Yellow Moon Cafe

Treat your taste buds to the flavors of Union County at the Yellow Moon Café in Cobden. Open since 2009, the Yellow Moon Café has developed a loyal following for its always fresh, locally sourced menu.

Owner and chef Jennifer Buchheit incorporates local produce and meats whenever possible, and the dinner menu changes weekly, reflecting the season. Seasonal specials may include the BLT with local Lick Creek Pork bacon and homemade chipotle mayo, spring pea soup, potato dill soup, roasted butternut squash soup, shepherd’s pie, fried cod and Asian pork meatballs. The Yellow Moon Café even entertains diners with an open mic night the third Saturday of every month called “Howlin’ at the Moon.”

“We share our passion for healthy dining with the mindfulness of sourcing local, sustainable products from our neighboring businesses,” says Mark Cortez, a bartender and server at the Yellow Moon Café. “We showcase art on our walls from 60 local artists and provide an intimate music venue for acclaimed musicians. In a day’s work, I can catch up with my favorite patrons, share favorite local travel destinations with a couple visiting our region, take in a show from talented performers, appreciate local art and suggest a favorite wine to pair with a beautifully crafted, farm-to-table dish. It’s unique to find the combination of all these assets that make the Yellow Moon Café a rare gem.”

Save room for dessert – the Yellow Moon’s signature homemade Vanilla Maple Ice Cream, peach cobbler and Mexican Chocolate Fudge Cake bring customers back without fail.

“The desserts are to die for,” says John Foley, local attorney and loyal customer. “The Yellow Moon Café provides an intimate, friendly atmosphere to enjoy fresh, tasty soups, salads, and sandwiches at lunch and locally sourced dinner entrees. You can enjoy a glass of local, national or international wine or a craft beer with your food.”

Another regular customer, Deb Nash, likens the Yellow Moon to the old TV show, “Cheers.”

“We all remember that song at the beginning of ‘Cheers,’ ‘where everybody knows your name,’” she says. “Well at the Yellow Moon Café, they not only know your name, they know that your sister has been ill and that your arm is still sore. You’re warm and safe at the Moon, just like at home. And the food is the best in the Midwest. It’s a hidden treasure in Cobden, Illinois.”

If You Go...


Location: 110 N. Front St. in Cobden.
Lunch hours: Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dinner hours: Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., by reservation. Phone: (618) 893-2233 Website: yellowmooncafe.com

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