Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant

Glen Vest

2024-04

This was the first time my wife and I have been here, but we cannot recommend it. We didn't stay here, but came for a nice dinner, or so we'd hoped. We'd read and been told good things about the Lodge's food, especially the fried chicken with all the trimmings, so we both chose that. Mistake.Maybe it was (partly) due to us arriving about 7 pm when the Lodge closes at 8 pm, but none of our "hot and fresh" food was either hot OR fresh. Our food seemed to be all leftovers, or residuals, or "end of batch" - NOT what we expected! We were only brought 2 biscuits (total, not each), both were room temp, and both looked & tasted like "cheap canned biscuits" not "fresh OR scratch" biscuits. Our gravy, corn, mashed potatoes, and green beans were over-cooked, yet barely warm. The mashed potatoes were also stiff, clumpy, lumpy, and bland. All our chicken pieces were over-cooked, dry, and only warm ... far from freshly fried.Our waiter was friendly, but kinda slow to come take our order - a little busy right then, so maybe sort of understandable - but once he brought us our food, he didn't check back with us till we were nearly finished eating. (He'd also had little idea what he was talking about regarding local beer brews or what was on tap!) He did not check about our food quality, nor offer drink refills or more bread. This was an "all you can eat" meal, but he never asked if we wanted anything more. He seemed to show up basically in time to bring our bill.This was a big disappointment for us.Food & drinks: This was the first time my wife and I have been here, but we cannot recommend it. We didn't stay here, but came for a nice dinner, or so we'd hoped. We'd read and been told good things about the Lodge's food, especially the fried chicken with all the trimmings, so we both chose that. Mistake.Maybe it was (partly) due to us arriving about 7 pm when the Lodge closes at 8 pm, but none of our "hot and fresh" food was either hot OR fresh. Our food seemed to be all leftovers, or residuals, or "end of batch" - NOT what we expected! We were only brought 2 biscuits (total, not each), both were room temp, and both looked & tasted like "cheap canned biscuits" not "fresh OR scratch" biscuits. Our gravy, corn, mashed potatoes, and green beans were over-cooked, yet barely warm. The mashed potatoes were also stiff, clumpy, lumpy, and bland. All our chicken pieces were over-cooked, dry, and only warm ... far from freshly fried.Our waiter was friendly, but kinda slow to come take our order - a little busy right then, so maybe sort of understandable - but once he brought us our food, he didn't check back with us till we were nearly finished eating. (He'd also had little idea what he was talking about regarding local beer brews or what was on tap!) He did not check about our food quality, nor offer drink refills or more bread. This was an "all you can eat" meal, but he never asked if we wanted anything more. He seemed to show up basically in time to bring our bill.This was a big disappointment for us.

Melissa Rice

2024-04

Was amazing as always we had 14 in our party and our server was awesome I don't know his name but he was on top of everything we did the family dinner and we never ran out same with our drinks no one ever ran out. My only complaint was and it was said by everyone who had sweet tea it didn't taste sweet enough not like it has in the past. Other than that everything was good and delicious

Tricia Harvey

2024-04

Nice place for a lodge. Service was mediocre. Once I was seated at the table, no one came to greet me and ask what I wanted to drink, until I made eye contact with a server. I ordered 2 pieces of chicken breasts, mashed potatoes and the corn. I did not get the all you can eat. My food was just a bit warmer than room temp (not hot at all) and my chicken didn't look fresh. My chicken tasted dried out.Needless to say, this experience did not live up to the hype I got from friends to eat there, especially for the price paid. Disappointed.Food & drinks: Average. Nothing special.

Sherry Savka

2023-12

A wonderful place in a beautiful, scenic State Park. We enjoyed the family style fried chicken dinner on Thanksgiving. Excellent server, delicious food and I had the cherry crumble for dessert. Perfect if you didn't want to cook for 2. The atmosphere was cozy and they had decorated for Christmas which was colorful.Food & drinks: The family style chicken dinner was delicious. The bar was also open for wine, beer and cocktails.

Rachael Favier

2024-03

Amazing place. But first time going back in over 30 years and I had the all you can eat fish dinner and my husband had the country fried steak and mash potatoes. The appetizer was amazing but my fish and fried potatoes was cold when brought out, the potatoes tasted like the oil was old. My husband’s mashed potatoes were kind of runny and you could tell they were instant. The country fried steak was hot but again the oil tasted old as well. I’ve hear nothing but good things about this place and it’s a beautiful place. I don’t know if it was because we were around 445pm but sadly disappointing.

