The Best Food and Shops in Town
Our southern Illiois cabins are located in Makanda, Illinois; a perfect starting point to explore the region.
Be sure to take a stroll through Cobden and stop by Village Arts and Gifts to see more local art. Check out the Old Feed Store and see about their upcoming events. Drive down to Flamm's Orchard and, depending on the season, take home some fresh apples, strawberries, peaches and home made goodies. You'll find orchards everywhere in the area - Cobden, Alto Pass, Murphysboro.
Local shops are usually where you find treasures to take home, with a story behind your purchase.
Make time along your way to stop at the Makanda Boardwalk and have a cup of Makanda Java, ice cream or sandwiches. While you're there, stop in and look at Dave's garden at the Rain Maker Studio, or Visions Art Studio. Maybe you'll be here for the Makanda Boardwalk Vulture Fest in the fall. Local residents celebrate the black and turkey vulture's annual migration each fall as an end to the hot summer and the beginning of cooler fall weather. The weekend festival features live music and displays by local artists for purchase.
We've pulled together a collection of places we have been or recommend to eat, buy groceries, or the always fun day of antiquing.
Carbondale
Being a University town, Carbondale has the most variety for restaurants. Listed are some of our favorites, but by no means limited to this list.
Probably our favorite Carbondale restaurant, with its eclectic, soothing atmosphere and gourmet cuisine.
102 E Jackson St Carbondale IL 62901 (618) 549-0771
Quickly becoming another favorite, The Flame Bar and Grill has a full menu with steaks, seafood, sandwiches, wine list, and cocktails. The restaurant has a roomy bar area, regular seating, and my favorite, a lovely outdoor patio. They even serve Moscow Mule in a copper cup!
501 East Walnut Carbondale, IL 62901 (618) 490-1539
St Nicholas Brewing Company MDH
The only ACTIVE Brewery in a General Aviation American Airport (1 of 3 in the world)! Open now - KMDH. Dine-in and Carry out.
665 Airport Road, Murphysboro, IL
Pick your spice level from zero to ten. Don't forget to order the curry puffs.
100 S. Illinois Ave. Carbondale IL 62901 (618) 351-8241
Best coffee, bakery, vegetarian entrees and snacks. Breakfasts too.
100 East Jackson St. Carbondale IL 62901 (618) 529-4488
Speaking of BREAKFAST...
Breakfast or lunch, Mary Lou's, a long time favorite in Carbondale, is a must have option.
118 South Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 (618) 457-5084
Another popular local breakfast/brunch cafe.
227 W Main St Carbondale, IL 62901 (618) 351-9897
Marion/Herrin
Marion has become a hopping town with more and more places to eat. Two of the more upscale dining options are listed here.
Mary’s Restaurant, was built by Mr. and Mrs. William Stotlar, the original builders of the home where Mary’s Restaurant is located. With a quiet and intimat setting, Mary's is an upscale restaurant and is fine dining at its best.
509 South Park Avenue Herrin, IL 62948 (618) 942-2742
Walker's Bluff Legends Fine Dining
Walker's Bluff is a winery that is not part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, but is a gorgeous venue. They have indoor and outdoor fine dining with a premium menu.
326 Vermont Rd Carterville, IL 62918 | (618) 956-9900
Upscale fine dining with a large wine list, cocktails, and some of the best steak in the area.
2602 Wanda | Marion, IL 62959 | 618.997.8325
Murphysboro
Authentic local Italian restaurant. This is one of those 'in the know' places. Reservations strongly recommended. Dine in, carry out, weekend specials, home made sauces, pastas and pizzas. Made to order.
1023 Chestnut St, Murphysboro, IL 62966 |(618) 687-3700
The mothership location you've seen on the Food Network, the Travel Channel and more. 17th Street has a devoted fan base for the best BBQ in the midwest. Open seven days a week!
32 N. 17TH STREET MURPHYSBORO, IL 62966 | (618) 684-3722
Cobden
Taqueria Pequena, the little house of tacos.
It is not fancy, but if you are craving authentic Mexican food, it's the real deal.
105 South Appleknocker Street Cobden, Il 62920 (618) 893-1353
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An area favorite with a delicious handcrafted menu. Breakfast/Lunch/Cocktails. Thurs - Sunday 8am - 2pm
200 S Front St Cobden, Il 62920 (618) 893.1999
Anna
Upscale dining in a casual atmosphere. Not your typical southern Illinois Fare.
308 S. Main St. Anna, Il 62906-1242 (618) 893-5367
Dine-in, outdoor seating, and take-out. Soups, sandwiches, desserts.
106 Lafayette St Anna, IL 62906 (618) 833-9085
Makanda
Southern Hospitality at its best. All you can eat family style chicken dinner plus full menu. Open the first Friday in February through December for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
460 Giant City Lodge Road Makanda, Il 62958 618-457-4921
The hours are different everyday but there is a new Eclipse Kitchen and an Ice Cream Shop. One thing to remember when going to the Makanda Boardwalk. Bring Cash, especially for the two Festivals each year and most shops. Just an FYI.
Alto Pass
They have a light cafe menu with one our favorites - Lobster Bisque. Delicious!
560 Chestnut Street Alto Pass, Illinois 62905 (618) 893-4923
Von Jacob Winery and Brewery Grill and Pub 230 Highway 127 Alto Pass, Illinois 62905 (618) 893-4600
Shopping
Anna, Cobden and Carbondale will be your main destinations for markets and dining. There are always places in between, but these will help guide you. Several Walgreens in the area too.
Groceries and Pharmacy
Goreville Food Market
Kroger - Anna
Kroger - Carbondale
Kroger always has groceries and a pharmacy.
Go to Murdale Shopping Center and you'll find fresh fruits and vegetables, an international grocery store, and especially, The Coop. They have just about everything.
If you want to pick up some top notch seafood to take home and cook, this is the place to get it. They also supply seafood for some of the area restaurants.
For many more options, check out the Facebook page Southern Illinois Eats. It is a public page with input from foodies discovering places to eat in southern
Be sure to take a stroll through Cobden and stop by Village Arts and Gifts to see more local art. Check out the Old Feed Store and see about their upcoming events. Drive down to Flamm's Orchard and, depending on the season, take home some fresh apples, strawberries, peaches and home made goodies. You'll find orchards everywhere in the area - Cobden, Alto Pass, Murphysboro.
Local shops are usually where you find treasures to take home, with a story behind your purchase.
Make time along your way to stop at the Makanda Boardwalk and have a cup of Makanda Java, ice cream or sandwiches. While you're there, stop in and look at Dave's garden at the Rain Maker Studio, or Visions Art Studio. Maybe you'll be here for the Makanda Boardwalk Vulture Fest in the fall. Local residents celebrate the black and turkey vulture's annual migration each fall as an end to the hot summer and the beginning of cooler fall weather. The weekend festival features live music and displays by local artists for purchase.
Antique Shops
Pack Rat Paradise | 220 S. Front St, Cobden Illinois | 618-713-1989
Heartland Roots | 1339 Walnut St, Murphysboro IL | 618-967-4562
Wine Trail Antiques | 201 S Jefferson Cobden IL Union County 618-893-4800
Saved Treasures and More | Crafts Mall 215 South Broadway Street, Goreville IL Johnson County 618-995-9654
Annabelle Market | 300 S. Main, Anna IL | 618-833-9366
Meyer's Flea Market and Antique Mall | 4575 E. Vienna St. Anna IL Union County 618-924-2355
There are too many new places to eat to list here. Go to Southern Illinois Eats to keep up with the plethora of foodie experiences!