Reviews: Mel's Illinois RiverDock Restaurant

Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson , Pegasus, on Nov 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

This was a good stop on the river. The docks are very stable and easy to tie-up. The dock easily accommodated nine boats from 35 to 60 feet the night we were there. The water was very low when we arrived, so there were some concerns about debris in the water at the far end of the dock, but none of us encountered any problems. There are no services at this dockage, but restrooms are available at Mel's during business hours. The mooring was slight bumpy from waves off the river due to high winds, but it was generally a peaceful night. The area above the dock is pet-friendly. The thing that makes this stop special is "Mel's" IL Riverdock Restaurant, which is about 120 yards from the dock. The evening we were there we had eight Looper boats at one table (16 people), and three generations of Mel's family waited on us. All of us had a very good service, good food and at very reasonable prices. Would definitely stop here again.

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Reviewed by: Kevin Williams , m/v Blue Tortuga, on Sep 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Super solid steel floating dock- very secure. Super easy on / off. As noted, some debris on the South side of the dock. The stop is worth it for the experience at Mel's alone. Incredible breakfast and some of the best apple pie I've ever had. Stay the night or an easy stop for a meal.

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Reviewed by: Amy SPENCER , Jessica Grace, on Sep 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We came from Logsdon Tug stop and this is the best dock on this stretch of the river! it is rough metal floating dock but secure with plenty of cleats. Good depth during this low season. Willow anchorage was upstream a couple hours and Grafton south bound a couple more hours. Rough but sturdy metal grated bridge to land and plenty of space for dogs to run and exercise. Park nearby. Cool cemetery within walking distance. Nice rural restaurant with good food. Restaurant simply added the $20 dock fee to the food bill.

With low water, we noticed a piling peaking out of river maybe 30 ft from southern end of dock. When docking, stay close and parallel to dock 

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Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer , Do It Now, on Dec 23, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

We overnighted here on 10/26/22 with a buddy boat. (I am a bit behind in my reviews.) The docks were in very rough condition and the ramp up to land was even worse. But the boats could be tied securely. Plenty of area to walk a dog or stretch your legs. It was quiet and we were not bothered by the wake of passing tows.

The restroom facilities are in the restaurant so they're only available when the restaurant is open. We had dinner there; it was good food at a reasonable price. The place is walking distance to a very well stocked Dollar General where you can get milk and some other groceries.

A good stop after at least one day anchoring out.

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Reviewed by: Graeme Walker , Confirmed Aquaholic, on Oct 23, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Breakfast is closed on Mondays. We had five boats at the dock, pretty much it's capacity. No facilities but $20/night if you eat at the restaurant and it was an excellent meal and quite reasonable. Worth the experience.

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Reviewed by: Pete Washburn , Spring Fling, on Oct 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 2

Passed thru in mid October '22. Apparently, they are closed on Monday and Tuesday at this point. Couldn't reach them on the phone on Monday, but a buddy boat did Tuesday and secured a dock reservation and will have breakfast there on Wednesday morning before departing for Grafton. It is nothing but a dock, but after 2 days of anchoring out, it might be enough :)

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Reviewed by: Brian Wicks on Sep 23, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 3

Not sure where all the hype comes from on this stop. OK dock and the restaurant was decent. Again, the 'reservation' system is suspect. Expect more boats to be there than you think. Rafting up will happen. If it's late you can go up to the restaurant and ask to tie up to the public boat ramp dock. The staff at the restaurant were very friendly. This is another patience and teamwork experience.

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Reviewed by: Rob Dare , Liberty Call , on Sep 30, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

An easy stop on the way to Grafton or Alton. 2 barges that are 250 feet total. Gangplank is old metal grating that is beat up and needs some work. Barges are slick when wet. Restaurant is very good. Dinner was great and breakfast meals are excellent with very generous portions. Super friendly staff. No electric or water. There is a small grocery store a few blocks away. Nice areas to walk the dog but everyone was carrying their dogs over the gangplank.

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Reviewed by: Robert Hansen , Soulmate , on Sep 21, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Mel's Illinois RiverDock and Restaurant have a good vibe, great homemade meals and desserts.

Mel's is strategically located in Hardin, IL, a small town of 860 residents. We felt very comfortable in Hardin!

There are two floating docks attached to the shore that are 250' long. They are solid.

There is no power but we had a great experience at both the dock and restaurant!

The dock cost was $25 and along with the great home cooked meals and desserts well worth the stay!

I'll be back!

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