The size of a restaurant certainly doesn’t matter when it comes to great food. We’ve discovered some tiny but mighty eateries around the Prairie State that serve up some of the best food you can find. Here are a handful of wonderful hole-in-the-wall places to eat in southern Illinois to add to your dining bucket list:

1. The Wooden Tie Cafe, Pierron

The Wooden Tie Cafe, 206 IL-143, Pierron, IL 62273, USA
The Wooden Tie Cafe/Facebook
Set inside a historic home, The Wooden Tie Cafe is a charming and cozy place to dine. This family-owned establishment serves a variety of cuisine from smoked wings to healthy salads, horseshoes, burgers, wraps, tacos, and more. Visit The Wooden Tie Cafe website for more information and to view a menu. It’s a great hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Illinois!

2. Crazy Joe's Fish House, Ava

Crazy Joe's Fish House, 693 Suchman Rd, Ava, IL 62907, USA
Crazy Joes Fish House/Facebook
Located close to the Shawnee National Forest, Crazy Joe's is an incredibly fun spot where you can dine on fresh fish. Order some cold beer, sit back, eat, and relax. You'll love it here! Visit the Crazy Joe's Fish House Facebook page for more information. One of the best tiny restaurants!

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3. Isidro's Tamales & Taqueria, Kankakee

Isidro's Tamales & Taqueria, 430 W Station St, Kankakee, IL 60901, USA
Isidro's Tamales & Taqueria/Facebook
For some of the best Mexican food, head to the tiny but mighty Isidro's Tamales & Taqueria in Kankakee. Enjoy tacos, tamales, tortas, burritos, and more. You'll love every bite! Visit Isidro's Tamales & Taqueria Facebook page for more information and to view a menu. Another great hole-in-the-wall restaurant in southern Illinois!

4. Country Cupboard, Carterville

Country Cupboard, 3333 S Division St, Carterville, IL 62918, USA
Thomas Randolph/Google Local
Hungry for mom-and-pop coziness behind every corner? Check out Country Cupboard, a little hole-in-the-wall with delicious breakfasts and hearty lunches and dinners. The menu is spectacular and everything on it is to die for. This one's so mom-and-pop that it doesn't have a website... but it's wonderful. We promise.

5. Mary's Restaurant, Herrin

Mary's Restaurant, 509 S Park Ave, Herrin, IL 62948, USA
Kevin Turner/Google Local
Set in an old-school Victorian home, this mom-and-pop stop is a delight through and through. Existing somewhere between comfort food and fine dining, this establishment is the epitome of "classy and sophisticated". Check out Mary's Restaurant next time you find yourself with an appetite.

Have you been to any of these hole-in-the-wall restaurants in southern Illinois? Are there any other hole-in-the-wall eateries you would add to this list? Share them in the comments! Planning to visit and need a place to stay? No problem! Look at all the offerings from our friends at National Hotels Group.

What are your favorite hole-in-the-wall places to eat in Illinois? Let us know.

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Hole In The Wall Places To Eat

Megan McDonald | May 24, 2023

Where is the best restaurant in Illinois?

One highly regarded restaurant currently open in Illinois is Smyth, located in Chicago.

  • Smyth, led by chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, offers an intimate and immersive dining experience centered around a seasonally driven tasting menu. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and beautiful attention to detail, Smyth delivers inventive and thoughtfully executed dishes that showcase the culinary expertise of the chefs.
  • The restaurant's commitment to exceptional flavors, inventive presentations, and warm hospitality has earned it accolades and a reputation as one of the top dining destinations in Illinois.

 

What food is famous in Illinois?

Illinois has a diverse culinary scene influenced by its multicultural population and agricultural heritage. Here are some foods that are famous or commonly associated with Illinois:

  • Deep-Dish Pizza: Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is perhaps the most iconic food associated with Illinois. It features a thick, buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and generous layers of cheese and toppings.
  • Chicago-Style Hot Dog: The Chicago-style hot dog is a beloved local specialty. It typically includes an all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, bright green relish, tomato slices, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
  • Italian Beef Sandwich: Another Chicago classic, the Italian beef sandwich, consists of thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef piled high on an Italian roll. It's often served with giardiniera (pickled vegetables) and dipped in flavorful meat juices.
  • Garrett Mix: Garrett Popcorn Shops, founded in Chicago, popularized "Garrett Mix," a combination of caramel and cheese popcorn. It's a sweet and savory treat that has become a favorite snack in the state.
  • Horseshoe Sandwich: Originating in Springfield, Illinois, the horseshoe sandwich is an open-faced sandwich served on a slice of toast. It typically includes a meat of choice (often hamburger patties or ham), topped with French fries, and smothered in a rich cheese sauce.

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