Sharona wrote:
India Bhavan Restaurant
716 S Eldorado Rd
Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: (309) 661-0853

India Bhavan is no more. We were driving down Veterans today to check out some tile. I don't recall the name of the new restaurant, but it is being advertised as an "Indo-Mexican" restaurant. I am NOT taking one for the team.

[/quote]



I saw the new place. It did not look very promising as there were four cars in front of the place at 11:30 AM.

Now the pizza place next door had a packed parking lot. Any info?

jlawrence01 wrote:
I saw the new place. It did not look very promising as there were four cars in front of the place at 11:30 AM.

Now the pizza place next door had a packed parking lot. Any info?

I believe the place next door is Monical's, a pizza chain centered around central Illinois. I can't say I've ever eaten there, but it seems to be pretty popular, especially with families.

Monical's is an institution in central Illinois, established many moons ago in Tolono, IL. Corporate HQ is now in Bradley, IL and the company is run by a native of Decatur, IL.

But I honestly wonder why it gets so much love. I've lived in central Illinois for 26 years now and I have darkened the door of a Monical's only once. The very-thin crust pizza is bland and unimpressive IMO. This may explain why many of the locals like to dress their Monical's pizza with a liberal dosing of the Monical's red salad dressing that is conveniently parked on each table top. The salad dressing is really tasty - but I don't care for salad dressing on my pizza, thank you.

And if you like iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar and cubed tomatoes on your salad then you will love Monical's salad.

Clearly, the business is thriving though - so maybe it's just me

Davooda

Hi,

I am planning a trip to Bloomington for a small group. I was advised a stop at Grand Cafe for Chinese-American food from recipes used since it opened in 1921.

I'd appreciate feedback on their Chinese-American food served there. I am cognizant it may not be authentic, how is it otherwise?

Lucca's Grill is potentially on the itinerary as well, from what I read it appears we should stick to pizza. Correct?

The Grand Café
Chinese and American Food since 1921
615 N. Main St.
Bloomington, IL 61701
309/828-0324
Saturday: 4 pm to close
Sun-Fri: 11:30 am to close

Lucca Grill
116 East Market Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
http://www.luccagrill.com
309-828-7521

Regards,

Hi Cathy2,

I cannot vouch for the food at the Grand Cafe, it's been about 12+ years since I last went there, and from what I remember, it's pretty unremarkable and bland. Probably some of the worst Ameri-Chinese I can remember. And I'm the type of girl who used to enjoy lunch at Kow Kow or Orange Garden when I used to live in Chicago. Lucca Grill, however, is one of our favorite places to go for pizza. Just make sure the pizza is well done--they sometimes have a tendency to undercook the pie when they're a bit busier. I have gotten a grilled chicken dinner there before, which was decent, but not spectacular (It was when I was training for a triathlon and couldn't stomach cheesy pizza at that time). I've also had their house spaghetti with Italian sausage. The sausage had a nice bite to it (don't know if it is homemade). The house meat sauce is tasty and is probably homemade, but they have a tendency to cook the pasta just past al dente. There is a fun appetizer of fried ravioli which is a guilty pleasure of mine.

Hope this helps, sorry I couldn't help more on the Grand Cafe. I know how much you *love* Avanti's though, is there going to be a stop there as well?

Sharona

For breakfast/lunch, try Aleta Jane's Cafe.

803 Morrissey Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701-6926
(309) 829-0936

A "Hole In The Wall" type sit down establishment, mostly frequented by locals. Their daily specials are right on the chalk board as you come in. Not fancy - but a lot of the local trades and business folks stop there.

One point: No credit cards - just cash.

CJ's Restaurant
2901 E Empire St
Suite 106 (Old Airport Terminal)
Bloomington, IL 61704

For a little bit more elegant dining, try CJ's Restaurant (located in the old airport terminal). For weekend dining, you will want to call for reservations. Website is:
http://www.cjsrestaurantandcatering.com/home.nxg

They have their different menus on their website.

CJ (the owner, you either loved or hated the guy - but he was always ok by me) just passed away earlier this year, but the family still runs the show.

