Restaurants & Eateries

Some people eat to live ... but if you are lucky ... you live to eat!  You'll appreciate the varied cuisine served in our most popular restaurants. From the innovative European style ... to Grandma's favorite down-home recipes ... our restaurants offer you plenty of opportunities to smack your lips, lick your fingers ... or you can behave yourself and use your linen napkin!

These great restaurants aren't just located in Carbondale. We've included popular spots in our neighboring communities, as well.  The scenic drive will be enjoyable and help whet your appetite for fabulous fried chicken or hand-cut thicksteaks. Don't forget to add a little local wine and don't skip dessert. It's likely to be something homemade and wonderful!

Click "Restaurants" for an all inclusive list and check "Carbondale's Cookin'" for details about our favorites!


 

 
 

Carbondale's Cookin'

17th Street Bar and Grill
17th Street Bar & Grill in Murphysboro and Marion is the home of the only three-time "World Grand Champion" of the Memphis in May Barbeque Competition. Owner, Mike Mills, has become "the legend" with his award winning recipes. 17th Street has many delicious menu items to offer ranging from their famous baby back ribs, which are extra lean and meaty ... to their fabulous sandwiches with their popular beans on the side! 17th Street Bar & Grill will provide onsite catering ... or catering out of their full-service facility in Murphysboro.  Great food, great service and an enjoyable comfortable atmosphere await you at 17th Street Bar and Grill. They'll ship barbecue sauce, magic dust and some of their food items. If you want to get better acquainted with this popular barbecue family, buy their new book, "Peace, Love and Barbecue" written by Mike Mills and his daughter Amy Tunnicliffe-Mills. You'll get all the "recipes, tall tales and outright lies" that you can imagine.

Mini Menu

Southern-Fried Pickles  A generous serving of dill pickles in a 17th Street seasoning, fried to golden brown. Served with a tangy, creamy pickle sauce.

Fried Crawfish  Juicy tail meat sprinkled with Magic Dust, lightly breaded and served with cocktail sauce.

Famous 17th Street BBQ Pork  Pork Shoulder cooked low 'n slow over apple wood, chopped, sauced and sprinkled with Magic Dust, piled high and served with pickles and onions.

Bluegill Dinner  Flaky, tender, delicately flavored farm-raised bluegill that will make you wonder what you saw in catfish.  A half pound of fried filets, lightly breaded and served with fries, coleslaw and hushpuppies.

Bread Pudding Homemade specialty of the house, covered with praline sauce and topped with whipped cream.

Alongi's
Alongi's was established in DuQuoin, Illinois, in 1933 by Guy Alongi, an Italian Immigrant from Cinisi, Sicily. In the years following prohibition, "Guy's Place, as it was know, was a saloon that consisted of a 60-foot bar and liquor store. As business grew, it was the first to introduce pizza to the Southern Illinois area.  In 1953,  Jerome "Mimi" and John Alongi inherited the family business. With John telling stories or talking politics and Mimi collecting baseball memorabilia and scouting for the New York Mets, it's a wonder how they sold one million pizzas and five million glasses of Budweiser!  Following major remodeling in 1985, Guy Alongi III continued the family tradition as owner and operator of Alongi's. In 1994, John Alongi II joined his brother in the family business and the expansion of the old State Theater opened new possibilities for the storied history of Alongi's Restaurant. In 2004, the tradition of growth continued as Dave Ardrey joined the family business and a second Alongi's location opened at Carbondale's University Mall. Family history, tradition, growth and most importantly, great food and service are the qualities of Alongi's, recognized nationally. Publications such as "Pizza Today" and "Restaurant Business" have featured Alongi's as one of the "Top Independent Italian Restaurants in the Nation".

Mini Menu

Antipasti Zuppa - Italian Wedding Soup   Pebble pasta, tiny meatballs in a classic broth.

Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Fresh Mozzarella and sliced tomatoes, drizzled with Extra Virgin Olive Oil seasoned with herbs and spices.

Sicilian Salad Mixed greens served with tomatoes, olives, artichokes, red onions, mushrooms and parmesan and mozzarella cheese ... served with Alongi's special vinaigrette.

Nana's Meatball Sandwich Grandmother's special recipe for meatballs, served with tomato sauce, mozzarella and provolone cheese.

Homemade Lasagna  Layers of pasta, beef, sausage, ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Baked in a marinara sauce.

Bogey's at Stone Creek
Bogey's at Stone Creek is an experience you will always remember. Tucked into the scenic hills of Makanda, Illinois, the panoramic views from the dining room are unforgettable. We offer a full service bar with a wide selection of local and fine wines to compliment our upscale, eclectic menu by Chef Mark Fontana. From his Apple-brined Pork Chop to his Sesame Ahi Tuna, you can find something for even the most discerning of palates. Whether it's just two of you or two hundred of you ... Bogey's has the facilities to accommodate your needs. Phone with questions regarding golf outings at our championship 18-hole golf courses, reservations at our rustic cabins, or seating availability at Bogey's,  the best dining in Southern Illinois.

Mini Menu

While the entrees and special menu may change with the season ... every season is a delicious season at Bogey's!

19th Hole Appetizers - Chicken Wings   You can have traditional wings, but be progressive and try the new, unique Raspberry Chipotle wings served with bleu cheese dressing and celery!

Stone Creek Sensation Walnuts, apples, feta cheese tossed with spring mix salad greens and a sweet garlic red wine vinaigrette.

Crab Cake Made with sweet delicate blue crab meat, topped with unique red pepper aioli.

Cowboy Steak Fill up with this 18 ounce bone in ribeye steak served with a bourbon sauce!

Shrimp Fra Diavolo  Linguine with rustic tomato sauce and a touch of red pepper flakes, served with eight shrimp.

Bottoms Up Family Bar & Grill
If you have a little wanderlust and you're drawn to the "bottoms or the bluffs", plan a sightseeing adventure that includes a trip west of Murphysboro, down Route 3 to the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir Interpretive Site. Make sure you plan to end your afternoon with dinner at the Bottoms Up Family Bar & Grill.  To get there, turn west off Route 3 on the Gorham Road and follow the Gorham Road into Gorham where the road turns into Main Street. Follow Main Street veering to the left on the Neunert Road. Follow the Neunert Road to the Bottoms Up Family Bar & Grill (3683 Neunert Road). Bottoms Up is probably most famous for their hand-cut steaks, but they have wonderful seafood, sandwiches, appetizers and pizza too. Top all that with the more than friendly, casual family atmosphere and great service and you have a terrific dining experience!

Mini Menu

The full menu is available everyday, all day, but these special opportunities are lots of fun!

Tuesday is Taco Night.

Wednesday is all about Chicken and Beer!

Friday is the time to fill up on Steak and Seafood.

Sundays are "Nascar Sundays"!


Garfields Restaurant & Pub

If you are tired of joining your associates and being limited to

doing business plans on paper napkins in bars, go to Garfield's
Restaurant and Pub! At Garfields, you can use crayons and color
all over the tablecloths.

That's only part of the fun you'll have.  The casual, neighborly
atmosphere at Garfield' s is conducive to both business and
pleasure ... and the variety of food and drink is fantastic!
Garfield's is located on the west end of UniversityMall and is a
perfect lunch stop in the middle of a busy day of shopping. Stop
by after work and enjoy a few drinks and appetizers with friends.
Locals and travelers, alike, enjoy comfortable dinners with
personable service and delicious food. The unique décor - walls
filled with collectibles and dreams come true - might make you
choose Garfield's as one of your "homes away from home"!

 

Mini Menu

Snacketizer Ultimate Nachos Crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned ground beef or grilled chicken, refried beans, melted cheddar and jack cheeses, black olivers, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream.

Beer-Battered Onion Rings  A pitcher full of delicious, then-sliced onion rings double-dipped in a premium beer batter for big flavor and extra crunch!

Chicken Quesadilla Salad Four cheese quesadillas surround a crisp salad topped with fiesta corn, cilantro, tomatoes, guacamole, cheese, chips and a fire-grilled chicken breast ... all topped with spicy salsa ranch dressing.

Cuban Sandwich  Slow-cooked pulled pork piled on a toasted hoagie and topped with tender smoked ham, melted Swiss cheese, spicy mustard, red onions and pickles.

Steakalada Platter A zesty 9 ounce sirloin steak served in style with a chicken enchilada and chicken quesadillas and refried beans.

Lite Idea - Honey BBQ Chicken A marinated chicken breast, charbroiled and basted with our sweet and sassy honey-barbeque sauce, placed on a bed of rice pilaf and served with fresh broccoli and a cranberry walnut salad. Just 643 calories, 12 grams of fat.


Giant City Lodge
You'll find the Giant City Lodge in the heart of the beautiful 4,000 acre State Park, which carries the same name.  Giant City Lodge was built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservations Corps.  The massive sandstone and timber lodge is a grand example of lodges built during that era.  Just minutes south of Carbondale, you'll find Southern Illinois hospitality at its best.  Serving a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a reputation for good home-style cooking. The menu offers southern barbeque, choice steaks, prime rib and seafood and catfish dinners ... but Giant City Lodge is famous for being the home of the original all-you-can-eat Fried Chicken Dinner served family style.  You can eat well, relax and enjoy an atmosphere found nowhere else in Midwest region.  The Lodge is a great place to be with family and friends and it's family operated by Carbondale natives Richard and Mike Kelley.

Mini Menu

Specialty of the Lodge

All-You-Can-Eat Family Style Chicken Dinner includes golden brown fried chicken, mashed potatoes, country milk gravy, scratch dumplings, two additional home-style vegetables, creamy coleslaw, rolls and butter.

Friday Night Fish Fry is an all-you-can-eat catfish dinner. An abundance of hand breaded fillets served family-style with coleslaw, old fashioned fried potatoes, Texas corn and homemade hushpuppies. You might want to start your Friday night feast, with a fabulous Bloody Mary, made Giant City Lodge Style - with a spicy kick!

Southern Barbeque Rack O-Ribs You can get a half rack, but you'll probably want the full rack of baby back ribs, which are tender and tasty to the bone! Barbeque goes with beer, but why not try one of the local Shawnee Hills Wine Trail wines, offered by the Lodge?

Save Room for Dessert so you can top off your meal with something sweet. Try homemade fruit cobblers, diner style cheesecake, strawberry shortcake in season.

Golden Corral
Golden Corral family-style restaurants offer the biggest and best buffet and grill available.  Their famous buffet contains an array of food choices including hot meat options, pasta, pizza, fresh vegetables, salad bar and a selection of carved meats at dinner and on Sundays.  Their Great Steak Buffet features "all-you-can-eat" sirloin steak.  All Golden Corral's steaks are USDA inspected, cut fresh daily for better flavor and juiciness and are grilled to order.  They provide a variety of menu items that are cooked at the grill station right before your eyes!  The Brass Bell Baker and Dessert Café serve fresh baked goods and tempting desserts every day.  Piping hot yeast rolls, delicious cookies and fudge brownies are baked fresh, every fifteen minutes!   Golden Corral is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner ... and since the beginning they've been committed to making pleasurable dining affordable for every guest.  Caring, knowledgeable staff offer guests the highest quality foods and reasonable prices in a clean and friendly atmosphere.  The Golden Corral motto - "Everyone Deserves a Good Meal" - and they deliver just that!

Mini Menu

Awesome Pot Roast melts in your mouth.

Bourbon Street Chicken is "lick your lips" great.

Fresh Fried Chicken outdoes Grandma's favorite recipe!

Rotisserie Chicken is succulent.

Mashed Potatoes are real, made from scratch.

Breaded Jumbo Shrimp are giants.

Vegetables from A to Z includes Asian Beans to Zucchini, with lots more in between! Look for collard greens, corn on the cob, fresh steam cauliflower, green beans and northern beans!

Hickory Ridge Clubhouse  
If you are ready for one of the best hamburgers, cheeseburgers or fried fish sandwiches that you have every put in your mouth ... you need to stop by the Hickory Ridge Golf Course and spend some time in the restaurant! Customers claim that their sandwiches are the best!  The comfortable, casual atmosphere is topped by wonderful views of the Golf Digest four-star rated Hickory Ridge Golf Course. Join your golf partners ... or just take some friends out for lunch. Have a little sweet tea, as you get set for



Mini Menu

The best Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers in town!

Fried Fish Sandwiches

Patty Melts

Hot Ham and Cheese

Chef Salad

Houlihan's
Houlihan's is passionate about their food. They say it is in their DNA! Houlihan's uses the finest ingredients and their chef's are always looking for new ways to interpret food and drinks. Houlihan's menu is inspired by food from around the globe and dishes are made from scratch with assertive flavors ... offering a unique culinary experience. Homemade dressings, fresh baked breads and desserts, hand-breaded veggies are a part of their menu, everyday.

