Illinois Valley Living_February 2026_Dining & Entertainment

FEBRUARY 2026

ILLINOIS VALLEY LIVING

Dining & Entertainment

A Seaside Vibe

The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp’s upcoming season

Illinois Valley Super Bowl offers a variety of entertainment

The Tee Box, a one-of-a-kind local establishment

Weekly Specials – Dine In Only

Quesadilla Mondays - $2 off quesadilla dinners, $1 off quesadilla sides

Taco Tuesdays - $2 hard shell tacos, $2 off all taco dinners

Burrito Wednesdays - $2 off all burritos dinners

Enchilada Thursdays - $2 off all enchilada dinners

Fajita Fridays - $2 off all fajita dinners

Steak Saturdays - $2 off steak dinners

Chicken Sundays - $2 off all chicken dinners

From 2-5 p.m. Mon-Fri $2 off all Margaritas $1 off draft beer $3 cans ½ price nachos and Mexican street corn

General Manager/

Advertising Director Jeanette Smith jmsmith@shawmedia.com

Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com

Writers Katlyn Sanden Shannon Serpette

Photographer Shannon Serpette

Designer Liz Klein

Attendees receive free general admission to Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp games, making it an excellent option for affordable family entertainment.

PLAY BALL

The Pistol Shrimp hope to claw their way to the top this season

Story by Shannon Serpette

Anyone looking for a fun activity this summer that won’t do too much damage to their bank account should attend an Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp game.

“Our mission as a team and organization is to provide an affordable, family-friendly environment where all people feel welcomed, safe and comfortable so we can share our love and joy of baseball. Games serve as a community meshpoint where families, friends, even co-workers can gather, relax and enjoy,” Pistol Shrimp General Manager June Keeley said.

Even those who aren’t hardcore sports fans will likely still have a great time because there is so much going on at every game.

“Attending a Pistol Shrimp game could not be easier – just show up and have fun. You don’t have to know the first thing about the game. We provide free general admission, entertainment, high-level competitive collegiate baseball, contests and giveaways, and even an adjacent playground where children can play. We also invite all kids to run the bases after every home game,” she said.

The Pistol Shrimp welcomes feedback from its fans – and that input has resulted in a change for the games this year.

“Due to fan feedback requesting earlier game times, we have moved up our start times to 6:35 p.m.,” Keeley said, adding that Sundays and double headers will start at 4:35 p.m.

Above: SouthClaw Sam is the Pistol Shrimp’s mascot, and people of all ages like to take a picture with him.

“Every year, we do a little pruning to our theme night line-up, which means new theme nights. No worries, though, we’ve kept all the favorites like Bark in the Park, Paint the Park Pink, Polish Night, with a few also having specialty jerseys, such as First Responder Appreciation. We are also working on a weekly night with discounts on food, beverage, and merch, along with surprises,” she said.

Fans will also notice a new layout this season.

“Over our past five seasons in the Illinois Valley, we’ve learned a lot by exploring many different ways of operating and different setups at the field. For our sixth season, we look forward to putting that knowledge to work to create a superior fan experience environment,” she said. “We’re excited to introduce a new layout where our beer, food trucks and merch will all be together in a more consolidated, centralized area behind the grandstands, making it easier to socialize.”

Those who have never been to a Pistol Shrimp

game are in for a treat, according to Keeley.

“Newcomers immediately discover that this is not your typical ‘big stadium experience.’ We offer free general admission, free parking, and affordable food and beverage options. Although Pistol Shrimp games have a very warm, inviting, close-knit community feel, we provide a fantastic fan experience with our exciting theme nights, promotions, opportunities to participate in on-field activities and games, prizes, and free giveaways,” Keeley said.

“Our mascot SouthClaw Sam loves making the rounds to meet fans, and players enjoy interacting with fans. We also have some of the most gorgeous sunsets I’ve ever seen,” she added.

A day at any ballfield wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some fan-favorite stadium food.

“Pistol Shrimp games offer a variety of food and beverage options for everyone, so come hungry. Our hard-working concession staff serve up all the classic ballpark snacks and treats, including slushees, ice cream novelties, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, candy and soda,” she said.

