Mattoon might not top every traveler’s list, but locals know its dining scene punches well above its weight. From cherished institutions serving classics to fresh faces shaking things up, here are the 13 best restaurants in Mattoon, IL, for 2026—your guide to where to eat from the historic downtown out to the edges of town.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
$ | (217) 234-9091 | WEBSITE
Cracker Barrel feels like the roadside stop every family hopes to find. Booths filled with kids munching on fried chicken while parents relax over meatloaf and sides mid-conversation, while regulars share amazing bowls of grits and plates of fried apples. The vegan breakfast is hearty, featuring Impossible sausage patties, a big bowl of grits, and those sweet fried apples. It’s comfort-heavy, welcoming as a hug, served in a kid-friendly atmosphere, with a browse-worthy front store.
One of Mattoon’s most reliable spots, this is a restaurant that’s very easy to enjoy—as are the decent prices and easy wheelchair access from the parking lot.
Spanky’s Food & Spirits
$ | (217) 234-2224 | WEBSITE
The definition of a neighborhood bar has broadened in the last couple of decades. What was initially defined by cheap beer and basic burgers has grown into something else where you’ve got more chance of getting bourbon mayo than ketchup. Spanky’s is part of this bar-cum-restaurant thing, and it makes some seriously delicious food. This is about classic American comfort dishes done well. Outstanding hot wings, generous burgers, tender breaded chicken, an excellent ham and cheese with fries.
The square bar in the center creates a perfect spot to catch a game or socialize, with cold drinks and super cheap options available. Even when the AC is broke, the friendly staff handles busy times well. After dinner, you can try your luck at the slot machines. Spanky’s has been around for 40-50 years, and it shows in the great environment and excellent service that’s sure to please everyone.
Hunan Fine Asian Cuisine Restaurant
$ | (217) 234-4855 | WEBSITE
Hunan Fine Asian Cuisine Restaurant, tucked away in a Mattoon strip mall, brings refined dinner party elegance and serves authentic, home-cooked style Asian dishes. The menu offers a vast and satisfying variety, from tender pork dumplings to rich beef stir-fries, but also elegant plates of roasted duck with plum sauce. This is where to go for beautifully decorated interiors, wine and beer pairings with your meal, and consistently delicious food that tastes pure and real.
Luigi’s
$ | (217) 234-2268 | WEBSITE
A downtown staple for Italian dining with a swanky yet authentic atmosphere, Luigi’s continues delivering what they do best in Mattoon. The pizza and pasta approach means you can share a pie or dive into a full entree. The menu boasts variety but it’s hard to go wrong. The Tortellini Alla Pana, any pasta trio, the minestrone soup, and the phenomenal bread are excellent. Sitting at a table is perfect for a couple, or bring any friends or family you want to genuinely impress.
Happy Donuts Express Asian Food
$$ | (217) 235-6688 | WEBSITE
Happy Donuts Express Asian Food serves some of the best Asian-inspired dishes in Mattoon. It has a transparent approach to pricing, a menu so straightforward you can plan your entire meal before walking in, and a much-appreciated lack of upfront payment. But there’s more to love about this efficient, brightly lit restaurant with its no-frills atmosphere. Solo diners and small groups settle into the simple, functional seating, checking the website and enjoying affordable plates.
Expect honest flavors and convenient, everyday satisfaction.
Subway
$ | (217) 258-7827 | WEBSITE
Perfect for those who crave a quick lunch, love customizable sandwiches, or just need that reliable spot for a satisfying meal on the go, Subway is a classic sandwich staple. Despite being a chain with the occasional order mix-up or slower drive-thru service, its made-to-order subs, chicken and cheese dippers with creamy sriracha, and footlong sidekick pretzel with cheddar cheese dip all make it worth stopping by for a convenient bite.
BIMINI
$ | (217) 258-8721 | WEBSITE
BIMINI has something for every Mattoon food lover—a cash-only policy that also serves as planning inspiration, limited hours that could very well still hold lunch rush memories, and most importantly of all, excellent Caribbean dishes by the kitchen. Their self-proclaimed ‘creole-inspired’ offerings fall somewhere between bold island flavors and Midwestern comfort, and our pick of the bunch is the Cuban Roast Chicken.
It may look somewhat like a humble weeknight dinner at first glance, but the Munster cheese and guava preserves combination is a must-try.
Burger King (Mattoon)
$ | (217) 234-8122 | WEBSITE
Unless you’re the kind of person who only dines at white-tablecloth spots and considers fast food beneath you, then you probably don’t think of Burger King as a destination restaurant. So it’s a welcome surprise to find that Burger King (Mattoon), the original location that’s been serving since the 1950s, offers both great food and a bit of local history. The burgers are prepared fresh to order and at around $8 for a combo meal, it makes for an excellent quick stop.
Juanito’s Mexican Cocina
$ | (217) 234-3475 | WEBSITE
Juanito’s Mexican Cocina is a wonderful restaurant that offers a comfortable and quiet atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both casual visits and regular dining. There are plenty of tables but it’s predominantly sit-down only, and whichever option you go for, you’ll find that the steak fajitas are tender, the guacamole fresh, and the margaritas are the perfect equilibrium between sweet, tart, strong, and smooth.
The nachos and other menu items are perfectly decent, but it’s the fajitas and margaritas you should be focused on.
Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse (Mattoon)
$$ | (217) 234-7738 | WEBSITE
At Fujiyama, you’ll probably need to wait for a hibachi table alongside other regulars in their casual weekend best, but it’s absolutely worth it. This lively spot in Mattoon is pretty much entirely focused on the teppanyaki experience and makes a strong case for being one of central Illinois’ most satisfying dining scenes.
Come on a busy night and snag a seat (alongside a bowl of that ginger-dressed salad), or stop by for a weekday lunch if you don’t want to tackle the dinner rush, for sushi rolls followed by sizzling hibachi chicken with perfectly grilled vegetables.
Little Mexico
$ | (217) 234-4535 | WEBSITE
Mattoon is really good at Mexican restaurants and Little Mexico is one of the most charming. Its unique setting with cobblestone flooring and lamp posts makes it seem like someone made a Mexico filter, and optimised it for faux doors, generous portions, and burritos. The food here is good, particularly the ground beef burritos and beef tamales with rice, and it pretty much suits any casual gathering with friends.
The Castle
$ | (217) 235-4841 | WEBSITE
If a neighborhood dive bar and a classic pizza joint had a love child, it would be The Castle. It’s a perfect mix of Mattoon friendliness and pizza with serious attitude. Hot, fresh, with a crisp crust that crackles with each bite, their pizza goes toe-to-toe with some of the best late-night slices in town. The Castle moves at a relaxed pace so save it for a casual, unhurried evening that gives you just enough time to play a round of pool, belt out some karaoke, and enjoy a great drink or two.
Triple Nickel Saloon
$ | (217) 235-5551 | WEBSITE
You’ll find Triple Nickel Saloon tucked away in Mattoon, but this neighborhood saloon feels different to the usual chain restaurants. The welcoming local spot has a charm that goes far beyond its excellent bar pizza and cold drinks. Friendly bartenders run the show, the casual vibe draws everyone from office workers to bikers, and regulars relax over things like darts and music while reconnecting with friends.
