The Best Burger in Illinois Is Located in This Tiny Town

One of the best parts of my job is learning about places tucked away yet truly remarkable. These are the places you might drive by, or even never drive by, but have some of the best offerings in the state. Today, we are going to highlight a place that might just serve the best burger in Illinois. That place is the Moonshine Store.

Moonshine Store is located in Martinsville, Illinois. It's in southwest Clark County, but even with GPS, you might have a hard time finding the place. The building is an old general store from 1912. This business has been in operation since 1982. Those who know about it are loyal customers. The customers are not just confined to Clark County. They come from all across the country. Heck, you can even get a bumper sticker that says you dined here!

Let's get down to the important part: the food. Man, these burgers are incredible. Awesome meat, melty cheese. Moonshine Store makes a really, really good burger. But you need to get them while you can; the grill shuts down at 12:30 p.m. The folks who work here have served up to 2,000 in a half day – and the whole Moonshine Store experience is half the fun.

While the burgers may steal the spotlight, Moonshine Store offers more than just its legendary patties. You’ll find a variety of other dishes that complement the main attraction—Polish sausages, hot dogs, corn dogs, and more. The simplicity of the menu adds to the charm, keeping the focus on delivering high-quality, satisfying meals.

The store itself is a nostalgic slice of Americana, truly living up to its rustic reputation. Stepping inside feels like walking back in time. The shelves are lined with knick-knacks, souvenirs, and even a bit of history. It’s more than a place to grab lunch; it’s a community gathering spot where locals and travelers alike share stories and laughter.

If you’re planning a visit, come early—really early. Moonshine Store is in a rural area with limited seating, and lines can form quickly, especially for the lunchtime rush. And don’t forget, the grill wraps up operations at 12:30 p.m. sharp. Once it’s off, you’ll have to wait for another day to taste their famous offerings.

Remember, their grill shuts off at 12:30 p.m., so if you want to try this world-famous burger in Martinsville, Illinois, then you'll need to make sure you get there early enough. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Illinois trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.