The Lock 16 Café

In the heart of downtown La Salle, the Lock 16 Café offers a welcoming place to relax and refuel with delicious, scratch-made meals and snacks along with made-to-order hot and cold beverages. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch with friends or grabbing a quick bite, the café’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a memorably pleasant part of your day. Plus, with vegetarian-friendly selections and seasonal specialties featured regularly, there’s always something delightful to discover.

BREAKFAST
Start the morning with a hot, tasty breakfast, including hearty breakfast sandwiches (like our Fried Egg with your choice of Meat and our Breakfast BLT), egg-based favorites (like our Homemade Quiche and our Country Breakfast, which features 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, herb-roasted potatoes and toast) or something on the sweeter side (like Berry & Devonshire French Toast). Of course, you can enjoy your meal with your favorite fresh-brewed coffee drinks, tea or hot chocolate. And, whether you are grabbing breakfast on the go or settling in for a relaxed start to your day, you can be assured that every dish is thoughtfully prepared using quality ingredients and time-tested techniques.

LUNCH
Lunch at the café offers something for every appetite, with a menu centered on fresh, flavorful salads (such as our Sesame Ginger, our Caesar or our Big Salad), wraps (make any of our salads and sandwiches into a wrap) and sandwiches made to order (like our Cran-Turkey and a whole host of paninis). Seasonal ingredients and house-made components elevate classic favorites, while rotating hot soups provide comfort and variety throughout the year. From lighter fare to more filling options, our lunch menu is designed to be both approachable and crave-worthy, perfect for a midday break or a casual meal with friends.

NOTE: Our housemade soups are also available frozen to go!

BAKED GOODS
No visit is complete without sampling our fresh-baked goods, prepped in-house and available daily. From sweet treats to savory bites, these handcrafted items pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or a quiet moment in our welcoming space. Whether you are stopping in for a full meal or a quick indulgence, the café is committed to serving food made from scratch, with care and creativity, in a setting that invites you to slow down and enjoy every bite.

THE SETTING
More than just a café, Lock 16 is a destination that celebrates both community and history. Located within the I&M Canal National Heritage Area Visitor Center, the café offers you the opportunity to soak in the storied surroundings that reflect Illinois’ canal heritage. You can also browse the Visitor Center’s unique gift shop, filled with artisan items, local keepsakes, and canal-inspired treasures that capture the spirit of the region. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or seeking a favorite local hangout, Lock 16 Café creates a sense of connection—to good food, good company, and the stories of this historic Illinois town. It’s the perfect place to pause, savor and explore all that La Salle has to offer.

 

 

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What Else To Know About Our Little Café

We offer delicious scratch-made foods from our in-house chef.
Located at 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL inside the I&M Canal Visitor Center.
Great for kids! They'll love our Children's Menu and the ability to explore the exhibits in the Visitor Center. Plus, while you wait for your food, they'll stay busy with activities, like becoming a National Park Service Jr. Ranger.
Open Wednesday – Sunday from 8 am – 3 pm. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Yes! We can provide lunch for your meeting or office. Give us a call. Our number's below.
Additional Questions? Want to place an order? Call (815) 223-1851