Great owners.Nice selection, well organized. Nice cafeteria, tastefully decorated with more antique treasures. Open on Sunday.
Very good food!
I absolutely love this place. Find great things every time we go there. Love everything antique and vintage! Such a friendly family who loves what they do. Highly recommended stop if your passing by Lena. A must stop destination.
Really nice ladies.. enjoyed walking through the place…
One of a kind store. Stroll down history. Very nice store.
An eclectic selection of new spices, antiques, collectibles, and a few used clothes. I thought most of the items were overpriced, especially for a small town antique mall. In fact, some of the prices were higher than antique stores in the Chicago area. The four stars are for the nice layout and the friendly woman working at the front – also, it is really cool that they have a charming little cafe in the back. I managed to find a few dollhouse miniatures I will use in a collage – the same kind of stuff I could find at one store in particular in Chicago, but I was determined to buy something!
3. My Friends Closet Thrift Shop
Address: 511 W Lena St, Lena, IL 61048 , Lena , Illinois , United States
For a small resale shoppe the women’s clothing has a very nice selection.
Very good…nicely displayed.
Friendly store
Very friendly, with a good selection of clothes and other items !
This is the type of store you need to frequent every few weeks, because many people shop here for bargains and it looks like it gets picked over. Like most thrift shops, it is hit or miss. Unfortunately, I live in Chicago, so the chance of that happening is slim to none. The last time i visited before my August 14 visit was in 2009! This time I found less, but the prices are right and they have an interesting selection of well organized merchandise. You definitely will not find high-end items or the latest fashions here – the shoes and clothing seem to be a little long in the tooth. But for locals, I imagine it is a great place to find a treasure now and then among typical thrift store ware.
Good quaility.
To the lady’s that worked today, Saturday June 20, 2020, I don’t appreciate the comment you made towards my husband and myself because we weren’t wearing face masks. It’s not my fault I have asthma and masks makes it more difficult to breathe. Just because I wasn’t wearing a mask, it doesn’t mean I support Donald Trump!!!!
4. Sugarbakers Boutique & Wine Bar
Address: 141 W Railroad St, Lena, IL 61048 , Lena , Illinois , United States
Great wine and very cute modern farmhouse decor. Prices for both the drinks and decor are super reasonable!
I like sugarbakers it’s different and cozy. Only downfall is just 1 restroom for everyone. If it’s a busy night can be real uncomforting.
As being the first time at this establishment, I found it being cozy yet being served the less than 1/4 glass of wine I paid for the $9.00 plus $1.00 tip wasn’t worth it at all. I saw everyone else’s glasses of wine being 3/4 full and when I enquired about it to the female bartender, her customer service was more than sub par and stated when I brought this to her attention she said “what can I say” three times and did not offer any apology nor offer to fill my glass so I said “I’ll pass”. Needless to say, I won’t be back. If I do go back, I’ll prefer ordering a glass of water.
Since my last review, I’ve been back a couple of times. Unfortunately my view hasn’t changed. The bar tender(s) are not cognizant of patrons entering then seating nor standing at the bar. They’ll serve the far end of the bar continually with multiple people coming to that side of the bar and take their orders and still not notice you. Though I like the decor, I have better things to do than to wait fifteen minutes or more prior to getting served especially when I raised the issue with another patron cutting in front of me then finally getting served. From now on, I’m bringing my own beverage water) when visiting for local entertainment should I decide returning to this establishment.
Was there @ 6pm 1/20/18. Got there B 4 band started. Sat in bar area, hoping to muffle the music. Didn’t work. Had cheesey crab soup. Delicious. Wife had chic noodle, excellent also. Both had 14 oz. ribeyes, baked potatoes & salad. $20×2. Soups,& 2 Pepsi’s were xtra. Bill was $52. + tax. Waitress was very good and helpful. Food was hot & delicious.
Menu had good selection, & reasonably priced. Kids menu, too. Bob 4
Great food. Very reasonable.
I ordered the taco salad and didn’t care for the taco meat. It tasted watery and bland.
