If you’ve never been to Hoyleton, Illinois, you probably wouldn’t just "stumble" upon it. It’s a tiny town. Quiet. But if you pull up to Kretzer's Bar and Grill Hoyleton IL, the parking lot tells a different story. You’ll see license plates from Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and even Wisconsin.
Why? Because L.D. and Tina Kretzer turned an old daycare center into what is arguably the most famous crab leg destination in the Midwest.
Honestly, it sounds like an exaggeration until you see the numbers. They move about 20,000 pounds of crab every single month. That isn't a typo. In a town of around 500 people, this single restaurant has become a literal pilgrimage site for seafood lovers.
The Story Behind the Success
Most people assume a place this popular must have been an overnight sensation or part of a big chain. Nope. L.D. and Tina Kretzer opened the doors back in 2003. When they started, it was just a small-town bar serving sandwiches.
Tina once mentioned in an interview that the town was historically known for crab legs, and locals kept bugging them to add them to the menu. They started small—just weekends. Then it exploded.
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Over the years, the building has seen roughly 16 different additions to keep up with the crowds. It’s a bit of a labyrinth now, but that’s part of the charm. You’ve got the original bar area which feels cozy and lived-in, and then these massive dining halls that open up to accommodate the busloads (literally) of people who show up.
What to Actually Order (Besides the Crab)
Look, the all-you-can-eat snow crab legs are the main event. They’re served steaming hot, and the servers are trained to keep them coming before your plate even hits empty. But if you only focus on the crab, you’re missing out on the full Kretzer's experience.
- The Smoked Crab Legs: This is the pro move. They have a distinct, wood-fired flavor that you just don't find at typical seafood boils.
- The Salad Bar: Usually, "bar food" salad bars are a sad wilted lettuce affair. Not here. It’s huge, fresh, and basically a meal in itself.
- Fried Chicken: They are actually famous for their southern-style fried chicken. It’s crispy, salty, and juicy—the kind of stuff that reminds you you’re in the heart of the Midwest.
- Deep-Fried Pickle Chips & Pork Skins: If you're just there for a beer and a snack, these are the go-to.
The menu is actually pretty massive. You can get a full rack of BBQ baby back ribs or catfish nuggets if you’re not in the mood to crack shells all night.
The Logistics: Don't Just Show Up
If you’re planning a trip to Kretzer's Bar and Grill Hoyleton IL, you need a game plan.
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First off, they are closed on Tuesdays. Don't be the person who drives two hours only to find the lights off.
The hours are pretty standard for a grill:
- Sunday - Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
It’s a first-come, first-serve kind of place. On weekends, expect a wait. It’s just part of the deal. You’ll grab a drink at the bar, maybe play some video gaming (L.D. is a big operator in that space, too), and wait for your name to be called.
Why This Place Feels Different
There’s a map in the front of the restaurant where they put pins for every state a customer has visited from. Last I checked, there were pins in almost every single state except maybe two in the Northeast.
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It’s the hospitality. The Kretzers recently expanded their reach by opening the Locust Street Pub in Centralia, but Hoyleton remains the mothership. The staff here often feels like family because, well, a lot of them are. It’s the kind of place where the server remembers your face even if you only visit once a year for your anniversary.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Bring a Cooler: Seriously. A lot of people buy extra to take home, or if you have a long drive back to St. Louis or beyond, you’ll want to keep your leftovers (if there are any) cold.
- Dress Down: This is a bar and grill. You’re going to be cracking crab shells and getting butter everywhere. Leave the fancy clothes at home.
- Check the Specials: While the crab is king, they often have seasonal seafood boils or steak specials that are worth a look.
- Group Strategy: If you're coming with a group of 10 or more, call ahead just to give them a heads-up, even though they don't do formal reservations in the traditional sense.
If you find yourself on I-57 or I-64 in Southern Illinois, take the detour. It’s a weird, wonderful slice of Illinois culture that proves you don't need a beach nearby to have world-class seafood.
Location and Contact
- Address: 218 E St Louis St, Hoyleton, IL 62803
- Phone: 618-493-6660
To make the most of your trip, check their official Facebook page before you head out. They’re pretty good about posting if they have live music or if a specific type of crab (like King Crab) is back in stock for a limited time. If you're coming from the St. Louis area, it's a straight shot east—about an hour and fifteen minutes of driving for some of the best smoked crab you'll ever put in your mouth.