There is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to dining in Illinois. The Land of Lincoln truly has some of the best restaurants in the country; so many, in fact, that it can be difficult to know where to start. When putting together your Illinois restaurant bucket list, there are definitely several "must-try" restaurants that should not be neglected. You’ll regret it if you do! To make it a little easier for you, we've put together a list of the top 10 best restaurants in Illinois that we consider to be "must-visit" in the state.
The folks at 7th Street BBQ have put Illinois on the map as a BBQ destination. This place has been featured on Food Network several times, and is one of the most famous restaurants in Illinois!
Make sure that your iPhone is charged because you'll need to pass the time waiting for a table at Bien Trucha. But once you get in, you'll never look at Mexican food the same way again. Their tacos are perfection so you'll see why this is one of the top restaurants in Illinois.
Listen, there are a lot of places in Illinois where you can get a legitimately good hamburger. But the burgers at Kuma's Corner are off-the-wall, and the heavy metal music playing inside the restaurant really takes the whole experience to the next level.
Whether you order a bunch of delicious small plates or a big, perfectly seasoned slab of meat, you won't be disappointed at Montarra Grill.
If you've never had a horseshoe (open-faced sandwich with hamburger patty, covered with fries and cheese), let D'Arcy's Pint initiate you. This must-try dish is an experience!
If ribs, brisket, and smoked meat are some of your love languages, then you will be in heaven at Black Dog. This Illinois smokehouse is proof positive that slow and steady wins the race!
The delicious, deep-dish pizza at Pequod's crushes the competitors with its cheesy, crispy crust. If you love pizza, this is one of the top restaurants in Illinois for a slice!
You should not live in Illinois without a proper Chicago-style hot dog experience. The best is at Gene and Jude's. This restaurant has been in the biz since 1946 and has a strict "no ketchup" policy on their 'dogs. (They can, however, pile your hot dog liberally with delicious french fries.)
Delicious tapas constitute the fare at Meson Sabika. Their "Plato Combinado" has a little bit of everything, and is a total party in your mouth! The setting is a gorgeous mansion with a great garden, and we highly recommend you enjoy the sangria on the patio. This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Illinois.
As One World Cafe's name suggests, diners can sample dishes representing myriad cultures. (The fish tacos are a must-try!) This is fusion food at its best, and we're here for it.
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What do you think of these top 10 best restaurants in Illinois? What Illinois restaurant do you recommend as a must-eat? Let us know in the comments below!
And for more must-try restaurants in The Land of Lincoln, do yourself a favor and check out these drool-worthy pizza restaurants in Illinois!
If you love trying different foods in Illinois, you may want to check out the Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour on Viator!
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