Where to Eat Thread

[crusader_of_90]

I have some local suggestions.

(29) Aurora West (5-4) at (4) Edwardsville (8-1)
BBQ - https://www.edleysbbq.com - By rep - I've not tried yet
Beer/Shot - https://www.bigdaddysedwardsville.com/
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://www.moussallisprime.com/
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://1818chophouse.com/

(22) Aurora East (6-3) at (11) Belleville East (7-2)
Downtown Belleville
Beer/Shot - Big Daddy's 618 - https://www.facebook.com/groups/199956506179/
Gastro Pub - https://tavernonmainbelleville.com/
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.beastcraftbbq.com/ - they have snoots too. Get a basket for the table.

(13) Lemont (5-4) at (4) East St. Louis (7-2)
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/- My fave - get snoot pieces for the table.
Plan ahead and order a cake: https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/cakes - De-Effing-Licious

(13) Cahokia (5-4) at (4) Breese Central (7-2)
Burger Stand - Wally's Drive In. Order a locally bottled Ski soda. No website.
711 N 4th St Breese, IL 62230
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://www.popeyeschophouse.com/ - Might be the most cost-efficient, high-end steakhouse in the state. I am not kidding. You will find some gems on the wine list at half the cost of St. Louis.

(14) Paris (5-4) at (3) Roxana (9-0)
Parisians will be disappointed with the fare. Either pack some sandwiches or stop at one of my fave heart-hurting chains - https://locations.ljsilvers.com/il/wood-river/1224-east-edwardsville-road

(13) Tuscola (5-4) at (4) Belleville (Althoff Catholic) (8-1)
West End Belleville
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/- not too far.
Bring Your Own - Tailgating Spot at St. Henry's - just east of Althoff on West Main. Porta-Pottys and ample parking.
Beer/Shot - https://www.fletcherskitchen.com/
Gastro Pub - Cured and Cultured - plus a shop for noshes and unique spirits.

Cured and Cultured in Belleville offers a fresh take on the standard sports bar

Part deli, part market, part bar, Cured and Cultured has become a community gathering space in Belleville, Illinois.

www.feastmagazine.com

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

I have some local suggestions.

(29) Aurora West (5-4) at (4) Edwardsville (8-1)
BBQ - https://www.edleysbbq.com - By rep - I've not tried yet
Beer/Shot - https://www.bigdaddysedwardsville.com/
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://www.moussallisprime.com/
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://1818chophouse.com/

(22) Aurora East (6-3) at (11) Belleville East (7-2)
Downtown Belleville
Beer/Shot - Big Daddy's 618 - https://www.facebook.com/groups/199956506179/
Gastro Pub - https://tavernonmainbelleville.com/
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.beastcraftbbq.com/ - they have snoots too. Get a basket for the table.

(13) Lemont (5-4) at (4) East St. Louis (7-2)
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/- My fave - get snoot pieces for the table.
Plan ahead and order a cake: https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/cakes - De-Effing-Licious

(13) Cahokia (5-4) at (4) Breese Central (7-2)
Burger Stand - Wally's Drive In. Order a locally bottled Ski soda. No website.
711 N 4th St Breese, IL 62230
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://www.popeyeschophouse.com/ - Might be the most cost-efficient, high-end steakhouse in the state. I am not kidding. You will find some gems on the wine list at half the cost of St. Louis.

(14) Paris (5-4) at (3) Roxana (9-0)
Parisians will be disappointed with the fare. Either pack some sandwiches or stop at one of my fave heart-hurting chains - https://locations.ljsilvers.com/il/wood-river/1224-east-edwardsville-road

(13) Tuscola (5-4) at (4) Belleville (Althoff Catholic) (8-1)
West End Belleville
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/- not too far.
Bring Your Own - Tailgating Spot at St. Henry's - just east of Althoff on West Main. Porta-Pottys and ample parking.
Beer/Shot - https://www.fletcherskitchen.com/
Gastro Pub - Cured and Cultured - plus a shop for noshes and unique spirits.

