Main Street Deli is a highly-rated local favorite in Yates City, Illinois, cherished for its small-town charm and friendly, family-run service. As a community hub, the deli focuses on fresh, homemade ingredients to create hearty comfort food and daily specials that keep locals coming back.
Whether you are looking for a quick “Grab and Go” lunch or a sit-down dinner featuring their famous fried chicken, the deli offers a cozy and unpretentious environment that feels just like home.
Essential Visitor Information
| Category | Details |
| Address | 101 E Main St, Yates City, IL 61572, USA |
| Phone | +1 309-358-1110 |
| Payment Options | Cash, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards |
| Service Options | Dine-in, Takeout, Professional Catering |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking |
| Delivery | Not currently available (Local Yates City only) |
Operating Hours
| Day | Hours |
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Main Street Deli Menu
| Item Category | Selection |
| Burgers & Melts | Deli Melt, Big Boy Burger, Build A Burger (1/3 lb.), Meatloaf Sandwich with grilled onions and cheese. |
| Classic Sandwiches | Sub (Ham, Turkey, Swiss, American, Bacon), Grilled Turkey or Ham & Cheese, Grilled Cheese, BLT on Texas toast. |
| Tenderloins & Chicken | Homemade Tenderloin, Regular Tenderloin, Chicken Club (Grilled or Breaded), Chicken Wrap, Handbreaded Chicken Strips. |
| Quick Favorites | Sloppy Joe, Macho Nachos, Macho Totchos. |
Signature Specialties
| Specialty Name | Description |
| The “Pony” | Grilled Texas toast and meat topped with fries and smothered in cheese sauce. Choice of Sloppy Joe, Burger, Chicken Strips, Homemade Tenderloin. |
| Hot Sandymash | Hearty meat portion served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a side. Choice of Roast Beef, Homemade Tenderloin, Meatloaf, Smothered Steak, Chicken Fried Chicken. |
| Famous Fried Chicken | Available Wednesday and Friday after 4:00 PM. Served in Mixed, Dark, or White meat portions. |
Dinners, Soups, and Salads
| Category | Offerings |
| Dinner Entrees | Country Fried Steak, Chicken Fried Chicken, Homemade Tenderloin with gravy, Meatloaf, Roast Beef, and Hamburger Steak with onions. |
| Fresh Salads | Chef Salad, Taco Salad, Grilled or Crispy Chicken Salad, and Tossed Salad. |
| Deli & Soups | Deli Salads (available by the scoop or pound), Cup of Soup, and Bowl of Soup. |
Sides, Drinks, and Bakery
| Category | Selection |
| Sides | Fries, Tots, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Potato Salad, Cowboy Beans, Cottage Cheese, Slaw, Daily Deli Salads. |
| Beverages | Can Soda, Coffee, Hot Tea, Milk, Iced Tea, Lemonade. |
| Bakery & Sweets | Famous Large Cinnamon Rolls, Seasonal Pumpkin Rolls, Chocolate Cream Pie, Custom Cakes. |
Why Locals Love It
Reviewers consistently highlight the “home-cooked” quality of the meals. The fried chicken is often cited as the best in the state, while the hand-breaded tenderloins and homemade soups set this deli apart from standard fast-food options.
Beyond the food, the efficiency of the service and the kindness of the staff make it a preferred spot for both a quick “Grab and Go” lunch and a relaxed family dinner. If you are planning a local event, their catering services are highly recommended for providing great value and delicious results.