Illinois is full of delicious restaurants that range from your standard burger joint to elegant eateries. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s a restaurant in Illinois serving just that, and that’s just one of the things we love about the Prairie State. There’s one little hidden gem that’s worth a drive from any corner of the state because they’re serving up some of the most incredible Cajun food in Illinois. Let’s check it out.

Located in Utica, the Cajun Connection might not look like much from the outside, but don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you. This hidden gem has some of the most flavorful food in Illinois.
Angie Funfar/Google
Established in 1995 by Louisiana native Ron McFarlain, Cajun Connection is your answer to eating Louisiana cuisine when you just can’t make it down to the Bayou State.
Boemiana/Trip Advisor
The menu is filled with dozens of Louisiana classics that will light your taste buds on fire.
Cajun Connection/Facebook
For starters, you can’t go wrong with a cup of gumbo. This Louisiana staple is a hearty roux-based soup with chicken and sausage that’s the perfect start to your meal.
Compa Manny/Google

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From jambalaya to crawfish étouffée, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the depths of the bayous when you visit the Cajun Connection.
Compa Manny/Google
It’ll be hard to choose what to get. Luckily, you can have the best of both worlds with one of their combos.
Matt Moore/Google
Mix and match from options like frog legs, crawfish creole, red beans and rice, and of course, alligator.
Justin Follis/Google
If you’re a sandwich lover, you’ve got to give a po’boy a try. Anywhere else in the country these bad boys would be known as grinders, subs, or hoagies, but in Louisiana, it’s a po’boy and it’s filled sky-high with your choice of shrimp, crawfish, alligator, catfish, oysters, or chicken strips.
Chris Long/Google
Just be sure to save room for dessert. It’s not a traditional southern meal unless you end it with a hearty slice of pecan pie, and their roasted pecan pie is one of the most popular items on the menu.
Boemiana/Trip Advisor

For more information be sure to check out their website and give them a follow on Facebook.

Have you ever dined at the Cajun Connection? Let us know in the comments below!

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