Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Decatur, IL

DECATUR. Does tonight's agenda call for festive ambience and spicy Mexican fare? Let Carlos O'Kelly's lead the list of...

DECATUR. Does tonight's agenda call for festive ambience and spicy Mexican fare? Let Carlos O'Kelly's lead the list of possibilities. Start with homemade chips and salsa before tucking into an appetizer of chili con queso or a chipotle cheese crisp. Then be sure to try prairie fire fajitas, steak picado in diablo sauce, or seafood Vera Cruz. Plenty of combo plates and dinner pairings are also available, along with great daily specials and a mind-numbingly good list of margaritas.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DECATUR. Ask a local to recommend the tastiest steak and seafood in town, and chances are good that you'll be pointed...

DECATUR. Ask a local to recommend the tastiest steak and seafood in town, and chances are good that you'll be pointed towards this upscale, casual American bistro. Tables are covered in white linens, walls boast appealing paintings, and the friendly waitstaff nimbly sees to the needs of each diner. Main courses like prime rib au jus, barbecue pork ribs, and pasta primavera with garden-fresh vegetables elicit much praise, and when it's nice out, patrons love to dine on the attractive brick patio.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DECATUR. Just a short jaunt from the Millikin campus, LSB (as it's familiarly known) has been a family-owned hit since...

DECATUR. Just a short jaunt from the Millikin campus, LSB (as it's familiarly known) has been a family-owned hit since the days of disco. Stop by for a bite to eat or a cold glass of suds, and you'll quickly see why this friendly neighborhood bar retains its loyal following. The kitchen has earned its stripes with homemade soups, specialty sandwiches and tasty beer-battered cod. When the weather cooperates, an outside seating area in the enclosed alley next door gets busy ­ it's a great place to enjoy Sunday brunch.

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-1am; Thu-Sat 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DECATUR. If Central Illinois has a signature cuisine, it may very well be what's served at this ever-popular burger...

DECATUR. If Central Illinois has a signature cuisine, it may very well be what's served at this ever-popular burger joint and its handful of nearby locations. Known far and wide for the Caddy they've tweaked to resemble barnyard fowl, the Decatur branch of Krekel's takes itself and its reputation for tasty grub seriously ­ but not too seriously. The formula's a proven one, though, since generations of hungry patrons flood through the doors, ready to eat their fill of cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings and malts.

Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am-10pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

DECATUR. This friendly and relaxing restaurant has it all. Chicken, pasta, steaks and seafood. All the steaks are hand...

DECATUR. This friendly and relaxing restaurant has it all. Chicken, pasta, steaks and seafood. All the steaks are hand cut and all dinner entrees come with a vegetable of the day, a choice of potato and fresh baked bread. From May through October, when the weather's cooperative, seek out a table on the covered deck, which affords great views of Lake Decatur.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm; Sat 5pm-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club