LemonGrass Cafe

In the very heart of Moline, you'll find a place that is a must-visit for fans of exotic flavors. LemonGrass Cafe is a cozy Thai restaurant in the USA that has become a true culinary landmark for Illinois residents. The establishment specializes in classic Thai cuisine, skillfully blending it with modern fusion elements.

The restaurant is famous for its friendly and calm atmosphere. The interior, featuring rustic decor and unique photographs, is perfect for both leisurely family dinners and casual meetups with friends. A high rating (4.6 based on over a thousand reviews) confirms the consistent quality of service and dishes prepared from the freshest ingredients.

One of the key features of LemonGrass is its inclusivity. The menu offers many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The staff is well-versed in the ingredients and always ready to adapt dishes to your dietary needs, ensuring a bright and authentic taste of Thailand in every bowl.

For your convenience, we have prepared current contact information for LemonGrass Cafe. You can contact the establishment to inquire about the menu or table availability using the details below.

The main activity at LemonGrass is, of course, savoring Thai culinary masterpieces. Foodies should look out for the Pad Keemao with tofu or the signature Buddha Rolls, served with a delicate mango sauce. If you love soups, be sure to try the coconut soup or the classic green curry; you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

For those looking for something unusual, the menu features fusion items such as kimchi fried rice or the aromatic Singapore Street Noodles in a gluten-free version. Large groups often order various appetizers "for the table": crab wontons, shrimp salads, or crispy rolls make for a great start to the meal.

Beyond the food, you can enjoy a selection of original drinks—from traditional teas to craft beer and signature cocktails. During lunch, the restaurant offers great lunch specials priced at around $12, making it an excellent choice for a high-quality and affordable meal. Fast service and a cozy patio round out the pleasant experience.

The restaurant is located at 1419 5th Ave, making it easily accessible for most residents and visitors. If you plan to drive, there are parking zones available around 5th Avenue. For the most accurate navigation, it is best to use Google Maps.

For those using public transport, the Quad Cities Mass Transit bus system is an excellent choice. The nearest stops are located right on 5th Avenue, just a few minutes' walk from the entrance. If you are arriving from Quad City International Airport, a taxi or rideshare trip will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

The downtown area where the cafe is situated is perfect for walking. The neighborhood is considered safe and lively, so guests often prefer to reach the establishment on foot while enjoying the atmosphere of old Moline or strolling along the riverbank.

LemonGrass Cafe is a prime example of culinary business success in the Midwest. Over the years, it has evolved from a local secret into one of the city's most recognizable gastronomic spots. The restaurant has played a significant role in popularizing Thai cuisine in the Quad Cities region by focusing on a blend of tradition and modern tastes.

The name of the establishment refers to lemongrass—a key ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine that symbolizes freshness and authenticity. The creators aimed to build a space where every guest, regardless of dietary preferences, could find a dish to their liking, leading to an extensive menu for vegans and those following a gluten-free diet.

The restaurant's interior also has its own story: it harmoniously combines modern details with rustic elements, while the walls are adorned with photographs depicting local culture and daily life. This creates a unique atmosphere of continuity, where guests feel a connection to Eastern traditions while being in the heart of Illinois.

Interestingly, LemonGrass is often called a "fusion laboratory." The establishment isn't afraid to experiment, adding elements of other Asian cuisines to classic recipes—for example, offering fried rice with kimchi. This boldness and openness to the new have allowed the restaurant to maintain high ratings for many years.

For a full dining experience at LemonGrass Cafe, it is recommended to set aside about 1–1.5 hours. This is enough time to explore the extensive menu at a relaxed pace, enjoy the presentation of the dishes, and appreciate the cozy atmosphere. If you plan to order several courses, including appetizers and desserts, you might want to allow for a bit more time.

During lunch hours, when special offers are available, the service is very efficient. For a quick midday lunch, 45–60 minutes is usually sufficient for most visitors. Despite its high popularity, the kitchen handles orders quite quickly, which is appreciated by those on a tight schedule.

The establishment operates on a schedule with a midday break. From Monday to Saturday, LemonGrass Cafe is open in two shifts: from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM for dinner. This is convenient for both those looking for a lunch spot and those who enjoy evening gatherings.

Please note that the restaurant is closed on Sundays. Saturday evenings see the largest influx of guests, so if you plan to visit on the weekend, it's worth arriving a bit early or checking table availability in advance.

Exploring the area around 5th Avenue can significantly enrich your travel experience. After a pleasant meal at the cafe, you can take a walk to historical buildings or cultural centers located just a few steps away.

Below are the nearby Moline attractions worth visiting: