![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Kuma\u2019s Corner<\/a> D\u2019arcy\u2019s<\/a> Schmaltz Deli<\/a> Girl & the Goat<\/a> Abreo Restaurant<\/a> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { <\/p>\n googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1424368364801-0’); });<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n At\u2019s A Nice Pizza & Pasta<\/a> Khoury\u2019s Cuisine<\/a> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { <\/p>\n googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1424368364801-0’); });<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Happy Sushi<\/a> Naf Naf Grill<\/a> Maize Mexican Grill<\/a> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { <\/p>\n googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1424368364801-0’); });<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Black Dog Smoke & Ale House<\/a> One World Cafe<\/a> The Purple Pig<\/a> Zenwich<\/a> Thanh Linh Vietnamese<\/a> 1. Rock Out With A Bomb Burger At Kuma\u2019s Corner Source: Flickr User roboppy Kuma\u2019s Corner 2900 W Belmont Ave Avondale, Chicago, IL (773) 604-8769 Yelp: 4 Stars – 4377 Reviews There are burgers and then there are burgers so good that you would drive across the country to sink your teeth into them. With burgers named \u201cLed Zeppelin,\u201d \u201cBlack Sabbath,\u201d and \u201cMetallica,\u201d you know you\u2019re going to be rocking out to some extra flavor. Don\u2019t go without trying their famous Kuma Burger with bacon, cheddar and fried egg on a pretzel bun. 2. Grab A Shoe At D\u2019arcy\u2019s Source: […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":39760,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[61],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39759","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opinions","post--single"],"yoast_head":"\n
\n2900 W Belmont Ave
\nAvondale, Chicago, IL
\n(773) 604-8769
\nYelp<\/a>: 4 Stars – 4377 Reviews
\nThere are burgers and then there are burgers so good that you would drive across the country to sink your teeth into them. With burgers named \u201cLed Zeppelin,\u201d \u201cBlack Sabbath,\u201d and \u201cMetallica,\u201d you know you\u2019re going to be rocking out to some extra flavor. Don\u2019t go without trying their famous Kuma Burger with bacon, cheddar and fried egg on a pretzel bun.<\/p>\n2. Grab A Shoe At D\u2019arcy\u2019s<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Yelp.com<\/div>\n
\n661 W Stanford Ave
\nSpringfield, IL
\n(217) 492-8800
\nYelp<\/a>: 4 Stars – 198 Reviews
\nSometimes you\u2019re so ravenous you could eat a shoe! Well, if it\u2019s one of D\u2019arcy\u2019s famous shoes, you\u2019re in luck: Texas toast piled high with your choice of meat or veggies and a truckload of fries with creamy cheese sauce.
\nGet a horseshoe if you\u2019re famished and a pony if you aren\u2019t. They also have all the traditional Irish dishes like Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd\u2019s Pie and Fish n\u2019 Chips with either catfish or walleye.<\/p>\n3. Stuff Your Face At Schmaltz Deli<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-3.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Schmaltz Delicatessen via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n1512 N Naper Blvd, Ste 152
\nNaperville, IL
\n(630) 245-7595
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars – 249 Reviews
\nIf you\u2019re hungry, I mean really hungry, so hungry that you would swear a simple deli could not cure your hunger, then it\u2019s time for Schmaltz. This not-your-average deli over-stuffs their sandwiches with ridiculously huge gobs of delicious meat.
\nFor the maximum experience get one of their eight famous corned beef and pastrami sandwiches with a latke.<\/p>\n4. Get Adventurous At The Girl & The Goat<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-4.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User cherrylet<\/div>\n
\n809 W Randolph St
\nWest Loop, Chicago
\n(312) 492-6262
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars – 3588 Reviews
\nWhy are the fries at Girl & the Goat so good? Maybe it\u2019s because the seasoning is dehydrated powdered ham. Is that seriously wood oven roasted pig face on the menu? Yup. Pig face hidden underneath a sunny side up egg and served with tamarind sauce.
\nEvery bite here is layered with complicated, delicious flavors. Plus, you get to eat food cooked by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, and that\u2019s something to brag about.<\/p>\n5. Get Seasonal And Inspired At Abreo<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-5.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Abreo Restaurant via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n515 E State St
\nRockford, IL
\n(815) 968-9463
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars – 60 Reviews
\nWhen you want to impress your friends who keep throwing around words like artisanal, local and seasonal, head straight to Abreo in Rockford. The menu is inspired by local ingredients and changes regularly depending on what\u2019s in-season.
\nEverything is served in small plates, and the duck nachos, pork merguez and warm chocolate cake with salted caramel sauce come highly recommended.<\/p>\n
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\n});<\/p>\n\n\n6. At\u2019s A Nice Pizza On Your Plate<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-6.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: At\u2019s A Nice Pizza via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n334 N Independence Blvd, Ste A
\nRomeoville, IL
\n(815) 886-5200
\nYelp<\/a>: 4 Stars – 42 Reviews
\nThe pizza gods of the world must have been born right here in Romeoville. At\u2019s A Nice Pizza is more than \u2018nice\u2019 pizza, it\u2019s phenomenal pizza. The sauce is rich, sweet and zesty, the ingredients are fresh and the cheese is melted to perfection. Add that to a hot, crispy, braided crust and you\u2019ve got a fantastic pie. Yes, of course they have Chicago Deep Dish.<\/p>\n7. Khoury\u2019s Cuisine Is Super Duper<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-7.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Khoury\u2019s Cuisine via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n3326 N University St
\nPeoria, IL
\n(309) 685-3000
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars – 40 Reviews
\nWhat you put in your pocket matters, especially if your pocket is a piping hot pita pocket. Khoury\u2019s understands this dilemma better than anyone, and they don\u2019t skimp. They know you want more gyro meat and that\u2019s why they created the Super Duper Gyro with extra meat, feta and tzatziki.
