Quatro's Deep Pan Pizza
Pizza restaurant · Carbondale
A Carbondale tradition, those of us raised there can recite the phone number by heart. Get the deep dish.
Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour
Tourist attraction · Union County
A very cool zip line if y’all are into that sort of thing.
Bloom Ridge Farm (u-pick flower farm)
Florist · Makanda
You Pick Flower Farm (depending on when you are there).
Mary Lou's Grill
American restaurant · Carbondale
A Carbondale tradition and a great diner. Get there early for the biscuits and gravy before they sell out.
Owl Creek Vineyard
Winery · Cobden District 1
I like the patio here (and the sangria) if the weather is nice.
St. Nicholas Brewing Co. MDH
American restaurant · De Soto
I’ve heard good things about the beer and food here — and yes it is in an airport.
Global Gourmet
European restaurant · Carbondale
Carbondale fancy (and they have a nice patio out back).
Blue Sky Vineyard
Winery · Union County
Even if the Southern Illinois wines aren’t your favorite they’ve got a nice space to sit if the weather is nice and often music.
Fork & Vine Restaurant & Wine Bar
Restaurant · Cobden District 2
This is a great space (I used to go to the winery that was here) and my family says the new restaurant is good too.
Von Jakob Winery & Brewery
Winery · Jackson County
A beautiful spot to hang out especially if the weather is nice. Southern Illinois wines are mostly sweet, but this one has beer and decent food.
Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant
American restaurant · Cobden District 1
Known for their fried chicken and family style dinners. The location is fun though — in the state park and a WPA era lodge.
Taqueria Pequena
Mexican restaurant · Cobden
Amazing little taco stand. Check their Facebook page for their hours.
Big Muddy Brewing
Brewery · Murphysboro
This place is very casual but serves some of my favorite local beers. A great place to hang out indoors or outdoors. Last time I was there they didn’t have food but would let you get food delivered (if they still do Pat’s delivery get the BBQ nachos).
17th Street Barbecue
Barbecue restaurant · Murphysboro
If you are going to eat BBQ on your visit, go to the original 17th Street location in Murphy.
Scratch Brewing Company
Brewery · Ora
A must visit! They are a James Beard award nominated brewery. Most of their beers are made with locally foraged and farmed ingredients. A great spot to visit on the edge of Shawnee National Forest, with indoor and outdoor season (I love when I can sit by the fire). They also have food. Note: they are cash only so come prepared.
