11 Hole-In-The-Wall Eateries In Illinois That Only Locals Can Actually Find
Illinois is packed with amazing restaurants, but some of the best spots are tucked away where tourists rarely venture.
These hole-in-the-wall eateries serve up incredible food that keeps locals coming back for generations. If you want to eat like a true Illinoisan, you need to know where the hidden gems are hiding.
1. Lem’s Bar-B-Q
Smoke billows from this South Side Chicago institution like a beacon calling barbecue lovers home. Since 1954, Lem’s has been slinging some of the city’s finest rib tips, slathered in a tangy sauce that locals guard like a state secret.
The no-frills atmosphere means you’re here for one thing: meat that falls off the bone with the slightest nudge. Grab extra napkins because their sauce-soaked sandwiches are gloriously messy.
Located at 311 E 75th Street in Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood, Lem’s is a take-out-only joint, there’s no seating inside, and it’s cash-only, so come prepared. The irresistible aroma wafting down the block is what draws in locals more than any advertising ever could.
2. Fontano’s Subs
Craving a submarine sandwich that could sink a battleship? This family-run spot in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood, at 1058 W Polk Street, has been crafting legendary Italian subs since 1960. Their secret weapon is piling on fresh ingredients so high you’ll need an engineering degree to figure out how to bite it.
Locals know to call ahead because these beauties take time to assemble properly. The bread alone is worth the trip—crusty on the outside, pillowy soft inside, and baked fresh daily.
Tucked into a modest strip mall, Fontano’s doesn’t look like much from the outside. But one bite of their signature sub, loaded with premium meats and tangy giardiniera, will make you a believer for life.
3. Francesco’s Hole in the Wall
The name says it all—this tiny Northbrook spot literally feels like someone carved a restaurant into a building’s side. But don’t let the cramped quarters fool you; Francesco’s serves up Italian comfort food that’ll transport you straight to Nonna’s kitchen.
Their homemade pasta practically melts on your tongue, and the red sauce tastes like it’s been simmering since the Reagan administration. Weekend waits can stretch long, but regulars know the reward is worth every minute.
Located at 254 Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook, Francesco’s remains a beloved suburban gem with limited seating and consistently praised fresh Italian fare. Show up early, put your name down, and prepare to squeeze in elbow-to-elbow with fellow pasta pilgrims who’ve discovered this hidden treasure.
4. Johnnie’s Beef
Ask any Chicagoan about Italian beef, and Johnnie’s name will come up faster than you can say “extra giardiniera.” This Elmwood Park legend has been perfecting the art of the dipped sandwich since 1961, and they’ve got it down to a delicious science.
The beef is shaved paper-thin, piled high on fresh bread, and dunked in savory au jus that drips down your arms in the most satisfying way. Their hot dogs aren’t too shabby either, snapping with every bite.
Located at 7500 W North Avenue in Elmwood Park, Johnnie’s is a walk-up stand with limited outdoor seating and is famously cash-only. Locals brave snow, rain, and summer heat for a taste of this meaty perfection.
5. Diner Grill
Step back in time at this retro diner that’s been flipping burgers and slinging hash since before your grandparents were born. Located at 1635 W Irving Park Road in Chicago, Diner Grill has operated for decades as a 24-hour neighborhood staple. It serves breakfast all day because mornings should never end when pancakes are this fluffy.
The counter seats are always packed with regulars who know the staff by name and have their orders memorized. Everything comes out sizzling hot from a kitchen that’s been perfecting diner classics for decades.
Their burgers are thick, juicy, and cooked to perfection on a well-seasoned griddle. Wash it down with a chocolate malt made the old-fashioned way, and you’ll understand why locals keep this place a closely guarded secret.
6. Crazy Joe’s Fish House
Who expects to find incredible seafood in landlocked Illinois? Crazy Joe’s proves that fresh fish and killer preparation matter more than proximity to an ocean. Located at 693 Suchman Road in Ava, Illinois, this low-key Southern Illinois favorite is known for fried catfish, shrimp, and hearty Midwestern sides.