Great food
Very good fish fry on Friday nights they get really busy on Friday nights after a football game
Got the spaghetti dinner one day all noodles very little sauce garlic bread was good though got the fish dinner the next day fries tasted like they were sitting around for a while batter on the fish was not cooked all the way it was mushy and I have to say Nora has better cod But the tacos on Wednesday were amazing
Waitress ignored us… Waited over 20 minutes. Hostess told us that the waitress forgot we were there. That’s funny because she didn’t “forget” the table next to ours. Anyway, the hostess, took over and did great!! Waitress never said sorry or acknowledged us till we were leaving. She acted like nothing was wrong. But on that note…. The FOOD is AWESOME!!! Never had a bad meal. Love, love, love, the burgers!!!
Food came out directly behind the app. Salad came on the same plate as my Ruben. Ruben was soggy on bottom. Would have asked for that fixed if the server ever came back. Dropped off food and left. Never even asked how everything was when we left. Ugh
6. The Eatery
Address: 101 W Railroad St, Lena, IL 61048 , Lena , Illinois , United States
Great food. Friendly people. And a really quaint setting. The Eatery is tucked in the back of Lena Mercantile. Thus, the main general store is open longer hours, and the restaurant is open 11am to 2pm.
One of my favorite places
Wheelchair accessibility: They have a ramp
A little overpriced, but the food is tasty. Definitely an older crowd.
Eclectic cafe in the back of an antique shop. Must be willing to enjoy a slow pace to appreciate the fare. Eat small and save room for dessert. Grandmothers make the best
7. Beach’s Supper Club
Address: 11369 W Galena Rd, Lena, IL 61048 , Lena , Illinois , United States
Great food, done just right. Friendly people have recommended to everyone I talk to
The food here is fantastic. Great atmosphere and we absolutely love the service!!
Wonderful service! We will return as the meal was great, with huge portions.
Unfortunately, like many places they have a shortage of help. Service showed that. Food was disappointing, prices reflected inflation
Family owned and operated with smiles, love and a welcoming hug. Friday night catfish is a step back in time. It’s a “whole catfish”, not a filet. You might even catch Grandma bussing tables with the same smile she’s passed down to her daughter and Granddaughters.
Good service
The prime rib was horrible. Extremely tough and no flavor. It was cooked perfectly but it was the worst piece of meat I’ve ever had. Also don’t get the French onion soup. It was just beef broth with a few onions in it. I was highly disappointed with our meals. The service was excellent and probably the only reason I gave Beaches the second star.
Ok. Steak did not really have a flavor, or fish. Salad dressing had a unusual taste. Won’t go back. Not very busy still took over half an hour.
Never going back bought us out rancid steak had to send back
8. Lena Brewing Company
Address: 9416 W Wagner Rd, Lena, IL 61048 , Lena , Illinois , United States
My favorite brewery in the Northern Illinois area. The servers are very friendly and top notch and can explain any of their beers well. The place is extremely clean and welcoming. And the beers have evolved over the years to greatness. There is some kind of beer or cocktail for almost anyone’s taste. I like to eat next door at the Rafters first, or we also may order pizza from Saporitos downtown Lena and have it delivered. Keep checking their Website and Facebook page for events as they do have a lot going on.
Great beer and friendly people
Truly a destination brewery! Food, beer, live entertainment!
Good place. Quality beers
Good beer, a little on the pricey-side. Super fun taproom and sitting area! Good selection of merch as well.
Wished we got to try some beers after driving 1.5 hours to get there. One bartender wore a mask but improperly exposing her nose. Other bartender none at all. Not comfortable for a customer like me.
Beer was no bueno
Service was terrible!! Got accused of forging the $5 gift certificate they gave me back in November as a perk for purchasing a $50 gift card. Drove an hour and a half to get there and was told I could “just come back when the manager was there.” Won’t be back even though the food and beer would have otherwise been worth a trip out there.
9. Celia’s Gifts and Antiques
Address: 7790 US-20, Eleroy, IL 61027 , Lena , Illinois , United States
Beautiful store! I love the way they decorate it! The women who work there have always been very attentive to all my questions but don’t harass me and follow me around the store making me feel pressured to make a purchase. That being said though, I wish I could buy everything in the store! Check out their candles they are amazing! If I could give them 10 stars I would!!
Love stopping by on our way to or from Galena. Many antique items that would make a perfect addition to even modern day decor. Have purchased multiple items that have all received praise from our house guests. Why buy something mass produced when you can get that one of a kind with a history behind it?
This place has the best soy candles ever !!!
Stop by if your in the area. Lots of cute household decor and antiques.