Cured and Cultured in Belleville offers a fresh take on the standard sports bar

Part deli, part market, part bar, Cured and Cultured has become a community gathering space in Belleville, Illinois.

www.feastmagazine.com

THIS! THIS! This should be a required post for all areas and all pregame stories! Well done!

 

[GoBlers]

Meiers for those from Plainfield making the trip north to Wilmette.

 

[Vincennes6410]

Lemmy’s….. southwest corner of 64th street and Stony Island.

 

[chicago73]

Best spot for Naz/PR?

 

[jha618]

I have some local suggestions.

(29) Aurora West (5-4) at (4) Edwardsville (8-1)
BBQ - https://www.edleysbbq.com - By rep - I've not tried yet
Beer/Shot - https://www.bigdaddysedwardsville.com/
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://www.moussallisprime.com/
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://1818chophouse.com/

(22) Aurora East (6-3) at (11) Belleville East (7-2)
Downtown Belleville
Beer/Shot - Big Daddy's 618 - https://www.facebook.com/groups/199956506179/
Gastro Pub - https://tavernonmainbelleville.com/
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.beastcraftbbq.com/ - they have snoots too. Get a basket for the table.

(13) Lemont (5-4) at (4) East St. Louis (7-2)
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/- My fave - get snoot pieces for the table.
Plan ahead and order a cake: https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/cakes - De-Effing-Licious

(13) Cahokia (5-4) at (4) Breese Central (7-2)
Burger Stand - Wally's Drive In. Order a locally bottled Ski soda. No website.
711 N 4th St Breese, IL 62230
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://www.popeyeschophouse.com/ - Might be the most cost-efficient, high-end steakhouse in the state. I am not kidding. You will find some gems on the wine list at half the cost of St. Louis.

(14) Paris (5-4) at (3) Roxana (9-0)
Parisians will be disappointed with the fare. Either pack some sandwiches or stop at one of my fave heart-hurting chains - https://locations.ljsilvers.com/il/wood-river/1224-east-edwardsville-road

(13) Tuscola (5-4) at (4) Belleville (Althoff Catholic) (8-1)
West End Belleville
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/- not too far.
Bring Your Own - Tailgating Spot at St. Henry's - just east of Althoff on West Main. Porta-Pottys and ample parking.
Beer/Shot - https://www.fletcherskitchen.com/
Gastro Pub - Cured and Cultured - plus a shop for noshes and unique spirits.

Cured and Cultured in Belleville offers a fresh take on the standard sports bar

Part deli, part market, part bar, Cured and Cultured has become a community gathering space in Belleville, Illinois.

www.feastmagazine.com

+1 for big mamas. Snoots are always delicious. Just make sure you ask for the sauce on the side

 

[crusader_of_90]

+1 for big mamas. Snoots are always delicious. Just make sure you ask for the sauce on the side

NO way - soaked in sauce and sopped up with white bread!

 

[crusader_of_90]

Carmel cake ... OMG!

 

[rocketnation]

Crusader_of_90
Great post! Is the Stagger Inn still open in Edwardsville? Always thought it was a great name for a bar.

 

[crusader_of_90]

Crusader_of_90
Great post! Is the Stagger Inn still open in Edwardsville? Always thought it was a great name for a bar.

It is! Great bar! Right by a defunct diner called the Do Drop Inn.

 

[cpacmel]

I hate to sort of go off topic, but anything around Collinsville / Granite City?

 

[crusader_of_90]

I hate to sort of go off topic, but anything around Collinsville / Granite City?

Porter's Steakhouse - https://www.porterscollinsville.com/ - It was known to be really good, and have not heard differently, but it has been decades since I ate there.

Waffle House - I love Waffle House! They sell the most T-Bones in the world. This is the furthest north Waffle House that I am aware of currently.

Mungo's - Really good Italian. https://mungosrestaurant.com/

McDill's - 20 taps and 165 bourbons. And they got this URL early - imagine how many pubs sought this out! https://www.mcdills.com/

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Porter's Steakhouse - https://www.porterscollinsville.com/ - It was known to be really good, and have not heard differently, but it has been decades since I ate there.

