Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
City: Urbana Region: Land of Lincoln
This pub is known for its great house-smoked barbecue, including pulled pork and ribs glazed with vinegary, North Carolina-style sauce. Choose from an eclectic selection of tap and bottled beer.
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Bossanova
City: Alton Region: Great Rivers Country
From smoked salmon ragoon to the Thai barbeque pizzette, the seasonal menu is always fresh and healthy. Come for the food or just relax and try one of the fun martinis, approachable wine list, lots of beers and specialty drinks.
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Cafe Brio
City: Springfield Region: Land of Lincoln
This festive dining spot in downtown Springfield features Mexican and Caribbean-influenced food, plus great margaritas (try the pomegranate) and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
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Castelli's Moonlight Restaurant at 255
City: Alton Region: Great Rivers Country
It has been over 74 years since Alfonso Castelli opened Moonlight Restaurant. One of the most popular items is the fried chicken. The TALK-N-CHIC is a house secret, trademarked recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Castelli's Moonlight at 255, also offers other homemade specialties such as the “Roman” house salad dressing, tortellini, and ravioli. All are absolutely delicious! If you're a steak, chop or seafood lover, you can't go wrong. The menu from top to bottom is wonderful and the prices are a great value.
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Crew Bar & Grill
City: Chicago Region: Chicago & Beyond
This sports bar and grill features 20 hi-def TVs showing the latest games, a selection of more than 60 beers, and an extensive menu that offers sandwiches and flatbread pizza.
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Etc. Coffeshop
City: Champaign Region: Land of Lincoln
The Etc.Coffeeshop is a very different kind of coffeehouse. They offer fair trade, donation-based, brewed coffee & teas. Etc. is a place where students go to study and hangout. All proceeds support Wesley Evening Food Pantry.
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Firefly Grill & Restaurant
City: Effingham Region: Land of Lincoln
Ranked the second most eco-friendly restaurant in the nation by Bon Appétit, Firefly’s striking building is constructed from reclaimed barn wood, and its menu of American dishes incorporates ingredients from Firefly’s own gardens and local producers.
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Fried Green Tomatoes
City: Galena Region: Great Rivers Country
Enjoy a dinner of rustic Italian dishes (and be sure to try the signature tomatoes) at Fried Green Tomatoes, a romantic restaurant housed in a historic downtown Galena building. The restaurant features an award-winning wine list recognized by Wine Spectator. Reservations recommended.
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Gentelin's on Broadway
City: Alton Region: Great Rivers Country
Located in Historic Downtown Alton, Gentelin's offers a relaxed fine dining experience with an incredible view of Alton's famous Clark Bridge. The restaurant features a full menu ranging from appetizers and sandwiches, to pasta, steak and seafood. There is something to satisfy everyone's taste buds!
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Grafton Winery & Brewhaus
City: Grafton Region: Great Rivers Country
Located in the quaint river town of Grafton Illinois along the Great River Road Scenic Byway, the Grafton Winery and Brewhaus overlooks the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Nestled among the river bluffs, our winery offers great views of the river for every season. Come join us for dinner with soup, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. Private parties & banquets are welcome.
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Hamburger Mary’s
City: Chicago Region: Chicago & Beyond
Located in Chicago's neighborhood of Andersonville, Hamburger Mary’s features a menu of creative hamburgers (what else?) in its dining room, DJ-driven music and stage shows in Mary’s Attic and sports broadcasts live in Mary’s Rec Room, a combination sports bar/microbrewery.
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Heaven on Seven
City: Naperville Region: Chicago & Beyond
The Best Louisiana cookin' outside of New Orleans! Heaven on Seven, Chicago's premiere location for authentic Cajun cuisine, and home to critically acclaimed Chef/Owner Jimmy Bannos, offers full-service dining, carry-out, private parties, off-premise catering, box lunches and much more.
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Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
City: Chicago Region: Chicago & Beyond
Dinner comes with a side of entertaining female impersonators at this raucous restaurant, located in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood. Sample one of more than 70 different martinis, including the famous Kit Kat.
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La Espanola Tapas
City: Berwyn Region: Chicago & Beyond
Take a trip to Spain and indulge in the authentic tapas and a glass of sangria at this LGBT-friendly spot that features Gay Night on Fridays, with the occasional drag show.
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Longbranch Coffee House
City: Carbondale Region: Trails to Adventure
Dig into a breakfast burrito or Portobello burger at this hip coffeehouse in downtown Carbondale that’s known for its vegetarian dishes.
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Mississippi Half Step
City: Grafton Region: Great Rivers Country
This charming restaurant housed in a Queen Anne-style mansion overlooks the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Enjoy pasta dishes, seafood and steak inside or on the seasonal outdoor patio. A special Sunday bald eagle breakfast is served during the winter, when the regal birds flock to the area.
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My Just Desserts
City: Alton Region: Great Rivers Country
Follow the lead of the locals and order dessert first, as fresh-baked favorites like the Tollhouse brownies and Mrs. Ledbetter’s chocolate pie sell out early. For lunch, sample the hefty half-pound chicken salad sandwich or one of the homey casseroles.
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One World Eats & Drinks
City: Peoria Region: Great Rivers Country
One World Cafe has been serving Peoria and Central Illinois since 1993. Our eclectic selection of fresh, homemade food (from scrambled egg breakfast pizza to Havana fajitas) in a comfortable artistic atmosphere has truly placed us as a Peoria original. We have a full menu, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. Our coffee bar and full liquor menu allow us the creativity to make some of the most refreshing beverages around. We specialize in catering and meetings with groups from 10 to 35 people in our cafe. Come see us today!
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Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe'
City: Peoria Region: Great Rivers Country
Relaxed, casual atmosphere in warehouse setting, serving beer, wine, and champagne.
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Robbie's - Springfield
City: Springfield Region: Land of Lincoln
Located across from the historic Old State Capitol, this Springfield staple offers homemade soups, sandwiches and pie. Live jazz and blues performers play during dinner on Friday nights.
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Social Urban Bar & Restaurant
City: Rockford Region: Chicago & Beyond
This hip Rockford restaurant cooks up seasonal dishes inspired by the produce and meats supplied from local farmers. The bar offers a nice selection of craft beers and wine, along with more than a dozen different absinthes.
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The Lodge at Giant City State Park
City: Makanda Region: Trails to Adventure
Make the scenic trek to Giant City State Park for the all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner, served in the rustic dining room at Giant City Lodge. The family-style Southern fried chicken comes with made-from-scratch dumplings, mashed potatoes and biscuits with rich country milk gravy.
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The Newell House
City: Carbondale Region: Trails to Adventure
This fine dining restaurant in downtown Carbondale is a place where people meet for food, drinks and conversation. The Newell House provides everything you need in a restaurant and gathering place--everything from steak to decadent desserts are featured on the menu.
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Trattoria 225
City: Oak Park Region: Chicago & Beyond
Trattoria 225 is a full service restaurant and bar featuring rustic Italian dining. We offer wood-fired pizza, fresh salads, house-made pasta and a variety of artisan gelato. We strongly believe in supporting local producers and using organic products whenever possible. Our mission is simple: provide you, your family and friends with a fantastic, affordable meal in a space that is warm, inviting and fun.
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Yellowmoon Cafe
City: Cobden Region: Trails to Adventure
The Yellowmoon Cafe is a cozy coffeehouse which features live music Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and most Sunday afternoons. We serve all types of coffee and coffee specialty drinks, local wines, and the best milkshakes in Southern Illinois.
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