I went to Philo Tavern with some friends last week, and got exactly the experience I was hoping for. Even though you are only 15 minutes from Chambana and UIUC, driving into Philo is absolutely quintessential Midwestern small town. The tavern itself fits the bill with its homey wood bar and paneling inside, brimming full with locals enjoying dinner at the only restaurant in town. It was a very nostalgic experience, with a salad bar cart in the back and old school Hamm's beer bar clock. Food was cheap and good; 4 piece fried chicken for $8.25 and half rack of ribs for $11.99, both with salad bar and side (I recommend the delicious hush puppies). If you want solid, down home, family friendly Midwestern food, the Philo Tavern (aka Center of the Universe according to their water tower) is the place to go!