Harbaugh's Cafe
901 s. illinois ave. solid, not too-greasy greasy spoon. very popular with locals.
New Kahala
Easily the best chinese food in town besides hunan's... located at 606 s. illinois ave. it's right in the middle of town. easy access, great food, great prices. for the quality and price, no other chinese place in town comes close.
China Express
901 s. illinois avenue. +1 618 549 3991. good, cheap chinese fast food, directly across from campus. they don't put msg on the food, but do keep a jar on the counter if you happen to want it. $4-6.
China Wok
883 e. grand ave.. 618-351-5900. .the best cheap chinese restaurant in carbondale, china wok offers better food than china express, for those willing to travel a mile off campus.
Cristaudo's
***now closed soon to be replaced by larry's house of cakes*** murdale shopping center, 1807 w. main street. +1 618 457 4313. this little bakery offers a range of sandwiches, soups, and salads. the service is super-friendly, the ingredients are fresh, and the baking is top notch. it's a little off the beaten path if you are on foot, but do take the extra time if you have it. $3-7
Don Taco
600 e. grand st. and 606 s. illinois ave. best cheap mexican food in the region -- real cheap, eat dinner for 3 bucks!
Underground Grille & Pub
(http://www.undergroundgri...), 717 south university avenue on the "island", 618 351-0717. open tuesday-saturday at 4:00 pm. eclectic dining for the frugal gourmet. a popular hangout for siu faculty and locals. best bang for the buck in carbondale. lamb chops on the menu most of the time. a short walk to shryock auditorium.
Thai Taste
100 s. illinois ave. the only thai restaurant in carbondale.
El Greco
Best gyros and fried mushrooms in town!!
Global Gourmet
102 e. jackson street. best restaurant in carbondale. the quality you would expect in a one of the best restaurants of a major city. new menus daily, and creative deserts as well.
Happy Reunion
1901 w. main street.
El Bajio
1010 e. main street.
Hunan
The best chinese restaurant in town by far. however, they do not deliver.
Italian Village
Meatball sandwich is the best in town!!
Jewel of India
A few years ago, the best indian restaurant in town, but has gone downhill in quality. does not accept credit cards
Quatro's
218 w. freeman at university. +1 618 549 5326. (http://www.quatros.com) carbondale is a college town, and as you would imagine it has its share of pizzerias. quatro's is a standout in part because of the unique quality of their pizza dough, which is made with brewers yeast -- legend has it that the yeast is obtained through some special deal with a st. louis brewery. $4-12.
Longbranch Coffee House
Offers an all-vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner. the food is hit and miss and the service is slow, but very popular with locals and older students.
Mary Lou's Grill
114 s. illinois ave. very homey breakfast joint. if you like biscuits and gravy, this is your place.
Mississippi Flyway
Great if you enjoy dining under the dusty, but watchful eyes of deceased animals.
Tres Hombres
119 n. washington. +1 618 457 3308. 11am - 10pm lounge open until 2am every night. good tex-mex standards, including a vegetarian burrito. great value in food and drink. the lounge offers a bit more swank than the average collegiate joint. on weekends they feature live music, usually a local blues band. $12-18
Kaya Korean and Japanese Restaurant
817 s. illinois ave.
Sachi Japanese and Asian Cuisine
227 w. main st.
Great Wall Chinese Super Buffet
1285 e. main st. all you can eat chinese food.