The bar at Houlihan's offers a cool, welcoming vibe. It is a perfect surrounding to enliven your inner being and set the mood for a dynamic night. Signature martini flights, Luxe edition cocktails and an eclectic array of wine and beer ... including local wines ... add to the cheer!

When you walk through the door, you'll know that you are in an eclectic eatery with an energetic bar scene. Visit Houlihan's, where you are sure to enjoy the food, drinks and friendly atmosphere.

Mini Menu

Goat Cheese Bruschetta Freshly torn basil and ripe tomatoes, focaccia crisps and Mediterranean olives are served with field greens in a balsamic vinaigrette.

French Fried Asparagus (available in season) Hand selected, hand breaded and served with lemon horseradish crème for dunking.

Ranchouse Steak Salad   A grilled, USDA Prime Sirloin skewer, fresh greens, white cheddar, juicy tomatoes topped with a creamy garlic ranch dressing and zingy onion straws.

Cabernet Sirloin   Red wine, fresh onions, garlic and mushrooms reduced to a velvety sauce that's ladled onto a Prime Top Sirloin ... served with a loaded baked potatoes and fresh vegetables.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Stuffed with garlic-herb cream cheese, breaded and baked until golden brown and the cheese is hot and melted ... served with fresh vegetables and Red Bliss mashed potatoes.

Hunan Restaurant
Hunan Restaurant has been serving the people of Southern Illinois since 1987 and that service is fantastic! Hunan's menu includes a wide selection from the various regions of China ... the hot and spicy Hunan or Szechwan food, the hearty and filling far of Peking, the light food from Canton and the sweet delicacies of Shanghai. Superbly prepared food, combined with the warm and friendly atmosphere makes Hunan a favorite restaurant to the locals, as well as, business and leisure travelers.  Once you've tried Hunan, you'll keep going back and you'll gladly recommend this popular spot to your friends and family.  Hunan is located in Carbondale on Route 13 going west. You can't miss the sign and you don't want to miss this unforgettable experience!

Mini Menu

Steamed Chilean Sea Bass (Canton) Slices of steamed sea bass are seasoned with the flavors of ginger and onion.

Kung Bao Triple Delight (Szechwan)  Chicken, beef and shrimp sautéed in chili pepper sauce and peanuts.

Shrimp and Chicken Combination (Peking)  A combination of chicken and shrimp in a delicate brown sauce.

Golden Baked Salmon (Shanghai)  A baked salmon fillet on a bed of vegetables sprinkled with flavorful ginger and scallions.

Hot Pepper Triple Combination (Hunan)  Beef, shrimp and chicken sautéed with green onions and spicy jalapeno peppers.

Larry's Pit BBQ
If you're looking for a centrally located, family-oriented restaurant, Larry's Pit BBQ is the place to go! Larry's has a friendly staff and a wide variety of foods and don't expect only barbeque, because Larry's has great catfish, too!   The homemade pies are wonderful and provide great sustenance for shopping trip to any of the surrounding popular stores or across the street to University Mall. Kids are welcome in this casual and pleasant restaurant.  Larry's has plenty of parking and you can dine in, carry out or drive through for some of the best barbeque around! The staff at Larry's Pit BBQ take pride in serving the best.

Mini Menu

Fried Catfish Dinner with hushpuppies may include French fries, zesty cole slaw, slow baked beans or fabulous onion rings.

BBQ Rib Dinner lets you choose a full slab or a half slab of tasty ribs.

Sandwiches include barbeque pork, fried cod, catfish or bluegill.

Jumbo Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers come with your choice of sides.

Fabulous Homemade Pies include coconut cream, chocolate or lemon!

The Newell House
The Newell House is Carbondale's premiere restaurant, located at the corner of East Main and Washington Streets in the historic Newell Hotel building.  Opened in 2003, the Newell House has fast become the destination for good food, drinks and conversation.  Offering an eclectic Italian American cuisine, tempting martinis and an extensive wine list ... customers quickly find favorite food and drinks! It's easy to sit back and relax and enjoy the best local entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 8 p.m. in the Grotto. The Newell House is a wonderful lunch or dinner spot, which offers that historic ambience with a fresh approach to dining.

Mini Menu

Chicken and Shrimp Chardonnay  boasts a mustard, garlic, chardonnay cream reduction sauce with a flavorful combination of chicken, shrimp, tomatoes and mushrooms.

