5 One-Of-A-Kind Illinois Eats To Add To Your List + 5 Spots That Totally Surprised Us
Illinois has always been my favorite food playground, hiding culinary treasures that go way beyond deep-dish pizza.
Last summer, I road-tripped across the Prairie State with my stomach as my compass and discovered some truly unforgettable eats.
From quirky sandwiches to mind-blowing frozen treats, these 10 Illinois food finds will make your taste buds do a happy dance!
1. The Horseshoe Sandwich: Springfield’s Open-Faced Wonder
My first bite of Springfield’s legendary Horseshoe sandwich nearly made me fall off my chair! This magnificent open-faced creation starts with thick Texas toast topped with your choice of meat (I went for the classic hamburger patty), then gets absolutely smothered in crispy french fries and drenched in a rich cheese sauce that cascades down the sides like a yellow waterfall.
The locals at D’Arcy’s Pint told me this caloric masterpiece was invented in the 1920s at the now-closed Leland Hotel. While it might look like a heart attack on a plate, trust me—you haven’t lived until you’ve tackled this iconic central Illinois indulgence. Pro tip: Bring a friend to share or prepare for the most delicious food coma of your life!
2. Chicago’s Mother-In-Law Sandwich: The Tamale-Hot Dog Hybrid
Forget the Chicago Dog—the Mother-in-Law sandwich is the Windy City’s best-kept secret! I stumbled upon this bizarre creation at Fat Johnnie’s Famous Red Hots, where the friendly guy behind the counter explained its peculiar name: “It’ll give you heartburn just like your mother-in-law!” Picture this culinary oddity: a corn tamale nestled in a hot dog bun, completely drenched in chili, then loaded with hot dog toppings.
The combination sounds bonkers, but the spicy tamale with the savory chili creates this magical flavor explosion that somehow makes perfect sense. The textural contrast between the soft bun, firm tamale, and saucy chili had me questioning why this hasn’t gone national. South Side Chicagoans have been enjoying this delicacy for generations!
3. Garrett’s Chicago-Mix Popcorn: Sweet Meets Savory Perfection
The heavenly aroma of Garrett’s Chicago-Mix popcorn hits you a block away from their Michigan Avenue shop! I joined the perpetual line of tourists and locals alike, watching the popcorn masters shake those massive copper kettles filled with kernels swimming in coconut oil. What makes this mix so addictive? The genius combination of caramel corn and cheddar cheese popcorn in the same bag creates this sweet-savory dance party that makes it physically impossible to stop munching.
I bought the smallest size bag thinking I’d save some for later—hilarious mistake! My Chicago friends laughed at my rookie error, explaining that no one has ever successfully saved Garrett’s for later. The contrast between the buttery caramel crunch and the sharp cheddar tang is simply irresistible. Now I mail-order it whenever cravings strike!
4. Southern Illinois Chowder: The Soup That’s Not Actually Soup
Don’t let the name fool you—Southern Illinois chowder isn’t seafood soup! My cousin’s church fundraiser in Murphysboro introduced me to this regional oddity that locals simply call “chowder.” Picture a thick, tomato-based stew packed with ground beef, vegetables, and broken spaghetti that’s been simmering for hours in massive cast-iron kettles over open flames. “We’ve been making it the same way since my great-grandpa’s time,” the elderly cook told me as she stirred a cauldron big enough to bathe in.
This community tradition typically appears at church events and fall festivals across the southern counties. The slightly sweet, intensely savory flavor comes from a secret blend of spices each family guards jealously. I tried prying the recipe from three different ladies who just winked and said, “Come back next year, honey!”
5. St. Louis-Style Pizza In Metro East: The Controversial Cheese Phenomenon
Crossing into Metro East Illinois, I encountered the most polarizing pizza of my life at Imo’s. St. Louis-style pizza features an ultra-thin, cracker-like crust cut into squares (they call it “party cut”) and topped with Provel—a processed cheese blend that’s basically nowhere else on Earth! This gooey, almost plasticky cheese combination of provolone, Swiss, and white cheddar melts into this gloriously stretchy blanket that locals adore and outsiders often struggle to appreciate.
