Paris, IL, has plenty of charm, but it’s also surprisingly adept at making you hunt for a truly great meal—especially if you’re not in the mood to splurge. And sure, sometimes a memorable dinner means paying up, and there are spots here we’d gladly drop $40 for. But it’s also a relief to know where to go when you just want something reliably excellent. That’s what this list is for.
Rolled Wright Creamery
$$ | (217) 712-2448 | WEBSITE
You’ve got choices at this ice cream spot in Paris, IL. There are classic flavors like S’mores, Tiger Tracks, and Strawberry Cheesecake available. Or you can get one of the rolled creations—ice cream mashed with cheesecake on a cold plate and curled into rolls—all for under $10. If you’re in a rolled mood, you will not be able to see the plate under all that creamy goodness and whatever else you ask them to mix in. But the simplest—and very tasty—option here is the straight-up ice cream.
And this cool, sweet treat is only $5.
Rocky’s Italian Bistro
$ | (217) 921-5805 | WEBSITE
Rocky’s Italian Bistro is a cozy Italian spot in Paris, IL that proves comfort food is better with a side of warm breadsticks. The dimly lit interior creates a warm atmosphere perfect for enjoying their excellent Italian Feast with lasagna, spaghetti, and prime rib special for around $28. The entire menu offers delicious options under $30, making it the kind of inviting restaurant that demands enough repeat visits to become a regular, and eventually have the staff remember your tiramisu order.
Main Street Cafe
$ | (217) 463-3219 | WEBSITE
The value provided at Paris, IL’s Main Street Cafe is pretty incredible. The small, casual spot has a wide menu that revolves around home-style meals: meatloaf, biscuits and gravy, fried shrimp, and more comforting classics. And just about everything on the menu costs less than $12. We like the meatloaf platter, which comes with two sides and your choice of gravy. Go with the biscuits and gravy, because you should always go with the biscuits and gravy.
Real hacienda paris
$ | (217) 463-7608 | WEBSITE
Real Hacienda Paris is a highly-recommended Mexican restaurant that serves some of the best food Paris, IL has to offer. The standard fajitas here are awesome, but the real move is to order the Molcajete. Do that and you’ll get a sizzling stone bowl filled with tender meats, fresh vegetables, and that signature salsa for a very reasonable $18. For a stress-free dining experience, grab a seat in their exceptionally clean dining room where the welcoming atmosphere makes you feel like family.
San Marcos Mexican Restaurant
$ | (217) 921-3196 | WEBSITE
Paris, IL’s San Marcos Mexican Restaurant is a standout among the town’s small population of Mexican eateries. It’s lively, but they have a huge menu and it’s all very reasonably priced. One of our favorite dishes here is the white Mac and Cheese. You can opt for just a side or get it with a mound of rice, beans, and a side salad. You get your choice of chicken or beef with this plate—but the creamy, cheesy macaroni is the move. If you are a taco person, that’s also wonderful here (and also $12).
Savoias Restaurant
$ | (217) 463-2500 | WEBSITE
You can get a whole bunch of very solid pizza for about $10 here. You won’t have to worry about still being hungry afterward—the pizza buffet offers cheese, sausage, bacon, or pepperoni options. But we like the catfish dinner best, which is hearty and satisfying. Savoias works for easy weeknight takeout with helpful staff like Krystyna who can take orders over the phone, or a casual dine-in pizza feast with their wide menu to satisfy any appetite.
Andrews at the Westbrook
$$$ | (217) 465-2003 | WEBSITE
Do people in central Illinois have taste? We ask ourselves this when we walk into Andrews at the Westbrook, which is always booked solid weeks in advance. But their exquisite French-inspired entrees are such a revelation that you could probably forget every other meal you’ve ever had and just dine here every night (we are not suggesting you do this). Each dish is meticulously prepared by Chef Andrew, served with elegant sides and thoughtful presentation for around $38.
The atmosphere in the beautiful mansion is also enchanting and perfectly comfortable.
LOT 50 Brewing
$$ | (217) 921-3950 | WEBSITE
Not only does LOT 50 Brewing pour some of the best craft beer in Paris, IL—but you can get a pint of that beer plus insights from the brewers, a game of checkers, and sports on TV for about $8. They also have growlers to take home, in case you’re not trying to finish all that beer in one sitting. There are some board games on the casual tables, but this is mostly a hangout operation.
