Booby's Carbondale
406 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901
Restaurants
Delicious submarine sandwiches, Great Food. Great Drinks. Great Times.
Booby's is a beloved landmark in Carbondale, Illinois, with a rich history dating back to 1972. Founded by a father and son, it became the original deli on the strip, known for its delicious submarine sandwiches. Over the years, Booby's established itself as a local favorite, serving up hearty subs in a welcoming atmosphere.
In 1982, the business was sold to a new set of owners who continued the tradition of submarine sandwiches while also introducing a beer garden. This addition became one of the staples of the establishment, featuring an outside bar and becoming a popular venue for live bands over the years.
The business changed hands again in 2007, and the third owner kept it running until 2010, when it closed its doors. The building was repurposed as a bicycle shop, but the spirit of Booby's lingered in the community.
In April of 2023, the iconic building and beer garden were purchased by the current owner, who immediately embarked on a full renovation. Bringing back the original charm, they enlisted one of the previous owners to help refine the menu, returning to the classic subs that made the place famous.
Today, Booby's continues to be a hub for the Carbondale community, offering delicious sandwiches, a lively bar, and two stages for live music. The monthly artist showcase provides local creators with a space to display and sell their artwork, while live bands keep the atmosphere vibrant inside and outside. With a commitment to community-building, Booby's stands proudly as a true Carbondale institution.
What's happening nearby...

Fall Farm Crawl
Sep 13 – Sep 14 @ 1PM
Visit local farms. The tour is self-guided, which means that folks can visit whichever farms they choose between 1 and 5 p.m.
Read more about Fall Farm Crawl
Super Hero 5K run/walk - Carbondale
Sep 20 @ 9AM
This year's Superhero 5K will be a hybrid race - you can join us at the starting line on Saturday, September 20, at 9am at Turley…
Read more about Super Hero 5K run/walk - Carbondale
Southern Illinois University Homecoming - "Saluki Spooktacular"
Oct 20 – Oct 26 @ 2PM
Join us for a week of fun and excitement as we paint the town maroon with our Saluki strong pride.
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