Since 1892, Diamond Mineral Springs – a venerable family restaurant in Illinois – has been serving its home-style meals to hungry patrons. In fact, its steady stream of loyal customers over the years has made it the oldest continually-operating restaurant in Illinois.
Diamond Mineral Springs began its existence as a health spa in 1870, after a man searching for coal struck a spring of water with a purported “high standard of medicinal properties.”
John “Doing It With Dickerman” Dickerman/Google A hotel was added to the property in 1886, and it opened its dining room in 1892.
Only four families have owned Diamond Mineral Springs since the Windsor Hotel opened in 1886.
Diamond Mineral Springs/Google The current family of owners has operated the restaurant since 1979.
Diamond Mineral Springs’ dining room first gained fame for its family-style fried chicken dinners, which it still serves today.
Brian & Nicole Love/Google
Consistent quality has kept its customers returning over and over again to enjoy a much-expanded menu of down-home classics.
Rodney Yoswig/Google
Today, you can enjoy a variety of comfort foods ranging from ham or country-fried steak to fried catfish or shrimp.
Jon Borlin/Google
The restaurant also serves some grilled, roasted, and barbecued favorites for those not in the mood for fried.
Kimberly Tremmel/Google Meals are served “family style,” with hot and cold sides to share and pass around the table.
No matter what you order, be sure to save room for dessert. Diamond Mineral Springs’ selection of postprandial delights is exceptional and includes several types of pies and cakes.
Elizabeth :P/Google
Diamond Mineral Springs’ lengthy track record of satisfied customers speaks for itself. Even so, you had better pay a visit for your own edification (and satisfaction). For more information, take a look at the restaurant’s website.
John “Doing It With Dickerman” Dickerman/Google
A hotel was added to the property in 1886, and it opened its dining room in 1892.
Diamond Mineral Springs/Google
The current family of owners has operated the restaurant since 1979.
Brian & Nicole Love/Google
Rodney Yoswig/Google
Jon Borlin/Google
Kimberly Tremmel/Google
Meals are served “family style,” with hot and cold sides to share and pass around the table.
Elizabeth :P/Google
Since you’ll be visiting the small community of Grantfork, why not add another charming Illinois town or two to your itinerary? Alton, for example, isn’t far from the restaurant.
Have you had the opportunity to visit Diamond Mineral Springs? What other Illinois family restaurants should folks know about?
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Address: Diamond Mineral Springs, West Pocahontas Road, Grantfork, IL, USA
