Tucked away in the heart of rural Illinois, Spoonies Bar & Grill has become a culinary landmark that food enthusiasts travel miles to experience. This unassuming eatery in London Mills might be easy to miss on a map, but it’s impossible to forget once you’ve tasted their legendary pork tenderloin sandwich.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through Fulton County, here’s what makes this hidden gem worth the journey.
1. The Pork Tenderloin Is Giant And Hand-Breaded
You haven’t seen a proper tenderloin until you’ve witnessed Spoonies’ version hanging off the plate like a crispy, golden frisbee. Each one is hand-pounded and breaded fresh daily.
The meat remains remarkably juicy inside while maintaining that perfect crunch outside. Locals often joke you need to eat the edges first before tackling the sandwich properly.
2. It’s Located In A Tiny Town
London Mills might only house around 400 residents, but on busy nights, it feels like half the county is packed into Spoonies. The restaurant stands as the town’s unofficial community center.
Weekend warriors drive from as far as Peoria and Galesburg for a taste of their famous fare. This tiny spot has put London Mills on the culinary map of Illinois.
3. A Destination Worth The Drive
Cornfields stretch endlessly along the winding country roads leading to Spoonies. GPS signals sometimes falter in these parts, adding to the adventure of finding this hidden treasure.
Many patrons swap stories about getting lost on their first visit. The restaurant has become a badge of honor for food adventurers – if you know about Spoonies, you’re in the club.
4. Classic Small-Town Bar Vibes
Walking into Spoonies feels like stepping into a time capsule of Americana. Wood-paneled walls adorned with local sports memorabilia create an instantly comfortable atmosphere.
The bartenders remember regulars’ drink orders without asking. Neon beer signs cast a warm glow over the dining area, while ceiling-mounted TVs typically showcase Cardinals baseball or Fighting Illini games.
5. Simple Decor, Legendary Food
Forget fancy tablecloths or pretentious plating – Spoonies serves masterpieces on basic white plates. First-timers often raise eyebrows at the no-frills setting until their food arrives.
The modest interior belies the culinary magic happening in the kitchen. Paper napkins are distributed liberally, you’ll need them for the deliciously messy experience that awaits.
6. Other Menu Favorites Include Onion Strings And Waffles
Mountainous plates of crispy, hand-battered onion strings disappear within minutes of hitting tables. These golden tangles of deliciousness inspire fierce loyalty among regulars.
Surprisingly, their breakfast waffles command an equally devoted following. Served crisp on the outside yet fluffy inside, they’ve sparked heated debates about whether Spoonies does breakfast better than dinner.
7. Highly Rated By Locals And Visitors
The 4.6-star Google rating barely captures the devotion Spoonies inspires. Truckers pencil it into their routes, and former residents make pilgrimages when visiting family.
Staff greet newcomers with the same warmth as regulars who’ve been coming for decades. Perhaps most telling: locals bring out-of-town guests here when they want to show off the best their region has to offer.
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