1. Climb The Magic Mountain At Ross’ Restaurant
Ross’ Restaurant
430 14th St
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 355-7573
Yelp: 4 stars
Yeah, these kind of mountains really are made of magic. Don’t think too much about the impact on your arteries, just order this amazing mash-up of Texas toast, ground beef, French fries, and cheese sauce.
If that sounds like too much to handle, try out their gigantic, pillowy cinnamon buns.
2. Experience Quad Cities-Style Pizza At Harris
Harris Pizza
3903 14th Ave
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 788-3446
Yelp: 4.5 stars
Quad Cities-style pizza is kind of a big deal, and nobody makes that special, regional take on classic pizza quite like Harris.
The Taco Pizza, topped with seasoned pork, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and taco chips, is easily the most famous item on the menu—and with good reason.
3. Enjoy Authentic Mexican Tacos At La Rancherita
La Rancherita
4118 14th Ave
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 794-1648
Yelp: 4 stars
With their incredible pico de gallo and truly traditional offerings like tongue and dried beef tacos, this cash-only joint is a favorite with locals. Although the meat-based dishes are delicious, La Rancherita also offers some of the best vegetarian options in the region.
4. Go Farm-To-Table At The Barley & Rye Bistro
Barley & Rye Bistro
1320 5th Ave
Moline, IL 61265
(309) 757-1557
Yelp: 4 stars
Focusing on fresh, sustainable ingredients sourced from local farmers, Barley & Rye supports the community and offers truly delicious seasonal dishes.
Try their quali and waffle, a spicy play on the southern classic, and don’t forget to order one of their well-developed craft cocktails.
5. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth At Café d’Marie
Café d’Marie
614 W 5th St
Davenport, IA 52803
(563) 323-3293
Yelp: 5 stars
A perfect blend of sweet and savory offerings, Café d’Marie provides their patrons with delicious quiche, fresh soups, and inventive paninis, but the desserts are the focal point here: don’t miss the amazing peanut butter cup cookies and stand-out chocolate cake.
6. Get True Down-Home Cuisine At Smokey’s Country Diner
Smokey’s Country Diner
561 17th Ave
East Moline, IL 61244
(309) 912-9001
Yelp: 4 stars
Serving up huge portions of delicious down-home cooking, Smokey’s is famous for its perfectly tender pulled pork drowned in thick, sweet barbeque sauce, homemade mac-and-cheese, hand-cut fries, and massive, tender sirloins.
Don’t miss their tasty breakfasts options, as well (the waffles are that perfect level of fluffiness).
7. Try Flavorful, Healthful Options At Downtown Central Perk
Downtown Central Perk
226 W 3rd St
Davenport, IA 52801
(563) 324-9560
Yelp: 3.5 stars
A perfect spot for vegetarians, vegans, and healthily-minded meat-eaters alike, Downtown Central Perk offers renowned, direct-trade Intellgentsia coffee, as well as tasty menu options like soysauge pizzas, nachos, flatbreads, and quinoa cereal.
Try their fresh-squeezed juice bar for a healthy morning pick-me-up.
8. Locally-Made Beer And Great Food Shine At The Front Street Brewery
Front Street Brewery
208 E River Dr
Davenport, IA 52801
(563) 322-1569
Yelp: 4 stars
Offering up the best mahi mahi fish tacos in town, Front Street Brewery is also one of the Quad Cities’ best microbrews. Sample 4-ounce servings of four, six, or eight of their handcrafted beers (be sure to check out the Cherry Ale and Vanilla Porter).
9. Take Your Palate On A Tour At Lemongrass Café
Lemongrass Café
1419 5th Ave
Moline, IL 61265
(309) 797-4100
Yelp: 4.5 stars
“Asian fusion” restaurants are typically pretty blah, but Lemongrass Café is the happy exception to this rule.
Their super spicy gra pow, dancing shrimp salad, and Thai bouillabaisse are all packed with bright flavors, and their happy hour specials are not to be missed.
10. Get Seriously Gourmet Pizza At Crust Stone Oven
Crust Stone Oven Pizza
2561 E 53rd Ave
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 424-5502
Yelp: 4 stars
Crust doesn’t serve a Quad Cities-style pizza, but it does make a stellar gourmet pie. Start off with their wildly delicious beer-battered white cheese curds, which come with a raspberry-jalapeño dipping sauce (you read that right), then move on to one of their inventive, delicious pizzas: the Kimchi, Three Pigs, and Chorizo-Potato stand out from the pack.
11. Enjoy Freshly Made Diner Favorites At Jimmy’s Pancake House
Jimmy’s Pancake House
2521 18th St
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 355-2799
Yelp: 4.5 stars
You have to try the breakfast at Jimmy’s Pancake House. Everything is homemade, and they excel at all the traditional American breakfast staples (waffles, French toast, and pancakes). Despite being a classic greasy spoon-style diner, all of their toppings are fresh. They never use the gross syrupy stuff.
12. Stop By Funky Desi’s For Fun Atmosphere And Flavorful Dishes
Funky Desi
1409 5th Ave
Moline, IL 61265
(309) 517-1962
Yelp: 4.5 stars
Funky Desi offers an atypical mix of excellent Indian cuisine—featuring layered, delicately spiced dishes—and a fun bar vibe, with a pool table and local microbrews. Be sure to check out their tandoori chicken and paneer makhni.
13. Experience A Romantic Night On The Town At Trattoria Tiramisu
Trattoria Tiramisu
1804 State St
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 323-2787
Yelp: 4 stars
If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant for a special date in the Quad Cities, Trattoria Tiramisu is a stellar option. Start off with the calamari, then try their ravioli Rossini or linguine alla bolognese. Be sure to save room for dessert—this place doesn’t take its namesake lightly.
14. Try Exceptional Mexican Fare At La Rosa De Michoacan Taqueria
La Rosa De Michoacan Taqueria
1821 19th St
East Moline, IL 61244
(309) 755-4462
Yelp: 4 stars
La Rosa De Michoacan Taqueria offers perfect, crispy chimichangas, a welcoming atmosphere, and more authentic Mexican food than you are likely to find nearly anywhere else in the area: both huaraches and pozole, a traditional Mexican soup, are on the menu, and they’re both exceptional.
15. Enjoy Beer Pairings At The Blue Cat Brewpub
Blue Cat Brewpub
113 18th St
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 788-8247
Yelp: 4 stars
Great beer and delicious food… what more do you want? Check out the duck drummies or Scotch eggs to start, then move on to classic steak au jus and battered fries. Their beers are great, but the Arkham Stout and Wigged Pig Wheat are especially excellent brews.
What’s your go-to for great grub in the Quad Cities? Tell us in the comments below!
