There is perhaps no better way to enjoy a meal than accompanying it with a view of a lake, the ocean, or...a river. The Illinois River meanders through 273 miles of the eponymous state and restaurant owners throughout central and western Illinois have taken advantage of the river's natural beauty. Check out three of the best places in the Prairie State to get a great meal while gazing out at the Illinois River.

1. Red Dog Grill

Located in Ottawa, Illinois - a city of a little over 18,700 people 1 ½ hours southwest of Chicago - and overlooking an inlet in the Illinois River, Red Dog Grill serves up an eclectic variety of food including main dishes like chicken jambalaya, ribs, and bruschetta chicken pasta and appetizers like chicken wings, soft pretzels, and fried pickles.

When you’ve had your fill at the main part of the establishment head to the Tiki Bar to enjoy a choice of cocktails and wines and a live musical performance while looking out at the small harbor behind the building. Note that the Tiki Bar is only open during the summer months. To learn more about the restaurant and the bar check out Red Dog Grill’s website or the establishment’s Facebook page.

2. Evandy's Boatel

This restaurant is the second iteration of a riverside establishment that burned down in 1991. Rebuilt starting in 2007, Evandy’s Boatel specializes in seafood, pork chops, and steaks but is also known for its Buffalo fritters and hush puppies. The restaurant also puts on prime rib and fried chicken nights where diners can get an entree and sides for a fixed price. When you’re done with dinner, make sure to check out the Boatel’s little general store which sells things like beer, liquor, sunscreen, and restaurant souvenirs, many of these items being especially useful for boaters on the Illinois River.

To get to Evandy’s Boatel head two hours north of St. Louis, Missouri, or one hour west of Springfield, Illinois’ capital, after which you will reach Naples, population 100. It is in this rural town that you will find the Boatel.

If you’d rather arrive by way of the river, the Boatel can accommodate that, too! Many people moor their boats on the bank of the Illinois behind the restaurant. You have a choice of eating in the Boatel’s interior - which features a beautiful wood ceiling and stone fireplace - or under the covered patio out back. With either choice you’ll get great views of the river! Check out the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information.

3. Jonah's Seafood House

Located off Route 150 in East Peoria, a city 2 ½ hours southwest of Chicago and one hour north of Springfield, Jonah’s Seafood House is actually three businesses in one: Jonah’s, 2601 Oyster Bar, and the Market & Bake Shop. The main restaurant, Jonah’s, offers seafood dishes using fresh ingredients flown in daily from places like Massachusetts, Hawaii, and even New Zealand. Jonah’s specialties are its clam chowder and potatoes au gratin but also on the menu are flash-fried calamari, crab cakes, and lobster filets. If you’re still hungry after you entrée, be sure to try one of Jonah’s homemade desserts which include Key lime pie and New-Orleans-style bread pudding.

After your meal, consider stopping by the adjacent Market and Bake Shop which sells by-the-pound spinach artichoke dip, grilled chicken salad, and pico de gallo; meal kits; to-go cocktails; desserts; and bread.

Jonah’s accepts reservations both over the phone and through OpenTable. There are several tables in the restaurant that are near the window, giving diners a great view of the Illinois River and neighboring Peoria’s skyline. The inside of the restaurant has an old-ship vibe which complements the Cape Cod accents of the exterior. Be sure to check out Jonah’s website or the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information.

For many people, Illinois is just Chicago but if you venture out of the Windy City you will see there's much more to America's 21st state. The restaurants in the small cities and towns along the Illinois River offer both stunning views and outstanding food to anyone who stops by. Come check out small-town Illinois for yourself! Have you been to any of the restaurants on this list? Let us know about your experience in the comments.