This month our restaurant review takes us to the Savanna House in Wadsworth. Opened almost three years ago after an extensive remolding project, my wife has been after me ever since to give it a try. Proving once again guys listen to your wife, because we had a wonderful experience this past Friday evening. Everything from the complimentary valet parking to the service and especially the food was everything you could hope for at a restaurant. The Savanna House takes its name from the lush green forest preserve located in Wadsworth. The town is starting see more and more nice restaurants open, for example, just in the general area of the Savanna House are the Shanty and Captain Porky's. The Savanna House of these three probably has the menu that will appeal to the widest range of diners. Each day they offer specific specials for food and cocktails.
As I said my wife and I decided to dine at the Savanna house this past Friday night. Our first impression was of the complimentary valet parking and how nice it was to have that available. When we entered the restaurant we were immediately made to feel welcome and seated rather quickly in the sunroom which was added during the expansion and remodeling prior to the opening. Our server Kristen was with us quickly reviewing the specials and allowing us time to decide on our meals. My wife decided to try the Grilled Salmon ($15.95) with a baked potato and the baked beans, while I decided to try the all you can eat Southern Fried Chicken ($10.95) with the Red Skin mashed potatoes and also the Baked Beans. Each of our entrees also came with your choice of soup or salad, my wife choose the house salad which was a nice size with an abundance of veggies and a flavorful Italian dressing. I chose to try the soup of the day- Chicken and Dumplings, I do have to say it was one of the best I have had in years. The soup alone was worth the trip north. My wife's Salmon was nicely seasoned and grilled to perfection served with a large fresh baked potato. While I do have to say the fried chicken was fantastic, a nice golden crust full of flavorful spices and with the first bite you can tell that it is prepared to order. Piping hot and delicious, the Red Skin mashed potatoes were equally well prepared. Both of us enjoyed the baked beans, a nice combination of beans in a rich sauce. The meals were served with homemade cornbread with whipped apple cinnamon butter. But as good as our meals were the Chocolate Explosion for dessert was even better, a fresh warm brownie served with three small scoops of vanilla ice cream with both warm chocolate and caramel sauce. So good you have to save room for it.
Each of the other tables in our vicinity were also commenting on the meals and the service they received, a nice touch you can expect Mary the owner to stop by to personally check on your experience. We spoke to her for a few minutes during the night and she was telling us of her experience as the general contracting of the remodeling herself, and was so happy when that portion was done. She told one of her brothers that she was glad that all the hard part was done, her brothers who own Austin's and In-laws told her the hard part was just beginning, now she needed to provide each customer that came in the door a pleasant dining experience and a high quality meal each visit. Well from our experience, she is doing a great job and her family should be proud of her.
The bottom line, a meal at the Savanna House is definitely worth the trip; our server Kristin, along with each member of the staff went out of their way to ensure that our dining experience was a pleasant and enjoyable visit. To top it off you can take advantage of their online coupon for $5.00 off on an entrée (one coupon per table) to bring their already reasonable prices even lower.
Our rating 4.75 out of 5 possible cars
Savanna House Restaurant and Bar
38905 Route 41, Wadsworth, IL 60083
Call ahead for carry out. Phone: (847) 249-3770
Email - Savanna House bennett@savannahouserestaurant.com