Thanks to Yelp, We've Assembled Your City-by-City Illinois Restaurant Travel Guide

If you're having a hard time figuring out where to take the family for dinner, or maybe that hot date of yours, there's a list for that.

Do you often check consumer reporting websites like Yelp, OpenTable or Google reviews before you try out a new restaurant? Since eating out is expensive, it's probably wise to know what past patrons have said about the food, atmosphere and service at a particular eatery.

Another nice feature about these sites is they use an average star-rating system and price filters so you know what to expect, especially when the check comes. Plus, it's a handy tool to scour for new, high-rated places to splurge and have a little more assurance your money will be well spent.

Here is a list of the best-rated restaurants that are medium-priced ($$) in Yelp's system, which means dishes cost between $11 and $30. Reviews are hyperlocal and restaurants are grouped by city: Peoria, Springfield, Rockford, Champaign, Chicago and its suburbs.

While we're on the topic of quality establishments in Illinois, take a look at which hospitals are considered the most and least safe in the state.