Illinois has an abundance of rave restaurants, some of which have been featured on national TV shows including the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
While there are many hidden gems that might not receive the acknowledgement they deserve, you can find some good eats in pretty much every region of the state. From the southern Illinois towns of Golconda and Alton, through the Capitol, and all the way up to the Wisconsin border, there’s plenty of awesome food joints to get your fill.
The Illinois Office of Tourism has given the “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destinations” award to 19 Illinois restaurants thus far in 2014 – a distinction that recognizes popular, local eateries considered staples in their communities and unique to the state.
“From family-owned restaurants with long and storied histories to the hottest new cuisines in the world, Illinois has emerged as a premier culinary destination for both domestic and international visitors,” said Illinois State Travel Director, Jen Hoelzle. “The ‘Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination’ award honors those restaurants that are authentically Illinois, making a trip to the state unforgettable.”
Here’s some more information on how IOT goes about the nomination and award process, according to Illinois Government News Network:
To be considered, restaurants must be nominated by a local Convention & Visitors Bureau, community member or an ‘Enjoy Illinois’ social media fan…Nominated restaurants must be unique to Illinois and an established part of its community and award winners will be chosen by the Illinois Office of Tourism.
Did any of your favorites make the list? Here’s a few maps with winners thus far.
[Images and descriptions courtesy of Enjoy Illinois, unless otherwise noted.]
1. The Palms Grill Café – Atlanta
Address: 110 SW Arch S. Atlanta, IL 61723
The Palms Grill Cafe was a well-known restaurant during the heyday of Route 66. Recently the cafe was revitalized and reopened, and is serving up delicious nostalgia from the fabled Route 66 era. The Palm’s Grill Café has been baking pies and feeding hungry travelers and residents for decades. Their pies are so delicious they’ve even won a few state pie competitions. Saddle up to the counter or take a seat at a table; either way, the pie and coffee with the community atmosphere is enough to make any first-timer feel like a regular. Conveniently located right across the street is the towering Bunyon’s Statue, another one of Route 66’s famous Muffler Man Statues.
2. Firefly Grill – Effingham
Address: 1820 Ave of Mid America, Exit 160, Effingham, IL 62401
Firefly Grill is a modern roadhouse restaurant located on the shores of Lake Kristie. This wonderful place operates on an oasis of American fresh cuisine in the heart of the Midwest. Firefly’s menu changes daily and boasts fresh seafood, oak fire steaks and brick oven pizzas. Firefly uses local ingredients whenever possible and fresh herbs and vegetables from their garden. The beautiful facility and grounds make this the perfect place for a wedding or group event. Cooking demonstrations and tours are also available.
3. Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket – Willowbrook
Address: 645 Joliet Rd. Willowbrook, IL 60527
The Chicken Basket in Willowbrook opened in the summer of 1946 on Historic Illinois Route 66. Dell Rhea’s chicken has been bringing visitors from around the world on a regular basis for years.
4. Fast Eddie’s Bon Air – Alton
Address: 1530 E. 4th St. Alton, IL 62002
Fast Eddie’s Bon Air in Alton is like no other. Over 4,000 half barrels of beer and thousands of cases of cans, bottles and liquor quench the thirst of our patrons every year. Some even say that Bon Air is the #1 volume bar in the world. A food bar serves an assortment of grilled burgers, shish-kabobs, bratwurst and boiled shrimp all sold at the same low prices as when they were added nineteen years ago.
5. Lagomarcino’s – Moline
Address: 1422 5th Ave. Moline, IL 61265
Lagomarcino’s has been creating fine chocolates in Moline since 1908. A family run business, you can’t help but feel the love and dedication to all things sweet in their historic location. This authentic, turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor and confectionery is renowned for homemade chocolates and ice cream. Stop by and get a taste of history for yourself; your life will be a lot sweeter for it.
6. Charlie Parker’s Diner – Springfield
Address: 700 North St. Springfield, IL 62704
When you need a heaping side of Americana you can’t go wrong at this popular locale. Charlie Parker’s Diner located in Springfield has been making mouths water in central Illinois for some time. Known for diner delights like burgers, breakfasts and anything else hearty enough for the long road ahead. Don’t miss this hot spot when you’re in the neighborhood.
7. Stockholm Inn – Rockford
Address: 2420 Charles St. Rockford, IL 61108
Popular with both locals and visitors, this restaurant’s menu and decor echoes Rockford’s Swedish heritage. In addition to American food, the Stockholm Inn cooks up Swedish pancakes with imported lingonberries, Swedish meatballs and other Swedish favorites. And great coffee, of course! Banquet rooms are available. Home of the Lingonberry Gift Shop with “the best Scandinavian gifts in the world.”
8. The Shanty – Wadsworth
Address: 38985 N U.S. Highway Wadsworth, IL 60083
The Shanty located in Wadsworth is a place that once discovered, you always go back. With its comfortable rustic atmosphere and friendly service, this truly is the place where quality food meets a fair price. With a great staff that makes patrons feel right at home, it may be the only restaurant in the area where the customers run the show.
