Ripp's Tavern

Not sure what "Alomino's" issue is, I mean really??? The 2nd worst restaurant he's ever been to? Given all the positive reviews of this restaurant on this, and other sites, I'd say this guy is full of it. I've been to many different places in the world, and still make it a point to stop by Rip's whenever I'm in the area. Apparently everyone who stands in line there is wrong, and Alomino is right ! more

Ripp's isn't greasy as claimed. It is a moist delicious bird. Also, if you aren't happy, try Lanuti's across the street. Lanuti's is famous for authentic atmosphere, family style chicken, and the best turtle anywhere. As the menu says, the shrimp is EXCELLENT and the menu hasn't changed much since the 1940's. more

We have been going to Rips for four generations now. Anyone who says they don't like it must have been having a bad day. People come from all over to eat there. It's true you eat on paper plates and get picklesw and crispies. They are wonderfulWe have a very large family and have taken up 6-8 tables at a time when I was a child. It's worth the drive and the wait. more

This is the BEST chicken ever. Yes the lines are long, but if you call ahead you can do a carry out order. The crispy's and pickles are so good together. I have been going to Ripps for the last 41 years (yep since I was a baby) We even drive from Indiana to eat at Ripps several times a year. It is that good! My picky son even likes the fish. Prices are very resonable. Well worth the drive and wait! more

Our family absolutly loves Ripps Chicken it is the best you will find. When we have friends and family over from out of town this is what they want..If you dont want to wait in line call your order in and have carryout that is hat we do with young ones it is sometimes easier.But I would ignore that guys bad review forget him and try it for yourself more

Recently, I drove 92 miles from northwest Illinois to Ripps Tavern using my trustworthy navagator on my cell phone. My reason for driving this distance was to enjoy the best fried chicken I have ever experienced in the midwest. I have advertised Ripps to countless people including my sister who lives in Washington Illinois, who has promoted Ripps to all of her friends and acquaintenses aswell. Apparently, the person who wrote the bad review has either a problem with taste buds or he is of some ethnic group that does not appreciate great fried chicken. So my advice to thoes of you who read this, give it a try and see for yourself that this is truly one of thoes out of the way eateries that should definatly be in your way on the road to great food. more

Rips is known all around for the fabulous family secret for their deep fried chicken. They serve light and dark chicken in 1/4's only, if you want a 1/2 chicken you have to order two 1/4's. Fish is served on Friday nights only, but I believe that may not be all year round, it might only be during the lenten season. They also serve deep fried mushrooms, and recently have added chicken strips to the menu. One of my favorite parts is the the "crispies" (the pieces of batter that are left in the fryer when the chicken is done) and pickles. Many people prefer to use the pickles to pinch up some crispies and eat them together. This is a place that you have to go to see for yourself. You will either enjoy this restaurant and want to return as much as possible, or you will not enjoy it and it will be a one time experience. It is a casual dress down place, they serve everything on disposable plates, or in disposable containers except drinks. It is a place everyone must try once. It is low cost generally a family of 4 can eat for under $15 for food or under $25 for food and drinks. I have grown up eating Rip's and will always have to get my grease fixin' from Rip's. I suggest everyone try it at least once. but one thing to keep in mind, they do not take reservations and they are closed on Mondays and Tuesday, but if you come on Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday especially be prepared for a wait in line. I suggest coming before 6 or after 8 to eat. Thursdays and Sundays are generally not too packed. Hopefully everyone can go try Rip's once and enjoy the experience it's worth it to go at least once. more

Rip's is rather wll known for its Friday night fish fry. For some bizarre reason, people from far off pack up and actually drive TO this dump. We figured with this many people, the food had to be great, so we waited in line and tried it one Friday night. For starters, there is no menu. You get chicken or you get fish. No choices, no cooking preferences. We opted for fish. The waitress brought our drinks, and also a paper basket full of the little greasy bits of batter remaining in the fryer when the actual food is done... and a paper cup of pickles. We found this pretty strange, but whatever. Then the "fish" came. You could have wrung the "fish" out and filled a glass up with the grease. The "fish" was paper thin, and just disgusting. It came over a bed of greasy fries, so greasy they were soggy. We could not figure out why the place was so packed with families full of kids until the bill came. For 3 of us, our bill came to $13.59 - with drinks and tax. It's $3.69 for "dinner" - this is why people pack into there. NOT for the good food, but because they're cheap and don't mind clogging their arteries with awful, awful, AWFUL food. BTW - you also get plastic silverware and the floors, chairs, and tables are sticky/ cafeteria style. more