Dining & Nightlife

Looking to go out for dinner or drinks?

No problem! As remote as we may feel, there are still plenty of great places to dine in the area. Below is a list of some of our favorites. An even more extensive restaurant list is available in the welcome book we have for our guests.

burger, tapas, dessert

Giant City Lodge

2 miles from the Inn. Famous for their fried chicken. The lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Corps existed from 1933 to 1942 as work relief for families and young men, during the Great Depression.

Global Gourmet

Great food in a cool atmosphere.  Located in Carbondale. 

Underground Public House

Owner and Chef Josh Klarer offers high quality food, craft butchered meats, local produce, innovative cocktails, and a large variety of craft brewed beers from around the region and world. Located in Carbondale.

Long Branch Cafe and Bakery

Cozy Vegetarian breakfast and lunch spot with homemade pastry. Located in Carbondale.

Thai Taste

Amazing Thai food! Located in Carbondale.

Quatros Pizza

Long time favorite! Located in Carbondale.

Fuzzy’s Tavern

What can we say, if you haven’t been to Fuzzy’s for a drink and you have been to southern Illinois, you have to come back and put it on your list. A bar’s bar with pool tables, no windows, and an ATM.

Buckwater Brew Works

The Brew Works includes a great selection of beers brewed on site as well as other craft beers from across the country.  They also have the largest selection of whiskey in southern Illinois.  Food menu includes sandwiches, burgers and more. Located in Carbondale.

Scratch Brewing Company

A farmhouse brewery located five miles from the Shawnee National Forest in Ava, Illinois. They have been nominated 3 times for various James Beard awards.

The Iron Whisk

A modern brunch bistro located in Cobden just south of the Makanda Inn.

Taqueria Pequena

Authentic Mexican takeout. Known far and wide. A few tables are available, most patrons do takeout, you may have to wait, but it is worth it.

Don Sol Mexican Grill

Located in Carbondale and Anna.

Los Dos Gallos Mexican Bar and Grill

Located in Anna.

Flame Bar and Grill

Steak, prime rib, seafood and other American Classics. Refined setting with a garden like patio. Located in Carbondale.

Brick House Grill

The Brick house Grill is on Main Street in downtown Anna a twenty-minute drive from the Inn. It is a family-owned business with great staff and food.

17th Street BBQ

Famous for its BBQ!  The Murphysboro location is the best. Lots of memorabilia, from famous folks that have visited this iconic place, adorn the walls. If you like BBQ, you won’t want to miss this one!

Orchards and Farmer’s Markets

Lipe Orchard and Bass Farms offer great, in season, local and homegrown fruits and vegetables. Bass Farms produce can be found at the Carbondale Farmer’s Market and their shops in Cobden and Marion.

Close to the Inn, these are great options when shopping for a cottage stay or for some fresh goodies to take home. Flamm Orchards, in season, has excellent peach cobbler a la mode. Rendleman Orchard opens July 1st and their website tells you what they currently have available.

Breakfast at Makanda Inn 

Breakfast is included for all guests.