P L Johnson's Restaurant

Reviews about P L Johnson's Restaurant

• 5 / 5

  By Big Food Jerk
  PL Johnsons
  110 Bjorkland St.
  Bishop Hill IL. 61419
  
  All too many times the term “Historic” is an overused phrase. Small towns that try to get you to go to a downtown, that isn’t worthy of the word. However, the term Historic perfectly describes Bishop Hill. This is not an overdone pretentious place at all. I recommend starting off with the museums to get a feeling for the true history of the area. Then get over to PL Johnsons for something to eat.
  The place is set in an old building that looks like it went through many incarnations in its history. The interior is what you would expect for the area and is done nicely. The girls are wearing Swedish looking aprons and are as sweet and friendly as can possibly be. The owners, who are also working hard, are super friendly as well and make you feel comfortable. It almost has the feeling of being at a relative or close friend’s house.
  I was there on a Saturday and the dish to eat is Swedish Meatballs. They are served with a small salad of mixed greens and rye bread. The meatballs were phenomenal, perfectly seasoned, with a hint of allspice or nutmeg. Tender as can be. The gravy was buttery, meaty and silky… just perfect. Even the egg noodles seemed fantastic, which is probably an overstatement, but covered in those meatballs and gravy I’m telling you that is the best dish I have eaten in a long time. You must eat the meatballs with the lingonberry sauce. It takes the dish to a whole other level, if that is even possible. For dessert I had raspberry pie, which was also as good as can be. The crust was flakey and the filling was sweet and tart and warm and baked with love.
  
  According to the Big Food Jerk.
  
  It seems that a lot of our history is quickly disappearing. Going to a place like Bishop Hill makes you feel how important places like this are. I encourage everyone to visit Bishop Hill and contribute to the museums and the shop owners and enjoy the American cuisine that is there. I understand the other restaurants in town are excellent as well, and I plan on visiting them in the near future. One thing I can tell you though is that PL Johnsons is one outstanding and extraordinary place that I recommend without a moment of hesitation. I love PL Johnsons Swedish Meatballs, and oh yeah put the lingonberry sauce on them!
  December 29, 2016