Those who want something more substantial to eat than a snack will find a wide selection of items from food trucks at the stadium.

“Fans can chow down on a variety of cuisines from local food trucks, including barbecue, gourmet hot dogs, eggrolls, tenderloins and more. Check our promo schedule at PistolShrimp.com before heading to the park to see who will be at that night’s game,” Keeley said.

Fans who are in the mood for an adult beverage to sip on while they support the Pistol Shrimp may have a hard time deciding on which drink to choose.

“Our Beer Garden is stocked with domestic and craft beers, seltzers, canned cocktails and several varieties of Long Drink. Beer Garden staff make to order your favorite hand-crafted cocktails with award-winning Star Union Spirits,” Keeley said.

Keeley is as eager for the upcoming season to start as the rest of the Pistol Shrimp fans are.

“Summer is the best part of my whole year when the live energy and enthusiasm of people happens. I really enjoy getting to know new interns each year and work with them as they develop their skills and abilities to gain valuable work experience along with returning staff. Getting to know the new players and have a front row view to their success and development over the summer is a treat,” Keeley said.

“I also enjoy the close relationships that have been built with our food trucks, vendors, sponsors, community partners and fans. I consider many of them family at this point,” she said. “We are very fortunate to have so many amazing people on Team Pistol Shrimp.”

“Attending a Pistol Shrimp game could not be easier – just show up and have fun.”

June Keeley

H

HLet the Good Times Roll

Story by Shannon Serpette

When you’re looking for a laid-back place to have fun with friends or family, it’s hard to beat the wholesome, nostalgic vibe of a bowling alley. For generations, they’ve been known as community hubs where people meet up to share conversations and laughs while trying to beat each other in a friendly competition.

These days, it can be harder than ever to find a local bowling alley since many have closed, but at Illinois Valley Super Bowl in Peru, the good times are still rolling. Since

2020, it has been co-owned by Joe Zokal and Eric Acuncius, who have both bowled professionally and served as bowling coaches. Both men have a decades-long history with the business – helping out or working at the Illinois Valley Super Bowl before they owned it.

Zokal has been going to the Illinois Valley Super Bowl since it first opened in 1988.

“At first, when they opened, I went in to just have fun with friends. Over the years, I joined leagues and had started getting better at the game,” Zokal said.

Comedian Chris Speyrer recently performed at the Illinois Valley Super Bowl in Peru.

The thing he enjoyed most about this time at the Illinois Valley Super Bowl was the atmosphere and the deep friendships he made there with other players and customers.

“It was about 10 years ago, the more I did for and with the Stublers (the former owners), the more I thought I would like to be a part of this for the rest of my life – being able to help other people learn the game, and get better, and enjoy the game as much as I do. It’s the people that keep me doing what I do,” Zokal said.

Today’s bowling alleys rarely offer just bowling – they have become known as multi-faceted entertainment centers. The Illinois Valley Super Bowl features a diverse lineup of entertainment that offers something for all generations.

“We have a lot of different things at the Super Bowl. We have comedy nights,” Zokal said. “We have a full arcade and redemption area. We also do live music and host a lot of company events and fundraisers. The 5th Frame Lounge is our bar area where we hold comedy, music, private events, and have a full-service bar.”

Of course, at the heart of the Illinois Valley Super Bowl is a shared love of bowling – and bowlers of all ages can be found there trying to improve their game

HI

and beat their personal record.

“We currently have leagues for mixed teams, men’s teams, youth leagues, and high school leagues,” Zokal said. “We also host IESA grade school team practices and meets, and tournaments for a lot of local grade schools. We are the home center for St. Bede Bruins and LaSalle-Peru Cavalier boys and girls bowling teams.”

Those who work up an appetite while having fun at the Illinois Valley Super Bowl will find a full menu to choose from.

“We have an amazing food menu with many different and delicious items,” Zokal said. “We have amazing pizza and garlic nuggets. We also have over 15 appetizers and shareables, with our biggest seller being our Super Bowl nachos. There are also burgers, chicken sandwiches, boneless wings with many sauces to choose from, and we have loaded sundaes.”

