What college kid doesn't love going out for food after a night out with friends or ordering take out and watching movies all night? Not many that I know would turn it down. While attending school at Southern Illinois University here are 10 places that you have to try before you return to your hometown.
1. Fat Patties on the Strip.
Two words -- corn nuggets. If those don't do it for you they have a large selection of burgers including veggie and bison burgers. They even have vegetarian chili for your vegetarian friends.
2. Quatro's Deep Pan Pizza
If you love good pizza, this is certainly the place to go. Their sausage deep dish pizza is made from God himself. Not to mention their ranch dressing they make homemade. If you aren't a fan of pizza their sandwiches are a close second to their pizzas. From their taco pizza, to their backyard bbq pizza and their Quatro's challenge, and their salads that are as big as your head, there's something for everyone at this Southern Illinois staple.
3. El Greco.
If you love gyros this is the place to go, they have a wide assortment of meats to go on their gyros and their fried mushrooms will make you fall on the floor because they're so good.
4. Fujiyama's Japanese Steak House
This eatery is one of the priciest on this list, however it is definitely worth it. You have the option of eating at the hibachi grill or normal dining. It is pricy, but you get what you pay for. The portions of food you get are huge. I would recommend this if you're celebrating a birthday or special occasion.
5. Don Taco.
Don Taco is definitely the place to get something to eat after you've had a night at one it's neighboring bars. Their chicken and steak nachos are the cure for a drunken night. An added bonus is it isn't too hard on your bank account.
6. Thai Taste
One of the best thai places in Southern Illinois, their pad thai is second to none and their service is excellent.
7. China Express
Who doesn't love Chinese food? China Express is located close to SIU so if you're looking for lunch in between classes, this is the place to go. Their fried rice is some of the best I've ever had and you get a ton of food. The service is fast and the food is amazing.
8. Tequila's
Tequila's has some of the best Mexican food for a reasonable price. They make amazing margaritas and their food is authentic Mexican food. If you go here, I recommend the Carne en la Playa.
9. Sunny Street Café
If you love breakfast food, this is the place to go, their food is what people call the "All-American Breakfast." Eggs, bacon, toast, sausage, etc. You can't go wrong with this eatery.
10. Harbaugh's Café
When you go here, make sure you bring cash because there is a cash only policy. Not only do they have some of your typical Southern Illinois dishes, they also thrown their own twist on things.
There are so many places to eat in Carbondale, many of them are a part of a larger chain. Those large chains are all over the United States, eating at these places every now and then is fine, however in the long run wouldn’t you want to see your neighbors prosper from their little restaurants instead of a CEO who you don’t even know. Shop and eat local; eat at one of these places while in Carbondale.
