Like to thank Detect Dave for taking the time and trouble by taking one of our most popular threads Good Places to eat in SILO country, and compiling it along with google map locations, and links to each of the resturants we all mentioned.

Thanks Dave. Applause please....:D

SWEET! I know that's in a PDF format but is it possible that either you ro Dave can still add to it as other places are brought forth?

Very nice....I was worried about even starting that post since it wasn't about the outdoors but it looks like everyone loves to EAT and loves to share their best hometown spots!....keep em coming.....

I've got it in Word format here at home and will update it every couple of weeks or so as the hot spots come in.

I've got it in Word format here at home and will update it every couple of weeks or so as the hot spots come in.

Official Keeper of the SILO restaurant guide.:) Thanks again...

Since we are talking about resturants again have you tried the new KB BBQ in marion...
Kevin and Michelle Borum just opened it......It used to be Pulley's bbq which was out there since like 1900 lol......
it was out there forever and they finally built that new building next door!
Kb bbq used to be in goreville but burnt and is no longer open. The owners are really nice!
We went to the one in Goreville several times but only been to the new one once so far but the food was good and the service was fast as well..
I guess you could compare it to Triple E...it is right out by the fair grounds in marion on Main St.

Not a restaraunt but Arnold's Market on South 51 in Carbondale (actually Old South 51) has some awesome sandwiches on the menu at great prices, not to mention awesome sandwiches! Good place to grab one before you go out to the field or lake.

I've got it in Word format here at home and will update it every couple of weeks or so as the hot spots come in.

Hi Dave. I like what you've done with the list. Having the map links is a real plus.

I nominate DD for SILO member of the month.

I think he is only the 2nd member to get this coveted nomination. :D

Good work Dave.

I recall the 1st nomination, about 11 months ago I had one member... Flatlander.

Thanks Dave!
the maps are now imbeded in my brain for future "CHOW DOWN MANUVERS"

I was driving thru Freeburg tonight, and saw and remembered VALENTINES, dont know how i forgot that place, the steaks there are some of the best!

I recall the 1st nomination, about 11 months ago I had one member... Flatlander.

That makes it 3 then because I think I also nominated one other, dont recall who. :confused:

I'm honored...Thank ya!

Dave...my tummy thanks you for your hard work!!! and agree ...honors to you!!

For pizza lovers, you can't leave out Quatros in Carbondale and we also like Spinonis (in the old Murphy's building). It's very similar to IV's when they used to cook decent pizza. Spinonis doesn't burn the edges and leave the middle raw like IV's does now.

Quatros was mentioned before or I believe it was.......My hub and I would go there for lunch alot when we worked in C-dale. It was pretty good.....Isn't it like pizza salad and a drink for 6 or something.....I can't remember ....it's been a while...

Since I've been spending so much time at the duck club clubhouse remodeling a bathroom, I've been hitting the local spots for breakfast to include Dover Junction (Rte 146 @ 127) and JR's on the square in Jonesboro. Both have pretty reasonable breakfasts and served pretty quickly. Dover's owner said she always cooks her gravy up fresh regardless of when you stop in. Dover's has band or blugrass jam sesion on Saturday nights that has been bringing in some pretty good crowds. I'm usually elbowed up at the Revlon and singing karaoke (think fingernails scratching on blackboard..LOL) on Sat nites if I'm down there.

Just so you know, I've given out three copies of the guide since yesterday! LOL Maybe you should copyright it....and our libraian wants one for the library too...cause folks tend to stop in there for all kinds of information when they are passing through town...

Dave, have you tried Mary Lou's.....That is one of the top ones on my list for breakfast if you haven't try it...It is good.....Right over by the amtrak tracks in C-dale on the strip. Lunch is good too but they close at 2pm. Also they make all the pies homemade....give it a try sometime.I used to go there for lunch and miss it....Sometimes we still drive all the way over there to eat...It's the little shops that are the best!

