With its location in the rolling hills of Southern Illinois, Mt. Vernon might seem like just another quaint Midwestern town. But don’t let its picturesque charm fool you—this hidden gem is cooking up a storm in the culinary world.
Founded in 1817 and named after George Washington’s iconic estate, Mt. Vernon has long been a crossroads of American history. Today, it’s at the crossroads of something equally exciting: a burgeoning food scene that’s putting this city on the map for gourmands and casual diners alike.
Strategically positioned at the junction of Interstates 57 and 64, Mt. Vernon has always been a natural pit stop for travelers. But nowadays, people aren’t just passing through—they’re coming to stay. Why? Because this “King City” is serving up royal feasts that rival those of its big-city neighbors.
From down-home comfort food to upscale dining experiences, Mt. Vernon’s restaurants are dishing out flavors that surprise and delight. Whether you’re a potential homebuyer scoping out the local scene or a curious foodie looking for your next adventure, Mt. Vernon’s culinary landscape offers a tantalizing mix of tradition and innovation.
Ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the heart of Illinois? Loosen your belt and prepare your taste buds—here are some of the best restaurants in Mt. Vernon, IL that you just can’t afford to miss:
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The Best Restaurants in Mt. Vernon, IL
With its diverse population and rich history, Illinois has become one of the most gastronomically adventurous states in the country, with the state being the birthplace of unique dishes such as the deep-dish pizza and the horseshoe sandwich.
The same extends to its cities such as Mt. Vernon, IL, which is now home to a delightful array of options that cater to various tastes and budgets.
Casual Eateries
Mount Vernon may be a small city, but it boasts a vibrant casual dining scene that showcases the flavors and hospitality of southern Illinois. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy steak, Cajun specialties, or classic American fare, here are five restaurants in Mt. Vernon, IL that are perfect for a laid-back meal:
- Jimmie James Blue Goose. A local favorite since 1978, Jimmie James Blue Goose offers a unique blend of American and Greek cuisines in a lively, family-friendly setting. The restaurant’s eclectic decor, featuring vintage signs and local memorabilia, creates a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Blue Goose is famous for its gyros, kalamata salads, and baklava, bringing a taste of Greece to southern Illinois. Their generous portions and reasonable prices make it a go-to spot for lunch or dinner. Be sure to try their homemade pies for dessert – the coconut cream is a local legend.
- JJ’s Sports Bar & Grill. For those seeking a more energetic dining experience, JJ’s Sports Bar & Grill delivers with its combination of tasty pub grub and lively atmosphere. Multiple large-screen TVs ensure you won’t miss a moment of the big game, while the menu offers classic bar fare with a twist. Their wings come in various flavors and are a crowd favorite, as are the loaded nachos and juicy burgers. JJ’s also boasts an impressive selection of craft beers on tap, making it the perfect spot to catch up with friends over a hearty meal and a cold one.
- Show Down Steakhouse and Saloon. Embracing Mount Vernon’s rural roots, Show Down Steakhouse and Saloon offers a Western-themed dining experience that’s both fun and delicious. The rustic decor, complete with cowboy memorabilia and wagon wheel chandeliers, sets the stage for a menu that focuses on hearty, satisfying meals. While steaks are the star of the show (try the cowboy ribeye for a true indulgence), Show Down also offers a variety of other options, including barbecue ribs, chicken dishes, and seafood. Their salad bar is expansive and fresh, providing a lighter option for diners. On weekends, live country music adds to the festive atmosphere.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Mount Vernon, Illinois boasts a variety of family-friendly restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these five restaurants in Mt. Vernon, IL offer delicious food and welcoming atmospheres that are sure to please both parents and children alike:
- Fazoli’s. Fazoli’s is a popular Italian-American fast-casual chain that has found a home in Mount Vernon. Known for its quick service and affordable prices, it’s an excellent choice for families on the go. The menu features a wide array of Italian favorites, including pasta dishes, pizzas, and their famous breadsticks.