Poulle Spinache is an incredible tender sautéed chicken breast, served over creamed spinach flavored with bacon.

Rosemary Pork includes two choice loin chops marinated in rosemary and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with homemade garlic smashed potatoes and a vegetable.

Farce' is a hand-cut 9-ounce beef filet, topped with seafood dressing and béarnaise sauce and served with garlic smashed potatoes and tender asparagus wrapped with Prosciutto.

Caesar Salad is a crisp combination of fresh romaine lettuce, hand-grated parmesan cheese, croutons and topped with homemade Caesar dressing.

Forbidden Salmon touches the taste buds with the sweet bourbon sauce drizzled over the salmon, stuffed with seafood dressing, served over black rice.

Quatro's Pizza
Quatro's Pizza opened in 1975 and is locally owned and operated by Steve Payne. In the last thirty years, Quatro's Pizza has become a favorite of locals and visitors, young and old! Quality food, responsive service and over 2 million pizzas served, are all the things that have created a long-term legacy at Quatro's Pizza. The menu consists of a broad spectrum of casual dining items   Deep Pan Pizza, Thin Crust Pizza, Pasta, Subs, Italian Beef, Reuben's and many types of salads ... round out the menu.   All items are available for dine-in, carry-out, or free delivery within the Carbondale city limits. Visit http://www.quatros.com/ and join the email club for coupons, trivia contests, prizes, gift certificates or just to check out the menu and history of this favorite Carbondale casual restaurant. Quatro's is a neighborly place with great food and friendly staff!

Mini Menu

Special Wonders of the Deep Pan!

Pizzas come in 10, 12 and 14 inch

Quatro's Challenge is topped with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and is covered with extra cheese.

Vegetarian Delight includes mushrooms, onions, green peppers and is smothered with extra cheese.

Meateater Bonanza satisfies hearty appetites with sausage, beef, pepperoni and extra cheese.

Taco Pizza is topped with tangy taco sauce, two cheeses, spicy beef and is topped with fresh tomato and lettuce.

Chicken Alfredo is as unique pizza topped with seasoned grilled chicken, onions, green peppers, a rich alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Buffalo Chick twists a favorite appetizer into a fabulous pizza topped with spicy ranch sauce, seasoned chicken, onions, bacon, green peppers and mozzarella cheese.

Tom's Place

A bit of colorful history surrounds Tom's place, established in 1921.  Tom Endsley was the first owner, thus the name Tom's Place. Lasse and Maryjane Sorensen are the eighth owners of this very popular unique establishment, which is thought to have been the hang out of alleged gangsters in the 1920's and 30's. It seems that bootlegging and gambling might have been on the menu and if you were a local and ordered an orange soda, you got homemade beer!  Tom's Place features small rooms, that used to have a front and back door with doorbells ...for the ultimate privacy. Today, the restaurant still features antiques and plenty of memorabilia for those roadhouse days.

Maryjane and Lasse have owned the restaurant since 1998 and with their professional hospitality backgrounds, have made many changes.  The menu reflects Lasse's cutting edge cuisine.  Customers enjoy casual elegance and warm hospitality. Crisp linen, fresh flowers and candles create an atmosphere of comfortable elegance and polished, personal attention sets the framework for your evening.  To ensure your evening is as you expected, Maryjane oversees the dining room and greets every guest. Maryjane and husband, Chef Lasse are passionate about their desires to make every guest walk away with a great dining experience.

***Tom's Place has been awarded the North American Restaurant Association Five Star Award of Excellence and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the last four years!

Mini Menu

On the last Wednesday of each month, Tom's Place features a special gourmet evening.  Daily, one can enjoy a six course Discovery Menu or any of Chef Lasse's specialties.

Sashimi  Ahi tuna on daikon radish and cucumber with sesame seeds, green onions and wasabi shoyu sauce.

Roadhouse Fisherman's Bisque  Clams, prawns, calamari and scallops stewed in a creamy lobster  bisque.

The Pear Salad  Heart of romaine with sweet Anjou pears, Danish bleu cheese, pecans pickled in maple syrup and balsamic vinaigrette.

Veal Gorgonzola   A grilled 12 ounce veal chop, smothered with shallot gorgonzola sauce.

Rack of Lamb Grilled lamb chops infused with rosemary and garlic, served with a mustard-chive and red beet cinnamon reduction.