The Packinghouse

Cinnamon rolls and salad may seem like an odd combination, but they’re two of the menu items that draw hungry people to The Packinghouse Dining Co. in Galesburg every day. Open since 1978, The Packinghouse boasts the largest salad bar within a 60-mile radius, complete with more than a dozen homemade salads, fruits and vegetables, and more than 20 salad toppings and dressings.

“Customers love our homemade shrimp salad, potato salad, artichoke heart salad, crab salad, fresh soups and all-you-can-eat cinnamon rolls. We bring them warm to your table,” says Kevin Cerar, the restaurant’s owner. “We can even ship our cinnamon rolls anywhere in the world.”

The salad bar comes with dinner entrees, which include filet mignon, fish, steak and slow-roasted prime rib. A variety of hot sandwiches, chicken dishes, meatloaf and pot roast round out the menu. On Sundays, The Packinghouse serves a buffet lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We’re known for great food and service and our unique building,” Cerar says.

Located in Galesburg’s historic commercial district in the former 1912 Swift & Co. meatpacking shop, The Packinghouse radiates historic charm. The former walk-in cooler has been transformed into a dining room, and the old freight elevator serves as a coatroom.

“In our lobby, you can see the racks above your head where they used to hang the meats,” Cerar explains. “It’s an unusual, nice-but-casual atmosphere where you can come dine in a suit or a pair of shorts. You can go anywhere in the U.S. and not find a restaurant like ours.”

If You Go...


441 Mulberry St. in Galesburg
Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(309) 342-6868
www.packinghousedining.com

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