000 Bartell Blvd
7 locals recommend
Has pretty much everything you may need: toiletries, phone chargers, batteries, etc.

Visiting Galena

Find all the information you may need about Galena and the surrounding area.
Now located at the Old Train Depot on Park Avenue.
Galena Country Visitor Center
101 Bouthillier St
Now located at the Old Train Depot on Park Avenue.
Check out their website for helpful information. http://www.cityofgalena.org/
City Hall
101 Green Street
Check out their website for helpful information. http://www.cityofgalena.org/
A link to Galena's parks and hiking trails. http://www.cityofgalena.org/en/city_services/parks/galena_river_trail/
72 locals recommend
Galena
72 locals recommend
A link to Galena's parks and hiking trails. http://www.cityofgalena.org/en/city_services/parks/galena_river_trail/

Sightseeing

There is a breathtaking view of the Mississippi here. Skiing in the winter, the alpine slide in the spring, summer & fall. Also, just fun to walk around if you're looking for a great view of the river.
63 locals recommend
Chestnut Mountain Resort
8700 West Chestnut Mountain Road
63 locals recommend
There is a breathtaking view of the Mississippi here. Skiing in the winter, the alpine slide in the spring, summer & fall. Also, just fun to walk around if you're looking for a great view of the river.
19 locals recommend
Horseshoe Mound
1679 N Blackjack Rd
19 locals recommend
A great view of the Mississippi River. About a 30 minute drive from Galena.
22 locals recommend
Eagle Point Park
2601 Shiras Ave
22 locals recommend
A great view of the Mississippi River. About a 30 minute drive from Galena.

Drinks & Nightlife

A inviting place to sit and enjoy your favorite craft cocktail. They also provide tours of their distillery.
28 locals recommend
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
9380 US Hwy 20 W
28 locals recommend
A inviting place to sit and enjoy your favorite craft cocktail. They also provide tours of their distillery.
Just a 10 minute drive outside of town. Enjoy the vast views of the vineyard, and enjoy a bottle of wine outside.
23 locals recommend
Galena Cellars Vineyard
4746 N Ford Rd
23 locals recommend
Just a 10 minute drive outside of town. Enjoy the vast views of the vineyard, and enjoy a bottle of wine outside.
Close to our Guest House, The Grape Escape has live music on the weekends, fun staff & great drinks.
17 locals recommend
The Grape Escape
242 N Main St
17 locals recommend
Close to our Guest House, The Grape Escape has live music on the weekends, fun staff & great drinks.
Live music & craft beer!
16 locals recommend
The Galena Brewing Company
227 N Main St
16 locals recommend
Live music & craft beer!
A great little bar with great food. Try the bread pudding.
13 locals recommend
Embe Eatery and Lounge
233 S Main St
13 locals recommend
A great little bar with great food. Try the bread pudding.
An outdoor music venue that features local music in a historic setting: 1850's general store/railway station with a silo, ruin of a woolen mill and barn. Located on the east fork of the Galena River. Food, 90-plus beers & live music year-round. A local favorite.
Council Hill Station
6521 N Hill Rd
An outdoor music venue that features local music in a historic setting: 1850's general store/railway station with a silo, ruin of a woolen mill and barn. Located on the east fork of the Galena River. Food, 90-plus beers & live music year-round. A local favorite.
Lovely!
6 locals recommend
Champagne on Main
116 South Main Street
6 locals recommend
Lovely!