I've been there a couple a years ago when I was helping CPD do an assessment center for their sergeants. I was directed up there by the patrol guys so I figured it had to be good ...and it was. I started salivating when I saw that huge file of hash browns w/ onions and green peppers being prepped on that big old grill Mmmmmm..w/ some good sausage gravy smothering it..Yeah Baby..I could barely stay awake the rest of the day..LOL

Grethchen, the way we're going, I may have to update twice a week..LOL
I'm a chowhound and a roadfood afficianado:)

I'm getting some pretty good reports on the red meat at the Hunters Hideaway in Tilden and Goodfellas (sp?) in Baldwin. Anybody have any input on either one? What about the family style dinners at the Trail of Tears Lodge off Reynoldsville Rd south of Ware?

Anyone around Carbondale been to Fujiyama the Japanese Steakhouse if so how was it ?

I saw that 17th Street Grill in Murphysboro was selected by Bon Apetit magazine as the best place in the US for BBQ ribs.

We just went to the one in Marion the other night, it was pretty good...I just love those pickles....they are such a mess to make yourself at home and as soon as I took them out of the grease they would disappear..lol....anyway, I think Mike has one several awards and opening up more stores.........it is amazing to see where he came from though........The new one up by STL looks like it used to be a german resturant or something.....have you all seen that?

.......The new one up by STL looks like it used to be a german resturant or something.....have you all seen that?

You mean the one in Fairview? I haven't been there yet. It used to be Super Smokers, (I miss them) and before that some sort of Beer Garden in a German motif...

Yea, in Fairview, It looked like a German Building......I figured something german was in there.......We went to Super Smokers the last time we went up and it was pretty good but all the way down by six flags......any other good places to eat at in STL? That is reasonable with good food? We gotta go back up Thurs.....

It's been through several evolutions. At one time it was a microbrewery. I'll have to try it though. We haven't been there since it was Super Smokers.

Ya gotta get over on the Hill. One of my reasonable fav's is Cunetto's House of Pasta. The salads are great, pasta and steaks are quite good, and my fav, the melanzanne fritti (ie: fried eggplnat w/ marinara to dip it in) is deelish!!!Tell Frank Cunetto I sent ya...Big Dave Fellows
http://www.cunetto.com/

For lunchtime sandwiches: Amighettti's (get the Amighetti Special)
http://www.amighettis.com/

To entertain the chillen's:
Crown Candy Kitchen (not the best part of time but it's a St. Louis icon:
www.crowncandykitchen.com

Another new fav of mine:
http://www.bluescitydeli.com/

The cunettos kinda reminds me of a place that we ate at in Nashville called DEMOS it was really good and cheap !!!! They give you like 10 different sauces to dip your bread ....I really liked the brown butter sauce...anyway if you are ever down there I would def. try Demo.............http://www.demosrestaurants.com/menu_dinner.cfm....
Now back to STL what about steakhouses? Any good ones up there? We been to the norm. like Lone Star , Outback and such.......We also already tried lottawatta creek or how ever you spell it and it was pretty nice for a change........I don't think we are gonna have the kids with us this trip, well see though...but next time I will have to take em to the crown candy kitchen.....lol. I heard about that but also heard it's in a bad neighborhood....Is that so?
Man, there was another little diner place I went up there with my bro one night and I can't remember the name of it for nuttin but it was really good too...It was kinda like a 50's resturant or something.....and I am sure it was somewhere pretty close to cardinal glennon because my dd was in the hospital then...who knows...I better shut up.....I am getting hungary again..lol.

If you want to try something out of the ordinary, there's a great Korean restaurant called KoBa (for Korean Barbecue) in Chesterfield. You take I-64 (or highway 40 as St. Louisans call it) west to Long Road. Go south to Edison Road, then turn east. Turn into the parking lot on your left before you get to the intersection. It looks a lot more expensive than it is.

Hey Dave... they're stackin up again.... LOL

Anyone around Carbondale been to Fujiyama the Japanese Steakhouse if so how was it ?




