Machine Shed Restaurant

4.0 star rating
37 reviews Rating Details

Category: Canadian (Traditional)  [Edit]

7250 Northwest Blvd
Davenport, IA 52806
(563) 391-2427
Hours:

Mon-Sat 6 am - 10 pm

Sun 7 am - 9 pm

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Loud
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "...choice of two): cottage cheese, coleslaw, or homemade..." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "Just imagine the nicest Cracker Barrel ever but with clean..." In 7 reviews
  • user photo
    "...in Davenport IA last night, Double Pork Chop Dinner AMAZING." In 4 reviews
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37 reviews in English

  • Review from Rex C.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Morris Plains, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    2/28/2012

    I don't know how I would feel about this place if I were from Iowa, where food apparently is amazing, but being from the east coast I was blown away. I had a pulled pork sandwich that could have been the best thing I ever ate. Everything tasted like the pig had just been killed that morning.

    Then our receipt had a coupon for a free onion ring within 30 days, so we stopped on the way back. Here I am thinking "free onion rings" would be some tiny little side plate, and out comes this monster plate piled with a mountain of onion rings. I wouldn't have gotten another side if I'd realized that. Place was jam packed and service was good. Waitress was friendly.

    Somebody complained it was overpriced? Wut? For 20 bucks our table was overflowing with food. Shouldn't even have come to that much since there was no way we could finish it all.

    Judging by the average size of the clientele I wouldn't want to eat here very often, but gottdamn I wish we had one of these nearer to home.

  • Review from Yrakaz S.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/24/2012

    My girlfriend and I for the first few times would get the fried chicken meal the open face sandwich. Both and are pretty good entrees, the sides (cole slaw, apple sauce, etc...) are lacking any "real" flavor, but I'm not going to be too picky if the entree makes up for the meal. Let's talk about the real problem with this restaurant and why I'm writing this review.  

    My problem is when we decided to try something different, the true identity of this restaurant appeared. We are HUGE fans of Prime Rib and we decided to give Machine Shed's Prime Rib a try. Of course we ordered the Prime Rib medium rare (the way it is supposed to be) but the steak came back as medium and a little cold. Ok, mistakes can happen,so we informed the waitress, she took it back and we received another Prime Rib which was also a little cold and medium on the inside!!!

    Now this is getting ridiculous!

    So we decided to talk to the manager; now we are not blaming the waitress at all! She was friendly and understood our problem. Once the manager finally decided to approach our table, we explained what was going on and we had to return the prime rib twice already. After explaining our side of the story, the manager pretty much gave it to us straight and informed us that the prime rib which was served to us was from YESTERDAY'S cooking and they were not able to cook the prime rib any longer than necessary because the steak was already cooked to medium rare! So when we ordered the most expensive steak on the menu, Machine Shed was ok with serving us something which came from yesterdays kitchen!

    So Machine Shed is a proud part of the corporate structure which ultimately does not care about you, only concerned with the bottom dollar and more importantly, that the share holders are making a profit. I have had prime rib all over the US and I have never heard such a pathetic attempt to make money, hoping that we would be the dumb customer that wouldn't notice the difference.

    Please avoid any and all Heart of America restaurants.

  • Review from Laura W.

    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Elmhurst, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/22/2012

    To say I was disappointed with Machine Shed would be an understatement. My boyfriend and I went after hearing multiple rave reviews from people.

    To start we had the Sheddar melts and Burnt ends. Both were fine, not terrible but not great.

    I had the Creamed Chicken and Biscuits. It should be called "biscuit" because there was only one biscuit, and it was not what my vision of "creamed chicken" would be. It was more on the soupy side rather than being thick and creamy.

    My boyfriend had the Double-Cut Iowa porkchop and while it was a good size for the price, it was nothing fantastic.

    I am not sure if I would go back there - maybe just for the cute giftshop area. The service was very good and the people friendly but the food was subpar.

  • Review from Joanne E.