Kurly Q
$ | (217) 465-5812 | WEBSITE
Paris, IL is not full of casual, tasty meal options for under $15. Except for Kurly Q. That’s why this place is usually crowded—but it’s also because the food here is good, and the area’s best option for hearty burgers and phenomenal ice cream. So if you’re a bit burnt out on overpriced dinners and fancy small plates, come here and drop $9.99 on the excellent double cheeseburger with bacon, which comes with a generous portion and fantastic flavor.
The menu also features delicious items like Philly steak, fried mushrooms, and fried clams, all at very affordable prices. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable, with one cashier even offering samples of unique flavors like chocolate jalapeño ice cream. The restaurant is clean, has easy parking, and is kid-friendly, making it a great stop for families and friends looking for a wonderful dining experience without breaking the bank.
KBG DELI & CATERING LLC
$ | (217) 264-0250 | WEBSITE
If there is one kind of restaurant that’s duty is to fill you up for less than $12, it is the deli. And KBG Deli & Catering in Paris, IL (who oddly don’t actually focus on catering) is one of our favorite Illinois delis. You can’t come here without ordering the Ruben. That’s just deli law. It’s a double meat sandwich with Boars Head corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing that stacks like a new skyscraper—all on toasted rye bread.
The Fizz Soda Shop & Eatery
$ | (217) 463-3499 | WEBSITE
There are two standout fountain drinks on the menu at The Fizz Soda Shop & Eatery—and both cost well under $5, which is perfect because you’ll definitely want to try them both. The most popular (and, honestly, best) option is the shark attack, a refreshing mix of blue raspberry and tropical flavors. If you don’t know what a walking taco is, welcome to Paris, person who just moved here for the affordable housing. Please stop asking where the nearest artisanal coffee shop is.
Jims Pub & Gaming
$ | (217) 463-2810 | WEBSITE
Of course we love Jim’s Pub & Gaming for their $2 can beer daily. But we also love them for their poker machines. The pool table is roughly the size of a small car and comes generously equipped with smooth felt, solid cues, and their friendly atmosphere. Like the video gaming, they arrive with a welcoming vibe piercing through this beast of an establishment—a poetic presentation of relaxation as you valiantly attempt to unwind.
The Paris, IL pub also makes great use of their jukebox for free and all of their entertainment options are under $5 too.
On The Tracks Café
$ | (217) 463-6667 | WEBSITE
On The Tracks Café has a big, delicious menu. But they are particularly skilled at American comfort food. Both their walleye fish and biscuits and gravy are excellent and—would you look at that—not only costs $12, but also comes with fresh hand-cut fries. Lucky us. We like this place for takeout, but their cozy dining room is also perfect for a casual dinner with family at a wooden booth.
Betty Jane’s Kitchen
$ | (217) 921-3764 | WEBSITE
Let us preface this by saying: service times can be a little all over the place and vary based on how busy they get. However, at Betty Jane’s Kitchen, the croissant sandwich usually comes in under—or pretty darn close to—$12. And that’s a deal for some of the best sandwiches in Paris, IL (which also comes with a side of soup or salad). Regardless if you’re trying to save money or not, you should check out Betty Jane’s Kitchen. It’s a Paris classic and also a great little bakery.
It’s mostly sit-down, but they have a comfortable indoor dining area where you can relax and eat.
Monical’s Pizza
$ | (217) 465-7684 | WEBSITE
Monical’s Pizza feels like the kind of place you’d find in a college town. Until you realize their thin crust pizza is served with fresh salads, and then you remember you’re in Paris, IL. The popular pizza spot has been around for years and they’re actual masters in pizza craftsmanship. Large pizzas are just under $20 and they give you that classic high school hangout vibe—a feeling you’ll quickly recognize after you try these crispy slices layered beautifully with quality toppings.
Joe’s Pizza
$ | (217) 465-8588 | WEBSITE
This list could really be nothing but pizza joints. The local pizzerias are always among Paris’s reliable options for a satisfying meal that won’t cost more than $20. But Joe’s Pizza is our favorite. And here, the go-to pizza order of a mini regular crust pizza with a side salad is just $18. Adding a $3 extra topping will put you over the $20 threshold, but you also won’t regret it.
Scooter’s Coffee
$ | (217) 712-2197 | WEBSITE
Since Scooter’s Coffee is drive-thru only, you’ll have to enjoy that Turtle latte from your car to get the full, creamy experience. The latte is blended with caramel and chocolate and comes topped with whipped cream. But, for such a focused coffee shop, there are a surprising number of choices. They also make an excellent Blended Caramelicious and a strawberry/wild berry smoothie that should be tried with the feta eggs and donuts.
For an additional $4.50 you can make it a combo with a breakfast item and a drink—and still stay comfortably under $20.