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.
(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