Bloomington Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Bloomington

April 14, 2018 Lashaunda Abraham

Surrounded on all sides by rolling green farmland, Bloomington is a hub of activity offering attractions and events for all seasons. Take the kids to Grady's Family Fun Park for games, rides or a round of mini golf. Lace up your skates and glide across the rink at Pepsi Ice Center, or take to the Constitution Trail for jogging and cycling in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter. You'll have no trouble teeing off in the Bloomington-Normal area, home to five golf courses.
Things to do in Bloomington

1. Epiphany Farms Restaurant

220 E Front St, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61701-5212 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Lunch SGD 12 - SGD 50 +1 309-828-2323
Excellent
79%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 230 reviews

Epiphany Farms Restaurant

*Epiphany Farms will be closed from 1/4/6 - 1/7/6 for restaurant improvements. We will be open again for dinner service this Friday 1/8/6*<br><br>Epiphany Farms believes in creating a new food system that provides exceptional food with a sustainable future. Epiphany Farms combines products from its land with those of local producers to supply the ever-changing, always seasonal menu. Our mission is to blend socially conscious farming techniques with comfortable fine dining, to produce something that customers not only enjoy, but also believe in. We use only the freshest and finest ingredients, always giving preference to food grown by local farmers. Inspiration from our Midwestern culinary tradition roots our dishes in the Central Illinois community, while impeccable execution and flawless presentation add a global edge. We&apos;re elevating the simple, familiar foods of our home kitchen to meet the standards of the world stage.

Reviewed By Deggto

This is the best restaurant in Central Illinois in my book. Menu is varied and excellent. Service excellent, and I love the ambiance. Truly a special spot, for a delightful meal. Prices reflect the excellence, and you pay for the outstanding full experience.

This is my “special meal” place, but you will pay for it. Still worth it, but don’t be shocked.

2. Fort Jesse Cafe

1531 Fort Jesse Rd, Ste 1, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61761 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover American, Cafe, Diner, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch SGD 4 - SGD 16 +1 309-451-5656
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 134 reviews

Fort Jesse Cafe

Pursuing a vision of fantastic, fresh, homemade fare; in an unpretentious and uplifting atmosphere.

Reviewed By Beachman2142 - Decatur, Illinois

atmosphere is great. This place is a perfect candidate for Diners, Drive ins and Dives... Delicious food and nice twists on flavor. I had the chicken and waffles and they did not disappoint. Others around me were ordering the shrimp n grits, which is what...MoreThank you for the awesome review, Beachman2142. You should definitely try the Shrimp & Grits next time and then put the Cornmeal Pancakes on your To-Do List. Can't wait to see you back!

3. Biaggi's - Bloomington

1501 N Veterans Pkwy, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61704-0904 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Private Dining, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 20 - SGD 33 +1 309-661-8322
Excellent
65%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 544 reviews

Biaggi's - Bloomington

Casual Italian restaurant offering an extensive selection of house-made and imported pastas, soups & salads, pizza, seafood, steaks and desserts. Large portions of affordably priced menu selections are prepared with the freshest ingredients available.

Reviewed By Jill W - El Paso

I love this restaurant because the ambiance is such that it can be elegant or casual, the food is fantastic, and so is the service. Even the location is good. We have never had a poor experience at Biaggi’s. Highly recommended.

4. Baxter's American Grill

3212 E Empire St, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61704-5426 Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 33 - SGD 59 +1 309-662-1114
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 292 reviews

Baxter's American Grill

Experience the contemporary decor, freshly made entrees from our professional chef and exceptional service. The restaurant offers seating for groups from 1- 80. Our outdoor patio is perfect for the summer evenings and our lounge is an exciting setting to view your favorite sports game with friends. Menu includes: Cedar Plank Salmon, Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Red Snapper, BBQ Ribs, Homemade Soups, Fresh Salads, and many other choices. Come in and experience Baxter&apos;s...casual atmosphere, quality food at reasonable prices. Our concept includes a variety of seafood, chops and steaks and is also a family friendly environment.

