Otto's Place

Located in the heart of historic Galena, Otto's Place is a cozy cafe and restaurant housed in a building dating back to 1899. This place is a true portal into the USA's past, where brick walls and proximity to the old railway create a unique turn-of-the-century American small-town atmosphere.

Known among travelers and locals as one of the best spots for a traditional breakfast and brunch, its high rating (4.7) reflects the impeccable quality of its cuisine and service. Here, classic recipes meet heartfelt hospitality, turning a simple meal into an enjoyable cultural experience.

Named after its first owner, Otto Sallman, the restaurant carefully preserves the spirit of the old town. It is the perfect location for those seeking not just delicious food, but an authentic atmosphere and a chance to touch the living history of Illinois.

For your convenience and to help plan your visit, here are the establishment's current contact details:

The main reason to visit Otto's Place is for the culinary experience. Guests should definitely try the legendary American omelets, fluffy pancakes, and fresh pastries. The establishment is perfect for a leisurely morning where the aroma of freshly ground coffee blends with the historic charm of the venue.

The restaurant's interior deserves special attention: vintage elements and the authentic late 19th-century building finishes provide a beautiful backdrop for memorable photos. Here, you can not only enjoy a meal but also watch the city life, feeling like part of the local community. You'll often find locals at the next table, ready to share interesting stories about Galena.

The kitchen is led by Chef Kevin Scharpf, whose skill adds modern touches to classic dishes. Be sure to check out the seasonal specials—they always reflect the region's local flavors. It’s a place where you can simply relax, enjoying the view of the river and passing trains.

Finding Otto's Place is very easy—the establishment is located in the picturesque lower part of Galena's East Side, right by the riverbank and the historic railroad tracks. Bouthillier Street is one of the key routes for tourists, so a walk from the city center to the restaurant takes very little time and offers views of the historic architecture.

If you plan to arrive by car, you can park on nearby city streets or in public parking lots. The city is compact, making navigation via signs intuitive. The drive from the nearest regional airport in Dubuque takes about 30 minutes.

For those who prefer taxis or public transport, the restaurant is within walking distance of most popular tourist locations, including the famous Main Street. This makes it an ideal stop during a major walking tour of the city.

The history of this site began back in 1899. The building was constructed by Otto Sallman, a local resident with an ambitious dream: he lived on the second floor and planned to open a first-class restaurant on the first. Newspapers of the time even announced the establishment as "beautifully equipped," but due to financial difficulties, Otto was never able to launch his lifelong project.

Over the next century, the building changed hands and purposes many times. It served as a bakery, grocery store, pizzeria, and even an antique shop. It wasn't until 2011 that historical justice was restored when a cafe named after its first owner opened here.

A new chapter began in 2022 when Kevin and Lindsay Scharpf purchased the establishment. Kevin, an award-winning chef, brought modern culinary techniques to the menu while preserving the cozy small-town feel. Today, it is more than just a cafe—it's a symbol of generational continuity and the fulfillment of a dream that was destined to come true a century later.

A typical visit to Otto's Place usually takes 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely enjoy the breakfast or brunch for which the place is so well-regarded and to soak in the late 19th-century atmosphere.

If you're an architecture buff or love interior photography, you might want to stay a bit longer. An ideal plan is to stop by early in the morning to fuel up before a long walk through the hilly streets of Galena.

The operating hours are geared toward breakfast and early lunch lovers. Otto's Place opens its doors at 08:00. On Mondays and Thursdays, the restaurant is open until 13:00, while from Friday to Sunday, hours are extended until 14:00.

Please note that Tuesday and Wednesday are closing days. Before visiting, we recommend checking the current schedule on the official website, as hours may change during holidays.

Exploring the surroundings of Otto's Place will help you dive deeper into the region's rich history and make your walk through Galena truly fulfilling. Unique monuments and museums preserving the memory of historical eras and prominent figures are located within a few minutes' walk.