14 Illinois Lunch Spots Locals Never Get Tired Of
Illinois is home to some of the most unforgettable lunch spots in the Midwest, where locals return again and again for their favorite bites.
From Chicago’s legendary delis and hot dog stands to charming small-town eateries serving up comfort food with a side of hospitality, the Prairie State knows how to do lunch right.
Whether you’re craving a juicy Italian beef sandwich, smoky barbecue, or farm-fresh fare, these beloved restaurants have earned their place in the hearts (and stomachs) of Illinois residents.
1. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen – Chicago (1141 S Jefferson St)
Politicians, construction workers, and everyone in between line up at Manny’s for a reason that becomes crystal clear the moment you grab your tray. This Chicago institution has been slinging corned beef sandwiches and matzo ball soup since 1942, and the cafeteria-style service keeps things moving quickly even during busy lunch hours.
The portions here don’t mess around—they’re generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest lunch crowd.
Walking through the line feels like a delicious trip back in time, with steam rising from trays of brisket, potato pancakes, and all the deli classics you could dream of. The atmosphere buzzes with conversation and the clatter of silverware, creating an energy that’s purely Chicago.
You’ll spot everyone from suits to sneakers enjoying the same excellent food.
Locals love that Manny’s keeps it real—no fancy plating or trendy twists, just honest, flavorful Jewish deli food done right. The pastrami practically melts in your mouth, and the knishes are the stuff of legend.
2. Al’s #1 Italian Beef – Chicago (1079 W Taylor St)
Nobody does Italian beef quite like Al’s, and that’s not just hometown pride talking—it’s the gospel truth according to generations of Chicagoans. Since opening in 1938, this Little Italy landmark has perfected the art of the drippy, savory, absolutely addictive Italian beef sandwich.
The thin-sliced beef gets dunked in au jus that’s so flavorful it has become part of Chicago food lore, then piled high on fresh Italian bread.
Ordering here comes with its own vocabulary: you can get it dry, wet, or dipped, and the giardiniera adds just the right amount of spicy kick. Watching the sandwich makers work is like observing artists in action, each movement practiced and precise.
The aroma alone could guide you here from blocks away.
What keeps locals coming back isn’t just nostalgia—it’s the consistent quality and that perfect balance of tender meat, tangy peppers, and bread that somehow holds together despite the glorious mess. First-timers always leave with sauce-stained shirts and huge smiles.
3. Superdawg Drive-In – Chicago (6363 N Milwaukee Ave)
Those giant hot dog statues perched on the roof aren’t just for show—they’re a promise that Superdawg delivers nostalgia with every order. This retro drive-in has been serving Chicagoans since 1948, and pulling into one of their parking spots feels like stepping into a time machine set for the golden age of American diners.
The carhops still bring your food right to your window, complete with that classic tray that hooks onto your car door.
The Superdawg itself is a thing of beauty: an all-beef hot dog with all the fixings, served in a box alongside those famous crinkle-cut fries. Everything tastes fresher and somehow better when you’re eating it in your car, surrounded by that vintage neon glow.
The pickle spear is always perfectly crisp, and the poppy seed bun is toasted just right.
Families have been making Superdawg runs for three generations now, creating memories one hot dog at a time. Rain or shine, the parking lot fills up with loyal fans who wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else.
4. Johnnie’s Beef – Elmwood Park (7500 W North Ave)
Locals will drive from all corners of Chicagoland to grab an Italian beef from Johnnie’s, and one bite explains why this suburban spot has achieved legendary status. The beef here is ridiculously tender, seasoned to perfection, and swimming in gravy that’s been perfected over decades.
Since 1961, Johnnie’s has been keeping it simple: great beef, fresh bread, and service that’s friendly without being fussy.
The combo sandwich—Italian beef and sausage together—is the move that regulars recommend, creating a flavor explosion that justifies every napkin you’ll need. This place gets packed during lunch rushes, with lines stretching out the door, but the wait is always worth it.
The no-frills atmosphere puts all the focus where it belongs: on the food.
What makes Johnnie’s special is the consistency—you know exactly what you’re getting every single time, and it’s always excellent. The hot peppers pack genuine heat, and the sweet peppers offer a milder alternative that’s equally delicious.
Grab extra napkins, find a spot at one of the tables, and prepare for sandwich perfection.
5. Bread & Vine – Galena (217 S Main St)
Tucked into Galena’s charming historic Main Street, Bread & Vine serves up lunch with a side of small-town sophistication that surprises first-time visitors. This cozy bistro focuses on fresh, often locally sourced ingredients that shine in every creative sandwich and salad on the menu.
The rustic brick walls and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere that makes you want to linger over lunch.
Their sandwiches are built on fresh, artisan-style bread, giving every bite a foundation of genuine quality. The seasonal menu changes to highlight what’s fresh and available, so regulars always find something new to try alongside their old favorites.
Soups here are hearty and flavorful, perfect for chilly Midwest afternoons.
