One Of The Oldest Family-Owned Restaurants In Illinois Is Also Among The Most Delicious Places You’ll Ever Eat

There's a certain sense of love you get from a family-owned restaurant that chain restaurants just can't provide. Family restaurants that have withstood the test of time earn even more respect, with the challenging food industry seemingly always in flux. Oftentimes it takes either fully leaning in and sticking to your roots, or completely changing and adapting, to weather the hard times and keep customers coming. And that's exactly what the oldest family-owned restaurant in De Soto, Illinois did — and keeps doing.

Tom's Place, 17107 US-51, was founded in 1921 by restauranteur Tom Endsley. It's one of only a couple of restaurants in the small town, but in its more than 100-year history, the family-owned restaurant has made its mark.

In the 1920s and '30s, the diner was a Prohibition-era hangout for gangsters gambling and bootlegging booze. Customers who asked for an "orange soda" were actually ordering some homemade brew, according to the restaurant.

While it has had several owners over the years, Lasse and Maryjane Sorensen have been at the helm since taking over in 1998. Lasse, a chef from Denmark, and his wife kept the humble exterior the same while elevating the menu into an upscale fine dining experience.

While the dining room retains its historic charm, changes like adding real flowers, tabletop candles, and fresh linens make the atmosphere feel more in line with the updated cuisine.

The menu is deliciously creative and changes regularly. On the last Wednesday of the month is a gourmet evening, there are wine pairings, a bar menu, and daily specials, as well as a six-course daily "Discovery" menu.

This fancy take on bangers and mash features plump sausages on a bed of creamy potatoes with soft, flavorful onions and parsley.

This plate of fresh fish with asparagus, brown butter, and pistachios was created to pair with a dry white wine.

Lighter fare is also an option, with this avocado toast piled high with fresh garden ingredients and balsamic, and set with fresh fruits.

A Korean salad made from daikon noodles is as beautiful as it is scrumptious.

Of course, you'll want to save room for dessert. Though the menu rotates, you could get lucky with a dish like this: white mocha mousse with pecan and almond crisps and fresh fruit!

Have you ever eaten at the oldest family-owned restaurant in De Soto, Illinois? What's your favorite dish? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip now by checking out the Tom's Place website and Tom's Place Facebook page. After you eat, consider checking out the incredible Pomona Natural Bridge at the Shawnee National Forest in nearby Murphysboro, Illinois!