Food lovers are invited to hit the road this fall as the Illinois Pork Producers Association launches the 2026 Illinois Pork Tenderloin Crawl, a self-guided culinary adventure celebrating one of the Midwest’s most iconic sandwiches while encouraging travelers to discover locally owned restaurants across Illinois.
Running September 1 through November 30, 2026, the crawl features nine restaurants serving their own take on the classic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Participants who visit at least eight of the eleven featured locations will earn an exclusive Illinois Pork Tenderloin Crawl T-shirt, and everyone who completes a passport will be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
This year’s featured restaurants include:
· Buford’s Pub, Sadorus
· River’s Edge Inn, Dixon
· Route 66 Motorheads, Springfield
· The Dirty Bird, Sycamore
· Cindy Bs Café, Murphysboro
· Meadow Avenue Tap, East Peoria
· LJs Garden Café, Magnolia
· Beecher City Pit Stop, Beecher City
· The Parkview Inn, Bloomington
· Babes on Plum, Havana
· The Patio, Jacksonville
The crawl also includes two restaurants recognized by Illinois pork fans during the 2025 Illinois Best Pork Tenderloin contest. Buford’s Pub in Sadorus earned the title of Illinois’ Best Pork Tenderloin, while River’s Edge Inn in Dixon claimed the runner-up spot, making both must-visit destinations for sandwich enthusiasts.
“Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or simply looking for your next favorite meal, the Illinois Pork Tenderloin Crawl is a fun way to experience great food while supporting local restaurants and communities,” said Mikayla Schaefer, Director of Marketing with the Illinois Pork Producers Association. “Every stop offers its own unique take on the classic pork tenderloin sandwich, making each visit a new experience.”
Participants can complete the crawl using either a printed passport or a digital passport by scanning a QR code available at each participating restaurant. Digital participants will upload a photo of both their menu and pork tenderloin sandwich at each stop to verify their visit.
Beyond celebrating a beloved sandwich, the crawl recognizes the Illinois pig farmers whose commitment to raising high-quality pork helps make these local favorites possible. Their dedication provides restaurants across the state with the wholesome, flavorful pork that has become a staple on Illinois menus.
A complete list of participating restaurants, crawl details, and an interactive map are available at https://ilpork.com/news-and-events/illinois-pork-tenderloin-crawl.
***Courtesy of the Illinois Pork Producers Association***
