There is no charge to access the bridge and someday there will be a trail crossing it. At this time the only open venues are Rock Island Eats (Walk-up window) which opens at 11 AM and River House Restaurant, which opens at 3 PM. It will be a fairly long walk in the weather to get to the enclosed restaurant or event venue (2nd level).

They were busy and there are only 8 tables inside, but after ordering at the counter, we were able to easily secure a table. I never saw people waiting for a table to open, but it helped that there were no parties with more than 4 people. There is more seating outside. 

The food is brought to the tables and the person who brings it offers to refill drinks or bring anything else. Still, customers often return to the line to have their drinks refilled.

We had a half slab of ribs, regular (1/4 pound) burnt end sandwich and onion rings. The meats were both fabulous, with great flavor from the rub. The ribs hit that perfect mix of tender without falling apart. They had great flavor from the rub and neither of felt they needed sauce. The burnt ends were some of the best I have had. The rings are more heavily battered than I usually like, but were still very good, though I added ketchup to them.

Its too bad this restaurant isn't on the Kansas side where I would get to it more often. Including drinks and sales tax, the meal cost $41.79 and we had several ribs to take home.
  
  

Burnt End sandwich with onion rings