8 Illinois Restaurants Locals Skip And 8 Spots They Can’t Stop Loving

Illinois is home to a variety of restaurants, but not every dining spot earns a loyal following.

Some places leave locals shaking their heads, while others keep them coming back for more with irresistible flavors and welcoming vibes.

From underwhelming meals to hidden gems that feel like a culinary hug, the state’s food scene is full of contrasts.

Explore the restaurants that miss the mark and the ones that capture hearts and taste buds alike.

1. The Cheesecake Factory (Chicago)

Chain restaurant fatigue hits hard at this Michigan Avenue location. Locals roll their eyes at the encyclopedia-sized menu and hour-long waits while surrounded by shoppers clutching Magnificent Mile bags.

Chicagoans know better than to waste a meal on standardized fare when unique, chef-driven restaurants wait around every corner.

The cheesecake might be good, but it’s hardly worth battling tourists for a taste of something you can find in any suburban mall across America.

2. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Family-owned since 1971, Lou Malnati’s serves what many locals consider the definitive Chicago deep dish. The butter crust alone has spawned countless imitations but never been matched.

Ask any born-and-raised Chicagoan where to get authentic deep dish, and Lou’s typically tops their list.

What keeps regulars coming back isn’t just tradition but consistency—that perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and that distinctive cornmeal-dusted crust that somehow stays crisp under all those toppings.

3. STK Steakhouse (Chicago)

Flashy lighting and DJ beats don’t impress meat-loving Chicagoans who prefer substance over style. The high-end prices rarely justify what lands on your plate at this River North hotspot.

Locals know Chicago’s steakhouse legacy runs deep with old-school institutions that have perfected their craft over decades.

Why pay premium prices for atmosphere when traditional spots serve superior cuts without the nightclub vibe? The cocktails might be Instagram-worthy, but serious steak aficionados head elsewhere.

4. Pequod’s Pizza (Chicago)

Hidden in Lincoln Park, Pequod’s has earned cult status among pizza purists for its caramelized cheese crust.

The blackened edge, called the “halo”, creates a sweet, crispy border that has customers lining up nightly. Unlike tourist-packed pizza chains, Pequod’s neighborhood vibe keeps locals coming back.

The slightly smoky interior feels like a genuine Chicago tavern rather than a pizza theme park. Regulars know to order the pan pizza with pepperoni and to arrive early on weekends to avoid the inevitable wait.

5. The Capital Grille (Chicago)

National steakhouse chains rarely impress in a city boasting meat temples like Chicago.

The Capital Grille on the Magnificent Mile certainly looks impressive, but locals know you’re paying a premium for the address.

Veteran Chicago diners bypass the predictable menu for family-owned steakhouses with character and history.

The white-tablecloth experience feels corporate and calculated rather than authentically Chicagoan. Smart residents save this spot for expense account meals when someone else is picking up the considerable tab.

6. Portillo’s (Chicago)

Fast food reaches art form status at this Chicago institution. The chocolate cake shake—literally an entire slice blended with ice cream, might sound excessive until you taste it.

Locals brave the perpetually packed drive-thru for Italian beef sandwiches dipped in gravy and loaded Chicago-style hot dogs.

Even after expanding to multiple states, the original Chicago locations maintain their quality and charm. The River North spot sees plenty of tourists, but you’ll always find genuine Chicagoans in line alongside them.

7. The Melting Pot (Downers Grove)

Fondue novelty wears thin quickly for Illinois natives who’ve been there, done that. The lengthy, pricey experience involves cooking your own food in communal pots, essentially paying restaurant prices for home cooking.

Suburban residents typically visit once for a birthday or anniversary, then rarely return. The gimmick of dipping bread and vegetables loses its charm when you calculate the cost per bite.

Locals prefer restaurants where chefs actually cook the food they’re paying for, leaving The Melting Pot primarily to special occasion first-timers.

8. Al’s #1 Italian Beef (Taylor St, Chicago)

Sandwich perfection exists at this no-frills counter joint that’s been slinging beef since 1938.

The original Taylor Street location remains the gold standard, serving thinly sliced roast beef on French rolls dipped in savory gravy.

Order it “wet” if you’re brave, the sandwich comes thoroughly dunked in jus, requiring the famous “Italian stance” (leaning forward) to eat without wearing it home.

