For a low-key game night with high-def screens everywhere, a diverse selection of craft beers, and gourmet bar bites, J & J Time Out Sports…
122 W Cherry St (Herrin)
“For a low-key game night with high-def screens everywhere, a diverse selection of craft beers, and gourmet bar bites, J & J Time Out Sports Bar in nearby Herrin nails it. They also host private events with catering, so rally the crew when game day turns into a full-blown get-together.”
Blue Sky Vineyard anchors the eastern end of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail with Tuscan-inspired charm, award-winning Illinois wines, and…
3150 S Rocky Comfort Rd (Makanda)
“Blue Sky Vineyard anchors the eastern end of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail with Tuscan-inspired charm, award-winning Illinois wines, and views of the Shawnee National Forest.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, September 8, 2026
Tasting Room at Walker's Bluff still has bottles ready to grab, and the estate is open for laid-back picnics and vineyard views this week,…
14250 Meridian Rd (Carterville)
“Tasting Room at Walker's Bluff still has bottles ready to grab, and the estate is open for laid-back picnics and vineyard views this week, so pick your favorite and find a quiet spot. A simple, local reset that lets Southern Illinois breathe a little.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, September 4, 2026
Whether you're team cabernet, cider curious, or just chasing a quiet afternoon, Owl Creek Vineyard pours wines, hard ciders, and sangrias…
1600 Cobden School Rd (Cobden)
“Whether you're team cabernet, cider curious, or just chasing a quiet afternoon, Owl Creek Vineyard pours wines, hard ciders, and sangrias from a rustic knob top in the Shawnee National Forest. Build a self-guided flight, pair it with a hand-made pretzel or panini, then breathe a little easier.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, August 24, 2026
Von Jakob Winery & Brewery is the Shawnee Wine Trail’s only wine-and-beer combo, pouring award-winning Illinois wines, crisp German…
230 IL-127 (Alto Pass)
“Von Jakob Winery & Brewery is the Shawnee Wine Trail’s only wine-and-beer combo, pouring award-winning Illinois wines, crisp German Pilsner, rich stout, and even hard cider, all with that Shawnee Forest backdrop. Grab a flight, share some bites, and pretend this is your backyard for an afternoon.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, August 17, 2026
Craving a grown-up dinner that still feels like a treat after a long week, hit up Flame Bar And Grill for a classic steakhouse menu, fine…
501 E Walnut St (Carbondale)
“Craving a grown-up dinner that still feels like a treat after a long week, hit up Flame Bar And Grill for a classic steakhouse menu, fine wines, and handcrafted cocktails in a warm, refined room with impeccable tableside service that makes even a random Tuesday feel a little fancy.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, September 11, 2026
Underground Public House keeps things local, seasonal, innovative with craft butchered meats, Southern Illinois produce, and cocktails that…
717 S University Ave (Carbondale)
“Underground Public House keeps things local, seasonal, innovative with craft butchered meats, Southern Illinois produce, and cocktails that actually earn the word innovative. Pair it with their rotating tap list of craft beers from around the region and world, then call it your weekly treat you definitely deserve.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, September 17, 2026
Big Muddy Brewing keeps it local with beer, bourbon, and root beer, plus events and an event space for when the whole crew shows up. Make…
1430 N 7th St (Murphysboro)
“Big Muddy Brewing keeps it local with beer, bourbon, and root beer, plus events and an event space for when the whole crew shows up. Make it a mini escape this week... they’ve even got camping.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, September 12, 2026
When dinner indecision hits, Midland Inn has you covered with Mexican favorites, hand-pattied burgers, fried shrimp and catfish, and a…
7570 Old Hwy 13 (Murphysboro) · ✓ checked Aug 17
“When dinner indecision hits, Midland Inn has you covered with Mexican favorites, hand-pattied burgers, fried shrimp and catfish, and a little smokehouse BBQ, all with laid-back bar vibes and margaritas locals rave about. Keep it simple this week and let them cook.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, August 29, 2026
Route 51 Brewing Company and Banquet Center is pouring fresh, handcrafted beers from a lineup that runs deep, with flights to explore and a…
18967 US-51 (Elkville)
“Route 51 Brewing Company and Banquet Center is pouring fresh, handcrafted beers from a lineup that runs deep, with flights to explore and a beer garden for sunny hangs. Catch live music this week, chat with the crew about what’s new, and, when you’ve got a crowd, snag their banquet hall with its own taps.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, September 16, 2026
If your week needs a reset, Honker Hill Winery pours estate-grown favorites with Shawnee National Forest views, pondside perches, and a…
4861 Spillway Rd (Carbondale)
“If your week needs a reset, Honker Hill Winery pours estate-grown favorites with Shawnee National Forest views, pondside perches, and a cozy tasting room that becomes a toe-tapping hangout.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, August 30, 2026
Buckwater Brew Works & Whiskey House pours the good stuff alongside hand-crafted pub fare, with wings worth planning around. Go for a pint…
213 E Main St (Carbondale)
“Buckwater Brew Works & Whiskey House pours the good stuff alongside hand-crafted pub fare, with wings worth planning around. Go for a pint and stay for the weekly bingo, trivia, and karaoke... basically the midweek morale boost Southern Illinois deserves.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, September 13, 2026
Kite Hill Vineyards pours award-winning Southern Illinois wines grown in the Shawnee Hills AVA, with a lineup that actually showcases local…
100 Tasting Room Rd (Carbondale)
“Kite Hill Vineyards pours award-winning Southern Illinois wines grown in the Shawnee Hills AVA, with a lineup that actually showcases local stars like Chambourcin, Chardonel, and Viognier. This week, grab a bottle, linger for the view, and feel smug you didn’t drive to Napa.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, September 14, 2026
If you need a place to shake off the week, Levels Nightclub brings live entertainment, plenty of dancing, karaoke you’ll brag about later,…
760 E Grand Ave (Carbondale) · ✓ checked Aug 26
“If you need a place to shake off the week, Levels Nightclub brings live entertainment, plenty of dancing, karaoke you’ll brag about later, and a solid beer lineup to keep things easygoing, making it an easy yes for a spontaneous Southern Illinois night out.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, August 31, 2026
Whether you’re into clean, traditional styles or curious one-off batches, Molly's Pint Brewpub pours small-batch Irish pub vibes brewed…
12 N 13th St (Murphysboro)
“Whether you’re into clean, traditional styles or curious one-off batches, Molly's Pint Brewpub pours small-batch Irish pub vibes brewed right in Murphysboro. 007 and a spicy Jalapeño India Session Ale, plus low-key music and paint-by-the-pint nights.”
From the Southern Illinois newsletter, September 17, 2026
