Instead of visiting an old standby for your next dinner outing, why not try something a little off the beaten path? Some restaurants require just a little extra work to get to or find, but the journey just makes the food taste that much better. Try some of these the next time you’re looking to escape a restaurant rut.

1. Bernadotte Cafe (Ipava)
Bernadotte Cafe/Facebook
Bernadotte Cafe/Facebook
Tucked away in a tiny township of under 300 people lies this modest spot for home cooking. You'll be sure to find something that your mom used to make on the menu!

6500 E. Tarters Ferry Lane, Ipava
2. Blarney Island (Antioch)
Blarney Island
Blarney Island/Facebook
This restaurant is out on its very own island! Park your boat at their dock or take the ferry over for some delicious eats and drinks.

27843 Grass Lake Road, Antioch
3. The Longbranch (Clifton)
S Hass/Google Plus
The Longbranch/Facebook
This spot, known for spectacular prime rib and scrumptious pies, is the only restaurant in the unincorporated community of L'Erable. You'll need to drive about 6 miles off of I-57 to find it.

2713 N. 1500 East Road, Clifton
4. Maxson Riverboat (Oregon)
Connor Bolander/Facebook

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Maxson Restaurant & Riverboat/Facebook
You'll have to hop aboard to get your meal on the Pride of Oregon riverboat. Once you get your sea legs, eat up!

1469 N. IL Route 2, Oregon
5. Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston)
Hidden Lake Winery
Hidden Lake Winery/Facebook
Hidden in the woods of rural Aviston is an award-winning winery with delicious food and live music. What more could you ask for in a hidden gem?

10580 Wellen Road, Aviston
6. Tropics (Winthrop Harbor)
Tropics
Tropics
This is quite possibly the most northeastern restaurant in Illinois, but it's worth the trip! Tropics offers dining with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan.

301 North Point Drive, Winthrop Harbor
7. El Ideas (Chicago)
KP/Yelp
William Y./Yelp
At the end of a dead-end street lies this experimental spot. Find the sign that says "Get the EL in here" and get ready for a gastronomical adventure.

2419 W. 14th Street, Chicago

Which restaurant is making your mouth water? Let us know in the comments.

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