Illinois is famous for some fancy, award-winning restaurants. But some of our best food comes from places that are, well, far from ordinary. But they are all absolutely mouthwatering! Read on to see pictures of some stellar food from some unique restaurants in Illinois:

1. Blind Faith Cafe (Evanston)

Believe it or not, that's a vegetarian BBQ sandwich you're looking at. This cafe has been doing global-inspired, vegetarian food since the seventies. And it's awesome. This place will satisfy even the biggest carnivores.

If you're looking for a cool restaurant in Illinois, look no further than the Blind Faith Cafe.

2. Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket (Willowbrook)

You wouldn't think that the best fried chicken in Illinois would be in a suburb, but it is! They've been serving mouth-watering chicken on Route 66 since 1946. You have to check this place out if you haven't already.

It's definitely one of the best restaurants in Illinois!

3. Nesler's Polar Whip (Herrin)

This place might not look like much, but the flat, juicy burgers have led many a guest to eat five in a sitting. The decor may mislead you, but this is one of the most unique restaurants in Illinois. The burgers are practically famous!

4. Bang Bang Pie & BIscuits (Chicago)

It's not your mama's pie. They have some of the more traditional sweet pies. But then they have some awesome savory ones, too. Like an avocado pie. Delicious. One of the more unique dining experiences in Illinois, but absolutely unforgettable!

5. Blue Springs Cafe (Highland)

This great cafe serves some absolutely amazing pies, too. But they also serve your traditional down home fare. Everything is great. Did someone say delicious? It's got our vote for one of the best restaurants in Illinois.

6. BIG and little's (Chicago)

This small dive is serving up some huge flavors, like with this epic blue cheese burger. They have a few locations to meet your cravings.

And their fries are pretty legendary, too, marking their spot as one of the coolest restaurants in Illinois.

7. 17th Street Barbecue (Murphysboro)

One of the nation's best barbecue places...in Illinois? Located near the very bottom of the state, 17th Street has become internationally renowned for their meats.

It's no surprise this great spot makes our list of most unique restaurants in Ilinois.

8. Abreo (Rockford)

This place is as sophisticated as you'd expect to find in River North, Chicago. It's a fantastic wine bar with delectable small plates. The menu changes depending on the season. It's a gorgeous place to take someone special!

9. Gene & Jude's (Chicago)

It's not complicated. Or fancy. It's just darn good. Get your dog with fries piled on TOP. Not just one of the best restaurants in Illinios, but one of the most iconic, too.

10. Basil's Greek Dining (Aurora)

Who knew some of the best Greek food wasn't in Greektown but was instead in a suburb? Yes, it's at Basils, a fantastic restaurant that has phenomenal Greek food perfectly paired with wines. You can't go wrong here!

11. One World Cafe (Peoria)

On the outside, this place looks like a coffee shop. But they are serving up some superb food, like the sandwich pictured here. You can definitely get a baked good and coffee, but you'll be plenty satisfied if you get lunch here. We love this unique restaurant in Illinois.

12. D'Arcy's Pint (Springfield)

If you're from Northern Illinois, chances are you don't know what a horseshoe is. Well, that's a horseshoe. You're welcome. D'Arcy's does one of the best horseshoes around these parts. But they also put out some pretty refined plates. Check them out.

This Irish Pub is one of the most unique dining experiences in Illinois.

13. R-Place Family Eatery (Morris)

This restaurant has been a haven for truck drivers since 1967, but it's not your usual truck stop fare. The interior of the restaurant is a little quirky, including a puppet show for children. The bakery is really the star of the show here. It's so good, people have this at their weddings.

One of the cool restaurants in Illinois that you can't miss.

14. Blue Sky Vineyard (Makanda)

There's a wonderful vineyard in Southern Illinois? What?! Yes, Blue Sky Vineyard offers their wines in a romantic setting. But they also serve some great food, like this dish seen here with a chocolate port sauce. This place is gorgeous, and easily takes home one of the title of best restaurants in Illinois.

What's your favorite place to eat in Illinois? Did it make this list of unique restaurants in Illinois? Let us know in the comments.

Looking for more great places to dine? Check out these train-themed restaurants in Ilinois that everyone will love!