Comfort Food Restaurants near Girard, IL

“I love everything about Docs Just Off 66! The atmosphere is phenomenal. Located in an old drug store, the owners have tried to preserve the history of the loaction and keep that old-time drug store feel with original shelves and display cases. It's like taking a step back in time.Some of the servers are young and are still learning the ropes, but with a little grace and patience that every human deserves, you still get excellent service with a smile.There are essentially two rooms separated by some pretty french doors that remain open for access back and forth between the different areas. I would call the area off of the kitchen the main dining area where there are more tables for seating. The side that you enter on has mostly bench style seating. There are also bar stools and a few bar height and regular height tables near the slots area. I prefer the bench tables as you come in if dining with only a couple of people during the warmer seasons because of the atmosphere the old drug store bar provides. But I would opt for the main dining area during the winter months to avoid the cold when people are entering and exiting the building.The food! Oh my gosh! The food is delicious! I signed up for the text alerts and the photos of their specials instantly make my mouth water. I hate that it's a 20 minute drive. If I lived in Girard, I would be there multiple times each week. I have tried a few things so far and haven't settled on a favorite yet, but I for sure recommend the Deck Burger. The flavor was amazing! And you have to save room or find room to enjoy dessert, as well. The last ice cream I got was the Royal Banana Sundea (see photo). Grandma got the Deck Sundae with 3 choices of toppings. We were stuffed after our 3 course meal. But so happy. ?My other favorite thing about Docs is that they host events. Definitely like them on Facebook to see what events they have coming up. Me & my boyfriend's grandma love going to the Group Pull events they just started in December 2023. So if you like to gamble, give that a try. I have seen a few events where they have local singers and musicians as well.Docs is a great restaurant to support if you are looking for good food, nice atmosphere, friendly service, and entertainment (on scheduled nights).Parking: It is located on the Westside of the town square where there are plenty of parking spaces just a short 20ft or less to the front door.Kid-friendliness: I have seen families with young children dining there every time I have gone. I do not have children of my own, so I didn't pay attention to whether there is a kid's menu or highchairs or crayons or any of that, but I never noticed any kids there who were unhappy. All looked as though they were enjoying their evening eating out with their family. I do remember a fold down changing station in the women's bathroom.Wheelchair accessibility: There is a wooden ramp with a handrail that leads into the front door directly in front of at least 1 handicapped parking space. There is gripper tape on the wooden ramp for better traction. The ramp is wide enough for two average sized people to comfortably walk side by side, so should easily accommodate wider wheelchairs. The door swings inward. Ramp is not very steep. Only needed to get over one step in enterance way if my memory serves me right.“

“A shining Mecca in the blackness of night, this outpost of wonder is a comfort to weary travelers seeking respite from their interminable journeys. The young man who was working the overnight shift when we visited was a model citizen, exhibiting qualities of kindness and helpfulness that are so precious to find in this Kingdom of Fear. And the stock of novelties, souvenirs, geegaws and gimcracks was enough to cause my traveling companion to exult in delight, reinvigorating us for the further forging ahead. Any one seeking a gift would do well to mark this location, as the young man at the register put it-"when I have a girlfriend or whatever, I shop here". If only they offered hot dogs in the middle of the night, then this would truly be the shangri-la of roadside retail shelters.“