Pokanoka’s Cafe

Reviews

• Don P.

  star star star star_border star_border 21 June 2026

  We ate there while camping in the park this weekend.  Food was okay to excellent, and the menu would have been fairly extensive if it weren't that we were there near the end of their operating season and about a third of their entrees were unavailable.  Fish fry was available and was pretty decent -- good value for the price.
  
  Might have given a fourth star if it weren't off-season and most of our party had to make second entree choices due to stuff being off-menu.  Call this review 3 3/4 stars.

• Jess H.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 18 June 2026

  Menu choices now has changed. Place seems more slower. Not really going to come back here willingly.
  
  The quality of the beef hotdog they used...questionable.
  
  My mother loved her hotdog. I absoutely hated mine. Cold in the middle and I do not like any hotdogs that is grilled. Do not call it Chicago Style without the poppyseed buns and all of that jazz...and grill it as well. No way!
  
  Onions on mine was chopped up in different too large bited size to enjoy the onions.
  
  Left hungry.

• Diana S.

  star star star star star 2 June 2026

  We've been eating here for a few years and the view on the patio is spectacular! They serve some great burgers and fried fish, and they have a decent selection of seasonal beers. It's a nice affordable spot to stop for lunch on a sunny day, and they welcome dogs on the patio (they even bring out water bowls for them). After lunch, there's plenty of space to roam around the lake and hike through trails, or just sit and watch the boats and geese.

• Chris M.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 31 May 2026

  Horrible service.  Waited for at least ten minutes while not one but two waitresses chatted with customers at the next table about kayaking.  No one acknowledged me or offered any sort of service.  I left.  Since it's the only restaurant in the park I'm sure it does well, but I won't be back.

• Lesley K.

  star star star star star 30 May 2026

  I've been to Pokanoka's several times and always had a great experience. The view of lake Shabbona is beautiful and the patio is surrounded by flowers. Even though I live near by I feel like I'm on a mini vacation everytime I'm there. I'm mostly dragged in by my kids for the ice cream (yum) but the meals I've had there have all been good. I love the fish fry! I read the other reviews and I can say, this is not gourmet, its a small town cafe', everything moves a little slower in the country and my burger tasted just fine.