No one ?


http://www.thesouthern.com/sp_sections/story.php?pub_number=162&s=91






.

We have never been there, I am a picker eater but I am sure my hub would like.......We went to that one in paducah ky. called hanonaki.......they cook on a big grill with open flames right in the middle of the table.... The tables are big and sit like 10 people. The cook is on the other side..kinda like a card table on the boat...but the cheapest thing they have is 21.00 I believe...And it was hot as heck in there because of all the open flames at the tables..............also marion has a new asian place called sao asian bistro but we haven't been there yet....my aunt and uncle went and said they liked it though.......
Dave, you don't have to put all those ones in STL on the SOIL list.......I was just wondering for our trip....

I like Japanese food (lived there '86 - '93) but I go more for the regular foodf than the teppenyaki places. If you want some good Japanese food there's Nori on IL 157 in Edwardsville.

I was kind of wondering about adding them and then I figured...well this is a S. IL website so I will keep adding the SI ones and keep a separate tally of my own for the across the river ones too in case someone needs some 4-1-1, I will have it.

I like Japanese food (lived there '86 - '93) but I go more for the regular foodf than the teppenyaki places. If you want some good Japanese food there's Nori on IL 157 in Edwardsville.



Thats a drive for me.
I spent a year in Okinawa, 6 months at a time. :D
I keep hoping I will find a Japanese restaurant that has Red Horse, hasn't happened yet. LOL
They look at you kind of funny when you ask for it and yokisoba (sp).

I like that Yaki soba too. Fact is I just bought some soba noodles not too long ago w/ the intent to make some.

Here ya go buddy:
http://www.kundabev.com/imports.php#beerR

Thats a drive for me.
I spent a year in Okinawa, 6 months at a time. :D
I keep hoping I will find a Japanese restaurant that has Red Horse, hasn't happened yet. LOL
They look at you kind of funny when you ask for it and yokisoba (sp).

Isn't Red Horse from the Philippines? Maybe you're looking in the wrong places. As for yakisoba, I'm not sure if any of the Japanese restaurants in the area carry that. It's not that hard to make for yourself. I've seen yakisoba kits in most of the oriental stores in the area. They have the noodles and a seasoning packet. Cut yourself up some cooked meat and some veggies, usually cabbage and carrots, then stir fry according to the package directions.

Quatro's is legendary and definitely my choice for pizza. 17th street is always good, I've yet to find a better BBQ place. For Mexican, I like Tequila's in Harrisburg.

TKr have you been to montellios across from mackie's in harrisburg???? Hubs wanting to go over to Strictly outdoors and we were gonna try it?

Yeah, it's pretty good. I enjoyed the baked spaghetti and lasagna. The pizza isn't bad either. If you get an entree they bring out a decent size piece of focaccia bread, which is a nice appetizer.

Kewl, maybe well have to go this week and try it out.......I heard about it and then kinda forgot about it until we went to the Liberty Fest the other night and seen it again.......

and then I seen that bbq barn too , it's suppose to have some good down home cookin right?

Despite living in Harrisburg for several years, I've only eaten at the BBQ barn one time. I tried the BBQ sandwich, it was okay.. nothing to write home about.

For Mexican


There are 2 new Mexican restaurants in Eldorado.
One is next to KFC and the other is up town near the Chinese place.
The one next to KFC (on 45) is open but not sure if the other has opened yet or not.

We really didn't care for TEQ. in marion.....but some of my fam really like it so I guess everyones different. But I went and they didn't even know what an olive was?
I had to go through 3 employees then a manager to tell me they didn't have any green olives ???????????????????????

We really didn't care for TEQ. in marion.....but some of my fam really like it so I guess everyones different. But I went and they didn't even know what an olive was?
I had to go through 3 employees then a manager to tell me they didn't have any green olives ???????????????????????

If you would have told them in Spanish they would have known.

