"Speaking of supper clubs ... have you been to Timmerman's in East Dubuque, IL? Right across the river from Dubuque up on a bluff so it has an incredible view with lots of windows in the dining room."
Indeed! Timmerman's is wonderful! It's perfectly midcentury and has a terrific vibe!
Since I met you at Johnston Library ... and you write books ... I'm guessing you enjoy hanging out in bookstores, between meals of course. Dubuque has a great one: River Lights. And McGregor has the one-of-a-kind shop called Paper Moon.
I went to River Lights this trip and bought a book--I always go to local bookstores in smaller cities and towns and buy something to support them. I've been to Paper Moon in the past, and I think it's a wonderful store! Didn't get there this time. Thanks for bringing this up so others can find these gems!
What fun to read about my home stomping grounds. The Black Angus was around for our prom dinner in 1972 - same place! And, the bakery in Elkader has been on that corner for a very long time. I recall my dad would take us there for a treat and he always wanted the pastry with the raspberry jam in the middle and granulated sugar on the outside. I hope you had a wonderful time .
I have many friends that live in Elkadar. What a great town! I remember staying with a friend and walking to the bakery. I got a whole sack of pastries for about what you pay for one and many Des Moines artisan bakeries.
Prairie du Chien has two more interesting spot you should check out. Starrk’s liquor and sporting goods is one of a kind. Seems an odd combination, but they have been making it work since the 1950’s I think.
Directly across the street is Pete’s Hamburgers. Like Paul’s Tavern in Dubuque they also have just one item on the menu…burgers. Pete’s burger is chopped into 1” chunks blended with sautéed onions. No inside or outside seating, just a stainless steel counter on 3 sides of the small building just like the booths you see at the state fair. Celebrating 115 years in business as they opened in 1909!
That liquor store/sporting goods shop is amazing! And others told me to go to Pete’s, but we were on the other side of the river at lunchtime. Cute little stand and so historical! Glad to hear the burgers measure up. There are so many things I could have mentioned in this article, but there is a space limit for emails. I’m glad people are posting here and sharing their finds! Thank you for this!
The Goldmoor Inn is beautiful inside and out. It's situated next to the river. We chatted with the innkeeper, a very nice German man. The menu is seasonal. Everything was excellent. It is fine dining and was a very special bday dinner last October.
Terrific travelogue, Wini. Thanks!! Those are roads I've often traveled but am usually in too big of a hurry to stop and enjoy, although I am a fan of Paul's in Dubuque, of course. (And Mulgrew's Tavern in East Dubuque, definitely a me type of place.) But a supper club in Prairie Du Chien? I had no idea. But I do now! Thank you in advance. I guess it's time I slow down and enjoy all that these towns--- and those in between---have to offer. Pedretti's. That's one of the best bad habits I had when work took me up that way... I feel a road trip coming up.
Yes, Paul's Tavern is getting a lot of mention here! Indeed--it is a fun place! And I can see that it's truly an Andy kind of place, too. Next time you're there, take photos and do a post on it. We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Andy, you would LOVE Jone's Black Angus in Prairie du Chien. Go on that road trip! It's hard to believe such a beautiful destination is only 3 hours away.
I have an idea for Dubuque. You must stop at Paul’s Tavern. From its exterior neon sign and wall claiming Big Game Lounge it’s a time warp from start to finish! The knotty pine interior is filled floor to ceiling with stuffed this and stuffed that. I can only imagine everyone in the area bringing in there taxidermied big game because their wives wanted no part of it on their living room wall. Paul’s only serves one menu item (2 if you count cheese). Burgers are $3.75, with cheese $4.00. Chips and drinks are the only other items offered. The double sided grill is very old and most likely “grandfathered in” due to its age. Working class place where everyone feels comfortable!
A reader wrote me privately and said:
"Speaking of supper clubs ... have you been to Timmerman's in East Dubuque, IL? Right across the river from Dubuque up on a bluff so it has an incredible view with lots of windows in the dining room."
Indeed! Timmerman's is wonderful! It's perfectly midcentury and has a terrific vibe!
Since I met you at Johnston Library ... and you write books ... I'm guessing you enjoy hanging out in bookstores, between meals of course. Dubuque has a great one: River Lights. And McGregor has the one-of-a-kind shop called Paper Moon.
I went to River Lights this trip and bought a book--I always go to local bookstores in smaller cities and towns and buy something to support them. I've been to Paper Moon in the past, and I think it's a wonderful store! Didn't get there this time. Thanks for bringing this up so others can find these gems!
Cheers!
Went through Elkader and didn't stop to eat on the back patio at Schera's? Shame!
