From Burbank, Chicago, Norridge and beyond, Illinois has sent a steady stream of restaurants to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives over the years. We gathered the spots Guy Fieri has featured across the state, kept the ones still open and still beloved, and ranked the top 20 by how much diners actually love them. Consider it your Illinois road-trip eating list.

1. Little Goat Diner (Chicago)

Seafood, Breakfast, Dessert · $$ · 4.7★ (9,902 Google reviews)

Little Goat Diner earned its spot on the show for fresh seafood that regulars rave about, and the 4.7-star average from 9,902 reviewers backs it up.

Featured on Triple D: Season 40, Episode 14 — “Seafood and Comfort” (January 24, 2025)
Address: 3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: +1 773-819-7673
Website: littlegoatchicago.com
See the full Little Goat Diner listing →

2. Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen (Chicago)

Sandwich · $$ · 4.5★ (4,542 Google reviews)

Known for over-stuffed sandwiches, Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen still draws a crowd — a 4.5-star rating from 4,542 diners says the hype is real.

Featured on Triple D: Season 28, Episode 17 — “Tasty Traditions” (August 10, 2018)
Address: 1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1 312-939-2855
Website: www.mannysdeli.com
See the full Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen listing →

3. Smoque (Chicago)

BBQ · $$ · 4.6★ (4,438 Google reviews)

The low-and-slow barbecue at Smoque clearly stuck around: it holds a 4.6-star rating across 4,438 Google reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 2, Episode 6 — “Real Deal BBQ” (November 5, 2007)
Address: 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Phone: +1 773-545-7427
Website: www.smoquebbq.com
See the full Smoque listing →

4. Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket (Willowbrook)

Chicken · $$ · 4.5★ (3,543 Google reviews)

Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket is one of the area’s go-to spots for fried chicken, with a strong 4.5 stars from 3,543 reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 5, Episode 9 — “Return to Route 66” (February 2, 2009)
Address: 645 Joliet Rd, Willowbrook, IL 60527
Phone: +1 630-325-0780
Website: www.chickenbasket.com
See the full Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket listing →

5. Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café (Burbank)

BBQ, Southern, Cajun · $$ · 4.4★ (3,276 Google reviews)

A longtime local favorite for low-and-slow barbecue, Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café keeps a 4.4-star rating across 3,276 Google reviews — proof the love didn’t fade after the cameras left.

Featured on Triple D: Season 12, Episode 10 — “Global Comfort” (October 24, 2011)
Address: 6501 W 79th St, Burbank, IL 60459
Phone: +1 708-229-8700
Website: www.chuckscafe.com
See the full Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café listing →

6. The Original Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria (Chicago)

Italian, Pizza · $ · 4.4★ (3,074 Google reviews)

The Original Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria earned its spot on the show for Italian comfort food that regulars rave about, and the 4.4-star average from 3,074 reviewers backs it up.

Featured on Triple D: Season 5, Episode 6 — “Something from Everywhere” (January 12, 2009)
Address: 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652
Phone: +1 773-735-2050
Website: vitoandnicks.com
See the full The Original Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria listing →

7. Charlie Parker’s (Springfield)

Breakfast · $ · 4.6★ (2,710 Google reviews)

Known for a knockout breakfast, Charlie Parker’s still draws a crowd — a 4.6-star rating from 2,710 diners says the hype is real.

Featured on Triple D: Season 3, Episode 3 — “Regional Favorites” (March 24, 2008)
Address: 700 W North St, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: +1 217-241-2104
Website: www.charlieparkersdiner.net
See the full Charlie Parker’s listing →

8. DMK Burger Bar (Chicago)

American, Burger, Sandwich · $$ · 4.5★ (2,245 Google reviews)

The American classics at DMK Burger Bar clearly stuck around: it holds a 4.5-star rating across 2,245 Google reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 12, Episode 9 — “Slammin' Sammies” (October 17, 2011)
Address: 2954 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: +1 773-360-8686
Website: dmkburgerbar.com
See the full DMK Burger Bar listing →

9. Del Seoul (Chicago)

Asian · $ · 4.7★ (2,192 Google reviews)

Del Seoul is one of the area’s go-to spots for bold Asian flavors, with a strong 4.7 stars from 2,192 reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 28, Episode 18 — “Far East Flavorfest” (August 31, 2018)
Address: 2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: +1 773-248-4227
Website: delseoul.com
See the full Del Seoul listing →

10. La Scarola (Chicago)

Mexican, Italian · $$ · 4.6★ (2,096 Google reviews)

A longtime local favorite for Mexican plates, La Scarola keeps a 4.6-star rating across 2,096 Google reviews — proof the love didn’t fade after the cameras left.

Featured on Triple D: Season 34, Episode 3 — “Takeout: All Over the Menu” (June 4, 2021)
Address: 721 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 312-243-1740
Website: www.lascarola.com
See the full La Scarola listing →

11. Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap (Chicago)

Italian · $$ · 4.6★ (1,451 Google reviews)

Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap earned its spot on the show for Italian comfort food that regulars rave about, and the 4.6-star average from 1,451 reviewers backs it up.

