Sheldon, Booby’s head chef, prepares sandwiches on June 8, 2026 in Carbondale, Illinois.
Hey, Gus Bode here. I’ve lived in Carbondale my entire life. I’ve seen several different businesses come and go from this town. Some good. Some bad.
As of late, it’s getting pretty hard to keep track of all the different places you can go grab a bite to eat around here. Because the food scene in Carbondale is so volatile, it seems like we’ve got a new sub shop and food truck every other week. I’m not complaining, I love trying new things, but for someone who’s new in town, the options may get overwhelming. Plus, the last thing I’d want is for someone new not to know where all the good spots are.
That being said, I’ve taken the liberty of creating a comprehensive list of every single food spot I could think of. I’ve organized it to indicate how far away each spot is from campus, how expensive it is, what type of stuff they serve and if it’s open late. Plus, I’ve indicated which spots are my favorite. Forewarning, there are a lot of restaurants here, so if someone ever tells you that there’s nothing good to eat in Carbondale, show them this Gus Bode Restaurant Guide.
The miles between the restaurants and campus are calculated by the distance from the Student Center.
$ 1 – 10 | $$ 10 – 20 | $$$ 20 – 30 | $$$$ 30+ * = Staff Pick
Delytes | $, GF, V, Breakfast, Sweets, Coffee
0 miles from campus! Morris Library
Blend Tea and Crepe Lounge | $, GF, V *
0.5 miles from campus, 719 S University Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901
Blend Tea and Crepe Lounge is a teahouse that offers many different flavored hot, iced and boba teas as well as sweet and savory crepes. I would recommend a nice, simple Nutella crepe with strawberry and banana with an iced honeydew milk tea. There are no menu options for coffee lovers, but staff would be happy to point out which teas are caffeinated.
Blend has a warm, pleasant exterior with both small tables and a window-facing couch space, perfect for talking with friends or studying.
Harbaughs | $$, GF, V
0.5 miles from campus
Underground Public House | $$$$, GF, V, Alcohol
0.5 miles from campus
Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza | $$, GF *
0.7 miles from campus, 218 W Freeman St, Carbondale, IL 62901
Four guys from Chicago came together in 1975 to open a pizza place called Quatros. Their deep-pan style is like a combination of Detroit-style pizza and Chicago deep-dish style. The crust is pretty thick with toppings and sauce under the cheese. The spot is very close to campus and a popular spot among students and locals. My favorite pizza is “The Quatro” which features four different types of cheese, which is elevated further if you ask to add minced garlic on it.
Lost Forest | $, Coffee
0.8 miles from campus
Don Taco | $, GF, V, Lunch, Open Late
0.9 miles from campus
Common Ground | $, Sweets, Coffee
0.9 miles from campus
Chili Jilly’s | $, GF, Sweets
0.9 miles from campus
Munch Station | $, Open Late *
0.9 miles from campus, 600 E Grand Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901
Munch Station is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves not just gyros and shawarma bowls, but also burgers and loaded fries. Gus recommends their chicken Philly, which is the perfect blend of savory and crispy without being too dry. Munch Station also serves some pastries such as baklavas or lemon cakes as well as some novelty sodas like pineapple Fanta.
Booby’s Bar and Sandwiches | $, GF, Lunch, Dinner, Alcohol
1 mile from campus
Big Chill | $, GF, Sweets
1 mile from campus
Pagliai’s Pizza | $$, GF *
1 mile from campus, 509 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901
Opened in 1968, Pagliai’s, more commonly known as Pag’s, offers wood-fired pizza with both thick and thin options. The restaurant features lots of seating and a window to watch every step of the pizza-making process. In the back, they also have rooms for larger parties. I really like the Big Red pizza with the ability to add meat on one half. Their dessert options are delicious, specifically the tiramisu.
Bombay Olive | $$, GF, V
1 mile from campus
Italian Village | $$, GF *
1 mile from campus, 405 S Washington St, Carbondale, IL 62901
More commonly known as IV’s, Italian Village opened in 1960 and is popular for their thin-crust pizzas. The sauce is slightly sweet, blending well with savory toppings. The restaurant features a salad bar, garlic bread, pastas and sandwiches. Each weekday besides Tuesdays, they have a deal on alcoholic drinks, with the margaritas on Mondays being a personal favorite. For meat eaters, they have a cheeseburger pizza that is really good. There is lots of room to meet with a large group or small group of people.
