“Eat” listings
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The Rock Restaurant
Owner Said Saliba, whose father owns a restaurant by the same name in Lebanon, brought the best of his heritage to Normal and created a hit with this restaurant. Popular menu items include gyros, falafel and baklava, as well as American burgers and subs for the less adventurous. $ (09/2011)
203 W North St, Normal
309-451-4976
therockrestaurant.net -
Jim’s Steakhouse
Dark wood and a glowing fireplace set the mood for fine dining here and the menu takes it one step further. Try one of Jim’s famous aged steaks, the mouthwatering prime rib or the daily seafood selection. After dinner, relax with a drink at the piano bar. $$$ (09/2011)
2307 E Washington St; Bloomington
309-663-4142
jimssteakhouse.net -
Joe’s Station House Pizza Pub
Tuck into some fried pickles (dipped in ranch) before devouring into one of Joe’s Special signature-sauce pizzas topped with sausage, green peppers, mushrooms and onions. Wash it down with a craft beer, then finish your meal on a sweet note with a s’mores pizza. $ (08/2011)
305 N Veterans Pkwy, Normal
309-452- 5637
joesstation...izzapub.com -
Avanti’s Italian Restaurant
A favorite of Illinois State University students, this casual and affordable restaurant is probably best known for its Gondola sandwiches (essentially Italian submarines), served on delicious, fresh-baked sweet bread. But don’t stop there. Try the pizza, lasagna or Italian beef. $ (06/2011)
407 S Main St, Normal
309-452- 4436
avantisnormal.com -
Lancaster’s Restaurant
The upscale, romantic atmosphere here sets the mood for a perfect evening— and the food takes it over the top. Try calamari or crabcakes for starters, then move on to the game special, surf and turf or steak. Top it off with the famous bananas Foster. $$$ (06/2011)
513 N Main St, Bloomington
309- 827-3333
lancastersrestaurant.com -
Ozark House
This family-owned restaurant has been a favorite of locals for more than 35 years. It’s famous for the signature cheese dip and crackers appetizer and barbecue (slow roasted and hickory smoked for eight hours), but the menu goes well beyond that to include steak, seafood, chicken and pasta dishes. $$$ (03/2011)
704 McGregor St, Bloomington
309-827-3900
ozarkhouserestaurant.com -
TIMES PAST INN
This family-owned restaurant has been a local favorite for more than 25 years. Serving three meals a day, it’s like eating at home without the mess. Try the specialty horseshoe sandwich (open-faced with toast, hamburgers, french fries and a “secret” cheese sauce) for lunch or fi ll up at the weekday buffet, 11am to 2pm. Filling homestyle dinner options include steak, prime rib and shrimp. $ (01/2011)
1216 Towanda Ave, Bloomington
309-828-8312 -
THE GARLIC PRESS MARKET CAFÉ
Cheeses from across the world, fresh baked goods made with real butter and homemade soups and stews are among the delicacies on this café’s menu. There are daily specials and many options are gluten free and/or vegan. $ (11/2010)
108 North St, Normal
309-452-8841
thegarlicpress.com -
FIREHOUSE PIZZA & SPORTS BAR
Whether you order the signature sweet sauce pizza or a traditional chunky tomato version, the hearty food at this themed pub is sure to put out the hunger pains burning in your stomach. $ (07/2010)
107 E Beaufort St, Normal
309-808-1597
firehousepizza911.com -
JESSE’S GRILLE
Pot roast sliders, lobster burgers and homemade desserts, as well as a top-notch Sunday brunch, draw locals to this hotel restaurant. $$ (04/2010)
201 Broadway Ave, Normal
309-862-9000 -
MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT
Whether you come for Sunday brunch, lunch with a friend or an evening out, Michael’s varied menu—which includes a breakfast waffle station and omelet bar, homemade soups, a lunch buffet, pasta, steaks and chicken—has something that will satisfy. $$ (03/2010)
110 W Washington St, Bloomington
309-820-1330
michaelsbloomington.com -
MAID-RITE
Visiting this red-and-white-checkered diner is like stepping back into the 1950s (poodle skirts and rolled-up jeans not required). Try the signature loose-meat sandwich, made with ground beef and secret spices. $ (12/2009)
304 N Main St, Normal
309-454-7483
maid-rite.com
