The Deer And The Dove - Decatur

My friend ordered the Fossil Farms Half Pheasant ($56), and noted that at high-end, award-winning restaurants like this, it’s common to receive minimalist dishes like the one I got. As the server set down that disappointing bowl, I immediately wished I had opted for something more traditional, like the D&D Grilled Burger, which was also $28. Unfortunately, I ended up having to head to Taco Bell afterwards to satisfy my lingering hunger at a reasonable price with a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito ($3.59) and a Spicy Potato Soft Taco ($1.00). One word sums up my less-than-satisfactory experience at The Deer and the Dove: RIPOFF! **Vegetarian Options:** There are vegetarian dishes available, including Soup-Vegetable Bisque Agnolotti and Pappardelle Pasta, which can be made vegan by omitting certain ingredients like ricotta. **Parking:** After 6 PM, parking fees are not enforced in the city of Decatur, but during that hour, there's a frantic rush for those free spots, making them hard to come by. If you're not lucky enough to find free parking nearby, you'll likely have to park on the outskirts of downtown and walk to the restaurant. **Dietary Restrictions:** The restaurant is willing to modify dishes or omit ingredients for those who need to adhere to a gluten-free diet.

The prices are on the higher side. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. If you choose to dine outside, be cautious of ants and slugs.

We had a pleasant evening with good food and service, but found the menu prices to be quite steep for what we received. For appetizers, we particularly loved the coffee-coated venison, which was incredibly tender, and the pasta pockets filled with butternut squash. The cocktails were a highlight as well, with a great variety that were all delicious. Our main courses were enjoyable, but I wouldn’t describe them as exceptional. I paid $48 for three large scallops, $28 for a hamburger with fried potatoes, around $40 for the duck, and $28 for the veggie plate.

This is one of the best restaurants we've ever been to. The food was delicious and the service was great.

Never fails to be an impressive date spot. The food and drinks are always amazing. One thing to note though is to have a reservation, if you don't you will sit at the bar even if tables look available.Parking: There is a parking lot down the street going toward the library but this is always full so we parked in the parking deck by the old DeVry.