Diners in downstate Illinois

[runninfiend]

Originally Posted by Paxtonian

The Arcade Restaurant on Market Street in Paxton (Paxton is at milepost 261 on I-57) is reputed to be good, which tasty, large breakfasts.

You mean you live there and you don't know--only "reputed?"

Paxton is actually a nice town, my uncle played a pretty big role in that community for a lot of years, so we used to visit from time to time.

[irish setter girl]

Paxton is very quaint. We had a family wedding at the bed and breakfast there. The owners of that place are very nice people!

[puzzlddd]

I agree, Bill's Toasty in Taylorville rocks. Great chili, deep fried cheese, and other diner fav's.

[suchance]

Another vote for Busy Corner in Goodfield east of Peoria on 74! Yes, its' a rural diner, but far from "greasy spoon" thoughts of that stereotype. There new facility is quite pleasant and all the food from breakfast to dinner has not missed the mark in my book.

[linicx]

Originally Posted by Netsirk13

I think I've been watching too many episodes of Dumpsters, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network, but can anybody recommend me some good local diners in Illinois?

Steak N' Shake anywhere; Drive-thru or eat-in. Some stores may still offer carhop service. Most serve breakfast. Here's a cross-section of places to eat in central Illinois that offer pretty good choices of food and drink.

Eureka: Chanticleer B ? L, D.
Lewistown: Dairy Queen B.L. D.
Peoria: Maid-Rite B.L.D. 50's diner - Metro Center 4799 N. University
Peoria Heights: Penguin Tap L. D. 4319 N. Prospect
(Both Peoria locations are 5-10 blocks north of War Memorial (Rt. 150)
Havana: Kracker's Korner B. L. D. Rt. 78s
Canton: Sirloin Stockade L. D.
Pekin: Cobblers Corner B. L: D. Corner of 8th and Sheridan

A,most every little burg in central Illinois - even tiny Bernadotte - where Camp Ellis was located in the 1940s - has a cafe.

If you want something entirely different try Trefzger's Bakery in Peoria offers what I call coffee cake in 10-15 flavors. Made fresh daily. Yummy - especially if you just happen to like Chocolate.

[breer23]

Originally Posted by linicx

Steak N' Shake anywhere; Drive-thru or eat-in. Some stores may still offer carhop service. Most serve breakfast.

It's just too bad that they closed the original SnS in BLoomington-Normal a few years ago.

[mrcart]

Originally Posted by Paxtonian

The Arcade Restaurant on Market Street in Paxton (Paxton is at milepost 261 on I-57) is reputed to be good, which tasty, large breakfasts.

We were visiting Paxton last June and had breakfast at the Arcade early one Friday morning. It was great. Lots of good food, reasonable prices, attentive service. Besides the usual "American" fare, there's at least a full page of Mexican dishes on the breakfast menu. For a few pictures of the Arcade, inside and out, go to Picasa Web Albums - Bob - Illinois Days...

It's the first of a few shots from our Paxton album that are of the Arcade.

For dinner, besides the Arcade, the Tin Pan is also top rate. Just south of the Arcade a block on the other side of the street.

Bob

Bob

[Alexva]

Maid-Rite in Quincy IL serves a heckova good burger. Kinda greasy, with loose meat (like sloppy joes). Finger lickin good!

Here's a video of on on the food channel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwz8i6HZs5c (broken link)

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by Alexva

Maid-Rite in Quincy IL serves a heckova good burger. Kinda greasy, with loose meat (like sloppy joes). Finger lickin good!

Here's a video of on on the food channel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwz8i6HZs5c

Even thinking of Maid Rite makes my stomach turn KINDA greasy is the biggest understatement ever!

[linicx]

The Chanticleer [sp?] in Eureka is on 24 west of 39. It isn't a dive in that sense, but it's dark, its open later at night and the price is right. You get what you pay for and more. I don't remember if it is open for breakfast or not but I remember the hash braown potatoes. It was that good.