This was the first of several antique shops we stopped at on the way to Galena, and also the second most overpriced. When we walked in, the lady at the front was talking on her cell and couldn’t be bothered to even nod hello. When we left out the back door, I could still hear her talking. The items in this store were beautifully arranged, and there were a few really cool pieces – I’ll say that! But the prices were higher than most antique shops in the Chicago area, and even NYC! What is it about “country” antique shops – do they really think city folk are so stupid or desperate to buy a treasure on their countryside sojourn that they’ll buy such exorbitantly priced goods? I for one, have been in the antiques business for far more years than I will admit here, and can’t understand why shop owners price items so high. Perhaps they really don’t want to sell items and they’re doing this as a lark!
Really enjoyed it. Definitely coming back!
Very poor way to operate a business. Made a special trip out to purchase something my daughter picked out and wanted. Arrived at 9:30 not knowing they didn’t open until 10. Decide I would wait. At 10:15 I called the number and had no answer and no way to leave a message. Left and went back home. Tried calling at 11 and still no answer. Lost a sale, a customer and will not stop back.
10. The Rafters Restaurant, Catering, and Events
Address: 9426 W Wagner Rd, Lena, IL 61048 , Lena , Illinois , United States
About a year ago the wife and I stopped in for lunch. Handicapped parking and building access. Covid clean place. Wear a mask to your table and your set to go. Great waitress and great service. The food was good and portions were large. We’ll be back!!
First thing I want to mention is this is a review of their Sunday buffet only.
FYI – they charge a mandatory 18% gratuity.
We stopped here for their Sunday brunch at 12:30pm. The waitress was pleasant enough and did a good job. The atmosphere was nice and it had a Cracker Barrel like feel to it.
The reason i am giving such a low review is due to the buffet food – it was some of the worst buffet food I’ve ever eaten. The only thing that was edible was the mashed potatoes and chocolate pudding. Your average complimentary hotel breakfast is so much better than this buffet.
I ordered BBQ Beef Brisket and it was not worth the money. The meat was really gristly, and gross. It wasn’t the cleanest place and it smelled kinda funky to.
Food was terrible. Event coordinator was very disorganized. Would not recommend.
11. Lena
Address: Illinois 61048 , Lena , Illinois , United States
I spent more than I expected (my choice) but Don made so many points in customer service I felt more than compensated. Bought a Roland keyboard Bluetooth connectivity ☺️
Great customer service.
Gd selection
13. North Shore Music
Address: 405 1/2 Linden Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091 , Lena , Illinois , United States
Highly recommend! Alejandro went out of his way to accommodate us and it is much appreciated. So nice to deal with a music shop that is not corporate, wonderful to have someone who is proud of his craft and supportive of the community as well as their love of music!!!
Great place to take guitar, drums or bass lessons! My Son’s been in 3 sessions here and has progressed immensely.
This is an awesome place to improve your skills in music. The owner really knows his stuff and the staff is always helpful when it comes to rescheduling lessons. Can’t recommend enough.
14. Kagan and Gaines Music Co., Inc
Address: 7655 Roosevelt Rd, Forest Park, IL 60130 , Lena , Illinois , United States
Amazing service! We have been customers for about 7 years. I can’t tell you how many times they have helped with my son’s instruments in a hurry. They always go out of their way to provide excellent service. I purchased a cello elsewhere, they were able to repair it and leave it in great playing condition. I was so impressed. Any other instrument that my son plays, we can always get repaired here. They are definitely an asset to the community. I’ve never had a bad experience here. I highly recommend them!!
Discovered this store two years ago. Have taken my bass for set ups and have taken my friends to check out their nice selection in bass amps. Today I purchased a beautiful upright bass. Always great, friendly, honest service and product. I’m a happy customer.
Extremely friendly and accommodating staff. Very willing to take the time necessary to educate you and make you a better customer.
Also a wide variety of very high quality rental instruments is available. While I was there two customers came in and, unbidden, testified to how impressed they were with the K&G rental offerings.
I have had great success with Kagan.& Gaines..
Since my daughter started Violin back in 2006
They were able to help me with a 1/2 size , a 3/4 violin and now my daughter is in a full size French made violin.
Excellent service and knowledge of violins.
They have helped my daughter become the great young violinist she is, as this is where it all started for my Alexis.
Having a great selection of violins to choose from.
