15 Best Restaurants in Decatur, IL

Blake Walsh

Jul 16, 2023 • 12 min read

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and explore the best restaurants in Decatur, Illinois!

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How this article was written: Our team first analyzed the scores and feedback across major platforms like Google Maps, Yelp, and Trip Advisor, considering not only the ratings but also the consistency of positive feedback. Following this, we conducted interviews with over 30 local residents who have been to these restaurants to gather authentic, first-hand experiences. You can read more about our research process here.

While this list showcases some remarkable restaurants, it's important to note there are many other exceptional dining establishments in Decatur that are not featured here. Our aim is not just to guide you to popular eateries but to encourage you to venture out and experience the city's diverse culinary landscape for yourself.

Robbie's Restaurant

One of my favorite spots to grab a bite to eat in town is definitely Robbie's Restaurant.

The casual, old-school atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal with friends or family.

I've been going there for years, and it never disappoints.

The American bar and eatery offer a variety of delicious options, from burgers and sandwiches to thin-crust pizzas.

I personally love their Beefeater Salad, which I recently tried based on a friend's recommendation.

It was absolutely delicious!

La Gondola Spaghetti House North

One of my favorite places to grab a delicious, comforting meal in town is La Gondola Spaghetti House North.

I've been going there for years, and it never disappoints.

Their spaghetti is top-notch, and the garlic bread is to die for.

Sometimes, I like to switch it up and get one of their sub sandwiches, which are always fantastic as well.

The service at La Gondola is always fast, even when they're busy, which is quite often.

I remember one time when I ordered a large amount of spaghetti for a company lunch; it was ready in no time, and everyone at the office loved it!

None of it went to waste, which is always a good sign.

I also appreciate their family specials, which allow me to feed my big family for a cheaper price than fast food.

When we get sandwiches to-go, he suggests putting the lettuce on the side so that our sandwiches stay fresh and maintain their quality by the time we get back home.

Taqueria La Perlita

I absolutely love going to Taqueria La Perlita for a quick and delicious meal.

I remember my first visit there, the food was amazing, and the tacos were out of this world.

A nice touch was their ice cream and the interesting conversation about the cactus plants out front.

Since that first experience, I have been to Taqueria La Perlita quite a few times, sometimes even two days in a row!

The authentic Mexican food is simply irresistible, especially the lengua burrito.

The service remains excellent, and their salsa is one of the best I've ever tasted.

It feels like being treated to a home-cooked meal every time I visit.

Debbie's Diner

One of my favorite spots to grab breakfast in town is Debbie's Diner.

The diner is located here and has that quintessential small-town charm that I absolutely love.

They made me feel right at home, and I quickly became a regular.

The service is just as great as the food, and I've never been disappointed by a meal here.

My go-to order is their classic scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast, but I've also heard amazing things about their pancakes and omelets.

One thing I really appreciate about Debbie's Diner is the sense of community it fosters.

The "regulars" are always welcoming and engaging, making for a delightful morning experience.

Door 4 Brewing Co.

One of my favorite places to unwind in Decatur is Door 4 Brewing Co.

I remember going there for Sunday brunch with my family, and we all had a fantastic time.

The bloody Mary I tried was genuinely delicious, and the beers were great too.

My partner and daughter enjoyed their mimosas, and we all loved the food.

What really stood out, though, was the live music, which just added to the already cool environment.

They have a fantastic tap selection great ambiance, and the food is nothing short of excellent.

On top of all that, they regularly have live music, making it a great chill spot for locals and visitors alike.

I have to mention that the place can get pretty busy sometimes, especially when there's live music.

But despite the crowd, it's still a fun place to spend some quality time with friends and family.

It's also animal friendly, so don't hesitate to bring your furry friends along!

Smack'n Tacos

I remember the first time I tried Smack'n Tacos.

I was searching for a new place to satisfy my taco cravings, and a friend recommended Smack'n Tacos.

I decided to give it a shot, and my taste buds were instantly impressed.

Their red hot sauce is the best I've ever tasted, and the corn tortillas – simply magical.

I absolutely love how Marcos has changed my perspective of Mexican cuisine.

Before, I used to go to any Mexican restaurant and just order papa nachos, but the Mexican steak street tacos at Smack'n Tacos changed my life forever.

In fact, I ate there nearly every day last year for lunch, and when the truck closed down for winter, I found myself lost.

I went on a quest to find tacos as good as theirs, but nothing came close.

The fast service at Smack'n Tacos is also something I truly enjoy, and Marcos does an excellent job with the food and sauces.

The convenience of using Cash App for payment is an added bonus.

Paul's Confectionery Inc

I recently visited Paul's Confectionery Inc after hearing about the change in ownership and renovations.

I wanted to check it out and see how it compared to my previous experiences there.

The restaurant had been remodeled, and there was new equipment installed.

I was greeted with great service and a full menu to choose from, which got me excited about my meal.

I ordered the jumbo tenderloin and grilled pork loin for myself while my kids went for their favorites – the chili Mac and shakes.

Sloan's Calzones

I have been visiting Sloan's Calzones for quite some time now, and I must say that their pizza, calzones, pasta, and subs always hit the spot.

Their laid-back and family-friendly atmosphere is what keeps me coming back.