Maybe so.......still yet, they didn't have any:confused: .....and after I asked the first lady and she had no clue I said"That's ok nevermind" and they just kept on coming out one by one..........lol......

Hub, said the food don't have enough flavorings for his like...... but we use alot of spices and such so I don't know??? Could be just him...:rolleyes:

I've not tried the one in Marion but I do recall someone saying they thought the one in Hburg was better. I've experienced problems communicating with them too, though, and I know for a fact that quite a few of them are illegal.

Legal, illegal, whatever as long as the food's good.

The one in Eldorado (on 45) is called Los Reyes dont know what the other is called.
It is probably ran by the same people as Teq in Marion, Harrisburg and Carmi.

Anywhere else over there flat? tkr? We gotta keep detect dave busy....where is he anyway? in that blind?

Fujiama (sp) in C'dale is great. 17th Street ribs suck. If you want good ones, let me know, but don't tell Bird, cause I can't keep him away when I cook them.

Keep me away hell, you usually invite me!
By the way the deer sausage and brats out of your freezer were great, I guess I owe you some chicken wings in trade!

I was at Boddacious BBQ in Shreeveport, LA and had what they called a boatato. One of the largest baked potato's I've ever seen, stuffed with pulled pork smoked meat. And a couple of add ons. The meat had no sauce, it was at the table. I was wondering if anyone has seen anything like that around here?

That sounds delicious RoninSI. I haven't been to Shreveport since '83. I lived there in '76-'78 while stationed at Barksdale.

Inlaws were stationed there up until about 3 yrs ago. Bodacious was about 2 or 3 miles south of the base on Barksdale BLVD. Absolutely some of the best bbq I have ever had! So technicaly they were in Bossier but I read online they now have a restraunt in Shreeveport now.

Last night . I don't know what the name is of the place cause I didn't see a sign. The Catfish was very, very good. Its just up the road from Bottoms Up...

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t309/fabfive2001/newer%20stuff/Picture287.jpg



http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t309/fabfive2001/newer%20stuff/Picture284.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t309/fabfive2001/newer%20stuff/Picture285.jpg

That would be the Tin Barn in Jacob. Their asiago stuffed deep fried black olives are deelish! Their chili is pretty good too.

Yep that's the Tin Barn...Best place in the bottoms to watch the tractor parade! We start at Bottoms Up before the parade and then go there to shoot it...the folks there are always super nice in the summer and will soak my cooling vest in ice and water for me while we are there. Lovely Folks!

Marrisa Gardens Rest. I had lunch there yesterday and it kicked butt!!!!! The burger was just the way I liked it and served on chaboda bread. It s was served promply in a clean and friendly atmostphere. Its on the east side of town on rt 13 next to the IGA..

Drove by monday and saw the sign...wonder how the b'fast is?

I guess it's time for a website where to go update by DetectDave. Sorry it took so long.

Thanks Fun for the update...I had wondered how the new place there was. DDave another breakfast option is Ben's in Tilden...it'a small but good plain place.

Ok there is only one place around to get good Chinese and that is Full Moon House in Benton! Booya! Benton has one good restaurant.

Heres one of my Favorites in the Metro-East Area. It is on Rt. 157 in what they used to call the Camp Jackson area right near Bob Brockland Buick right to the west of I-255 in the town of Cahokia, its in the old Burger King building. Its called Klassic K Burger . They are across from Rally's and next to Autozone. They have a huge burger that is made from real meat not the prepressed pattys. If you like a old time burger you got to try this place!!!;):cool:

WoW!!!! This place is located in Harrisburg and has some great food , with big portions , for a great price. Its North of the center of town on Main (I think) about 5-6 block north on the east side of the street. I got some of their killer sauce.:cool:

A bit on the pricey side, but Gallagher's in Waterloo is by far my favorite place to eat.

For those of you up in the Highland area, Marx Brothers (right?). Ate there once and what a great burger.


And for Benton? What about Pop's? I get there for work occasionally and eat there for lunch when I can.