The atmosphere is casual bordering on chaotic, with mismatched décor and a menu that seems to offer everything under the sun. While you won’t find lobster tails here, the seafood baskets, especially the catfish and shrimp, are local legends.
Don’t skip the homemade coleslaw either; it’s got just the right amount of tang to balance all that fried goodness perfectly.
7. The Shanty
Perched along a quiet stretch of road, The Shanty looks like someone’s lake house that accidentally started serving food. But this humble exterior hides some of the best comfort food you’ll find anywhere in the state, with portions that could feed a small village.
Located at 38985 N US-41 in Wadsworth, The Shanty has evolved into a polished yet rustic restaurant featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” blending upscale seafood and steak with Midwestern charm.
Their fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and seasoned with a blend of spices that’ll have you licking your fingers shamelessly. The homemade pies, rotating daily, disappear faster than snow in July.
Locals treat this place like their personal dining room, gathering for everything from family celebrations to casual weeknight dinners. The staff remembers faces and favorites, creating an atmosphere that feels more like visiting relatives than eating out.
8. Maid-Rite
Loose meat sandwiches might sound weird, but one bite of Maid-Rite’s signature creation will convert even the biggest skeptics. Founded in Iowa in 1926 and later expanding into Illinois, the Maid-Rite chain still serves its classic loose-meat sandwiches at several Midwestern locations.
The seasoned ground beef is steamed rather than formed into patties, creating a unique texture that’s somehow both hearty and delicate. Pile on the pickles, mustard, and onions for the full experience.
Each location has its own personality, but they all share that small-town diner vibe where everybody knows everybody. The prices haven’t changed much since your parents were kids, making this a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nostalgia.
9. Pequod’s Pizza
Chicago’s deep-dish pizza scene is famous worldwide, but locals whisper about Pequod’s caramelized crust like it’s classified information. This neighborhood joint bakes their pies in well-seasoned pans, creating a crispy, cheesy edge that’s borderline addictive.
The wait can stretch long on weekends because they refuse to rush perfection. Each pizza emerges from the oven with cheese bubbling up the sides, forming that signature caramelized rim that sets Pequod’s apart from every other pizzeria.
Located at 2207 N Clybourn Avenue in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, Pequod’s keeps its dive-bar vibe alive despite its national fame. First-timers always order too much food, but nobody ever complains about taking home leftovers this delicious.
10. Sun Wah BBQ
Forget everything you think you know about barbecue—Sun Wah serves up Hong Kong-style roasted meats that’ll blow your taste buds into next week. Their famous Beijing duck requires 24-hour advance ordering, but watching the staff carve it tableside makes the wait worthwhile.
The crispy-skinned duck gets wrapped in delicate pancakes with scallions and hoisin sauce, creating flavor bombs that disappear embarrassingly fast. Their roasted pork and soy sauce chicken are equally spectacular for those who prefer poultry with less commitment.
Located at 5039 N Broadway in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, this family-run restaurant remains one of the city’s most beloved Chinese BBQ spots. Locals know that some of Chicago’s best Asian cuisine happens here, served with genuine warmth and generous portions.
11. Cozy Dog Drive In
Route 66 nostalgia runs deep at this Springfield institution that claims to have invented the corn dog back in 1946. Whether that’s true or not, their hand-dipped hot dogs on sticks are legendary among road-trippers and locals alike.
The batter is slightly sweet, perfectly crispy, and coats each dog in a golden shell that crunches with every bite. Grab some curly fries and a thick shake to complete your retro dining experience.
Located at 2935 S 6th Street in Springfield, Cozy Dog Drive In continues to be operated by the founder’s family, celebrating its Route 66 heritage with memorabilia and made-to-order corn dogs.
Tourists stumble upon it occasionally, but locals have been making pilgrimages here for generations, keeping this slice of Americana alive and thriving.