Some of the best-known restaurants in Illinois by city, along with a brief description of their menu and locations:
Chicago:
Alinea: Address: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614. A renowned restaurant offering multi-course tasting menus featuring modern American cuisine with global influences.
Girl & the Goat: Address: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607. A popular restaurant serving creative small plates and a variety of meat dishes.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: Address: Multiple locations. Known for its famous deep-dish pizza, this restaurant offers a variety of pizza toppings and classic Italian dishes.
Portillo’s: Address: Multiple locations. A Chicago classic serving up hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, and more.
The Publican: Address: 837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607. A lively spot for American fare, especially pork and seafood dishes, along with a variety of beer options.
Springfield:
Augie’s Front Burner: Address: 109 S 5th St, Springfield, IL 62701. An upscale restaurant featuring creative American cuisine and a variety of wines and cocktails.
Incredibly Delicious: Address: 925 S 7th St, Springfield, IL 62703. A bakery and cafe offering breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and an array of freshly baked pastries and desserts.
Long 9 Junction: Address: 5 W Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701. A gastropub serving classic American fare and a variety of craft beers.
Maldaner’s Restaurant: Address: 222 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701. A historic restaurant offering upscale American fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery: Address: 500 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701. A restaurant and brewery serving craft beer and American cuisine with a focus on wood-fired pizzas.
Rockford:
Abreo: Address: 515 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104. An upscale restaurant serving creative small plates, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list.
Lino’s: Address: 5611 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108. A classic Italian restaurant serving pasta dishes, seafood, and a variety of meat entrees.
Prairie Street Brewing Co.: Address: 200 Prairie St, Rockford, IL 61107. A brewery and restaurant offering a variety of craft beers, burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare.
Social Urban Bar & Restaurant: Address: 509 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104. A trendy spot serving American cuisine, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list.
Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza: Address: 408 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104. A popular pizzeria offering wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings, along with salads and sandwiches.
It’s worth noting that Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria and Portillo’s have multiple locations throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. Alinea is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. Maldaner’s Restaurant is located in the historic downtown area of Springfield. Prairie Street Brewing Co. is located in the downtown area of Rockford.