What locals appreciate most is the attention to detail—from the perfectly dressed greens to the thoughtful flavor combinations that elevate simple ingredients. The staff knows their regulars by name and greets everyone with genuine warmth.
After lunch, you can stroll Galena’s antique shops and galleries, making Bread & Vine the perfect starting point for a perfect afternoon in this historic river town.
6. Big Grove Tavern – Champaign (1 E Main St)
Right in the heart of downtown Champaign, Big Grove Tavern brings serious flavor to the college town lunch scene with a menu that goes way beyond typical tavern fare. The kitchen here takes comfort food classics and gives them creative upgrades that keep both students and locals coming back for more.
Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the space manages to feel both upscale and approachable.
Their burgers are legendary around campus, featuring locally sourced beef and creative toppings that change with the seasons. The lunch menu also includes fantastic salads, sandwiches, and entrees that prove tavern food can be sophisticated without being stuffy.
Everything arrives beautifully plated but in portions that actually satisfy hungry diners.
The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between casual and special—nice enough for a business lunch but relaxed enough for jeans and sneakers. Large windows flood the space with natural light, and the open kitchen lets you watch the culinary magic happen.
Whether you’re celebrating a game day or just need a fantastic midday meal, Big Grove delivers every single time with food that’s memorable and service that’s genuinely friendly.
7. Portillo’s – Champaign (2306 N Prospect Ave)
Portillo’s brought their Chicago-style magic to Champaign, and locals have been lining up ever since for their fix of Italian beef, hot dogs, and those ridiculously addictive cheese fries. This Illinois chain has mastered the art of fast-casual dining, serving up authentic Chicago flavors with speed and consistency that’s truly impressive.
The retro decor creates a fun, energetic vibe that makes every visit feel like a mini celebration.
The Chicago-style hot dog here comes loaded with all the proper toppings—yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt on a poppy seed bun—and absolutely no ketchup, as tradition demands. The chocolate cake shake is basically a dessert in a cup, rich and indulgent enough to share (but you probably won’t want to).
Even the salads are generous and delicious, perfect for when you’re pretending to be healthy.
What makes this Portillo’s location special is how it serves as a taste of Chicago for University of Illinois students and a reliable favorite for Champaign residents. The drive-through line might look intimidating, but it moves surprisingly fast thanks to their efficient system.
8. D’Arcy’s Pint – Springfield (661 W Stanford Ave)
Springfield’s favorite gathering spot serves up the legendary Horseshoe sandwich, a local delicacy that’s basically a delicious heart attack on a plate—and nobody does it better than D’Arcy’s. For the uninitiated, a Horseshoe consists of thick-cut toast topped with meat (usually a burger or ham), buried under a mountain of French fries, then smothered in rich cheese sauce.
It’s absurd, excessive, and absolutely wonderful.
The casual pub atmosphere at D’Arcy’s makes everyone feel welcome, from state capitol workers grabbing lunch to families celebrating special occasions. The walls are decorated with local sports memorabilia and vintage signs, giving the place a comfortable, lived-in feeling.
Service is friendly and efficient, even when the place is packed during lunch rush.
Beyond the famous Horseshoe, the menu offers excellent burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers that locals order again and again. The portions are generous enough to share, though you might not want to once you start eating.
D’Arcy’s has become such a Springfield institution that visiting politicians and notable guests are frequently spotted stopping by to experience the Horseshoe phenomenon for themselves, joining the ranks of satisfied regulars.
9. Cozy Dog Drive In – Springfield (2935 S 6th St)
Route 66 runs right past the Cozy Dog, and this roadside gem has been serving their signature corn dogs to travelers and locals since 1946. The Cozy Dog isn’t just any corn dog, it’s widely credited as the birthplace of the corn dog, hand-dipped and fried to golden perfection.
Walking into this place feels like stepping into a time capsule filled with vintage Route 66 memorabilia and nostalgic Americana.
The corn dogs here feature a homemade batter recipe that’s been kept secret for decades, creating a crispy coating that’s slightly sweet and perfectly complements the hot dog inside. Locals know to order theirs with a side of those crinkle-cut fries and maybe a shake to complete the classic drive-in experience.
The walls are covered with Route 66 signs, vintage photos, and tributes to the Mother Road.
What keeps Springfield residents coming back isn’t just the history—it’s the consistent quality and the friendly service that makes every visit special. The Waldmire family still runs the place, maintaining the traditions that made the Cozy Dog famous while keeping everything fresh and delicious.
10. DESTIHL Restaurant – Normal (318 S Towanda Ave)
DESTIHL brings gastropub excellence to Normal, offering a lunch menu that’s creative, flavorful, and way more interesting than typical college-town fare. The industrial-chic space features exposed brick, modern lighting, and an open kitchen where you can watch talented chefs work their magic.
This place proves that Normal, Illinois can hang with the big cities when it comes to culinary creativity.
