Welcome to Princeton, Illinois

Sondra
Welcome to Princeton, Illinois

Food scene

Enjoy Niel and Shorty's locally owned and crafted smoked onsite BBQ. Enjoy the melt in your mouth ribs and brisket or dusted shrimp along with the sweet potato fries and blue cheese coleslaw Open Thursday through Saturday- Lunch and dinner. Located in South Main Street Shopping District.
Niel & Shorty's BBQ Company
646 S Main St
Enjoy Niel and Shorty's locally owned and crafted smoked onsite BBQ. Enjoy the melt in your mouth ribs and brisket or dusted shrimp along with the sweet potato fries and blue cheese coleslaw Open Thursday through Saturday- Lunch and dinner. Located in South Main Street Shopping District.
The Thai Food truck permanently located on the corner of Hudson and Main St. Delicious Thai food prepared to order. Our favorites are the Cashew Chicken and Curry Chicken.
Golden Rice Authentic Thai
700 North Main Street
The Thai Food truck permanently located on the corner of Hudson and Main St. Delicious Thai food prepared to order. Our favorites are the Cashew Chicken and Curry Chicken.
Are you craving Mexican food? Then Los Ranchitos is the place to go. "Los" has an extensive menu and serves pitchers of margaritas. Community favorites are the Allen Special and the huge burritos. Me. I like the steak tacos made the "Mexican way" -steak, cilantro and onion. -Located across from the Bureau County Fairgrounds
Los Ranchitos
1204 W Peru St
Are you craving Mexican food? Then Los Ranchitos is the place to go. "Los" has an extensive menu and serves pitchers of margaritas. Community favorites are the Allen Special and the huge burritos. Me. I like the steak tacos made the "Mexican way" -steak, cilantro and onion. -Located across from the Bureau County Fairgrounds
Red's. The best kept secret nearby Princeton worth the 15 minute drive in the cute community of Sheffield. Where the locals drive for a breakfast burger and the best handmade burger patty. Open Wed through Saturday. Live entertainment in the summer with outdoor seating. - Near Psycho Silo Saloon, Langley, IL
Red's Bar & Grill
127 E Railroad St
Red's. The best kept secret nearby Princeton worth the 15 minute drive in the cute community of Sheffield. Where the locals drive for a breakfast burger and the best handmade burger patty. Open Wed through Saturday. Live entertainment in the summer with outdoor seating. - Near Psycho Silo Saloon, Langley, IL
Cute little restaurant with attention to detail on finer dining. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located in a historic building in our North Main Street Art District.
Cafe Grace
1009 North Main Street
Cute little restaurant with attention to detail on finer dining. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located in a historic building in our North Main Street Art District.
"The Cellar" dine in, carryout or delivery pizza, subs, sandwiches, etc. Adult beverages available. You must try their Italian Beef Sub and/or Italian Beef Pizza. Located on South Main and Route 6.
Pizza cellar
402 South Main Street
"The Cellar" dine in, carryout or delivery pizza, subs, sandwiches, etc. Adult beverages available. You must try their Italian Beef Sub and/or Italian Beef Pizza. Located on South Main and Route 6.
Paisano's - known for their pizza. Ask about their monthly pizza special. Very creative. Great food, service and prices. Located on the north end of our Main Street next to the Rotary Park by the Amtrack Station.
Paisano’s Ristorante
1007 North Main Street
Paisano's - known for their pizza. Ask about their monthly pizza special. Very creative. Great food, service and prices. Located on the north end of our Main Street next to the Rotary Park by the Amtrack Station.
One of our local diners for consistently good simple food. - A good family dinner or farmer's breakfast.
Coffee Cup Family Restaurant
628 West Railroad Avenue
One of our local diners for consistently good simple food. - A good family dinner or farmer's breakfast.
One of our local diners with good food and wide menu. Great for it's daily specials of soup, skillets and home cooked meals.
Big Apple Family Restaurant
2136 North Main Street
One of our local diners with good food and wide menu. Great for it's daily specials of soup, skillets and home cooked meals.
Not fancy, but consistently good and plenty oriental food. A staple in Princeton for the locals.
Oriental Garden Restaurant
428 South Main Street
Not fancy, but consistently good and plenty oriental food. A staple in Princeton for the locals.
Sisler’s Ice Cream is made right on site on Main Street. It is a third generation shop of ice cream makers locally owned and operated. We choose to believe that it is healthier than most Ice Cream 😉 because you can walk to Sisler’s on South Main. The lightly flavored ice cream of “Lavender honey” is my favorite, but the rest of my family is partial to anything chocolate. Just for fun, look at the newspaper clippings enlarged on the wall. There is a youth soccer team picture adorning the wall. Sisler’s sponsored our daughter’s soccer team when she was four years old. Bill Sisler coached them and now his children Tieg and her brother Lucas own the place! Go! Run!
Sislers Ice Cream Llc
Sisler’s Ice Cream is made right on site on Main Street. It is a third generation shop of ice cream makers locally owned and operated. We choose to believe that it is healthier than most Ice Cream 😉 because you can walk to Sisler’s on South Main. The lightly flavored ice cream of “Lavender honey” is my favorite, but the rest of my family is partial to anything chocolate. Just for fun, look at the newspaper clippings enlarged on the wall. There is a youth soccer team picture adorning the wall. Sisler’s sponsored our daughter’s soccer team when she was four years old. Bill Sisler coached them and now his children Tieg and her brother Lucas own the place! Go! Run!
A step back in time to a neighborhood family tavern. Supper club type food hidden in a neighborhood hood on Park Avenue West by the Metro Center. Cold beer, great cocktails, and good food. Fried chicken like only the Illinois Valley can offer!
Alexander Park Tavern
A step back in time to a neighborhood family tavern. Supper club type food hidden in a neighborhood hood on Park Avenue West by the Metro Center. Cold beer, great cocktails, and good food. Fried chicken like only the Illinois Valley can offer!
The Prime Quarter is a Princeton classic for steaks. If you are looking for a relaxing place for dinner, this is a great place. You can “grill your own” if it is your own if you want to hang around and chat with friends or pay a little extra and have it grilled for you. A little pricier than most options in Princeton, but still a great value.
Prime Quarter Steak House
250 Backbone Rd E
The Prime Quarter is a Princeton classic for steaks. If you are looking for a relaxing place for dinner, this is a great place. You can “grill your own” if it is your own if you want to hang around and chat with friends or pay a little extra and have it grilled for you. A little pricier than most options in Princeton, but still a great value.
Scooter's Coffee
Tasty and healthy food options that can be ordered for carry-out or picked up in to go containers from there cooler for meal planning.
Optimal Health
Tasty and healthy food options that can be ordered for carry-out or picked up in to go containers from there cooler for meal planning.