Never have had a bad meal there.

Hi,

Oy, do I 'love' Avanti's. Somewhere downstate I found another location, I pointed it out to friends who were surprised how unimpressed I was. Usually if I don't like something, I just let it slide. Not this time, not Avanti's.

I've made a reservation already for 20 people in the bar with plans to preorder pizza. What is your preferred pizza to order, because their menu offers a lot of combos. Or do you make your own? Good tip on asking them to make it 'well done.'

Grand Cafe might be another time. Primarily because it opens at 4:00 pm on Saturdays, though open for lunch all other days. By 4:00 pm, we'll be at Funk's Grove on our way to Atlanta and then to Lincoln for dinner Hallie's. They serve a schnitzle sandwich aka pork tenderloin sandwich that impressed us quite a bit last summer.

Bonus is Amtrak rides through Lincoln at 8:00 pm for those returning to Chicago.

Regards,

Quick trip this weekend.

First we had a drink at A Renee's in downtown Bloomington. It's a very nice space and was surprisingly (and happily) busy at about 6:00 on a Saturday night. It has an attached shop, which was closed when we were there.

We had a glass of sparkling Spanish wine and an Austrian Gruner Vetliner. I thought the pour on the Austrian was a bit short, but it was good and a good price. Also had a cheese/meat plate with some cheese, crackers, summer sausage, olives, grapes, almonds and cranberries for $9. A nice place. I just don't know if Blormal will support it. It's a better location (downtown) than the late lamented wine bar out on the east side of town, but still. Blormal is not know as a good restaurant town. Except for chains.

Anyway, I wanted old school fried chicken. So we went to Beningo's, which scratched the itch. Very old school. Nice salad that featured a chunk of good tomato and greens other than iceberg. The fried chicken was crispy, moist and hot. Liked it a lot. The hashbrowns were greasy, though. Breadsticks a must-to-avoid. The thin-crust pizza that others were having looked good.

I know it's been there for years, but I've never been there! Old-school central Illinois Italian (and I think that's pronouced Eye-talian), but good chicken!

A Renee
306 N. Center
Bloomington, Illinois
309.827.3524

Beningo's
610 W Chestnut St
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 829-1025

So today we dropped by Station 220 American Bistro in Bloomington for lunch. They are billed as a "farm to fork" type establishment that grows their own produce, sources their meats and cheeses from less than 100 miles away, and operates nearby Epiphany Farms where many of the items on the menu come from.

The restaurant is in a very nicely restored old city building that used to be a firehouse. Prices were a bit higher than I expected in Central IL, but with their use of local and organic items, they are not completely out of line. Since they seemed proud of where the different items came from locally I asked about several. Obviously the seafood like the tuna and such weren't coming from nearby, and neither was the beef, yet I was told. I do have pictures that I will have to try to upload soon.

As for the food, the menu was very interesting and varied. We started off with the Bruschetta which was great, the toasted rustic bread held together and the tomatoes were very fresh. I ordered the Kimbal burger which was an organic (1/3 pound I would guess) burger on a brioche bun, topped with smoked bacon, sauteed mushrooms, and gorgonzola cheese. They forgot the bacon on it, so when I asked, they brought me two bacon strips on a plate. The burger itself was very good, and was served with shoestring style fries (also enjoyable). We also ordered the pulled pork tacos, which they should have done much better than serving them on a weak commercial flour tortilla that fell apart (the flavors were good though). The tacos were supposed to be served with a chilled horchata, however it was also forgotten, and given to us later when we asked in a traveling cup. My wife had the falafel, which for the price was very weak, the falafels were underseasoned and not at all crisp. Our table also had the french onion soup (a very very good rendition), and the pork belly loaded baked potato (which was ok, but wouldn't be ordered again).

The restaurant has good potential, but they need to get on their game and not forget items. I think if you know which items are hit or miss, one could really enjoy the place, but there were as many misses as hits, which is unacceptable to me. Great concept, needs more work.

