15 best Restaurants in bloomington illinois
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Bloomington IL? Bloomington is home to a thriving food scene. You’ll always have something new to try with more than 50 restaurants, bars, and cafés in downtown Bloomington alone. And with so many options, it can be hard to decide where to eat.
If you’re looking for a new place to eat in Bloomington, Illinois, you’re in the right place. We’ve narrowed down the best restaurants in town so you can search for the perfect meal without spending too much time hunting around.
Whether you like steak, sushi, or Italian food, there is likely a restaurant on this list that caters to your tastes. Read on for our reviews of some of the best places to eat in Bloomington, Illinois! You can also check out the best things to do in Bloomington, Illinois
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15 best Restaurants in Bloomington Illinois
#1. Epiphany Farms Restaurant
At Epiphany Farms, a family-owned restaurant located at the beautiful Bloomington, IL airport. The restaurant specializes in local and sustainable ingredients.
The menu changes daily but is usually filled with healthy options like salads and wraps and lighter entrees like flatbreads, sandwiches, and salads with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak. The unique house salad is a must, like the roasted beets or a bowl of delicious mac and cheese.
The restaurant also offers fresh-squeezed lemonade, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and a selection of herbal teas. The restaurant is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM and offers a variety of delicious snacks, including fresh-baked cookies, pretzel sticks with cheese, and a wide selection of soft-serve ice cream.
Address: 220 E Front St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
#2. Biaggi’s – Bloomington
Biaggi’s is a Bloomington staple serving authentic Italian cuisine in a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Biaggi’s offers indoor and outdoor seating, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family, friends, or coworkers.
You can’t go wrong with authentic Italian dishes, including pizza, pasta, steak, and salads, but save room for desserts like tiramisu, cannoli, or gelato. Biaggi’s also offers a variety of wines, craft beers, and cocktails.
Biaggi’s has something for everyone, from classic Italian dishes to more modern American and French dishes. Biaggi’s is open for dinner Monday through Saturday and offers a brunch menu on the weekends, making it the perfect choice for weekend get-togethers with friends and family.
Address: 3010 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States
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#3. Lucca Grill
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Bloomington, you must try Lucca Grill. The same family has owned the restaurant for a long time, consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Bloomington, il, today.
The menu is filled with traditional Italian dishes like chicken parmigiana, meatballs, and pasta but also offers items like steaks, burgers, fresh fish, and seafood. The restaurant also features a wide selection of vegetarian and gluten-free items and offers a kids’ menu.
Be sure to save room for dessert, as the restaurant serves homemade tiramisu and cannoli, as well as gelato. Lucca Grill is open for dinner and late-night dining, making it a great choice for after-drinks or late-night snacks.
Address: 116 E Market St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
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#4. Baxter’s American Grill
Baxter’s American Grill is a great place to go for American cuisine in Bloomington. The restaurant serves everything from burgers and dogs to steaks, seafood, and pasta.
The menu is filled with classic American dishes but well-rounded enough to offer something for everyone. The restaurant is also a great choice for vegetarians and vegans, as there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
Baxter’s American Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner and is a great choice for a quick bite. Baxter’s also offers a brunch menu on the weekends, so you’re sure to find something that fits your schedule.
Address: 3212 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States
#5. DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works
This restaurant is known for its Asian fusion cuisine and is open daily for dinner only. DESTIHL serves an array of Asian fusion dishes, including sushi, noodles, stir-fries, and various other dishes.
The restaurant is also known for its craft beer and cocktails, so be sure to order one of those while you’re there. DESTIHL is located on the Illinois River, so you can sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery while you eat. You can also bring your picnic basket and eat on the riverbank or visit one of the nearby picnic areas.
Address: 318 S Towanda Ave, Normal, IL 61761, United States
#6. Anju Above
Anju Above is a delightful Japanese restaurant in downtown Bloomington. The restaurant is known for its sushi but has other Asian fusion dishes, like pad Thai and various other menu items.
Anju Above is open for lunch and dinner, and you can visit for a quick meal or stay for a romantic dinner for two. This Asian fusion restaurant is located on the Illinois River, so you can enjoy the scenery while you eat.
You can also bring your picnic basket and eat on the riverbank or visit one of the nearby picnic areas.
Address: 220 E Front St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
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#7. Medici
Medici is a modern Italian restaurant with a focus on sustainable ingredients. The chef is an avid photographer and educator, so you’ll find an eclectic mix of modern and traditional Italian dishes. Medici also has a small café where you can pick up a sandwich or salad.
The restaurant’s name reflects his desire to “meld the old and new into a cuisine that is both beautiful and approachable.”
Medici’s décor is modern and minimal, with wood tables and chairs and muted beige, taupe, and grey tones. The restaurant’s focus on sustainable ingredients makes it an eco-friendly choice for diners who want to eat healthier.
Address: 120 W North St, Normal, IL 61761, United States
#8. Tobin’s Pizza
Tobin’s is a local chain of pizza restaurants serving delicious New York-style pizza. The restaurant has locations across the country but is especially well-known for its Bloomington location.
