The Barefoot is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been serving up delicious fish, fried chicken, and an immaculate view of the Illinois River since 1958. It is located at 106 S Water Street in Hardin, IL. The original building was destroyed by the 1973 flood but was rebuilt that same year. Brian Matthews purchased the recipes and menu from the previous owner Judy Herter in 2021 and moved the restaurant to the former Illini Medical Building. Today, The Barefoot is known for its unique atmosphere, unique view of the Joe Paige Drawbridge, and great food.
Based on 212 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.3 stars. Price
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
106 S Water St, Hardin, IL 62047
Phone: (618) 576-9002
Website:
Hours
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday |
10:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday |
10:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday |
10:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday |
10:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday |
10:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday |
10:30 AM–9 PM |
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Marianne
Love the new location and building! Not sure how long ago they moved but we are happy with the choice! The playground next door is the perfect idea for children that don’t want to sit and wait for food! Or maybe they don’t want to wait for everyone to finish visiting. Either way they can play! The deck area is wonderful and provides a nice view of the river and or playground. Food was spot on and everyone loved their choices! I would definately visit again if in the area!
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Brad Buker
Very clean. Staff was very nice. Food was good. Sits right on the river Illinois river. Beautiful!!!
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Sue Richey
My first time here and I was pleasantly surprised. Not sure what I expected but the restaurant was very pretty inside, has a beautiful view and was very comfortable.
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Priscilla Klaas
Started eating before the photo. Fried chicken, mashed
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CNC FUN
First time there. Only 3 other people there. Fish had no taste, nor did the Steak ! Shame new business and food is bad. Will never go back. They need local fish. Like Pearl Diner has.
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David Spiroff
If you like fish, this is the place to go. Menu is almost all fish. They do offer other food but not much. But food is good. Service was great and the new place is very nice!!
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Becca Algozzino
I’m only giving 4 stars because we had to wait an hour for our food. (As well as several other people in the dining room)
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John Williams
Catfish way to greasy for me. Upset stomach lasted forever. Water very clorinated and no flavored tea to offset the taste. Not the Barefoot Bar of the good ole days. We did have a great waitress but not much else to like.
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Gladys Reese
The food was good, the service was a bit slow but the waitress was inexperienced and trying. The reason for the mediocre rating was an incident while we were there. A patron was exiting a booth near us and took a very hard fall striking his head on a nearby table. He had difficulties getting up and was assisted by a very nice person seated nearby. A waitress that witnessed the fall turned and walked away. No personnel came to help or see if he was badly injured. A terrible failure in just being a decent human being.
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Dal Harrison
Went on a Thursday 3ish food, fish and onion rings awesome waitress was on it CT fish fritters yummy
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