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.
- January - The Turf Room in North Aurora
Carey Lee/Google
Carm A/Google Why not kick off the new year with a visit to The Turf Room in the town of 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. 1033 Kilbery Ln, North Aurora, IL 60542, USA
- February - Mesón Sabika in Naperville
Ken Cook/Google
Larry Halusek/Google 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 visit the official website and Facebook page. 1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
- March - Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery in Peoria
Kellehers On Water/Facebook
Kellehers On Water/Facebook 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, one of the best Illinois restaurants, 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. 619 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
- April - Italian Village in Carbondale
Angela Detweiler/Google
Italian Village Carbondale/Facebook 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. 405 S Washington St, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
- May - Fresco at the Gardens in Rockford
Fresco/Facebook
Fresco/Facebook 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. 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
- June - Log Cabin Steakhouse in Galena
Log Cabin Steakhouse/Facebook
Log Cabin Steakhouse/Facebook 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. 201 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036, USA
- July - The Loading Dock Bar & Grill in Grafton
The Loading Dock Bar & Grill/Facebook 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. The Loading Dock Bar & Grill, 204 County Rd 2550 E, Farina, IL 62838, USA
- August - The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern in Peoria
The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern/Facebook
The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern/Facebook 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. 212 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
- September - Hank’s Farm Restaurant in Ottawa
Hank’s Farm/Facebook
Hank’s Farm/Facebook 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. 2973 IL-71, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
- October - Country House Restaurant in Clarendon Hills
Country House/Google
Don So/Google 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, visit the official website and Facebook page. 241 W 55th St, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514, USA
- November - Firefly Grill in Effingham
Firefly Grill/Facebook
Firefly Grill/Facebook Located on a lake in the countryside, the Firefly Grill in Effingham 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 the Firefly Grill visit the official website and Facebook page. 1810 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham, IL 62401, USA
- December - Edelweiss Restaurant in Norridge
Edelweiss Restaurant/Facebook
Amnart Kamarchevakul/Google Edelweiss Restaurant is a Bavarian lodge that gets into the holiday spirit with festive décor 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. 7650 W Irving Park Rd, Norridge, IL 60706, USA
Carey Lee/Google
Carm A/Google
Why not kick off the new year with a visit to The Turf Room in the town of 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.
1033 Kilbery Ln, North Aurora, IL 60542, USA
Ken Cook/Google
Larry Halusek/Google
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 visit the official website and Facebook page.
1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
Kellehers On Water/Facebook
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, one of the best Illinois restaurants, 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.
619 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
Angela Detweiler/Google
Italian Village Carbondale/Facebook
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.
405 S Washington St, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Fresco/Facebook
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.
318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
Log Cabin Steakhouse/Facebook
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.
201 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036, USA
The Loading Dock Bar & Grill/Facebook
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.
The Loading Dock Bar & Grill, 204 County Rd 2550 E, Farina, IL 62838, USA
The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern/Facebook
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.
212 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
Hank’s Farm/Facebook
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.
2973 IL-71, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
Country House/Google
Don So/Google
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, visit the official website and Facebook page.
241 W 55th St, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514, USA
Firefly Grill/Facebook
Located on a lake in the countryside, the Firefly Grill in Effingham 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 the Firefly Grill visit the official website and Facebook page.
1810 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham, IL 62401, USA
Edelweiss Restaurant/Facebook
Amnart Kamarchevakul/Google
Edelweiss Restaurant is a Bavarian lodge that gets into the holiday spirit with festive décor 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.
