Bears Den

"If The Door's Open, The Grill's On!"

About Us

Welcome to Bears Den, the premier elevated bar joint in Ottawa, IL. Our diverse menu is crafted to satisfy all palates, featuring our renowned sausage patties, juicy burgers, hearty breakfast sandwiches, succulent chicken wings, and tasty corn dogs. Whether you crave a casual breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a delightful late-night snack, our offerings are sure to please. Our talented chefs use only the finest ingredients, ensuring every dish is a culinary masterpiece. The cozy, inviting atmosphere at Bears Den makes it the ideal spot to catch up with friends, enjoy a refreshing drink from our well-stocked bar, and savor our exceptional food. Join us at Bears Den, where delightful cuisine, warm service, and a vibrant setting combine for an unforgettable dining experience.

Areas Served

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Sausage Patties
Elevated Bar Joint

Our Services include:

Daily Specials - Our Daily Specials are designed to bring excitement and unbeatable value to every day of the week. From budget-friendly beers and classic cocktails to hearty food-and-drink pairings, there's always something fresh and satisfying to enjoy. Each day delivers a unique offering, making every visit feel like a celebration of flavor and fun.
Happy Hour - Every afternoon from 4 to 6 PM, unwind with our Happy Hour—a daily ritual where good company meets great deals. Whether you're easing into the evening or catching up with friends, it’s the perfect time to enjoy discounted drinks and a welcoming atmosphere that feels just right.
Tuesdays ($5 You Call It) - Let your mood decide. On Tuesdays, any drink you want—from mixed cocktails to top-shelf spirits—is just $5. It’s freedom in a glass and a great way to sample something new or stick with your tried-and-true favorite.
Wednesdays ($2 Miller & Coors Products) - Midweek just got better. Wednesdays spotlight domestic favorites with Miller and Coors drinks priced at only $2. These reliable classics are the perfect pairing for catch-ups and midweek unwind sessions.
Thursdays ($2 Budweiser Products) - Thirsty Thursdays call for Bud. Grab a crisp, refreshing Budweiser product—beer or light brew—for just $2. Ideal for gearing up for the weekend and enjoying familiar favorites.
Fridays ($7 Appetizer & 2 Beers) - Fridays set the tone for the weekend with one of the best deals around: choose from a selection of appetizers (think wings, nachos, or sliders), and get two beers to wash it down—all for just $7. It’s delicious, it’s easy, and it’s made for sharing.
Saturdays ($10 Sausage Sandwich & a Beer) - Bold flavors take the lead on Saturdays. Enjoy a hearty sausage sandwich with all the fixings plus an ice-cold beer for just $10. It’s the ultimate casual combo to kick back and dig in.
Sundays ($10 Burger & a Beer) - Cap off the week with comfort food done right. Sundays offer a juicy, satisfying burger alongside a cold beer for $10. It’s the perfect way to ease into the evening and savor the last bites of the weekend.
Dining Options - We believe great food should be available how and where you want it. That’s why we offer a range of dining options—including takeout, delivery, and DoorDash—to suit your schedule. Prefer fresh air and sunshine? Our outdoor dining area adds a scenic touch to your meal, making every bite more enjoyable.
Entertainment - It’s not just about food and drink—it’s about the experience. We keep the good times rolling with live music that energizes the room and gambling options that add a dash of excitement to your night. Whether you're here to groove or take a chance, our entertainment offerings ensure there's never a dull moment.

Our Brands include:

Polancic's Meat Market & Tenderloins

Our Products include:

Burgers
Sandwiches
Skillet Meals
Breakfast Sandwiches
Biscuits and Gravy
Pancakes
Breakfast Burritos
Chili
Grilled Cheese
Tenderloins
Chicken Wings
Hot Dogs
Italian Sub Sandwiches
Patty Melts
Corn Dogs
Chicken Strips
Philly Sandwiches
Chicken Sandwiches
French Toast
Ribeye Sandwiches

Testimonials

On 1/26/2026 Lottie had this to say:
Bears Den is a true hidden gem in Ottawa! We stopped by for a bite to eat and were absolutely charmed by the cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The location is fantastic—situated in a peaceful neighborhood, it offers a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The decor is stylish yet laid-back, making it very comfortable. I also have to highlight the service: the staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, and our food arrived promptly. You can really tell they value their guests here. If you are looking for a spot with great food and a warm vibe, you should definitely check this place out. It is the perfect choice for both a family meal or catching up with friends!

On 1/21/2026 David Hopper had this to say:
This place is famous for their sausage sandwich and it is the absolute best sausage sandwich I’ve ever had. It is delicious. The bar is small but it is a very friendly place with great friendly staff. I highly recommend giving it a try. I have driven 120 miles round trip just to get a sausage sandwich.

On 12/28/2025 Dylan West had this to say:
Very nice bar good space and better food, drinks fair price and staff is friendly. Mario is the man Bear Down 🐻⬇️

On 12/17/2025 Anonymous had this to say:
Good Testimonial submitted anonymously directly to this site.

On 12/4/2025 Chris Farris had this to say:
Good people and great food.

Contact Us

Bears Den
1607 Ottawa Ave Naplate, IL 61350
Phone: (815) 434-5168
Email: bateye72@live.com

Where To Find Us

Our Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

News

🌞 Rise and shine, foodies! 🍳 Gear up for the ultimate breakfast spread from 9-11 AM! Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast sandwiches, a zesty breakfast burrito, sweet and decadent french toast, or fluffy 3 pancakes - we've got you covered. Don't forget the classic sides of golden eggs and savory sausage to complete your morning feast! #BreakfastBliss #MorningEats #FuelYourDay 🥞🥓🌯

Join us this Sunday for a delicious deal - enjoy a hearty burger and a refreshing beer for just $10! Make your Sundays special with our mouthwatering offer. 🍔🍺

🍺 Celebrate Saturdays with our delicious deal! Enjoy a mouthwatering sausage sandwich paired with a refreshing beer for just $10. Come by and treat yourself to a perfect combination of flavors!

🎉 Start your weekend off right with our Friday special: $7 for an appetizer & 2 beers! Cheers to good food, good drinks, and good times! 🍻

🎉 Thirsty for a deal? Join us for $2 Budweiser products every Thursday! Cheers to savings and good times! 🍻

Info

Order Online
Menu

FAQ

What are the daily specials at Bears Den?

Our daily specials include Happy Hour from 4PM-6PM with discounted drinks, $5 You Call It Tuesdays, $2 Miller & Coors Wednesdays, $2 Budweiser Thursdays, and more throughout the week.

Is outdoor dining available, and do you feature live music?

Yes, outdoor dining is available, providing a great atmosphere for enjoying meals and drinks. We also host live music events, adding an energetic vibe to your dining experience.

How does your takeout and delivery service work?

We offer convenient takeout and delivery options via DoorDash, allowing you to enjoy our delicious menu from the comfort of your home. Simply order online or call us directly.

Can I participate in gambling while dining at Bears Den?

Yes, we offer a selection of gambling options for those interested in trying their luck, complementing our lively atmosphere.

What makes the Friday Fish Fry special?

Our Friday Fish Fry is a beloved tradition featuring freshly prepared fish dishes served with all the fixings, creating a delicious, classic meal perfect for kicking off the weekend.

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