Restaurant & Activity Guide for Streator, Illinois

Living in a small town in Central Illinois has its pluses and minuses. Pluses include lower crime rate, cheaper property taxes, and less traffic congestion--all equaling lower stress. However, finding good quality cuisine at reasonable prices outside of a large city can be hit and miss. Three restaurants in this area that are definitely a hit include Anna's, Country Cupboard and Toppings.

Anna's at 204 Westgate Plaza, Streator, Illinois serves genuine Italian pizza, pasta--spaghetti, ravioli (outstanding), tortellini--and roast beef, meatball, sub, and chicken sandwiches. Want to get a little exercise while waiting for your food? Go west across the Plaza and cross Bridge St. (1/10 of a mile) and enjoy walking along the Vermilion River located directly behind the ornate Bauhaus-inspired National Guard Armory at 401 W. Bridge St., or take your children to the park located on the south side of the Army National Guard Armory.

Country Cupboard at 126 S. Vermilion St. offers typical American style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Service is prompt and the food is fresh.

Last, but not least, if you like homemade pizza, Toppings Pizzeria located at 312 E Main St. fits the bill. The pizza sauce is the owner's own concoction made from scratch. Toppings also serves tasty sandwiches and salads.

Streator, Illinois, known as the glass manufacturing capital of the world in the 1900's and still home to Owens-Illinois Glass Manufacturing, is a town full of history, beautiful architecture and antique/thrift shops. One of the best antique shops, located right next door to Toppings, is the Mercantile Exchange, selling antiques, collectibles and used furniture at prices that are an absolute steal. After a good meal, and a little antique shopping, take a tour of the many historical buildings, which include the ornate Bauhaus-inspired National Guard Armory, the turn-of-the-century City Hall on Park Street, and several private homes. Other buildings of note include the three Catholic Churches--Immaculate Conception, St. Stevens and St. Anthony's. An interesting note regarding these buildings: the Catholic diocese has decided to combine congregations from all three of these churches. As the church members have been reluctant to merge, plans have been made to demolish all three buildings and erect one new Catholic Church building. Another bit of history bites the dust.