Affectionately dubbed “Kankakee Country” by those in the know, this Illinois river town is a world away from the big-city bustle of Chicago. While Kankakee’s dining scene has quietly earned a devoted following, the acclaim hasn’t spoiled its small-town soul. At its heart, this is still a place where you can stroll the historic downtown in an afternoon—leaving plenty of time to work up an appetite. This guide will help. And here’s where to eat.
Twins Chicken and Seafood
$ | (815) 304-5586 | WEBSITE
Kankakee might be a small city, but it has more fried chicken and seafood spots than many much bigger towns. Twins Chicken and Seafood focuses on crispy, freshly cooked dishes, which you can order as a variety of meals from their menu, like the ocean perch dinner or well-battered catfish fillets. Twins also features consistently great food at reasonable prices, so you can try some delicious options that you won’t find at most chains, like perfectly cooked chicken or tasty fish dinners.
Jaenicke’s Root Beer Stand
$ | (815) 549-9706 | WEBSITE
Specializing in classic drive-up fare with a nostalgic twist, Jaenicke’s Root Beer Stand is a beloved summer spot where you’ll want to plan your visit between February and September, but making the trip during those months is absolutely worth it. The signature sauce-drenched hot dogs are a Midwestern dream, and the onion rings are some of the best in town. They also offer fresh French fries for around $3—it’s the perfect way to indulge while not digging too deep in your pockets.
Skip the indoor seating unless the weather demands it: the old-fashioned car hop parking tucked away with outdoor seating is the perfect place to escape the summer crowds.
Stefari West Avenue
$ | (815) 573-5330 | WEBSITE
This charming café has been serving up creative coffee and fresh fare for a few years now. The space feels like a tranquil greenhouse retreat thanks to its organic, botanical vibe and clean, classy atmosphere. You’re here for the Spicy Farfelle Pasta with its tomato garlic sauce and the butter chicken that delivers a culinary explosion of flavor. Their unique drinks are worth trying too–standouts include the Lavender Lemonade and the Jalepeno Margarita.
Its pitch-perfect balance of cozy and sophisticated makes it a perfect spot for a quiet study session or a relaxed meal without the downtown hassle.
La Cocina Macias
$ | (815) 935-1807 | WEBSITE
La Cocina Macias is a Mexican restaurant located in Kankakee, serving a varied menu of authentic dishes, including burritos, guacamole, and huevos rancheros. You could go for lunch or dinner, but we’d argue a casual meal, when they serve straightforward food perfect for a satisfying local bite, is the best bet. If you like classics done right, grab their burrito that’s considered the best in the county or the popular huevos rancheros.
If you’re more in the fresh camp, the guacamole is the stuff of dreams.
Poor Boy Too
$ | (815) 939-1850 | WEBSITE
Situated right off the main road with plenty of parking, you might not notice Poor Boy Too at first glance, but it’s definitely worth pulling in for their satisfying comfort food classics. Using fresh ingredients that shine through in every bite, Poor Boy Too makes quality the focus of their straightforward menu.
You’ll find staples like bacon cheeseburgers and pizza puffs, but we tend to gravitate toward the heartier options, like their generous Italian beef platter or the substantial gyro plate.
Burgers & Beer
$ | (815) 523-7144 | WEBSITE
It’d be easy to overlook this straightforward burger joint tucked away from Kankakee’s busier streets with its unassuming storefront, but Burgers & Beer is absolutely worth seeking out. Start with the giant pretzel served with nacho cheese, but it wouldn’t be a proper burger spot if the Bangin’ Bacon Burger didn’t feature prominently on the menu, so make sure you try either that or the classic chicken nuggets and fries. And while it’s not a burger, the WiNGS are also phenomenal.
This friendly spot is perfect for a casual meal with family—the more you can order and share, the better.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (815) 932-0130 | WEBSITE
A sandwich spot tucked away from the bustle of downtown Kankakee, Jimmy John’s serves up delicious subs with quick service and friendly staff. You’ll find classic options like the Italian Night Club or the Turkey Tom, as well as vegetarian favorites like the Veggie sub with avocado spread. For a satisfying finish, don’t miss the freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, perfectly chewy and served warm.
The restaurant is clean and has plenty of parking, making it a pleasant place to enjoy a tasty sandwich.
Dairy Queen Store
$ | (815) 933-4211 | WEBSITE
This classic Dairy Queen spot is always high on the list for casual, sweet treats with family. You’ll enjoy the cheerful atmosphere as you share desserts at one of the many bright red booths in the clean, well-lit dining area. We love the Cherry Misty, the refreshing slushes, and the kid’s menu options.
The classic menu is reliable for satisfying cravings (never skip the cool treats on a hot day), and the friendly service makes everything better with one (or two) of their many delightful cones or sundaes. We also like to use this place for quick after-school stops or post-dinner dessert runs.
Rigo’s Place
$$ | (815) 802-1200 | WEBSITE
A long-standing anchor of downtown Kankakee, this spot offers a diverse menu of Italian favorites prepared with care. They feature classic pasta dishes like Three Cheese Ravioli and Fettuccini Alfredo with Blackened Chicken alongside daily specials, and while you can’t go wrong with such reliable options, their chicken breast topped with crab cake and champagne sauce is particularly memorable.
The pleasant atmosphere is enhanced by live piano music, and the friendly servers—including one with distinctive pink hair—provide impeccable service with genuine warmth. Although the prices lean toward the higher side, the excellent desserts and overall charming experience make it well worth the visit.
Crazy Joe’s Diner
$ | (815) 802-8055 | WEBSITE
A diner might seem like an unexpected setting for such consistently satisfying comfort food that appeals to eaters of every appetite, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Crazy Joe’s Diner. The space is all unpretentious warmth: worn vinyl booths, checkered tablecloths, friendly chatter from the counter, and an overall easygoing vibe. The patty melt is the ideal contrast between savory and hearty, and you’ll want at least one order of the freshly made, lightly breaded tenderloin.
Most sandwiches come with abundant servings of fresh-cut fries and are priced under $10—a rare find these days.
Dos Amigos
$ | (815) 802-9840 | WEBSITE
Dos Amigos is a great spot in Kankakee with a bunch of options for when the group can’t agree on what’s for dinner. The menu has a little bit of everything, from flavorful tacos to tender carne asada to customizable burritos, and while that might seem straightforward, everything works. It’s also a great place for a quick meal if a busy day hasn’t yet wiped you out: we like their delicious sauces that let you adjust the spice just right.