Their lunch sandwiches and burgers are built with house-made elements and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, paired with creative flavor combinations that surprise and delight with every bite. The menu changes seasonally to showcase fresh ingredients at their peak.
Salads here are actually exciting, featuring unexpected ingredients and scratch-made dressings that make eating your greens genuinely enjoyable.
The atmosphere manages to be both sophisticated and welcoming, perfect for business lunches or casual meals with friends. Locals appreciate the attention to detail in every dish and the knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the menu.
Even the sides get special treatment—think hand-cut fries with creative dipping sauces and seasonal vegetables prepared with care. DESTIHL has become a destination for food lovers throughout the Bloomington-Normal area who crave lunch that’s memorable.
11. Lula Cafe – Chicago (2537 N Kedzie Blvd)
Lula Cafe was an early leader in Chicago’s farm-to-table movement, and locals still pack this cozy corner spot for lunch that’s fresh, creative, and deeply satisfying. The ever-changing menu reflects what’s seasonal and available from local farms, meaning you’ll never have the exact same meal twice.
The intimate space features mismatched vintage furniture and an artistic vibe that perfectly captures the neighborhood’s creative spirit.
Lunch here might include a perfectly composed salad with ingredients you’ve never seen together before but that somehow taste amazing, or a sandwich that elevates simple components through careful preparation and quality sourcing. The kitchen staff treats vegetables with the same respect usually reserved for premium proteins, resulting in dishes where every element shines.
Even something as basic as toast becomes special here.
What makes Lula Cafe a local favorite is the genuine passion for good food that comes through in every dish, plus service that’s knowledgeable without being pretentious. The prices reflect the quality ingredients and skilled preparation, but portions are generous and satisfying.
Brunch gets most of the attention, but savvy regulars know that lunch offers the same excellent food with shorter waits.
12. One World – Peoria (1245 W Main St)
One World brings globally inspired flavors to downtown Peoria with a menu that travels from Asia to the Mediterranean and everywhere in between. This casual cafe focuses on fresh, healthy options that prove nutritious food can also be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
The bright, airy space welcomes everyone from downtown workers on lunch breaks to families looking for wholesome meals.
Their build-your-own bowl concept lets you customize your lunch exactly how you want it, choosing from proteins, grains, vegetables, and sauces that span multiple cuisines. The falafel is crispy outside and tender inside, the hummus is creamy perfection, and the fresh vegetables add crunch and color to every plate.
Everything is prepared fresh to order, so you might wait a few extra minutes, but the quality is absolutely worth it.
Locals love that One World caters to various dietary preferences without making anyone feel like an afterthought—vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are plentiful and genuinely appealing. The staff is friendly and helpful, happy to explain ingredients and make recommendations.
The smoothies are thick, fruity, and refreshing, perfect for washing down your flavorful lunch creation.
13. Avanti’s Ristorante – Peoria (8517 N Knoxville Ave)
Avanti’s has been a Peoria institution since 1971, serving Italian-American classics that locals crave on a regular basis. The family-friendly atmosphere and generous portions make this the kind of place where celebrations happen and memories are made over plates of pasta.
Walking in, you’re immediately greeted by the aroma of garlic, tomato sauce, and fresh-baked bread—basically an edible hug.
The lunch menu features all the Italian favorites done really well: lasagna layered with meat and cheese, chicken parmesan with perfectly crispy breading, and pasta dishes swimming in flavorful sauces. The salad bar is legendary among regulars, offering fresh vegetables and toppings alongside Avanti’s famous house dressing that people literally buy by the bottle.
Portions are substantial enough that you’ll probably have leftovers for dinner.
What keeps families coming back generation after generation is the consistent quality and the way Avanti’s makes everyone feel like honored guests. The prices are reasonable, especially considering how much food you get.
The gondola sandwich—loaded with Italian meats, cheese, and that special dressing—has its own cult following among locals who order it weekly without fail.
14. 17th Street Barbecue – Murphysboro (32 N 17th St)
Championship barbecue lives at 17th Street, where Mike Mills and his team have won so many awards they could probably wallpaper the restaurant with trophies and ribbons. This Southern Illinois landmark draws barbecue pilgrims from across the country, but locals know they can grab world-class smoked meats any day of the week.
The smoky aroma hits you before you even open the door, making your mouth water in anticipation.
The pulled pork is tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned, while the ribs have that ideal combination of crispy bark and fall-off-the-bone meat. The sides deserve their own recognition—the baked beans are sweet and savory, the coleslaw is crisp and tangy, and the cornbread is moist and slightly sweet.
Everything tastes like it was made with care and expertise earned over decades.
What makes 17th Street special beyond the food is the genuine hospitality and the way they’ve stayed true to their roots despite national fame. The casual, no-frills atmosphere puts all the focus on the barbecue, exactly where it should be.
Locals consider themselves lucky to have this caliber of barbecue in their backyard, and they take full advantage of it regularly.