Unearth The Voyage
Illinois is home to some of the most iconic and delicious food in the Midwest. From Chicago’s legendary deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches to downstate barbecue joints and quirky roadside diners, the Prairie State serves up flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re craving comfort food classics or want to taste authentic regional specialties, these 15 restaurants capture the true spirit of Midwest dining.
1. Pequod’s Pizza (Chicago)
Pan-style deep dish reaches its peak at this Lincoln Park legend, where the real magic happens along the edges. A ring of caramelized cheese crust forms around every pie, creating a crispy, buttery border that’s become the restaurant’s signature trademark. That caramelized rim alone is worth the trip across town.
Reservations are now accepted at the Lincoln Park location, which helps avoid the notorious waits. The pies arrive bubbling hot in cast-iron pans, loaded with toppings and blanketed under a thick layer of mozzarella. Each slice feels substantial and rich without being overwhelmingly heavy.
Locals debate endlessly whether Pequod’s or Lou Malnati’s reigns supreme in Chicago’s deep-dish wars. The casual neighborhood vibe and that unforgettable crust keep fans coming back year after year, making this a true Chicago institution.
2. Lou Malnati’s (multiple IL locations)
Since 1971, this family-run chain has been perfecting the art of Chicago deep dish with a buttery crust recipe that stands apart from all competitors. The secret lies in the flaky, almost pastry-like dough that cradles layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Multiple locations across Illinois mean you can enjoy Lou’s whether you’re downtown or in the suburbs. Use their online locator to find the nearest dine-in spot, and don’t skip the signature Lou salad with sweet vinaigrette dressing. The combination of fresh greens and tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the pizza beautifully.
Tourists and locals alike consider Lou Malnati’s an essential Chicago experience. The consistent quality across all locations and the warm, welcoming atmosphere make every visit feel special and satisfying.
3. Johnnie’s Beef (Elmwood Park)
When Chicagoans argue about the best Italian beef in the city, this Elmwood Park landmark always enters the conversation. Thin-sliced roast beef gets piled high on fresh Italian bread, then dunked in savory jus until the sandwich reaches peak sogginess. The result is messy, drippy, and absolutely perfect.
Sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera add the finishing touches, though purists might order theirs plain to fully appreciate the beef itself. Late hours mean you can satisfy cravings well into the night, which is when the line of hungry customers often stretches longest. After demolishing your sandwich, grab a cup of lemon Italian ice to cleanse your palate.
That tangy, refreshing ice provides the ideal counterpoint to the rich, savory beef. Johnnie’s has been setting the standard for decades, and one visit explains why this place remains the benchmark against which all other Italian beef stands are measured.
4. Gene & Jude’s (River Grove)
Depression-era ingenuity created this unique hot dog style, and Gene & Jude’s keeps the tradition alive with zero compromise. Forget fancy toppings or elaborate presentation because this place serves a bare-bones Chicago dog topped with fresh-cut fries piled directly on the wiener. The concept sounds strange until that first bite proves the genius behind it.
Yellow mustard, onions, sport peppers, and those crispy fries create a flavor combination that’s purely Chicago. A strict no-ketchup policy is enforced with pride, maintaining the authenticity of this working-class classic. The tiny stand has barely changed over decades, from the vintage signage to the no-frills counter service.
Lines form quickly during peak hours, but the efficient staff keeps things moving at a steady clip. Gene & Jude’s represents honest, unpretentious food done exactly right, proving that simple ingredients and time-tested recipes beat trendy innovations every single time.
5. Superdawg Drive-In (Chicago & Wheeling)
Giant hot dog figures wearing crowns stand guard atop this retro drive-in, welcoming customers to a time capsule of 1950s Americana. Carhop service brings trays right to your window, loaded with Superdawgs dressed in all the classic Chicago fixings. The whole experience feels like stepping into a vintage postcard.
Neon lights glow against evening skies while families enjoy crinkle-cut fries and thick shakes from the comfort of their vehicles. The Superdawg itself features a snappy natural casing, piled with mustard, relish, onions, pickles, tomatoes, and sport peppers on a poppy seed bun. Both Chicago and Wheeling locations maintain that nostalgic atmosphere with meticulous attention to detail.
Check the official website for current hours before planning your visit. This isn’t just a meal but a full-fledged experience that transports diners back to simpler times when drive-ins ruled and quality fast food meant something special to American families.
6. The Publican (Chicago)
Fulton Market’s transformation from meatpacking district to dining destination owes much to this pioneering restaurant. Farm-to-table philosophy guides every menu decision, with heritage pork, seasonal vegetables, and a pristine raw bar taking center stage. The communal tables and industrial-chic design encourage conversation and sharing among strangers turned friends.
