Best Restaurants in Marion, Illinois

You'll find a variety of restaurant offerings, from Thai to Italian to steak-and-potatoes. Tingle your tongue with a Thai curry at Thai D, chomp your way through a double-decker pizza at Walt’s, experience the Roaring '20s with a steak dinner at 20’s Hideout Steakhouse and Bar, or have a simple lunch inside a bank vault at The Vault Cafe on the Square.

Thai D

Looking for traditional Thai food? Stop by Thai D, and that’s what you’ll get, but the food is prepared with nutrition in mind—no pad Thai drowning in excess oil here. Choose the summer spring rolls for a light, flavor-infused appetizer or try the chicken satay served with cucumber salad sauce. The pad Thai is a popular entrée or try a Thai curry where you can choose your spice level. Celebrate a birthday with the family and snag a free dessert.

Walt’s Restaurant

Walt Nieds has owned and operated his restaurant since 1977, so he’s had plenty of practice making his own marinara, cream and meat sauces. Walt’s specializes in pizza but also offers a wide variety of pasta, chicken and steak entrees. The pizza specialty—the Double Decker—is made with one thin crust topped with cheese, sauce and meat or veggies, then another layer of the same. The locals rave about the sirloin and shrimp scampi. Ask for patio seating when mild weather beckons and enjoy a craft beer while dining.

20’s Hideout Steakhouse and Bar

For an unusual and entertaining experience, dine at 20’s Hideout Steakhouse and Bar, where you’ll feel the Roaring '20s vibe and hear live jazz pianists or guitarists every evening. Feel like wining and dining? The restaurant boasts the largest wine cellar in Southern Illinois, with more than 400 bottles to choose from, paired with generous portions of steak. Signature dishes have names with a mobster flair; try the Chop Shop (two center-cut pork chops), the Squealer (2 pounds of baby-back ribs), or the Bonnie and Clyde (baby-back ribs and chicken). Check out the array of appetizers, sandwiches and wild game entrees in this casual, friendly atmosphere.

The Vault Cafe on the Square

Most people haven’t been inside a bank vault, let alone enjoyed a meal in one. At The Vault Cafe, enjoy breakfast or lunch in a 100-year-old former bank building. Build your own omelet or scarf down a waffle, pancakes or French toast. The casual lunch menu includes sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. You can’t go wrong with any menu choice, but locals love the Vault Burger on a pretzel bun and the loaded cheddar potato soup. Watch for tasty daily specials such as meatloaf, Philly cheesesteak or baked chicken.

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