Neighborhoods

Also known as "The Art District" located south of the train tracks, but north of Clark street. Includes great businesses such as The Knack to paint your own pottery, The Studio and Milk Mustache for boutique shopping, Layla's Nails for spa services, Sophisticuts for spa services, The historic Knox Hotel, and Beetz Me- wine, trinkets, home decor and sassy gifts.
North Main Street
North Main Street
Also known as "The Art District" located south of the train tracks, but north of Clark street. Includes great businesses such as The Knack to paint your own pottery, The Studio and Milk Mustache for boutique shopping, Layla's Nails for spa services, Sophisticuts for spa services, The historic Knox Hotel, and Beetz Me- wine, trinkets, home decor and sassy gifts.
South Main Street in Princeton is home to the Apollo Theater for current movies, cute boutique shops including Nici Lynn Shoes, Five 22, Little Blue Dress, and Wild Honey. Cannot miss Hoffman Pattern's of the Past or Rachel Rene's Bath and Body products. Try a peach smoothie at Austin Parker Naturals. The best gift ideas are located in Fresh Finds Hallmark Store, Lodestone and Meadows for home decor.
South Main Street
South Main Street
South Main Street in Princeton is home to the Apollo Theater for current movies, cute boutique shops including Nici Lynn Shoes, Five 22, Little Blue Dress, and Wild Honey. Cannot miss Hoffman Pattern's of the Past or Rachel Rene's Bath and Body products. Try a peach smoothie at Austin Parker Naturals. The best gift ideas are located in Fresh Finds Hallmark Store, Lodestone and Meadows for home decor.

