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04-30-2008, 12:24 AM
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Apr 2008
5 posts, read 6,756 times
Reputation: 11
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Diners in downstate Illinois
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? I love breakfast food--particularly in large, greasy portions--and I was just wondering if anyone had any favorites. I'm up, down and across 57, 74, and 39 a lot and am sick of stopping in McDonalds, etc., (but with gas prices I'm sure I'll be traveling less). Still, if anybody has any good diner suggestions, let me know!
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04-30-2008, 09:58 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
549 posts, read 448,661 times
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Both of these are in Springfield:
1. Ritz's Lil' Fryer (N. Grand between Albany & Water Sts.)
2. Sunrise Cafe (S. 2nd & E. Vine Sts.)
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04-30-2008, 02:45 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Sep 2007
587 posts, read 570,846 times
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Pauls in Downtown Decatur. A total dive but I LOVE their shakes and my DH and his family think the chili is the best.
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04-30-2008, 07:55 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2007
276 posts, read 276,356 times
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There are a ton. Almost every little farm town has at least one great diner. Breakfast is usually the best.
If you're on 74 at the Goodfield exit, Busy Corner is still a greasy spoon, although they got a new building that isn't so old school diner-y.
I believe the original Maid-Rite diner is still in Springfield--great dive.
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04-30-2008, 09:04 PM
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Rejoice and be glad
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Suburban Chicago
3,380 posts, read 1,643,175 times
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Sgt Peppers on Stevenson in Springfield.
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04-30-2008, 10:56 PM
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Middle American
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Midwest
1,907 posts, read 2,298,717 times
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Champaign has Merry Ann's Diner. Two locations: downtown (Main Street east of Neil) and south (Neil at Kirby). The food is ... merely acceptable.
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05-04-2008, 01:18 AM
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Member
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Join Date: Mar 2008
38 posts, read 40,197 times
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Effingham doesn't really have "diner" diners, but if you want a good square meal in Effingham, try Niemergs Steak House. For Pizza, Joe's Pizza in downtown Effingham is my choice.
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05-06-2008, 10:22 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: On way to TX
144 posts, read 191,642 times
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Bills Toasty in Taylorville, though I think it is off your path. Traveling North, it would be 57 to 51 at Vandalia and 29 at Pana.
It's off the square (or just ask anywhere in town...) Service at the bar only. You won't be sorry!
Last edited by Out of Alaska; 05-06-2008 at 10:22 AM..
Reason: typo
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05-06-2008, 09:43 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Nov 2006
240 posts, read 304,451 times
Reputation: 57
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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.
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05-07-2008, 01:20 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: En route from Miami back to America!
448 posts, read 526,422 times
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1) Merry Ann's Diner in Champaign (downtown and on Neil Street)
2) Sam's Cafe in Champaign (downtown)
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