Midwest farmers and purveyors supply the majority of ingredients, creating dishes that celebrate regional bounty with sophisticated technique. Pork chops arrive thick and juicy, while oysters shine with bright, briny freshness. The beer list reads like a craft brew enthusiast’s dream, featuring rare Belgian ales alongside local favorites.
Brunch service draws massive crowds on weekends, so arrive early or prepare to wait. The Publican proves that Midwest ingredients can stand proudly alongside coastal cuisine when treated with respect and creativity. Every plate showcases the abundance and quality of Illinois agriculture in ways that feel both elevated and approachable.
7. 17th Street Barbecue (Murphysboro & Marion)
Downstate Illinois takes barbecue seriously, and this legendary pit stop has won enough awards to fill a smokehouse. Ribs arrive glistening with that famous Magic Dust seasoning, a proprietary blend that’s launched countless imitation attempts. The meat pulls clean from the bone with gentle pressure, revealing hours of slow smoking and careful temperature control.
Both Murphysboro and Marion locations serve the same high-quality ‘cue that’s earned national recognition and a devoted following. Pulled pork, brisket, and chicken round out the menu, though those ribs remain the undisputed star attraction. Tangy sauce options range from mild to fiery, letting each diner customize their heat level.
The casual atmosphere and friendly service make everyone feel like a regular, even on their first visit. For anyone exploring southern Illinois, skipping 17th Street Barbecue would be a genuine tragedy. This is authentic Midwest barbecue at its absolute finest, worth every mile of the journey.
8. D’Arcy’s Pint (Springfield)
Springfield’s most famous culinary creation might sound odd to outsiders, but locals swear by the Horseshoe sandwich with near-religious devotion. Thick Texas toast forms the foundation, topped with your choice of protein, then buried under a mountain of french fries and blanketed in rich cheese sauce. The result is gloriously excessive and surprisingly delicious.
D’Arcy’s Pint serves as ground zero for this Springfield specialty, offering numerous Horseshoe variations alongside Irish-American pub favorites. The cozy atmosphere and extensive beer selection make this a popular gathering spot for both lunch crowds and evening diners. Portions are massive, so arrive hungry or plan to share.
That creamy cheese sauce ties everything together, turning simple ingredients into comfort food perfection. The Horseshoe represents hearty Midwest eating at its most unapologetic, and D’Arcy’s executes it flawlessly every single time. First-timers should absolutely order the classic version before exploring creative variations on subsequent visits.
9. Cozy Dog Drive In (Springfield)
Route 66 nostalgia runs deep at this family-run roadside institution credited with popularizing the corn dog across America. The Cozy Dog itself features a hot dog dipped in sweet cornmeal batter, then fried to golden perfection on a convenient stick. That simple innovation transformed hot dogs into portable, handheld meals perfect for road-trippers.
Since 1946, the Waldmire family has been serving Cozy Dogs to hungry travelers exploring the Mother Road. Vintage memorabilia and Route 66 souvenirs fill the dining room, creating a museum-like atmosphere that celebrates American road trip culture. The dogs themselves taste just as good as they did decades ago, with that crispy exterior giving way to a juicy frank inside.
Open Monday through Saturday, Cozy Dog remains a pilgrimage site for Route 66 enthusiasts from around the globe. Grab a Cozy Dog, some crinkle fries, and a cold drink, then soak in the history surrounding you at every turn.
10. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen (Chicago)
Since 1942, this South Side institution has been serving Chicago-style deli food with efficiency and heart. Cafeteria-style service means you grab a tray, shuffle through the line, and point at whatever looks good behind the glass. Everything looks good, from towering corned beef sandwiches to steaming bowls of matzo ball soup.
That corned beef deserves special mention because it’s hand-carved, piled impossibly high, and tender enough to melt on your tongue. Pastrami, brisket, and potato pancakes round out the menu alongside classic Jewish deli sides. Politicians, cab drivers, construction workers, and tourists all crowd the same tables, united by their love of honest, delicious food.
The no-nonsense atmosphere and reasonable prices keep customers returning generation after generation. Manny’s represents old-school Chicago dining at its most authentic, where quality ingredients and straightforward preparation trump fancy presentations. This is comfort food that comforts, served with a side of Chicago attitude and genuine warmth.