“You’re not from around here, are you?” laughed the server when she saw my puzzled expression at the first bite. By the third slice, though, I was converted. There’s something addictively satisfying about the crispy-thin base, tangy sauce, and that unmistakable Provel pull. When in Rome—or rather, when in Belleville, Collinsville, or East St. Louis—forget everything you know about pizza!
6. Krekel’s Frozen Custard: Decatur’s Creamy Time Machine
My GPS went haywire in Decatur, which turned out to be a blessing because I accidentally discovered Krekel’s Custard & Hamburgers! This unassuming roadside stand has been scooping up the silkiest frozen custard since 1949, and honestly, it feels like stepping back in time. The custard here is churned fresh hourly, creating a texture that’s impossibly creamy—like velvet made edible.
I watched in awe as the teenager behind the counter effortlessly twisted perfect peaks onto waffle cones with the practiced precision of a custard artist. “Try the turtle sundae,” a regular advised me from the picnic table nearby. Boy, was he right! The hot fudge and caramel sauce melting into that dense vanilla custard, topped with candied pecans, created a dessert experience so transcendent I actually contemplated moving to Decatur. Their burgers are fantastic too, but that custard haunts my dreams!
7. Quad Cities-Style Pizza: The Malt Crust Revelation
I nearly drove past Harris Pizza in Rock Island thinking it was just another pizza joint—what a mistake that would’ve been! Quad Cities-style pizza is a revelation with its malt-infused crust that gives it this subtle sweetness unlike any pizza I’ve tasted before. The toppings aren’t scattered but layered methodically: cheese first, toppings next, then a spicy tomato sauce on top! And don’t get me started on their signature fennel-heavy sausage that’s scissor-cut into strips rather than crumbled.
“We’ve been making it this way since 1960,” the owner proudly told me when I asked about the unusual technique. The strangest part? It’s cut into strips with scissors instead of wedges. My server explained this was originally done so factory workers could eat it easily during short lunch breaks. One bite of that chewy, malty crust with the distinctive spicy sauce had me plotting my next visit before I’d even finished my first strip!
8. Cicada Ice Cream: The University Of Illinois Extension’s Wild Experiment
“Want to try something weird?” asked the cheerful graduate student at the University of Illinois Extension booth during a summer food festival. Before I could answer, she handed me a tiny cup of…cicada ice cream?! During the last major cicada emergence, these food science students created perhaps the most bizarre frozen treat in the Midwest. The insects are harvested just after molting, when their exoskeletons are still soft, then roasted, ground, and folded into a vanilla base.
“Think of them as land shrimp,” she explained, seeing my hesitation. The flavor was surprisingly nutty, almost like adding crushed pecans to ice cream. While it’s not commercially available (health regulations, understandably), this experimental treat appears during cicada emergence years as an educational conversation starter about sustainable protein sources. Would I eat it again? Absolutely—though I’m glad I didn’t see the whole bugs until after tasting!
9. Central Illinois Pinoy Asian Market: The Hidden Filipino Food Haven
Tucked between cornfields and strip malls in Bloomington-Normal, I stumbled upon the most unexpected culinary treasure—a Filipino market with a takeout counter serving homemade specialties! The tiny Central Illinois Pinoy Asian Market doesn’t look like much from outside, but inside, it’s bursting with authentic flavors. The owner, Maria, greeted me like family and insisted I try her freshly made lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) and pancit (stir-fried noodles). “My mother’s recipes from Manila,” she beamed proudly.
The market shelves overflow with imported ingredients impossible to find elsewhere in central Illinois, while the hot food counter offers weekend specials like lechon kawali (crispy pork belly) that draw Filipino families from hours away. What started as a small grocery for homesick Filipino healthcare workers has become a cultural hub and culinary destination. The purple ube desserts alone are worth the detour off Interstate 55!
10. The Wieners Circle: Where Sass Comes With Your Sausage
The Wieners Circle is not just a place to grab a hot dog; it’s an experience. Nestled in Chicago, this iconic stand is famous for its char dogs and the unique, sassy banter from its staff. Customers line up not just for the food but for the playful insults served up as side dishes.
Open late into the night, it’s a popular spot for night owls and those looking for a hearty snack after an evening out. The atmosphere, filled with laughter and good humor, makes it a must-visit.
Fun fact: The Wieners Circle gained fame in the culinary world for its late-night antics and has been featured on various food shows.