Station 220
220 E. Front St.
Bloomington, IL
309-828-2323
www.station220.com

Closed Sundays and Mondays
Tuesday-Sat 11-3 for lunch and 5-9 pm.

They also had a very neat looking loft with a bar that can do special events that is open later.

figured this was the closest thread for Coal City, IL. either here or the Joliet thread.

Started out at our regular spot in Shorewood on Friday night (Bedrocks) for a few drafts and a shot. Heading out chatted up the bartender about what was good to eat over in Coal City where she lives, mentioned a spot called Babes having a good burger. Shot the 15 or so minutes down I-55 to Coal City passing quite a few interesting looking bars and spots on the way in.

Babes was just what we were looking for, hole in the wall bar, grill right behind the bar... $6 cheeseburger with Tots, $1 Old Style Drafts. Burger was solid, crowd was fun.

Babes Tap
755 South Broadway
Coal City, IL.

Nice lunch while we were out doing a little pork research down by Fairbury & Forrest, IL.

Lost in Time located in a building dating to the mid 1800's. Restaurant and bakery a copuple doors down. a pleasant lunch.




Soda from the cooler:



really, really nice chickne noodle soup(rich stock, meaty noodles,):



Fried bologna sandwich(loved it):



Relaxed service, good house made food, bakery items were good as well.

Lost in Time
200 East Locus
Fairbury, IL.

http://www.lostintimeinc.com

Nice to see a post about Lost in Time. I've been curious about the restaurant since their bakery had a booth at our local Farmer's Market here in Bloomington. They have been super friendly this summer and made the most amazing cinnamon rolls. They're about the size of a dinner plate, chock full of cinnamon gooeyness and topped with a delicious icing. I might have to make a trip to Fairbury one of these days with our newborn in tow.

was checking out a few places about 15 minutes north of Bloomington, headed into Normal to have a cold one. Most hopping place was Pub II. Cheap, cold beer, decent spot to burn some time waiting for a fried chicken spot north of here to open up.

Pub II
102 N. Linden
Normal, IL.

Best part of the detour into B/N. The Castle Theatre - built in 1916, designed by Balaban & Katz. 1,000 seat theatre, used for music nowdays:



Castle Theatre
209 E. Washington
Bloomington, IL.

El Paso, IL. Could go in a Peoria thread, looks to be a little closer to Bloomington, a quick 19 mile shot up I-39.

Heard of Topsys Tavern while I was looking up some info on a bar in Troy Grove, IL. The 2010 Peoria Journa Star Articl by Phil Luciano was about ham sandwiches, and a couple bars that touted theirs.

I like this area of the state and put a visit to Topsy's at the top of my list. In a building dating to 1895, the bar has been going since 1934:

Topsy's Tavern - over 21 only:





Really friendly lady manning the bar, cold, cheap drafts - $1. $2.50 shots of Jim Beam:



The ham sandwich appeared on the menu in 1970, according to the PJS article - locally sourced hams, cooked in house. soft rye bread, thick cut chunks of good ham, served with a slice of swiss, some chips, a pickle and some horseradish. Basic, but good. Reminds me of some of the laid back bars around Monroe & New Glarus a simple sandwich, and some cold drafts on a lazy Saturday.



Tempted by the burgers on the menu, according to the menu - locally sourced, freshly ground - $2.75/ea. this was our first stop of the day so we started slow. I will be coming back here.

Topsy's Tavern
23 W. Front Street
El Paso, IL.

Spotted this spot on the ride out of town, had to pull around and get a couple shots. Creppy as hell, but must have been the place to be.

The Elms - El Paso, IL.:

Green Gables Inn is located across the street from Lake Bloomington in Hudson, IL. maybe 15 minutes from Bloomington/Normal.



Once a gas station, now a bar/grill, bait shop & grocery. I had heard they had some good burgers here and we were not disappointed. Spot started pumping gas in the 1920's, added the bar about 10 years later. Grill right behind the bar, my kind of spot. Read a story that the flat top was sold at one time, but when a family member wanted to re-open the spot they sought out and bought back the original flat top with its years of flavor.

