Twisted Anchor in Wilmington, IL is an American restaurant located along the Illinois River, with an expertly crafted menu that features smoked BBQ, steaks, salmon, fresh ground brisket burgers, and more. Indulge in creative craft cocktails, craft beers on draft, and tasteful wines, featuring the flavors of Star Union Spirits, Will County Brewing, Route 66 Brewing, August Hill Winery, and more! Experience picturesque riverfront views in our inviting atmosphere with your family and friends.
David Wenglarz Sr
The Twisted Anchor is a Diamond in the rough. There menu offers something for everyone. A great choice of appetizers, side dishes, salads, and main dishes. The meals are fresh and very tasty. The atmosphere is very laid back and the service is great. Our server Matty was very professional and fun. We highly recommend trying the Twisted Anchor. Located a little off the beaten path but it’s will worth the trip.
With as hectic as life is, take some time. Slow down and enjoy a great meal at a great restaurant.
As always, please be safe in your travels.
… moreA Tabor
Fantastic Experience at Twisted Anchor – Harborside Marina!
We had an amazing time at Twisted Anchor, located right on the river at Harborside Marina in Wilmington, IL. The setting couldn’t be better — with both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s clean, charming, and has that perfect marina vibe. We chose to sit outside, listened to great music, and watched the boats cruise by.
Our server was friendly and attentive, and the food was outstanding. We started with the giant baked pretzel, which came out warm and fluffy — absolutely delicious. For our main course, we had the pulled pork sliders, a hamburger topped with pulled pork, and a classic burger. Everything was excellent, and you can really taste the difference knowing they smoke their own pork and brisket right behind the restaurant. The pulled pork was tender and full of flavor, the burgers were juicy, and the beer was ice cold — exactly how it should be. This review was from 10/11, I finally uploaded the photos.
… moreJAL
Absolutely love this place. The Twisted Anchor is a hidden gem right off the Des Plaines River. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, and the staff? Just incredible—friendly, attentive, and genuinely happy to be there. You can tell they care.
The food hits the mark too. The jumbo soft pretzel is a must—perfectly warm and salty with great dipping sauces. And the brisket sandwich? Tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of smoky.
But what really sets this place apart is the setting. You’re surrounded by nature, with the river flowing nearby and the sound of the trees in the breeze. It’s peaceful, relaxing, and just feels good to be there. Can’t recommend it enough.
… moreJohn Dowhamyla
The Twisted Anchor was absolutely phenomenal. The prices are extremely reasonable, and the smoked barbecue is made in-house—which really shows. The blueberry barbecue sauce was outstanding and added a great twist. The burger was solid; I’ve had better, but this one was definitely nothing to complain about.
The fries were hands down the best I’ve ever had. Service was good, and the place was extremely clean, which is a big plus for me. I also tried the brisket sandwich, and it was completely off the charts. You can absolutely tell the difference between food that’s made in-house and something that comes from a distributor frozen like a hockey puck .
We will definitely be back.
… moreErin Edler
Wonderful experience. Food was delicious and well worth the wait. Live music and atmosphere was enjoyable. Nicest night out we have experienced in some time. Victoria did an excellent job. Add a sour beer or decent cider to your menu and it would be perfection!
… moreMary Burns
Found Twisted Anchor with a google search. Boy am I glad I did. What a find! Drinks were spot on, appetizer (Mac n cheese bites) were hot and delicious. I had the smash burger, perfectly cooked! And my husband had the bone-in ribeye, also perfectly cooked, so tasty and tender! Our server was the best I’ve ever had, and the owner stopped by our table for a chat, and he was so friendly and informative. Can’t wait to go back!!!
… moreSteve Wilson
Driving south from Aurora today, my wife found this place online. It’s probably 10 minutes fron I-55, and we drove through a state park to get there. It’s at the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers on a dead end road with a marina. Very friendly, unassuming place. Food was great. They had a large, diverse menu. We sat outside, peaceful, with the river in view and a few boats going by. If we lived nearby, I would be here often.
… moreAbby Scalf
Just moved to Illinois a few months ago and slowly trying more local places. Didn’t expect to find such amazing food in a out-of-the-way place on a dead end road! The garlic cheese curds were to die for! The French fries were perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, with good seasoning to boot. I had the pulled pork sandwich, which was phenomenal! Juicy, good portions, and just all around tasty! All of their BBQ sauces were great too! The habanero has a good kick, the house sauce was the right amount of tangy and sweet, and they even have a blueberry sauce that is made with real blueberries and cayenne pepper for an interesting sweet and spicy taste that left my tongue confused, but intrigued. My fiance got the grilled salmon and Mac and cheese. Best Mac and cheese we’ve had in a while! Super creamy and had me wishing I had ordered it too! I am not a fan of fish at all, but had a taste of his salmon and honestly, I’d be willing to eat it, it was so good! Staff was super friendly and the atmosphere was cozy and relaxing.
Cannot wait to come back in the summer and take in the river views, since it was dark and raining when we came this time. Definitely a diamond in the rough!
… moreLynlee Wessels
My husband, friends and I had a great time there. The food was excellent, drinks amazing and our server was very funny and attentive ( Beth?) . This place is a gem and we will return.
… moreJamie Brncich
Fantastic place!! Food is spectacular, service is amazing and the atmosphere is incredible!! I have tried almost everything on the menu and it was all very good, plenty of food and the view is breathtaking!! Great job Twisted Anchor!!
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