    • 3 friends
    • 53 reviews

    Evanston, IL

    4.0 star rating
    12/5/2011

    In the words of my hubby - it's not Dixie Kitchen.

    That said, it's very good. I ordered a cinnamon roll WITH my breakfast order based on the Yelp reviews about how good it was. I guess I didn't realize it would be the size of my head!!!  It was delicious, but I think the leftover I took with me could feed a family of five.

    As for the comments regarding service. We had great service. Quick, efficient, right on top of the drink refills. My hubby drinks a lot of ice tea - on his third refill he asked if she could leave the pitcher. No problem, so he was thrilled.

    Would we go back if we were driving through Davenport?  Absolutely.

  • Review from Ricardo K.

    • 125 friends
    • 195 reviews

    Deerfield, IL

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    AAA+ in my book. Everything is worth it. Saturday is the snoked Prime Rib. Yummy.
    In fact I was just at the one in Davenport IA last night, Double Pork Chop Dinner AMAZING.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      4/10/2011

      Have been here many times and somethings never change. The food, service and price are all AAA+.
      Had… Read more »

  • Review from Bernard F.

    • 0 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Orion, IL

    1.0 star rating
    3/15/2012

    I gave them three chances . Once by myself, once with another and the third time there were four of us. All three times were large disappointments. All were within a three week period.
    Once I waited 20 minutes for someone to bring water and a menu , So I just walked out,  The second time we actually got to order but then the owner came back after 45 minutes and told us that they were running way behind and that it would be another half hour, so once again we left w/o eating.  And the third time they just plane came out and told us prior to seating us, that the kitchen was really slow today, and that it might be a 40 minute wait, so once again we left , hungry.

    This is a place that our family used to visit all the time ( in the 70's) it was our first choice.
    Evidently the huge corperate   Machine Shed has lost touch .
    I will not go back , nor will I reccoimend it to others.

    Added later: The I -80 truck stop, just down the road , a bit is 100% better when it comes to service , of any kind.

  • Review from Teri D.

    • 16 friends
    • 152 reviews

    Highland, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/26/2012 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Quick service with tasty iced tea, reasonable prices and a MOUNTAIN of food. Unbelievably fresh ingredients and the place was packed. I here for the third time in as many days for breakfast and it's beyond dynamite AGAIN. I'm definitely going to grab one of the HEAD SIZE cinnamon rolls for hubby back home in Illinois so he can eat if for breakfast tomorrow and my wonderfully accommodating server is getting me the freshest one possible to take with me. Hubby loves cinnamon rolls and yesterday the three other folks I had breakfast with shared ONE cinnamon roll and could barely finish it.  They also ordered the carrot cake pancakes and went nuts over them. They have wireless Internet access which is allowing me to finish my review via iPad without leaving the building. I sure wish they'd open one of these in St. Louis!!  Of course if they did, I'd lose my religion and have to buy a lot of bigger clothes!  Such a dilemma!

  • Review from Faith H.

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Bettendorf, IA

    5.0 star rating
    1/22/2012

    I have eaten here SEVERAL times, and have NEVER had a bad experience.  Growing up on a farm, I am taken back in time to my childhood everytime we come.  When you walk in, you are automatically greeted by the host/hostess.  My son (who pronounces the Machine Shed "Sheen Shed") loves the fact that he is given a toy tractor to play with along with a coloring menu and crayons while we are there.  

    The menu has quite a bit of variety and you definitely get your money's worth.  They take the old saying we don't want you to leave hungry to a whole other level.  :)  There is always a pitcher of iced water and water glasses (mason jars just like we used on the farm) on the table.  

    The staff is very friendly and accomodating.  We are always being checked on throughout our meal to make sure that we are taken care of and that we are satisfied with our meal.  We even got to ride on their green tractor in front of the restaurant around the parking lot one time!  Boy my son sure did love that!

    I would recommend this place to ANYONE!

  • Review from Holly L.

    Plainfield, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/1/2011

    One of my favorite restaurants... but what can I say - I'm a midwestern meat and potatoes kind of gal.  

