Valentine's Restaurant
Valentine's Restaurant is just 25 miles north of Sparta, in the small town of Freeburg. The town was once famous for coal mining, but today it's more popular for its rolling hillsides. Valentine's is right off highway 13--there is literally hardly any sidewalk between passing cars and the restaurant's yellow wood paneled entryway--and is known for some of the best steaks within 20 miles of St. Louis. The food is delivered fresh each day and the service is excellent (think small-town charm). However, Valentine's does get pretty crowded and there is no waiting area, so be sure to either call ahead and make reservations or get there early.
Valentine's Restaurant
205 S. State St.
Freeburg, IL 62243
(618) 539-9169
Grecian Steak and Seafood House
Less than 20 miles southeast of Sparta, Grecian Steak and Seafood House is the perfect stopover after a day at the nearby Pyramid State Park, Illinois' largest state park. Right off Main Street in Pinckneyville--Illinois' "Friendly Little City"--the one-story, brick restaurant and its staff are inviting and friendly. The restaurant also offers daily specials along with its made-to-order steaks, popular shrimp baskets and traditional Greek menu. Grecian Steak will take reservations and carryout orders since it tends to get quite busy, especially in the summer. Additionally, Grecian House has a private room available to large groups.
Grecian Steak & Seafood House
502 S. Main St.
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
(618) 357-3809
Old Brick House
The Old Brick House was built in 1780 by John Price, a local merchant and ferry boat operator in Ste. Genevieve. The restaurant is 20 miles southwest of Sparta across the Mississippi River in Missouri and is the oldest brick building west of the Mississippi River. The outside of the building now looks a lot like it did originally, after years of paint and plaster removal and the interior is decorated in style, with chandeliers, old wood stoves and photos of the old city. The menu offers a simple selection, largely cuts and variations on steak, with a few seafood selections--cod, catfish and jumbo shrimp--for a little variety; the restaurant also has a breakfast menu.
Old Brick House
90 S. 3rd St.
Ste Genevieve, MO 63670
(573) 883-2724
theoldbrickhouse.com
