The Best Places To Eat In IL For 2025: The Ultimate List

Food critics and restaurant goers loved the Land of Lincoln this year, with local businesses named to various lists.

These IL Restaurants Make Some Of The Best Dishes In U.S.: NYT

While searching for the best restaurants in the country, New York Times staffers were especially impressed by two Illinois dishes.

16 IL Restaurants Ranked Among America's Best, New Ranking Says

These Illinois restaurants are among the best in the country, according to reviews from diners on OpenTable.

Major Fast Food Chain To Close Hundreds Of Locations: What To Know In IL

The decision comes a year after the company said it planned to close 140 "outdated" stores in underperforming areas.

This IL Coffee Shop Is Among 100 Best In U.S., New List Says

Illinois has about 20 coffee shops per 100,000 residents, according to a 2024 analysis.

2 IL Eateries Make New York Times Best Restaurant List For 2025

To develop The Restaurant List, 14 New York Times and editors took 76 flights to 33 states, where they ate more than 200 meals.

2 Illinois Pizzerias Are Ranked Among Top 50 In U.S.

The new 50 Top Pizza guide is based on the findings of a team of inspectors who anonymously evaluate pizzerias around the world.

This Is IL's Best Breakfast Sandwich, New Ranking Says

"Numerous diners say it's absolutely worth the hype," Chowhound wrote.

This Restaurant Makes The Best Burger In Illinois

The burger is made by a "Chicago mainstay" known for its burgers, sandwiches and sides.

This Is The Most Expensive Restaurant In Illinois

The editors of the list said the U.S. has some "seriously upscale restaurants for diners looking to spend big on a special occasion."

These Places In IL Offer Freebies And Deals On National Donut Day

Several places in Illinois are giving away free doughnuts and offering deals for National Donut Day, created in Chicago in 1938.

11 Illinois Brunch Spots Featured On OpenTable's Top 100 List

Each year, OpenTable looks at diner reviews and demand metrics to develop its list of the best brunch restaurants for Mother’s Day.

2 IL Pizzerias Named Among The World's Best

A total of 550 eateries, most of them from Italy, competed in the International Pizza Challenge.

85-Cent Blizzards Now Available At Dairy Queen: How To Get One In IL

The company began offering its signature Blizzard for $0.85 on Monday.

Where To Score National Pizza Day Deals In IL On Super Bowl Sunday

National Pizza Day and Super Bowl 59 fall on the same day Sunday, meaning you'll be able to score deals for your watch parties.

Yuengling Now Available In IL: 'America's Oldest Brewery' Expands

The Pennsylvania-based beer company, founded in 1829, is officially selling its flagship beers in Illinois.

Illinois Restaurants That Closed Permanently In 2024

Several Illinois eateries shut their doors in 2024 in Joliet, Plainfield, Lockport and elsewhere. We remember them in this roundup.

The Best Places To Eat In Illinois: The Ultimate 2024 List

Illinois restaurants were featured prominently on several lists, being named "most romantic" and among the best in the country.

'Oldest Brewery in America' Yuengling Expanding Into IL

The Pennsylvania-based beer company, founded in 1829, will continue its Midwest expansion into the state in early 2025.

More IL Red Lobster Restaurants Closing: Report

​The restaurant chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May to recoup some of the losses for its "Ultimate Endless Shrimp" promotion.

Sales Slump Forces McDonald's To Rethink Pricing: Drive-Thru Diary

Chicago-based McDonald's sales dropped last quarter for the first time in four years amid fierce competition for value-priced meals.

2 Illinois Pizzerias Get Slice Of Fame On NYT National Roundup

Two Illinois pizzerias were named among the best pizzerias in the U.S. by The New York Times.

91 IL Restaurants Honored With 2024 Wine Spectator Awards

The restaurants earned awards from Wine Spectator magazine for their excellence in wine lists.

Chicago Restaurant Wins James Beard Award

The Logan Square restaurant was the only Chicago eatery to take home a coveted James Beard Award Monday night.

More IL Red Lobster Restaurants May Close Due To Bankruptcy: See List

In its Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition, Red Lobster said it had more than $1 billion in debts and less than $30 million cash on hand.

Red Lobster, Which Closed 2 IL Stores, Files For Bankruptcy

The customer-favorite "Ultimate Endless Shrimp," introduced last year, is cited as a reason for the restaurant chain's bankruptcy filing.

Red Lobster, With 27 IL Stores, Considering Bankruptcy

The chain’s “Ultimate Endless Shrimp” promotion to entice new customers ultimately led to $11 million in losses.

4 IL Restaurants And Chefs Are James Beard Awards Nominees

The James Beard Awards, first presented in 1991, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries.

18 IL Restaurants, Chefs Named 2024 James Beard Semifinalists

Restaurants and rising Illinois chefs were named semifinalists for James Beard Foundation awards this week.

Illinois Restaurants That Closed Permanently In 2023

Several Illinois eateries shut their doors in 2023 in Joliet, Plainfield, New Lenox and elsewhere. We remember them in this roundup.

2 Illinois Restaurants Among Best New Eateries In America: New List

Chicago's Asador Bastian and Warlord were among the 50 best new eateries in America this year by the magazine Esquire. See the list here.

6 IL Restaurants Among The Top 100 In U.S., New Ranking Says

The six Chicago eateries, including a couple of Michelin-star highlights, are based on food reviews and other metrics from diners.

Illinois Chain Among Best Restaurants In The Country: Ranking

Illinois has a chain that ranked No. 2 among "quick bites."

7 Illinois Breweries Medal At Great American Beer Festival

Sew Hop'd Brewery in Huntley and Horse Thief Hollow Brewing in Beverly captured gold, taking home top honors in the brewing competition.

39 IL Pizzerias Make New Ranking For Best In Region

These Illinois restaurants have been named among the top pizzerias in the U.S., according to a new ranking.

88 IL Restaurants Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners

The restaurants have earned awards from Wine Spectator magazine for their excellence in wine lists.

Beer Gardens And Patios To Visit In Greater Chicago In 2023

There are plenty of spaces to enjoy a cold brew with family and friends, many which offer stunning views and relaxing outdoor environments.

4 Chicago Area Restaurants Among OpenTable’s ‘Most Romantic’

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the four eateries were selected as some of the most romantic places for couples to grab a special dinner.

Faster Food: Portillo's Will Soon Go Cashless For Drive-Thru Payments

The Oak Brook-based fast food chain said the change goes into effect later this month and provides customers faster and smoother service.

Illinois Cities Among America’s Best For Foodies In New Ranking

The wallet-friendly cities cater to diners who prefer to cook at home, explore the local flavors or both, according to WalletHub.

Taste Of Chicago 'To-Go' Goes Online With Cooking Lessons, Music

Taste of Chicago in coronavirus times reinvents foodie-culture tradition with online cooking lessons from stand-out local chefs.

American Barbecue Styles: A State-By-State Guide

Meat expert Johnny Prime breaks down the country's distinct barbecue styles, from Kansas City burnt ends to North Carolina pulled pork.

The Secrets To Crafting A Great Burger

NYC meat expert Johnny Prime is here to help you step up your burger game this summer.