    There is a kitchy gift shop where you can buy stuffed animals and stuffed smiling corn cobs.  Cookbooks, aprons, bacon cologne (yes, I said bacon cologne) and lots of other farm-themed stuff.  The entire place is very farm-themed.  Go figure, it's the "Iowa Machine Shed".  I mean, what do you expect?!

    The food is amazing.  I always get the parmesan crusted pork.  YUM!!!  The bread basket is delish.  You're served your choice of cottage cheese, coleslaw, or applesauce (you pick 2 out of the 3) family style before the meal.  They'll refill these if you ask.  The applesauce is absolutely NOT store-style applesauce.  It's more like applechunks.  The vegetable of the day is also served family-style with the meal.  The desserts look amazing as you walk by them to sit at your table, but with portion sizes this huge, don't expect to have room for dessert.

    I'm not sure how a vegetarian would fare here, but everyone else who likes good comfort food, this is your place.

    Bonus: tractor hayrides for the kiddies out front.  My 2-year-old had the time of her life cruising around the parking lot behind a tractor.

  • Review from Lianne N.

    • 11 friends
    • 67 reviews

    Bettendorf, IA

    4.0 star rating
    8/12/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    I'm reluctant to write a review just yet, because I understand that the meal that makes this place the rave of the country is its breakfast...  

    However, since dinner is when I was there, I'll rate that for now, while assuring myself that I WILL get to try this place for breakfast soon.

    The comparison of this restaurant to a Cracker Barrel is not far off when it comes to ambiance.  I'd say it was an "upscale" Cracker Barrel... similar decorations, similar style.  That said, I'd say that's where the comparison ended for me.  Never would I have ordered a steak at Cracker Barrel, but I had to try one here... the meat selections on the menu are really quite impressive, as is the design of each recipe.  Saturday nights, they have prime rib.  Alas, it was Sunday... but no worries, because there was a lot to choose from either way.

    My main dish was very good... I got the stuffed sirloin, which is thoroughly filled with a hearty filling, with some gravy for good measure.  As my husband commented, it's one of those meals that really "sticks to your ribs".  To that aspect, I felt like I'd just killed a month's worth of dieting.  The gravy was great, but I'm sure it was the same type they make from bacon grease... (which of course is why it ends up tasting good!).  It came with a choice of potato.

    Hubby had the meatloaf... OMG... I have never seen such a meatloaf... it was probably stacked about eight inches tall, with mashed potatoes, crispy onions, and gravy.  The loaf itself had a really interesting mix, with onions, peppers, etc, in it.  I took a pic, which I've added into the photos here.

    All the meals came with family-style side dishes (choice of two): cottage cheese, coleslaw, or homemade cinnamon apples.  There was also corn (quite possibly canned, maybe frozen... meh.. it was corn) and a really nice assortment of fresh breads.

    Considering the fare, the meals were very reasonably priced.

    The service staff was very nice and helpful.  There was one really grumpy man in the corner making a scene about something he had experienced during his meal, and despite being really rude to his waitress, I watched her react very graciously, fulfilling his needs even as he bellowed, "Gimme some mayo!!" across three tables to her.

    So, on that note, this place is NOT a five-star restaurant, in the more traditional sense of the word... no tablecloths, and plenty of folks who have a different attitude than they might in one of the Zaggat restaurants...

    ...BUT my family and I enjoyed our meals. I really look forward to returning for breakfast.

  • Review from Izzy F.

    • 8 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Citrus Heights, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/13/2011

    One of my favorites- EVER! First time I ate there I got some sort of sampler with stuffed pork chop (perfect) Bacon rapped sirloin (amazing) and beef brisket (fantastic!!) This time I had to order off the lunch menu, and got the beef tips. Everything was fantastic. Service can be slow but its WELL worth the wait. The Coleslaw is one of my favorites.

    As stated below there is a ton of food and its a great value. Go!!

  • Review from Chris E.

