Community February 2, 2023

“Granite City Eats” – Showcasing the yummiest local spots in Granite City, IL

Hey there, my foodie friend! Welcome to Granite City Eats, where we’re all about finding the yummiest local spots in Granite City, IL. Whether you’re a local looking to branch out and try something new or passing through, I’ve got you covered. From pizza to sushi, farm-to-table, I’ve got something for everyone.

The chefs and cooks at these establishments are passionate about what they do, which shows in their yummy dishes. These places also have a welcoming atmosphere.

So, join me, and let’s explore all the deliciousness Granite City offers together! Happy eating!

“Granite City Eats” – Showcasing the best local restaurants in Granite City, IL.

Family-Owned Restaurants

  1. Apple Tree Family Restaurant: American, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Salad bar, fried chicken, soups, and juicy burgers.
  • Location: 3717 Nameoki Rd, Granite City, IL 62004
  • 618-451-6260
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

  1. JJ’s Bar-B-Q & More: The locals rave over delicious tender brisket, pork steaks, and homemade side dishes.

 

  1. Jerry’s Cafeteria: American, Cafeteria Style. Est. 1986, (Catering, Holiday/Occasions Carry Out and 50 guest banquet facilities available.) Step into Jerry’s Cafeteria, the yummiest local spot and your beloved hometown since 1986, where every bite feels like a warm, delicious hug.

They have daily specials, including Fried Chicken, Breaded Pork Chops, Fried Fish, and Dumplings that will transport you back to the heartwarming flavors of your childhood. But Wait, it’s not just about the entrees here – their menu side items are legendary! Indulge in the creamy goodness of their “Twice Baked Potatoes,” they are the bomb! And let’s not forget the classic comfort of “Mashed Potatoes and Gravy” that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

But hold on; there’s more! Jerry’s bakery pies are simply divine. From flaky apple pies to chocolate cream, each pie brings a taste of nostalgia to your palate.

Why is Jerry’s Cafeteria the hometown favorite? Well, it’s not just about the mouthwatering food; it’s the heart and soul that goes into every dish. Their recipes have been passed down through generations, ensuring that every bite reflects the warmth of family traditions.

And let’s not forget the friendly faces behind the counter, who always greet you with a smile and make you feel right at home. Jerry’s Cafeteria isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and every meal feels like a cherished celebration.

So, if you’re craving that homemade goodness and a taste of nostalgia, head on over to Jerry’s Cafeteria. Come as you are, enjoy their happy casual ambiance, and savor the flavors that have made them the beloved hometown favorite for decades.  See you at Jerry’s!

Check out Jerry’s Facebook page to view their daily specials.

 

  1. Park Grill: Chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, stuffed pepper and noodles, pork tenderloin, and mashed potatoes are just a few of the homemade dishes served.
  • Location: 2800 E 23rd St, Granite City, IL
  • 618-876-0800
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

  1. Teri’s Route 66 Diner: Deep-fried tacos, burgers, fried mushrooms, desserts, daily specials, sandwiches, wraps, and more.

 

  1. Uncle Linny’s: American, Vegetarian Friendly. Where the locals eat. Home Cooked-Daily Specials-Comfort Food. From building your own pancakes to chicken, fish, ribeye steaks, and more. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner – Linny’s has you covered (Catering Available)

 

  1. Uncle Linny’s Food and Brews: Not your typical bar food. Delicious food with large portions. I enjoy their chicken wraps, but their menu offers a great deal more, like loaded waffle fries, crispy fried pickles, loaded chicken nachos, a variety of burgers, wings, and more. They also have a little Linny’s Menu for the kiddos.

 

8. Steel Town Burgers: Welcome to Steel Town Burgers, where flavor and happiness collide! This little burger haven is all about serving up delightful,  handcrafted goodness that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Their specialty burgers are the stars of the show.  Each patty is hand-patted to achieve that ideal juiciness and tenderness you can’t find anywhere else.  But they don’t stop there! Forget the same old ketchup and mustard routine. Oh no, they like to play with flavors and create burger magic. From their signature Veggie Burger to the Jalapeno Burger, every bite is next level.

Now, let’s talk about the side items. they’re more than just an afterthought; they’re part of the Steel Town Burgers experience! Their menu boasts an array of tantalizing sides that complement their burgers perfectly. Mac-n-Cheese Bites, Fried Cauliflower, and Sweet or Savory Potato Fries are just a few of the delightful choices they offer. And oh, did I mention they have a bakery? Yes, they do have a bakery that is stocked with yummy goodness.