Waffle House - I love Waffle House! They sell the most T-Bones in the world. This is the furthest north Waffle House that I am aware of currently.

Mungo's - Really good Italian. https://mungosrestaurant.com/

McDill's - 20 taps and 165 bourbons. And they got this URL early - imagine how many pubs sought this out! https://www.mcdills.com/

There are Waffle Houses in northern Ohio.
You struck my curiosity and I looked on there site…didn’t expect that.

 

[crusader_of_90]

They must market research by following the meth addict population.

 

[playboymixx]

It is! Great bar! Right by a defunct diner called the Do Drop Inn.

Wow. Not a whole lot of people remember the Do Drop Inn in Edwardsville. That's been gone for decades and was replaced by Jack N The Box which is now also gone.

 

[crusader_of_90]

Wow. Not a whole lot of people remember the Do Drop Inn in Edwardsville. That's been gone for decades and was replaced by Jack N The Box which is now also gone.

I'd get B/Gs, grits and hashbrowns - just one plate is fine, ma'am!

Vanzo's ... another place from my college days.

And I worked at Rusty's - oh, the stories from that place! Louie Badalamente was the biggest bookie on the East Side and some CRAZY stuff happened there. Ya know, he lost the restaurant in a game of cards to the Kellers.

The courthouse crowns would dine there. I remember a newly appointed federal judge took his "appreciation call" from President Clinton while at Rusty's sitting in the Red Room that was reserved for the connected.

RE: Do Drop Inn - I think the name was stolen from the Charlie Daniels Band song Easy Rider.

 

[playboymixx]

I'd get B/Gs, grits and hashbrowns - just one plate is fine, ma'am!

Vanzo's ... another place from my college days. And I worked at Rusty's - oh, the stories from that place! Louie Badalamente was the biggest bookie on the East Side and some CRAZY stuff happened there. Ya know, he lost the restaurant in a game of cards to the Kellers.

RE: Do Drop Inn - I think the name was stolen from the Charlie Daniels Band song Easy Rider.

I used to play video games in the back of Vanzos. I frequented Rusty’s from time to time when one of my dad’s bands were playing there.

 

[McEvergreen]

Ya know, he lost the restaurant in a game of cards to the Kellers.

Good stuff. I love these kinda stories 👊

 

[crusader_of_90]

What was the bar next to Rusty's? I lived in the house behind it, on Second Street, down a way from Saint Boniface Church.

 

[playboymixx]

What was the bar next to Rusty's? I lived in the house behind it, on Second Street, down a way from Saint Boniface Church.

Pete Hiney’s

 

[crusader_of_90]

YES!

How old are you? A lifer in Eville?

 

[playboymixx]

YES!

How old are you? A lifer in Eville?

47. Born and raised

 

[playboymixx]

What was the bar next to Rusty's? I lived in the house behind it, on Second Street, down a way from Saint Boniface Church.

My parents got married at St. Boniface church.

 

[Doug Simpson]

Going to Lincoln Way Central? Stop at White Horse Inn 1 mile west of LW Central. Get the pot roast tacos....you can thank me later.

 

[SMC34]

Going to Lincoln Way Central? Stop at White Horse Inn 1 mile west of LW Central. Get the pot roast tacos....you can thank me later.

What a call! I’m opening up a sit down and might add them to my menu.

 

[DadCoachSports]

Best spot for Naz/PR?

Uncle Jerrys Pizza in Cary (Deep Dish Pizza)
Tracks in Cary (Burgers)
Galatis Hideaway in Cary
Portillos in Crystal Lake

 

[stl705]

For visitors to Glenbard East, Montini, and Willowbrook (and maybe even DGN/St Francis), I highly recommend the wings from JTs Porch and Saloon on Roosevelt/38. Beers are cheap and cold too! Get there before 5:30 if possible to ensure a table.

