Krans Kafe

Great cafe featuring sandwiches, homemade baked goods, ice cream and a wide variety of drinks including excellent coffee and wine. Dine inside the historic building or on the patio

Nice little hidden gem! Had a sandwich my first visit. It was yummy! Second visit for the wine flight. These are really tasty! The Cosmic Bog had the most unique flavor on my flight lol. Good quiet atmosphere. I came inside because the bees liked my wine too. You should stop by! I'll try the coffee next time

First time going there, and seen some a lot of old collectables. I loved looking at all of the neat stuff they had. I also saw a big older time Cash Register. I will be going back.

We love stopping here each time we visit Bishop Hill. There is a cute shop in the front and the cafe is in the back of the building. Lots of menu options including coffee and teas, cookies, ice cream, and wraps and sandwiches. There is a beer cooler as well. Service has always been great. It’s a nice place to grab a treat and then a quick walk up to the park to enjoy it.

Saturday, July 17th, 2021 at 3:27 PM
Krans Kafe
Bishop Hill, Illinois

A resident of Bishop Hill, Olof Krans took up oil paints and brushes, painting scores of paintings. I have yet to open up the book that reproduces the catalog of work. I'm saving that pleasant activity for a day when it's not sunny and breezy. Krans painted without instruction from a major art school. Many describe this painter as an intuitive painter.

I'm looking at the painter's self portrait. Painting flawlessly a pair of wire rimmed glasses took skill. However, the depiction of cheekbones lack form and color. We fail to see any intelligence in the eyes. The effect reminds me of an early photograph. The sitter had to remain still for a long time, resulting in resting bland face. I'm sure the painter looked more warm and friendly in real life.

Everybody in Bishop Hill loves Olof Krans, even forgiving him for moving to nearby Galva later in life. Krans has become part of the story of the village. The success of Olof Krans makes me more likely to take up an easel and palette this summer. How badly could I paint and still fail to sell anything? I'm even reading the book "The Power of Positive Thinking," by Robert Maniscalco. Olof Krans probably lacked all of the instructional resources I have at my fingertips. I need activities to keep me busy during my long retirement. I haven't begun my long retirement, but I can make ready for it now.

I'm enjoying my small retreat inside the Krans Kafe. The day's heat doesn't annoy me. It's just that the air conditioning feels pleasant as I wait for the day to mellow out. I want to think about the history lecture I heard at the Dairy Barn. When once men and women brought the day's milk to be made into cheese and butter, now the village churns out history. A local ball player named Forrest Cash played baseball with Babe Ruth on the Boston Red Socks. A local historian shared years of research in a fascinating slide show.

As the historian walked north towards where the family still kept a home, I called out, "Hey! You hit it out of the ballpark!"

"Thank you!" he called back to me. "I truly appreciate the euphemism".

It's not yet dinner time. I'm close by to the Mississippi River. I don't have any paints, but I do have my faithful camera. What else awaits out here on the prairie?

Cute little coffee shop in Bishop Hill.

Enjoyed a paint & sip event!

Everyone is very friendly and helpful! The owner is absolutely amazing! The have a wide variety of products from which to choose! Can't wait to go back!!!

Great ambiance! Tasty options! Would have given 5 stars if they would ensure that you receive all parts of the meal you're paying for.

Absolutely love the atmosphere. The service is quick and friendly. Very comfortable. Love the design and decor idea.