From weeknight regular dives to upscale, special-occasion dining, there are many unique restaurants in IL to have a meal for two or with the whole family. Be prepared for a flavor overload at these nine delicious restaurants that reign supreme.

1. White Pines Inn

Enjoy home-style cooking in a restaurant that is off the beaten path and best known for its buffets. Whether you dine in the log cabin-style interior or the forested outdoor patio, you'll have a lovely, down-home experience at this cool place to eat in IL. Learn more about what's in store for you at White Pines Inn.

2. Burger King

What began as an ice cream stand in the early 1900s is now best known for its burgers. The restaurant was made into an Illinois trademark in 1959 and has a rule that the chain Burger King cannot open a location within 25 miles of the original one in Illinois. Read up more on this

cool restaurant in IL.

3. Giant City Lodge

Nestled within the Shawnee National Forest, this restaurant has a bar, gift shop, and cabins for an overnight stay. This cool restaurant in IL serves up many home-style dishes but is best known for its fried chicken. Check out some additional information about

Giant City Lodge.

4. Heritage Prairie Farm

Forget deep dish! You can have an authentic Italian pizza right here in Illinois. This organic restaurant makes pizzas in a wood-fired oven and is only open for dinner from June through August. Visitors to this unique place to eat in IL dine at picnic tables outside.

Read more about what a visit to Heritage Prairie Farm entails.

5. Richards Farm

You can dine in an old barn that used to house livestock and grain. Today, it serves down-home dishes and even has a buffet. It is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and stands as one of the most unique restaurants in IL. Discover all you need to know about

Richards Farm.

6. Seasoning Bistro

Using fresh ingredients that support local farmers, this restaurant serves up hearty portions of classic dishes like burgers, steaks, and seafood. The atmosphere is small and intimate, so it is wise to call ahead to reserve your table at this cool place to eat in IL.

Learn more about why you need to dine at Seasoning Bistro.

7. White Fence Farm

This working farm is best known for its world famous fried chicken. It is pressure cooked and then flash fried for the perfect texture inside and out. Make sure you check out this cool restaurant in IL if you are ever in the area! Read more about White Fence Farm.

8. Alinea

This restaurant offers a dining experience complete with upscale, modern dishes that combine science with art. It is often named the world's best restaurant and guests must secure tickets (rather than reservations) to attend a meal here. Meals at this unique place to eat in IL typically last three to four hours. Get more details on what it's like to eat at Alinea.

9. Ivy

In downtown Wheaton, patrons of this restaurant dine in an old chapel that still has its original arched design and stained-glass windows. The outdoor patio is covered in ivy and many enjoy holiday and wedding parties at this unique restaurant in IL. Read up further on Ivy.

Which of these unique restaurants in IL do you love most? Share your thoughts with us below!

For more great places to eat, check out these 11 lunch date restaurants in Illinois.