 

[Wilmatucky]

I'll play along because I think half of the fun of IHSA playoffs is road tripping to a new town to see your team play (albeit I haven't been doing that as much lately because of life getting in the way). Here is a quick guide of some of my suggestions for those traveling to Wilmo and I'll throw in a CC suggestion too:

Coal City
Burger and beer (bloody) bar - Gotta stop at Babe's tap. The Bloody Marys are one of my favorites around. The food is good too. Standard bar food, but the portions are excellent and the burgers are pretty good.

Sadly, not much in CCin the way of food. If you get into town super early you could always run to Morris which is not far, but out of the way for the Normal crowd this weekend. If you go to Morris my favorite there would be Honest Abe's just south of town. Good drink selection and they have specialty burgers that are top notch.

Wilmington
Watering hole - Tuffy's! Best bar in town! Got pool tables and a cool set up. No food, and it's mostly just domestics and simple cocktails. Really close to the field.

Craft beer and American Fare - Nelly's and Old School Brewing right in the middle of Wilmington. Food is decent and the Craft beer is pretty good too.

Sit down with a bar - Hayden's. Downtown. Good dinner menu with steaks and fish. Full service bar attached as well. Can be busy around dinner time, but a lunch before the game would be a nice treat for those coming in.

 

[Chicago773]

Lemmy’s….. southwest corner of 64th street and Stony Island.

Incorrect, Lemmy's been gone for over 15yrs. Nothing but construction on that corner.

 

[jha618]

Also, for any of the Aurora folks coming down for the Edwardsville or Belleville East game, if you like cajun style seafood check out Gulf Shores. Its in Eville so a little more convenient for the Aurora West folks but they have great food and drinks.

 

[crusader_of_90]

Incorrect, Lemmy's been gone for over 15yrs. Nothing but construction on that corner.

Lemmy's been gone for eight.

 

[forlouann]

The rock and roll master

 

[jvp123]

Going to Lincoln Way Central? Stop at White Horse Inn 1 mile west of LW Central. Get the pot roast tacos....you can thank me later.

Going to the LWE game? Still go to the White Horse for those tacos. LWW game? White Horse with Arrowhead Ales as a backup.

 

[cornerrat]

All.... SHG @ TFN. Since Big Daddy's Patio is closed it will have to be Paradise Liquor next door. Ratsy 😇

 

[RoaminCatholic]

Well, limited options for the small town of Arthur, deep in the heart of Illinois Amish country... but they are good ones...

1. Yoder's if you want a food coma and need to feed the herd.
2. A sandwich made in front of you from the amazing folks at Shady Crest Farm Market just south of town.
3. The famous Homestead Bakery at The Great Pumpkin Patch. It's pumpkin cream cookie season baby!

 

[crusader_of_90]

Spent the weekend in my daughters' home in Lakeview - first time I was under their roof. VERY COOL EXPERIENCE!

Food notes:
http://tucoandblondie.com/ - Outstanding Friday lunch - three grilled fish tacos with beans and rice, Never had bigger fish pieces and also no cabbage stems - OUTSTANDING TASTE AND QUALITY!

https://tacomoro.com/ - Awesome CHEAP steak tacos with rice and beans - $12 - with a salsa bar.

https://www.dinergrill.com/ - THERE ARE 10 EAT-IN SPOTS - established in 1937. Great breakfast. Think of the constant turnover!

https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/s7GoWBOwHqrtejUf5rsFFA/o.jpg - Gyro's. The old man was sitting there drinking coffee at 10:00 AM today, newspaper, and talking to someone on the phone in Greek when I showed up.

Ordered two gyros, one for here, one to go. The old man has a cart by the grill - small amounts of onion and tomatoes and other veggies in containers at his ready.

"Fresh cut today."

This your place?

"Yes."

How many years?

"34 years."

You can only nod and smile at that. And he beamed with pride.

The old Greek was even happier when I paid with cash.

 

[4Afan]

Spent the weekend in my daughters' home in Lakeview - first time I was under their roof. VERY COOL EXPERIENCE!

