Face it, there’s nothing like biting into a really great burger. So, when you’re not making it on the backyard grill, where do you go to get one? If you’re in Clinton County, IL, chances are it’s one of these choice places.
Photo: Sebastian/UnSplash
Hands down, ask a local who makes the best burger around, and the answer will be Wally’s Drive-in. The long-time stop in Breese—it opened in 1951—has been the pick of generations, and for good reason. It’s simple and it’s great. Chalk it up to fresh ground beef. Nothing fancy, unless you count some extra cheese, the bun, and pickle. Do yourself a favor and have it with a side of beer-batter onion rings and a chocolate shake.
Wally’s Drive-In
711 N 4th St, Breese, IL
618-526-4040
Open daily, 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Like your burger gussied up a bit? Head over to LuBar & Bistro or the Wheelhouse & Grille, both in Carlyle. They have the same owners and menus that provide a tasty selection of hand-patted burgers. Order up the LuBar Burger (or the Wheelhouse BBQ Burger) and you’ll get a charbroiled patty topped with cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and homemade BBQ sauce. Delish.
LuBar & Bistro
911 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL
618-594-6333
Daily, 11:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m.
The Wheelhouse & Grille
5 Resort Drive, Carlyle, IL
618-594-8000
Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday, 7:00 a.m. -10:00 p.m.
Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
If you prefer your burger with football and beer, Gridiron Grill is the place for you. This spot is hopping on game day, with eight screens for watching. The family-friendly sports bar serves up hand-patted burgers on pretzel buns with a choice of curly, cubed, shoestring, crinkle-cut or American fries; tater tots or sweet potato fries. Something tasty for everyone.
Gridiron Grill
259 North Main Street, Breese, IL
618-526-9101
Monday, 5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Tuesday – Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Great burgers. Great towns. Great people. Notice a pattern here in Clinton County?