Location: Carbondale
Top Restaurants in Carbondale
Most Popular American food in Carbondale, Illinois, United States
Reviews on American food in Carbondale, Illinois, United States. Carbondale is a city in Jackson County, Illinois, United States, within the Southern Illinois region informally known as "Little Egypt." The city developed from 1853 because of the stimulation of railroad construction into the area. Today the major roadways of Illinois Route 13 and U.S. Route 51 intersect in the city. The city is 96 miles (154 km) southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, on the northern edge of the Shawnee National Forest. Carbondale is the home of the main campus of Southern Illinois University.
Things to do in Carbondale
10. Flame Grill & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 108 reviews
Since opening in January 2014, Flame has quickly become one of Carbondaleâs most highly regarded, and hugely popular dining destination spots. At Flame, talent, expertise and a passion for great food combine to produce a captivating dining experience. We
Reviewed By PapaTumbleweed
Ate here with my wife and another couple on a Thursday evening 5:30 pm It was not crowded we sat outside. The outside atmosphere is nice we all had cocktails mine was bourbon neat my pours were very small and $8.75 each I doubt they were Evan an ounce It took a little more than an hour to get our food which is way too long. I had fried catfish, it was not hot at all it was room temperature it was very chewy almost like jerky it tasted like it was cooked the day before, and reheated in a microwave and then let set out to get to room temperature. I can honestly say it was the worst fried catfish that I have ever had hands down. My wife had smothered chicken the potatoes looked burnt with 2 glasses of wine me two bourbons and catfish jerky and our bill was $78 not counting the tip. The server was nice but an hour to get our food give me a break. I have eaten here probably 8 times and it was ok but this time terrible. I will not return to this place again. Thank you for your feedback. It helps us improve. I'm very sorry you had a poor experience. We do pour 1.5 oz drinks and they are priced accordingly. $8.75 is our most expensive bourbon which mean you would have had Blanton's, Blade and Bow or Woodford. Wines by the glass are $6, $8 or $10 depending on which one you've ordered.I agree the food taking an hour is way out of line. The catfish is one of our most popular selling items. Some people order their catfish extra well done (believe it or not that's very common) and sounds like that maybe the wrong order went out to you. I wish you would have said something to your server as we could have made this right with you before you left and prevented negative feedback. We want everyone to have a great dining experience and will fix any problem if you let us know.I hope after eating here nine times and just one of those times was bad, you might would give us another chance. We sure hope so. Again so sorry this happened. Thanks for your feedback it's greatly appreciated.
9. Underground Barrel Room and Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Bankerwilly
The Underground, provides a great selection of creative delicious menu items. The bar offers an incredible range of cocktails. The staff is incredibly friendly and great this place has a great atmosphere! They even utilize local sources and create wonderful dishes. Highly recommend!
8. Bandanas BBQ
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By Dr_Xaos
Stopped at Bandanaâs BBQ for dinner while visiting Carbondale for business. Visit was in the later evening, so place was occupied but not very busy at that time. Was seated almost immediately, and server was quick to stop at table to take drink order. Server was also very friendly and helpful with explaining some of the menu options, which was appreciated with this being my first visit.Food arrived rather quickly, and everything was fresh and hot. I got the BBQ beef and pork dinner, and both meats were very tender and flavorful. I had the green beans and potato for the two sides, which were also very good. Place prides themselves on using a dry rub so you enjoy the taste of the cooked meat versus a sauce, and they do a good job at that. There are sauces available on the table, which is nice to add some flavors, while allowing you to control the amount.Prices are reasonable for what the quality of what you got. Portions are decent sized as well, although Iâll admit that I would have liked a bit more of the beek/pork. There is a combo option that would have been a bigger amount (versus the smaller dinner and even smaller lunch options), so I might have to remember that for the next visit. That being said, it speaks well to a place that you want more of what they serve.
7. Fat Bottom Betty's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 143 reviews
Wood Fired Pizza, Pasta & Spirits.
Reviewed By bufordshighway
I make semi-annual trips to Carbondale, this was my first time eating at Fat Bottom Bettys. I was there on a Thursday night, first night of baseball playoffs. I had the Thursday night lasagna special at $9.99, plus an extra $1 for the caesar salad. Both were large portions of well made food. I especially liked that they had both sweet and usweet iced tea, all the other places in town were unsweet only. The place was clean, the service was prompt. The bartenders and servers were friendly. My phone had suggested I eat there, and told me it was nearby. The building color is dark and the signage is minimal. I was in the hotel for a day before I saw the place. I said locals at the top, but there were no speical events in town so I suspect locals were everywhere. I did not see any guests from the two nearby hotels.
6. Sunny Street Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By gemcdowell
Stumbled upon the Sunny Street Cafe after our first restaurant plan got foiled. And we are so glad we ended up here! I couldn't decide between breakfast or lunch but ordered a turkey club and french onion soup. The prices were very reasonable, friendly servers, cute diner-like atmosphere. I really want to come back for breakfast. Delicious!
5. Mary Lou's Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Jon W
Itâs a great place for a good and affordable breakfast. Itâs actually too much food for me. The atmosphere has that local greasy spoon feel, but the place appears very clean and Iâve always had cheerful, professional service here. I like it better than Harbaughs, which gets consistently high ratinngs on this site the result of aggressive campaigning for customers to give them five stars.
4. Fat Patties
Overall Ratings
4 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Linda F
Order at the window, take a seat, and the waitress will deliver your meal to your table. The food arrived quickly and hot. This is a laid back place to eat without a lot of fancy tables, décor, or serving items. But itâs clean and well organized.The important point here is the food. Burgers were clearly made on site and prepared with the correct care for making each type of sandwich special. Shoestring potatoes were $1 extra â well worth the price. They also serve beer and have a serve yourself soda machine.
3. Paglias Pizza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By karenmh80
Best pizza and pasta in Carbondale! My parents used to go on dates here in the 70âs and I went to school here in the 1999-2003- Just visited passing through on way to Chicago- same pizza and pasta! Clean, fast and friendly! Always a stop on our road trips! Go! You must!
2. Longbranch Cafe & Bakery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By happyfamilyMacomb_Il
What a find! Great atmosphere(indoors and outdoor patio), friendly and welcoming staff, and amazing food. Showed up on "Falafel Friday" and it did not disappoint. In town visiting our son, and loved it so much, went back Sunday for breakfast (and we aren't even vegetarians, so don't let that fool you from getting a hearty meal). The portions are large. So wonderfully fresh (from the farm) and don't miss the desserts. YUM! After your meal, pop two doors down to the market.
1. Harbaugh's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By Tammy K
Didn't feel like breakfast at the holiday inn so ventured in here and was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality and good food and great prices. Also, the fritata was so large i could only eat half and took the rest home for lunch. Delicious!
