Fantastic! Diner - Illinois Route 1/I74 Central Illinois

For the few of you who ever travel south to I-74 and are looking to take an alternate route (sometimes I like to drive on something other than the interstate...) there is one place in particular I would like to direct you to. for the heck of it I'll outline the route - by far the quickest (depending on which way you're travelling on 74). Anyway... There is a very small town called Hoopeston with a fantastic diner. It's called L&M's Lunch - named after the owners who have been cooking it's food since it opened in 1964 - Larry and Mick. There are only 3 or 4 tables in the entire restaurant...3 or 4 tables and approximately 30 stools along the bar which runs the entire length of the establishment. It is housed where it has always been, in a storefront built probably sometime around the turn of the century. The interior is probably not even 25 ft. in width, however the bar is at least 60 feet long, approximately. If you happen to go at 12:00 noon any weekday it's likely you won't get a seat. Now, most likely it will be Larry (or his wife) taking your order and calling it out to his brother Mick at the grill near the other end of the (very lengthy) bar. He will then proceed to get your drink (this is an alcohol free establishment, by the way). You'd be crazy not to get a milkshake - made with the same machine they've used for decades. They'll scoop the ice cream into a metal mixer with milk and poor it into a coca-cola styled glass, but it never all fits in the glass, and for some reason having that ice cold metal mixing cup in front of you to refill your milkshake makes it sooo much more satisfying. The hamburgers are freshly cooked on a large flat grill with a spatula (yes, I'll give the steak & shake commercials an ounce of credit, a spatula makes a difference) although slightly fatter, and much fresher than steak & shake's they are still crispy on the edges. They then place them on a toasted bun, the lettuce can be limp but you always get a good cut of fresh onion - and, pickles from a jar, just like you'd have at home. Although I rarely turn down the burger, they have a great grilled tenderloin (which is sometimes better than others). I'm not generally a big fan of french fries (usually because they are never fresh) but I cannot stress this enough - they have thee best fries in the world - you always get them literally within seconds of being pulled from the fryer. In season, they have a wonderfully simple homestyle chili - tomato juice, beef, beans, onion, spices - sounds simple but it's a great complement to the rest, especially on a cold day. If you're not in the mood for a shake with your meal, try a chocolate coke - you may not believe me, but even their fountain drinks taste better than anywhere else. You'll agree should you ever venture there.
Their food is always best when eaten in the establishment, although I have taken it "to go" many times. This is truly an old school establishment, the two brothers that own it have been at it for years - actually, they served me many times in my youth. I no longer live there, but I always eat there when visiting and the owners never fail to recognize me and ask about my family. Oh - I just remembered - they also serve pie, they have quite a bit, but since I don't eat much pie I won't comment. Although thinking about it I think I'm going to try some next time as I've recently taken more of a liking to it.....but I digress (yet again).
Ok, this post ended up way longer than I expected, and I think I just messed up my font...
Oh, I doubt anyone actually ever has a need to travel this route, but since I said I would... I take I57 to Il Rt 52/54 (the exit is just south of Kankakee) to woodland road - east on woodland road (not very far) to Il Rt. 1, then south through Hoopeston to I74..
sorry so long, wow.

Wow, that's a great post. Thanks for sharing, madcap...I'm not sure when I'll next have a occasion to drive that way, but I think I'll take the long route if I do.

Aaron

Thanks for the reply, this was the first time I had ever been on this website - it's great! I hate having to eat fast food, this is a fantastic reference for alternatives.

Hi,
Do you know their operating hours? I plan to be in the general vacinity of that area on a Sunday morning in the next month or so and that is sounding like a wonderful place to stop. However I'd hate to go off my beaten path only to find them closed.

Thanks in advance.

I'm sorry to tell you that they are, unfortunately, closed on Sundays. The owners do all the work there, and they've been at it for a long time. I guess after that long you deserve one day a week off. They used to be open on Sundays, but for the past few years they've started closing for them.
-Wish I had better news, I'd be anxious for your opinion...

Magpie - where are you going to be this weekend? I may have another suggestion for you...

Madcap,
Actually, I won't be heading that way for another few weeks, probably early December. But there is always a chance I can stop in on my way back Tuesday or Wednesday. I really hope my schedule allows!

I am always looking for better places to stop along the way to Bloomington and Peoria, so your suggestions are very welcome.

Thanks!

But don't let that stop you from sharing the other suggestion!