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Don's Seafood & Chicken
"Sterling's Best Kept Secret"
About Us
Welcome to Don’s Seafood & Chicken, a Sterling staple proudly serving homestyle favorites since 1992. What began as a family dream has grown into a local gathering place where homemade cooking and friendly service come together. For over 30 years, we’ve been committed to preparing every meal with care—from freshly battered chicken sandwiches and juicy burgers to flavorful seafood and classic sides like creamy coleslaw. Our recipes are made the same way they’ve always been: honest, hearty, and full of flavor. As a family-owned and operated restaurant, we believe great food should feel like home, and every guest should feel like family. Stop in, take a seat, and taste why Don’s has remained a community favorite for generations.
Areas Served
Sterling, IL | Dixon, IL | Rock Falls, IL | Polo, IL | Milledgeville, IL | Amboy, IL | Morrison, IL | Moline, IL | East Moline, IL | Davenport, IA | Bettendorf, IA | Chadwick, IL | Mount Carroll, IL
What We Offer
Our Specialties include:
- At Don’s Seafood & Chicken, everything we serve is rooted in tradition, family, and time-tested recipes. As a family-owned and operated business, we’ve spent the past 30 years doing things the right way—preparing homemade food with care, consistency, and pride. Our recipes have been passed down and perfected over decades, creating the comforting flavors our customers know and love. For three generations of diners, Don’s has been more than a place to eat—it’s a place where quality, hard work, and a love for great food come together, just like family.
Our Services include:
- Dine-In & Takeout: Enjoy Don’s Seafood & Chicken just the way you like it—whether you’re sitting down for a hot, freshly prepared meal or picking up your favorites to go. Our menu is made to travel well and taste just as satisfying at home as it does in our dining room, with the same care and quality in every order.
- Homemade Catering: Let Don’s handle the cooking for your next gathering. Our homemade catering is perfect for family events, parties, meetings, and celebrations of all sizes. Featuring the same trusted recipes our customers love, our catering brings hearty portions, bold flavors, and stress-free planning to your table.
Our Brands include:
- PepsiCo Products
Our Products include:
- Appetizers
- Baked Potatoes
- Battered Chicken
- Battered Chicken Sandwiches
- Battered Fish
- Bone-In Chicken
- Burgers
- Catfish
- Cheese Curds
- Cheese Fries
- Chicken
- Chicken Strips
- Chicken Wings
- Chili
- Cod
- Coleslaw
- Family Dinners
- French Fries
- Fried Mushrooms
- Fried Pickles
- Hot Dogs
- Iced Tea
- Jalapeño Poppers
- Macaroni Salad
- Milkshakes
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Onion Rings
- Pasta Salad
- Sandwiches
- Sauces
- Seafood
- Shrimp
- Tenderloins
- Tater Tots
- Lemonade
Testimonials
On 2/8/2026
Wendy Seibert
had this to say:
Fabulous food great prices the cook was hilarious and the counter lady was fabulous
On 1/24/2026
Amy T
had this to say:
⚠️ Warning: If you don’t like genuine smiles, ridiculously good food, cozy little nooks, and being treated like an actual human instead of an order number… this place is not for you.
From the moment I walked in, the owners were nothing but kind, welcoming, and warm. We had the best conversation while I waited for my order, and I left feeling like a friend—not a transaction. That kind of hospitality is rare, and it’s a perfect reflection of true Midwestern values. ❤️
Now let’s talk food… because WOW. 🤤
The fried catfish filets? Unreal.
The chicken fingers? Crispy perfection.
The cheese curds, fries, and onion rings? Absolute comfort-food royalty!
Everything was mouth-watering, fresh, and made with care. You can taste the love in every bite.
The history of this place is just as beautiful as the food—authentic, nostalgic, and full of heart. It feels like stepping into a piece of the past in the best possible way.
If you’re into fancy-pants, trendy, “look at my plate but don’t feed me” restaurants… this isn’t your place. Honestly? It would be too good for you anyway. 😏
But if you love warm smiles, real hospitality, and leaving with a happy belly and a happy soul—don’t waste time. Go get yourself a meal to die for. 🐟🍗🧀🍟
On 10/29/2025
Rox
had this to say:
Wow!!! I ordered 14 piece family dinner today. My husband and I have been missing great fried chicken you know "the real deal" well they are we are til we thought we would bust. Amazing battered chicken, really great cole slaw and steak fries. We have another meal in our fridge for sure! Thanks for taking pride in what you do . Drom now on I get my fried chicken from one place "Don's"! Next time we will also try other things
Testimonial written by Rox on this site.
On 10/23/2025
Kelly M.
had this to say:
Food is great.... Chicken bone in is awesome... pasta salad great.... Service is very good :.. also love the prices
On 10/3/2025
Mark D.
had this to say:
I just went there a few days ago the foods fabulous and very inexpensive but so so good you'll love it give it a try
Contact Us
Don's Seafood & Chicken
1501 W 4th St Sterling, IL 61081
Phone: (815) 622-0258
Email: kjrh94
Where To Find Us
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Payment Types Accepted
American Express, Android Pay, Apple Pay, Debit Cards, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Our Hours
Monday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM Kitchen Closes 30 Minutes Before Closing
Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM Kitchen Closes 30 Minutes Before Closing
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM Kitchen Closes 30 Minutes Before Closing
Thursday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM Kitchen Closes 30 Minutes Before Closing
Friday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM Kitchen Closes 30 Minutes Before Closing
Saturday: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM Kitchen Closes 30 Minutes Before Closing
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