Reasons People Drive to Princeton

Are you a craft adult beverage connoisseur? Check out The Barrel Society. Indoor and outdoor seating. The food trucks make special stops so that you can enjoy your craft beer or whiskey with themed food.
6 locals recommend
Barrel Society
930 N Main St
6 locals recommend
Are you a craft adult beverage connoisseur? Check out The Barrel Society. Indoor and outdoor seating. The food trucks make special stops so that you can enjoy your craft beer or whiskey with themed food.
South Main Street Concerts take place during the summer in our small town. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy our free concerts provided by our tourism board and chamber of commerce. We have cover bands for a wide array of genres.
South Main Street
South Main Street
South Main Street Concerts take place during the summer in our small town. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy our free concerts provided by our tourism board and chamber of commerce. We have cover bands for a wide array of genres.
Oh Heaven's! Even if you don't need a pie, you NEED a pie from Myrtle's. Probably 10+ freshly baked homemade pies by our local pie maker. Just saying... his name is not Myrtle.
6 locals recommend
Myrtle's Pie
927 N Main St
6 locals recommend
Oh Heaven's! Even if you don't need a pie, you NEED a pie from Myrtle's. Probably 10+ freshly baked homemade pies by our local pie maker. Just saying... his name is not Myrtle.
THE Psycho Silo Saloon located in Langley, IL. The "Silo" is a locals favorite, a biker's paradise, a hot rod stop, and a chill safe place to enjoy a beer in an adult outdoor roadhouse style stop. The beer and beverage flow along with the music in the summertime. Open May through October on Fridays through Sundays. Cash only.
8 locals recommend
Psycho Silo Saloon
8811 U.S. 6
8 locals recommend
THE Psycho Silo Saloon located in Langley, IL. The "Silo" is a locals favorite, a biker's paradise, a hot rod stop, and a chill safe place to enjoy a beer in an adult outdoor roadhouse style stop. The beer and beverage flow along with the music in the summertime. Open May through October on Fridays through Sundays. Cash only.
Festival 56 is a wonderful community based theater with visiting professional talent. Year round Festival 56 has something going on for every age! Their events are held at The Grace Center for Performing Arts, The Prairie Arts Center, and Soldier and Sailors Park. If you are with us on a Wednesday or Sunday night, you may get a chance to see Shakespeare in the Park. It a offered free to the community by Festival 56 cast. It is usually a light hearted rendition of a Shakespeare play. We are so fortunate to have Festival 56 in our community. They create a special warm buzz to the community in the summers especially.
Festival 56
316 S Main St
Festival 56 is a wonderful community based theater with visiting professional talent. Year round Festival 56 has something going on for every age! Their events are held at The Grace Center for Performing Arts, The Prairie Arts Center, and Soldier and Sailors Park. If you are with us on a Wednesday or Sunday night, you may get a chance to see Shakespeare in the Park. It a offered free to the community by Festival 56 cast. It is usually a light hearted rendition of a Shakespeare play. We are so fortunate to have Festival 56 in our community. They create a special warm buzz to the community in the summers especially.
Enjoy the cool little watering hole new to Princeton in 2023. If it’s a beer you would like, they have a good one for you.
Coal Creek Brewing Company
Enjoy the cool little watering hole new to Princeton in 2023. If it’s a beer you would like, they have a good one for you.
Whether you are attending a wedding or just in Princeton, this is a beautiful wedding venue. On the property of Hornbaker Gardens, “The Barn” is the beginning of many chapters.
The Barn At Hornbaker Gardens
Whether you are attending a wedding or just in Princeton, this is a beautiful wedding venue. On the property of Hornbaker Gardens, “The Barn” is the beginning of many chapters.
Bureau County Historical Society Museum
109 Park Ave W
The architecture and nature are just gorgeous!
Chapel Hill Golf Course and Events Center
12927 Illinois 26
The architecture and nature are just gorgeous!

Staying Active

Fitness Center available 24/7.
Anytime Fitness
444 South Main Street
Fitness Center available 24/7.
Our park district work out center with updated exercise equipment, fitness rooms, indoor pool with lanes, sauna, whirlpool, and exercise classes.
Bureau County Metro Center
837 Park Ave W
Our park district work out center with updated exercise equipment, fitness rooms, indoor pool with lanes, sauna, whirlpool, and exercise classes.

Sightseeing

We are fortunate to have the Hennepin Canal system within minutes of driving or cycling just south of Princeton. Feel free to fish (with IL fishing license if over 18), bicycle, hike or picnic.
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
16006 E. Street
We are fortunate to have the Hennepin Canal system within minutes of driving or cycling just south of Princeton. Feel free to fish (with IL fishing license if over 18), bicycle, hike or picnic.
We are so close to Starved Rock State Park that you can get there within 30 minutes. Beautiful park for picnics, hiking, and just sitting on the veranda for a dinner or outdoor band.
90 locals recommend
Starved Rock State Park
2678 E 875th Rd
90 locals recommend
We are so close to Starved Rock State Park that you can get there within 30 minutes. Beautiful park for picnics, hiking, and just sitting on the veranda for a dinner or outdoor band.
History right here. Abolitionist Pastor Owen Lovejoy. Visit the Owen Lovejoy Home for a brief history lesson.
6 locals recommend
Owen Lovejoy House
East Peru Street
6 locals recommend
History right here. Abolitionist Pastor Owen Lovejoy. Visit the Owen Lovejoy Home for a brief history lesson.
Award winning local winery located in Utica, IL just minutes from Princeton. Great tasting room with plenty of room and entertainment year round.
17 locals recommend
August Hill Winery Tasting Room
106 Mill St
17 locals recommend
Award winning local winery located in Utica, IL just minutes from Princeton. Great tasting room with plenty of room and entertainment year round.
Hornbaker Gardens is the area’s prettiest garden center, botanical center and arboretum. It does not cost anything to walk around or does it? You will surely notice something pretty you must have.
Hornbaker Gardens, Inc.
22937 County Rd 1140 N
Hornbaker Gardens is the area’s prettiest garden center, botanical center and arboretum. It does not cost anything to walk around or does it? You will surely notice something pretty you must have.

Coffee

Looking for your cup of Joe?
Bean Buzz Coffee
Yes, we have talented baristas at our library!
Princeton Public Library
Yes, we have talented baristas at our library!
Scooter's Coffee

Recreation

Enjoy a day at Chapel Hill for 18 holes of golf or a special event.
A nicely kept 9 hole golf course just outside of Princeton
Wyaton Hills Golf Course
A nicely kept 9 hole golf course just outside of Princeton