10 Foods Olympia Fields Illinois Is Known For
Olympia Fields, Illinois is a small town with a big food culture. Located in Cook County, this area is known for its rich agricultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. From farm-to-table cuisine to iconic comfort foods, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try in Olympia Fields. Here are ten foods that the town is known for.
1. Horseshoe Sandwich
The horseshoe sandwich is an iconic dish in Springfield and the surrounding regions, including Olympia Fields, Illinois. This hearty sandwich consists of two slices of toast, a hamburger patty, and a generous helping of French fries, all topped with a cheesy sauce. It’s a popular comfort food and a staple on many local restaurant menus. The horseshoe sandwich is perfect for those looking for a filling, satisfying meal and is a must-try for anyone visiting Olympia Fields.
2. Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is a highly valued crop in McLean County, including in Olympia Fields, Illinois. The town hosts an annual Sweet Corn Festival where visitors can sample a variety of sweet corn-based dishes, including corn on the cob and corn dogs. Local farmers grow sweet corn on a large scale, and it’s available in many local grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Olympia Field’s sweet corn is known for its sweet, tender kernels and is a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
3. Steak
Olympia Fields, Illinois, is well-known for its high-quality beef, and the local restaurants serve up some of the best steaks in the region. These steaks are cooked to perfection and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, making them a must-try for meat lovers. Whether you prefer your steak rare or well-done, you’re sure to find a restaurant that serves it up just the way you like it in Olympia Fields. The town’s love for beef is a testament to the importance of agriculture in the region and the dedication of local farmers to producing top-quality meat.
4. Beer
Olympia Fields, Illinois has a thriving craft beer scene, with several local breweries that offer a wide variety of brews. These breweries serve up delicious craft beer that is sure to please any beer lover, whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or dark stouts. Some of the most popular breweries in the area include Destihl Brewery, White Oak Brewing, and Lil Beaver Brewery. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to sample some of the delicious beers that Olympia Fields has to offer.
5. Italian Beef Sandwich
The Italian beef sandwich is a popular food item in Olympia Fields, Illinois, and the surrounding Chicago area. This sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef that has been slow-cooked with Italian seasoning, then piled onto a roll or Italian bread. The sandwich is typically served with au jus, a flavorful beef broth that the sandwich is dipped into before eating.
In Olympia Fields, there are several restaurants and delis that serve this classic sandwich, each with their own unique twist. Some places offer a spicier version of the sandwich, while others add cheese or vegetables to the mix. Regardless of the variation, the Italian beef sandwich remains a beloved staple of Chicago cuisine, and a must-try for anyone visiting the Olympia Fields area.
6. BBQ
One of the most popular types of cuisine in Olympia Fields is BBQ. There are several restaurants in Olympia Fields that specialize in BBQ, offering a range of smoked and grilled meats, homemade sauces, and traditional sides like cornbread and mac and cheese.
Some of the most popular BBQ spots in Olympia Fields include restaurants like Lem’s Bar-B-Q, which has been serving up classic BBQ dishes since the 1950s, and Cuttin’ Edge BBQ, which offers a modern take on BBQ with dishes like pulled pork nachos and BBQ tacos.
BBQ enthusiasts in Olympia Fields can also attend local BBQ festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Southland Smoque BBQ & Blues Festival, which features live music, BBQ competitions, and food vendors from around the region.
Overall, BBQ is a beloved cuisine in Olympia Fields, and visitors to the area can expect to find a range of delicious BBQ options to satisfy their cravings.
7. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a popular dish in Olympia Fields, Illinois, and visitors to the area can find a range of restaurants that specialize in this classic comfort food. Many of these restaurants offer both dine-in and take-out options, making it easy for customers to enjoy their favorite fried chicken dishes wherever they are.
Some of the most popular fried chicken spots in Olympia Fields include Harold’s Chicken Shack, a local chain that has been serving up crispy fried chicken for over 60 years, and Brown’s Chicken & Pasta, which offers a range of fried chicken dishes and sides.
Other popular fried chicken options in Olympia Fields include chain restaurants like Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and KFC, as well as independent eateries like Country House Restaurant, which offers a range of Southern-style dishes, including fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread.
Fried chicken is a beloved dish in Olympia Fields, and visitors to the area can expect to find a range of delicious options to satisfy their cravings.
8. Pie
Pie is a popular dessert in Olympia Fields, Illinois, and visitors to the area can find a variety of bakeries and restaurants that specialize in this sweet treat. From classic apple pie to creative twists like key lime pie and chocolate pecan pie, there is no shortage of delicious options for pie lovers in Olympia Fields.
One of the most popular pie destinations in Olympia Fields is The Brown Bag Café, which offers a variety of homemade pies, including fruit pies, cream pies, and savory pies like quiche. Another popular bakery is Spinning J Bakery & Soda Fountain, which offers a range of sweet and savory pies, as well as other baked goods and vintage sodas.
Other popular pie options in Olympia Fields include restaurants like Denny’s, which offers a range of classic pie flavors like cherry and blueberry, and Village Grill, which offers a variety of homemade pies that change with the season.
Pie is a beloved dessert in Olympia Fields, and visitors to the area can expect to find a range of delicious options to satisfy their sweet tooth.
9. Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Farm-to-table cuisine is a growing trend in Olympia Fields, Illinois, and visitors to the area can find a variety of restaurants that prioritize using locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. By using fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms and suppliers, these restaurants are able to offer diners a unique and sustainable dining experience.
One popular farm-to-table restaurant in Olympia Fields is The Orchard, which features a menu that changes regularly based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. The restaurant sources many of its ingredients from local farms, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy products.
Another popular farm-to-table spot is Prairie Grass Cafe, which is located just outside of Olympia Fields in Northbrook. The restaurant has a strong commitment to sustainability and offers a menu that features locally sourced ingredients, including grass-fed beef, organic vegetables, and artisanal cheeses.
Other popular farm-to-table options in Olympia Fields include Harvest Room, which offers a menu that changes with the seasons and features a variety of locally sourced ingredients, and Blue Island Beer Company, which serves up farm-to-table dishes that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s house-brewed beers.
Farm-to-table cuisine is a growing trend in Olympia Fields, and visitors to the area can expect to find a range of restaurants that prioritize using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their dishes.
10. Fried Cheese Curds
Fried cheese curds are a popular appetizer in Olympia Fields, Illinois, and visitors to the area can find a variety of restaurants that offer this delicious treat. Cheese curds are made from fresh cheese that has not been aged, and when fried, they become crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making for a satisfying and indulgent snack.
One of the most popular spots for fried cheese curds in Olympia Fields is Red Robin, a national chain restaurant that offers a variety of American cuisine, including its signature “bottomless” fries and fried cheese curds. Another popular chain restaurant that offers fried cheese curds is Culver’s, which is known for its frozen custard and butter burgers, as well as its cheese curds.
Other popular options for fried cheese curds in Olympia Fields include independent eateries like The Country House, which offers a variety of American and Southern-style dishes, including fried cheese curds and homemade ranch dressing. Another popular spot is the Blue Island Beer Company, which offers a variety of craft beers and a menu that features a range of appetizers, including fried cheese curds.
Fried cheese curds are a beloved snack in Olympia Fields, and visitors to the area can expect to find a variety of restaurants that offer this delicious treat.
In conclusion, Olympia Fields may be a small town, but it has a big food culture. From classic comfort foods to innovative cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to try some of these delicious foods that Olympia Fields is known for.
