Food was great. Service was great. The place was clean and everybody was nice. I will definitely come back.

WOW! The Red Onion is a spectacular stop in the most unlikely place. Stopped in on a Friday night after some local hiking. The staff could not have been friendlier, the perfect example of southern hospitality! As far as the food... Incredible! It was a tough choice, but my guest and I both ordered the pork chop. Mine the 2 inch and his the 1 inch. These were unique in the best possible way, like a cross between smoked ham and pork chop, likely from their cooking process which I can only ASSUME involves a slow low temp smoke then a quick grill when ordered. Different, but also uniquely delicious. The sides were heavenly. I had the home made white mac and cheese and fries, and my guest had the loaded sweet potato and a salad. As far as appetizer, we received the free fresh bread loaf with sweet STRAWBERRY butter, as well as an order of loaded potato skins that were among the best I've had in recent memory. ...And all of this at an incredible price. I honestly don't know how they do it. Prices for the food we received were more like the early 2000's. Everything you see listed above plus soda/tea drinks was only about $48 with tax (pre tip). So not only was it an incredible meal with top notch service, but the price was about half of what you pay for the same quantity of food in a more populated or touristy area. Bottom line... The Red onion is a fantastic stop if your in the area and I would argue is well worth the drive if your not. They have top notch hospitality and a vast DELICIOUS menu with incredible prices to boot. I simply cannot wait to visit again and explore the menu further. Great Job! read more

We had a good evening dinner. I had the 2 piece fish with hush puppies and a salad which was good. The next time I come I'll try the 2" pork chop that is highly recommend. read more

My husband suggested this restaurant for lunch on a Sunday. Upon entering, the hostess was so very sweet and made us feel like we were family. I'm glad we got there when we did. Shortly after, all the local churches let out and people started pouring in. The server was helpful and kind. She made a few suggestions since it was our first time and got our beverages. We both decided on the Chicken Fried Steak. We got to choose 3 sides. My husband chose; broccoli cheese casserole, 7-layer salad, and the recommended chicken poppy seed casserole. I chose fried okra, cheesy potatoes, and the chicken poppy seed casserole. Upon waiting for our order you receive a small loaf of hot bread and strawberry butter. So good! The food took about 30-45 minutes, but it was worth it! The cheesy potatoes were creamy & super cheesy, the fried okra was good, but that chicken poppy seed casserole was INSANELY DELICIOUS! The chicken fried steak was good, but I would try something else. It wasn't anything award winning, but tasty. I highly recommend giving this place a try and definitely get that chicken poppy seed casserole!!!! Get there early. read more

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Had a nice dinner here, in one of the most oddly-named towns in the Midwest. Red Onion serves up steaks and chops and catfish...all of which clearly appeal to the local crowd. We went EARLY on a Friday evening...seated and served by 5 pm... but I was amazed to see the place almost fill up by the time we finished. As for the food: my Sweetie really enjoyed the steak sandwich... though the au jus was a bit disappointing. My "frenched"pork chop had lots of flavor. And our baked potatoes were done just right... If I have a quibble, it's with the restaurant's tendency to serve the extras (butter, salad dressing, etc.) in annoying little plastic cups. The food deserves a better presentation. But overall, a satisfying meal -- worth a stop, the next time you wander through Equality, IL. read more

The Red Onion - A nice touch: warm fresh bread ... with strawberry-butter (!?!) ... to whet the appetite. - American Near Me - Equality, Illinois

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I moved to Southern Illinois a couple of years ago from Alabama. This is the closest thing I've found to Southern cooking. The strawberry butter and fresh bread were phenomenal! The fried chicken and veggies were terrific, not the mentioned the homemade strawberry cake for dessert. Excellent service and fresh food. You can't ask for anything better than that. read more

The Red Onion - American Near Me - Equality, Illinois

Last restaurant before we headed back to the big city. We came on a Sunday to try their special Sunday menu of 1 meat & 3 sides for a really good price. We came before they opened and there was already a line forming. As soon as they opened, they filled up pretty much the whole restaurant. I had the fried chicken with mashed potato w brown gravy, green beans, and mac and cheese. Hubs had the country fried steak with fried okra, cheesy potato and salad. It came with the complimentary bread and strawberry butter, which was pretty good. The fried chicken was also pretty good, definitely better than the country fried steak. The sides were a bit basic, but in a good way. Nothing spectacular, but definitely got the home-y feeling to it. The mac and cheese noodles were overcooked with a very creamy sauce, but it's still good in it's own way. I'd say the mashed potatoes were better than the cheesy potatoes. The fried okra was good and the side salad was refreshing. Portion sizes were definitely not over-sized. I'd say it was just right. I'm glad we stopped by. read more

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My first time dining here, ordered the smoked grilled pork chop 1" the potato salad and rice. Probably, the best pork chop I've ever eaten and wash it down w some 1/2 sweet iced tea. Our server was super attentive and professional!!! read more

So good, but literally the only restaurant in town. Super busy but service was still great. We will definitely be back when we are back down south. read more

This restaurant came highly recommended by a friend. We just visited there. We found the food and service exceeded our expectations. The stuffed mushrooms were wonderful, as was the entree pork chop. I would highly recommend this place. The fresh baked bread and strawberry butter was worth the trip alone. Don't miss this place. We will be back!!! read more

The Red Onion - American Near Me - Equality, Illinois

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Great local place after visiting the Garden of the God's. Good food, great service, at a good price. Will be back when in the area again.

