Whether you have no desire to cook today or are just looking to get out of the house, there’s never a better time than now to discover a new restaurant in Illinois. Contrary to popular belief, sometimes the phrase “bigger is better” doesn’t always ring true for every scenario in life, including when it comes to picking unforgettable restaurants. Surprising you with their cozy ambiance and incredible flavors, these 10 extremely tiny restaurants around our state will amaze you.
1. Landmark Cafe & Creperie - Galesburg
If there's one place in Illinois where you're guaranteed to enjoy amazing meals that are served in a charming setting, it's the small city of Galesburg. Right on the historic block of Seminary Street, you can find the Landmark Cafe & Creperie. The small cafe not only offers up amazing breakfast dishes, but also has a lunch menu that is truly out of this world.
How to get here: 62 South Seminary Street Galesburg, IL 61401
2. Schiraz - Jacksonville
Small but refreshingly unique, this pint-sized restaurant was actually once a bank! Restored and full of music, the restaurant frequently offers live tunes and has savory dishes you might never expect to find in a place to small. Our suggestion? Try one of their various paninis that will knock your socks right off.
How to get here: 27 South Central Park Plaza Jacksonville, IL 62650
3. Billy's Tap - Canton
A family owned business that's been bringing amazing flavors to Fulton County for over sixty years, Billy's Tap is a piece of our state's history that you won't want to miss! From cheesy items to burgers and panini's, there's something for everyone on the
menu.
How to get here: 172 Elm Street Canton, IL 61520
4. Anna's Pizza & Pasta - Winnebago
A menu that will quickly have your mouth watering, Anna's may be a small restaurant but the flavors you'll find packed inside of their dishes will blow you away. From delicious flatbread pizza to classic Italian pasta dishes, they've got everything on their menu that your tastebuds have ever been searching for!
How to get here: 101 South Benton Street Winnebago, IL 61088-8582
5. Isidro’s Tamales & Taqueria - Kankakee
A prime example of why you should never judge a book by its cover, this authentic Mexican restaurant is unlike any other that you've ever stepped foot into. Easy to miss if you aren't looking for it, this small restaurant offers the best Mexican food that you can find anywhere in this area.
How to get here: 430 West Station Street Kankakee, IL 60901
6. Doc's Smokehouse - Edwardsville
Don't underestimate this restaurant based on its exterior! Doc's is the home of some of the most mouth watering, savory dishes that you could ever ask for. BBQ does right, the hardest thing about taking a visit to this restaurant will be deciding what it is you want to eat!
How to get here: 1017 Century Drive Edwardsville, IL 62025
7. Otto's Place - Galena
Mainly focussing on delicious Breakfast and Lunch menus, Otto's Place features local products when it's possible and has some of the best homemade dishes that you'll ever dive into. Our suggestion? If you've yet to dine at Otto's Place, then make sure you don't leave without trying something from their scrumptious Breakfast menu. To view both their weekend and weekday menus,
click here.
How to get here: 100 Bouthillier Street Galena, IL 61036
8. This Is It Eatery - Freeport
A restaurant you won't leave disappointed, the freshly cooked dishes that you'll find waiting for you at This Is It Eatery will keep you coming back for more. If you're looking to eat a meal and not just take advantage of the fact that they'll make fried Oreos to you, then try out one of the delicious burgers that you'll love!
How to get here: 16 North Chicago Avenue Freeport, IL 61032
9. Bobby's Barrel Inn - Volo
A delightful place that will feel like your home away from home, Bobby's cooks up daily specials that will never leave you walking out of their restaurant hungry. With all of their classic breakfast dishes and American style food, you'll quickly find yourself becoming one of the regulars of this restaurant.
How to get here: 35009 North Gilmer Road Volo, IL 60073
10. Jimmie James Blue Gooses - Mount Vernon
Looking for the ultimate Gyro shop that will surprise you? Tucked away amongst other larger storefronts, Jimmie James' is a place that you could easily drive by without even realizing it. The small but amazing restaurant and menu will have you coming back for more, whether you prefer their gyro sandwich or gyro stew.
How to get here: 1014 Main Street Mount Vernon, IL 62864
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