Sal’s Bistro | $$, GF, V, Lunch, Dinner
1 mile from campus
Chango’s | $$, GF, V, Open Late, Lunch, Dinner
1 mile from campus
Aban Kitchen | $$, GF, V *
1.1 miles from campus, 114 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901
Aban Kitchen is a Middle Eastern restaurant that offers popular regional specialties like shwarma, kabob and falafel. I especially recommend the shakshuka, which is also a great vegetarian option. Other vegetarian options include foule, fassolia, falafel and the vegetable soup. The baklava, a pistachio-filled pastry, is to die for.
Pictures from around the world hang on the wall and the walls are painted a smooth amber. Aside from the main room with booths, Aban also has a room with low floor seating fit with mattresses and cushions.
PK’s Bar | $$, GF, V, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Alcohol
1.1 miles from campus
Sam’s Cafe | $$, GF, V, Open late, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
1.1 miles from campus
Doña Camila | $, GF, V *
1.2 miles from campus, 100 W Jackson St, Carbondale, IL 62901
If you’re looking for a delicious burrito that’s cheap, this Mexican grocery store has got you covered. In the back, behind the aisles of soft drinks, candy, snacks and other items, is a hole in the wall with a chalkboard menu where you can order. The menu contains such items as burritos, street tacos, tortas, gorditas and tamales.
Cristaudos | $$, GF, V *
1.2 miles from campus, 209 S. Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901
Nestled in the heart of Carbondale’s downtown scene, Cristuado’s is your all-in-one breakfast, coffee, lunch and study spot. Located just one block north of the Amtrak station, this vibrant, artsy cafe is home to local art displayed and for sale. I recommend the pulled pork biscuits and gravy or the pink iced sugar cookies. There is something for everyone, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or a meat-lover. If you hear a little music or even a full-blown concert happening, don’t be alarmed. Cristuado’s is connected directly to Plaza Records. If I get bored, you can often find me perusing through vinyls and CDs, often landing in their in-house selection of local music from the bustling Carbondale scene.
Thai Taste | $$$, GF, V, Dinner
1.2 miles from campus
New Kahala | $$$, GF, V *
1.2 miles from campus, 600 E Grand Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901
New Kahala offers a variety of Chinese dishes, including fried rice, lo mein, egg drop soup, and combination dinner plates. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options and generous portions that make it a popular choice for both dine-in and takeout. I would recommend the orange chicken with fried rice and an order of crab Rangoon as a side.
The restaurant has a quiet, relaxed dining room with comfortable booths and quick service. It’s an easy choice for lunch between classes or a casual dinner with friends.
Mary Lou’s | $$, GF, Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee, Sweets
1.3 miles from campus
Branch Cafe & Market | $$, GF, V *
1.3 miles from campus, 100 E Jackson St, Carbondale, IL 62901
Branch Cafe & Market, formerly known as Longbranch and colloquially known as “The Branch,” is a locally sourced breakfast and brunch spot that offers halal meals on an ever-changing and experimental menu. They make drinks, egg dishes, salads, pastries and sandwiches. The atmosphere at The Branch is renowned for its inclusivity and beauty. The Branch offers both indoor and outdoor seating amid colorful flowers and bright table tops.
The back of the restaurant serves as a holistic market that offers groceries, oils, kitchen supplies, art, clothing and more. It’s a perfect spot for a date, a study session or a place to take your parents. They also have live music from local artists on Sundays.
Buckwater | $$, GF, V, Dinner, Alcohol
1.3 miles from campus
Tres Hombres | $$, GF, V, Lunch, Dinner, Alcohol
1.4 miles from campus
Wadeyy Wings | $$, GF, Lunch, Dinner
1.4 miles from campus
Global Gourmet | $$$, GF, V, Dinner, Alcohol
1.4 miles from campus
Flame Bar and Grill | $$$$, GF, V, Dinner, Alcohol
1.5 miles from campus
Don Luna | $$, GF, V, Lunch, Dinner
1.8 miles from campus
Carbondelis | $$, V, Lunch
2 miles from campus
Yamato Steak House | $$, GF, V, Dinner, Alcohol
2.1 miles from campus
Sunny Street Cafe | $$, GF, V, Breakfast, Sweets, Coffee
2.2 miles from campus
Los Posas | $, GF, V, Lunch, Dinner
2.2 miles from campus
Tequilas | $$, GF, V, Lunch, Dinner, Alcohol
2.2 miles from campus
Dale’s Burger Shack | $$, V *
2.3 miles from campus, 1709 W Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901
Dale’s Burger Shack is a grill in the Murdale Shopping Center best known for its eponymous burgers, but also serves great hot sandwiches. No matter what you order, I recommend their regular fries, which are incredibly thin and crispy. Their Philly Cheesesteak is incredible, but not something you want to order unless you’re expecting leftovers. For St. Louis natives, Dale’s is also one of a handful of local restaurants serving bottled Fitz’s Root Beer products, so go ahead and grab a black cherry soda while you’re there.
