Affordable Illinois Eatery Serves The 'Best Cheap Meal' In The State

When hunger strikes and your wallet lets out a sigh, it’s time to discover Illinois' holy grail of budget-friendly bites.

Every state has that one magical spot where the food is cheap, the portions are generous, and the flavor punches way above its weight class. Whether it’s a no-frills diner inside a gas station or a taco truck with a cult following, these eateries don’t just serve meals, they serve salvation by the forkful. And while fine dining may get all the glossy magazine spreads, we’re here to celebrate the unsung heroes of affordable eating.

This isn’t about truffle oil or pretty garnishes; it’s about real food for real Illinoisans, at prices that leave enough change for dessert.

According to a list compiled by LoveFood, the best place to go for a "blue-plate special" in Illinois is Shannon's Five Star in Bloomington.

Here's what LoveFood had to say about the establishment that serves the best cheap meal in the entire state:

"Whichever day of the week you come by Shannon's Five Star – a Bloomington favorite whose current incarnation has been running since 1997 – you'll find a well-priced special on the menu. On Mondays, it's meatloaf or spaghetti with meat sauce, on Wednesdays it's chicken and noodles with mashed potatoes, and on Friday, it's barbecue ribs with slaw."

Check out LoveFood for a continued list of places that serve the best blue-plate specials across the country.