\nThey also know you need your creamy hummus and baba ghanoush swimming in olive oil and your baklava sticky.<\/p>\n
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\n});<\/p>\n\n\n8. Happy Sushi Rolls Melt In Your Mouth<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-8.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Happy Sushi via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n846 S Grand Ave E
\nSpringfield, IL
\n(217) 528-9799
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars – 44 Reviews
\nBest name ever for this sushi bar, because you will be ridiculously happy (and full) after having their sushi. It might be hidden in a strip mall, but once you find it you\u2019ll hope that no one else does. Try the French Kiss with shrimp tempura, avocado, salmon and lemon or the Hawaiian with tuna, salmon, yellowtail and mango.<\/p>\n9. Get Fala-Full At Naf Naf Grill<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-9.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Yelp.com<\/div>\n
\n1739 Freedom Dr, Ste 109
\nNaperville, IL
\n(630) 904-7200
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars – 539 Reviews
\nIf you\u2019re craving creamy hummus, juicy chicken shawarma, fresh baked pitas and homemade tahini, get thee to Naf Naf. There are locations all over the Chicago metro area, but the original one in Naperville is, of course, the best.
\nThe menu is easy: pick a pita or a bowl, falafel or chicken or steak shawarma and then go wild with garnishes and sauces. Get the s\u2019khug sauce for a spicy kick that takes a pita to a whole new level.<\/p>\n10. Have A Mexican Meltdown At Maize<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-10.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Yelp.com<\/div>\n
\n60 E Green St
\nChampaign, IL
\n(217) 355-6400
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars – 238 Reviews
\nRemember that time you went to Mexico City and the food was the bomb? It\u2019s like that at Maize. Maize has fresh ingredients, authentic Mexican cuisine and it\u2019s affordable to boot. They\u2019ve got a small menu that covers everything you need from nachos, burritos and tacos to flautas, sopes and tostadas.<\/p>\n
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\n});<\/p>\n\n\n11. Get Fired Up At Black Dog Smoke & Ale<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-11.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Yelp.com<\/div>\n
\n201 N Broadway Ave
\nUrbana, IL
\n(217) 344-9334
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars – 469 Reviews
\nAs soon as you walk into Black Dog Smoke & Ale House the smell of smoky meat and barbecue will push the \u2018salivate\u2019 button in your brain. Whether you choose the delicious brisket, the pulled pork, the ribs, or burnt ends sandwich…it\u2019s all amazing. Get a flight of barbecue sauces and load up on sides.The Blackdog cornbread is not to be missed.<\/p>\n12. One World Cafe Does Chicken & Waffles Right<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-12.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Yelp.com<\/div>\n
\n1245 W Main St
\nPeoria, IL
\n(309) 672-1522
\nYelp<\/a>: 4 Stars – 192 Reviews
\nYou know how at most cafe\u2019s you have to choose between waffles and everything else on the menu? Or you can get the chicken and waffles, but nothing else comes with it?
\nYeah, that\u2019s not the case at One World in Peoria. You get a big, homemade waffle, crispy chicken tenders piled on top, 2 slices of bacon, a side of country sausage gravy and syrup.<\/p>\n13. Dine On Swine At The Purple Pig<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-13.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User Edsel L<\/div>\n
\n500 N Michigan Ave
\nNear North Side, Chicago
\n(312) 464-1744
\nYelp<\/a>: 4 Stars – 2924 Reviews
\nPull up a communal seat at The Purple Pig and order some pig ears, bone marrow or one of their delicious smears: meat-based spreads served with crostini bread. You will indeed write home about this restaurant.
\nIt\u2019s possible you will decide to make Chicago your home just so you can enjoy their small plates, cured meats, cheeses and delectable desserts on the regular.<\/p>\n14. Find Palatable Peace At Zenwich<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-14.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Zenwich via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n416 N York St, Ste B
\nElmhurst, IL
\n(630) 359-5234
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars – 380 Reviews
\nSandwiches aren\u2019t typically described as \u2018divine\u2019 or \u2018enlightening\u2019–not unless you\u2019ve had a sandwich at Zenwich. The crab cake sandwich, a homemade crab cake dusted in Japanese panko crumbs, topped with watercress and drenched in garlic-basil aioli is a thing of pure divinity.
\nIn fact, all the sandwiches and salads are transcendental, especially the peanut salad. You may even experience satori while eating it.<\/p>\n15. Have A Flavor Experience At Thanh Linh Vietnamese<\/h2>\n
![\"15](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/il-food\/Restaurants-Illinois-15.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Thanh Linh Vietnamese Restaurant via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n1223 W Main St
\nPeoria, IL
\n(309) 495-0179
\nYelp<\/a>: 4 Stars – 109 Reviews
\nAnd you thought that you had to go to Chicago to get great pho and Vietnamese dishes. Wrong. Peoria\u2019s Thanh Linh\u2019s pho, curry dishes, and the spicy lemongrass chicken are downright amazing. The portions are huge, the service is fantastic and there\u2019s more than enough Sriracha for everyone.
\nWhat\u2019s your go-to for great grub in Illinois? Tell us in the comments below!<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"