Since 1892, Diamond Mineral Springs – a venerable family restaurant in Illinois – has been serving its home-style meals to hungry patrons. Pack your bags, this is one meal worth traveling for. In fact, its steady stream of loyal customers over the years has made it the oldest continually operating restaurant in Illinois.

Diamond Mineral Springs began its existence as a health spa in 1870 after a man searching for coal struck a spring of water with a purported “high standard of medicinal properties.”
John “Doing It With Dickerman” Dickerman/Google
A hotel was added to the property in 1886, and it opened its dining room in 1892. Even at that time, the dining room was legendary for its delicious food.
Only four families have owned Diamond Mineral Springs since the Windsor Hotel opened in 1886.
Diamond Mineral Springs/Google
The current family of owners has operated the restaurant since 1979. A restaurant with that kind of longevity has to have something good going for it, and this spot definitely does.
Diamond Mineral Springs’ dining room first gained fame for its family-style fried chicken dinners, which it still serves today.
Brian & Nicole Love/Google
There's nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a delicious piece of perfectly fried chicken surrounded by family and friends.

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Consistent quality has kept its customers returning over and over again to enjoy a much-expanded menu of down-home classics.
Rodney Yoswig/Google
It's comfort food at its best with a large enough menu that everyone in the family, even the pickiest of eaters, can find something to love.
Today, you can enjoy a variety of comfort foods ranging from ham or country-fried steak to fried catfish or shrimp.
Jon Borlin/Google
Like we said, a little something to make everyone happy.
The restaurant also serves some grilled, roasted, and barbecued favorites for those not in the mood for fried.
Kimberly Tremmel/Google
Meals are served "family style," with hot and cold sides to share and pass around the table. Whether you're there with a group or by yourself, everyone leaves that table feeling like family.
No matter what you order, be sure to save room for dessert. Diamond Mineral Springs’ selection of postprandial delights is exceptional and includes several types of pies and cakes.
Elizabeth :P/Google
You won't want to miss out on those flaky layers of sweet goodness.

Diamond Mineral Springs’ lengthy track record of satisfied customers speaks for itself. Even so, you had better pay a visit for your own edification (and satisfaction). For more information about fried chicken and other menu items, take a look at the restaurant’s website.

Since you’ll be visiting the small community of Grantfork, why not add another charming Illinois town or two to your itinerary? Alton, for example, isn’t far from the restaurant.

Have you had the opportunity to visit this restaurant? What other Illinois family restaurants should folks know about? Let us know in the comments below, we love hearing your firsthand accounts of these unique experiences.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Restaurants In Illinois

CC | February 06, 2024

What are the best restaurants in Illinois?

Spending some time in this hometown restaurant might make you wonder what else Illinois has to offer in the culinary department. There’s only one (very delicious) way to find out. Check out these restaurants in Illinois along Route 66.

  • Whirl a Whip
  • Old Log Cabin Restaurant
  • Cozy Dog Drive-In
  • DeCamp Junction
  • Crossroads Diner
  • Ariston Café
  • Weezy’s
  • The Chili Parlor
  • Jubelt's Restaurant and Bakery
  • Old Route 66 Family Restaurant

 

Where is the best place to get catfish in Illinois?

Believe it or not, catfish is an Illinois specialty. There are lots of great restaurants to try in the state but if you’re hankering for that crunchy fried goodness specifically, we can help you head straight to the source. Check out these great restaurants for catfish in Illinois.

  • Carter's Fish Market
  • Crazy Joe's Fish House
  • The Fishhouse
  • Miss Mamies Restaurant
  • Pop's Fish & Chicken
  • Silver Moon Restaurant
  • The Fish Keg
  • Catfish & Chicken
  • Babe’s Fish Wagon

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Featured Addresses
Diamond Mineral Springs, West Pocahontas Road, Grantfork, IL, USA