Updated Feb 16, 2021

There’s Nothing Better Than This Mouthwatering Taco Trail In Illinois

Illinois offers a taco trail featuring some of the best Mexican food spots in the state.

Updated Feb 16, 2021

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Food

Published Oct 18, 2024

Dine for Less Than $10 a Person at This Iconic Hot Dog Spot in Illinois

You won't look at hot dogs the same way after visiting Joey's Red Hots.

Published Oct 18, 2024

Written by

Jacki Mick

There's something to be said for a humble hot dog stand. And there's no shortage of delicious hot dog stands in Illinois.

These humble eateries are the kind of places where you can feed your whole family without breaking the bank. They usually have a limited menu, but prepare every single item to order. What they do, they do it well!

This is especially true when you're in a state that loves hot dogs as much as Illinois does. However, some hot dog stands abide by the "more is more" mantra, which I appreciate. I'm talking hot dog joints that offer comfort classics like pizza and even homemade gelato!

A close-up of a hot dog topped with mustard, pickles, and green peppers in a bun, sprinkled with spices. — Joey's Red Hots

Joey's Red Hots in Orland Park, Illinois, is one such hot dog stand. It has an absolutely massive menu, and the best part is, you can still eat a full meal there without putting too much of a dent in your wallet!

The easiest way to do this is to stick to ordering from the Value Menu, where nothing is over $10. You can choose from 10 different options, including hot dogs, corndogs, a gyro, Italian beef, or a pork chop sandwich.

Each of these meals comes with a side of fries and a 12-ounce drink of your choice.

Aerial view of a colorful restaurant with outdoor seating, surrounded by trees and a parking lot on a sunny day. — Joey's Red Hots

If the value menu at Joey's Red Hots in Orland Park, Illinois, doesn't speak to you, don't worry -- there are tons of other options.

There are Mexican options, pasta options, and even barbecue ribs! The pasta menu alone looks incredible, with 14 different types of noodles to choose from, including a gluten-free option!

And if you're feeling like a pizza pie, you're at the right place because reviewers say the pizza is spectacular.

A hand lifts a slice of pepperoni pizza, with cheese stretching from the pie on a metal tray. — Joey's Red Hots/Facebook

Here you'll find three different pizza styles: Chicago-style thin crust, pan pizza, and stuffed pizza. And the fresh toppings? The options are seemingly endless.

A variety of gelato flavors in metal containers, including pistachio, vanilla, and chocolate drizzled with sauce. — Joey's Red Hots / Facebook

Another one of my favorite things about Joey's Red Hots in Orland Park, Illinois, is that you won't have to go somewhere else for dessert! This cute hot dog stand makes homemade gelato and Italian ice -- the perfect way to finish a hearty meal!

Joey's Red Hots has seven locations throughout the state of Illinois. The Orland Park spot is especially noteworthy because that town has a bit of unusual history. Twenty years ago, one of the most credible UFO sightings in the country happened here! You might want to bring along an instant camera, just in case. We hear UFOs don't show up too well on a camera phone.

What's your favorite place in Illinois to grab inexpensive eats? Tell us about it in the comments!

Food

Published Oct 18, 2024

The Off-The-Beaten-Path Restaurant in Illinois That Is Worth the Day Trip

This eatery in small-town Illinois is known for its delicious pub grub and welcoming atmosphere.

Published Oct 18, 2024

Written by

Jacki Mick

Do you remember Porky Pig from when you were a kid? Well, did you know that Porky Pig has a sidekick? His name is Gabby Goat, and he's easily irritated, which makes him a perfect foil for Porky Pig's mild-mannered shyness.

I didn't know he existed either until I researched this incredible off-the-beaten-path Illinois restaurant. While there doesn't seem to be a clear connection between Gabby Goat, the cartoon sidekick, and Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill in Effingham, Illinois, I learned a neat bit of trivia that I felt was worthy of sharing.

You're not here to read about cartoons, though, are you? You're here to learn about restaurants named Gabby Goat that are downright delicious, which make it a perfect cure for your rumbly tummy.

Your first stop at this Illinois pub should definitely be the bar. Gabby Goat has an impressive cocktail menu, featuring standards like an Old Fashioned or Paloma alongside house specialties like Bug Juice (mango vodka, cranberry juice, sour mix and club soda) and a G.O.A.T. Bucket (red berry, lemon, & mango vodka with pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and a full watermelon Red Bull - plus you get to keep the bucket!).

Three cocktails on a wooden table: a dark drink with a lime, a tall drink with a straw, and a light-colored martini. — Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill / Facebook

If cocktails aren't your thing, Gabby Goat has a robust beer program featuring a solid selection of local breweries and their own house brew, Fainting Goat Ale. This restaurant has thought of everyone, including the non-drinkers, with a thoughtful choice of non-alcoholic beers.

No matter what you're drinking, it'll go great with whatever appetizer you order. It would be a hard choice between Popcorn Catfish and Loaded Tots for this writer, for sure.

A bowl of creamy spinach dip topped with cheese, served with tortilla chips and a side of salsa. — Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill / Facebook

No matter which meal you're eating at Gabby Goat, be sure to check out the daily specials. If not, you might miss out on something tasty and unexpected!

Onto the main thoroughfare: Gabby Goat's Fried Green BLT is a fan favorite, and for good reason. This classic 'wich has perfectly cooked bacon, crisp lettuce, and delicious fried green tomatoes. As is true for all the items on this restaurant's specials menu, this sandwich is only served when tomatoes are at the peak of their freshness.

A toasted sandwich filled with lettuce, bacon, and pickles, held together with a toothpick, on a paper wrapper. — Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill / Facebook

Bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes... you know what else pairs well together? A hearty meal and indulgent dessert. Gabby Goat has several desserts to choose from... and that's not even taking into consideration their daily specials, which are always worth a try.

A slice of chocolate dessert topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce on a white plate. — Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill / Facebook

Getting here: Gabby Goat American Pub is located right in the middle of Illinois, making it a bit of a drive (about three hours give or take from either Chicago or Peoria) for many of us. But you know what? Sometimes a longer drive is worth it when the food is as good as it is at Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill. And luckily, Effingham has a lot of cool things to explore in addition to eating one of the best pub meals of you life!

If you're planning ahead, definitely try to head that way in December, where the town hosts a myriad of holiday events.

And in the immortal words of our pal Porky the Pig... That's all, folks!

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There’s Nothing Better Than This Mouthwatering Taco Trail In Illinois

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Dine for Less Than $10 a Person at This Iconic Hot Dog Spot in Illinois

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