America’s Historic Roundhouse
This historic landmark, once home to resting locomotives, is now a lively scene where you’ll discover a restaurant, brewpub, 14 bars, a comedy club and more—all under one roof.
205 North Broadway, Aurora

Blind Faith Café
For over 30 years, Blind Faith Café has been changing people’s feelings toward vegetarian food from their certified green restaurant.
525 Dempster Street, Evanstonb

Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop
This neighbourhood staple serves Southern, Cajun and Creole favourites such as baby catfish, fried green tomatoes and oyster po’ boy sandwiches.
825 Church Street, Evanston

Filling Station
Housed in a former gas station, the Filling Station offers a sizable beer garden and affordable burgers, steaks and Tex Mex BBQ.
300 W. Main Street, Geneva

Jilly’s Café
This tiny, romantic cafe is reminiscent of a French country inn, complete with fresh-cut flowers.
2614 Green Bay Road, Evanston

Front Street Cantina
A casual Mexican cantina boasts an authentic atmosphere with wooden booths, red tiled floors, an extensive beer menu and signature margaritas.
15 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville.

Lovell’s of Lake Forest
This elegant American restaurant is named for owner James Lovell, a former astronaut and captain of the Apollo 13 mission (his son Jay is the executive chef).
915 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest

Polk-a-Dot Drive-In
This 1950s-style drive-in located along Route 66 is known for its burgers, shakes and chili-cheese fries.
222 N. Front Street, Braidwood

Quince
Located in the historic Homestead Inn this restaurant, offers contemporary American cuisine, a comprehensive wine list and outstanding service, all at approachable prices.
1625 Hinman Avenue, Evanston

Sugar Toad
Located in the stunning Hotel Arista, this casual fine-dining restaurant features regional American cuisine. Within step of the restaurant is a garden where the staff grows produce, which is featured in their daily specials.
2139 City Gate Lane, Naperville

Tallgrass Restaurant
A constantly changing menu of contemporary French cuisine is served in the romantic dining rooms of this popular restaurant located in a historic 1895 building.
1006 S. State, Lockport 

Walter Payton’s Roundhouse
The late Chicago Bears football legend converted a historic railroad roundhouse into a complex that includes a restaurant, museum, microbrewery, cognac piano bar and nightclub.
205 N. Broadway, Aurora 

Brio Restaurant
Located in Rockford’s downtown River District, Brio offers creative small plates and flatbreads, a cosy wine bar and a beautiful patio filled with flowers and fountains.
515 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61104

Cliffbreakers
Rockford’s finest restaurant offers upscale American cuisine and lovely views of the Rock River.
700 W. Riverside, Rockford 

Der Rathskeller
One of Rockford’s oldest restaurants features authentic German specialties and an outdoor beer garden.
1132 Auburn Street, Rockford

Fried Green Tomatoes
Enjoy rustic Italian dishes and the signature fried green tomatoes at this romantic restaurant in downtown Galena.
213 N. Main, Galena 

Irish Rose Saloon
Cosy restaurant located in downtown Rockford's River District. Offering fresh seafood, delicious appetizers, and unique spirits.
519 E. State Street, Rockford

Kuma’s Asian Bistro
Chef Kuma Kim prepares contemporary Asian dishes inspired by the foods of Korea, Japan, Thailand and China.
420 E. State Street, Rockford

One Eleven Main
The chef here works with local farmers and producers to create dishes that give diners a true taste of Galena.
111 N. Main, Galena 

Vinny Vanucchi's
Enjoy “a taste of the Old Neighbourhood” with one of Vinny Vanucchi’s signature, home-style Italian meals like chicken parmigiano, baked mostaccioli or bruschetta.
201 S. Main Street, Galena

Cozy Dog Drive In
This Route 66 landmark in Springfield is home to the Cozy Dog, similar to a hot dog baked in cornbread but more tasty, using an original family recipe.
2935 S. 6th, Springfield‎

D’Arcy’s Pint
This cozy Irish pub is known for its classic Springfield horseshoe: a choice of meat or veggies served on Texas toast piled high with chips and topped with a homemade cheese sauce.
661 W. Stanford, Springfield 

Firefly Grill & Restaurant
The Midwestern dishes at this upscale roadhouse incorporate ingredients from Firefly’s own gardens and local producers.
1810 Mid America Avenue, Effingham

Yoder's Kitchen
Situated in the middle of Amish farm country, Yoder’s is known for its all-you-can-eat buffet that includes broasted chicken with noodles, smoked pork chops and sticky-sweet cinnamon rolls.
1195 E. Columbia Route 133, Arthur

17th Street Bar & Grill
Bon Appétit magazine picked 17th Street Bar & Grill’s apple wood-smoked barbecued ribs as the best in the U.S. in 2007.
32 N. 17th, Murphysboro

Burton's Café
Located near Rend Lake, this family-run restaurant is famed for its country home cooking and signature white pie, heaped with whipped cream and pecans.
13427 Ewing Road, Whittington

Loading Dock
Located on the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, Loading Dock is the perfect place to sit by the water, watch the boat traffic or enjoy a full menu of fresh food served right off the grill.
400 Front Street, Grafton

Peach Barn Café
This little café house in a barn at Hedman Vineyards offers homemade Swedish cuisine and wine pairings.
560 Chestnut Street, Alto

Pere Marquette Lodge Restaurant
The Lodge’s rustic dining room is known for its family-style chicken and catfish dinners.
13653 Lodge Boulevard, Grafton

Northwest Passage Rootbeer Saloon
This kitschy spot, decorated with mounted animals and a King Tut statue, offers gourmet sandwiches and micro-brewed draft root beers on tap.
4 Main Street, Alto Pass

Windows Restaurant
Located at the Rend Lake Resort, this friendly restaurant offers fine regional cuisine with a waterfront view. Try the Sunday afternoon all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet.
11712 E. Windy Lane, Whittington

*multiple locations