The best restaurants in Mattoon

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

Alamo Steakhouse & Saloon keeps Mattoon fed with premium steaks, smoky BBQ, and Cajun kicks, plus a relaxed cocktail lounge where the TVs always have the big game. Come for a celebratory ribeye or an easy burger, stay because the staff is friendly and it’s easy to settle in.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 16, 2026

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.

Whether you're sneaking out for a quick lunch or corralling the fam for takeout, Tacos Amigos nails the Mattoon craving: street tacos with real flavor, hefty chicken burritos, steak quesadillas, plus fajitas and fresh sides. Easy pickup or delivery when cooking enthusiasm mysteriously vanishes.

From the Mattoon newsletter, September 25, 2026

New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.

Lincoln Garden Family Restaurant is that reliable Charleston spot for homestyle cinnamon swirl French toast, hefty one-third pound burgers, a proper Reuben, and desserts that actually taste like dessert.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 18, 2026

Arby's is the reliable move when you crave a legit roast beef sandwich without overthinking dinner. Hot or cold stacks, crispy fries, and a sweet shake hit the spot after practice or between errands, and the menu stays familiar in the best possible way.

From the Charleston newsletter, October 3, 2026

Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.

Whether you catch the truck around town or plan a party, La Luna Mexican Restaurant Food Truck and Catering keeps it simple and delicious with authentic plates like Hawaiian Fajita, Quesadilla Chorizo or Pastor, and Fiesta Nachos. Locally owned, they offer full service catering plus easy carryout or delivery.

From the Mattoon newsletter, September 27, 2026

Mattoon folks know Monical's Pizza for classic thin-crust and hearty deep-dish pies plus that signature salad dressing you’ll end up dipping everything into.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 18, 2026

Angelo's Pizza is the family-owned Mattoon go-to for pan and especially stuffed pies you can customize to the last topping. When you want something different, their lasagna and rigatoni deliver comfort, daily soup specials rotate, and the skillet lineup keeps carb-avoiders happily in the loop.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 22, 2026

A menu of customizable Mexican food served in a modern restaurant, plus takeout & catering.

Roc's Blackfront Tavern & Grill pairs 92 years of Charleston lore with belly-happy plates like country fried steak, Italian beef, and the Rootin' Tootin' Pork Nachos. Hit the weekly specials, then linger under that amber glow for the throwback ambiance and a salad bar they tout as the best in town.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 17, 2026

Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.

Original Joey's Place keeps things old-school in the best way, baking their own buns, grinding their burgers in-house, and searing that half-pounder on a charbroiler for serious flavor.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 18, 2026

Since 1964, Pagliai's Pizza has been the low-key local move for thin-crust pies and hearty pasta, whether you’re posted up at a table or calling it in for delivery. Family recipes, consistent flavors, and fresh ingredients keep it simple in the best way, weeknight or game night.

From the Charleston newsletter, September 27, 2026

Little Mexico has been serving Mattoon since 1966 with straight-up Mexican cuisine, now even easier with new online ordering and reservations. Perfect when you want dinner that tastes familiar and hits the spot, without turning your kitchen into a science experiment.

From the Mattoon newsletter, September 26, 2026

From quesabirria and taco plates to sizzling fajitas and seafood platters, Juanito’s Mexican Cocina Mattoon leans into big flavors and shareable portions that make weeknights easier and weekends happier. Consistent, no-nonsense value and crowd-pleasing combos mean you can feed the whole crew without overthinking it.

From the Mattoon newsletter, September 23, 2026

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

When you want reliable, tasty Mexican without sticker shock, Juanito’s Bar & Grill Charleston keeps it simple with standard prices and a comfortable, local vibe that suits weeknights or catch-ups. Menu’s posted soon, but it’s already the easy choice when you just want good food close to home.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 21, 2026

New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.

Since 2011, Dirty's Bar & Grill has been the kind of Charleston spot where the food’s fresh, the martinis are cold, and the patio’s an easy yes. Expect a full bar, a legit brunch, occasional live music, and a crew that treats regulars like family.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 4, 2026

Mi Casa Tu Casa keeps it close to the heart with homemade Mexican food rooted in tradition, right here in Charleston. It’s the kind of spot locals lean on for comforting plates, friendly smiles, and a no-drama dinner that slides perfectly into the weekly rotation.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 19, 2026

Whether it's a post-game celebration or a study break, Chubby's Pizza keeps Charleston fed with piping hot pies and wings, delivered to your door or ready for pickup. Family-owned with over 25 years under their belt and an EIU alum at the helm, they even sling the town’s biggest round pizza.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 15, 2026

Monical's Pizza nails that crispy thin crust, with the signature salad dressing you absolutely dip everything in... plus deep dish when you want more. Local bonus, they back school reading and community fundraisers, so your pizza night can quietly do some good.

From the Charleston newsletter, September 19, 2026

Home of the Elephant Ear Tenderloin and those made-to-order fried mushrooms, Airport Steakhouse nails that small-town, big-plate vibe. If you want a properly grilled steak, diner-style breakfasts, and friendly service that remembers you by name, this spot delivers without fuss.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 24, 2026

Hubbartt's Downtown Diner is the kind of spot where owners Justin and Lisa keep things friendly, and the food tastes like your kitchen on its best day. Think real mashed potatoes, from-scratch pies and cookies, and daily specials that feel like a hug... friendly service included.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 23, 2026

Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse (Mattoon) keeps it straightforward with classic Japanese fare, separate lunch and dinner menus, and quick online ordering when cooking feels optional. Solid, satisfying, and local... the kind of place you bookmark for easy weeknights or a low-key takeout win.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 21, 2026

Los Potrillos keeps things simple and delicious with real Mexican cuisine, sizzling fajitas, big as your plate quesadillas, and the kind of margaritas that fix a long day. Locals love the easy online ordering, delivery, and curbside pickup when dinner needs to just... happen.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 22, 2026

Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

El Vaquero is the reliable local move when you crave legit Mexican without the fuss. Think carne asada tacos that actually taste like steak, chicken burritos built for lunch breaks, steak fajitas that sizzle, plus fresh guacamole. Easy dine-in, takeout, or delivery when the group can’t agree.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 12, 2026

Luigi's does the cozy Italian thing right with a family-recipe lasagna, crispy fried mozzarella with homemade marinara, and a white Alfredo pizza packed with garlic, shallots, basil, ricotta and mozzarella. Entrees come with a side salad and home baked Italian rolls, plus legit calzones and strombolis.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 1, 2026

Homestyle American meals presented in a converted 1930s barn decorated with antique farm tools.

Kamikaze Hibachi & Sushi keeps weeknights interesting with sizzling hibachi plates, fresh nigiri, and bubble tea, plus bento boxes and poke bowls when you want it all. U Roll and Trojan Roll are easy wins.

From the Mattoon newsletter, October 5, 2026