I work downtown and once decided to grab lunch from there.

The breadsticks were perfectly seasoned with Parmesan, and the cheese sauce complemented both the calzone and the breadsticks very well.

I thoroughly enjoyed my meal that day and have returned multiple times since.

I've also tried their pizzas, and their savory sauce definitely makes it a standout.

Downtown Cafe and Bakery

Just the other day, I decided to stop by Downtown Cafe and Bakery for breakfast before heading to work.

This quaint little spot has become a frequent choice of mine, and I have to say, it never disappoints.

The cafe's charming decor and simple setting always bring a sense of comfort and warmth to my mornings.

The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the delicious smell of freshly cooked food, and I could tell that my partner, who works nearby, wasn't exaggerating about how tempting the aroma from this place could be.

As for the food, I can't recommend it enough.

I had an amazing Denver omelet, perfectly accompanied by hash browns and wheat toast.

My partner, on the other hand, couldn't resist their homemade mushroom soup, which he claimed was absolutely delicious.

And to top it all off, the prices were more than reasonable, making it an ideal choice for our regular breakfast spot.

First Wok

As a local resident, I can't get enough of First Wok!

I've been going to this Chinese take-out joint for years and have always been impressed with their delicious food and fast service.

I usually visit once a week for some take-out, and I've never had an incorrect order.

My food is usually ready within five minutes, which is amazing!

The best thing about First Wok is that their food is consistently delicious, and I haven't found anything better, even when I've traveled to other states.

They offer classic Chinese fare like lo mein, fried rice, and chop suey, all at reasonable prices.

One of my favorite dishes is their Egg Foo Young - it's so tasty, and the portion size is huge!

One order can easily feed two people.

Krekel's West

Krekel's West never disappoints when it comes to their burgers and shakes.

I've been coming here since I was a kid, and the quality has remained consistent over the years.

I visited again last week and ordered my usual – a cheeseburger and fries with a chocolate shake.

As always, the burger was juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

Their fries are also tasty.

And the handmade chocolate shake?

It was divine, just as I remembered.

Kansas City Barbecue Pit

I can confidently say that Kansas City Barbecue Pit is one of the best BBQ spots around.

In fact, their cheerful attitude can be quite infectious!

I appreciate how they keep the place clean and well-maintained, which is a rare sight in most fast-food joints nowadays.

Whenever I visit, the "all-in-meals" are my go-to choice.

You get a huge entree, a side, and a drink for just around 7 bucks.

It's not only delicious but also super affordable.

Their ribs are pretty tasty, although they could use a bit more seasoning.

One thing that might surprise you is that the Kansas City Barbecue Pit may not smell like a traditional BBQ joint, but I assure you that the food is definitely worth trying.

Everyone's East End Grill

I can't help but rave about Everyone's East End Grill, a gem in our neighborhood that I've been frequenting for years.

If you haven't been there yet, I highly recommend checking them out on Google Maps.

Their food always hits the spot, and their cheesecake is to die for!

I find myself dining at East End Grill multiple times a week, whether it's for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Just last week, I had the most incredible Delmonico Steak, and I can confidently say it was a home run.

The restaurant never disappoints – the food is consistently fresh, delicious, and the service is top-notch.

Krekel's Dairy Maid

Krekel's Dairy Maid has always been my go-to place for a quick, tasty, and affordable meal.

Trust me when I say their burgers are some of the best you'll ever taste.

They're freshly made, hand-pressed to perfection, and have that satisfying crispiness that you just can't find anywhere else.

But the real star of the show here is their ice cream.

Every time I visit, I make sure to grab a cone, especially during the hot summer days.

My personal favorite is the strawberry lemon twist, which is both refreshing and delicious.

I remember one day when I saw a railroad worker walking away with a tall yellow ice cream cone, and I just knew I had to try that flavor!

The service at Krekel's Dairy Maid is always friendly and efficient.

They take orders out of two small windows, which gives the place a nice nostalgic feel.

PT's BBQ

PT's BBQ is one of our town's hidden gems.

Nestled near the downtown area, this local BBQ spot offers a wide range of mouth-watering options and is a must-try for all BBQ lovers.

You can find PT's BBQ here.

I remember one Sunday afternoon when my family and I decided to try out their pulled beef sandwich and beef ribs, only to find out that beef wasn't available that day.

Instead, we were offered pulled pork and ribs as a replacement, and we were not disappointed!

The house sauce on the BBQ was flavorful, and even our kids couldn't get enough of it.

Since then, PT's BBQ has become a regular haunt for my family, and we've tried various dishes on their menu, including the much-talked-about mac n' cheese and baked beans.

I must say, PT's BBQ deserves all the praise it gets.

Final Thoughts

Decatur truly has a diverse and satisfying dining scene that never fails to impress me.

From mouth-watering barbecue at Kansas City Barbecue Pit to the delicious calzones at Sloan's, there's always something to satisfy my cravings.

I'm proud to call Decatur home and enjoy exploring the wide array of culinary delights this city has to offer.

Don't forget to indulge in some sweet treats at Paul's Confectionery Inc or grab a refreshing drink at Door 4 Brewing Co.

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Happy eating, fellow Decatur foodies!

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