Food notes:
http://tucoandblondie.com/ - Outstanding Friday lunch - three grilled fish tacos with beans and rice, Never had bigger fish pieces and also no cabbage stems - OUTSTANDING TASTE AND QUALITY!

https://tacomoro.com/ - Awesome CHEAP steak tacos with rice and beans - $12 - with a salsa bar.

https://www.dinergrill.com/ - THERE ARE 10 EAT-IN SPOTS - established in 1937. Great breakfast. Think of the constant turnover!

https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/s7GoWBOwHqrtejUf5rsFFA/o.jpg - Gyro's. The old man was sitting there drinking coffee at 10:00 AM today, newspaper, and talking to someone on the phone in Greek when I showed up.

Ordered two gyros, one for here, one to go. The old man has a cart by the grill - small amounts of onion and tomatoes and other veggies in containers at his ready.

"Fresh cut today."

This your place?

"Yes."

How many years?

"34 years."

You can only nod and smile at that. And he beamed with pride.

The old Greek was even happier when I paid with cash.

Tuco and Blondie is great.

Diner Grill is amazing. Glad they rebuilt after the fire. Go there for breakfast and you don't need to eat for the rest of the weekend.

 

[crusader_of_90]

Tuco and Blondie is great.

Diner Grill is amazing. Glad they rebuilt after the fire. Go there for breakfast and you don't need to eat for the rest of the weekend.

Oh, but I ate!

 

[crusader_of_90]

https://www.chicagotoons.com/ - The girls enjoyed a pretzel and chicken strips here - plus Malort and other beverages. My retired cop friend works there at the door - the girls are marked in the neighborhood to be watched as their place is two minutes away.

 

[cigaros]

I have some local suggestions.

(29) Aurora West (5-4) at (4) Edwardsville (8-1)
BBQ - https://www.edleysbbq.com - By rep - I've not tried yet
Beer/Shot - https://www.bigdaddysedwardsville.com/
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://www.moussallisprime.com/
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://1818chophouse.com/

(22) Aurora East (6-3) at (11) Belleville East (7-2)
Downtown Belleville
Beer/Shot - Big Daddy's 618 - https://www.facebook.com/groups/199956506179/
Gastro Pub - https://tavernonmainbelleville.com/
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.beastcraftbbq.com/ - they have snoots too. Get a basket for the table.

(13) Lemont (5-4) at (4) East St. Louis (7-2)
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/- My fave - get snoot pieces for the table.
Plan ahead and order a cake: https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/cakes - De-Effing-Licious

(13) Cahokia (5-4) at (4) Breese Central (7-2)
Burger Stand - Wally's Drive In. Order a locally bottled Ski soda. No website.
711 N 4th St Breese, IL 62230
Fancy / Steakhouse - https://www.popeyeschophouse.com/ - Might be the most cost-efficient, high-end steakhouse in the state. I am not kidding. You will find some gems on the wine list at half the cost of St. Louis.

(14) Paris (5-4) at (3) Roxana (9-0)
Parisians will be disappointed with the fare. Either pack some sandwiches or stop at one of my fave heart-hurting chains - https://locations.ljsilvers.com/il/wood-river/1224-east-edwardsville-road

(13) Tuscola (5-4) at (4) Belleville (Althoff Catholic) (8-1)
West End Belleville
OUTSTANDING BBQ - https://www.bigmamasbbq.net/- not too far.
Bring Your Own - Tailgating Spot at St. Henry's - just east of Althoff on West Main. Porta-Pottys and ample parking.
Beer/Shot - https://www.fletcherskitchen.com/
Gastro Pub - Cured and Cultured - plus a shop for noshes and unique spirits.

Cured and Cultured in Belleville offers a fresh take on the standard sports bar

Part deli, part market, part bar, Cured and Cultured has become a community gathering space in Belleville, Illinois.

www.feastmagazine.com

1813 House of Bourbon is wonderful. So is 1818 Chophouse