Casey, IL
Reflections of the Past, 15 S. Central Ave
granted I only ate there pre-pandemic, but last December I was very happy with the congenial family running the place and my diner-style breakfast...I don't know how they are running in the pandemic, but, as I will mention down message, they are probably open for business as if nothing has happened...oh, and located in an old bank building with a stuffed tiger hidden behind some dusty fake flora that local lore has it escaped from a circus train and mauled someone, Casey is known for the trains that circuit the town, I love them///the diner itself is a little rundown, but food and service were great last time I was there, and the grand old bank building is impressive
Richard's Farm, 607 NE 13th St.
iconic immense restaurant known for their giant BBQ pork chop, huge menu, very, very, very country fare, I usually, when treated

go for the soup, homemade bread, long ass salad bar option///here is the deal this is NO social distancing, no masking, no nothing...I was there recently for an antiques show and if you have seen one of my favorite films The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2(long story I was in it, but got cut

anyway the huge side section of the barn was lit like the underworld of that film and filled with creepy farm things(like evil dolls and evil butter molds) I can't imagine anyone buying...but, I got the heebie-jeebies with all of the unprotected people passing by me with zero regard, and the industrial AC blowing shit everywhere...and the entryway packed with locals and tourists waiting to be seated
Oilfield, 16964 N State Highway 49, Casey, IL, 62420
I haven't eaten at this roadside shack, but I've heard good things from reputable sources: burgers and such
And, lastly, Moonshine, the wonder that is Moonshine, 6017 E 300th, Martinsville, IL
This is the burger shack Oilfield wants to be supposedly. Charles Kurault once profiled it, and, it is seriously out in the middle of nowhere: yes, there is an outhouse. You might see buses pulled up. You will spy old-timers relaxing on the porch. Entering the general store you are perfumed with charring beef grease(very similar to a certain Northside Chicago burger joint). The flat top grill is at the back of the store. There is an immense table of condiments. The burger is what I call "fun," just a burger like you might enjoy at a neighbor's picnic. It is the experience of Moonshine that draws one in, a portal to a special realm where burgers and relaxing outside at the weathered picnic tables makes one feel welcome, at home.
Being gauche rocks, stun the bourgeoisie