Merichka’s Restaurant in Crest Hill, IL is more than just a place to eat — it is a trusted local landmark where families, friends, and neighbors come together over generous portions, classic flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Known for its straightforward, family-friendly approach, Merichka’s has built a strong reputation by serving the kinds of meals people return for again and again: po’ boys, hand-ground burgers, seafood, and a thoughtful selection of beer and wine.
Whether you are planning a relaxed lunch, an easy dinner, or a stop for a quick bite, the restaurant offers the kind of dependable comfort that makes dining out feel simple, satisfying, and worth repeating.
What makes Merichka’s especially appealing is the way it balances tradition, convenience, and quality. Guests can enjoy dine-in service, takeout, delivery, and on-site service, with options that work well for solo diners, couples, and groups alike.
The restaurant is known for fast service, a great beer selection, excellent cocktails, standout desserts, and menu items that highlight local specialties. With comfort food, small plates, coffee, alcohol, and a private dining room available, it is well suited for casual meals, special gatherings, catering needs, and everything in between.
The atmosphere is cozy, historic, and relaxed, with a bar on site, table service, restroom access, and reservation availability that adds an extra layer of convenience for busy customers.
Merichka’s also stands out for its commitment to accessibility and guest comfort. The restaurant includes a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet, helping ensure a welcoming experience for more visitors and families with different needs. With credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments accepted, paying is quick and easy.
Backed by a 4.50-star rating from 3,067 reviews, Merichka’s Restaurant has earned the confidence of its community through consistent service and a memorable dining experience. Located at 604 Theodore St, Crest Hill, IL 60403, it remains a dependable destination for those seeking a warm, inviting meal served with care.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Merichka's Restaurant
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Five pieces
Four pieces
7 pieces
6oz. (Garlic butterine) with
6 oz. (Garlic butterine)
(90% lean ground round).
Fried or baked
6oz. Grilled or fried
8oz
(Garlic butterine)
(Garlic butterine)
(Vinegar & oil)
("Bone-in") 12 oz
("Bone in") premium cut
- 28 oz. Best of both worlds (new york strip and filet mignon)
12 oz. ("Bone-in) and 3 shrimp
9 oz. "Wagyu"sirloin
9 oz. "Wagyu" sirloin with 3 shrimp.
- 10 oz
(24 oz.)
- 14 oz. of 90% lean ground round
- 8 oz. Tail & 10 oz. Filet
- 10 oz.
1-2 servings
6 servings
6 oz. (Garlic butterine)
6 oz. (Garlic butterine)
(90% lean ground round)
6 oz. Grilled or fried
8 oz.
(Garlic butterine)
(Garlic butterine)
Fried or baked
Fried or baked
Fried
4 pieces
Choice of potato or steamed vegetables and salad
Choice of potato or steamed vegetables and salad three cold relishes
Hear from our valued guests
We met here with our son and grandson for dinner. Service was great, not over bearing. Everyone enjoyed their meal especially our 8 year old grandson. Wagu Sirloin...spoiled little one.
The BEST Poor Boy Sandwhich ever! They are known for them and highly recommend getting one with extra butter as well!!!! I gave only three stars for atmosphere due to the place has not been remodeled. But that's what makes it Merichka's!!!! Staff is excellent and I have been coming here for a long time and still see alot of the staff working there.
Started going here when my dad was their hvac guy in 1976. Has always been a staple, and I stop in whenever I'm in town. Awesome as always. Drove 500 miles for it! Couldn't wait for this time, we opened a restaurant and included a Merichka's Steak Sandwich on our menu! Not duplicated but inspired in Tennessee.
Still the best Poor boy in the state. Had a small mixup with my order, but they were more then generous in making it correct by adding a wonderful slice of cheese cake for the inconvenience. Wonderful staff dedicated to making a great eating out experience.A++++
Our food and service was amazing. The poor boy sandwhich🔥🔥🔥
Grew up near this place as a kid and drove by it COUNTLESS times as an adult. However, I had never dined here. Went for lunch today and had to try the famous poorboy sandwich and twice baked potato I’ve heard about for years. I did and definitely wasn’t disappointed! I also had a cup of coffee and a salad served with their equally talked about house dressing and they were great as well. I didn’t order a beer but their craft beer selection was pretty solid. The interior of this place was very cool. Also, our sever today, young lady with glasses, was extremely attentive to our table and was very friendly. I definitely plan on dining here again in the near future and trying some of the other menu items that sounded delicious!
Great place - back when I lived closer, it was a regular stop for me. Stopped in today and absolutely nothing has changed. Loved it and was a good nostalgic visit. Can't go wrong with a poor boy, fries and a PBR.
The poor boy steak sandwich does not disappoint! The perfect amount of buttery garlic goodness. The onion rings are also a must get, a small will feed a party of 4. The atmosphere is comfortable - easy to hold conversations. The price is average and affordable for the generous amount of food given.
Merichka’s is a true Illinois dining landmark, serving guests continuously since 1933 in Crest Hill. Family owned and operated by four generations of the family, the restaurant has become one of the state’s longest running independent restaurants and a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike. Originally opened to serve factory and road construction workers, it has grown into a regional institution while preserving its warm, old school atmosphere, complete with classic red and white checkered tablecloths and traditional hospitality. Merichka’s is best known for its legendary Poorboy Steak Sandwich, a tenderized steak served on French bread and generously coated in the restaurant’s signature garlic butter, a recipe that has attracted loyal customers for decades. Other house specialties include hand cut steaks, broiled pork chops, fried chicken, seafood, onion rings, twice baked potatoes, homemade salad dressing, and the restaurant’s signature three relish tray featuring cottage cheese, pickled beets, and kidney bean salad. The menu reflects classic Midwestern comfort food prepared with recipes that have been passed down through generations. Beyond its food, Merichka’s holds an important place in Illinois history. Located along the historic Route 66 corridor, it has welcomed generations of families, road trippers, and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Illinois tradition. Its longevity, family heritage, and iconic menu have earned it recognition as one of the state’s classic dining destinations, making Merichka’s much more than a restaurant, it’s a living piece of Illinois culinary history.
It’s everything you want in a diner. The spicy po boy was everything I ever wanted. Get mustard and not the coleslaw, since it’s a total waste of time. Defiantly has the Chicago feel I was looking for coming through town. The sides were deceptively expensive, but the po boy hit the spot for sure.
Common questions about Merichka's Restaurant
Merichka's Restaurant is located at 604 Theodore St, Crest Hill, IL 60403, United States, Crest Hill, IL, United States.
You can reach Merichka's Restaurant by calling +1 815-723-9371.
Merichka's Restaurant has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 3067 customer reviews.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following service options: On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert, Serves local specialty.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Private dining room, Quick bite, Small plates, Spirits, Wine.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Historic.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
Merichka's Restaurant features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Plenty of parking.
Business Features
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