12 Tasty Restaurants In Illinois Out Of Towners Will Simply Love
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
When company comes, it’s easy to fall into old habits and only take them to the same restaurants they’ve been to a million times. Illinois is full of popular local pizza chains and fast-food eateries, all of which are great, but there are some great independent restaurants you might be forgetting to introduce your guests to.
Next time you have family or friends from out-of-town over, take them to one of these top places to get a bite. Keep scrolling for all the details.
This gorgeous place is a restaurant, vineyard, bed & breakfast, wedding venue, and retail market all in one. Situated in a remote part of the state, your guests will enjoy pizza, pasta, steak, veal, seafood, and chicken as well as gourmet meats and cheeses. Your photographer friends will definitely want to stop in here.
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This restaurant has been around since 1945 and has been featured in numerous magazines and on television. It is most famous for not having ketchup and for placing the fries right on top of the hot dog. This is the best place for a quick bite if you want to impress your guests.
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For something a little more impressive, take your friends or family to this upscale eatery. Guests enjoy modern takes on classics like chicken and waffles in a rustic dining environment complete with excellent views of the surrounding nature.
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A local favorite since it opened its doors in 1884, this iconic Illinois eatery serves Italian, Irish, and Greek cuisine. Guests will be impressed by the freshness in each dish, which is supplied by the restaurant's rooftop garden.
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Illinois' tasty restaurants aren't all upscale. This is one of the most unique eateries in the state, and it mainly serves gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with flavors like mozzarella, cheddar, bacon, ham, peppers, and even mac and cheese. This is a great place for picky eaters that will please all tastes.
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Specializing in over-sized pizza slices, this wicked awesome restaurant has many delightful eats that will wow your guests. The mozzarella sticks are the biggest in the state, and they also have pizza pockets and even deep-fried pizza slices. It's a fun and funky place all ages will love.
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If your out-of-towners enjoy hearty portions and a simple atmosphere, try this fun spot. Set in an old bank, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are exceptional here. Burgers, ribs, meatloaf, nachos and so much more are on the menu.
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This upscale tapas bar has been around since 1990 and includes four acres of beautifully manicured gardens. It is perfect for special occasions and makes for an ideal wedding venue.
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Set in an old Coca-Cola bottling factory, this pizzeria has been a local hot spot since it opened in 1970. Get your pie anyway you like it (stuffed, thin crust, extra cheese, peppers, etc) and add sandwiches and appetizers for a full family feast. If your guests are feeling tired after a long day, call in for delivery.
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This tasty restaurant is all about one thing: bacon. They offer a bacon and beer tasting menu, bacon burgers, and beer-battered bacon strips. The best menu item, though, is The Bomb (pictured). It serves six but, if one person eats the whole thing themselves, they get a t-shirt, a free meal, and their picture on the wall. Your guests could become local celebrities.
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Previously featured by entities such as Food Network, this famous farm restaurant is known for its fried chicken. It is pressure cooked and then deep fried for a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Your guests will never forget the comfort food at this wonderful place.
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One of the oldest restaurants in the state, this pub has been serving locals and weary travelers since 1849. Featuring a massive bar and vintage interior, patrons enjoy sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and seafood at this wonderful joint.
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Now you know what restaurants to visit, but what should you order? Check out 10 crave-worthy iconic foods from Illinois that will make your mouth water.
What other tasty restaurants do your friends and family from out-of-town enjoy? Share your favorites with us below!
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