Original Family Recipes with a Great Riverview
Welcome to the
Barefoot Restaurant
About Us
Barefoot is Back and Better than Ever!
If you’re looking for a delicious meal with a river view, come visit the Barefoot Restaurant. We have an extensive menu as well as a fascinating history. This family-run restaurant started serving mouthwatering fried chicken and catfish in 1958. The restaurant was gravely damaged in the Flood of 1973 and was rebuilt later that year. After surviving several more floods, the beloved brand closed after the Flood of 2019. Since then, Brian and Cathy Matthews purchased the business from Judy Herter and relocated the restaurant in the former Illini Medical Building. Today you can visit the unique restaurant while admiring views of Joe Paige Drawbridge and Illinois River on the front deck.
Order Take Out
If you are looking for a delicious and convenient dinner for your family, gathering, or party, look no further than our fried chicken bucket. They are easy to pick up, tastes great, and will not disappoint.
Hours of Operation
Friday: 11:00a.m. – 7:30p.m. Saturday to Sunday: 7:00a.m. – 7:30p.m. Monday- Thursday: Closed Book Your Reservation
Why dine with us
Great Food with a Riverview
Family-Owned & Operated
Barefoot has been a family-run business for over
60 years and continues to be today.
Spectacular Riverview
Located right next to the Illinois River, this restaurant has a stunning view of nature that continues to impress guests time and time again.
Mouth-Watering Entrees
from the griddle to the fryer.
Satisfy Your Hunger with Delicious Foods
Our Reviews
The food was excellent. Service was great. Did not have to wait long for our food.
I love the Barefoot! I have eaten there a total of 8 times (3 times for supper and 5 times for lunch) since they have reopened. So I feel I can give a pretty accurate review. I have had excellent service every time! Food was delicious and hot! I have never had to wait very long! You have a new business that has opened their doors trying to get the kinks worked out. So many negative comments on a forum that so many people read. Barefoot worked hard to open their doors back up and serve the people! Keep up the good work! I’ll be back this week!
They have the same recipes as old Barefoot so food is excellent. It’s still new so cut them so slack on the wait. Service great, employees friendly, and trying very hard to be efficient. I’m so glad Barefoot back. Missed them.