Skilled young lady manning the flat top, she turned that thing over at least 4 times while we were there. Enjoyed seeing the balls of meat taken from the cooler then smashed on the flat top. End result was a crisp crust burger, but juicy and nice on a squishy cheapo bun. cheeseburger was under $3 if I remember correctly.



Definitely heading back here with the Vangie & Shay.

Green Gables Bar & Grill
17485 E. 2500 North Rd.
Hudson, IL.

popped across the street to the Lake Road Inn for a couple beers after Green gables, i want to go back to try the food.:



my kind of menu:



Lake Road Inn
25106 N 1750 East Rd.
Hudson, IL.

Jim,
If you do end up back this way with your wife and adorable one, please pm me and my husband, me, and our tiny 7 month old would love to meet up with you guys!

Sharona wrote:Jim,
If you do end up back this way with your wife and adorable one, please pm me and my husband, me, and our tiny 7 month old would love to meet up with you guys!

Definitely, we enjoy the Peoria/bloomington area quite a bit.

Not food-related, but I have to ask, Jim... what constitutes "Illinois Video Games"?

Dmnkly wrote:Not food-related, but I have to ask, Jim... what constitutes "Illinois Video Games"?

Pretty sure it refers to the legalized video gambling that is spreading at alot of bars and taverns i go to.

Bump.

Not sure this is the precise thread but it seems like a logical choice. I need an early-opening place for breakfast and a late-staying-open place for lunch. The first MUST be in Normal (or extremely close by); the lunch place can be in Normal or a short distance on the road back home. Other than those requirements, I'm completely open.

Thanks.

Gypsy Boy wrote:Bump.

Not sure this is the precise thread but it seems like a logical choice. I need an early-opening place for breakfast and a late-staying-open place for lunch. The first MUST be in Normal (or extremely close by); the lunch place can be in Normal or a short distance on the road back home. Other than those requirements, I'm completely open.

Thanks.

I'd go to these places, but part of the charm for me would be the nostalgia...

Zorbas for breakfast
603 Dale St
Normal, IL 61761


Avanti's for lunch
407 S. Main St.
Normal, IL 61761
http://www.avantisnormal.com


I don't spend a ton of time down there anymore, but thought I'd share in case no one else had an opinion.

Gypsy Boy wrote:Bump.

Not sure this is the precise thread but it seems like a logical choice. I need an early-opening place for breakfast and a late-staying-open place for lunch. The first MUST be in Normal (or extremely close by); the lunch place can be in Normal or a short distance on the road back home. Other than those requirements, I'm completely open.

Thanks.

GB, I live in B-N and while I don't get out for breakfast much these days with an 8 month old, there are a few options, but I would suggest calling to make sure of their hours.

The Coffehouse and Deli is in Uptown Normal. A local institution, they have a hippie vegan vibe, but I've enjoyed oatmeal and breakfast burritos there in the past. Their FB page says they open at 7.

There are a few greasy spoon diners as well. Garden of Paradise, Kep's Country Kitchen, Zorba's mentioned by milz, and Shannon's Five Star are all about the same, kind of pedestrian, but serviceable. I like GoP, my hubs likes Kep's.

As for lunch, DO NOT go to Avanti's if you ever want Cathy2 to speak with you again. We have 3 Indian restaurants with lunch buffets that are pretty tasty, with my favorite being Little India (closed on Monday). Kelly's Bakery and Cafe has sandwiches and soups. Lucca's is also a local legend, with good lunch specials and thin crust pizza (just ask for it well done). It's one of the oldest restaurants in B-N.

