The Village Cafe

The Village Café has a carbon footprint dating back to what was once known as the «Kountry Kitchen»…a greasy spoon of excellence! Sadly, things have changed.
What has happened to a signature «Open Faced Hot Beef Sandwich»?
In my minds eye, I picture a plate of succulent sliced tender roast beef layered in a rich tasting gravy, a slice or two of cheap white bread plays «Peek & Boo» while buttery soft mashed potatoes are served as a Blue Plate Special!
I stopped in recently for lunch and ordered The Village Café’s rendition.
When the hell does a Diner just STOP making a fresh cooked home made beef or pot roast for an opened face sandwich and serve an alternative product with pride and dignity?
ANSWER: The Village Café. In my opinion, the copious amount of gravy is only a camouflage for processed «Vienna Italian Beef». I won’t even touch on the mashed potatoes. The combination was absolutely Gross! This is slop.
Who the hell made that executive decision?

YUM! Great breakfast selection, great servers, great location.

Our group of 3 adults and 4 kiddos enjoyed our breakfast at The Village Café in Shabbona. It was an unplanned stop on our way to the Shabbona Lake State Park Campground, which is less than ¼ mile away.
We visited on a rainy Saturday morning. Very rainy. The staff was extremely warm and welcoming, which was just what we needed when we ducked in from the unseasonably cool deluge going on outside.
The restaurant is a throwback to diners of yesteryear… plenty of formica, vinyl, wood paneling and counterstools.
The kids really liked their pancakes — silver dollar and a Mickey Mouse-​shaped pancake — and actually sat still long enough to eat them. Winning!
We ordered various egg skillets and fresh hot coffee, which our server was happy to brew fresh for us even though the restaurant was going to close about an hour later.
The owner, Tim, is extremely personable and came to our table to greet us personally.
If you’re going to the Shabbona Lake State Park for fishing or camping be sure to stop by The Village Café. You’ll be supporting a hard-​working local business while getting some good grub in return.

Great little restaurant!