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Welcome to Gardner Restaurant

At Gardner Restaurant, located at 425 W Main St, Gardner, IL, a delightful culinary experience awaits. This family-friendly spot is renowned for its warm service and classic American fare, including mouthwatering sandwiches like Crispy Chicken and Roast Beef, alongside hearty seafood options like Jumbo Shrimp and Baked Cod. Customers rave about the attentive staff and clean, inviting atmosphere, where comfort and quality reign supreme. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, Gardner Restaurant promises not just satisfying flavors but a welcoming environment that feels like home. Stop by and indulge in a dish that may just become your new favorite!

Gardner Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

Johnny D (Chimpitty)
Johnny D (Chimpitty)

Traveling for a family road trip we had stored across the street to get gas and asked a lady at the pump next to us if the restaurant across the street was any good. She sang their praises lol. She wasn’t wrong. We were greeted courteously and quickly, we had our two young boys with us and the lady was very quick to make them feel comfortable. The lady helped us get our order in quickly and to go. Food was amazing and fast and amazing to eat on the go.

Leaf M
Leaf M

Food is delicious. Great family restaurant, plenty of seating, good prices. I ordered the 1/4 lb. cheeseburger with only grilled onions, wife ordered the chicken Philly. They have the GOOD fries with the crispy edges on them. Server Laura is wonderfully attentive, the type of service some dream about - brings what you need before you need it, asks questions, checks with you to make sure everything's okay - all with a smile. The chicken and rice soup really hits the spot.

Ashley Cooper
Ashley Cooper

Needed a little Eat, Pray, Love moment and was on my way to Chicago when I ran into this little gem looking for gas. The outside was so curious, the sign read 'RESTAURANT' lol I loved that and had to go in to at least take a peak at the take away menu. When I walked inside it was not at all what I'd expected. Clean, spacious, well lit and decorated, you could see the cooks in the kitchen from the front door. No frills but beautiful. The menu was nice too. Good American Food. I was on my way to some very authentic tacos in the city but I asked the woman who greated me how long it would take for a BLT and she said maybe 5-10mins. Perfect. I went across the street and got my originally intended gas. Came right back and it was in a bag packaged and ready to go on the counter. Amazing. I sat in my car and destroyed that thing. All this to say. Probably the best BLT I've ever had. And great service. Bravo.

Craig King
Craig King

Very good food and prices. Clean too

April N
April N

Very nice family restaurant. Prices are fair, food is great! Very clean and nice inside. They allow service dog too! Lovely place, drop by if you are around the area.

Tera B
Tera B

Great tiny diner. Prices were super cheap. The food was excellent. Chicken parm was seasoned very well, the fries were hot, and the cream of chicken and rice soup was *to die for* as my 10 year old said. The other customers inside were very friendly. We stopped after 7pm on our way home from Chicago (after choosing to pass all fast food and chain places). Easy to find, as long as you are looking for a place that says *RESTAURANT* and not Gardner Restaurant.

Matthew Scaro
Matthew Scaro

I was really surprised by how friendly the server was and how good of a value the food was. Everything was freshly prepared, decent portions and inexpensive. I would certainly stop here again in the future. The little lady that works here is from Macedonia and is super sweet. they have a nice selection of desserts as well

David Maldonado
David Maldonado

Found a gem: En route home to S/B, stopped here for lunch. Ordered cheeseburger, fries and received a cup of chicken noodle soup (10• weather). Good foo, service and a clean venue. Ketchup and mustard bottle caps clean, small gesture speaks about the unseen. Wife ordered onion rings and they were on point....

Location

Welcome to Gardner Restaurant, a hidden gem tucked away at 425 W Main St, Gardner, IL. This charming eatery is not just a stop for a meal; it’s a delightful experience that caters to families, travelers, and locals alike. With a menu full of delicious American classics and a warm atmosphere, it truly stands out as a neighborhood favorite.

Stepping inside, you're welcomed by a clean, spacious environment that feels both inviting and comfortable. The décor is unpretentious but cozy, making it an ideal stop for a casual meal or a break during your travels. Patrons often rave about the attentive service, with staff going above and beyond to ensure your visit is enjoyable. As one satisfied customer noted, the servers anticipate your needs, bringing items before you even have to ask!

  • Menu Highlights:
    • Try the Denver Omelette or Cheese Omelette for a hearty breakfast.
    • Don't miss the 1/4 Fried Chicken and Gyro with Feta Cheese for lunch.
    • The spaghetti and the flavorful Chicken Philly are also crowd favorites.
    • For breakfast enthusiasts, the Silver Dollar Pancakes and Chocolate Chip Pancakes are sure to delight.

Customer reviews have echoed the sentiment that Gardner Restaurant serves up some of the best comfort food in the area. One guest highlighted their BLT as one of the best they've ever had. This is a testament to the quality and care that goes into each dish. The house specialties, particularly the crispy fries that accompany many meals, have garnered praise for their perfect texture and taste.

Families appreciate the generous seating and the attentiveness of the staff, who make children feel at ease, creating a perfect dining atmosphere for parents. With its friendly service and affordable prices, it’s no wonder that the restaurant garners loyal customers who return for more.

Overall, Gardner Restaurant represents the essence of community dining. The blend of delicious American food, welcoming ambiance, and attentive service makes it a must-visit spot. Next time you find yourself in Gardner, IL, stop by to enjoy a meal that is sure to satisfy and leave you with a smile. Whether you’re traveling or a local, the heartwarming atmosphere and flavorful dishes await you!