This Regional Restaurant Is One Of Illinois’ Favorite Places To Dine

Southern Illinois is renowned for its inspiring natural beauty. Places like Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods, and Giant City State Park, to name a few, are among our state's top destinations and richest sources of nature, history, and culture. And while the stunning landscape is worthy of acclaim, the region's food scene is also something to be celebrated. In fact, Underground Public House in Carbondale is considered by many in the area to be among the best diners in Southern Illinois.

Underground Public House is located in the scenic city of Carbondale in Southern Illinois. With a modest exterior, it may be easy to drive past. However, it's the restaurant's reputation that drives new and repeat customers to enter its doors.

The top-rated restaurant is run by Chef Josh Klarer, a Carbondale native, who traveled the country learning from the best chefs how to utilize fresh ingredients and the very best cuts of meat. Klarer brought his experience, knowledge, and personal creativity back to Illinois and opened Underground Public House.

In the warmer months, its shady patio is also a haven for locals.

Inside, the atmosphere is casual, unpretentious, and comfortable with exposed brick, a stately bar, and warm lighting. It's a favorite spot for friend gatherings, family outings, date nights, and special occasions because of its cozy aesthetic and elevated food.

Menus rotate as the seasons change, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from a network of farmers in the area. As a salad girl, I am drooling over this plate.

The restaurant aims to provide the community with "high quality food, craft butchered meats, local produce, innovative cocktails, and a large variety of craft brewed beers from around the region and world." I mean, look at this plate — it's so colorful and vibrant with fresh veggies, herbs, and drool-worthy meats, it's a treat for the eyes as much as it is for the belly.

A staple of the eatery is the Scotch eggs. Customers rave about these in reviews, remarking on the classic dish's exceptional flavors.

Another go-to is the Giant Bavarian Pretzel — a massive homemade pretzel made from "Mama Klarer's" recipe that's crusted with sea salt and served with House Belgian Cheddar sauce and whole-grain stout mustard. I would absolutely go for this.

Of course, no Southern Illinois diner would be complete without its own version of a giant schnitzel sandwich. This mouthwatering, hand-pounded pork loin fritter is topped with mustard, onion, local arugula, malt vinegar, house stout mustard, and a bakery bun.

If you're more of an early riser, head there for Sunday brunch, which features favorites like chilaquiles, biscuits and gravy, breakfast poutine, breakfast Benedict, and more.

Whatever you do, grab a craft cocktail or beer. With an impressive showcasing of local and craft beers, creative cocktails, and an extensive list of spirits, there's a drink for every preference here, including non-alcoholic options.

Make sure to save room for dessert, too! Underground Public House has partnered with Bake Me Happy bakery to provide a rotating list of sweet specials.

Ready to visit one of the best diners in Southern Illinois? Stay up-to-date by checking out Underground Public House's website and Facebook page. You could even incorporate a meal into a fun weekend getaway to Southern Illinois — Carbondale is a charming small town full of railroad history with waterfall hiking trails, a farmer's market, and beautiful lakes. If you need a place to stay, this top-rated cabin with a hot tub is perfect for a romantic retreat — or this 15-person home with a private beach is great for the whole family.