‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’ Illinois Restaurants That are Not in Chicago
Recently, my son said that we should take a drive over to Illinois because it sounds like they have a lot of great places to shop and eat. I had to think about it for a second, then I realized that's because Chicago is in IL. Obviously, I know that, but growing up in Princeton, Indiana I think of Mt. Carmel when someone says Illinois.
'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives' Has been in Illinois 27 Times
Yes, Guy Fieri has said his iconic show open, "We're rollin' out. Looking for America's best 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives', 27 times in Illinois. Oh, and yes, most of those restaurants featured are in Chicago, but they can't all be in the big city, right?
Hackney's - Glenview, IL
Here's a nice diner that was featured on The Food Network, and it's slightly more than a stone's throw away from Chicago. Hacney's is about a 30-minute drive North of Chicago.
Paradise Pup - Des Plaines, IL
Ok, this might also be a bit of a stretch to say that it is not in Chicago, but it's not! Sure you might be able to smell the char cheddar burgers, because of the wind, but look at that address - Des Plaines is not Des Chi-Town.
The Shanty - Wadsworth, IL
The Shanty has been the place to gather with friends and family for over 100 years. It seems to keep expanding to hold more patrons, too. You can find it between Chicago and Milwaukee on Route 41 in Wadsworth, Illinois.
Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket - Willowbrook, IL
Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket can be found about 30 minutes South of Chicago. They have been frying chicken since the 40s. They are even in the Illinois Chicken hall of Fame.
Charlie Parker's - Springfield, IL
Springfield is very far-removed from Chicago, and only about a 4-hour drive from the Evansville, IN area. What are they famous for? Well, check out this video of the Horseshoe Meal.
Evansville Area New Food Truck Guide 2023
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