What fun to read about my home stomping grounds. The Black Angus was around for our prom dinner in 1972 - same place! And, the bakery in Elkader has been on that corner for a very long time. I recall my dad would take us there for a treat and he always wanted the pastry with the raspberry jam in the middle and granulated sugar on the outside. I hope you had a wonderful time .
It looks like a great place for a prom dinner! And yes, I had a lovely time. I so appreciate those legacy spots!
Thanks, Wini. You have given us a great map for a road trip!
Glad you enjoyed, Kathi! These are some of my favorite pieces to write, and this is only possible thanks to support from readers like you! Cheers.
If you're up that direction again, try the Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, WI, if you haven't already. It's about 30 miles east of Lansing.
I've not been! Thanks for the lead. I figured I should have asked you for some ideas! I'll check it out next time!
Great recommendations, thanks! In McGregor, we loved our stays at Grumpsters Log Cabins, a great home base for NE Iowa fall adventures!
Thank you! I was totally at a loss for accommodations in McGregor! It’s such a cute town, there should be something.
And get this: I ran into a man who told me he was renovating the old hotel in McGregor. It could be a true jewel in the crown of this area.
I second that! Paul’s!
Good list of places, I go through this area quite a bit, I've wondered what was in Prairie DuChein, so thanks
I have many friends that live in Elkadar. What a great town! I remember staying with a friend and walking to the bakery. I got a whole sack of pastries for about what you pay for one and many Des Moines artisan bakeries.
What fun! Thank you!
Thanks, Virginia! It was a fun trip, let me tell you! I encourage everyone to do check these destinations out.
Prairie du Chien has two more interesting spot you should check out. Starrk’s liquor and sporting goods is one of a kind. Seems an odd combination, but they have been making it work since the 1950’s I think.
Directly across the street is Pete’s Hamburgers. Like Paul’s Tavern in Dubuque they also have just one item on the menu…burgers. Pete’s burger is chopped into 1” chunks blended with sautéed onions. No inside or outside seating, just a stainless steel counter on 3 sides of the small building just like the booths you see at the state fair. Celebrating 115 years in business as they opened in 1909!
That liquor store/sporting goods shop is amazing! And others told me to go to Pete’s, but we were on the other side of the river at lunchtime. Cute little stand and so historical! Glad to hear the burgers measure up. There are so many things I could have mentioned in this article, but there is a space limit for emails. I’m glad people are posting here and sharing their finds! Thank you for this!
Have you been to the Goldmoor Inn in Galena?
No! Tell me about it!
For this story, I stayed on the Mississippi! I do love Galena, though.
The Goldmoor Inn is beautiful inside and out. It's situated next to the river. We chatted with the innkeeper, a very nice German man. The menu is seasonal. Everything was excellent. It is fine dining and was a very special bday dinner last October.
https://www.goldmoor.com/dining-spirits/
https://www.goldmoor.com/the-inn/our-staff?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoae5BhCNARIsADVLzZeZ-PNX7VeIG_SdjYLmuf-TZ8lNlcnIvP_AzChdKMKKFptQJu1I-tUaAkKzEALw_wcB
Terrific travelogue, Wini. Thanks!! Those are roads I've often traveled but am usually in too big of a hurry to stop and enjoy, although I am a fan of Paul's in Dubuque, of course. (And Mulgrew's Tavern in East Dubuque, definitely a me type of place.) But a supper club in Prairie Du Chien? I had no idea. But I do now! Thank you in advance. I guess it's time I slow down and enjoy all that these towns--- and those in between---have to offer. Pedretti's. That's one of the best bad habits I had when work took me up that way... I feel a road trip coming up.
Yes, Paul's Tavern is getting a lot of mention here! Indeed--it is a fun place! And I can see that it's truly an Andy kind of place, too. Next time you're there, take photos and do a post on it. We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Andy, you would LOVE Jone's Black Angus in Prairie du Chien. Go on that road trip! It's hard to believe such a beautiful destination is only 3 hours away.
I'm on it!
I have an idea for Dubuque. You must stop at Paul’s Tavern. From its exterior neon sign and wall claiming Big Game Lounge it’s a time warp from start to finish! The knotty pine interior is filled floor to ceiling with stuffed this and stuffed that. I can only imagine everyone in the area bringing in there taxidermied big game because their wives wanted no part of it on their living room wall. Paul’s only serves one menu item (2 if you count cheese). Burgers are $3.75, with cheese $4.00. Chips and drinks are the only other items offered. The double sided grill is very old and most likely “grandfathered in” due to its age. Working class place where everyone feels comfortable!
Paul's is a scream! I'd definitely head there if I needed a burger and a beer. I think your theory on why they have so much taxidermy is right on!