Pita Alley | $$, V *
2.3 miles from campus, 1711 W Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901
Pita Alley is a Mediterranean restaurant in Murdale that serves traditional dishes from Greece, Turkey, Italy and more. They work with local farmers and suppliers to source local ingredients for a blend of authentic yet homegrown flavor. Their menu features a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. It’s a great spot for a date night or dinner with friends.
Neighborhood Co-op | $$, GF, V *
2.3 miles from campus, 1815 W Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901
The Co-op is both a grocery store and a food spot. Think Wholefoods but local. They have a hot bar with all kinds of stuff, from game fish to pizza. They also serve coffee, pastries, salads and sandwiches. It’s a great place to study and to try something new. I can guarantee that you will find something you’ve never had before.
Hunan | $$, GF, V *
2.5 miles from campus, 710 E Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901
Hunan is a fine Asian cuisine restaurant with standout appetizers and great sweet, spicy and savory meal options. I would recommend Szechwan green beans or crab Rangoon to start, then getting some orange chicken for the main course.
Hunan has a relaxed, friendly dining atmosphere, great for a nicer dinner for a family weekend or a celebration after finals.
El Paisano | $$, GF, V, Lunch, Dinner, Alcohol
2.5 miles from campus
Sergios | $$, GF, V, Lunch, Dinner, Alcohol
2.6 miles from campus
Don Sol | $$, GF, V, Lunch, Dinner, Alcohol
3.2 miles from campus
Cool Spoons | $$, Sweets
3.2 miles from campus
Yummy Buffet | $$, GF, V, Lunch, Dinner, Sweets
4.6 miles from campus
Midland Inn | $$, GF, V *
5.1 miles from campus, 7570 Old Hwy 13, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Somewhat hidden on Old Highway 13 between Carbondale and Murphysboro is the Midland Inn. Midland is a homey small-town restaurant with a menu that is way too large. I recommend the Southwestern wrap, Caesar wrap or any of the fried fish entrees. Vegetarians and vegans beware! Other than salads, some appetizers and cheese pizza, there are not a lot of options here.
Midland has a great patio for outside seating and is a perfect spot to sit and chat with friends in the cool fall and spring weather. Midland is a great spot to get a drink, as long as you have a ride home :). I recommend the raspberry mojito.
CHAINS
Carbondale
Jimmy Johns | 1 mile from campus
Subway | 1.1 miles from campus
Domino’s | 1.1 miles from campus
Pizza Hut | 1.2 miles from campus
McDonalds | 1.4 miles from campus
Burger King | 1.8 miles from campus
Sonic | 2.1 miles from campus
Panera Bread | 2.1 miles from campus
Panda Express | 2.2 miles from campus
7 Brew Coffee | 2.4 miles from campus
Sergio’s Mexican Restaurant | 2.6 miles from campus
Smoothie King | 2.8 miles from campus
Fujiyama | 2.9 miles from campus
Taco Bell | 3.2 miles from campus
Arby’s | 3.2 miles from campus
McAlister’s Deli | 3.2 miles from campus
MOD Pizza | 3.2 miles from campus
IHOP | 3.4 miles from campus
Chili’s | 3.2 miles from campus
Moe’s Southwest Grill | 3.2 miles from campus
Culvers | 4.7 miles from campus
Marion
Dairy Queen | 13.8 miles from campus
Olive Garden | 14.6 miles from campus
Raising Cane’s | 15 miles from campus
Chick-Fil-A | 15 miles from campus
Chipotle | 15.1 miles from campus
Freddy’s Frozen Custard | 15.2 miles from campus
Steak ‘n Shake | 15.2 miles from campus
Logan’s Roadhouse | 15.5 miles from campus
Applebee’s | 15.5 miles from campus
Wendy’s | 16.3 miles from campus
Bojangles | 16.5 miles from campus
Kentucky Fried Chicken | 21 miles from campus
Murphysboro
Hardee’s | 6.5 miles from campus
Dairy Queen | 9 miles from campus
Dining and Cooking