    • 6 friends
    • 44 reviews

    Lincoln, NE

    1.0 star rating
    12/27/2011

    OMG...do not eat here! Stopped in while driving from Chicago to my home in Nebraska. Crowded, dirty, noisy, and inept staff members. The food?  well, it can best be described as: GAWD-AWFUL!!!!!! Smooshy...full of salt and fat .... and tasting like s**t. the only plus was the pleasant attitude of my waitress. again ... don't go there.

  • Review from Chad D.

    • 8 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Davenport, IA

    3.0 star rating
    6/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    I'd like to give the Machine Shed a 5 star review but I can't. They have amazing Cinnamon Rolls that are as big as a cake and some of their items are quite tasty.  But, and that's a big but, their service is consistently slow and spotty. Ask for an additional drink during your meal and you'll see it 10-15 minutes later. Are you expecting water to be placed in the glasses they provide on the table? Too bad. Now you can ask for it to be filled but once again start the timer because it's going to be a few minutes. Some of you are thinking that they are extremely busy and sometimes they are but I've been in there just after they open at 7 and still had lousy service.

    About the food...

    What to eat there?

    The Country Breakfast is amazing. Go for the Country Fried Pork Chop and enjoy. It's a world class breakfast. The cheesy potatoes are a signature item but I'm not really a big fan. They are mealy. Stick with the traditional hash browns. The Cinnamon Rolls are a must have if you a with a group. The Carrot Cake pancakes are also very very good.

    What not to eat there?

    The Sausage, Ham, and Bacon are all unremarkable and while naturally salty these are uncomfortably salty. The Pancakes are ok but nothing better than what you'd get at IHOP.

    In Summary, food is selectively a 5 star experience but service is consistently a 2 star experience.

    One Tip: Make sure you say "I LOVE EGGS" and get yourself an extra egg added to your order.

  • Review from Ethan S.

    • 3 friends
    • 53 reviews

    Des Plaines, IL

    5.0 star rating
    12/5/2011

    I had dinner here over the summer, and I have to say - I didn't know what to expect! I was pretty hungry, but all I could finish there was an appetizer of jalapeno shrimp (which was pretty good!). Everything there is HUGE, and that's why I love it! We ordered four cinnamon rolls, and what we got was bigger than most cakes. LOVED THIS PLACE.

  • Review from Heather E.

    • 18 friends
    • 314 reviews

    Harlaxton, Lincolnshire

    UK
    3.0 star rating
    7/3/2011

    I like country cooking.  There is something about it, something comforting, reminds me of family.  The Machine Shed gets pretty close to that.  Just good ol' midwestern style food.  I have been on two separate occasions.  The service was a bit on the slow side, but our server was very friendly and hospitable, which kind of made up for the fact that she was a bit slow.    That being said, I think the service was a bit slow because maybe they could use a few more servers as ours seemed to be covering a very large area of customers.

    On my first time to the Machine Shed, I had the pork chops.  I love pork chops, so I was pretty excited about these.  However, that being said, pork chops can be very easy to mess up... and well...  they kind of messed them up.  They were tough, unusually tough, which was highly disappointing.  It means that I spent most of dinner trying to cut through the pork, on the upside, I may have worked off most of the calories from the pork trying to cut it...

    On my second time I had the pot roast.  Now that... was delicious!  The meat was so tender, juicy, and just all around lovely.  And there was quite a bit of meat, not a lot of fatty pieces as you can sometimes get with a pot roast.  The portions are quite generous, so bring a healthy appetite.  I think the prices are just a little bit pricey, but nothing extortionate.  Overall, not bad.

  • Review from Christine M.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Wrightsville Beach, NC

    4.0 star rating
    3/18/2012

    Solid 4! Had chicken & biscuits, my boyfriend had roasted turkey platter. Both so delicious & moist! Perfect country cooking! I didnt give it 5 stars because i asked for my salad to come before my meal twice...it came out in hand with my dinner. Someone mentioned earlier its like a classier cracker barrel. Thats right on the money..a few dollars more. But better, fresher flavors. I also wouldnt eat any meal after brunch at cracker barrel..but i would eat breakfast, brunch, lunch or even dinner here!