Reviewed By Where2GoWhere2go - Honolulu, Hawaii

Very nice ambience and good food. Baxters is a mid-range restaurant with an interesting menu and a decent wine list.

5. Tobin's Pizza

1513 N Main St, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61701-1763 Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 309-828-0410
Excellent
65%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 261 reviews

Tobin's Pizza

Reviewed By jamesmA8681QF - Streator

awesome I would recommend this for a evening out for pizza. We will go back Make sure you bring family and friends. good price good food

6. Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works

318 S Towanda Ave, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61761-2212 Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Gastropub, Bar, Pub, Brew Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks, Late Night SGD 13 - SGD 41 +1 309-862-2337
Excellent
60%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 634 reviews

Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works

DESTIHL(R) Restaurant - Normal is two amazing worlds merged into one: the fusion of craft beer and artisan foods. We are a growing gastrobrewpubTM concept which creatively combines and reinvents craft beer and full-flavored dishes from America&apos;s melting pot using many local ingredients and both modern and traditional techniques. Our mission is to fill our gastrobrewpubs with fun, energy and passion for great artisan food and beers while providing a &apos;down to earth&apos;, high level of service.

Reviewed By Barbara and Dav... D - Paris, IL

Our group of friends ate here on a Friday evening. Food and especially the desserts were amazing. It was so NOISY we barely could speak with the person right beside us. Plan on eating somewhere else if you want a quiet dining experience.Thank you for taking the time to provide us with feedback about your experience. We appreciate the support. Cheers!

7. Anju Above

220 E Front St, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61701-5212 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 7 - SGD 20 +1 309-828-8704
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 130 reviews

Anju Above

Anju Above promises to make Farm to Table dining more accessible by offering seasonally sensitive, locally grown cuisine in a fast and casual setting. Anju Above&apos;s menu features classic Neapolitan pizzas, sushi specifically created for the Midwestern palate, Asian dumplings, and a modern and interactive bar. Our purpose is to blend internationally inspired small dishes with socially responsible farming techniques to create a fast and fun, farm fresh experience for our guests.

Reviewed By Connor11_7 - Bloomington, IL

I love both the pizza and the sushi....always something different in a world of ordinary. It is not cheap but not Chicago prices either. Service is always great. I prefer eating there in the summer because you can be served outdoors downstairs. The stairs are too hard for this old gal's knees anymore....LOL!

8. Lucca Grill

116 E Market St, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61701-4019 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Bar, Pizza, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 309-828-7521
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 321 reviews

Lucca Grill

Reviewed By rdrckr1 - Bloomington, Illinois

One of the best pizza's around. Established in 1936, local eatery that has stood the test of time. Mahogany bar, tin ceilings in the main level. Italian dishes available too. There is an upstairs for larger groups. Reservations recommended because it is a local favorite and fills up fast. Prices are reasonable. Pizza is thin and crispy.

9. Rosie's Pub

106 E Front St, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61701-5210 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Takeout, Television, Wheelchair Accessible American, Bar, Pub, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Lunch SGD 10 - SGD 39 +1 309-827-7019
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 120 reviews

Rosie's Pub

Reviewed By Carrieparmenter

We stopped here for lunch to meet my sister and loved the restaurant. The service was excellent and the prices are very reasonable. The shrimp salad was one of the absolute best salads I've ever eaten! My sister lives in the area and can't wait to bring her husband back.

10. Thai House of Bloomington

805 Morrissey Dr, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61701-6926 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Serves Alcohol Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 309-828-2600
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 174 reviews

Thai House of Bloomington

Reviewed By JohAnna C - Bloomington, Illinois

This is the cleanest restaurant I have ever seen! The staff are lovely people. My favorite dish is yellow curry- chicken, sweet potatoes, onions and a scrumptious yellow curry sauce served over rice ($9.50). I also enjoy the crab Rangoon 4 ($4.50). The dining room has lots of tables. They do have a kids menu too. I highly recommend Thai house for lunch, dinner, or special occasion. Delicious!

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