Martin’s Tunes and Eats - Wood River, Illinois

Steven B.

I am adding Martins to my rotation for Happy Hour, Breakfast and comfort food eating. I've been twice and both times were winning experiences.

This establishment use to be Chico's and about two months ago, switched over to Martins. I cannot speak for what it was like at Chico's, but it must have been good, because several items on the menu are listed as, "Chico's Style". It's good to see that they kept a few of the "favorites" from the previous business.

I discovered Martins by their ad in, The Social which is a monthly magazine delivered in my mail promoting local businesses. Wanting to expand my experiences in my new neighborhood, I went to check them out. Lucky for me, my first visit was during Happy Hour and the special pricing for cocktails made my wallet smile.

After a couple of cocktails and chatting with other patrons at the bar, I decided to order food. My original intentions were to order either wings or a burger, but the young lady tending bar persuaded me to try the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. She stated that I would not be disappointed.

The menu, describes it as, "Big As Your Face" and they were not lying. When it was delivered to me, everyone at the bar gasped in amazement. They all said, you're not going to be able to eat all of that. They were right, it was f-ing huge. It was not only big in size, but it was also big in flavor. I went with fried over grilled and it the breading was extra crispy. One of my new bar buddies suggested enjoying part of my leftovers with scrambled eggs in the morning and that is just what I did and I still had enough left over for a small sammie for lunch. As a side, I went with the Homemade Potato Chips over the fries. They could have been a little crisper, but they were still a nice change from fries.

While dining I noticed they were also open for breakfast and I enjoy a good breakfast out. So a couple days later, I was back. When having breakfast out, especially on the weekend, you've got to have a Bloody Mary. WOW! They make their own mix and it is spicy and the perfect way to start brunch/breakfast. If you go on a Sunday, the Bloody Mary's will be on special.

Being raised on a farm, I am a big fan of good ole Biscuits and Gravy. When I go out for breakfast, I always like a half order of B&G when I can. Lucky for me, they offer a Biscuit and Gravy Combo. I enjoyed my half order with two eggs scrambled, a side of bacon and country hashbrowns. It was a hearty breakfast that kept me filled and going through out the day. Again, I am on for crispy potatoes, so I would have liked my h-browns to have been a little crispier. Otherwise, it was a thumbs up.

The staff is friendly. It is a true neighborhood diner/dive bar. Even the other patrons are welcoming to other diners and drinkers. It is a true relaxing and welcoming environment.

Davein S.

Stopped in for lunch to get a breaded pork tenderloin. I got the "Big as 'yo head " sandwich, and yeah, it was huge. The meat itself was 1/2" thick, + breading. There is plenty more under the toast! I like mine with ketchup and mustard on the side. I should have told them to kill the bread, lettuce and tomatoes. Very good!

Katherine S.

They have good food and friendly service. Pay at your table. They have a variety of events lined up throughout the week.

Matt H.

The damn pony shoe is legit. Coffee is meh, but the food is good. Great little hole in the wall that more people should know about.

Solcover

THE ONION RINGS ARE AMAZING! The chicken strips were delicious. All of their food is really good... And, you get A LOT of it. Everyone at the table took food home The service was great.
The atmosphere was okay... But, try not to use their restroom. It is literally plywood walls. No paint, not even a toilet paper holder in the handicap restroom. The huge roll of tp is on the back of the toilet.
Everything was delicious, and I was thinking that I would go back, until I got the bill. It was over $66 (before the tip) for three dinners, and one order of onion rings. It was good... But for that much money, you can get a better meal. 🤷

Jay C.

Food was cold and for what I paid for an open faced roast beef it should of been amazing and it was far from it the gravy was made with too much gravy mix, the potatoes were stiff, and green beans had no flavor at all even with the piece of cooked bacon and raw onions the only thing good about the meal was the meat itself it was of good quality. But the service was amazing. Our waitress did an incredible job

Update: another group breakfast. It was decided to be Martin's for breakfast. Again, wonderful service, and this time, the food was amazing. Breakfast at Martins was an all-around great start to a Sunday morning.

Charlene S.

Fun bar and eatery !! Excellent server !!! Hard worker !!! Enjoyed the band, the food, (the onion rings ROK'D !!) and the patrons visiting the establishment that evening!!

Jim M.

Went to have fried chicken family buffet style Tuesday night food tastes real good but is not warm enough luke warm at near the dumping soup very good but waitress brought very small serving for the two of us. The soup is served in 1 bowl for the two of us and was runny but dumplings tasted real good. Had to ask for extra plate for the main meal because when u take the spoon and put dumplings on plate it ran all over the plate
Food tasted real good but improvement needs to be taken