Walkers. Ziegler. Will say no more.

Well we went there and it was killer. If you wanna go out to eat and have a good home cooked meal then you need t try this one. We both had the beef rouloden and it was awesome. Treat yourself and try this place at least once, you will not be sorry. The food was excellent and the atmosphere and service made you feel right at home. I look forward to a return visit as soon as possible. :cool:

Quick question Fun...did the owner happen to be there? I've heard more than one story saying that folks experience there was great until his appearance and then things went down hill due to his treatment of staff and rudeness to customers as well. I have never personally been there to assess this for myself but have kind of avoided going there for that reason. Just wondering. A question for Bam too...was that Roemer Topf in Mascoutah where the lunch cost ya $50 or $60?

There was two younger men and one young lady that I seen. We went kinda early in the evening but everyone seemed nice enough to me. A "soup nazi" would have defiantly ruined the experience though. I would also be turned off if I would have to deal with someone like that and would probably never return.

Quick question Fun...did the owner happen to be there? I've heard more than one story saying that folks experience there was great until his appearance and then things went down hill due to his treatment of staff and rudeness to customers as well. I have never personally been there to assess this for myself but have kind of avoided going there for that reason. Just wondering. A question for Bam too...was that Roemer Topf in Mascoutah where the lunch cost ya $50 or $60?

NO.....we went there with life and mrs life but it was closed and they couldn't wait so we went to TONY's :D

NO.....we went there with life and mrs life but it was closed and they couldn't wait so we went to TONY's :D
And that $50 or $60 was for her whole tribe too.

Bam, I've heard Roemer Topf leaves a lot to be desired anyway, so were probably much better off going to Tony's.

Just an FYI - The Pioneer's Cabin in Carterville/Crainville has been sold and will be closing.. the original one in Willisville has not and is staying OPEN..

They were already closed when I went by the other day......they hired b's buddy's daughter and then a few days later told her she no longer had a job....I heard the sale fail thru or whatever...IDK for sure...:rolleyes:

From the Southern
Pioneers Cabin in Crainville closes
By John D. Homan, The Southern
Saturday, December 13, 2008 11:08 PM CST
CRAINVILLE - The recent purchase of the Pioneers Cabin restaurant in Crainville has resulted in the closing of that particular business. Former owner Dan Valerius will maintain his popular eatery in Willisville, but the new owner of the Crainville establishment, Larry Emery of Carterville, has turned over the reins to his wife, Diane, and her two good friends, Crystal Lukens and Susie Chrostoski of Herrin, who have formed a partnership and will manage three businesses at the facility.

Kindling Spirits, Foods and Florals is scheduled to open in February. Lukens and Chrostoski have been involved in decorating and catering for the last three years doing business as I Do & I Do Two. Although each of the women will play a key role in all facets of the operation, each will have specific responsibilities.

Lukens, for example, will oversee the catering business. Chrostoski will oversee florals and Emery (formerly Trombino) will oversee the liquor store.

"This is an equal partnership," Emery said. "We kind of envision this business as a one-stop shop. We can accommodate almost any special event or party."

Lukens said she went to school with Emery in Carterville and got to know Chrostoski through summer league ballgames in Herrin several years ago. Friendship drives the business.

"We talked about this concept for a long time," Lukens said. "We like to say that this is the spot where celebrations begin."

Chrostoski said she is "looking forward" to the challenges of business ownership.

"It's a big step, but I think we're ready for it," she said.

The three said collectively that what they are offering customers is a place to pick up lunch for work; order a birthday cake; have flowers sent to that special someone; or purchase a bottle of wine from one of Southern Illinois' many fine vineyards for dinner in the evening.

"Weddings are intended to be a happy event, but the planning and organization of the special day often takes its toll on both the bride and groom, as well as their families," Lukens said. "Kindling will offer planning, coordinating, catering, wedding cakes, grooms cakes, décor and florals for the event thru I Do & I Do Two. Brides can choose from any or all of the services housed in this one location."

