The 10 Best Tenderloins In The Midwest Are Right Here In Illinois
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published February 05, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Though typically associated with our neighbor to the east, Illinois is no stranger to deep-fried pork products. We’re home to some of the best tenderloins in the Midwest, and you’ve got try them all.
Hand-cut and pounded out, then dredged in batter and fried, these hearty sandwiches are impossible to resist. Keep scrolling for all the best places in our fabulous state to find them.
Known as one of the absolute biggest and best tenderloins in Illinois, you may need to ask for extra buns to finish it. THe restaurant has been in business since 1983, and the King Tenderloin is one of the things that has kept it going so long. Other popular eats at this place are buffalo wings and beer-battered chicken.
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2. Hungry Moose (3000 N Sterling Ave, Peoria, IL 61604)
Open daily from 6 a.m. until just 2 p.m., this all-day breakfast spot is popular for one of its more lunch appropriate dishes. This tenderloin is crispy and tender and comes with a soft, gourmet bun. All the food at this family-owned diner is amazing.
3. Airport Steak House (410 Airport Road in Mattoon)
Located at Coles County Memorial Airport, this unique eatery is known for more than just having the best tenderloins in town. Guests can actually watch the runway from large windows in the restaurant as they chow down on delicious comfort food. Pair any meal with the onion rings and don't leave without trying the pie.
4. Busy Corner Restaurant (302 S Eureka Street in Goodfield)
This family-friendly eatery has been around since 2005 and mostly operates as a cafe. Patrons come in for coffee, tea, pie, cheesecake, and more. There is also a full breakfast menu as well as one for lunch and dinner that includes this bad boy. It's 10 ounces of pork deep fried until golden brown.
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5. Schultz's Dairy Bar (600 S Main Street in Altamont)
Editor's Note: Schultz's Dairy Bar is permanently closed.
This little-known restaurant serves up a tenderloin that will blow your mind. Those who order this behemoth are always shocked when it comes to the table. Good luck finishing it in one go. Other popular eats served here include pizza, burgers, and homemade ice cream.
Open daily for lunch, dinner, and late-night drinks, this unassuming bar & grill serves some of the best food in town. In addition to the best tenderloins in the county, they also serve amazing seafood, pasta, and wings.
7. Hash House A Go Go (1212 N State Parkway in Chicago)
Editor's Note: Hash House A Go Go is permanently closed.
Even the Windy City can't resist a breaded tenderloin. This eatery has several locations around the states that source from local farmers and use fresh ingredients daily. The tenderloin is part of both the brunch and dinner menus.
8. Spoonies Bar & Grill (103 North 3rd Street in London Mills)
Situated along the Spoon River, this rustic yet charming restaurant is home to a sandwich you'll crave for weeks on end. Hand-cut and fried until crispy and golden, this gigantic thing could feed a family of four.
Check out previous coverage of one of the best tenderloins in Illinois.
Editor's Note: Waterstreet Pub is closed.
The number one seller at this restaurant is a tenderloin you'll never forget. The restaurant is known for having 31 beers on draft at all times, and it even once served as a saloon in 1837. Locals have been stopping by for tenderloins, though, since 2005.
Just north of Ottawa, this roadside diner is a must-try if you're ever nearby. In addition to tenderloins that will make your taste buds go wild, the restaurant is also known for fried fish, chicken, and homemade soups.