Locals debate whether hot or sweet peppers make the ideal topping, but all agree that Al’s serves an authentic Chicago experience that no chain can replicate.

9. P.F. Chang’s (River North, Chicago)

Mystifying to locals is why anyone eats at this chain when Chinatown sits just minutes away. The sanitized Chinese-American fare comes with premium downtown prices and none of the authenticity.

Chicagoans know better than to waste a meal on lettuce wraps when legendary dim sum palaces and regional Chinese specialists abound throughout the city.

The massive stone horses guarding the entrance might impress out-of-towners, but residents walk right past on their way to family-owned spots serving the real deal.

10. Gene & Jude’s (River Grove)

Cash only, no seats, no ketchup allowed. Gene & Jude’s spartan approach has remained unchanged since 1946, and locals wouldn’t have it any other way.

The hot dog comes topped with mustard, relish, onions, sport peppers, and hand-cut fries piled directly on top of the dog itself.

True Chicagoans make the pilgrimage to this suburban stand regularly, often debating its merits against other hot dog institutions.

The no-nonsense counter service and refusal to modernize only adds to its authentic charm.

11. Sugar Factory (River North, Chicago)

Candy-colored drinks in goblets the size of your head draw social media influencers, not discerning locals.

The over-the-top desserts and celebrity endorsements create buzz but can’t mask the mediocre food and inflated prices.

Chicago residents quickly tire of the gimmicky presentations and sugar overload. What looks spectacular on Instagram often disappoints in person.

The restaurant feels designed entirely for selfies rather than satisfying meals. Savvy locals know River North offers countless better options without the artificial sweetness.

12. Au Cheval (Chicago)

Forget the three-hour waits… locals know to go at odd hours for what many consider America’s best burger.

The seemingly simple patty comes draped in American cheese and dijonnaise on a toasted bun, optionally topped with thick-cut bacon and a sunny-side egg.

The dimly lit interior evokes an upscale diner with bartenders mixing classic cocktails behind a zinc bar.

Despite national recognition bringing in tourists, Au Cheval remains a cherished local favorite. The crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy proves this place offers more than just burger perfection.

13. Ed Debevic’s (Chicago)

Recently reopened after years of closure, this manufactured “retro” diner banks on novelty rather than culinary merit.

The deliberately rude servers and forced 1950s atmosphere feel increasingly stale to locals who’ve seen the act before. The mediocre burgers and shakes don’t justify the performance or prices.

While tourists delight in waitstaff insults and choreographed dance routines, Chicagoans prefer authentic neighborhood diners with genuine character and better food.

The contrived nostalgia works once for the experience, but rarely inspires return visits from residents.

14. Girl & the Goat (Chicago)

Celebrity chef Stephanie Izard’s West Loop flagship continues to impress years after opening.

The wood-fired cooking and inventive small plates consistently deliver unexpected flavor combinations that keep locals booking tables months in advance.

The restaurant strikes that perfect balance between special occasion worthy and comfortable enough for a random Tuesday.

Signature dishes like goat empanadas and wood-oven roasted pig face maintain their status as must-orders. Despite spawning several sister restaurants, the original remains a cornerstone of Chicago’s dining scene.

15. Pizzeria Uno (Chicago)

Tourists queue around the block for the supposed birthplace of deep dish, but locals know better.

The original location trades heavily on history while serving a shadow of its former glory. Since expanding into a national chain, quality has steadily declined.

The crust lacks the buttery flavor and proper texture that defines great Chicago pizza.

Savvy residents direct pizza pilgrims to Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s, or neighborhood gems instead. Uno’s remains more museum than must-visit eatery for those who know the city’s pizza landscape.

16. Alinea (Chicago)

Molecular gastronomy reaches its highest form at Chef Grant Achatz’s three-Michelin-starred wonderland.

Despite eye-watering prices, locals splurge for milestone celebrations to experience edible balloons, desserts painted directly on the table, and dishes that defy explanation.

The multi-hour tasting menu evolves constantly, ensuring even repeat visitors encounter new surprises.

While definitely a special occasion destination, Chicagoans take pride in having one of the world’s most innovative restaurants in their backyard.

Reservations require planning months ahead, but the theatrical dining experience justifies both the wait and cost.