I gave this place a bad review after dealing with a younger employee But when the manager was alerted to the situation (A few days later) it was dealt with fairly. Kagan and Gains has a long time reputation in their neighborhood of being the first choice for musical lessons of any instrument and Fair pricing on instruments and accessories. It may not be the best place to shop for a new guitar But they can handle all your needs afterwords. I recommend them for all your strings, Guitar cases, Band instruments, ect. You will find all of them are of good quality and pricing.
Really great staff, knowledgable and well stocked.
Unfortunately I won’t be able to justify shopping there any longer for my business because their three day return policy and extremely limited store hours make it difficult to get back over there within the period.
(I’m unwilling to pay a 20% restocking fee for unopened cables)
Hate to say it because I wish my business was going to an independent store rather than the corporate or online big boxes.
I hate to agree with the user below who complained of a dishonest experience, but we are going through the same. I’ve read all of the other 5 star reviews and notice a pattern: it seems that for violin and stringed instruments, this is a great place. For renting brass/woodwind instruments via their monopoly with the school districts, they are subpar and dishonest. We should have just purchase a used instrument which would have resulted in us obtaining a superior instrument at, I am not exaggerating, 1/4 the total cost. We just had to call them to stop processing our credit card when we noticed we had been paying an abnormally long time on my daughter’s VERY USED, VERY DENTED saxophone (4 years!). We were “reassured” that, coincidentally, they were just going to call us as well as our payments happened to be completed. Yet they have no records of all the payments that we made, and are asking us to provide payment records going back to 2017 to “prove” how much we have paid in total. Luckily for us, we can easily provide them as they have all been made on the same credit card for years. We are also disputing the amount owed as our daughter’s original “nicer” model saxophone broke, was taken in for repairs, and she was given a loaner, student-model, older and dented sax. Her other one was never repaired and instead she’s just had this one forever. We were told at the time it would be “worked out.” Now they want us to pay the same amount as they were going to charge for the initial instrument to keep this replacement instrument permanently, as they also claim to have NO record that any switch was ever made or that the original saxophone was ever brought in for repairs. Typically, I endeavor to support neighborhood shops, but not when their record keeping is straight out of Mayberry. This is taking a lot of our time and energy to sort out, and we’ve ultimately laid out over $2300 to own an instrument that I have found at multiple music stores online for around $600 and under. We understand that renting the own is typically more expensive, but this feels like being swindled in every way. Extremely disappointed. My husband has been playing music for over 40 years – he also used to play saxophone – and his mother is a professional classical musician. He is used to dealing with all sorts of music shops and has never had an experience like this one.
15. Antiques Etcetera LLC
Address: 841 E North Ave, Stockton, IL 61085 , Lena , Illinois , United States
Had a great time wandering through history. Picked up a couple nice pictures and some local honey. Good deals!
Very nice selection and super friendly staff
Yes, this place has tourist prices to some extent because it’s on the road to Galena. But what sets it apart is the loving care the dealers put into the displays. One that really stood out were pieces of costume jewelry displayed on and sold with quaint vintage greeting cards – how clever! And the woman working here was quite nice, unlike some antique shops we encountered on this trip. I also liked that the ladies room was decorated with items for sale.
I found a pack of 1960’s cards with unique graphics still sealed inside with the original receipt from 1967 of 79 cents. I bought it for $1.00 – now that’s the type of inflation I like!
The place was easy to find, clean and friendly.
Nice place!
16. Luscombe Music Inc
Address: 122 W Vallette St, Elmhurst, IL 60126 , Lena , Illinois , United States
My daughter has been taking piano lessons at Luscombe for over a year and we couldn’t be happier. We look forward to going every week. I’ve gotten to know the staff and the owner. Everyone is so friendly and kind there. They are also very knowledgeable and willing to help. Truly an outstanding small business. We are lucky to have them in our community. Thanks for all you do!
My son is learning the violin. He has come a long way with once a week lessons.
My daughter (6) takes piano lessons here and we have always had a pleasant experience! The staff is kind, friendly and helpful, the store is clean and the studios are nice. We are lucky to have such a wonderful gem right here in Elmhurst!
Yearly music by the pound sale is AMAZING
The teachers are great but the instruments and rentals are not so great, since the recent downsize, you can’t find some things there.
