Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Clinton, IA

LE CLAIRE. Don't let the "hole in the wall" exterior fool you ­ this is one of the best places in the Quad...

LE CLAIRE. Don't let the "hole in the wall" exterior fool you ­ this is one of the best places in the Quad Cities to grab lunch. Whether you're looking for a great grilled cheese and a cup of thick, homemade beef and noodle soup, or one of their massive "Sneaky Burgers," Pete's has just what you need to satisfy your lunchtime appetite. Locals love Sneaky Pete's for their tasty "white oak" steaks, whose distinctive flavor comes from having been cooked over wood the night before, and smoked catfish. Sampling one of these is a must. Word to the wise, if you come wearing a tie, make sure it is one that you won't mind seeing cut off and hung from the ceiling ­ hey, it's a tradition.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

LE CLAIRE. After you spend an afternoon antique shopping and sightseeing in the quaint community of LeClaire, a peaceful...

LE CLAIRE. After you spend an afternoon antique shopping and sightseeing in the quaint community of LeClaire, a peaceful dinner at the Faithful Pilot will be just what you need. This elegant restaurant, located in a historic building overlooking the Mississippi, is one of the Quad Cities' most respected restaurants, serving up excellent American fare in a setting that hearkens back to the early 20th century. House specialties include roast duck, Black Angus steaks and fresh fish and seafood. If you find yourself having to wait for a table, make your way to the bar area at the rear of the restaurant ­ the view of the river from there is unmatched.

Hours: Mon-Tue 5pm-9pm; Wed-Thu 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Sun 9:30am-1:30pm, 5pm-8pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BETTENDORF. The Red Crow Grille has gained a fine reputation for its elegant atmosphere and menu. The cozy restaurant...

BETTENDORF. The Red Crow Grille has gained a fine reputation for its elegant atmosphere and menu. The cozy restaurant was designed with a Mediterranean theme in mind, with an open-style kitchen. Innovative entrées include everything from bouillabaisse and New Orleans Style Pasta served with chicken and shrimp, to blackened Gulf scallops and Pappardelle con Funghi. Follow with a delectable dessert such as cheesecake covered with honey syrup.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BETTENDORF. Boasting what is perhaps the Quad Cities' most dramatic dining area, The Lodge Restaurant offers patrons the...

BETTENDORF. Boasting what is perhaps the Quad Cities' most dramatic dining area, The Lodge Restaurant offers patrons the chance to enjoy authentic German cuisine in Davenport. Once inside, a suit of armor (that almost seems to be standing guard in the sitting room) greets you. The dimly lit main dining area's vaulted ceiling soars well over 30 feet, and is flanked by the heads of bears, boars and deer. Off to the left, you'll find the cozy library room, where you can dine amongst elegant furniture and antiques. The Lodge Restaurant's breakfast and brunch menus offer a nice mix of traditional German and American choices. Reservations are suggested, especially on the weekends.

Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30am-9pm; Sun 7am-2pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DAVENPORT. Thunder Bay boasts a lodge-like atmosphere that appeals to locals and tourists alike, from the cut-stone...

DAVENPORT. Thunder Bay boasts a lodge-like atmosphere that appeals to locals and tourists alike, from the cut-stone flooring and plank walls, to the deer antler chandeliers and stuffed game. The restaurant is famous for its delicious, home-style biscuits, which are served with every meal. House specials include Black Angus steaks, chops, seafood, fish and terrific rotisserie chicken plates. For kids, the restaurant offers pizza, pasta and burgers. On Sundays, Thunder Bay serves up a brunch spread with smoked salmon, omelets and fresh fruit.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 9am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DAVENPORT. Ask any Quad City native where you should eat before you leave the area, and you'll likely hear them list...

DAVENPORT. Ask any Quad City native where you should eat before you leave the area, and you'll likely hear them list this place first. The famous Machine Shed specializes in two things: homestyle country-cooking and huge portions. If you go for breakfast, your server shows you where to find a "pail of water" and "the cows for your coffee" on your table. The breakfast menu includes a slew of hearty options with names like "The Hired Man's Breakfast" and "The Pork Producer's Breakfast," most including two eggs cooked any style, cheddar hash browns, and pork or steak. Their griddlecakes are also a great way to start the day.

Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-10pm, Sun 7am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MOLINE. Located at John Deer Commons, Johnny's delivers the best of two worlds ­ outstanding, premium-cut steaks...

MOLINE. Located at John Deer Commons, Johnny's delivers the best of two worlds ­ outstanding, premium-cut steaks and good, old-fashioned Italian standbys ­ in a classic supperclub-inspired setting. Indeed, this attractive steakhouse is sure to impress even the most critical of eyes, from the black and white-clad waitstaff and exhibition kitchen to the outstanding river views and comfortable booths. Signature dishes include broiled lobster tail, beef tenderloin medallions with garlic-roasted mashed potatoes, and double-cut chops stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto, ham and polenta.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MOLINE. This local favorite has had a special place in the collective heart ­ and stomach ­ of the Quad Cities...

MOLINE. This local favorite has had a special place in the collective heart ­ and stomach ­ of the Quad Cities since founder Angelo Lagomarcino first opened his doors in 1908. The downtown Moline shop is famous for its delicious homemade chocolate goodies, ranging from huge Easter eggs to delectable sponge candy. Lago's is also a popular lunchtime place. After one of their deli sandwiches on homemade rye followed by a root beer shake, you won't want to go back to work!

Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MOLINE. Remember when Roseanne and Tom Arnold tried to open up a loose meat sandwich franchise in Iowa? Well, they were...

MOLINE. Remember when Roseanne and Tom Arnold tried to open up a loose meat sandwich franchise in Iowa? Well, they were attempting to copy Maid Rite, which has been satisfying the cravings of Quad Citians for years with their delicious, distinctive sandwiches. Consisting primarily of ground beef served taco-style rather than patty-style, with the usual condiments, Maid Rite sandwiches are a unique taste sensation. The Maid Rite restaurants, true to their '50s diner décor and decorum, also serve generous helpings of affordable, tasty, basic meals. For a thoroughly Midwestern dining adventure, make your way to Maid Rite.

Hours: Sun-Thu 6am-9pm; Fri-Sat 6am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MOLINE. One of the Quad Cities' favorite pizza joints, Happy Joe's is a local business that first opened its doors...

MOLINE. One of the Quad Cities' favorite pizza joints, Happy Joe's is a local business that first opened its doors almost 25 years ago. With over 12 locations throughout the Quad Cities, Happy Joe's serves up great pizza on both sides of the Mississippi. Their specialties include their famous fajita and taco pies ­ the "Matador" is even topped with refried beans! Just for the record, the "Little Joe" pies will whet your appetite, so you might as well go for the 12" pie. For dessert, you'll want to save room for a double scoop of their special ice cream, or maybe even the tasty "Caramel Fudge Pecan Sundae."

Hours: Sun-Thu 6:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 6:30am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club