  • Review from Matt U.

    Coralville, IA

    5.0 star rating
    12/24/2010 5 photos 10 Check-ins Here

    Some of the best breakfast we've ever had. We go here every time we're in town. Great options, extra eggs when you ask and cinnamon rolls bigger than your head! Lunch and dinner are good as well, but breakfast is the true gem here!

    The gift shop selection of John Deere clothing and accessories is great and they have a section dedicated to bacon!

    Overall, it's an absolute must try spot!

  • Review from Jillian W.

    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    De Witt, IA

    5.0 star rating
    2/28/2012

    If you are craving delicious home cooking & don't feel like cooking, then this is the place to eat! I have tried many things here and everything has been great! Some of my favorites are the meatloaf, the club sandwich, the potato soup, and the chicken fried chicken! Also they have AMAZING breakfast food & the bread pudding is the best ive ever had! I recommend to anyone who sees a Machine Shed, stop in and try it out!

  • Review from Jeff M.

    • 7 friends
    • 57 reviews

    Canton, MI

    3.0 star rating
    1/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The portions are good and price is decent. Be prepared for the ambiance. Country, Iowa style at it's finest. Good local place to go with tons of nick nack stuff.

    This place has a reputation and most of the locals seem to love it. I heard the breakfast is amazing. Great customer service.

  • Review from Jack G.

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Naperville, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This place is great for kids they get a tractor to play with on entry and there is free wifi for us. Menu is very American country kitchen - but wholesome and good.

  • Review from Jeremy M.

    • 2 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Minooka, IL

    3.0 star rating
    9/15/2011 17 Check-ins Here

    I stopped here for lunch while passing through.  The ambiance struck me as similar to a Cracker Barrel, with a bit more stress on the farming side of country.  I ordered a pork chop sandwich.  It was good, even if it didn't blow me away.  The server was friendly and did a decent job.  The checkout line was long because the credit card machine was down, but the hostess was apologetic.  This seems very much the "home cooking" type of place that many people crave.  Most of the patrons seemed to be retirees.  I was somewhere between 2 and 3 stars based on the food, though from reading other reviews I might've been persuaded to go higher if I'd had breakfast here or a dessert.  But because the staff was friendly and the food came quickly (though they were quite busy), I'll go with 3 stars.

  • Review from brandon b.

    • 11 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Le Claire, IA

    4.0 star rating
    4/27/2010

    Despite some reluctance, I tried Machine Shed today.

    Let it be known, I am very surprised i would give Machine Shed such a high mark; i am not normally a fan of uber-kitchy americana, or anything gimmicky. But today, the Machine Shed surprised me. why? the food.

    Once you get past the fact it is a restaurant with a GIFT SHOP and get beyond the intense farm decor, you are left at a table, in a restaurant, like all others.... WITH A MENU... you are here to eat.

    Now, I've heard all about the amazing breakfast, and sadly, due to too many adult beverages and a day off work, we slept in and missed breakfast. In fact, we thought the amazing breakfast was served all day. Such is not the case. breakfast till 11.

    So we had lunch. We ordered their special onion rings as an appetizer... and while greasy (even for onion rings), they were awesome. (and served in a metal wagon - ok, i know, i said i don't like gimmicky, but they tasted so good and were so light and unique, the presentation was a plus.) note: one order is enough for a party of 4.

    I had the daily special pork-herb soup... super good lots of flavor, giant chunks of pork. The other member at my table ordered the cole slaw... also very good, nothing to write home about.

    I had an Iowa-style Philly Cheese Steak... replace the steak with thinly sliced pork. Incredible. Our server was really amazing. She brought me a side of creamy horseradish to put on the extra soft and crispy hoagie because "that's how she likes it"... and oh, yeah, it was on point.

