Craving a deep-dish pizza that’s more authentic than Chicago’s? Not here. Expecting Michelin stars in a town named after lunch? Dream on. In Sandwich, only one kind of dining matters—the kind that’s real, cheap, and exactly what we need. Here are the 11 spots where you can grab a meal so good, you’ll forget you’re even in Illinois.
Kay’s Homemade Desserts
$ | (815) 764-6380 | WEBSITE
At Kay’s Homemade Desserts in Sandwich, regulars swap stories about their kids’ birthdays and confess they really shouldn’t indulge again so soon. But they always do. And that’s because the treats here—from the glazed croissants to the amazing birthday cakes—are all under $8. The cozy bakery has last-minute orders, weekly specials, and if there’s a celebration happening, Kay’s is usually involved.
A visit here can include everything from picking up a last-minute cake to grabbing a weekly treat, but either way delicious homemade desserts will be involved.
Derailed
$ | (815) 570-2553 | WEBSITE
Derailed has a vibe that says, ‘Sometimes a burger is therapy.’ And it’s easy to settle into the lively Sandwich spot for an evening and make your comfort food the main event. The brightly lit, renovated space has a few $14 options—including the signature onion rings and handmade mushrooms. So you’ll likely find folks around the bar and tables, enjoying a few and praising the custom batter for their perfect crunch and not just the craft beer buzz.
Sidetrack’d Bar and Grill
$ | (815) 570-2355 | WEBSITE
Where we come from, Bloody Marys and bar talk go hand-in-hand. And Sidetrack’d offers plenty of opportunities to do just that: they have that Bloody Mary everyone keeps raving about, like the one with pepper-seasoned fries for the guy debating the best tenderloin sandwich in town, and the Thai sauce version for when your friend can’t decide between shrimp wraps and cheese curds. The choice of how delicious your meal gets is up to you.
But if the regulars start swapping stories about the cook’s amazing work, we suggest you make it a double.
Star 34 Café
$ | (815) 786-9944 | WEBSITE
Oh, Sandwich. It’s full of locals who’ve made the right choice skipping the chain diners that you’re happily nodding hello to, and a regular pouring syrup on chocolate milk to feel like a kid again. Thankfully, there are still busy spots like Star 34 Café where you can settle in and find comfort in a meal. Plus, they know a perfect breakfast includes eggs cooked to order and crispy bacon. That’s why it’s the highlight of the café’s huge menu, and it’s $9.
Stop in for one or two, enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, and chat with the friendly and efficient waiting staff who make you feel right at home.
Santa Fe Restaurant
$ | (815) 786-6737 | WEBSITE
Santa Fe Restaurant has been our family’s go-to spot for years—birthdays and those afternoons when the grandkids need entertaining. And it’s always been with a Margarita in hand. It’s a cheerful, train-themed eatery where you’ll see kids watching the model trains loop around, and parents relaxing over fajitas, who probably don’t need another basket of chips (but dig in anyway).
The place is cash only, and has no fancy décor, so come prepared for a reliable meal and to hear laughter about the fun train whistles.
Dearborn Cafe
$ | (815) 786-6185 | WEBSITE
You woke up, and it’s not a weekend. You should’ve been born with a personal chef, but your kitchen and your skills don’t see it that way. You accidentally burned the toast, and the grocery store was out of your favorite coffee blend. Yeah, you have some things to talk to a plate and a mug about. Head to Dearborn Cafe where they have a breakfast for everyone.
There are generous portions all around, ranging from country fried steak with gravy and French toast with syrup to freshly made pastries with extra whip cream—you know, for when you want to get full the comforting American way. There are spacious tables all around, and since the cafe serves amazing food at reasonable prices, the wait is one less thing to grumble about.
Vinez Wine bar
$ | (779) 706-2014 | WEBSITE
Since the wines at Vinez Wine Bar in Sandwich are reasonably priced (as all should be), it’s an easy place to drink with a group and not care when they get selective memory about who’s buying the next glass. Vinez offers a great selection of wines, with events like open mic, karaoke, and sip and paint creating a vibrant vibe. If you decide to do a wine flight (which we just made up and definitely do not recommend), the friendly staff ensures excellent service and a cozy atmosphere for support.
Gonzo’s Rock & Roll Pizzeria
$ | (815) 786-3322 | WEBSITE
Gonzo’s Rock & Roll Pizzeria is exactly what it sounds like: a lively, welcoming spot where everyone knows the owner and a large cheese pizza is $18. In a lot of ways, it’s similar to other quintessential Sandwich pizza joints—it has that crispy tavern-style crust and families debating ranch versus garlic cheese bread. The place is cash only, and there’s no card reader at the counter.
So show up with $30 in hand for dinner, order a beef roll and a side of ranch, and be shocked by the fact that you’ll have change—and leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
Olde Tyme Inn
$ | (815) 786-9700 | WEBSITE
If the last burger you had cost you more than 15 dollars, and it came from a place with only soggy fries to keep it company, Olde Tyme Inn in Sandwich should be the first stop on your redemption tour. The small-town spot has a cozy dining room up front and a welcoming atmosphere throughout where people pair an olive burger with a side of onion rings or the popular donut burger with the monthly special. And what are they doing when they’re not devouring a Thanksgiving in a bun?
They’re marveling at how the food arrives hot and cooked to order, proclaiming the only dependable thing in life is Olde Tyme’s attentive service, or simply leaning back contentedly after having one burger too many.
Brother’s Restaurant & Lounge
$ | (815) 786-2133 | WEBSITE
Brother’s Restaurant & Lounge has a menu full of classics you can enjoy during lunch, dinner, and late-night when you’re craving something hearty and homemade. Grab a beef roll after a long day at work and a 50/50 roll when you want to try something unique that still feels familiar. In the evenings, the booths get cozy, the lounge area feels welcoming, and every table is topped with pizzas—fresh, delicious stuff.
China House
$ | (815) 786-6991 | WEBSITE
So you were craving something decent to eat until your usual spot tells you they’re closed for renovations. Well, if you’re looking for a place to eat until you say absurd things like, “Forget it, I’ll just drive the damn twenty minutes myself,” and worse, actually do it, head to China House in Sandwich. The cash-friendly joint has $8 spring roll wraps, $10 chicken on a stick, and $12 combo plates that’ll fill you up without emptying your wallet.
They have a welcoming atmosphere that draws in regulars for generous portions and friends to share a meal—which is probably why your neighbor is at the booth to your right and not at home cooking.
