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.

1. 17th Street BBQ

17th Street Barbecue, 32 N 17th St, Murphysboro, IL 62966, USA
17th Street Barbecue/Facebook
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!

2. Bien Trucha

Bien Trucha, 410 W State St, Geneva, IL 60134, USA
Bien Trucha/Facebook
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.

3. Kuma's Corner

Kuma's Corner Schaumburg, 1570 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA
Kuma's Corner/Facebook
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.

4. Montarra Grill

Montarra, 1491 S Randall Rd, Algonquin, IL 60102, USA
Montarra Grill/Facebook
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.

5. D'Arcy's Pint

D'Arcy's Pint/Facebook
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!

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6. Black Dog

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, 320 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
Black dog, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
Black Dog Smoke and Ale House/Facebook
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!

7. Pequod's

Pequod's Pizza, 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Pequod's Pizza, 8520 Fernald Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053, USA
Lachlan Hardy/Flickr
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!

8. Gene and Jude's

Gene & Jude's, 2720 N River Rd, River Grove, IL 60171, USA
Chicago's Gene & Jude's Hot Dogs Since 1946 /Facebook
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.)

9. Meson Sabika

Mesón Sabika, 1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
Meson Sebika/Facebook
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.

10. One World Cafe

1245 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606, USA
One World Cafe/Facebook
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.

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!

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

More to Explore

Top 10 Illinois Restaurants

Sarah | February 24, 2021

What are some must-visit restaurants in Illinois?

Illinois is home to a plethora of places to eat that would make any bucket list complete, but there are a few select must-try restaurants that should not be neglected. You’ll regret it if you do, so do yourself a favor and check out the following restaurant:

  • Port Edward is another must-visit restaurant in Illinois, and it offers diners a memorable dining experience, too! Port Edward lets you book private dining on a little boat, which makes for a pretty epic date night. Regular seating is also nautical, and patrons can dine on a seafood feast of lobster, shrimp, mussels, crab, scallops, and several types of fish.

 

What are some famous restaurants in Illinois?

The following are among the most famous restaurants in Illinois:

  • Several restaurants in Illinois have had their debut on the silver screen, including 17th Street Barbecue. This place dishes up the best BBQ in the state, and is highly regarded for its ribs. This BBQ joint has appeared on Food Network several times, and they also have amazing pulled pork and bread pudding. You really can't go wrong here.
  • Along historic Route 66, Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket and Cozy Dog Drive-In are two restaurants that have gained a cult following.
  • Hackney's infamous "Hackneyburger" has been named "the best burger" more times than almost any other burger -- which is all the reason to go out and get a burger right now.

We share more famous restaurants in Illinois in this article.

Are there any dishes Illinois is known for?

Illinois has some pretty iconic dishes, and you've probably had many of them without even knowing it! The following are among the most famous:

  • The Chicago-style hot dog is perhaps the most "Illinois" dish out there; it's a loaded little wonder that's not -- we repeat, *not* -- to be topped with ketchup.
  • Of course, in terms of eponymous Chi-town dishes, Chicago pizza is another Illinois icon. Deep dish with cheesy deliciousness. It's love on a plate.

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