Kids will love the create-your-own-pasta option, allowing them to customize their meal to their liking. Parents will appreciate the balanced kids’ meals that include a drink and a side. The casual environment and speedy service make Fazoli’s an ideal spot for families looking for a quick, satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- The Ringside Buffet. For families with varying tastes or big appetites, The Ringside Buffet is a top choice. This local favorite offers a buffet with a wide selection of American comfort food, salads, and desserts, perfect for growing kids and hungry parents alike.
The Ringside Buffet’s casual atmosphere and spacious dining area make it comfortable for families with children of all ages. Parents can relax while kids explore different food options, and there’s always something for even the pickiest eaters. The reasonable prices and abundant choices make this restaurant a go-to for family gatherings or casual dinners out.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Freddy’s combines two Midwestern classics – steakburgers and frozen custard – into one delightful dining experience. This retro-style fast-casual restaurant offers a menu that appeals to both kids and adults. Their signature steakburgers are cooked to order, ensuring a fresh and delicious meal every time.
The real star for many families, however, is Freddy’s frozen custard. With a variety of flavors and toppings available, it’s the perfect treat to cap off a meal or enjoy on its own. The restaurant’s bright, clean atmosphere and friendly staff contribute to a positive dining experience for families.
- The Grille. Known for their classic American comfort food and warm, inviting interiors, The Grille is an excellent choice for a relaxed family dinner or a casual date night. The Grille is known for its diverse menu, which includes everything from gourmet burgers and sandwiches to pasta dishes and salads. Their daily specials often feature seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Don’t overlook their appetizer menu – the spinach artichoke dip and loaded potato skins are local favorites.
- NuBowl Lanes. NuBowl Lanes offers a perfect blend of entertainment and dining for families. While primarily a bowling alley, NuBowl Lanes also features a restaurant that serves up classic American fare. Families can enjoy a meal before, during, or after their bowling session, making it an ideal destination for a fun night out.
The menu includes crowd-pleasers like pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as kid-friendly options. The casual, energetic atmosphere of the bowling alley adds to the dining experience, and the combination of food and activity makes NuBowl Lanes a hit with families looking to spend quality time together.
Upscale Dining
Although there are limited choices in Mount Vernon when it comes to fine dining, the city offers some fine dining options. If you’re looking forward to an upscale dining experience, some of the best high-end dining venues worth visiting include:
- Rare Chop House. Situated in the heart of downtown Mount Vernon, Rare Chop House elevates casual dining with its upscale steakhouse experience. Despite its sophisticated ambiance, the restaurant maintains a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. Rare is renowned for its prime cuts of beef, expertly prepared to diners’ specifications. The menu also features an impressive selection of seafood, poultry, and pork dishes. Don’t miss their signature appetizers, like the bacon-wrapped scallops or the crispy calamari. The extensive wine list and craft cocktail menu complement the food offerings perfectly, making Rare Chop House an ideal spot for special occasions or a treat-yourself dinner.
- Double Overtime Grill. A Mt. Vernon staple, Double Overtime Grill is the place to be for those who want to enjoy American classics. Located in the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, Double Overtime Grill serves tasty favorites like the Kobe Beef Burger, which consists of 1/2 pound of pure Kobe beef patty and served on a brioche bun with fresh slices of lettuce, tomato, and red onion; the Bacon Gouda Burger, which consists of an Angus beef patty served on a brioche bun and topped with crisp bacon, smoked Gouda, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Lastly, don’t forget to check out their line of premium steaks, all of which are served with a House or Caesar Salad and finished with a flavorful compound butter.
- Casa Raya. Those in the mood for authentic Mexican flavors will want to check out Casa Raya. Another local favorite, Casa Raya takes great pride in combining fresh ingredients with traditional recipes to create Authentic, mouthwatering dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning of palates. Some of their must-tries include their famous Molcajete Seafood, which is a sizzling volcanic stone bowl filled with shrimp, scallops, fish, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and served with a guac salad as well as rice and beans; and the Ribeye Raya, a ribeye steak served on bed of bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes, and topped with chorizo and shrimp.
