Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Central Illinois

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Central Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Hamilton Walker's

4.8

4.8 (1633)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Champaign

About the restaurant

Hamilton Walker's is the community's gathering place. Founded by three long-time residents of Champaign, this modern steakhouse with a chic 1940's Hollywood vibe is an inviting backdrop for meeting, dining, and socializing; for friends, family, and business; for toasting special events and celebrating life. Our mission is to offer memorable food and flawless service in an extraordinary setting. Stewarded by widely-respected culinarian, Chef Zachary Schweig, Hamilton Walker's never disappoints. The menu-created from the finest premium aged meats, freshest seafood, and hand-selected produce-offers a superior dining experience, presented with Hamilton Walker's signature flair.

Top review

ChrisVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Kara took good care of our party. Servers were friendly as they delivered our food. Food was good. Excellent options on the menu. Will return. Thank you

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Popular dish

Crab Cake

Popular dish

7oz Center Cut Filet Mignon

Baxters American Grille - Champaign

4.7

4.7 (700)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Champaign

About the restaurant

Baxters American Grille - Champaign offers seasonal menus that boast a variety of signature dishes that you can't get or find anywhere else. Our concept provides a variety of steaks, seafood, and chops accompanied with a management & chef team that are excited to offer a unique culinary experience. We offer a big-city dining experience in the Champaign area as well as private dining and catering events. Whether you stop in for one of our new signature martinis, or to dine in our upscale dining room, Baxters is the destination for you!

Top review

Rachel

Dined 5 days ago

We celebrated a friend's birthday and we picked the right place! Our food was delicious and we had such great service from Makayla. We had a memorable night and we loved everything from the strawberry coconut margaritas to the ribeyes and desserts!

The FourNine

4.7

4.7 (268)

$30 and under

American

Mount Zion

About the restaurant

Small restaurant packed with an amazing menu, and cold beer. We give Mt Zion a flavor profile that you do not get in any other restaurant in town.

Top review

John

Dined 4 days ago

My first time at The FourNine and I was impressed on all levels. The service level was outstanding. All of the staff were very attentive and polite. The food was fresh and delicious. Drinks were expertly made. A great value for the price.

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Popular dish

Smash Burger

Baxters American Grille

4.6

4.6 (1281)

$31 to $50

American

Bloomington / Normal

About the restaurant

Experience the contemporary decor, freshly made entrees from our professional chef and exceptional service. The restaurant offers seating for groups from 1- 80. Our outdoor patio is perfect for the summer evenings and our lounge is an exciting setting to view your favorite sports game with friends.

Dinner Menu includes: Fresh seasonal entrees & appetizers including: Tuna Tartare, Drunken Stuffed Mushrooms, Hand Cut Steaks, Fresh Seafood & Signature Dishes such as our Herb Crusted Lamb Chops & Chicken Picatta.

Top review

Michael

Dined on Mar 29, 2025

Excellent dining experience. Food and drinks were delicious. Service was exceptional.

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Springfield, IL

4.6

4.6 (3658)

$30 and under

American

Springfield

About the restaurant

Experience the perfect fusion of award-winning wines, Napa-style tasting rooms, and modern casual dining at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine influenced by international flavors from our scratch kitchen. Each dish is expertly paired with our selection of wines for the best food and wine match. Whether you explore the tasting room for a pre- or post-dinner adventure or join the world's largest wine club, we believe in the power of food and wine to create lasting connections. Dining reservations are highly recommended, but walk-in guests are always welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are available.

Top review

Wendy

Dined 5 days ago

Our server Liz was absolutely fantastic! Our food was amazing! We had a great time celebrating my mom’s 75th birthday!

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Experience

Wine ‘O’ Clock Happy Hour | Mon-Fri 3 - 5:30 pm

Experience

Brunch & Bubbles | Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 2pm

Experience

Wine Tastings and Rotating Chef Recommendations

Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer

4.5

4.5 (411)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Peoria/East Peoria

About the restaurant

Thyme not only offers the ultimate restaurant experience, but can also provide guests an extraordinary bar experience if so desired. Opened in the old Sealtest building in the heart of the historic warehouse district of downtown Peoria, Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer offers a variety of unique food items as well as an extensive bar menu that offers choices for all. While keeping the tradition of producing quality food alive, Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer has superb menu items that provide an exciting and versatile experience for all guests who walk through the doors.

Top review

Greg

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

Great environment, food and cocktails with tv’s and a lively crowd.

Ko Fusion - Downtown

4.5

4.5 (132)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Champaign

About the restaurant

Description coming soon! New location- 30 E Main St.

Top review

Sherri

Dined on Apr 20, 2025

Experience was fantastic. Service and food, 5 star. We shared sushi rolls and all four were delicious. Our server was very attentive and professional. Great experience.

William B's

4.4

4.4 (230)

$31 to $50

Steak

Peoria/East Peoria

About the restaurant

Enjoy a dining experience founded on flavor and built on exceeding expectations with succulent steaks, seafood, pasta and more! It's an experience you'll want to share...with cuisine you'll be tempted to keep all to yourself.

Top review

David

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

Went to William b on a Saturday and the food was great Andy he service was exceptional!

Saltgrass Steak House - Danville

4.4

4.4 (649)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Danville

About the restaurant

Saltgrass Steak House is an award-winning steakhouse in Danville, IL famous for serving Angus Beef steaks. Each steak is cooked to perfection with Saltgrass-7 Steak Spice, and topped with garlic butter. All breads, dressings, soups and desserts are made from scratch daily. Great food and legendary hospitality make Saltgrass an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Top review

Angel

Dined 7 days ago

Our waitress Kasey was great! Very attentive and sweet for our party of 9.

Revery

4.4

4.4 (154)

$31 to $50

American

Bloomington / Normal

About the restaurant

Revery can be found tucked in a quaint neighborhood in Bloomington, Illinois. The building, once a locally famous restaurant, will be serving authentic American cuisine once more. Revery’s mission is to provide high-quality food & drinks for all those who wish to combine fun and enjoyable ambiance with skillful cooking into one extraordinary dining experience.

Top review

Peter

Dined on Apr 10, 2025

Revery is a great fine dining experience tucked away in an out of the way residential area. The food is always great and the service is both informative and attentive. There are definitely standout menu options but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try new options. This is a great restaurant if you’re looking for an experience above the standard chain restaurants options in the Bloomington area.

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Popular dish

Steak Frites

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