Jon Keim is the grit and grin behind Huckleberry’s Great Pizza and Calzones. For nearly 35 years, his cozy Italian eatery in Downtown Rock Island has been a gathering place for generations of friends, families and neighbors.
"I had memories of a busy and vibrant Downtown Rock Island when I was growing up. So the goal was to create a great Italian restaurant destination with all that character and old-world charm right next to the Mississippi River," he said.
Step inside Huck’s – as regulars call it – at 223 18th St., and you’ll find a warm, upbeat, family-friendly environment where everyone at the table can find something to love. With original brick walls, high ceilings and an atmosphere that feels both timeless and relaxed, Huckleberry’s memorable dining room and quality customer service keep people coming back. Whether you’re on a first date (ask for one of the window seats!), or you’re a Friday night regular, Keim said new people continue to discover his restaurant, but it’s the regulars who’ve kept him going through the years.
That authentic Italian restaurant feel starts at the host stand, and often with a welcoming smile from Keim’s partner, Delia Herrera. From hand-spun pizzas to an “Old Rock Island-Style” deep dish, the menu is all about comfort and flavor, with plenty to explore beyond the pizza oven. Pasta dishes, calzones, hearty sandwiches and fresh salads round out the offerings along with a thoughtfully curated list of craft beers and wines. Huckleberry’s also offers pop-up lunch specials and seasonal breakfast items made with homegrown ingredients as a vendor at the QC Farmers’ Market down the street.
"We love flavor, textures and serving hot, fresh pizzas and calzones right out of the ovens," said Keim. "Our goal is deliciousness - let the folks discover what they like and then continually build on those areas and serve them well," he added.
But the story of Huckleberry's extends beyond the kitchen. In addition to the hundreds of graduation, birthday and anniversary parties held at Huckleberry's over the years, the restaurant has a storied past of playing host to some big-name bands and intimate concerts. In 2007, for example, when the former Daytrotter recording studio was located above the restaurant, Vampire Weekend performed for a few dozen people in the banquet space not long before finding fame. The story goes Keim offered up a free taco pizza to encourage the band to keep playing songs after their initial set. "We've made a lot of incredible memories over the years," he said.
Making those memories in Rock Island makes him proud of his hometown.
"There's just something about this neighborhood, this downtown that's special. We have so many people who do what they love, serve and support each other. I've been honored to be a part of that," Keim said. "Take a look around any successful project, business or block in good times and bad - and you will find Rock Islanders stepping up, assisting and showing up for all the right reasons," said Keim.