There are almost too many great restaurants in Illinois to count. From world-class fine dining in Chicago to the small-town mom-and-pop burger joint, the Prairie State has no shortage of satisfying options to match the mood or occasion. Coming from a small town, myself, I love the vibe of a family diner or a walk-up stand that offers something totally unique. That’s why this hidden gem restaurant in Sycamore, IL is one of the best-kept secrets in the state — except to locals, who know exactly where to go.

Cassie's Popcorn Stand, located at 200 W. State St., is a family-owned snack shack that specializes in colorful, flavorful, fresh popcorn. The current owners have run the tiny red shack since 1981, though the small standalone hut has actually been in the community since 1924.
hidden gem restaurant in Sycamore, IL
RSchulenburg, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Inside, only a handful of shelves and a seat can fit in the shack. Customers walk up to see what's been freshly popped on the menu that day and make their picks.
Cassie's Popcorn/Facebook
Cassie's serves an array of different flavors, including favorites like kettle corn, yellow cheddar and white cheddar, and caramel — but also likes to get creative with selections like cookies and cream, bacon, and birthday cake.
Cassie's Popcorn/Facebook
One of the most popular flavors is Sycamore Style, named after the charming small town where they're located. It's a take on Chicago Mix, which blends caramel corn and cheese popcorn. If I'm in town, I'm definitely stopping by for a bag of this (and eating it immediately).
Cassie's Corn Crib Cafe/Facebook
Napkins are definitely your friend here.

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Another popular option is the classic white cheddar. First-timers who like cheese but don't want anything too out there may want to give this a try as a foray into the flavored popcorn world.
Cassie's Popcorn/Facebook
Those okay with being more adventurous should definitely opt for the Caramel Apple flavor if it's available. In a rural community surrounded by apple orchards, this option totally makes sense for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
Cassie's Popcorn/Facebook
Of course, one of the most efficient and fun ways of eating popcorn is via a popcorn ball.
Cassie's Popcorn/Facebook
Or, by the bucketful. Cassie's comes in different size options and can be perfect for a group movie night, special occasion, or just to treat yourself!
Cassie's Popcorn/Facebook

So, would you order from this hidden gem restaurant in Sycamore, IL? What flavor would you go with? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip now by keeping tabs on the Cassie’s Popcorn Facebook page. You could even make a Cassie’s Popcorn Stand visit part of a weekend getaway to the charming small town of Sycamore, Illinois. There are a ton of great things to do here, from shopping, to historic homes, to the speedway.

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Featured Addresses
Cassie's Popcorn Stand, 200 W State St, Sycamore, IL 60178, USA