So, if you’re tired of the same old boring burgers, go on over to Steel Town Burgers and treat yourself to a taste adventure like no other. Their happy casual ambiance and mouthwatering creations are waiting to welcome you with open arms and full plates.

 

  • Location: 6 American Village (the Old Ravenelli’s spot)
  • 618-823-5080
  • Website: N/A
  • Facebook page

 

 

EthnicMexican Food

  1. 3 de mayo Mexican Restaurant: Authentic Mexican food – Homemade tortilla, complimentary chips, and salsa. Their popular items are Quesadillas 3 de Mayo, Taco de Asda/Steak Tacos, and Taquitos 3 de Mayo.

 

  1. El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant: It is known for its fast, friendly service and fantastic food. Complimentary chips and salsa are brought to the table soon after seating. The chicken fajitas and taco salad are my typical go-to, but there are many more fabulous dishes and combinations of platers to choose from. Kids menu and lunch specials
  • Location: 2642 Madison Ave, Granite City, IL
  • 618-451-7672
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

  1. Great Wall Chinese Buffet: Friendly Family business. All-you-can-eat buffet with a good variety of food to choose from, reasonably priced.

 

  1. Kasabi Hibachi: Japanese Steakhouse – Fresh traditional Japanese cuisine, springy rolls, steak in house-made teriyaki sauce, shrimp bowl, classic Japanese noodles, and a creative selection of sushi.

 

  1. Lam’s Garden: Lunch and Dinner. Eat in or Carry Out. Appetizers, Fried Rice, Noodles, Combination Plates served with pork fried rice and choices of wonton, crab Rangoon or eggroll, Egg Foo Young, Chop Suey, Daily Specials, and more.
  • Location: 3144 Nameoki Rd, Granite City, IL
  • 618-452-3898
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page: n/a

 

  1. Osaka Sushi Café: Like the name says – Sushi and lots of it, but there’s more. They have specialty rolls (Big Mega, Jurassic Park, Volcano), combination dishes, lunch specials, kitchen entrees (Ribeye Beef, Spicy Chicken, Spicy Pork), noodles, appetizers, soups, and salads. Stop in and try their infamous Deep Fried Crab Rangoon Roll.

 

  1. Si Senor Mex Mex Grill: Lunch and Dinner. Serving Authentic Dishes.

 

  1. Tacos el Manny: Flavorful authentic Mexican food. Some local folks say the tacos are amazing, and the steak fries and Mexican corn are out of this world.
  • Location: 2800 Nameoki Rd, Granite City, IL
  • 618-219-2858
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

  1. Tres Caminos Pontoon Beach: Excellent Mexican food with generous portions. Delicious cocktails with a special drink of the day. They offer a very large menu if you don’t have a favorite dish in mind. Their California Burrito is enormous and a must to try. You’ll need the to-go box for lunch the next day if you’re like me.

 

  1. Vin Hoa Chinese Restaurant: Voted #1 Chinese restaurant in Granite City. Lunch and Dinner. Eat in or Carry Out. They have an extensive menu selection of daily specials, combination plates, and appetizers such as crab Rangoon (yum).
  • Location: 3212 Nameoki Rd, Granite City, IL
  • 618-876-1714
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page: unofficial page; however, you can view the menu in the posts.

 

Coffee Shops & Tea Rooms

  1. Garden Gate Tea Room: Vegetarian Friendly. Appetizers, Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads, and More. Eclectic/Vintage décor. Tea Parties and Private Events available) Reservation is recommended but not required.

 

  1. Manhattan’s Coffee & Socialhouse: This is not your ordinary coffee shop. The locals rave about the cozy atmosphere, crafted martinis, delicious soups, best-iced coffees, and eating around town—a new best place to hang out and socialize. Manhattan’s has Karaoke nights, Trivia nights, and live entertainment.

 

Bakery & Sweets

  1. Daylight Donuts: Made fresh daily donuts and pastries. Large orders and custom orders are welcome upon request.
  • Location: 1965 Madison Ave, Granite City, IL
  • 618-709-7995
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

  1. Duke Bakery: Established in 1951, Duke’s is the ultimate full-line bakery specializing in cakes, pies, pastries, donuts, bread, and cookies. There is nothing like a fresh donut or a delicious chocolate cream horn.

 

  1. Chocolate Covered Creations: Offers an assortment of creative desserts, including dessert tacos and unique pastries, mini cheesecakes, cake pops, Mexican concha, empanadas, and chocolate-covered strawberries, pineapples, and pretzels. Enjoy one of their authentic beverages to compliment your favorite treat.
  • Location: 3051 Washington Ave, Granite City, IL
  • 618-691-8532
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

  1. Sweet Treats from the Hart: You’ll find a host of quality goodies here. The cakes are gorgeous, the pastries are delicious, and they offer unique desserts. Bet you can’t eat just one of their chocolate-covered strawberries or a decorated cookie.