Michelle Halfpenny

2024-02

Been going there for a couple years. So I'm hoping that they just open and they need to get start. The chicken was over cook. Which is very odd. Because that's why we go. Moist chicken. Surprised a little. Chicken came out, with fish on it. The waiter stated that they were running low on chicken. To be honest I don't like fish. But since the chicken was very dry. I try the fish not bad for fish. The dumblings were water down. It's not like we got there late. We got there at 5 15pm. So hoping next time it will be better

Steve Beltran

2024-03

Giant City Lodge and Restaurant offers an unforgettable experience amidst nature's grandeur. The lodge's cozy ambiance and rustic charm create the perfect retreat, while the restaurant delights taste buds. From the breathtaking views to the warm hospitality, every moment at Giant City Lodge is filled with joy and relaxation. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a tranquil getaway!

Debbie Fuller

2024-04

Fried chicken was good. Sides mostly cold. Fried green tomatoes were total grease. We sent them back and she said she didn't think they could make them not greesy. Ah, ok??

Vic Siener

2024-04

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Kevin Turner

2024-04

...somewhere west of Panther Den Forest and south of the Little Grassy Fish Hatchery and Giant City Stables, in the midst of the lakes and hills of southern Illinois lies a timeless national treasure (spanning at least two counties..Jackson and Union) . Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s/40s as part of Giant City State Park, the lodge has been independently operated by the same family ever since. Three generations of family keep the lodge operation running... thsnk you Richard, Mike, Mikey ..and Mikeys Mom !The restaurant seems to specialize in fried chicken and prime rib with an all you can eat / family style offering. Since I no longer accept the "all you can eat" challenges, I had the Maple bourbon glazed salmon. Excellent glaze. Nicely cooked. Baked potato with butter and sour cream, and then this singular Giant carrot 🥕Anyway...there is tons to do down here...with cabins available for rent at this same location...and the multitude of lakes, wineries, and other attractions.Watch out for bigfoot !

Ray Bard

2023-11

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LeVa Clement

2024-03

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Charles Johnson

2023-12

Literally only had fried chicken. 2 adults. A 4 and 5 year old. Cost $70!! Never told us a price until after. My fault but never again.

Kevin Collins

2024-01

I've never stayed at the lodge but the restaurant has all you can eat chicken and all the fixings on Sunday and it's delicious and reasonably priced. The drive to get there is very scenic too.

mitch mcclain

2024-04

Hands down the best fried chicken around. Very inexpensive, especially given the large portions. Very friendly staff.

Tech Student

2024-04

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Laura Hasselbacher

2023-11

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Paul Mocaby

2024-04

The best fried fish I have ever tasted! The service is top tier. This place is a gem of Southern Illinois!

Windysue Williams

2023-12

The waitress was slow. The restaurant wasn't busy and it took 30 mins to get our drinks for a party of 12. We ordered fried green tomatoes, they were greasy and almost burnt. The prime rub was perfect!!! I was there with my family for my birthday dinner.Nearby activities: There's trails to walk right across the street from the Lodge. It's beautiful!Walkability: Lots of beautiful places to take a walk. But you couldn't possible walk to the lodge.

Timothy T

2024-03

Excellent dining with excellent service! Was not expecting such tasty family style food and the service really put it over the top. 5 stars.

Carlye Schweska

2024-04

Jennie is the best! We go every Thursday for breakfast and they are very good to us!

Alma Nikolic

2024-04

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Leslie Reeder III

2024-01

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Jeannie Haigwood

2023-11

This was a joy to stay at. The lodge was beautiful and historic - I could have just sat in there for hours looking at all the craftwork. We stayed in a historic cabin. I gave the room 4 stars because the beds were uncomfortable (too soft) and our TV didn't work but they were clean and convenient. The price was good too. The food at the lodge was wonderful. The staff was informative, attentive and helpful. A BIG thank you to all the staff at the lodge!

Walt Martineau

2024-04

I was there for the legendary Sunday all-you-can-eat chicken 🐔 dinner. Excellent food, service, and atmosphere.

Heidi Davis

2024-04

The prime rib was not good. Their chicken special looked delicious though! Excellent staff!

Garrison Householder

2023-11

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Pam Smith

2023-11

We only had dinner there. Fried chicken dinner family style. Great place and very historical. The movie Gone Girl was also filmed here when she hides from her family.

lisa meade

2024-03

This place is phenomenal!Great food.Reasonably priced.Excellent service.Very clean.

Robert Bushey

2023-08

Enjoyed a two night stay in a double cabin. Accommodations were clean and comfortable, furniture is a little dated but it’s a cabin not a fancy hotel. Plenty of space for five of us with privacy. No cooking area but did have a mini fridge. Outdoor Pool was adequate. Lodge is beautiful and food was excellent. The fried chicken dinner really is worthy of awards! Trails were fun and not too muddy despite overnight rains. Loved it! Will go back.