Hinckley Café Restaurant
116 E. Lincoln Ave
(815) 286-7081
In this entry, the Historical Society is focusing on a business with delicious, warm, homemade soups: the Hinckley Café at 116 E. Lincoln Avenue. Ruven Guadalajara opened the restaurant in 2010 after years of cooking at other restaurants. He is currently the sole chef, so he limits offerings to just breakfast and lunch meals. Ruven has created a family atmosphere and enjoys the personal touch of visiting with customers. A sign in the restaurant sums up his philosophy: “You are the bacon to my eggs!” There are daily specials and an extensive menu, though Ruven will make about anything you would like. His three friendly wait staff add to the hometown feel, and you might recognize Kristi, who has been working at the cafe for 6 years.
This location has been the destination for good things to eat for well over 100 years. There have been businesses offering confectionary, bakery, grocery, and lunches dating back to the 1800s under names like Bergstrand, Froehlich, Goerlich, Morsch, Wedkemper, Willet, & Fay. Stop in and see how Ruven has continued this Hinckley tradition for great food.