 

Bars, Pubs & Lounges

You’ll often find delicious food when it comes to local bars, pubs, and lounges!

  1. Bindy’s: Burgers, specialty items, sandwiches, appetizers, pizza, soups, and salads. They also have a kids’ menu.

 

  1. Doit’s Village Inn: Enjoy specials like Wednesday tacos or Thursday burgers. Watch live entertainment or congregate on the large outdoor patio.
  • Location: 4015 Pontoon Rd, Pontoon Beach, IL
  • 618-219-2071
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

  1. Hooch & Sixteen’s: A bar with a restaurant-type menu flare. Selections include cod, catfish, bluegill, jumbo shrimp, ribeye steak, baby back ribs, appetizers, and desserts. Check out their Facebook page for daily specials.
  • Location: 1511 W. Pontoon Rd, Granite City, IL
  • 618-797-6740
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

  1. Nick’s Bar & Grill: Although this place is mainly a drinking establishment with classic bar food like burgers and fries, tacos, and quesadillas. My granddaughter absolutely loves Nick’s wings. Nick’s is famous for their naked buffalo chicken wings (with no batter), which come with a tasty sauce. Grab a lot of napkins because you’re going to need them.
  • Location: 3900 Nameoki Rd, Granite City, IL
  • 618-709-7558
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

28. Slurped Daiquiri: Serving signature iced daiquiris such as pineapple express, hypnotic, and classic daiquiris like strawberry. Some of their amazing foods include Philly cheesesteaks and fried turkey legs.

Organizations

Check out these organizations’ Facebook pages to see what they are serving. Some serve full meals, and others may only serve specialty items such as tacos.

 

29. Elks Lodge #1063:

  • Location: 4801 Maryville Rd, Granite City, IL
  • 618-931-3557
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

30. Mexican Honorary Commission:

  • Location: 1801 Spruce St, Granite City, IL
  • 618-876-1688
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

31. VFW Post #1300:

  • Location: 3401 Century Dr, Granite City, IL
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

Franchise Restaurants

32. 88 China:

  • Location: 3433 Nameoki Rd, Granite City, IL
  • (618) 798-9999
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

33. Applebee’s: Full-service chain | bar and grill with car-side to go.

 

34. Denny’s at Flying J:

 

35. Imo’s Pizza:

 

36. Pizza World: Pizza, pasta, salad bar, buffet bar, wings, subs, and more. Kids under 10 years old get a free buffet with an adult buffet purchase on Tuesdays.

All-you-can-eat boneless wings are added to the buffet on Thursdays.

 

Events:

  1. Cooking with Chef Jon – Kids cooking classes to learn basic cooking techniques and proper tool use. Follow Chef Jon on his Facebook page for more information.
  • Location:  Historic downtown Granite City, 1920 Edison Ave., Granite City, IL
  • 618-452-0078
  • Website: n/a
  • Facebook page

 

Community Festivals and Charitable Events:

Eating at local festivals and fundraisers is sure to delight your taste buds. It’s a fun way to support the community and enjoy delicious food from local vendors. You’ll not only be able to have fun and socialize with friends and neighbors, but you’ll also be supporting a good cause and helping to build a stronger and more connected community. And that’s a win-win!

 

  1. Attend benefits were proceeds sponsor our local student sports and organizations
  2. Party at The Beach
  3. Patriots in the Park
  4. Pop-up bars with festive food and drinks
  5. September Fiesta
  6. St. Elizabeth Parish Picnic

 

Alright, my foodie friend, it’s been a delicious journey with you through Granite City’s culinary scene! I hope my list of yummiest local spots has helped you discover some tasty new spots and make the most of our city’s delicious offerings.

 

I’m passionate about our community and glad I got to share that with you. Thanks for joining me on this yummy journey, and I can’t wait to share more delicious finds with you in the future. Happy eating!

 

Supporting local restaurants is a great way to show love to your community and help boost the local economy. Plus, you’re supporting small business owners and their employees when you eat at a local spot. So go ahead, treat yourself to some delicious food, and support your local community!

 

More Ways To Show Your Support

  • Leave an online review!
  • Order take out.
  • Be patient and keep tipping well.
  • Buy their gift cards/certificates to use or gift them later.
  • Order a catered lunch to-go for your employees or a family picnic.
  • Buy their branded merchandise and show it off around town! (t-shirts, coffee mugs, etc.)
  • Reserve a private room for your group.

Thanks for supporting Granite City’s local business!


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Dana Ficker