This review pertains to the Candle Light Inn in Rock Falls rather than the one in Sterling. While the same family owns both restaurants, my experience is limited to Rock Falls.
When traveling, if I don't have a good reference for a local establishment for dinner, I'll go to a chain. When I do have a good local reference, I ask for their recommendations. The locals in this area will tell you that if you want a good meal at a decent price and you want to go to the Candle Light Inn.
The menu has a good range of options and the service is very good. Don't be afraid of taking a seat in the bar because the service you get there will be just as good.
As with most experiences we have with businesses or companies, the people we have contact with have a big effect on our experience. We were last there the night before the Super Bowl and were talking with Gene, the bartender, and mentioned that we would be back the following night. He immediately asked if we would like to make reservations for the best seat in the bar to review the game and handed if off to Sharon who made our reservation.
Our experience with the Candle Light is that they want to offer you hospitality. They offer that without asking. That means a lot. When we are in the area, this is the only place we have dinner.