Though typically associated with our neighbor to the east, Illinois is no stranger to deep-fried pork products. We’re home to some of the best tenderloins in the Midwest, and you’ve got try them all.
Hand-cut and pounded out, then dredged in batter and fried, these hearty sandwiches are impossible to resist. Keep scrolling for all the best places in our fabulous state to find them.
- Schooners (810 E Grove Street in Bloomington)
Facebook/Schooners Bloomington
Facebook/Schooners Bloomington Known as one of the absolute biggest and best tenderloins in Illinois, you may need to ask for extra buns to finish it. THe restaurant has been in business since 1983, and the King Tenderloin is one of the things that has kept it going so long. Other popular eats at this place are buffalo wings and beer-battered chicken.
- Hungry Moose (3000 N Sterling Ave, Peoria, IL 61604)
Facebook/Hungry Moose
Facebook/Hungry Moose Open daily from 6 a.m. until just 2 p.m., this all-day breakfast spot is popular for one of its more lunch appropriate dishes. This tenderloin is crispy and tender and comes with a soft, gourmet bun. All the food at this family-owned diner is amazing.
- Airport Steak House (410 Airport Road in Mattoon)
Facebook/Coles County Memorial Airport (MTO)
Facebook/Airport Steak House: Home of the Elephant Ear Tenderloin Located at Coles County Memorial Airport, this unique eatery is known for more than just having the best tenderloins in town. Guests can actually watch the runway from large windows in the restaurant as they chow down on delicious comfort food. Pair any meal with the onion rings and don’t leave without trying the pie.
- Busy Corner Restaurant (302 S Eureka Street in Goodfield)
Facebook/Busy Corner Restaurant
Facebook/Busy Corner Restaurant This family-friendly eatery has been around since 2005 and mostly operates as a cafe. Patrons come in for coffee, tea, pie, cheesecake, and more. There is also a full breakfast menu as well as one for lunch and dinner that includes this bad boy. It’s 10 ounces of pork deep fried until golden brown.
- Schultz’s Dairy Bar (600 S Main Street in Altamont)
Facebook/Schultz’s Dairy Bar
Facebook/Schultz’s Dairy Bar Editor’s Note: Schultz’s Dairy Bar is permanently closed.
This little-known restaurant serves up a tenderloin that will blow your mind. Those who order this behemoth are always shocked when it comes to the table. Good luck finishing it in one go. Other popular eats served here include pizza, burgers, and homemade ice cream.
- Smitty’s Bar & Grill (308 Gary Street in Leonore)
Facebook/Smitty’s Bar & Grill
Facebook/Smitty’s Bar & Grill Open daily for lunch, dinner, and late-night drinks, this unassuming bar & grill serves some of the best food in town. In addition to the best tenderloins in the county, they also serve amazing seafood, pasta, and wings.
- Hash House A Go Go (1212 N State Parkway in Chicago)
Facebook/Hash House A Go Go Chicago
Facebook/Hash House A Go Go Chicago Editor’s Note: Hash House A Go Go is permanently closed.
Even the Windy City can’t resist a breaded tenderloin. This eatery has several locations around the states that source from local farmers and use fresh ingredients daily. The tenderloin is part of both the brunch and dinner menus.
- Spoonies Bar & Grill (103 North 3rd Street in London Mills)
Facebook/Spoonies Bar & Grill
Facebook/Spoonies Bar & Grill Situated along the Spoon River, this rustic yet charming restaurant is home to a sandwich you’ll crave for weeks on end. Hand-cut and fried until crispy and golden, this gigantic thing could feed a family of four. Check out previous coverage of one of the best tenderloins in Illinois.
- Waterstreet Pub (1525 Water Street in Peru)
Facebook/waterstreet pub
Facebook/waterstreet pub Editor’s Note: Waterstreet Pub is closed.
The number one seller at this restaurant is a tenderloin you’ll never forget. The restaurant is known for having 31 beers on draft at all times, and it even once served as a saloon in 1837. Locals have been stopping by for tenderloins, though, since 2005.
- Wedron Office (2005 N 35th Road in Wedron)
Facebook/Wedron Office
Facebook/Wedron Office Just north of Ottawa, this roadside diner is a must-try if you’re ever nearby. In addition to tenderloins that will make your taste buds go wild, the restaurant is also known for fried fish, chicken, and homemade soups.
While you’re touring Illinois’ best places to eat, don’t leave out these 10 wonderful restaurants you’ll regret passing up.
Facebook/Schooners Bloomington
Known as one of the absolute biggest and best tenderloins in Illinois, you may need to ask for extra buns to finish it. THe restaurant has been in business since 1983, and the King Tenderloin is one of the things that has kept it going so long. Other popular eats at this place are buffalo wings and beer-battered chicken.
Facebook/Hungry Moose
Open daily from 6 a.m. until just 2 p.m., this all-day breakfast spot is popular for one of its more lunch appropriate dishes. This tenderloin is crispy and tender and comes with a soft, gourmet bun. All the food at this family-owned diner is amazing.
Facebook/Coles County Memorial Airport (MTO)
Facebook/Airport Steak House: Home of the Elephant Ear Tenderloin
Located at Coles County Memorial Airport, this unique eatery is known for more than just having the best tenderloins in town. Guests can actually watch the runway from large windows in the restaurant as they chow down on delicious comfort food. Pair any meal with the onion rings and don’t leave without trying the pie.
Facebook/Busy Corner Restaurant
This family-friendly eatery has been around since 2005 and mostly operates as a cafe. Patrons come in for coffee, tea, pie, cheesecake, and more. There is also a full breakfast menu as well as one for lunch and dinner that includes this bad boy. It’s 10 ounces of pork deep fried until golden brown.
Facebook/Schultz’s Dairy Bar
Editor’s Note: Schultz’s Dairy Bar is permanently closed.
This little-known restaurant serves up a tenderloin that will blow your mind. Those who order this behemoth are always shocked when it comes to the table. Good luck finishing it in one go. Other popular eats served here include pizza, burgers, and homemade ice cream.
Facebook/Smitty’s Bar & Grill
Open daily for lunch, dinner, and late-night drinks, this unassuming bar & grill serves some of the best food in town. In addition to the best tenderloins in the county, they also serve amazing seafood, pasta, and wings.
Facebook/Hash House A Go Go Chicago
Editor’s Note: Hash House A Go Go is permanently closed.
Even the Windy City can’t resist a breaded tenderloin. This eatery has several locations around the states that source from local farmers and use fresh ingredients daily. The tenderloin is part of both the brunch and dinner menus.
Facebook/Spoonies Bar & Grill
Situated along the Spoon River, this rustic yet charming restaurant is home to a sandwich you’ll crave for weeks on end. Hand-cut and fried until crispy and golden, this gigantic thing could feed a family of four. Check out previous coverage of one of the best tenderloins in Illinois.
Facebook/waterstreet pub
Editor’s Note: Waterstreet Pub is closed.
The number one seller at this restaurant is a tenderloin you’ll never forget. The restaurant is known for having 31 beers on draft at all times, and it even once served as a saloon in 1837. Locals have been stopping by for tenderloins, though, since 2005.
Facebook/Wedron Office
Just north of Ottawa, this roadside diner is a must-try if you’re ever nearby. In addition to tenderloins that will make your taste buds go wild, the restaurant is also known for fried fish, chicken, and homemade soups.
Which restaurant do you think has the best tenderloins? Share your favorites with us in the comment section below!
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