Illinois Breakfast Joint Named One of America’s Best Diners

One of my favorite things to do is visit a town I've never been to and find a local diner that's off the beaten path. Some of the best meals I've had are at restaurants that only the local residents are aware of.

Diners In the Midwest Are Best in America

Avoid the national chains to experience a more authentic dining experience that will showcase some local flavors and often provide a nostalgic and unique atmosphere.

READ MORE: 10 Best Breakfast Joints are In This Illinois City, Not Chicago

Cheapism recently gathered data and input from "reviews on sites such as Yelp and TripAdvisor as well as rankings by expert food writers," and listed the 'Best Hole-in-the-Wall Diner' in all 50 states.

Here's the best of the Midwest:

Indiana

The Steer-In is located in Indianapolis, Indiana and according to Cheapism the "Twin Steer burger, coleslaw, and coconut cream pie have been on the menu at the Steer-In, a modest time warp of a spot on Indy's east side, since the 1960s."

Iowa

You may miss this diner in southeastern Iowa if you're not looking for it. Just a few miles from the Iowa-Illinois border in Fort Madison is The Fort Diner. According to Cheapism, they only accept cash and you may consider getting your order to go because seating in this tiny diner is limited.

Michigan

Roxy Cafe in Jackson, Michigan is a place to go with a "healthy appetite and a sense of humor" because of its unique decor. "From its snarky signs and slogans to the ceiling papered with advertisements for local businesses, Roxy Café is truly a local treasure."

Wisconsin

"Be nice or leave" is the motto at Franks Diner in Kenosha, Wisconsin where their go-to menu item is the "garbage plate" of eggs mixed with hash browns, green peppers, and onions. This dish is served with a choice of meat or corned beef hash and cheese, as well as toast, according to Cheapism.

Illinois

Breakfast is served all day at Daley's Restaurant, the "best greasy spoon in Chicago",  according to Cheapism.

To see all 50 of America's Best Diners according to Cheapism, CLICK HERE.