If you’ve got something to celebrate or even if you don’t, be sure these restaurants are on your radar.

   Once a secret meeting place for such notorious villains as Charlie Birger and Al Capone, Tom’s Place in Desoto now serves as one of the most renowned restaurants in Southern Illinois. Proprietor and Chef Lasse Sorensen spent eight years as an apprentice in Europe and ten years preparing critically acclaimed Californian cuisine before his passion for cooking lead him to buy Tom’s Place. Now, Chef Lasse and his wife Maryjane strive to keep Tom’s Place on the cutting edge of contemporary cuisine, offering an ever changing variety of gourmet dishes and wines to their grateful visitors. Crisp linen, fresh flowers and soft candlelight create an atmosphere of comfortable elegance, evidence of the couple’s polished, personal attention to detail.

 Located in Murphysboro, Cummare’s menu features authentic Italian cuisine featuring homemade sauces used in the lasagna and spaghetti, along with pizza dough and alfredo sauces, all made from recipes that have been in the family for years.  The name Cummare means “best friend” in Italian. Once you come in and try their delicious food in front of the rustic fireplace, sip a glass of wine, or sample some of the fantastic Italian desserts, you will agree that the name is well suited for this cozy restaurant.

Are you looking to celebrate a special occasion in Metropolis?  From company gatherings to personal milestones there are several restaurants that are ready to make your special occasion more special.  Cordavino’s Italian Kitchen has a separate seating space to accommodate groups of 40 or less.  You may choose to have a buffet style event or your guests may order from the menu.  With a full bar and extensive wine selection drinks are available for you as well.  If this is a quaint, private celebration Cordivino’s offers the unique Black Rock Grill dining experience which allows you to see your juicy steak cook right in front of your eyes at the table on a 775 degree black rock.  Couple this with perfect desserts and you have a celebration to remember.  Fat Edd’s Roadhouse is also a great place to celebrate in Metropolis.  This bar and grill is open to guests of all ages.  There is a separate banquet facility on the upper level that accommodates up to 75 guests for private parties and events.  Again, meals can be provided either buffet style or from the menu.  Fat Edd’s is a great place for drinks and the home to the Fat Edd’s Roadhouse Tea and Kryptonite specialty cocktail. Lastly, Bridges Dining Company located inside Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel is a great place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or simply a night away from the house.  Secluded from the lights and sound of the casino, this dining facility offers a robust menu full of selection.  Cold beer on tap  and speciality drinks can be ordered from the full service bar.  And don’t think about having a celebration without a world-class dessert from Harrah’s.  Once your appetite has been satisfied you can walk steps to Harrah’s Casino to complete the night of fun.  Who knows? You may need to stay at the hotel and celebrate your big win with breakfast at Bridge’s the next morning!