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Welcome to Sweetwater Kitchen & Cocktails

At Sweetwater Kitchen & Cocktails, located on the picturesque River Beach Drive in Chillicothe, IL, every meal becomes a memorable experience. Our story weaves together a passion for exceptional food and an inviting atmosphere. Our dynamic menu features standout dishes, from succulent coconut shrimp to expertly cooked tenderloin, complemented by creatively crafted cocktails like the classic old-fashioned. With outdoor seating that welcomes dogs and a lively bar scene, we cater to both casual diners and those seeking a fun night out. Join us for an intimate dining experience where every bite is a delight and the warm service makes you feel at home.

Sweetwater Kitchen & Cocktails: Reviews & Ratings

Pat B.
Pat B.

Absolutely the best.. I had coconut shrimp., hubby had tenderloin.. just yum yum.. service was Outstanding!! I had an old fashion that was very well served. Come enjoy the restaurant with a view.

Scott D.
Scott D.

Dynamic menu, great food, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere. This place checks all the boxes. Worth a bit of a drive - you won't be disappointed.

Jack T.
Jack T.

What a great restaurant! This was the first time myself, wife and son returned since River Beach Club. We ordered the classic tenderloin, Lakehouse, and Surf and Turf burgers. The tenderloin was the perfect golden brown and the burgers were juicy. The fries could have been more crispy though that's a personal preference. Our server, Cheyenne, was very personable and took great care of us. Thank you!

Rhonda H.
Rhonda H.

Delicious dinner in a really fun atmosphere!! We arrived 7:30 and told an hour wait. Room at the bar so we ate at bar!! Fun local beers on tap! Bartender was amazing and crazy busy!! Lively restaurant!! Make a reservation a must!! My husband Randy had bacon burger and sweet potato fries!! Very good!! I had blue gill fish and chips!! Absolutely delicious!! Special sauce great!! I love bluegill and not common around here!! Fun date night!! We were inside but patio overlooking River will be our next trip !!!

Meghan T.
Meghan T.

We have great service, the food is always so tasty, and we enjoy the small space and the intimacy of the experience. They have the most amazing truffles!!!

Amy R.
Amy R.

I've been wanting to try Sweetwater for a while. Technically this is a 4.5 because of farm smells and flies. But I can't subtract a whole star from a somewhat new biz because of that. A few fans and maybe some citronella are possibly in order. That aside, we were delighted. When you live in the so called, "River City," and can count on one hand the outdoor dining opportunities that include a water view, I consider the outdoor space a huge attribute. Add a wood burning fireplace in the outdoor seating area and you definitely have our business, for cocktails at a minimum. Speaking of the cocktails, they were tiki/beach themed and sugar centric. This is popular, I would assume and thought the Mai Tai was respectable. I'm not a big sweet cocktail consumer my husband and I would have liked a couple options that were a little more ascetic, but there was wine, so we were fine. As far as the food and service go, two thumbs up. I am Celiac and not only was our server knowledgeable about the menu and food allergies, she made good suggestions on wine and side dish choices. Lots of great options with a tropical twist Do I have some notes? Oh yeah I do. Definitely missed my calling as a product designer/food critic/editor lol. I am exceptionally difficult to please and I was pleased. It sort of feels like this place is a hidden gem, at least in our neck o( the woods. I will endeavor to change that. We'll definitely be back!!!

M R.
M R.

The food at Sweetwater is always amazing! The Rasta Pasta is my go to. Service is usually good, wait staff is attentive and friendly. The building was remodeled and well decorated in a Caribbean vibe. The is a beautiful view of the Illinois River. In the summer you can sit outside. When it gets colder, there is a outdoor fireplace to keep you warm. It is also a great place to go just for drinks. There is a good selection of beer, but no Red Stripe. There are many specialty drinks recipes that were created by the staff. The bartenders are very nice and knowledgeable.

Amber T.
Amber T.

Great food and drinks! Service was great even though they were short-staffed the night we went. Courtney was awesome! Great atmosphere.

Barbra M.
Barbra M.

A cute little place on the river, off the beaten path. I'd been to the previous restaurant at this location, and was pleasantly surprised by the renovations for Sweetwater. The menu was great, too. We started off with the house-made cheese curds and blackberry martinis- yum! I had the honey salmon with wasabi aioli (which was not too spicy), jasmine rice and I swapped out the veggies for firecracker slaw. All very good. My friends enjoyed the whitefish Parmesan, fish & chips, French onion burger and French onion soup. I liked that they had both crispy potatoes and French fries. The seasonal vegetables were a nice mix of root veggies. We were impressed overall. Glad we ventured out to this hidden gem.

Eric D.
Eric D.

Did't know that the previous restaurant at the location (the River Beach Club) had been purchased, renovated and re-themed. It's been open for a while now and I learned about it from a friend in Chili. Decided to stop by and check it out. Very pleasantly surprised by the new look, vibe and menu. Definitely upscaled, but not to the point of pretentiousness. The menu is encouraging and varied. After learning a few things from the bartender, I ended up ordering the local fish and chips (bluegill from the Kickapo). It was delicious, especially with the Scrimshaw pils on tap! Good-sized fish portion and homemade chips Please don't ruin the fish with malt vinegar. If you want a flavor enhancer, it comes with a spicy non-traditional tartar sauce. Possibly the best fried fish that I've ever had in a restaurant. I'm eager to come back and try other menu items, especially when the deck opens for the season. This will definitely be a weekly stop on my way back to Peoria.

Location

Welcome to the delightful world of Sweetwater Kitchen & Cocktails, a charming cocktail bar located at 13637 N River Beach Dr, Chillicothe, IL. Nestled along the picturesque riverfront, this vibrant establishment offers an inviting atmosphere that perfectly marries a love for good food and great company.

Sweetwater Kitchen & Cocktails is not just any dining spot; it's a celebrated destination that checks all the boxes for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. With a dynamic and well-crafted menu, it encompasses a variety of American dishes that are expertly prepared, making it a go-to for locals and visitors. The customer reviews reflect a consistent theme: outstanding food, excellent service, and a warm, relaxed vibe.

  • Standout Dishes: Diners rave about the coconut shrimp and the classic tenderloin, which is cooked to golden perfection. The Surf and Turf burgers are also a crowd favorite, bursting with flavor. Guests have noted the bluegill fish and chips as a must-try, highlighting its unique presence in the area.
  • Impeccable Service: Reviewers frequently mention the exceptional service, with attentive staff like Cheyenne ensuring that every visit feels personalized and special.
  • Atmosphere: From the lively bar scene to the serene outdoor seating options overlooking the river, the ambiance is inviting regardless of whether you're indulging in a casual meal or a special date night.
  • Drinks that Delight: Make sure to try one of their expertly crafted cocktails, such as the well-served old fashioned, which has received commendations for its sophistication.
  • Bring Your Best Friend: As an added bonus for dog lovers, Sweetwater Kitchen & Cocktails is a pet-friendly establishment, allowing you to enjoy your meal while your furry companion relaxes by your side.

In conclusion, Sweetwater Kitchen & Cocktails is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that promises delicious food, enthralling drinks, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're grabbing takeout, enjoying outdoor seating, or spending a cozy evening with friends and family, this gem in Chillicothe is not to be missed. Make a reservation, gather your loved ones, and get ready for an unforgettable dining experience!

For inquiries, you can reach them at (309) 576-3048.