Zokal wants his customers to have the same kind of feeling he did when he first started going to Illinois Valley Super Bowl decades ago – that he had found a place he would love to visit over and over.

“We strive to have a fun, family-friendly atmosphere where you can come and relax and enjoy being with your friends with more than just one thing to do for everyone,” he said.

“It’s the people that keep me doing what I do.””

Joe Zokal

The Beach House offers a coastal feel

Story & Photos by Shannon Serpette

If you’ve ever taken a vacation to a seaside city and enjoyed seafood while watching nearby waves, you’ll likely appreciate a trip to The Beach House in Ottawa. This restaurant matches the flavors, décor, and relaxed feeling people may remember from their coastal vacations – and that’s exactly how owner John Mathias designed it to be.

“It’s supposed to be fun,” he said. “We have flavors that try to help us evoke that food memory.”

In addition to owning The Beach House, located at 700 LaSalle St., Mathias, who is originally from Philadelphia, and his wife, Maura, originally from Boston, also own

Sweet Bean Gelato at 704 LaSalle St. and Pesciolino Osteria in Channahon. Before opening his first solo restaurant in 2008, Mathias paid his dues in the restaurant business by working his way up. He began working in a restaurant in high school to earn spending money, starting by bussing tables and washing dishes, as many teenagers do.

“I grew up in the kitchens,” he said.

Mathias enjoys creating restaurants from scratch.

“Most of my restaurants over the years have been seafood. We bought this property (The Beach House) during Covid,” he said. “The place was falling apart.”

They fixed it up, opened The Beach House, and then later opened Sweet Bean Gelato. Renovations are underway on the space between the two businesses, which will serve as a venue for private parties, business meetings, and more.

“We made a big investment in Ottawa. We love the community,” he said.

It’s a challenging time right now in the food industry – wages have gone up, insurance costs have skyrocketed, and everything seems to cost more, Mathias said. But he remains committed to giving customers good value for their money without compromising on the quality of the ingredients he uses.

At The Beach House, Mathias offers seasonal, fresh seafood dishes, along with other menu items.

“We’re flying stuff in from all over the world,” he said.

Since the menu is designed to feature fresh, seasonal ingredients, it changes two or three times a year. If you no longer see your favorite item on the menu, it may return when the ingredients are back in season.

“Our wait staff is trained,” he said, adding that they are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable about the food they are serving.

The wait staff is happy to share their knowledge with customers – and Mathias hopes they learn something new about food during their time at The Beach House.

“We’re very passionate about what we’re doing,” he said. “We craft everything here by hand.”

At all of his restaurants, there is one driving force at the heart of every concept – bringing people together. He said he tries to create places where people can come “to make real connections and relationships.”

“You’re throwing a party every night,” he said. “We want our customers to feel they were nurtured.”

variety of flavors and for serving Intelligentsia coffee.

Welcome

to

The Boatyard Bar & Bistro

Gorgeous views. Delicious Food & Drinks.

Casual dining on the waterfront featuring home-made pasta, fresh salads, seafood & steaks.

Full bar including wine list.

(815) 431-6281 1134 North 27th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350 theboatyardbarandbistro.com

100 E. HENNEPIN STREET, MARK, IL 815.339.2210

Every Wednesday

Starting at 11:00 a.m.

HOMEMADE* MEXICAN Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Rice, Beans, Burritos, Tacos, Taco Salad, Nachos Quesadillas, Chimichangas, Tamales [when available], Fajitas & Our Regular Menu

Friday & Saturday – Fish Special

Serving Cod, Whole Catfish, Chicken, Pasta Gyros Off the Spit [when available] ½ Rack BBQ Ribs [when available]

Plus Our Regular Menu

Sunday- Breakfast All Day!

