Eat Your Heart Out

Whether you’re eating while you travel, or simply traveling to eat – food is an extremely important part of tourism. The good news about the 21-county region of Discover Downstate Illinois is that we have no shortage of amazing restaurants where you can indulge your taste buds. The unfortunate news is that we can’t possibly fit them all into one publication! As you can see by this nifty map, we have made it easy for you to find 20+ notable restaurants that specialize in everything from breakfast and baked goods to tacos and pizza. Forks up!

Lotawata Creek Southern Grill, Fairview Heights

Tasty sandwiches, check. GIGANTIC portions, check. This place has developed a huge following; over a half-million hungry folks visit Lotawata Creek each year!

June’s Breakfast + Patio, Shiloh

While this spot just opened in 2022, it has become a hot-spot for brunch enthusiasts in a short amount of time, offering seasonal dishes as well as vegan and gluten-free options.

Peel Wood Fired Pizza, O’Fallon

With flavor pairings like chicken, bacon, and jalapeño popper or maple bourbon pork – this pizza place may just become your new favorite.

MiCasa Sub Shop, Red Bud

If you’re hungry try the Beast – which is made up of three of their menu offerings wrapped into one sandwich, including five different meats!

Lotawata Creek Southern Grill, Fairview Heights

June’s Breakfast + Patio, Shiloh

Credit: June's Breakfast & Patio

Peel Wood Fired Pizza, O’Fallon

Shorty’s Smokehouse, Waterloo

While they have your traditional pork, brisket, and rib options – they also get VERY creative with options like jalapeño cheddar sausage and pork belly burnt ends.

Soulcial Kitchen, Swansea

This is one of the most unique eateries in our region. They have a food truck park that is utilized on the weekends, as well as indoor dining for the weekdays. They also have a dog park, and a playground for kiddos.

Covered in Chocolate, Breese

These folks consider themselves ‘Pinterest Queens’ and it’s not hard to see why. Whether it’s their cake pops or their cheesecake, each dessert is more beautiful than the next.

Chuck’s Place, Salem

Chuck’s is easily one of the most popular spots for burgers south of Interstate 70. They have small or large burgers depending on your appetite, but we recommend The Wimpy!

Shorty’s BBQ, Waterloo

Credit: Shorty's Smokehouse

Covered in Chocolate, Breese

Credit: Covered in Chocolate Bakery

Ice Cream Korner, Iuka

Out in rural Marion County sits this amazing mecca of dairy treats. If you’re a fan of LARGE banana splits, they may just have the best.

Mexico on Main, Trenton

Ever have a burrito with two full slices of pineapple on top? You can get it here.

Marks’ Bakery, Du Quoin

Everyone loves their themed cookies as well as their ‘Skunk Tail’ donut. Although it packs a sugary punch – it’s DELICIOUS.

Kahuna’s, Greenville

Pro-tip if you’re into trying new things – get the Sunset Burger. It has a sweet chili cream cheese that is out of this world!

C-Town Twist, Centralia

Yes, their ice cream is spectacular, and they have an ever-changing seasonal menu, but the atmosphere is just as good. They have a big ice cream cone and a large Adirondack chair for photo ops, and a mini-golf course is planned to open in 2023.

Ice Cream Korner, Iuka

Marks Bakery, Du Quoin

C-Town Twist, Centralia

Kretzer’s Grill & Bar, Hoyleton

Folks drive from two hours away just to enjoy all-you-can eat crab legs at Kretzer’s, and they’ve gone through over 5,000 pounds of crab in one weekend alone.

Two Farmers Burgers and Beignets, Mt. Carmel

Fans of smashburgers will LOVE this place. You can get multiple patties, but make sure to add some of their bacon jam to that order as well.

Carl's Pizza, Greenup

Carl’s has 18 toppings to choose from, along with half a dozen specialty pizzas to try. On top of that, they also do Chicago style deep dish pizzas as well as gluten free options, including cauliflower crust.

Deep South, McLeansboro

The menu here is expansive depending on the day. They offer up everything from burgers and flash fried wings to bone-in ribeye. Keep in mind that on Saturday’s they often have all-you-can eat lobster and crab legs.

Kretzer’s, Hoyleton

Credit: Kretzer's Grill & Bar

Two Farmers, Mt. Carmel

Carl's Pizza, Greenup

Moonshine Store, Martinsville

Their half-pound patties are mouthwatering, and the fact that Moonshine is in the middle of nowhere is part of the experience. It has been featured on several national media outlets including CBS Sunday Morning and is always worth a visit.

The Taco Factory, Carmi

This Mexican-American joint offers up a fast, casual experience. We highly recommend the taco salad!

The Smokin’ Pig, Grayville

You can find Smokin’ Pig in the Westwood Saloon at the Grayville/I-64 KOA Holiday. Grab a bite to eat, then hit up their shooting gallery and play 27 holes of mini golf.

Ophelia’s Cup, Olney

While they offer breakfast and lunch items, their cakes are reason alone to make the trip!

Moonshine Store, Martinsville

The Taco Factory, Cami

Credit: The Taco Factory

The Smokin' Pig, Grayville

Credit: The Smokin' Pig

Ophelia's Cup, Olney

Credit: Ophella's Cup

Julian’s Drive-In, Flora

If you have a hankering for a good old-fashioned cheeseburger, this is the spot. They’ve been serving them up for decades!

Blind Society, Vandalia

This spot serves up AMAZING appetizers like lobster rangoons and zucchini fries, and it’s conveniently connected to Witness Distillery.

DiMaggio’s Pizza, Fairfield

Pizza is what they’re known for, but DiMaggio’s also cooks up over a dozen different sandwiches and paninis, as well as pasta.

BJ’s Saloon, Newton

If a food challenge piques your interest, this place offers the ‘Gut Buster’ Challenge which consists of a burger, a pork tenderloin sandwich, and a huge pile of fries.

Blind Society, Vandalia

Credit: Blind Society

BJ's Saloon, Newton

Credit: BJ's Saloon

Monical’s Pizza, Robinson

After you check out the Heath Museum & Confectionery in town, enjoy some amazing thincrust pizza at Monical’s!

Griffin’s Pizza House, Bridgeport

These folks cook up some amazing pies, including their ‘pizza of the month’ which usually involves unique flavor combos!

Bailey’s Bistro, Albion

Soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and even comfort food like meatloaf and mashed potatoes can all be found here – talk about options!

For more dining options throughout our region, go to downstateil.org/Dine