    We also ordered a chicken club. It was GIANT... and really good. no skimping on the meat. it was a little dry, seeing that it's three giant pieces of toasted bread, but a big side of mayo helped that situation.

    The low point: the fries were very bland, generic, frozen fries... but hey, it's just fries.  I lament not getting the sweet potato fries.  And the salad bar, which we didn't go to, looked like it needed some serious attention.  

    The pie on the other hand, was absolutely amazing... i had the lemon meringue. we also order the blue berry pie with ice cream. big portions, very delicious.  i've been told, when at a midwest diner, order the pie... this held true today.

    All in all, it's like a Cracker Barrel or Denny's or Village Inn (but on Farm Decor Crack) but the food is much much better. Based on their less-spoken about lunch, I will certainly be back to try their breakfast.

    side notes: very clean place - bathrooms included.  i'd give our server a B+/A-.   You don't pay the server, you pay at a register (in the gift shop)... this can slow you down if you are trying to leave in a hurry.

  • Review from Deb E.

    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Belt, MT

    4.0 star rating
    12/11/2010

    We hit the Machine Shed for brunch on a drippy Saturday morning.  When we arrived, the dining room was packed, but our waitress showed us to a booth and got us situated.  This place is very Cracker Barrel-ish with its gift shop and decor, but we loved it!  Perfect for families with its big booths and tables.  

    Prices were very reasonable and my travelling companion couldn't believe how big the cinnamon rolls were.  As my better half would say "They were as big as your head!"  

    I had the "Hired Hand":  a couple of eggs with smoked sausage, their "Sheddar Style" hash brown potatoes, all accompanied with a biscuit and sausage gravy.  Coffee was the perfect accompaniment.

    My friend got the "Cakes and Everything".  Her combination included two eggs, ham, and two slices of French Toast., all rounded out with coffee.

    As busy as the restaurant was, our waitress was on her game and attentive.  'Course, we just had to check out the gift shop on our way out for some souvenirs!

  • Review from Brian C.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    6/6/2010

    Recco'd by a co-worker who travels around the country.  This is definitely a meat and potatoes place.  
    My impressions:  good food.  VERY WELL staffed.  VERY healthy portions.  Prices match what you get.  But why- WHY- did they have to adopt a group birthday singing reminiscent of one the umpteen chain eateries?  Too corny (pun most definitely intented  = )    )    

    Not enough to WOW me, but far, far from being a risk.  A definite safe bet.

  • Review from Jessica D.

    Aurora, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/29/2007

    A wonderful farm-themed family restaurant that offers family style meals (warm rolls and sides of cottage cheese, cole slaw plates are placed in front of you as you wait for your order to arrive) of homey, home-made tasting goodies, ranging from chicken fried steak to amazing pork chops (must be Amana).

    Plus don't miss checking out the store while you wait a short while to be seated.  This restaurant (and the Rockford one) are a must try for a fun, delicious, and satistying meal.

  • Review from Justin H.

    Bettendorf, IA

    5.0 star rating
    9/29/2009 1 Check-in Here

    Large portion family style food.  Very good.  priced ($6-25).  The atmosphere is antique farmish.  Staff always friendly, but not the speediest.

    Recommendations:
    Meat loaf dinner; Stuffed Iowa Chop, Smoked rib platter, Anything from the breakfast menu.

    Any Negatives:  A couple of times the sides that come before the meal were not very fresh.

  • Review from Anne R.

    Greensburg, PA

    1.0 star rating
    12/3/2010

    just bad.

    so maybe i'm a food snob because i like vegetables that haven't been canned and i like meat that doesn't make your jaw tired when working through a piece. maybe.

    and i'm sorry that maybe the wait staff isn't happy, but they could pretend like most other wait staff does.

    and if you're vegetarian, forget about it. there is absolutely nothing on the menu for you, unless you're satisfied with an iceberg lettuce salad.

    however, if you're looking for a cracker barrel experience that's keeping it a little more real, this is the place for you. it's kitchy, it's rustic, and HEY there's a gift shop!

    in closing, as a person who avoids chains and is always looking for that unique local experience, after eating there, i shamefully longed to find an applebees where i could make up some of the nutritional neglect.

    to be fair, this is an account from a meal with my family (of about 15 people who were also underwhelmed) that happened about 2 years ago. it is possible that things have improved since then. i hope so. i really hope so.

