From weeknight regular dives to upscale, special-occasion dining, there are many unique restaurants in IL to have a meal for two or with the whole family. Be prepared for a flavor overload at these nine delicious restaurants that reign supreme.

1. White Pines Inn
Facebook/White Pines Inn
White Pines Lodge, 6712 W Pines Rd, Mt Morris, IL 61054, USA
Facebook/White Pines Inn
Enjoy home-style cooking in a restaurant that is off the beaten path and best known for its buffets. Whether you dine in the log cabin-style interior or the forested outdoor patio, you'll have a lovely, down-home experience at this cool place to eat in IL. Learn more about what's in store for you at White Pines Inn.
2. Burger King
Facebook/Burger King
The Burger King, 1508 Charleston Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Facebook/Burger King
What began as an ice cream stand in the early 1900s is now best known for its burgers. The restaurant was made into an Illinois trademark in 1959 and has a rule that the chain Burger King cannot open a location within 25 miles of the original one in Illinois. Read up more on this cool restaurant in IL.
3. Giant City Lodge
Facebook/Giant City Lodge
Giant City Lodge Road, Giant City Lodge Rd, Illinois, USA
Facebook/Giant City Lodge
Nestled within the Shawnee National Forest, this restaurant has a bar, gift shop, and cabins for an overnight stay. This cool restaurant in IL serves up many home-style dishes but is best known for its fried chicken. Check out some additional information about Giant City Lodge.
4. Heritage Prairie Farm
Facebook/Heritage Prairie Farm
Facebook/Heritage Prairie Farm
Forget deep dish! You can have an authentic Italian pizza right here in Illinois. This organic restaurant makes pizzas in a wood-fired oven and is only open for dinner from June through August. Visitors to this unique place to eat in IL dine at picnic tables outside. Read more about what a visit to Heritage Prairie Farm entails.
5. Richards Farm
Facebook/Richards Farm

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Richards Farm Restaurant, 607 NE 13th St, Casey, IL 62420, USA
Facebook/Richards Farm
You can dine in an old barn that used to house livestock and grain. Today, it serves down-home dishes and even has a buffet. It is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and stands as one of the most unique restaurants in IL. Discover all you need to know about Richards Farm.
6. Seasoning Bistro
Facebook/Seasoning Bistro
Seasoning Bistro, 506 Public Square, Benton, IL 62812, USA
Facebook/Seasoning Bistro
Using fresh ingredients that support local farmers, this restaurant serves up hearty portions of classic dishes like burgers, steaks, and seafood. The atmosphere is small and intimate, so it is wise to call ahead to reserve your table at this cool place to eat in IL. Learn more about why you need to dine at Seasoning Bistro.
7. White Fence Farm
Facebook/The Original White Fence Farm Restaurant
White Fence Farm, Romeoville, IL 60440, USA
Facebook/The Original White Fence Farm Restaurant
This working farm is best known for its world famous fried chicken. It is pressure cooked and then flash fried for the perfect texture inside and out. Make sure you check out this cool restaurant in IL if you are ever in the area! Read more about White Fence Farm.
8. Alinea
Flickr/Rebecca Siegel
Flickr/Kimberly Vardeman
This restaurant offers a dining experience complete with upscale, modern dishes that combine science with art. It is often named the world's best restaurant and guests must secure tickets (rather than reservations) to attend a meal here. Meals at this unique place to eat in IL typically last three to four hours. Get more details on what it's like to eat at Alinea.
9. Ivy
Instagram/ivyofwheaton
Ivy Restaurant, 120 N Hale St, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA
Ivy of Wheaton
In downtown Wheaton, patrons of this restaurant dine in an old chapel that still has its original arched design and stained-glass windows. The outdoor patio is covered in ivy and many enjoy holiday and wedding parties at this unique restaurant in IL. Read up further on Ivy.

Which of these unique restaurants in IL do you love most? Share your thoughts with us below!

For more great places to eat, check out these 11 lunch date restaurants in Illinois.

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Rachel Raimondi | October 03, 2022

What are the best small towns in Illinois?

There are nearly 1,300 cities and towns in Illinois. And many of them are some of the best small towns in the nation. In Bureau County, about two hours outside of Chicago, there’s Princeton. The population is only about 7,800 and among its 8.24 square miles, you’ll find gorgeous parks like Soldiers and Sailors Park and Monument, historic buildings like the Owen Lovejoy House, and a lively downtown that features great shopping and some of the most unique restaurants in IL. And be sure to check out the 1883 Apollo Theater for a movie.

What is the weather like in the fall in Illinois?

Being a midwest state, the fall in Illinois can be lovely weather-wise. After summers in the high 80s and sometimes up in the 90s, the cooler temperatures of fall are certainly welcome. In September, you’ll have an average of about 60–80 degrees, depending on what part of the state you are in, and expect about three to four inches of rain on average. October brings along fall foliage and average high temps between 60–70. As November comes in and the average amount of daylight per day begins to dwindle, you’ll see highs drop to only the low 50s, with much lower temps in the 40s more often.

What are the most popular foods in Illinois?

If you find yourself in the Prairie State, be sure to grab one of these popular Illinois dishes. If sandwiches are your thing, grab an Italian beef sandwich or a Horseshoe sandwich. And of course, since you are in Illinois, you’ll have to get deep dish pizza or a Chicago-style hot dog (remember, no ketchup!). Other popular foods include corn, gyros, and popcorn. As a bonus, if you can, try to head to one of the many cool places to eat in IL!

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