Best of Carbondale, IL
The best restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and things to do in Carbondale, IL — mapped and organized by category.
About Carbondale
Carbondale is located in Jackson County within Southern Illinois, an area informally called Little Egypt. It holds the distinction of being the most populous city in that region outside the Metro East near St. Louis.
📣 What's going on in Carbondale
Nothing new in Carbondale this week — be the first to post something!
Sharp Museum
Located at 1000 Faner Drive on the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus, the Sharp Museum is part of the College of Liberal Arts. This encyclopedic museum houses an inventory of 70,000 artifacts and has served as a repository since collections began before 1871.
View details →Best Hotels in Carbondale
7 places · Where to stay, from budget-friendly to boutique.
Best Restaurants in Carbondale
21 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Carbondale
3 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Carbondale
4 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
Best Things to Do in Carbondale
3 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
-
African American Museum of Southern Illinois
A local attraction in 1237 East Main Street.
-
Sharp Museum
Located at 1000 Faner Drive on the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus, the Sharp Museum is part of the College of Liberal Arts. This encyclopedic museum houses an inventory of 70,000 artifacts and has served as a repository since collections began before 1871.
Best Shops in Carbondale
7 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Carbondale
42 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
Nearby cities to explore
More guides within driving distance of Carbondale.
- Carterville, IL 12 places
- Du Quoin, IL 3 places
- Chester, IL 7 places
- Centralia, IL 35 places
- Carmi, IL 11 places
- Belleville, IL 80 places
- Fairview Heights, IL 110 places
- Columbia, IL 12 places