Extremely unprofessional. We got on the wait list, waited 2 months and got a call saying they had a spot for our day and time. We returned the call the next day saying we wanted to start as soon as possible. Office called us back saying the the instructor, Elizabeth Olson, should be calling us to make the final arrangements. She called the Sunday of MLK weekend, we were with family the next two days. We connected Tuesday and she wanted to do an assessment on the day we agreed on but a time that didn’t work and wasn’t agreed upon. She said she understood and arranged the following week on the original agreed upon time and day. We accepted, then she messages us and said she found another client that would use the extra day and bumped us out. When we questioned her motive, she said this is just business.
way over priced
17. Music Source
Address: 33113 US-45, Grayslake, IL 60030 , Lena , Illinois , United States
Very good place lots of quality down to earth owner Bob very friendly & a good musician any one needing his musical needs
Bob is great. Took my guitar and will make new again
An awesome store, great people and Bob did a fantastic job cleaning, conditioning and restringing my 1980 Ovation 12 string guitar. It was a pleasure doing business with them.
A week and a half later, I’m waiting on a repair that was supposed to take two days. They called on the day it was supposed to be done to say they just started working on it. Two days after that they called again to say it will be done in a week (or maybe less) due to a problem with the instrument that requires additional work. Today (a week later) they said it will be ready two weeks from the day I brought it in. While I can’t comment on the quality of the work because I still haven’t received it yet, I am disappointed with the service so far. I dislike dishonesty, excuses, and false promises. I can only hope that my instrument isn’t being butchered. I hope I’ll get it back and be able to add a positive update to this review. Unfortunately since they lied to me, I can’t trust them, so I’ll have to take it somewhere else to get it checked out after I get it back.
Update: I got the guitar back and had it checked out by a friend’s technician. He said it was in good shape, so I’ve decided to raise my rating by two stars. I won’t forget the bad communication and lack of transparency, so I don’t think I would bring an instrument here for repair a second time.
Why would I come here to buy $21 Elixir Strings when I can get them for $10 on Amazon? Are these even elixirs? I am 2nd guessing because the seal was ripped and the bags are crinkled inside. I feel like I was ripped off here, do not come here for your strings maybe they are knowledgable, but definatley sketchy.
Reviews show that they are open but I cannot seem to find the correct times they are open I tried stopping in on a Saturday around 3 website and google said they were open. But they weren’t too
Bought an over priced patch cable to find out it doesn’t work.
Was looking for a specific pair of drumsticks that I needed. I walked in and took a look at the selection they had, and they didn’t have what I needed. I asked a staff member if they could help me out and he helped me figure out what pair I needed. He happened to be the drum instructor. While trying to find the specific pair, my mother who was with me told me that he made her feel uncomfortable because of the way he acted towards her. When they “ordered” it for me and they said it’ll be here in a week.
One week later, I called to see if it had arrived. They said no. I stopped by the next day to see if it arrived and the same instructor said they’ll stop by tomorrow and pick it up for me. (From whatever warehouse they get their stuff from). The next day, guess what? THEY DIDN’T HAVE IT.
Unbelievable service. Waste of time and effort. I ended up going to A-Major Music in Gurnee. Trust me, it is worth the drive and they are MUCH more friendlier and helpful there.
Store staff are incompetent. Ordered books and instruments accessories for me but instead of holding behind the counter they just put them on the shelf for others to buy. Waited two weeks and when I got there only one of the three things I ordered was available. There is a reason mom-and-pop shops like this are going out of business. They have no customer service. Added to which the staff were rude and had a lack of knowledge that was sad.
18. Lena KOA Holiday
Address: 10982 US-20, Lena, IL 61048 , Lena , Illinois , United States
Wonderful place in an unexpected location. If we had grandkids, this is where I’d take them. Plenty of things for the 12 and under kiddos to do, a pool, playground, and games. Most awesome Cornhole (bag toss) set, ever, small pool, and large size chess set! Clean, neat and tidy. Loved it!
Always clean and just a welcoming feeling.
Nice campground, great staff. I wish it was a little cheaper to stay here but I guess it takes a lot to run a nice place.
Great camp ground a little expensive, but it’s great to go on the weekend.
Staff was very nice and accommodating. Check in went smoothly even with the restrictions from covid 19.
I was never there
It’s not even real camping. You’re sitting in an air coconditioned mini house. I’d rather just put up a tent the natural way.
