12 Bucket-List-Worthy Restaurants To Try In Illinois, One For Each Month Of The Year
When a new year is upon us, we tend to make resolutions to do something different or try something new. Perhaps you’ll want to try a new hiking trail, visit some of the many small towns, or eat at some bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Illinois. The following is a list of some incredible restaurants you should try, one for each month of the year.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1033 Kilbery Ln, North Aurora, IL 60542, USA
Why not kick off the new year with a visit to The Turf Room in North Aurora? Offering creative twists on American cuisine on its seasonal menu, you'll love the ambiance as well as the cozy feel by the fireplace.
To learn more about The Turf Room, visit the official website and Facebook page.
To learn more about The Turf Room, visit the official website and Facebook page.
1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
The month of February comes with an air of romance (hello, Valentine's Day!) and so a reservation at one of the most romantic restaurants in the state may be necessary. Mesón Sabika is housed in a historic Georgian mansion surrounded by four acres in Naperville. It offers upscale dining, perfect for a memorable evening out.
To learn more about Mesón Sabika, read our previous coverage.
To learn more about Mesón Sabika, read our previous coverage.
619 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
The month of March brings St. Patrick's Day, so perhaps there's no better time to visit an Irish pub. Located along the water in Peoria is Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery where you can enjoy traditional pub food and Irish draft beer. One specialty you may want to order here is the shepherd's pie...delicious!
To learn more about Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery, visit the official website and Facebook page.
To learn more about Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery, visit the official website and Facebook page.
405 S Washington St, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Since 1960, the Italian Village has been serving up fresh pasta, pizza, and other delicious Italian dishes in Carbondale. This local favorite also offers indoor and outdoor dining, perfect for when the weather starts to get warm.
To learn more about the Italian Village, visit the official website and Facebook page.
To learn more about the Italian Village, visit the official website and Facebook page.
318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
During the spring when the flowers are in bloom, head to Anderson Japanese Gardens and have a delicious breakfast or lunch with a view on the property at Fresco in the Gardens. You won't find a more picturesque setting for a restaurant!
To learn more about the Fresco at the Gardens, visit the official website and Facebook page.
To learn more about the Fresco at the Gardens, visit the official website and Facebook page.
201 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036, USA
Take a day or a weekend trip to the historic town of Galena and stop by for a bite to eat at the Log Cabin Steakhouse. With its friendly ambiance and mouthwatering steaks, one visit here and you'll understand why it's been a mainstay in town since 1937.
To learn more about Log Cabin Steakhouse, visit the official website and Facebook page.
To learn more about Log Cabin Steakhouse, visit the official website and Facebook page.
Sunny summer days call for eating outside and there's no better or more scenic place for outdoor dining, drinks, and live music than at The Loading Dock Bar & Grill. This Grafton eatery is set along the Illinois River so you can take in the views while chowing down on some nachos and sipping on a frozen lemonade.
To learn more about The Loading Dock Bar & Grill, visit the official website and Facebook page.
To learn more about The Loading Dock Bar & Grill, visit the official website and Facebook page.
212 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
If you're in the mood for some BBQ in the summer, head to The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern in Peoria. Made from scratch, enjoy melt-in-your-mouth brisket, pork, chicken, and a whole lot more! Sit outside and take in views of the water while you eat.
To learn more about The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, visit the official website and Facebook page.
To learn more about The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, visit the official website and Facebook page.
2973 IL-71, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
Enjoy homestyle, "farm-to-fork" cuisine inside a former dairy barn at Hank's Farm Restaurant. Between the rustic ambiance, delicious food, and excellent service, this may become your new favorite eatery.
To learn more about Hank's Farm Restaurant, visit the official website and Facebook page.
To learn more about Hank's Farm Restaurant, visit the official website and Facebook page.
241 W 55th St, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514, USA
When October arrives, it's Halloween season and some of us tend to seek out spooky places including restaurants. Located in Clarendon Hills, the Country House Restaurant is said to be haunted. When you visit, perhaps you'll encounter one of the ghostly residents that call this place home.
To learn more about the Country House Restaurant, read our previous coverage.
To learn more about the Country House Restaurant, read our previous coverage.
1810 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham, IL 62401, USA
Located on a lake in the countryside, Firefly Grill provides a picturesque setting at which to enjoy a delicious meal. Best known for its steaks, this restaurant also offers seafood, pizza, and plenty of small plates.
To learn more about Firefly Grill, read our previous coverage.
To learn more about Firefly Grill, read our previous coverage.
7650 W Irving Park Rd, Norridge, IL 60706, USA
Edelweiss Restaurant is a Bavarian lodge that gets into the holiday spirit with festive decor and visits from Santa. It's perfect to visit during December. While you're here, dine on German cuisine and try a variety of German beers on tap.
To learn more about Edelweiss Restaurant, visit the official website and Facebook page.
To learn more about Edelweiss Restaurant, visit the official website and Facebook page.
Have you been to any of these bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Illinois? Tell us in the comments!
Address: 1033 Kilbery Ln, North Aurora, IL 60542, USA
Address: 1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
Address: 619 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
Address: 405 S Washington St, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Address: 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
Address: 201 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036, USA
Address: 212 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
Address: 2973 IL-71, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
Address: 241 W 55th St, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514, USA
Address: 7650 W Irving Park Rd, Norridge, IL 60706, USA
Address: 1810 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham, IL 62401, USA