Future plans include: in-house dining, take-out, plus an additional focus on the pick-up and take-home market. Diners will be able to choose from signature salads or choose their own toppings that range from fresh parmesan to goat cheese, a variety of peppers to sun dried tomatoes, and many other toppings that make salads both healthy and interesting.

There will be paninis, flatbread, subs and a variety of sandwich choices. Hot items will range from homemade soups to hot plates for the day such as lasagna, homemade ravioli, rosemary roast pork tenderloin and garlic mushroom grilled chicken. Special orders will be welcomed and encouraged.

In addition to the product and services, Kindling will work with local job placement organizations to hire dislocated workers, individuals with disabilities and seniors.

The catering side of the food business is not only holding up but growing. We deliver to several catering business's.
This downturn in the economy is shaking out the weak from the strong for sure.
National accounts are doing well and the mom/pop business's are a mix. As of Oct 31, our volume and sales are ahead of last year. The sales crew have been great picking up new accounts as some business's have fell to the wayside.
Support your local restaurant if they deserve it! It stop's that "domino effect".

a slight hijack sorry.. but as Swampman says.. support you local mom and pops.. screw Starbucks....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn3R7GSA0So

Besides McDonalds coffee is just as good! There independently owned in a majority of communities big and small.

I had a request from somebody on one of my food boards for a place to eat on the MS w/ a river view and I was hard pressed to think of somewhere on either side except for Grafton. Any thoughts? I thought abt the Captains Table but I'm not sure how good a view they have. Most of the spots in Cape have the river wall blocking the view.

Well Fort Kaskaskia is open again.. I think you meant a restaurant. But we was up there yesterday and was amazed at how many folks where there that brought a picnic basket and was sitting there watching the sun go down. Over the years i have seen several people doing that. Several folks just bring a bottle of wine and some cheese. How about Alton or Grafton?

Those 2 places were my only thoughts. Does the top floor of the Landmark havea decent view?

Do the riverboats have dining on deck?

Dave- the grand chain lodge is open overlooking the ohio. Has outdoor seating available with a full veiw of the river. Food is pretty good as well but the veiw takes the cake. They also house many of the SI wines. take tick rd off of 37 at grand chain and follow the signs!!

Dave,
The Go-To place up here is " The Happy Cow " 601 N. Main, Caseyville Ill.
Thats the very first place if you are going south into town on Ste.Rt.157. The burgers are said to be made from cows that die'd happy, and the onions are inside the burger!! open at 6:00 A.M. so if you are going the the convention center in collinsville good stop!! MJ

I've driven by there millions of times but never thought of stopping there to eat.

Thnaks for the heads up Mike. I've had many a lunch there...particularly the lunch specials and always found them to be good, homade, and tasty. Good meat loaf there and nice spicy waitresses.

Good meat loaf there and nice spicy waitresses.


JEEEZ Dave... you ate the waitresses???:p:eek:;)

Bob I would if I could get a chance. Lifestudent if you drop me a line would meet you there for lunch some time, I go 2-3 times a week. Old Man Mike

A gentleman never tells tales Bob. Particularly when he's found a new place to eat :)

JEEEZ Dave... you ate the waitresses???:p:eek:;)
I always knew Dave was rather omniverous.
Bob I would if I could get a chance. Lifestudent if you drop me a line would meet you there for lunch some time, I go 2-3 times a week. Old Man Mike
We'll have to do that Mike. Eat lunch and swap some lies...I mean fish stories.

I saw that 17th Street Grill in Murphysboro was selected by Bon Apetit magazine as the best place in the US for BBQ ribs.

I seen it on the travel channel. They had good things to say about it . I ate there once after fishing at kincaid, Had blue gills. They were good.

We were going to eat there once, but that hurricanado went through just after they took our drink orders, blew open the back door, and knocked out electricity for the whole city. We ate at the one in O'Fallon once though.