This is a delightful restaurant in a very small quaint town. We were greeted warmly and immediately even though it was busy. It is obviously a favorite with the locals. They had a special of grilled tenderloin. We did not have it but it seemed very popular. After we ordered our server brought our drinks and a warm loaf of homemade bread with strawberry butter. It was heavenly! So good that we ordered one to go. My husband had a grilled chicken sandwich with fries. He said it was juicy and tender. The fries were the standard frozen crinkle cut but cooked well. I had the apple pecan salad with grilled chicken. It was massive. I did not eat it all. It had apples, raisins, pecan s, and blue cheese crumbles over mixed greens. Very yummy. This is a great place for lunch. read more

First time to dine here. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Group of 5 and all had prime rib except 1 and that was grilled chicken. Everyone received their steak exactly as ordered. Was nice and thick and flavor was great. The sides were all delicious. Was disappointed the pies were all gone so no dessert. Will definitely be making a trip back again. read more

Went to this diner-style restaurant after church. This is a hugely popular place since there are not many restaurants open on a Sunday in rural Southern Illinois. We got seated after a short wait having beat the local "church crowd." The menu for Sunday is different than the weekly menu. They offered plate lunches, including items such as turkey and dressing, meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy and chef salads. The side choices were plentiful (you chose three sides with your meal). Everything came out piping hot and was served with a basket of rolls with strawberry butter. The food was good- most homemade but some of the items (like the gravy) definitely seemed like a mix. Would go back again because the prices were extremely reasonable- under $10 for a main dish and three sides plus the rolls. read more

Great food and never have been disappointed. Try something different every time and haven't been able to determine a favorite. That is a good problem to have. :). Great homemade bread and strawberry bread!! Catfish Filets are good on a Friday night. read more

The Red Onion - Menu - American Near Me - Equality, Illinois

1st timer, Excellent in every way, service was excellent, atmosphere was very hometown and comfortable friendly. Will be back!

Husband and I stopped in after garden of the gods and had sadnwiches. Good prices and great food! The Bar-B-Q (pulled pork) sandwich was Amazing! Sandwiches run about 3 to 5 dollars each with sides at 2:50. Great place for lunch! read more

The Red Onion - American Near Me - Equality, Illinois

We have been to the Red Onion several times. We always bring friends and family from out of town here where we go to see Garden of the Gods. Great Prime Rib sandwich. The strawberry butter for the rolls and the hush puppies are a family favorite. read more

Saturday evening, place was crowded but seated and served quickly. Very attentive wait staff, and fast service. Husband and I both had the 2" pork chop which was out of this world. The pie looked amazing but they sold out before I got mine ordered. Highly recommend. read more

The Red Onion - American Near Me - Equality, Illinois

Strawberry butter was the best part of the meal. Steak was full of gristle and poor quality. I wouldn't recommend eating here!

A friend of mine and I found this restaurant while hiking in the area one weekend. Food was great and that strawberry butter...to die for!!! No alcohol was the only reason for not receiving five stars. You should check it out! I had steak and shrimp with green beans and my friend had the shrimp and ribs and green beans. read more

Stopped in after a hike with some friends and ordered a MEDIUM well steak Per usual I was prompted to cut open my steak to confirm it was cooked right I let them know it wasn't cooked right and that I received a well done steak and they insisted it was MEDIUM well The steak was beef jerky so I just decided to leave it alone and enjoy my sides I asked my server nicely "hey since I didn't eat my steak is there anyway I could pay for my sides and salad" She then refused and I had to pay for a full 8oz steak that was thrown into the waste bucket Disappointing customer service considering I've been a server for years and know how that situation should have been handled.. sad I hope others have a more enjoying experience than I did read more

First time Friday night my hubby & I were there. Great food & great service we will be back!

What a wonderful surprise! Enjoyed a ride one evening and knew we found the place as we turned the corner and saw all the cars. The service, food and desserts are great!!! Well worth going! I had the glazed chicken and rice special, hubby had the fried fish! read more

The Red Onion - American Near Me - Equality, Illinois

I have heard about this place forever and it was my first time here. It's a nice clean restaurant with a friendly atmosphere. We were given a small loaf of bread and some strawberry butter to start us out for lunch. Absolutely delish! We got the 2 lunch specials of the day. Salmon patties and ribeye sandwich. We asked the server about sides and she directed us to the fried potatoes, slaw and housemade mac n cheese. They did not disappoint! However, it would have been nice for the salmon to have a sauce. I asked for lemon and mustard and it was ok but a sauce would have been so much better. The ribeye sandwich was good too. If it had something with the meat and bread it could have been better. Possibly sauté onions? Price is set right and bathrooms were clean. Overall a really nice lunch. read more

