The 12 Illinois Restaurants You Should Add To Your Dining Bucket List
By Elizabeth Crozier|Updated on May 25, 2023(Originally published May 20, 2023)
×
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.
New year, new you, right? At the very least, you can hit up some new places to eat with these 12 must-visit restaurants in Illinois. From buffets to historic diners, you’ll find every sort of cuisine and much more.
This list will help you try a new eatery at least once every month. Check it out:
1. Alongi's Italian Restaurant
Alongi's Italian Restaurant, 18 W Main St, Du Quoin, IL 62832, USA
Opened by actual Italian immigrants in 1933, this is one of the oldest restaurants in the Land of Lincoln. It has had famous visitors like Sonny and Cher, Connie Stevens, and Joe Garagiola, and it is known for both its lovely indoor and outdoor seating. All the food is amazing and made traditionally. Learn more about this Illinois restaurant.
Advertisement
2. Fishhouse (permanently closed)
Facebook/Fishhouse
Advertisement
Facebook/Fishhouse
Seafood lovers can't get enough of this lakeside restaurant in southern Illinois. It is known for its nautical theme as well as for being a local favorite. Order fried fish by the pound or get it on a sandwich or taco. You'll also find burgers, chicken strips, soups, and salads.
3. Gallagher's Restaurant
Gallagher's Restaurant, 114 W Mill St, Waterloo, IL 62298, USA
Though it did not become a restaurant until 2005, this building has been standing since the 1870s. It is known for its unique atmosphere and all-you-can-eat fried chicken Sundays. The place also features a full bar, seafood dishes, a wealth of sandwiches, and a plethora of historic decor. You have to head to this 4. Huckleberry's
This homey eatery is all about BBQ. It's a down-home restaurant with simple decor and outstanding menu items like BBQ nachos, pulled pork, pizza, and more. Including a full bar, this place has all you need for a fun night. It’s a great restaurant in Illinois.
Whether or not you like seafood, you'll love the nautical decor in this most unique of bucket list restaurants. It is located inside a Pro Bass Shop and features a 13,000-gallon fish tank that you can see from just about anywhere in the dining room. Classic menu items like burgers, seafood, sandwiches, and more abound. Read more about this 6. Mandy's Family Restaurant
This small-town diner in southern Illinois is all about large portions and comfort food. Both breakfast and lunch classics are available daily at this cozy spot and include tenderloins, burgers, hot dogs, omelets, pancakes, biscuits with gravy, and much more. More information about this
This northeast Illinois diner will whisk you away to Mexico. The interior is quaint and decorated with charming decor. Locals are attracted by the $8.75 Mexican buffet that includes nachos, enchiladas, tacos, tortas, and so much more. Learn all about this marvelous all-you-can-eat Illinois restaurant.
8. Pizzeria Antica
Pizzeria Antica, 10 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza, this central Illinois eatery is an absolutely lovely restaurant inside and out. Exposed brick adds charm to the interior while glowing lights bring the exterior to life. You'll be whisked away to Tuscany from the moment you step inside. Get more details about this must-visit restaurant in Illinois.
9. Rowdy's
Rowdy's, 210 S Bridge St, Yorkville, IL 60560, USA
In business since 1971, this is certainly one of the oldest bucket list restaurants you can't pass up. It is known for its wings, burgers, and beer, and it even features a fish tank and a game room. Read on for information about one of the oldest restaurants in Illinois.
This iconic custard shop that's been around since 1957 belongs on the top of your bucket list if you have not been here yet. It is best known for a fried tenderloin sandwich that is so big, it nearly falls off the plate.
11. Taco Gringo
Taco Gringo, 501 S Main St, Jacksonville, IL 62650, USA
This very simple fast-food restaurant belongs on your list because it has been an Illinois staple for more than 50 years. Forget Taco Bell when you can try a taco from this local chain. Other menu items include nachos, quesadillas, burritos, chalupas, tostadas, enchiladas, tamales, as well as American favorites like wings, potato skins, criss-cut fries, fried fish, and tenderloin sandwiches. Get more details about this Illinois restaurant.
12. Wishful Acres Farm & Brewery
Wishful Acres Farm & Brewery, 4679 N Flansburg Rd, Lena, IL 61048, USA
This is one of those bucket list restaurants that's just for craft beer lovers. It was established in 2009 but has only been at its current property since 2011. Guests can sit in the taproom or beer garden and enjoy pub classics like soft pretzels, popcorn, chips, and cheese plates along with their beer. Stop by on special days for meals of pizza, brats, chili, and more. Restaurants in Illinois don’t get much better than this!
What is on your bucket list of restaurants? Please share your food goals with us below in the comments.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Must-Visit Restaurants In Illinois
Megan McDonald|May 24, 2023
What is the best restaurant in Illinois?
One exceptional restaurant worth mentioning is Girl & The Goat, located in Chicago. Led by renowned chef Stephanie Izard, Girl & The Goat offers a vibrant and innovative dining experience. Known for its bold flavors, creative small plates, and unique combinations of ingredients, the restaurant has received critical acclaim and has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in Chicago. With a menu showcasing both meat and vegetable dishes and a lively atmosphere, Girl & The Goat is a popular destination for food enthusiasts looking for an exciting and memorable dining experience.
What food is Chicago known for?
Chicago is known for its diverse culinary scene and iconic food items. Here are some foods that Chicago is famous for:
Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza: This hearty pizza is characterized by its deep, thick crust that holds a generous amount of cheese, sauce, and toppings. It's baked in a round, deep-pan, resulting in a pizza that's more like a savory pie.
Chicago-style Hot Dog: A Chicago-style hot dog is a steamed all-beef hot dog served on a poppy seed bun and topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, a dill pickle spear, and a sprinkle of celery salt.
Italian Beef Sandwich: This sandwich features thinly sliced seasoned roast beef that is slow-cooked and often served in a crusty Italian-style roll. It can be served "dipped" in the cooking juices or with sweet or hot peppers.
Maxwell Street Polish Sausage: Named after the famous Maxwell Street market, this grilled Polish sausage is served on a bun and topped with grilled onions, mustard, and sometimes sports peppers.
Garrett Popcorn: Garrett Popcorn is a beloved Chicago institution known for its gourmet popcorn. The "Chicago Mix" combines caramel and cheese popcorn, creating a sweet and savory flavor experience.
Rainbow Cone: A classic Chicago treat, the Rainbow Cone is an ice cream cone that features multiple flavors piled on top of each other, including chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (a New York-style vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio, and orange sherbet.
These are just a few examples of the iconic foods that have put Chicago on the culinary map. The city offers a wide range of cuisines and culinary delights, reflecting its diverse population and rich food culture.