The Coffeehouse and Deli
114 E Beaufort, Normal
(309) 452-6774

Garden of Paradise
1412 E Empire St, Bloomington
(309) 828-8080

Kep's Country Kitchen
506 IAA Dr, Bloomington
(309) 664-2260

Little India
503 N Prospect #104, Bloomington
(309) 664-6342

Kelly's Bakery and Cafe
113 N Center St, Bloomington
(309) 820-1200

Lucca Grill
116 E Market St, Bloomington
(309) 828-7521

Took the family with me to Green Gables this visit:



Place was packed around 1:00 p.m. when we got there, the girls secured a table while I enjoyed a draft at the bar and ordered up. Classic smash burgers, nice crust, cheapo bun, cheesy, and cheap

Your lady manning the grill was knocking out smash burgers non-stop from this flat top right behind the bar(usually a good sign based on my experience):



Double cheeseburger - pickles and onion fresh out of the wax paper its wrapped up in:



I like Green Gables Alot...

Also dropped back into Topsys mentioned upthread:



This was the first drink/food stop of the day actually. Sign on the doors say "over 21 only" but during the day, and even dinner hours kids are allowed, this time I dropped the girls at an antique mall on the edge of town to shop.

Sipped down a shot of Jim Beam(no conferate flag shot glass this time) and a couple drafts. Enjoyed a $3.25 cheeseburger off their menu, local beef, etc. Went plain as I wanted to just taste the burger. End result pretty solid:



Also got a ham sandwich mentioned up-thread "to go", solid snack.

Gotta love small town bars like these.

So, making a 1-day trip out to Bloomington this weekend - and need a couple quick recommendations...

1) Will be arriving in Bloomington by 9:30am on Sunday! Coming from the north burbs of Chicago, down the I-55..

Given those constraints, any particular recommendations for breakfast? I love a good biscuit-and-gravy, or any really good breakfast of that ilk (chicken-fried-steak and gravy, or biscuit sandwiches etc)....

Are there any particular recommendations on the way to Bloomington for this? (Would have to be very close to I-55, travelling with a non-foodie..). Or should one wait till Bloomington itself? (In which case.. Aleta Janes Cafe mentioned above? Or Keps Country Kitchen mentioned above? Or Shannon's Five Star..or anything else that really stands out?)

2) Will be leaving Bloomington by 5pm - and heading back to Chicago. I can convince my non-foodie friend for a 30-45 min stop, but probably not much longer

On a Sunday evening...any particular recommendations? Either in Bloomington itself, or on the way back? Something thats better downstate than in Chicagoland preferably....great diner? Great fried-chicken? Anything cant miss at all?

Recommendations greatly appreciated - will report back

c8w

Took a quick shot down to Bloomington/Normal on Saturday - As close as it is - I have visited rarely - I see heading back soon as it is only a little over an hour from the house.

Had been reading about a pop-up sandwich spot serving up lunch at a VFW hall in Bloomington - BraiZe:



Not much gonna tell you whats going on inside the VFW - other than lunch. One local guy and another who cooked in Chicago()table 52, etc.) own it.

From what I had read get there early or dont bother - sold out by 1230pm, and they open at 11am. Walked in the VFW at 11 and there was already a line 20-30 deep. They are doing sandwiches, most all finished on the flat top. Their hook is the the ingredients go inside a hollowed out - freshly baked roll -

picture does not do it justice(just gives and idea of how they stuff the roll - this is the Rasta 4 Eye(jerk chicken, Ropp swiss, romaine, bacon. - poppin jerk flavors. The bread was something special:


Cool concept, and I tip my hat to the guys for being creative in finding a space to cook - I guess they handle the fish fry on fridays for the VFW - might be worth checking out.

BraiZe - Inside the VFW
1006 E. Lincoln St.
Bloomington, IL.

http://www.braizecatering.com/restaurant.html

Needed some meats for some cooking on Sunday - checked out a local butcher shop - Bloomington Meats - been in business as a butcher since the 1970's under a couple different owners. .



Cracked me up - best meat on Bunn Street - I didnt see another butcher anywhere close. - lol. I think they had about 20 different brat "flavors" - I grabbed some garlic brats, bologna, bacon ends, and a couple of bacon wrapped filets they had on special $6.79/ea, - (Sunday breakfast.. good stuff) All good and inexpensive - cost me about $20 total for the above. Cooking the brats tomorrow Ill advise.

