Asian Star - (Near Marion, IL)

Zach Meyer What a hidden gem! This place was crazy good! Never in a million years did I think I would get a EXCELLENT seafood boil in Bloomington Illinois but here we are! Perfect balance of heat and pronounced Cajun flavors and spices. Their egg in all the seasoning is my new favorite way to consume an egg. Will absolutely be back anytime time I’m close to town. The service was also really awesome! Only a couple people working at the time. Both guys were super friendly. Helped walk me through the menu as a first timer. Top to bottom one of my best dining experiences in a while. Prices were very fair as well! I treated myself a bit more than a normal lunch but right place to do it at!

Sabrina Crawford Matisse is the definition of a hidden gem on Chicago’s North Side. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was warm and welcoming, and the service was spot-on and attentive without being overbearing. The food? Incredible. We started with the garlic parm wings and quesadillas, and I’m not exaggerating when I say those wings are some of the best I’ve had in Chicago! They were perfectly crispy with a garlicky kick. For mains, my friend ordered the beef tenderloin (melt-in-your-mouth good) and I went for the Devil’s Chicken. The chicken was juicy and bathed in a tomato sauce with olives, capers, white wine, and garlic…… an absolute flavor bomb. Drinks were another highlight. They make their own syrups and juices, and you can taste the creativity in every cocktail. Dessert sealed the deal: the bread pudding and mango crème brûlée were both outstanding. Bonus points for the heated outdoor patio that stays open until November and their late night hours which is perfect for lingering after a night out. Matisse has been holding it down in the neighborhood for 24 years, and it’s easy to see why. This place deserves all the love.

Seth Clark Stopped in for breakfast and tried the Tex Mex Chorizo Omelet — absolutely fantastic. Super flavorful, packed with fresh ingredients, and cooked perfectly. The whole vibe of the café is warm and inviting, and the staff was friendly and fast. Easily one of the best breakfast spots in Carbondale. Highly recommend!

Eli Yukna Great place! Great food even better service. I love the breakfast food here and the onion rings are amazing. 100/10 recommend this spot. Great family place and great place to go get a drink as they have a bar in a separate room with machines and pool!

David Pike We had the catfish and the shrimp. Both of them were very good, and we live right on the Gulf. Shrimp were much larger than expected and a reasonable price. Both were hot and delicious. The catfish was crispy and the fish was fresh and tender. I wish the shrimp coating was more cajun but it was still very good. Everything is dusted with a Cajun lemon pepper which adds a unique spin

Rick White Had supper here on 10.15.2025 and was served by Melissa. She was Amazing and the hashbrown casserole Sheppards pie was outstanding!! Definitely will eat at this location again when I travel though Illinois.