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Inside The Central Illinois Spot Where Boozy Milkshakes & Brisket Burgers Crush Shake Shack

Sometimes the best culinary treasures hide in small Midwestern towns, waiting to surprise unsuspecting food lovers with flavors that put national chains to shame.

Established in 2020, Nesty’s Burger Joint has rapidly become Taylorville’s crown jewel for gourmet burgers.

It’s known for innovative menu creations and that elusive combination of comfort food excellence and creative flair. rest

You’ll discover menu items here that simply don’t exist anywhere else, from their legendary waffle burger that perfectly balances sweet and savory to boozy milkshakes that transform a simple dessert into an adult indulgence.

The restaurant specializes in burgers, Philly cheese steaks, and horseshoes—the latter being a beloved Illinois comfort food tradition that Nesty’s has elevated to an art form.

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Signature Burger Creations

The Waffle Brisket Burger: This isn’t your typical burger experience. The brisket waffle burger comes with beef burger patty, brisket, bacon, blueberry bourbon sauce, and some secret ingredient that transforms skeptics into believers.

Even visitors who typically avoid sweet flavors find themselves craving the unique combination of savory meats with the subtle sweetness of waffles and bourbon sauce.

The portion size is so generous that many split it four ways because it’s so huge, making it both a conversation starter and a shared experience.

The Rise & Portabella Options: “The Rise” and “Portabella” burgers are so substantial they’re more than most people can eat.

What sets Nesty’s apart is their commitment to visual appeal—the presentation matches exactly what you see in the menu pictures, a rarity in the restaurant world that speaks to their attention to detail and quality control.

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Traditional Horseshoe: Locally baked Texas bread with your choice of meat, fresh-cut fries, smothered with cheese sauce offers visitors a taste of authentic Illinois cuisine.

You can choose from beef, chorizo, or chicken, each providing a different flavor profile while maintaining the comfort food essence that makes horseshoes a regional favorite.

Creative Fusion Options: The menu ventures into unexpected territory with items like the combination of horseshoe, philly, and burger with seasoned fries, brioche bun, philly steak, onion, pepper, mushroom, beef patty, and cheese sauce.

This three-in-one creation represents the restaurant’s willingness to push culinary boundaries while respecting traditional favorites.

Beyond Burgers: Wings, Sides & Boozy Treats

Exceptional Wings: Eight chicken wings deep-fried, seasoned or tossed with your flavor choice, served with celery and ranch or blue cheese dressing provide a perfect alternative or addition to burger meals. The wings consistently receive praise for their preparation and flavor variety.

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Irresistible Sides: The onion rings are described as “to die for” by multiple visitors, while the fries are consistently outstanding.

You’ll also find unique options like funnel cake fries that blur the line between side dish and dessert, and tater tots that arrive hot and crispy even for delivery orders.

Boozy Milkshakes: These adult beverages elevate the typical milkshake concept into something special for grown-up palates.

The combination of ice cream, alcohol, and creative flavor combinations makes them a standout feature that you won’t find at typical burger joints.

Wisconsin Cheese Curds: Lightly breaded cheese curds available plain or spicy offer a Midwest comfort food staple prepared with the same attention to quality that defines the entire menu.

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Atmosphere & Décor

Higher-Class Pub Vibes: The atmosphere feels like a higher class pub, striking the perfect balance between casual comfort and elevated dining.

The lighting creates an inviting ambiance—while some find the lighting a little dim, it helps create the perfect atmosphere for both casual family meals and date nights.

Cool, Welcoming Environment: The restaurant boasts a cool atmosphere that feels both contemporary and comfortable.

The space maintains a nice, new atmosphere that reflects the restaurant’s recent establishment while avoiding the sterile feeling of corporate chains.

Clean, Well-Maintained Space: Visitors consistently note the cleanliness of the facility, including clean bathrooms with hot water—small details that contribute to the overall positive dining experience.

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Other Considerations

Exceptional Value: The pricing strikes an ideal balance between quality and affordability.

Visitors consistently praise both the service and prices, with many noting that the generous portion sizes make the cost even more reasonable. For the prices, meals are worth not having to cook, making it an attractive option for both special occasions and regular dining.

Generous Portions: You’ll consistently receive more food than expected.

The burgers are huge, often more than most people can finish, which means excellent value and potential leftovers for later. Large portions are a defining characteristic that sets Nesty’s apart from many contemporary restaurants.

Local Recognition: Visitors who have eaten at Shake Shack and In-N-Out report that this place “crushed them both”, high praise considering those chains’ reputations for quality burgers.

Special Services: The restaurant offers live music, happy hour, reservations, parties, and horseshoes (the yard game), making it suitable for various occasions beyond just dining. They honor military discounts, demonstrating community appreciation.

Vegetarian Options: The menu features vegetarian options that can be enjoyed as is, ensuring that plant-based diners have satisfying choices rather than afterthought alternatives.


Nesty’s Burger Joint
📍 114 W Market St, Taylorville, IL 62568

Writer: Jamie Benson
Click to read bio

Jamie grew up just outside of Springfield, Illinois, and has spent most of his life exploring the state’s mix of small-town charm and big-city energy. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he stuck around to cover local events, hidden gems, and the quirks that make Illinois unique. When not writing, Jamie can usually be found digging through vinyl at record shops in Chicago, hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, or tracking down the best deep-dish pizza outside the city.