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The Best of the Best in Galena

Where to Enjoy Outdoor Dining in Galena

From hiking, biking, shopping, wine tasting, and otherwise enjoying all the varied things to do in Galena, IL, to spending relaxing afternoons sipping wine on our back deck, there’s plenty to love about summer getaways in Galena, Illinois. When you need a little fuel for all those activities, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants in Galena, IL, too – including those with outdoor seating perfect for a warm summer evening. Our town is small, but even so, it’s the second most visited destination in Illinois outside of Chicago. Its historic charms are abundant, the people are warm and welcoming, and it’s the relaxing getaway you crave when you want a little downtime. 

We love a great food scene, and though you may not come to Galena specifically for the food, great restaurant options are a welcome part of any getaway. After all, restaurants represent a fun part of trying new things while traveling. Galena restaurants offer a little bit of everything, including American pub-style food, international cuisine, and plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians. 

Local restaurants are just part of the food story here – at least when you elevate your getaway and choose to stay with us at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Galena, IL. As our many guests over the years will happily tell you, we’re all about the food (and the exquisite hospitality). From our exceptional multi-course breakfasts to our curated afternoon wine and appetizer trays, we love to bring the best tastes of Galena home to our guests. Suffice it to say, we know a few things about providing good food and a great ambiance, so we love it when our guests ask us for recommendations for local restaurants in Galena. 

Whether you consider yourself an experienced gourmand or a casual food lover, we think you’ll be happy with the selection of restaurants in our town. Many of them are just a short walk away from our Galena Inn, too – including those few who have coveted outdoor dining! Give yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy this charming town. Book your room at our exquisite Bed and Breakfast in Galena today!

Senior couple enjoying a meal outside at the top restaurants in Galena, IL

Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Galena, IL

Small towns don’t always have ample restaurants and the extensive variety of bigger cities – but that’s not the case in Galena. Instead, you’ll find an incredible array of restaurants in Galena, IL. Some are tried and true favorites that have been here for decades, and others are newer on the scene, bringing bold flavors and fun innovations to this quaint, historic little town. One of the first questions guests ask is which Galena restaurants they should have on their list. In the summer, that question often includes which restaurants in Galena have outdoor seating. 

Below, we’ve included a list of restaurants in Galena, IL, that offer outdoor seating. We’ve also included some of our other highly recommended restaurants in case you need options, including those with vegan, vegetarian, and/or gluten-free options. 

Galena Restaurants With Outdoor Seating

  1. Fritz & Frites Bistro is our tried and true favorite among restaurants in Galena, IL. This charming European bistro-style restaurant is always on our list of recommendations, and the ambiance just gets better in the summer when they offer outdoor seating on their patio. 
  2. Fried Green Tomatoes is another staple recommendation for us, especially when you can take advantage of the gorgeous summer weather and enjoy outdoor seating on their patio. 
  3. Vinny Vannuchi’s is another go-to option for Italian food. Though the restaurant takes reservations for indoor seating, outdoor seating is first-come, first-served, and positively delightful. 
  4. Kick back with a margarita and delicious Mexican food while enjoying a relaxing summer evening in Galena at Campeche Restaurant. If you’ve been lucky enough to visit one of their Chicago-area restaurants, you know the food here is top-notch. 
  5. Head out to Chestnut Mountain Resort, and you’ll be glad you made the trek out of downtown Galena to this special spot. The deck sits at the top of the ski resort, overlooking the beautiful Mississippi River below. 

Other Favorite Local Restaurants

Though the five restaurants in Galena, IL, listed above are certainly among our favorites, there are a few other places worth visiting – even if they don’t have outdoor dining! They include: 

  1. Bread and Vine Bakery serves far more than baked goods, particularly at dinner time. 
  2. Embe Eatery and Lounge is a great, casual spot that serves fresh, always made-from-scratch food. 
  3. Enjoy delicious sushi and other Japanese favorites at Little Tokyo.
Pre-dinner happy hour at our top-rated Place to stay in Galena, IL

The Best Places to Stay in Galena, IL

With so many great restaurants in Galena, IL, to choose from, you won’t have any trouble finding a delicious bite to eat. Moreover, with so many restaurants offering outdoor seating, you can probably enjoy a bit of al fresco dining this summer, which is always a summer treat. We’re lucky to be within walking distance of so many of them! Our convenient location, just steps off Main Street, is one of the many reasons we’re considered among the best places to stay in Galena, IL. 

Our convenient location is only part of what makes us an excellent choice for Galena lodging, though. A stay at our Bed and Breakfast in Galena is about embracing luxury, even if only for a day or two. We’ve curated every aspect of our guest experience and have tended to even the smallest details to ensure a relaxing, elevated getaway that puts your mind, body, and soul at ease. We know getaways can be hard to come by, and that’s why we’ve been so attentive to our hospitality. 

Our Bed and Breakfast in Galena is the only AAA four-diamond rated property outside of Chicago, an accolade that speaks to the luxurious guest experience you can expect from us. Not only that, but we were voted the #1 Bed and Breakfast by TripAdvisor in 2019 and again made the list as the #3 Best Inn the following year – accolades based on guest reviews. With more than 600 ALL 5-star reviews since opening our doors in 2015, it’s easy to see why our Bed and Breakfast is the best place to stay in Galena – if not the entire Midwest. 

At our Galena Bed and Breakfast, you’ll find just six guest rooms, each unique in style and decor. Our rooms are spacious, though, with an impressive 800 square feet of space, featuring a kitchenette, seating areas, a spa-like bathroom, and a separate bedroom with king-sized beds. Amenities included with each stay are complimentary chocolates and chilled champagne waiting upon arrival, custom-designed plush Frette spa robes and towels, Aveda toiletries, a customizable Bluetooth sound system throughout your suite, and Samsung Smart TVs, daily breakfast, and an afternoon tray filled with appetizers, charcuterie, house-baked cookies, and your custom selection of wine or beverage.

We’re heavy on amenities and thorough in our personalized touch, including recommendations for things to do and places to eat. Though many of our guests treat our Galena Bed and Breakfast as a destination, staying close throughout the day, we hope you’ll take the time to explore the historic charms of downtown and any of these delicious Galena restaurants while you’re here. Book your stay today!

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