11 Best American Restaurants in Carbondale

“The owner gets a lot of flak for inconsistent business hours and sometimes apparently having to stop taking orders due to their inability to handle both call-in and walk-in orders. I've only experienced the inconsistent business hours once and have never been turned away or told that they're too busy to take my order. Orders *do* take a long time, though, and it doesn't seem like they ever have times that they're not busy. The food... Most restaurants in Southern Illinois are very limited for vegan options. Dale's is more of a "greasy burger joint" than restaurant, but they have more vegan options than any other eatery in the area. So far, my kids and I have tried the chick'n sandwich, vegan Philly cheesesteak, and the Impossible burger. All of them were amazing! My daughter and I love the chick'n sandwich the best. Dale's even offers vegan cheese and vegan mayo on request - no additional charge for the burger or cheesesteak, and only $1 on the chick'n sandwich (which is the same as for a slice of dairy cheese)! Where else can you go to a non-vegan restaurant and find that?! Nowhere in Southern Illinois. They offered vegan milkshakes in the past, but I don't think they're going to offer that again. They only have (had?) one machine for making milkshakes, and they would have to wait to run out of the vegan ice cream before they could clean it out and make non-dairy milkshakes and vice-versa. Something like that. Thankfully, the Neighborhood Co-op is just a few doors down if you want to grab a vegan ice cream sandwich, some vegan cupcakes, a vegan chocolate chip cookie, or a vegan chocolate pudding pie cup.... Their fries are pretty sad (floppy), greasy, and overpriced, so we always order fries from Pita Alley next door. :P“

“This type of place is in my list of favorites not just for the great food but also the awesome service we receive every time we are there... I love the family-like/friends treatment we get and we are always full and happy when we leave... Thank you for being a Carbondale staple!!! Love you guys!“

“We recently celebrated a special birthday at Global Gourmet and was more than delighted with the service, food and hospitality given to us by our waiter and owner. We spent several hours there and wish we lived closer to have dinners on a regular basis.“

“I used to work at Culvers and we never disappointed in serving with a smile and helping good paying customers with their orders and complaints. Yes, there were issues every once and a while but what restaurant doesn't. I've eaten there several different times while off the clock or just on one of my off days and my food was always hot and never came out wrong, it's not special treatment, it's good service and being caring and compassionate about one another. <3“

“Food was good! I had the fish and chicken meal. Mac and cheese was decent, green beans was fire too. I ordered some sweet potatoes that I didn’t end up getting, I ain’t trippin tho. I’m sure they’re 🔥 too . Overall I definitely recommend. Oh yeah, the mild sauce was very good as well!“

“Great waitress and food. Always enjoy all the TVs.“

“The menu is novel and varied and very well presented. I thought it was too spice for my taste, but I do not say that as criticism, but just to provide perspective. My one critical comment is that I did not want the side dishes that came with my entre. The waiter suggested an alternative but did not tell me that there would be an up charge.“

“Flame is one of my favorite local restaurants. The ambiance is pleasant and the cocktails are good. All of their dishes are very well priced and everything tastes like it's made fresh. My go to is the lobster dip, crabcakes, and ribeye. They recently added creamed spinach as a side and it's very tasty.“

“My boyfriend and I stayed for a few nights at the hotel that’s connected to Manny’s. They have happy hour on select beer for 4-6, the best prices in town on drinks, slots, pool, and great customer service. Lindsey took care of us all night, and did a great job doing so. The place is super clean and taken care of. They currently don’t offer food, but have some great suggestions on food nearby. We loved the atmosphere, and plan on coming back!“

“We’ve drove over from Cape two times now and had excellent food and just as good service both times. The service was outstanding and everyone has been very friendly.“

“they were very helpful and kind to us. look to go again soon thank you all there.“