10 Great Restaurants in Southern Illinois to Get Christmas Gift Cards At

Do you like great restaurants in Southern Illinois?

I bet you do. I know I do. I bet your friends, family, and co-workers would like them, as well. That’s why you should consider getting them the gift of great food this Christmas while shopping local.

Skip the nasty, greasy fast-food places and go with a local dining experience that people won’t forget.

Support local restaurants. Give your friends and loved ones a gift card to something that’s a little better for them. In this article, I’ll show you 10 great restaurants in Southern Illinois where you can get gift cards for gift ideas.

This Isn’t All of the Great Restaurants in Southern Illinois with Gift Cards

This list isn’t extensive. It would take me forever to make that list. So, with that being said, please shop around your local community to see if any local restaurants offer gift cards.

1: Small Town Scoop

Located in Murphysboro, Small Town Scoop is known for its fun challenges and inviting atmosphere.

Their gift cards can be used to get food and ice cream. Customers can enjoy fun games at every table, too. They even have an ice cream-eating challenge here and there.

2: St. Nick’s Brewing Company

Located in Carbondale, Du Quoin, and Chester, St. Nick’s isn’t just a craft brewery, but they also serve really great food.

Each location tends to offer something different. Their gift cards work at all their locations, too. St. Nick’s also does a lot for the local cycling community in Southern Illinois.

3: Shotgun Eddys

Located in Eddyville, Shotgun Eddy’s is a great place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it’s located around some of the best trails the Shawnee National Forest has to offer.

Shotgun Eddy’s is one of our usual breakfast spots because it’s really good and the staff are like family there. They have outdoor seating, bands, horse tie-ups, and more. This is a recommended stop along the River to River Trail.

4: Mary Lou’s Grill

Located in Carbondale, Mary Lou’s Grill has been around since the 1960s, serving Southern Illinois University students and locals for years and years.

They offer breakfast and brunch options. They even have items for folks who have different dietary requirements. This would be a really good gift idea for your favorite SIU student.

5: Heather’s Bakeshop and More

Located in Carterville, Heather’s Bakeshop and More is more than just a bakery, as the name suggests.

They definitely have baked goods, which I have eaten on occasion, and they were really good. But sweets aren’t the only thing on their menu. Their gift cards would make the perfect stocking stuffer for your loved ones this holiday season.

6: Diver Down

Located in Golconda, Diver Down is one of my main eating spots because they have the best Mushroom Swiss Burger I’ve ever eaten in my life.

They offer lunch and dinner options and have a lot to choose from on their menu. They have a very popular Fish Friday option, as well. After eating, your loved one can enjoy the historic Golconda Riverfront, too.

7: Red Onion

Located in Equality, Red Onion is known for having some of the best steaks in all of Southern Illinois.

If your friends, family, and co-workers like steak, then you need to get them a gift card to this place. They also offer many other food items. This place is close to the Garden of the Gods, which would make for a great hike after eating.

8: Mackie’s Pizza

Located in Harrisburg, Mackie’s Pizza is probably one of our favorite pizza places to stop at in Southern Illinois.

Mackie’s Pizza has been around for a long time, serving residents of Harrisburg and visitors to the Shawnee Forest Country. You can get the gift card in any amount. I actually have a $100 gift card in my wallet that I need to spend.

9: Long Branch Café

Located in Carbondale, Long Branch Café has been a staple of the Carbondale area for many years, and even when I was a small child.

Now known as Branch Café & Market, they offer coffee, a restaurant, and catering. Whether you want sweets, a pick-me-up, or good food, they have it all. Enjoy visiting the heart of Carbondale while in this area.

10: Southern Illinois Eats

Southern Illinois Eats is a Facebook Group that promotes and supports local Southern Illinois restaurants and dining establishments.

They offer a digital gift card that can be used for over 30 different restaurants in Southern Illinois. This might be a great gift card for your loved ones so that they can choose where they want to eat. There is just about every kind of food that is included in the places this gift card can be used at.

Final Thoughts About Great Restaurants in Southern Illinois

Consider shopping local this holiday season by getting gift cards from the many great restaurants in Southern Illinois.

You’ll give your loved ones a better dining experience. You’ll help your neighbors and the local economy. You’ll feed someone for the holidays, too, which is a very nice thing to do.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!