Restaurant Review: Lotawata Creek Southern Grill in Fairview Heights, IL

Lotawata Creek Southern Grill in Fairview Heights, Illinois has become a very special place for my wife and myself. Our first visit to Lotawata Creek together was a little over two years ago while we were engaged. Since then, we've eaten at Lotawata during the return trip from our honeymoon, as well as during our first one-year wedding anniversary and on numerous other occasions.

Located about 15 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri (just off Interstate 64), Lotawata Creek has become a favorite for people from both sides of the Mississippi River. Lotawata has become well known for offering excellent food at reasonable prices, and in ever-so-generous portions. A patron need not worry about going home hungry.

Lotawata Creek is one of a kind, having just the one location in Fairview Heights. But while it is not a chain, Lotawata does have the look of some of the more upscale restaurant chains. The restaurant has both smoking and non-smoking areas, both of which are well ventilated. There is also a service bar in the rear, as well as a bar area in the front where customers can sit at cocktail tables and order their favorite appetizers, plus cocktails, wine and beer. The beverages are also offered in the dining room.

Lotawata does not accept reservations, but patrons may call ahead to find out how long their wait to get seated will be. But you should keep in mind that these wait times are estimates, and they are subject to change. Large groups are welcome, and while the restaurant has very few peak periods when they can't handle groups of more than twelve, you should call and speak to one of the managers for assistance.

The menu offers a broad range of tasty selections from steaks to chicken, pasta to seafood. Lotawata also has soups and salads as well as sandwiches including chicken, turkey club, pulled pork and their famous "Big South Burgers." Then there's the southern barbecue menu, including spare ribs and baby back ribs. The restaurant also has a children's menu as well as desserts.

When my wife and I go, I usually have one of the steaks, or the occasional burger, while she favors the chicken fried chicken. The sides are excellent as well, especially the made-from-scratch mashed potatoes. The servers are also very friendly, and the prices are about the same as many chains if not a little bit lower.

Altogether, Lotawata Creek Southern Grill is one of my favorite restaurants in the St. Louis Metro East area. I wholeheartedly recommend it to couples and families alike, who enjoy a lot of excellent food, great atmosphere, reasonable prices and friendly, helpful service.

Contact Info:

Lotawata Creek Southern Grill
311 Salem Place
Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Phone: (618) 628-7373