If you're going to eat at a chain restaurant in Illinois, you might as well choose one that is based in Illinois.

That's not why I always say but it makes sense if you want to get in on some of the best chain restaurant food that got its start in the Land of Lincoln.

Far & Wide unleashed their list of the Most Popular U.S. Chain Restaurants, Ranked and among them are three restaurants that got their start in Illinois and expanded all over the country.

Ranked 42nd is Bar Louie.

Far & Wide says "This self-proclaimed 'gastrobar' that wants to be your neighborhood watering hole got its start in Chicago in 1991."

Apparently, Bar Louie has fallen on some tough times. According to fsrmagazine.com, they closed just about 40 locations in 2020 and filed for Chapter 11 leaving them with 73 restaurants nationwide. It seems though, things are on the rise for this Chicago original.

Up next is a place known more for its wine than its food but is still considered one of the best chain restaurants in America. Ranked 29th is Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant.

Things are really good right now for Cooper's Hawk.

They just filed an IPO (initial public offering), plan to start up a pizza pasta concept eatery, and are ready to reopen a Chicago location that has been closed since the pandemic first caused many restaurants across the US to shut down.

Lastly, the highest-rated Illinois-based chain restaurant is an Italian foodie's favorite.

Coming in at 23rd overall is Maggiano's Little Italy.

Far & Wide says "While other Italian chains have more locations and have brought in more revenue, those who have been enjoying the food since it first opened in Chicago in 1991 turn to Maggiano's for special events, even though it's a casual joint."

All four Maggiano's locations share the same rating on Yelp, 3.5 out of 5 stars. Prashmi K. says "good portion sizes but the service isn't that great." but Aaron D. calls Maggiano's one his favorite restaurants in Chicago, and "a must try if you love Italian food."

Of the three Illinois-based chain restaurants featured above, which one is your fave?

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