7650 W Irving Park Rd, Norridge, IL 60706, USA
Have you been to any of these bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Illinois? If so, which ones? What were your favorite items? Tell us all about it in the comments sections and share some of your delicious, eye-popping food pics!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Dining Adventures in Illinois December 15, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin What are some other bucket list restaurants in Illinois? The good thing is that there are numerous bucket list restaurants in Illinois offering amazing fare. From seafood to burgers, steaks to Mexican, Greek to vegetarian and vega, and so much more, you’re sure to find something that speaks to your palate! Check out a few of these delicious spots on your next night out or visit to the Land of Lincoln:
Alongi’s Italian Restaurant in Quoin Mandy’s Family Restaurant in Grayville Martinez Tacos Restaurant in Kankakee Pizzeria Antica in Champaign
We’re looking for the best steaks in Illinois. If you’re looking for the best steaks in Illinois, you are in for a treat! From the biggest Land of Lincoln cities to the smallest towns and everywhere in between, staunch meat eaters are treated to some of the best of the best. Get your knives and forks ready to dig in at these meaty Illinois restaurants:
Mascoutah Steak House in Mascoutah Picco’s Pit BBQ & Steak House in Norris Maverick Steaks & Spirits in Litchfield Nuby’s Steakhouse in Pocahontas
Are there any food festivals in Illinois? Illinoisans love to eat so you will find scores of food festivals in Illinois almost year-round. From wine to chocolate, barbecue, Greek, beer, German, cheese, corn, and a plethora of other themes, you can eat yourself silly and keep clamoring for more. Loosen your belt and grab your friends and family and head on out to some of these scrumptious festivals:
The Amish Cheese Festival in Arthur The Mendota Sweet Corn Festival in Mendota The Walleye Festival in Findlay Taste of Chicago in Chicago The International Horseradish Festival in Collinsville
The OIYS Visitor Center
Dining Adventures in Illinois
December 15, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
What are some other bucket list restaurants in Illinois? The good thing is that there are numerous bucket list restaurants in Illinois offering amazing fare. From seafood to burgers, steaks to Mexican, Greek to vegetarian and vega, and so much more, you’re sure to find something that speaks to your palate! Check out a few of these delicious spots on your next night out or visit to the Land of Lincoln:
Alongi’s Italian Restaurant in Quoin Mandy’s Family Restaurant in Grayville Martinez Tacos Restaurant in Kankakee Pizzeria Antica in Champaign
We’re looking for the best steaks in Illinois. If you’re looking for the best steaks in Illinois, you are in for a treat! From the biggest Land of Lincoln cities to the smallest towns and everywhere in between, staunch meat eaters are treated to some of the best of the best. Get your knives and forks ready to dig in at these meaty Illinois restaurants:
Mascoutah Steak House in Mascoutah Picco’s Pit BBQ & Steak House in Norris Maverick Steaks & Spirits in Litchfield Nuby’s Steakhouse in Pocahontas
Are there any food festivals in Illinois? Illinoisans love to eat so you will find scores of food festivals in Illinois almost year-round. From wine to chocolate, barbecue, Greek, beer, German, cheese, corn, and a plethora of other themes, you can eat yourself silly and keep clamoring for more. Loosen your belt and grab your friends and family and head on out to some of these scrumptious festivals:
The Amish Cheese Festival in Arthur The Mendota Sweet Corn Festival in Mendota The Walleye Festival in Findlay Taste of Chicago in Chicago The International Horseradish Festival in Collinsville
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The good thing is that there are numerous bucket list restaurants in Illinois offering amazing fare. From seafood to burgers, steaks to Mexican, Greek to vegetarian and vega, and so much more, you’re sure to find something that speaks to your palate! Check out a few of these delicious spots on your next night out or visit to the Land of Lincoln:
- Alongi’s Italian Restaurant in Quoin
- Mandy’s Family Restaurant in Grayville
- Martinez Tacos Restaurant in Kankakee
- Pizzeria Antica in Champaign
We’re looking for the best steaks in Illinois.
If you’re looking for the best steaks in Illinois, you are in for a treat! From the biggest Land of Lincoln cities to the smallest towns and everywhere in between, staunch meat eaters are treated to some of the best of the best. Get your knives and forks ready to dig in at these meaty Illinois restaurants:
- Mascoutah Steak House in Mascoutah
- Picco’s Pit BBQ & Steak House in Norris
- Maverick Steaks & Spirits in Litchfield
- Nuby’s Steakhouse in Pocahontas
Are there any food festivals in Illinois?
Illinoisans love to eat so you will find scores of food festivals in Illinois almost year-round. From wine to chocolate, barbecue, Greek, beer, German, cheese, corn, and a plethora of other themes, you can eat yourself silly and keep clamoring for more. Loosen your belt and grab your friends and family and head on out to some of these scrumptious festivals:
- The Amish Cheese Festival in Arthur
- The Mendota Sweet Corn Festival in Mendota
- The Walleye Festival in Findlay
- Taste of Chicago in Chicago
- The International Horseradish Festival in Collinsville