11. Harold’s Chicken Shack (612 S Wabash, Chicago)
Golden-brown fried chicken arrives in a Styrofoam container, glistening with that signature mild sauce that defines Chicago-style bird. Harold’s has been frying up chicken on the South Side since 1950, creating a local empire built on crispy skin and juicy meat. The mild sauce, a tangy hot sauce mixture, gets drizzled generously over every order.
This South Loop location on Wabash keeps the tradition alive with posted hours and consistent quality. Half chickens come with fries and white bread, the perfect combination for soaking up every drop of that addictive sauce. The chicken itself is fried to order, ensuring maximum crispiness and heat in every piece.
Harold’s represents soul food heritage and Chicago culinary history in equal measure. Countless imitators have tried to replicate the formula, but the original recipe and cooking method remain unmatched. For anyone seeking authentic Chicago flavors beyond pizza and hot dogs, Harold’s delivers the goods with crispy, saucy perfection.
12. The Berghoff (Chicago)
German-American heritage fills every corner of this downtown Chicago landmark, from the dark wood paneling to the steins lining the bar. Since 1898, The Berghoff has been serving schnitzels, sausages, and house-brewed root beer to hungry Chicagoans. The restaurant survived Prohibition by focusing on food and non-alcoholic beverages, then celebrated repeal by securing Chicago liquor license number one.
Traditional German dishes dominate the menu, with crispy Wiener schnitzel and creamy spätzle earning particular praise. The atmosphere feels both grand and welcoming, with efficient servers navigating the bustling dining rooms with practiced ease. That famous root beer, brewed in-house using a secret recipe, provides a sweet, creamy complement to savory German fare.
Open daily, The Berghoff offers a taste of old Chicago when German immigration shaped the city’s culture and cuisine. This is living history you can eat, served in surroundings that have welcomed generations of families and friends.
13. The Walnut Room (Chicago, Macy’s on State St.)
America’s first department store restaurant opened in 1907, creating a shopping tradition that continues today. Located inside Macy’s on State Street, The Walnut Room transforms into a magical wonderland during holiday season. A towering Christmas tree becomes the centerpiece, surrounded by diners enjoying classic American dishes and seasonal specialties.
Reservations book up quickly each November and December, so plan ahead if visiting during peak holiday times. Chicken pot pie, cobb salad, and Mrs. Herring’s famous chicken arrive beautifully plated in elegant surroundings. The restaurant operates seasonally, so check current dates before making special trips.
Generations of Chicago families have made The Walnut Room part of their holiday traditions, combining shopping with a memorable meal. The combination of history, festive atmosphere, and reliable comfort food creates an experience that transcends ordinary dining. This is nostalgia served on fine china, perfect for creating new memories while honoring cherished old ones from childhood visits.
14. Aurelio’s Pizza (Homewood – original)
South suburban tavern-style thin crust pizza was born at this Homewood original back in 1959. Unlike Chicago’s famous deep dish, tavern-style features a cracker-thin crust cut into squares rather than wedges. The result is crispy, crunchy, and perfect for sharing over cold beers at neighborhood bars.
Aurelio’s signature pizza arrives loaded with toppings that reach all the way to the edges, ensuring every square piece delivers full flavor. The slightly sweet sauce and generous cheese coverage have inspired fierce loyalty among south suburban residents for generations. This original location remains the brand’s birthplace and spiritual home, even as franchises have spread across multiple states.
The cozy, family-friendly atmosphere makes Aurelio’s perfect for casual dinners and celebrations alike. Thin crust purists argue this style represents the true Chicago pizza tradition, predating the tourist-focused deep dish craze. One visit to the Homewood original makes a convincing case for their argument, with every crispy, cheesy square reinforcing tavern-style supremacy.
15. Jim’s Original (Chicago)
Maxwell Street Market history lives on at this legendary Polish sausage stand, now operating from its Union Avenue location. The original Maxwell Street outdoor market may have relocated, but Jim’s keeps the tradition alive with the same recipe perfected over decades. Polish sausages arrive grilled to order, topped with mustard, onions, and sport peppers on a soft bun.
Late-night crowds flock here after bars close, craving that perfect combination of snappy casing and savory filling. The outdoor counter setup and no-frills service recall the stand’s market origins, when vendors fed hungry shoppers and bargain hunters. Fresh-grilled onions add sweetness and texture, while spicy sport peppers provide a vinegary kick.
Jim’s represents working-class Chicago food culture at its most authentic and delicious. This is street food in the truest sense, served quickly and eaten standing up while grease drips down your fingers. Every bite connects you to generations of Chicagoans who’ve found comfort and satisfaction in this simple, perfect sandwich.