The restaurant has a wide selection of toppings so that you can customize your pizza to your exact taste. It also serves up a variety of speciality pizzas, so there is likely something on the menu that will suit your fancy.
The restaurant’s interior is brightly decorated with pictures of classic cars, a nod to its location in the heart of the car culture in Bloomington. You can grab food to go from Tobin’s, or you can enjoy a slice from one of the many picnic tables in the back of the restaurant.
Address: 1513 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
#9. Thai House of Bloomington
Thai House is a Bloomington favourite for fresh, authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant’s chef uses only fresh, high-quality ingredients to create various flavorful dishes.
The restaurant also serves vegetarian and vegan options, so customers with dietary restrictions can feel comfortable eating at Thai House. The restaurant’s interior is white and bright, with wooden tables and chairs and a minimal decorative style.
The restaurant’s food is so flavorful that your taste buds may have trouble distinguishing between each bite. The restaurant also accepts online orders so that you can enjoy Thai House’s delicious dishes at home.
Address: 805 Morrissey Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
#10. Avanti’s Italian Restaurant
Avanti’s is a Bloomington favourite for authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant serves classic dishes prepared with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant is well-known for its lasagna, a dish that is almost too good to be true.
The lasagna at Avanti’s is unlike any you’ve ever tasted, thanks to the chef’s unique take on the traditional dish. Thanks to its large, open interior, Avanti’s is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
The interior has a modern, minimalist style with neutral white and dark wood tones. The restaurant also has a full bar to enjoy a glass of wine with your meal.
Address: 3302 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States
#11. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is a classic American diner serving classic Southern dishes since the early ‘90s. The restaurant was founded by Bob Williams, who wanted to create a place where people could enjoy good food in a casual setting.
The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere, with light woods and creme-coloured walls. The restaurant also has a full bar, so you can enjoy a cold drink while you wait for your food.
Cracker Barrel also offers a full range of classic breakfast and lunch items, so you can choose something to suit any time of day. Cracker Barrel’s interior is classic American diner-style, with a large menu board, high ceilings, and a rustic feel. The restaurant is also wheelchair-accessible.
Address: 502 Brock Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
#12. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q
If you love to barbecue, you’ll want to visit Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, a Bloomington favourite for Southern barbecue. The restaurant serves Southern classics like pulled pork sandwiches, barbecue nachos, and catfish plates.
You can choose from various delicious side dishes, including mac ‘n’ cheese, cornbread, and sweet potato casserole. The restaurant’s interior is an eye-catching shade of blue, with a bar counter and wood tables and chairs.
You can enjoy your meal from one of the restaurant’s high tables or take your food to go and picnic in the park across the street.
Bandana’s menu also features a limited menu of vegetarian items, so you don’t have to miss out on delicious barbecue just because you don’t eat meat.
Address: 502 IAA Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
#13. Schooner’s
Schooner’s is a local favourite for food, service, and atmosphere. It’s on the upper level of a cosy Bloomington restaurant, so it’s a great place to while away an hour or two while you wait for your groceries.
Schooner’s features an in-house bakery that makes freshly-baked bread every day. It’s a great place to get a sandwich or sammie, but the menu also includes a wide selection of entrees.
Schooner’s is a great option if you’re looking for a place to bring a large group of friends or coworkers. It’s casual enough to wear jeans, but the staff is professional enough that you don’t feel like a slob.
Address: 810 E Grove St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
#14. Shannon’s Five Star
Shannon’s Five Star is one of the most highly rated restaurants in Bloomington. It’s located on the west side of downtown, close to all the shops and restaurants in that part of town.
Shannon’s Five Star is a family-owned restaurant that has been around for over 40 years. It’s known for its fresh seafood, but it also has an impressive menu of steak, meat, and pasta dishes. The menu at Shannon’s Five Star is loaded with seafood options.
It has oysters, steamed clams, fish and chips, and many other seafood-centric items. If you’re not into seafood, don’t worry, there are plenty of other options on the menu. If you’re looking for a great budget-friendly meal, Shannon’s Five Star offers a great selection of pasta dishes, steaks, and other meals that are well under $20.
Address: 1305 S Mercer Ave, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States
#15. Flingers Pizza Pub
Flingers is a local favourite for pizza, calzones, and classic Italian eats. The restaurant’s menu features a wide variety of classic Italian dishes and some more unique items.
The restaurant also has a full bar, so you can enjoy a drink while you wait for your food to arrive. The restaurant’s interior is bright and modern, with a neutral feel and wooden tables and chairs. You can enjoy your meal from one of the restaurant’s high tables or one of the booths along the walls.
Flingers also has a full range of vegetarian dishes, so you don’t have to miss out on delicious Italian food just because you don’t eat meat.
Address: 1503 E Vernon Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
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Enjoy your meal in Bloomington, Illinois.
Bloomington has a lot to offer when it comes to great restaurants. Whether you like seafood, American cuisine, or something different, Bloomington has something for you. The best part?
Most of these places are in one central location, allowing you to mingle with other locals and share great memories over a meal.
No way on the Flingers. Good beer selection but the food is downhill and they have s*x offenders working there.