8 Lakeside Restaurants In Illinois You Simply Must Visit This Time Of Year
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
It’s finally the time of year for relaxing by the water and letting all your troubles wash away with the waves. The best places in Illinois for such an oasis are these eight lakeside restaurants that will calm your mind and revitalize your spirit.
Tranquility never tasted so good. Scroll on for a sneak peek at the best places to eat this spring.
This casual dining restaurant sits on Spring Lake in Lake County and has been in operation since 2011. It is open daily for breakfast and lunch, as well as until 8 p.m. for a fish fry dinner on Fridays. Portions are large and guests enjoy classics like burgers, wraps, salads, pancakes, waffles, omelets, and much much more.
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This seasonal restaurant is the perfect place for your spring or summer party. Bring friends for a fun time like none other at this Pistakee Lake paradise. Inside is a huge sports bar environment and outside, patrons enjoy incredible views and lively decor. The menu offers classic American fare like burgers, BBQ, fried fish, fried chicken, and pizza.
Editor's Note: This destination is permanently closed.
Near the resort town of Galena, this marvelous place is one of the most beautiful lakeside restaurants in the state. It sits on Apple Canyon Lake and offers amazing views of the water and surrounding greenery. Guests enjoy comfort food like pizza, steak and potatoes, quesadillas, and various sandwiches.
Near the resort town of Galena, this marvelous place is one of the most beautiful lakeside restaurants in the state. It sits on Apple Canyon Lake and offers amazing views of the water and surrounding greenery. Guests enjoy comfort food like pizza, steak and potatoes, quesadillas, and various sandwiches.
This hometown bar is all about country charm and good eats. Situated on the uniquely shaped Horseshoe Lake, this is a local favorite the people of Olive Branch don't want you to know about. When you stop by for a bite, be sure to try the chili, burgers, pork chops, and more.
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This upscale restaurant sits on a man-made lake but still offers incredible views, not to mention unbelievable eats. You'll find just about anything you're craving here. Specialties include prime rib, meatloaf, and baby back ribs, though guests can also order classics like burgers, steak, seafood, soups, and salads.
This festive, seasonal grill is situated right on Lake Michigan, giving you the most amazing views of all these lakeside restaurants. It is an outdoor live music bar that's perfect for late nights. Menu items include fresh eats like pizza, tacos, salads, sandwiches, and much more.
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There's no better place to relax than this lovely nautical eatery on Lake Decatur. They offer delivery, but you'll definitely want to eat in so you can enjoy the views at this epic place. It features an oyster bar, fresh fish and other seafood, as well as sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, and its own version of a classic horseshoe sandwich called "The Toastyshoe."
Offering outstanding views and even better food, this restaurant is situated on Lake Sara just off of where I-70 and I-57 cross. It has been in operation since 2017 and features epic dishes made from wild-caught seafood and other locally sourced ingredients. This lakeside paradise also offers an extensive wine list.
For another fun way to get back to nature this season, plan a trip to this Illinois campground that lets you pitch your tent right on the beach.
What other lakeside restaurants do we need to know about? Share your favorites with us in the comments below!
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