Stopped in for an early dinner in the little town of Equality, Illinois after reading others reviews of "The Red Onion". It was a great meal, much better than we expected since its located so far from a major town. Food was great, tasty and decent portions. Highly recommend and we'll definitely come the next time we're in the area. read more

Our boys heard about this place so we thought we'd make the hour drive to check it out. We were NOT disappointed! I had the pork chop & I think it was as big as my face & was 2" thick!! It was probably the best pork chop I've ever tasted (& we live close to Patti's!) It was amazingly moist. I could cut it with my fork! Service was quick with our appetizers, food & refills on drinks. Our party of 7 had no trouble getting in on a Saturday night at 7:30. We will definitely return!! read more

The Red Onion - Cool big fork & spoon decoration on the wall - American Near Me - Equality, Illinois

Had the largest pork chop on earth....really. Good smoked flavor with crunchy crust rim. Jumbo shrimp were great too along with the rib eye steak. Was told they have wonderful chicken & dumplin's at special times. Parking is a little tight but big lot across the street. Large separate room for family or party gatherings. Great service.....down-home flavor. read more

The Red Onion - Huge pork chop with sweet potato, texas toast & gravy. - American Near Me - Equality, Illinois

We chose this place for our anniversary dinner and I'm glad we did. They close early on Sundays so get there before 3. We arrived about 1:30. I was a bit worried about the wait time because every table in the front was full. Luckily we waited maybe five minutes and we're seated. Our server was on top of it and within a few minutes had our drinks and took orders for appetizers and entrees. The food came out incredibly fast. And it was hot and fresh! We tried the fried green tomatoes and cheesy potato bites. Both were great. Our entree came out just after we finished the appetizers. I ordered the ribs with sweet potatoes, okra, and macaroni and cheese. My husband had the fried chicken, potatoes, and veggies. Both of our meals were really good. My only complaint was the ribs. They were flavored well, but too much work for me. I prefer a fall off the bone type. However- still good if you like them a bit tougher. Our drinks were filled timely and our server was very attentive but not overly- you know... I would def recommend his place and I'm sure we'll be back. read more

The food is absolutely amazing - genuine southern comfort style. The bread they bring out before the meal is a strawberry butter, which is indescribably delicious. I've tried the chicken & dumplings, country fried steak, fried cabbage, fried okra, mashed potatoes, carrots, and green beans. It's all just so good. If you're ever near Equality or Shawnee National Forest, do not pass this place up!! read more

I love The Red Onion!!! Highly Recommended place to eat at wonderful food and always get the steak correct the first time and they treat you like family wonderful workers my family try and go as much as we can if I could them more than five stars it would be 10 stars read more

The food was okay. Wait time wasn't worth what the food tasted like. The corn nuggets were really good. Well made, not too hot. Perfect. The pork chop was not well cooked. Service was awful. Her badge said she was a manager but she saw our table maybe once. Waited forever for our tickets and waited even longer for her to pick them up. The air vents under the table are very uncomfortable. Probably won't be back. read more

Stopped at The Red Onion Saturday before hiking at the Garden of the Gods and enjoyed the Red Onion Royal burger. Didn't realize I ordered half a cow between two buns....... the burger was huge! Anyways, it was one of the best burgers I've had in a long time and finished the whole thing surprisingly. Our waitress was super friendly and very attentive to our large group. The restaurant was clean and I enjoyed the atmosphere. Will definitely eat here again next time I pass through. read more

We stopped off for lunch after hiking at Garden of the Gods. We were seated quickly, waited on promptly and food was served in a timely manner. The Ribeye sandwich was great, potato skins were good but could have been a bit more crispy, french fries were cold, macaroni and cheese did not taste homemade and the hush puppies shouldn't be on the menu. It has been a long time since I have spit food into a napkin but the hush puppies were not palatable. The restaurant was very clean. The highlight was definitely the strawberry butter they serve with the bread. We will return and give it another try next time we are in the area. read more

Great place for dinner. Used to be Leonards but changed their name. I was worried after Leonard died that the quality of the grilling would go down but it is still fantastic. Their pork chop is far and away better and cheaper than Patti's in KY. For under $15 its HUGE.(see pic) Only thing that would make it better is if they served beer. read more

The Red Onion - 2"+ Pork Chop, you can cut it with a fork, served with pork au jus and sweet potato - American Near Me - Equality, Illinois

Really great food and service!!! Amazing amount of food for the price The ribs were great, chicken and dumplings delicious! A must check out read more

We drove twenty miles out of our way to come here based on the reviews. Well worth the drive!!! I had the Prime rib Phillie cheese steak. It melted in my mouth. Dessert was a coconut cream pie that was delicious. read more

First time visiting yesterday (Sunday). Busy place but not uncomfortable busy. Food is amazing, staff was very awesome and responsive to everything we needed. Definitely recommend!! read more

Good food. Sunday fried chicken really good. Pork chops are 2 inches thick

We were in the area doing some hiking and sightseeing and saw the signs for this place. It was a Sunday afternoon and they were quite busy with the after-church diners however we were seated quickly as the restaurant is larger than it looks from the street. We found the service and food to be excellent and the decor homey and tasteful. Wish we lived closer! read more