9. Gene & Jude’s – River Grove
Address: 2720 N. River Rd. River Grove, IL 60171
For hot dog lovers, Gene And Jude’s is a destination to not be missed. Started For hot dog lovers, Gene & Jude’s is a must-visit destination. For more than 60 years, this this River Grove institution has been serving up a classic menu of hot dogs, french fries and tasty extras. A longtime favorite with locals, Gene & Jude’s has recently garnered national attention with Rachel Ray and three judges from Serious Eats naming Gene & Jude’s the No. 1 hot dog in America.
10. Two Brothers Roundhouse – Aurora
Address: 205 N. Broadway Aurora, IL 60505
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Two Brothers Roundhouse is the oldest limestone roundhouse in the United States. As they bring new life to this 155-year-old building, enjoy a casual atmosphere in the main dining room gastropub, our sports tavern and music venue or our new cafe and bakery. There is more to do than dinner at the Roundhouse. As with the beer and food, the live entertainment has a local flair. Whether it be a wedding, reunion or corporate event, they have a variety of spaces for friends and family to gather. Cheers!
11. Dixie’s Cup Cafe – Pinckneyville
Address: 705 South Main St. Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Dixie’s Cup Cafe is a good old fashioned cafe. The food is delicious and the price affordable.
12. RARE Chophouse – Mount Vernon
Address: 224 S. 10th St. Mount Vernon, IL 62864
Come and enjoy the region’s most exquisite culinary experience, from the open kitchen, to our Wine Room with 1000+ wines from all over the world, to the unique culinary cuisine prepared by the one and only Chef Liz. Exceptional food and even better service await your palate here at RARE Chophouse!
13. Papa Dels Pizza – Champaign
Address: 206 E. Green St. Champaign, IL 61820
An institution in Champaign County for over 40 years, Papa Del’s is known for their deep dish pizza. Some argue the best south of I-80, many say the best in the state. University of Illinois students and alumni have clamored for Papa Del’s since opening their doors in 1970, waiting the 45 minutes it takes for the dough to cook and the mass amounts of cheese to melt. Alumni all over the country have such an insatiable taste for their favorite pizza, that Papa Del’s now ships up to eight pizzas overnight anywhere in the country. As one Yelp reviewer says, it’s “Legendary in every sense of the word.”
14. Q’s – Galesburg
Address: 319 E. Main St. Galesburg, IL 61401
Located in beautiful downtown Galesburg, Illinois, just blocks from the Amtrak Station and the Seminary Street Shopping District. Q’s Cafe offers homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts. They also offer wonderful vegetarian fare. Special orders and catering are also available.
15. Moonshine Store – Martinsville
Address: 6017 E. 300th Rd. Martinsville, IL 62442
The Moonshine Store is situated at a country crossroads near the town of Martinsville, Ill. It is an adventure in itself just finding the place. What makes it special is the unique atmosphere of this little country store that is home to the famous “Moonburger”. It has been featured on the CBS Morning Show. It is a “must stop” location for travelers with its guest book logging visitors from all 50 states and around the world. In April 2014, a new record was set where 3,251 burgers were served during a major motorcycle rally, the Moonshine Lunch Run.
16. Diver Down – Golconda
Address: 159 Illinois 146, Golconda, IL 62938
From southernmostIllinois.com:
The name Diver Down is in recognition of co-owner, John, (a diver who) can help with a spun prop or in many other ways at the Golconda Marina. Diver Down serves delicious food including incredible catfish, with Friday and Saturday specials ranging from prime rib and a local favorite, fully loaded nachos. A full service bar is available for diners as well.
17. Peckish Pig – Evanston
Address: 623 Howard St. Evanston, IL 60202
The vibe is easy, relaxed—big chairs in the front and wooden plank tables give it a coffeehouse vibe. Come here with a group of old friends for some light dinner conversation. If you need a topic, just look at the menu.
Debate the merits of using chorizo in hamburgers. Ponder the wisdom of deep-frying ham hocks and then drizzling them with salted caramel. Speak in hushed, reverent tones about something called Deep-Fried Jam Butty, essentially a deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Fair warning: your mouth will probably be full.
18. Nick’s Tavern – Lemont
Address: 221 Main St. Lemont, IL 60439
Nick’s Tavern opened in 1945 and is famous for its one-pound patty, the Nickburger, deemed one of the “best burgers in Chicago.”
19. Cleveland-Heath – Edwardsville
Address: 106 North Main St. Edwardsville, IL 62025
From Riverfront Times:
At Cleveland-Heath they bring their experience and considerable skill to bear on what you might call ‘comfort’ foods, or what Cleveland, in an interview with this publication, called ‘favorite’ foods. Which is what makes the Cleveland-Heath experience especially remarkable: Yes, your entrée is a pork chop, but it just so happens to be the best freakin’ pork chop you’ve ever eaten — thick and juicy, topped with a sunny-side-up egg and served with jalapeño-cheddar bread pudding that just so happens to be the best freakin’ bread pudding you’ve ever eaten.
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Kevin Hoffman is a Reboot Illinois staff writer who graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in journalism, political science and international studies. He believes keeping citizens informed and politicians in check is the best way to improve Illinois and bring about common sense reform. Follow us on Facebook.