Went to Ottawa, Illinois for the Best Crepes

My sister-in-law called me on a bright Saturday morning with an unexpected plan: “Let’s take a spontaneous trip to Ottawa, Illinois—I want crepes!” So, with her husband in tow, she picked me up, and within 30 minutes, we were on the road.

For a second, I thought she meant Canada, which gave me nostalgia for my wedding, but no—Illinois has a knack for borrowing city names.

First Stop: The French Press

The real reason for our trip—the crepes! With a stellar 4.8-star rating, how could we resist? Located at 728 Columbus St, Ottawa, IL 61350, this cozy café was everything we hoped for. I love that Illinois has a thing for breakfast named restaurants too.

We started with the Quiche du Jour, served with greens and a lemon Dijon vinaigrette. It was fresh, delicious, and perfect for sharing. Then came the crepes:

The Cuban Crepe – Roast pork, ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard aioli wrapped in a delicate crepe. A Cuban sandwich without the bread but all the flavor? I was in love!
Breakfast Crepe – Scrambled eggs, cheese, strawberry preserve, and bacon. A sweet and savory combo.
Croque Madame Crepe – A Croque Monsieur crepe (filled with ham, bechamel sauce, and a Gruyère cheese blend) topped with two over-easy eggs.

We also shared a French Press coffee, perfectly portioned for three.

A Scenic Stroll & Thrifting

To let our meal settle, we wandered along a small trail behind the café. The sun, cool breeze, and occasional boat passing by made it the perfect digestive walk.

Our next stop? A local thrift store. We were mainly hunting for vinyl records but didn’t find any treasures this time. Still, window shopping is always therapeutic!

Coffee Break at Jeremiah Joe

Needing another caffeine fix, we stopped by Jeremiah Joe Coffee (807 La Salle St, Ottawa, IL 61350)—another highly rated spot. I asked the barista for a recommendation and got one of their seasonal drinks, Pistachio Caramel Iced Coffee with whole milk. It was sweet but delicious! We sipped, people-watched, and enjoyed the moment.

Lincoln’s Footsteps in Ottawa

We decided to walk through Washington Square, where history came to life. This was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate on August 21, 1858. Lincoln’s speech emphasized the Declaration of Independence’s phrase, “All men are created equal,” while Douglas promoted popular sovereignty. It was a pivotal moment in American history, setting the stage for Lincoln’s presidency.

We also stopped by the “Lincoln Slept Here” sign at 810 Columbus Street. Back in 1858, when Lincoln arrived for the debate, he dined with local mayor Joseph Otis Glover and stayed overnight in his modest home. Later, a torchlight procession accompanied him back to the house. It’s fascinating to imagine the future president resting there before one of the most important debates in U.S. history!

Wrapping Up Our Trip

Before heading home, we admired the Lincoln and Douglas statues—a must-see for anyone visiting Ottawa.

This spontaneous 40-minute road trip turned into a day filled with great food, scenic walks, and unexpected history lessons. I’m so grateful to have family who loves exploring with me. Maybe next time, we’ll even convince Tyler to join!

Xo, Mel

Question for my friends: Have you been to Ottawa, IL? What’s your go-to road trip meal?