Bistro 101

Welcome to Bistro 101, a restaurant that has been serving the Canton, Illinois community with the highest standards in service and flavor for over a decade. Located at 101 E Elm, we are proud to offer an ever-evolving menu of New American comfort food that celebrates the heart of the Midwest and the soul of the season. Our commitment is to provide a memorable dining experience for each guest, whether you are joining us for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or a casual night out.

Building History: The Original Canton House

The site where Bistro 101 stands has a rich history that dates back to 1840. The two-story brick home of Judge David Markley was the first structure built here, which was later taken possession by Tom Hineman, a wagon maker, in 1848. In 1856, Mary Dean, the mother of Canton's premier cigar maker, W.O. Dean, bought the house and used it as a boarding house.

In 1867, The Canton House was opened by Mayor Hemenover, who operated it with his brother Judge Hemenover and nephew Edwin for many years. The building underwent several changes due to two fires and some remodeling. In 1880, a fire almost destroyed the building, but it was rebuilt. Then, in 1898, it was again mostly destroyed by a fire and was rebuilt almost exactly as you see the building today. The building included a bowling alley and a game room in the basement, and for years there was a barber shop in what is now the kitchen.

In the early days, it was a stage stop in Canton, due to its proximity to the CB&Q railroad depot. It had a lively business, with twelve passenger trains passing through town daily. Some of the passengers overnighted at the hotel. The Canton Hotel was closed in 1982, but the barbershop continued until 1986/1987. The main floor was opened as Georgia's Restaurant in 1991, followed by more restaurant offerings, including the fine dining experience Palm Cafe. Bistro 101 opened for business on January 1, 2013, and is a beautiful place for dining and relaxing in The Parlor.

Our Services

At Bistro 101, we offer a range of services designed to provide an exceptional dining experience. Our menu features a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including starters, salads, entrees, and desserts. We have a full bar with a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails to complement your meal.

We offer reservations for those who prefer to plan their visit in advance, as well as takeout service for those who prefer to enjoy our food in the comfort of their own home. We also offer private event services for special occasions, such as weddings, corporate events, and family gatherings. Our experienced team will work with you to create a customized menu and event plan that meets your specific needs and budget.

If you are interested in joining our team, we invite you to view our career opportunities. We are always looking for talented and passionate individuals to join our team and help us provide exceptional service to our guests.

Thank you for considering Bistro 101 for your dining needs. We look forward to serving you.