  • Review from Boomer Q.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Park City, KS

    4.0 star rating
    7/5/2011

    This place has awesome food and great service. Ribs ESP good!

  • Review from ALFREDO M.

    • 19 friends
    • 86 reviews

    Prospect Heights, IL

    4.0 star rating
    5/31/2011

    Just imagine the nicest Cracker Barrel ever but with clean restrooms and good food and where they serve beer.  This is like that.  Maybe that sounds bad but it's actually really good.  If my wife had been travelling with us I'm sure we wouldnt have gotten out of there without $50 worth of country soaps and John Deere merchandise.

  • Review from Brian H.

    • 2 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Rockville, MD

    5.0 star rating
    9/19/2009

    Just plain ol' fashion good, hearty eating!  At very reasonable prices ($6-$10 a plate)

    A genuinely delicious country-style meal fit for a real farmer.  Everything made from scratch with local ingredients from the farm.  

    Awesome farm-house feel.  A real American dining experience.  

    Had a golden-fried pork tenderloin sandwich with sweet potato fries and topped with desert.  Plenty of home-made pies and deserts to choose from.

  • Review from Samantha F.

    • 38 friends
    • 85 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    1/3/2010

    5 stars? you can't be serious! If I had to grade on originality I would give it a 4. However, the food is OK if you are willing to poor the entire bottle of stale salt on it, before you eat it. Also, hope you don't mind your "25 family meal plates" building up on your table while the waitress allows it to happen. Ranch rating? None here! they don't even have ranch, can you believe that? Its a good place to stop and take pics though. Would not go back again.

  • Review from Josh M.

    • 9 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Eugene, OR

    5.0 star rating
    12/12/2010

    If you're thinking about breakfast, wait no longer!  This place rocks!

  • Review from Joan W.

    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Bethany Beach, DE

    3.0 star rating
    9/10/2011

    After reading the reviews we were looking forward to a great meal. I had the pork loin which was just ok. My husband had the chicken pot pie and he thought it was great. The applesauce needed more cinnamon  and the cole slaw had a strange taste. Service was excellent and the meals are of decent value. We would try it again. For me, chicken pot pie next time!  The huge cinammon rolls are only $1.00 in the  afternoon as they are baked that morning. Cracker Barrel or Machine Shed?  Cracker Barrel hands down.

  • Review from Amanda M.

    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    Davenport, IA

    3.0 star rating
    8/3/2011

    The machine shed is ok. It's not somewhere I request to go to when I go out to eat. I think the reason for that being even though it's suppose to be homemade, which I like, I cannot justify waiting almost 1 hour to get into a sit down restaurant like the shed, it's not worth it. To each there own.

  • Review from Pam H.

    • 6 friends
    • 86 reviews

    Hampton, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/7/2010

    I've eaten here several times throughout the years.  The menu is standard, midwestern food.  The last breakfast I ordered was pot roast with a couple of eggs, biscuit/gravy. It was very good.

  • Review from Angie and Austin F.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Champlin, MN

    5.0 star rating
    7/5/2011

    We visited on our way to Branson, Missouri June 2011, we stayed at the hotel next door and in the morning walked to the Shed.  Our waitress was Kelley and she was wonderful, very helpful, friendly and so very nice to us.  She should get 5 stars all by herself!  The food was great, the service was great, the people were great, even the hotel and staff were wonderful.  Coundn't have asked for better memories, thanks so much!

  • Review from Tim B.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Harvest, AL

    5.0 star rating
    4/8/2011

    Went here while on travel to Rock Island.  Food was great, big portion sizes.  Wait staff was very friendly and timely.  I would definitely recommend.

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