When it comes to food, Illinois delivers - and that has been true for decades! Though we have new, interesting restaurants popping up constantly in our fair state, we have some tried and true options as well. Here are some of the longest-standing restaurants around here:
1. The Berghoff Restaurant (Chicago)
Post-prohibition, Chicago gave liquor license number one to The Berghoff. The restaurant, open since 1898, is known for its German flair.
17 W. Adams Street, Chicago, IL
2. Maldaner's Restaurant (Springfield)
Since 1884, Maldaner's has remained one of Springfield's finest restaurants, serving classics like Beef Wellington and ribeye steaks.
222 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL
3. John's Restaurant & Tavern (Winfield)
Open since 1921, this restaurant serves classic tavern delights in a comfortable setting.
27W482 Jewell Road, Winfield, IL
4. Charcoal Oven (Skokie)
In 1949, a former server took over an existing restaurant and dubbed it Charcoal Oven. It's been a local favorite ever since.
4400 Golf Road, Skokie, IL
5. Ariston Cafe (Litchfield)
Believed to be one of the oldest cafes on Route 66, Ariston Cafe has been serving up warm meals to hungry travelers since 1924.
413 Old Route 66 North, Litchfield, IL
6. Pump Room (Chicago)
This restaurant has been serving the rich and famous in Chicago since 1938. Need a recommendation on what to order? Just ask Steve Martin, Olivia Newton-John, Eddie Murphy, or Phil Collins - they and many other celebrities have dined here over the years.
1301 N. State Street, Chicago, IL
7. Old Log Cabin (Pontiac)
This restaurant opened in 1926 to serve the travelers passing through on Route 66, and it's still delivering on that promise today.
18700 Historic U.S. 66, Pontiac, IL
8. Village Tavern (Long Grove)
Village Tavern opened in 1849, making it the oldest restaurant in Illinois. But, being so old doesn't keep it from being lively - the tavern offers live entertainment six nights a week!
135 Old Mchenry Road, Long Grove, IL
9. Der Rathskeller (Rockford)
Serving fine German food since 1931, this restaurant is still incredibly popular among Rockford residents.
1132 Auburn Street, Rockford, IL
10. Hackney's (Glenview)
Though they now claim five locations, the original Hackney's opened in Glenview in 1939. To this day, they serve some of the best burgers around!
1241 Harms Road, Glenview, IL
11. Fast Eddie's Bon Air (Alton)
In 1921, Anheuser Busch had a plan: to open a restaurant and bar by the river in Alton, IL. Today, it remains a hot spot for tourists and locals alike.
1530 E. 4th Street, Alton, IL
Are you hungry yet? Any old favorites we missed? Let us know in the comments.
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