10 Restaurants You Must Try While In Bloomington-Normal

Whether you are studying at ISU, driving through town, or considering BloNo your forever home, there are 10 local restaurants that you shouldn't pass up.

Joe's Station House Pizza

Lisa S. / Via yelp.com

If you are coming down for an ISU sporting event nobody shows their school pride like Joe's Station House. This family friendly, sports-centric restaurant offers a variety of pub food, including their original pizza recipes, and what some call the best Italian beef in the area. There's always something new to try, and you won't leave disappointed.

Location: Shoppes At College Hills, 305 Veterans Pkwy, Normal, IL 61761

Price: $$

Crepe Geeks

Via crepegeeks.com

This 2014 addition to the BloNo area is a hidden door to Paris. While it is relatively new, and somewhat lesser known, Crepe Geeks' uniqueness and quality-for-price ratio, has rapidly secured it as a local favorite.

Location: 305 West Beaufort Street, STE B, Normal, IL 61761

Price: $

Lucky Garden

Dakota H / Via yelp.com

Self-proclaimed, "the best sushi bar in Bloomington," Lucky Garden more than lives up to the hype. They offer countless sushi options; from avocado rolls to spicy crab rolls, you name it, Lucky Garden has it all. Not only does the restaurant feature a beautiful seating area, they also deliver, leaving you no reason to pass it up.

Location: 706 S Eldorado Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704

Price: $$

Caffe Italia

Via yelp.com

Widely considered the most authentic Italian restaurant in the area, Caffe Italia offers all of the traditional dishes and more. An impressive date location, Caffe Italia brings Sicily closer to home with every bite. You'll never purchase store-bought gelato again.

Location: 511 Chancellor Dr, Bloomington, IL 61704

Price:$$

Flinger's Pizza Pub

HaoT / Via yelp.com

When looking for the best pizza and beer combination, Flingers is the place to be. Offering more than 20 choices of craft beer, Flinger's' social atmosphere brings in a variety of customers and a good time. The Flinger Rolls alone will quickly make you a regular.

Location: 1503 E. Vernon, Bloomington, IL 61701

Price:$$

Los Potrillos

DP / Via yelp.com

Los Potrillos is a definitive gathering spot in BloNo. Students, community members, and families come to experience the authentic atmosphere and seemingly endless food. For those 21-and-over, the margaritas are a must.

Location: 201 Landmark Dr, Normal, IL 61761

Price: $

Thai House of Bloomington

Rick Vs Food / Via yelp.com

The Thai House of Bloomington offers, hands down, the best thai food in McLean County. As it is located outside the core of Bloomington-Normal, it is somewhat hard to discover, but once you do you will keep coming back.

Location: 805 Morrissey Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701

Price: $

The Rock

Via therockrestaurant.net

Located in Uptown Normal, The Rock has become a staple in the community. Their recent expansion has provided the perfect space to enjoy the authentic Mediterranean food. Take a break from shopping and try the Rock Salad; you won't regret it.

Location: 203 W North St, Normal, IL 61761

Price: $$

The Pub II

Via yelp.com

The Pub II is without question the heart and soul of Illinois State University. Pub Wednesdays are a time-honored tradition that continue for a reason. The cheeseballs are sacred, the daily drink specials are fantastic, and whether you're looking for a night out, or a midweek meal, the Pub delivers.

Location: 102 N Linden St, Normal, IL 61761

Price: $

Avantis Italian Restaurant

Erin D. Jacobs / Via erindjacobs.blogspot.com

If there is a restaurant that everyone in BloNo has been to, it's Avantis. Home of the famous Gondola (pictured above), Avantis is the perfect place to have dinner with the family. Avanti's also offers a fast, on-the-go meal, and their catering service is top notch.

Location: 3302 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL

407 S Main St, Normal, IL

Price:$