Illinois is known for many different types of food, and it’s one of the things that puts us on the map. From pizza to sandwiches, these are the eight popular foods you always miss when you leave the state.
These iconic eats will always bring you back to the Prairie State. Scroll on for the top foods we don’t want to be without.
- Tenderloin sandwiches
Facebook/Airport Steak House Home of the Elephant Ear Tenderloin This iconic sandwich comes in many shapes and sizes but all are immaculate. These thin, breaded pork tenderloins are a Midwest classic that Illinois does best. When you come home, check out one of these 10 best tenderloin restaurants.
- Italian beef
Facebook/Al’s #1 Italian Beef Illinois’ high immigrant population gives us many unique eats that are incredibly good, and one is this hearty sandwich. Seasoned beef soaks in its own juices and is topped with peppers and other spices for a taste bud-tingling bite. All the best ones can be found at these 10 Italian beef restaurants.
- Fried fish
Facebook/The Pepper Mill Especially on Friday, this delicious meal is one of the most popular foods in the state. In Illinois, you don’t have to live near the water to enjoy incredible seafood. Make it a fish fry night at one of these nine amazing restaurants.
- Thin crust pizza
Facebook/Joe’s Pizza in Paris, IL. Illinois is home to many types of pizza, but there are three main ones. The first is thin crust. True Illinoisans know that a thin crust pizza out in the Land of Lincoln exceeds all expectations. Not everyone is into the thick stuff. Try a thin crust at one of these 16 best pizzerias.
- Deep-dish/stuffed pizza
Facebook/Pizano’s Pizza and Pasta Better known as a Chicago-style pizza, this thick pie is a hearty meal you have to prepare for. The pies take a long time to bake, giving your stomach ample time to get ready. No one can resist getting acquainted with this pizza when they come home to Illinois. Check out 10 pizza places that do deep dish best.
- Quad City-style pizza
Facebook/Saint Giuseppes Pizza Our final most popular type of pizza reins from the Quad City region, which we share with Iowa. This pizza is different than others because the cheese is baked on top of the toppings and then the pie is typically cut into strips. For the best of these crave-worthy pizzas, check out seven pizza restaurants with the best Quad City eats.
- Hot dogs
Facebook/Portillo’s Typically done the Chicago way, these hand-held meals are one of the most popular foods in the state. Hot dog stands can be found all over, and everyone does them a little bit differently. After a long trip out of state, get yourself to one of these 10 hot dog joints.
- Horseshoe sandwiches
Facebook/Honest Abe’s Tap and Grill We can’t forget the horseshoe. This is possibly the most iconic dish in the state. Its roots are in Springfield, unlike most of Illinois’ famous foods, which come from Chicago. This “sandwich” typically consists of a piece of meat (usually a hamburger patty) on a piece of toast that is then topped with fries and cheese. When you’ve got a hankerin’ for this meal, check out one of these nine quintessential Illinois restaurants.
For more iconic eats, check out these nine irresistible restaurants that define Illinois.
Facebook/Airport Steak House Home of the Elephant Ear Tenderloin
This iconic sandwich comes in many shapes and sizes but all are immaculate. These thin, breaded pork tenderloins are a Midwest classic that Illinois does best. When you come home, check out one of these 10 best tenderloin restaurants.
Facebook/Al’s #1 Italian Beef
Illinois’ high immigrant population gives us many unique eats that are incredibly good, and one is this hearty sandwich. Seasoned beef soaks in its own juices and is topped with peppers and other spices for a taste bud-tingling bite. All the best ones can be found at these 10 Italian beef restaurants.
Facebook/The Pepper Mill
Especially on Friday, this delicious meal is one of the most popular foods in the state. In Illinois, you don’t have to live near the water to enjoy incredible seafood. Make it a fish fry night at one of these nine amazing restaurants.
Facebook/Joe’s Pizza in Paris, IL.
Illinois is home to many types of pizza, but there are three main ones. The first is thin crust. True Illinoisans know that a thin crust pizza out in the Land of Lincoln exceeds all expectations. Not everyone is into the thick stuff. Try a thin crust at one of these 16 best pizzerias.
Facebook/Pizano’s Pizza and Pasta
Better known as a Chicago-style pizza, this thick pie is a hearty meal you have to prepare for. The pies take a long time to bake, giving your stomach ample time to get ready. No one can resist getting acquainted with this pizza when they come home to Illinois. Check out 10 pizza places that do deep dish best.
Facebook/Saint Giuseppes Pizza
Our final most popular type of pizza reins from the Quad City region, which we share with Iowa. This pizza is different than others because the cheese is baked on top of the toppings and then the pie is typically cut into strips. For the best of these crave-worthy pizzas, check out seven pizza restaurants with the best Quad City eats.
Facebook/Portillo’s
Typically done the Chicago way, these hand-held meals are one of the most popular foods in the state. Hot dog stands can be found all over, and everyone does them a little bit differently. After a long trip out of state, get yourself to one of these 10 hot dog joints.
Facebook/Honest Abe’s Tap and Grill
We can’t forget the horseshoe. This is possibly the most iconic dish in the state. Its roots are in Springfield, unlike most of Illinois’ famous foods, which come from Chicago. This “sandwich” typically consists of a piece of meat (usually a hamburger patty) on a piece of toast that is then topped with fries and cheese. When you’ve got a hankerin’ for this meal, check out one of these nine quintessential Illinois restaurants.
What other popular foods do you miss when you leave the state? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
