More Illinois Restaurants

Crest Hill, Merichka's "Poor-boy" sandwiches highlight this Chicago-area restaurant's menu. Tender steak in a rich garlic-and-butter sauce served on fresh-baked French bread, the poor-boys check in at about a foot long. 815-723-9371.

Galena, Cafe Italia The aroma of garlicky breadsticks fresh from the oven greets you in the mosaic-tile entryway of this red brick establishment. The cafe's boisterous atmosphere is intimate, and diners chat while they enjoy specialties such as baked clams and Sicilian grilled tomatoes. 815-777-0033.

Galena, Fried Green Tomatoes Country Italian specialties such as bistecca all' espresso, pork medallion, and pasta di mare. 815-777-3938.

Galena, The Log Cabin Stop in this cozy Galena tradition along Main Street to enjoy steaks, seafood, and Greek specialties.

Geneseo, The Cellar The aroma of shrimp slowly broiling over glowing coals fills the air with a subtle, smoky tang at this candlelit special-occasion restaurant. It's located in the basement of historic Geneseo House downtown. 309-944-2177.

Grafton, Fin Inn Sample selections from the Fin Inn's fish-filled menu and goggle at the restaurant's aquatic decor. 618-786-2030.

Lemont, White Fence Farm Watch out, Colonel Sanders! The Haserts, who own White Fence Farm, have enticed diners from across the Midwest with their half-century old secret fried chicken recipe. 630-739-1720.

Lincoln, Blue Dog Inn Pooch-lovin' patrons at the Blue Dog Inn think this pub-style restaurant, with pictures of dogs on the walls and sandwiches called "The Pedigree" and "The Huskie," is the cat's meow. 217-735-1743.

McHenry, Zubrzycki's Warsaw Inn & Polish-American Smorgasbord Their favorite: "pierogis," a meat- or cheese-stuffed turnover. 815-344-0330.

McLean, Dixie Trucker's Home Settle back with a plate of juicy roasted chicken, the house specialty. It's rated among the best truck stops in the nation. 309-874-2323.

Rockford, Maria's Spicy homemade tomato sauces star on the menu at this 65-year-old restaurant. Though Maria's serves a full menu, patrons often request their favorite northern Italian dishes in advance, such as polenta chicken (in a cornbread coating) or linguine dribbled with olive oil, lightly dusted with fresh garden herbs and parmesan. 815-968-6781.

Springfield, Lindsay's Gallery Try the horseshoe sandwich, an open-face feast of ham on toast topped with a rich cheese-beer sauce. 217-544-8800.

Springfield, Maldaner's Guests at this restored turn-of-the century restaurant feast on distinctive fare such as pistachio-crusted salmon or rack of lamb with braised escarole. 217-522-4313.

Tampico, Dutch's Diner Daily specials such as chicken-broccoli casserole and crispy salmon patties precede Chef Bev Adamson's famous perfect piecrusts and scrumptious fillings. 815-438-2096.

Wheeling, Le Francais At this contemporary French restaurant, we suggest sampling the salmon served with a champagne truffel sauce. 847-541-7470.

Willowbrook, Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket This restaurant, located along historic Route 66, began as a 1930s gas station. A couple of local farm wives taught the owner how to make the fried chicken that's still the specialty. 630-325-0780.

Wilmette, A La Carte For healthful fare, order sesame noodles, mustard-baked chicken breast and chicken enchiladas from this casual country carryout place in suburban Chicago. 847-256-4102.

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