Bloomington Meats
2401 S. Bunn
Bloomington, IL.

http://www.bloomington-meats.com/index.html

I had also heard of a place called Epiphany Frams - a farm to fork spot. A farm and 2 restaurants. Anju Above and Epiphany Farms - located in the same building:



We hit Anju Above for lunch and enjoyed it - Maybe Epiphany Farms for supper some time:



Really cool space - upstairs - open kitchens. Too dark for pics - we enjoyed the korean wings, Anju pork dumplings, pork steam buns, and the Gucci Cali roll. Dumplings and buns were top notch - Also had one of the better Buffalo Trace old Fashioned's I have had recently.

Anju Above menu:

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5 ... eb_3.2.pdf

Anju Above
220 East Front Street
Bloomington, IL.

http://www.epiphanyfarms.com/

Not really hungry - yet curious i rolled over to Normal to have a couple beers and check out Lunkers - "Home of the Big Fish" -



College bar - pretty quiet early on a Saturday when I arrived but filling up as I was leaving. Maybe 40 different bottle options, plus all the lite regulars - cheap shots too.

Spied a couple of the big fish going by, just didnt have it in me on this day - knew I had fried chicken in mind for supper. Ill be back to try it.

Lunkers
104 S. Linden
Normal, IL.

menu:
https://attachment.fbsbx.com/file_downl ... Zt0t-RZCvx

Bummed Grand Cafe doesnt open til 4pm on Saturdays - an egg roll and some fried rice would have been good for the ride North. - Next time as well.

Jim,
Enjoyed your report on things in B-N. I'm not going out to eat that much these days with a 1 month old at home. I reckon you drove right by our house on your way to Lunker's. Next time, go to the Pub II so you can see Jake from State Farm's khakis hanging up.

Sharona wrote:Jim,
Enjoyed your report on things in B-N. I'm not going out to eat that much these days with a 1 month old at home. I reckon you drove right by our house on your way to Lunker's. Next time, go to the Pub II so you can see Jake from State Farm's khakis hanging up.

Thanks for the tip on Pub II, passed by it when crossing town. Is the 1 month old child #2?. Congrats.

What do you know of Stolfas Chicken & Pizza, Curious about the chicken and walleye.

jimswside wrote:

Sharona wrote:Jim,
Enjoyed your report on things in B-N. I'm not going out to eat that much these days with a 1 month old at home. I reckon you drove right by our house on your way to Lunker's. Next time, go to the Pub II so you can see Jake from State Farm's khakis hanging up.

Thanks for the tip on Pub II, passed by it when crossing town. Is the 1 month old child #2?. Congrats.

What do you know of Stolfas Chicken & Pizza, Curious about the chicken and walleye.

Yep, this is child #2, thanks! Stolfa's is in our regular rotation of carry out places. It is solely a carry out/delivery operation. I like their fried chicken quite a bit, but I'm not as much of a fried chicken expert as you, jim! Never had their walleye before. They have a good Portillo's knockoff chopped salad and chocolate cake, which is very good for this homesick Chicagoan.

Have you ever checked out Schooners? They have a huge breaded pork tenderloin and fried chicken there as well. I haven't been there since I had child #1, but their beer garden is fun in the summertime!

In 2013 I was in Bloomington for 3 weeks on business

Mexican
Taqueria El Porton
901 North Main
Bloomington, IL

Lupita's Hispanic Grocery
1512 W Market Place
Bloomington, IL
(there is a diner inside this grocery store)

Carniceria La Mexicana
1416 S Main
Bloomington, IL
(this is a grocery store that sells carnitas and menudo weekends only)

Steak
(grill your own)
Alexander's Steak House
150 E. College Ave
Normal, IL

Jim's Steakhouse
2307 E Washington St
Bloomington, IL
(great food, the decor will remind you of the '70s)

Other
Hooter's
409 North Hershey Road
Bloomington, IL

Sharona wrote:Have you ever checked out Schooners? They have a huge breaded pork tenderloin and fried chicken there as well. I haven't been there since I had child #1, but their beer garden is fun in the summertime!

I ate an entire Schooners tenderloin by myself one time. I do not recommend it.