Pet-Friendly Dining Options
Mount Vernon is not only known for its friendly community and rich history but also for its welcoming atmosphere for pet lovers. Many restaurants in the area embrace the idea of dining with furry friends, offering outdoor seating and even special treats for pets. If you’re looking to enjoy a meal without leaving your pet behind, here are the best pet-friendly restaurants in Mount Vernon, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while your canine pal lounges by your side.
- Bandana’s BBQ. Craving some down-home Southern BBQ? Look no further than Bandana’s BBQ. This local favorite serves up mouth-watering meats slow-cooked to perfection and seasoned with their signature dry rub. The patio seating welcomes well-behaved dogs, though you’ll need to give your furbaby a little lift over the gate.
What’s on the menu? Sink your teeth into tender pork, beef, chicken, or ribs that have been smoked for hours to enhance their natural flavors. Choose from hearty platters or satisfying sandwiches, accompanied by classic sides like green beans, sweet cut corn, potato salad, and coleslaw. It’s a taste of the South that both you and your pup can enjoy together in the fresh air.
- The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill. For a more casual dining experience, The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill is your go-to spot. This local gem offers a unique combination of smoked BBQ, drive-up liquor service, and pet-friendly outdoor seating. Treat yourself to their succulent brisket or juicy burgers while your four-legged friend relaxes at your feet. The Frosty Mug also boasts a selection of beers and wines, perfect for those Illinois evenings. And if you’re in a hurry, their catering and carry-out services ensure you can enjoy their delicious offerings at home with your entire fur family.
- Sonic Drive-In. Sometimes you just need a quick bite, and Sonic Drive-In on Broadway Street has got you covered. Known for their carhop service, Sonic also offers a handful of pet-friendly tables where you and your pup can chow down together. The menu is a fast-food lover’s dream: burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, plus all the sides you could want—fries, tater tots, and mozzarella sticks.
But the real star of the show is Sonic’s drink selection. From Frozen Lemonade and Strawberry Limeade to Grape Slush with Rainbow Candy, there’s a flavor for every palate. And don’t forget dessert! Indulge in a milkshake, Sonic Blast, waffle cone sundae, or ice cream slush while your furry friend enjoys a refreshing bowl of water.
- Culver’s. A local favorite, Culver’s brings a taste of Wisconsin to Mount Vernon with their famous ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard. Dog owners will appreciate the outdoor tables where they can enjoy their meal alongside their canine companions.
One of the most popular spots in Mount Vernon, Culver’s menu is diverse and delicious. Start with a heap of Wisconsin Cheese Curds (a must-try!), then move on to premium chicken dishes, sandwiches, hearty soups, or fresh salads. If you’re extra hungry, other tasty options include North Atlantic cod, butterfly jumbo shrimp, and beef pot roast sandwich. Save room for dessert—Culver’s fresh frozen custard is legendary. Whether you prefer it in a shake, a sundae, or a float, it’s the perfect sweet treat to end your meal. And if you’re in a hurry, the drive-thru window lets you grab your food without leaving your pupper outside by his lonesome.
Find Your Mt. Vernon, IL Home Today
Enjoying the best restaurants in Mt. Vernon, IL is easy once you’ve made The King City your new home base.
If you’re looking to get a Mt. Vernon, IL home, don’t hesitate to give Cory Capps a call.
As a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois, Cory brings invaluable insider knowledge to help you find the perfect property in your desired neighborhood. His deep understanding of the local real estate market allows him to identify hidden gems and opportunities that others might miss.
Whether you’re in the market for a landmark estate, your first home, farmland, commercial property, or an investment opportunity, Cory brings the same level of quality service, market expertise, and professionalism to every transaction. He takes the time to understand your unique situation and tailors his approach to help you achieve your specific objectives.
Cory’s commitment to his clients extends beyond just buying or selling. He serves as a trusted advisor throughout the entire process, offering insights on local amenities, schools, and community features that can impact your decision-making.
Ready to get started? Give Cory Capps a call at 618.204.5260 or send him an email here to schedule your initial consultation.