Location: Decatur
Top Restaurants in Decatur
Decatur Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Decatur
Decatur /dəˈkeɪtər/ is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city was founded in 1829 and is along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2016, the city's estimated population was 72,706.
Things to do in Decatur
1. Krekel's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By Gary S - Decatur, Illinois
Sure ice cream is fine, but there's nothing special about the food that warrants a number one rating.
Better food at every lower rated establishment.
It's not that the food is terrible, it's just not remarkable.
I keep hoping it will be better each time I try It, but it's just not.
It must be that it's been around for a long time..... with mediocre food.
2. Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe Inc.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe features preservative-free baked goods with a European flair, including quiche, tarts, baklava, and more. Gourmet beverages include a full espresso bar, Marquis coffee, Dr. Smoothie smoothies, frappes, and a variety of hot and iced teas. Scratch made soups, sandwiches, and salads.
Reviewed By Asb37 - Decatur, Illinois
I was not impressed. The food was ok, service terrible, being my first time the atmosphere was cool, but that was it.
3. Sol Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
At Paco's Sol Bistro, we believe that every new day provides a reason to celebrate. We believe that sharing something in common is the derivative of true friendship. We believe that taste buds spark the most creative of ideas, and that our favorite experiences in life are evoked while dining. Paco's Sol Bistro invites you to share your experiences with us, and in return, we'll prepare for you a made-from-scratch meal and a few cocktails to complement the conversation.
Reviewed By erica_gen1 - Bloomington, Illinois
Stopped by Paco’s with my husband around 5:30 on Wednesday evening. Had such a great experience here. We were seated right away when we entered.
Service: The service here was fantastic. Everyone from the hostess to our waitress was so incredibly friendly and prompt. Can’t get better service than this.
Food: I loved everything we had. We started with the complimentary Jalapeño Corn Muffins which were so delicious. For an appetizer we had the Guacamole and Chips which were equally delicious. For my main dish, I had the Chicken Wrap with Sweet Potato Fries. The chicken wrap was good but the sweet potato fries were outstanding. One of the best I’ve ever had. My husband also really like his signature tacos.
If you’re in the area, you need to come here! Every minute spent here way great!
4. The Gin Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By OnTheG03 - Illinois
This was our first time visiting this restaurant, and we enjoyed a nice birthday celebration meal with some friends. The Chicken Cordon Bleu was fantastic, and the portion size was such that I was able to enjoy the leftovers the next day for lunch. Members of our party also sampled the pork chop and strip steak and said they were both delicious. Our server checked on us frequently but wasn't intrusive. We had a very enjoyable time here.
5. Taproot Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By TaraLynn74 - Decatur, Illinois
The calamari was amazing!! Fried perfectly and very tender.
I ordered the cast iron truffle filet. It was just OK. The fillet was a little on the dry side, but the corn risotto cakes were good. My husband got the drunken pork chops and he said they were just OK as well.
We sat at the bar because all of the tables were full. Service was very slow! We sat down before 7:30 and didn't get out until after 9:00. This was just to eat our appetizer and dinner.
For the price, I was really expecting more WOW from the food. The restaurant itself is a very nice place, I love the historic look and feel.
I'm submitting this as my first experience because first impressions are everything. However. I'm not going to write this off as a place I'll never go back to. I would like to give it another try. If my review changes after the 2nd one, I will re submit an update. Until next time....
6. Coney Mckanes American Eatery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By Deggto
We had chicken nachos for an appetizer which were excellent. My son loved his dinner salad, my wife liked the salmon and I enjoyed the chicken stir fry. We had strawberry and strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert which were both awesome
Very enjoyable meal w good service and a delightful atmosphere
7. Beach House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Glad I found this place. decaturbeachhouse.com
Reviewed By D. M - Saint Louis, Missouri
During the Millikin U. Family weekend (Sept. 15-17), my wife, Freshman daughter and I enjoyed a wonderful early evening dinner at the Beach House. (We did make advance reservations about 5 days in advance... highly recommended for your preferred seating time.) We didn't choose the outdoor seating deck (too hot), but enjoyed our meal indoors. Nevertheless, our view of Lake Decatur, various docked boats, and flocks of water fowl added ambiance to our dining experience (as did the High School Homecoming couples in brightly-colored dresses & sharp suits). A wide menu selection allowed us to choose from an impressive list of appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees. (Appetizers & Salads were under $10, sandwiches ranged from $8-13, and dinner entrees ranged from $13 to $28.) We enjoyed the spinach & artichoke dip (w/ River Chips) appetizer, followed by the almond-crusted sea bass, Bayou shrimp sandwich, and pretzel-encrusted chicken entrees. Our server was very friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive (we received at least 3-4 drink refills). The dinner rolls were fresh-baked, hot, and delicious. We highly recommend the Beach House for an unforgettable water-front Decatur dining experience.
8. El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By BelikinBeer - Bradenton, Florida
I guess this is where folks from Decatur go for Mexican cuisine. They were full and bustling. The staff was extremely fast. We had our cervezas quickly and the salsa and tortilla chips were all on our table within 2-3 minutes. Our food was equally fast and sizzling hot. What they slightly slipped up on is bringing the complete meal together. Part of my colleagues dinner showed up about 5-6 minutes after the other dishes. Beer is cold and food is good.
9. The Wharf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Phone number of restaurant is 217-423-5450. Lunch & Dinner Menu. Easy to find doing a Google search. Thanks!
Reviewed By Brenda W - Decatur, Illinois
My hubby and I wanted good sandwiches and fries for carry out lunch. I was in South Shores, so The Wharf popped into my mind. My hubby got the walleye sandwich and fries. I got their Reuben and sweet potato fries. We both only ate half our sandwiches and fries, so we have enough for another good meal tomorrow! I called the order in from downtown Decatur, and by the time I arrived, it was ready. Great food, great service, but a little on the pricier side (around $10.00 for each of us).
10. Anna Thai Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Colin C - Ashtead, United Kingdom
Visited Anna Thai whilst on business trip to Decatur. Compared to other Thai's elsewhere Anna is no better than average.
There was a smell of stale or burnt food as you entered the restaurant. The staff were friendly and the tables quite well spaced.
The food was below the standard of many pub based Thai's in England.
There was also a lack of chilli heat in the green curry. They have a four stage chilli scale but the level 2 was hardly spicy at all. I also has the hot and sour soup, Tom Yum, which was tasty but again not very hot.
