Location: DeKalb
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Where to eat American food in DeKalb: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover Restaurants offering the best American food in DeKalb, Illinois, United States. DeKalb /dɪˈkælb/ is a city in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 43,862 according to the 2010 census, up from 39,018 at the 2000 census. The city is named after decorated German war hero Johann de Kalb, who died during the American Revolutionary War.
Things to do in DeKalb
10. Beef Shack
Reviewed By silver1113
The cashiers and manager were very nice and helpful Hubby and I both had regular beef combo son had cheesy beef combo. The tables needed wiping down but overall cleanliness was very good. They call you to the front to pick up food. It comes in a take out bag. Price not bad $33 for all. Overall experience was great. Will be back.
9. Hillside Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By SusanCouncilBluffs
Driving from Chicago and decided to get off the tollway for dinner. Stopped in DeKalb and ate at Hillside. Score! Friendly folks and home cooking. Had extra menu for Oktoberfest but several German entrees were on main menu too. Wide variety to choose from. Large portions so could easily split a meal or take leftovers. Try it, youâll love it!
8. Flappy's Pancake House Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By peachy0219
After we got seated everything was a long wait, drinks, order, food, all took forever but they were crazy busy so I get it. Waitress seemed a little green, asked "what" a lot instead of "could you repeat that". My daughters plate of crepes had an onion on it and my French toast had some cheese shreds on it, so it seems like the kitchen needs to slow down or take more care.The portions are enormous. I don't know why diners have to do that but this one is like everywhere else, huge huge amounts of food. Not in a good way, what is anyone really going to do with left over breakfast? That never gets eaten again.What gives this 4 stars instead of 3 is that the food was really good. A little different, a little fancier menu choices.
7. Twins Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By TDKOOPS
Iâve been out here years & always give this place the brush off.... no reason, just always find some other place to eat. FINALLY stepped inside. Parking in back was aplenty in the afternoon & inside was pretty wide open. Saw a familiar face at the bar which was a great start. Prices were very reasonable & menu had something for everyone wanting pub food. I think I saw a Ruben sandwich for maybe $5.50 ( not a typo ). Saw a Sunday special of fried chicken with fries, slaw & a roll ..... $8.25. Started with a couple drafts ($3.75 maybe). This place is clean as they come. No attitude in this place.... but it was a Sunday afternoon. Food came to the table was served in a huge basket. Half a fried chicken with a GREAT light batter, almost tempura style. Iâm upset with myself it took me this long to step inside.
6. The Junction Eating Place
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By chester110105
I enjoyed dinner here with my family while visiting over Thanksgiving week. Although my parents have lived in DeKalb for about 15 years, I'd never been here! I was pleasantly surprised by their large menu with a huge variety of options. The kids also really love this place because there is a train that goes around overhead that they can start up on their own. Everyone was able to get what they wanted to eat, and everyone left full and happy!
5. Lincoln Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Susan E
This is great place to eat, with hometown food and some of the friendliest staff in the area. My favorite is their sour dough bread, but any of their homemade bakery items are fabulous. I have never had a bad meal here and never waited more that 15 minutes even on the busiest time of the day. You'll love it I promise.
4. Ellwood Steak and Fish House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By cbowers70
My wife had A chicken artichoke entree and I had 12 oz NY strip steak. She liked the chicken dish. My steak was thin, overcooked & the only taste came from too much salt & some other seasoning. The Greek potatoes were excessively greasy (& yes, Iâve had Greek potatoes elsewhere so I know what I ordered). And my Caesar salad was a weak relative of a real Caesar salad. Service overall was ok, despite some long waits between drink orders and serving. Weâve been here several times before and weâll try it again, but my meal was disappointing. The menu used to say the meat came from Inbodens meat market in DeKalb. I didnât see that this time on the menu, perhaps I missed it. But Iâve never purchased a steak as thin and tasteless as this one; Inbodenâs would not be proud.
3. Tapa La Luna
Overall Ratings
4 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By bmorris1929
Stopped in during the time between lunch and dinner. Their menu was a little limited because we came at the in between time. However, everything we had was excellent. The beef with asparagus was especially delicious. Great attentive service with plenty of suggestions. The atmosphere was reasonably quiet, so carrying on a conversation was easy. We will definitely go back as the food was absolutely delicious!
2. Fatty's Pub and Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By ZacharyLucyPhoto
I was in town because a snow storm stopped me from wanting to travel any further. I stayed at a Super 8 down the road and was told I should check out Fatty's if I was looking for food and a beer. I was not disappointed. I sat at the bar because the place was pretty busy. Plus, I was by myself on a business trip anyway so that's what I would typically do. The service was fast, beer recommendations were made, and was able to watch the NBA Playoffs on a tv mounted above me. I can't remember what burger I had but I remember it was one of the most delicious combinations I've ever had. Just a delicious burger. I would definitely recommend this place to someone who has never been to DeKalb before.Zachary..thank you for the kind words. Stop in and see us when you pass through town. Good luck on your travels.
1. Egg Haven Pancakes and Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By LauraJean
After I discovered the Rutherford omelet, I have been able to order anything else. Goat cheese, carmelized onions and spinach. Amazing! They also have their own homemade strawberry jam and hand-squeezed OJ. Plus wonderful staff. A place to linger over coffee with friends, but very crowded on weekend mornings.
