Illinois Eatery Dubbed ‘Best Under-the-Radar Restaurant’ in Entire State

Hole-in-the-wall, out-of-the-way, lowkey or under-the-radar all mean one thing when it comes to restaurants, you should probably try it as soon as you can.

That's because one of two things is happening, they are close to closure or they are so hip and cool at the moment the place is probably packed.

And when a mom-and-pop joint isn't expecting that kind of rush of customers blowing through their doors, the quality likely goes down.

I can't speak to the quality of this place that has just been named the Best Under-The-Radar Restaurant in Illinois according to Cheapism, but based on the pictures alone, I think it might be worth looking into.

Cheapism says Punch House is that spot, and we should probably come home hungry.

Punch House specializes in creative renditions of its namesake fruit-based party drink, but the food is a big part of the appeal as well. A jalapeño cheddar brat and a fried pork sandwich are just a few of the notable items on the limited menu. Unsurprisingly, nobody in the neighborhood wants the word out on this gem.

Uh oh, the word is out and Punch House is well loved, at least on Yelp that is.

Sitting at a four out of five stars on the review website, Mandy H. said "That burger is insane and the punch is too good" and Maddi V. added "If you're looking for a cool place to grab a drink" Punch House is a "great place to stop." Joan L. also said "No regrets, just hangovers."

Punch House does have its detractors though, with Johnny G. saying "The pretentiousness is palpable, almost suffocating" and Jacqueline B. added, "The waitstaff has an annoying way of speaking to you like you are an idiot for asking them to describe a dish."

That doesn't sound so great but the food does so I'm willing to take a chance. Punch House is located at 1227 West 18th Street in Chicago.