Featured on Triple D (2 times):
• Season 5, Episode 8 — “Just Like Yesterday” (January 26, 2009)
• Season 27, Episode 11 — “All in the Family” (October 27, 2017)
Address: 1073 W Vernon Park Pl, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1 312-733-3393
Website: sites.google.com/site/tufanosrestaurant
See the full Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap listing →

12. Tre Kronor (Chicago)

Breakfast · $$ · 4.6★ (1,434 Google reviews)

Known for a knockout breakfast, Tre Kronor still draws a crowd — a 4.6-star rating from 1,434 diners says the hype is real.

Featured on Triple D: Season 7, Episode 4 — “Global Grub” (August 24, 2009)
Address: 3258 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: +1 773-267-9888
Website: swedishbistro.com
See the full Tre Kronor listing →

13. Taste of Peru (Chicago)

Mexican · $$ · 4.4★ (1,240 Google reviews)

The Mexican plates at Taste of Peru clearly stuck around: it holds a 4.4-star rating across 1,240 Google reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 8, Episode 5 — “Home And Away” (February 1, 2010)
Address: 6545 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
Phone: +1 773-381-4540
Website: www.tasteofperu.com
See the full Taste of Peru listing →

14. Bites Asian Kitchen + Bar (Chicago)

Asian · $$ · 4.6★ (1,101 Google reviews)

Bites Asian Kitchen + Bar is one of the area’s go-to spots for bold Asian flavors, with a strong 4.6 stars from 1,101 reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 40, Episode 15 — “World Tour of Flavor” (February 14, 2025)
Address: 3313 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: +1 773-270-5972
Website: biteskitchen.com
See the full Bites Asian Kitchen + Bar listing →

15. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe (Chicago)

American, Mexican, Sandwich · $ · 4.5★ (892 Google reviews)

A longtime local favorite for American classics, 90 Miles Cuban Cafe keeps a 4.5-star rating across 892 Google reviews — proof the love didn’t fade after the cameras left.

Featured on Triple D (2 times):
• Season 15, Episode 3 — “Savory Standouts” (August 19, 2012)
• Season 19, Episode 14 — “Crazy for Chicken” (April 18, 2014)
Address: 2925 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: +1 773-654-3075
Website: mimastoc.com/utm_sourcegoogle
See the full 90 Miles Cuban Cafe listing →

16. Garifuna Flava (Chicago)

American, Mexican, Seafood, Chicken · $$ · 4.5★ (851 Google reviews)

Garifuna Flava earned its spot on the show for American classics that regulars rave about, and the 4.5-star average from 851 reviewers backs it up.

Featured on Triple D: Season 12, Episode 3 — “You Can Only Get It Here” (May 23, 2011)
Address: 2518 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60629
Phone: +1 773-776-7440
Website: www.garifunaflava.net
See the full Garifuna Flava listing →

17. Rex Italian Foods (Norridge)

Italian, Sandwich · $ · 4.6★ (844 Google reviews)

Known for Italian comfort food, Rex Italian Foods still draws a crowd — a 4.6-star rating from 844 diners says the hype is real.

Featured on Triple D: Season 15, Episode 1 — “Unconventional Comforts” (August 5, 2012)
Address: 4431 N Harlem Ave, Norridge, IL 60706
Phone: +1 708-457-0177
Website: rexitalianfoods.com
See the full Rex Italian Foods listing →

18. Chilam Balam (Chicago)

Mexican · $$ · 4.5★ (725 Google reviews)

The Mexican plates at Chilam Balam clearly stuck around: it holds a 4.5-star rating across 725 Google reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 12, Episode 7 — “Homemade & Homebrewed” (October 3, 2011)
Address: 3023 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: +1 773-296-6901
Website: www.chilambalamchicago.com
See the full Chilam Balam listing →

19. Monster Ramen (Chicago)

Asian · $$ · 4.5★ (514 Google reviews)

Monster Ramen is one of the area’s go-to spots for bold Asian flavors, with a strong 4.5 stars from 514 reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 41, Episode 3 — “Sauerkraut, Shoyu and Shank” (March 7, 2025)
Address: 3435 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: +1 773-770-9049
Website: monsterramenchicago.com
See the full Monster Ramen listing →

20. Sfera Sicilian Street Food (Chicago)

Italian, Sandwich · $$ · 4.8★ (485 Google reviews)

A longtime local favorite for Italian comfort food, Sfera Sicilian Street Food keeps a 4.8-star rating across 485 Google reviews — proof the love didn’t fade after the cameras left.

Featured on Triple D: Season 41, Episode 4 — “African, Sicilian and Sandwiches” (March 14, 2025)
Address: 5759 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Phone: +1 773-739-9128
Website: www.sferachicago.com
See the full Sfera Sicilian Street Food listing →