If you enjoy the simple life, there are 10 country restaurants in Illinois that you need to visit. Casual and low-key, these joints are worth the trip from anywhere in the state.
From homemade food to rustic decor, these eateries offer excellent dining experiences that require no frills. Check them out:
1. Country School Restaurant
Located near Rockford, this simple little restaurant is all about country comfort food. It is most popular for its fried chicken and 16 flavors of ice cream. Many other American classics are also on the menu.
Click here to learn more about why this place is loved by kids and adults alike.
2. Kane County Country Market
This Maple Park eatery is a gift shop, plant nursery, bakery, and country diner all in one. Seasonal treats and delicious menu items like onion rings, mozzarella sticks, biscuits with gravy, breakfast burritos, pancakes, fried fish, and much more abound. Get more details about this place from previous coverage
here .
3. Mascoutah Steak House
Named for the town in which it is located, this little-known steakhouse is worth a drive to the country. It is family-owned and -operated and serves prime rib, ribeye, filet mignon, sirloin, porterhouse steaks, and more. Get the full menu and more details
here .
4. Smokey's Country Diner
Open Tuesday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., this barbecue joint is one of the best in the state. In addition to ribs and other smoked meats, locals love this place for its classic breakfast dishes. Find it at 561 17th Ave., East Moline, IL 61244.
5. The Rafters Restaurant
Located in the tiny town of Lena, this barn diner is one of the most gorgeous country restaurants in the state. The interior is bright and open with brick walls, wood paneling, and other vintage features. It is a great place to host a private event. Menu items include steak, chicken, pasta, and seafood dishes as well as a plethora of fun appetizers, elegant entrees, and classic sandwiches, burgers, salads, and ice cream. Get more details
here .
6. Yoder's Kitchen
If you love buffets, this Amish restaurant belongs on your bucket list. Open for dinner and lunch, the eatery features savory and sweet delights that are all homemade. It is a great place for a wedding or other private event, and it includes a gift shop and bakery.
Click here to learn more about it.
7. Cindy's Country Kitchen
This cozy family restaurant and bar is located at 2517 IL-16, Pana, IL 62557. It is all about comfort food, live entertainment, and billiard games. It serves all the best comfort food from breakfast haystacks with eggs, bacon, and potatoes to chicken wings and horseshoes.
8. Jo's Country Diner
When it comes to country restaurants, you know the ones in Illinois' Amish country are the best. This one is a cozy, small town diner that doesn't look like much but is actually an oasis of great food. Menu items include burgers, chicken and noodles, fried chicken, tenderloin sandwiches, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, eggs, bacon, and much more. It is located at 398 IL-133, Arthur, IL 61911, and hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
9. Oakdale Country Kitchen
If you love homemade food, this eatery is just for you. It is open five days each week and features a menu with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, eggs and bacon, salads, flatbreads, cinnamon buns, pie, tachos, and much more. Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and it is located at 17 W Main St., Oakdale, IL 62268.
10. Country Kettle
This breakfast, lunch, and dinner hot spot is open daily between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. It has been in business for more than 30 years and is known for menu items like pasta, sandwiches, ribs, pork chops, chicken, and breakfast favorites. It is located at 810 S Sangamon Ave., Gibson City, IL 60936.
What other country restaurants do you like to visit? Share your favorites with us below in the comments.
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