Lunch also available at 11a.m. Crepes, Skillets, Pork Chops, Steaks, Omelets, Biscuits & Gravy

HOURS

Sun & Mon 5am-2pm, Wed & Fri 6am-8pm, Thurs 6am-2pm, Sat 5am-8pm, Closed Tues

MONDAY - SATURDAY 11:00am - 8:00pm

10:30am - 5:00pm

The Tee Box:

Fun for the whole Family

Story by Katlyn Sanden

‘If you build it, they will come’ is not only a famous quote from The Field of Dreams, but is also exactly what the Thompson family said when opening The Tee Box in Spring Valley.

The Tee Box is a lounge featuring home-made food, delectable drinks, and fullswing multi-sport simulators.

It all started when Melanie Thompson, the mayor of Spring Valley, began applying for state grants to revitalize the town, with the hopes of creating a golf simulator for families to enjoy without having to leave their own

community. When she didn’t get the grant she was hoping for, Thompson decided to invest in a building along with her family instead.

“We purchased a boutique building and were not successful in renting it out,” Thompson said. “We decided we were going to open a golf simulator business. My brother-in-law has been a golfer his whole life and opened one in Wisconsin. We did our own homework and can offer a variety of activities – kid games, football, dodgeball. It expands your audience, which I thought was necessary in our area.”

She also knew they

needed to offer food and drinks, and create a welcoming space people actually want to gather in.

“We wanted a place for everyone,” Thompson said.

“I feel we truly accomplished that. We have a lounge area where book clubs meet, we have a renovated dining room, we have a back room that can be utilized for special events, and we have golf leagues that come in every week.”

As far as the menu items go, Thompson’s rule is little to no processed foods. She can usually be found in the

See TEE BOX, page 21

The Tee Box offers specialty cocktails you won’t find anywhere else in the Illinois Valley. They also have seasonal specials.

kitchen preparing her own family’s favorite dishes from scratch, which she thoroughly enjoys.

“I’m also a CPA and always wanted salads during tax season,” said Thompson. “I couldn’t find a good, local, fresh salad. We started on a salad basis, offering a variety of fresh salads. They’re chopped daily, made with fresh meats and homemade salad dressings. They’re amazing.”

She tries to source all of her ingredients locally, including meats and produce, working with as many Illinois Valley farmers as possible.

“Our crab rangoon egg rolls are unbelievable,”

Thompson said. “Melanie’s Italian Beef is a very popular item too. It’s made out of fresh chuck roast, seasonings, and vegetables.

We also offer that Italian beef deep-fried in a tortilla, which is unique. Another big draw is my husband’s family recipe for JT’s fried chicken.”

Everything on the menu is a family recipe that the Thompson family has enjoyed through generations. They also offer a full bar menu, including martinis and old fashions, as well as a special catering menu. Thompson says she thrives on being busy.

“It’s how I’ve been wired my whole life,” she said. “I thrive on being able to serve the community and our family business. We’ve seen different businesses open up during my mayoral term, and I believe business brings business. I support all local businesses. I want them all to be successful, and having The Tee Box as a choice is what it’s all about for me. People may come to our place for a drink and go to another place for food. It just creates a positive vibe for our community.”

She says the best part, though, is seeing people enjoy the simulator and hearing rave reviews about the food and beverages.

“I can honestly say my husband and I truly enjoy this,” Thompson said. “It’s our hobby. We enjoy cooking for people. It’s not viewed as work for us. It’s fun. The restaurant business is tough, but we truly enjoy it. Our family is very proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we’re always looking for new ideas for keeping our facility popular in the years to come. We’re very thankful for the support we’ve received in the Illinois Valley area.”

Our mission is simple: to strengthen the Ottawa Area businesses and industries. We do this by building powerful connections, supporting local commerce, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the Ottawa area.

• Mayor’s State of the City event on March 5th at the Ottawa American Legion

• Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on April 30th at Starved Rock Lodge

• Farmers and Makers Market every Saturday from May 30th to October 17th on Jackson Street

• Debate Days held August 15th through August 23rd, commemorating the first Lincoln/ Douglas Debate with a reenactment, tours, a parade and more!

• Annual River City Golf Tournament in September

• OAC Business After Hours hosted monthly at various Chamber member locations

Follow the Ottawa Area Chamber on Social Media for updates and check out our event calendar on our website.