Made a spontaneous stop on our road trip to this sweet little zoo! The grounds were well kept and the staff was friendly. We saw lots of animals! The wallabies were my favorite part. It was cool to get up-close and personal with all the animals.

Such a cute little zoo. They do have 3 interactive areas. One with goats, one with wallabys and wallaroos, and one birt sanctuary. They have a tiger, snow leopards, red panda, and many more animals. There is plenty of room for RV's to park. It is handicap accessible.

For being a smaller zoo we had a great time here. We went through the whole zoo twice in 2 hours but I think we saw every animal because they were all out and active. We loved the baby anyeater, it's the 1st time we've seen one of those.

Really fun splash pad and large playground outside of the zoo enterance. Zoo itself is very toddler friendly. The Amazon exhibit and tiger are our favorites.

My family and I loved this zoo. Love the different variety of animals. So much fun.

I want to first say that I love the park and have fished this park for 25 plus years not a issue I was told that I could could fish all night as long as I had rods in the water ... So we all know there we have to fish all night long to catch the specimen im chasing dont bite alot during day ..so we lost 😢 a friend who we have been fishing for over 10 years we all get together and fish many from other states we do a 3 day session ..so I decided to go a few weeks early and fish on my vacation...then it happened the first night park surcuity told me I had to leave park closes at 10pm I said ok but I been doing this longer then you have alive ..he said there is homeless problem in the park I said do I look home less he wouldn't answer.....he left around 10:30 then it happend 24.5 like u see in Pic what I came for showed up......fri morning superintendent shows up tells me same story homeless bs and if I let you do it I have to let everybody else's I said fair ..so I said what if I call city and ask for permit he told me I am the city I said really ok I'll be out by 10.pm ..so we Googled park superintendent we have emails sent to ask for permission to fish this park 6 times a year for our lost members we have fished with for years ...I know it's a 13acre lake but holds many memories and large fish that we so love to catch ..we only asking to over nite 3 days for late fall months Oct Nov 3days that we have been doing for over 25 years ... thanks for your time cory...

A great place to visit. A family fun place. I'd highly recommend a visit here. It is a small gem with lots of very cool animals.

For a smaller zoo it was really great. We went through it a couple times in 2 hours but I think we saw every animal. My kids loved the baby anteater, it was our 1st time seeing one of those.

This is a good place to see a ballgame. There is plenty of parking although one downside is it takes a while to get out and on your actual way home. There are many good food options. The giveaways are quality. We enjoy going here several times a year

The animals that were out were fun and active. Kids loved watching the otters play. A lot of the animals were not out because it's still chilly out. It was disappointing that indoor viewing was very very limited. This zoo takes about an hour to see everything. The volunteers were helpful and were happy to answer kids questions The highlight was the playground for my kids.... it was challenging and had a great slide. It kept my 5 children ages 2-13 very entertained.

Located at the entrance of the miller park, zoo, this municipal playground has some safe features, and is attached to a water splash pad. They also have a mini golf course and a picnic areas for family usage. For such a small city these people really have, i've done this up, right.

A small group of OES members stopped for a photo opportunity with the Duck paddle boat. 2028 will be the year that the rubber duck is our symbol...but the paddleboat staff was fabulous and friendly...it's an affordable activity for 30minutes!! Miller Park is so much more than the Zoo!!

Wonderful Park mainly for children over 3 years old. Located next to a splash pad and very well maintained. Restrooms located nearby along with water fountains.

Always a great place to visit. Fun for all. A hidden gem. I'd highly recommend visiting. Lots of very cool animals.

REO SPEEDWAGON and Loverboy put on a very good concert! Fairly quick in and out of building. Parking could be better as well as the floor seats, but overall, a good evening. We were on the floor, 2nd row center. The sound quality was decent. A pretty nice arena.

Went here for Disney on Ice and the whole experience was magical! Seats were comfortable and spacious. The bathrooms were clean and family bathroom was huge. The concessions weren’t badly priced either. We would come back again for another event.

Went to see WWE SuperShow on June 22nd 2024. The Arena is lets just say unique for seating it's normal ballpark like seats. For handicap it didn't see accessable as I witnessed a woman on crutches be told to go up and down steeper steps with no regard of her safety downward. Staff didn't seem like they cared about the people outside of the guardrail by the main stage for the wrestling event. Good lighting, sound and usage of video boards. The event was 5/5 from the crowd and performers themselves. Staff wasn't very helpful for when they opened as well just opened and door and didn't say anything about if we could proceed further. Parking is really simple. Option one the parking garage or option two the lots they charged $10 for one and $20 for the other. Online it didn't mention this so to some I'm guessing this was a slap in the mouth.

I had a good time last night seeing Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Bayley, and Gunther. The Grossinger arena was a decent arena. My only complaint is that Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair were on the flyer for the show. However, they didn't wrestle last night.

Had a great time at the hockey game, even though our team lost by one point. But still had a really great time.

Avoid at all costs. Attended Megadeth show here Wednesday, September 27, 2023. The show must not have been well advertised, because the stage was in the middle of the main floor and there were a lot of available seats. With less than three songs left in the set, "security" got ahold of a fan, one guy. It must have been brutal, because of what happened next... The band's singer, Dave Mustaine STOPPED THE SONG to tell the FOUR "security" guards to stop hitting the guy. The scuffle (if you can call it that) moved to the aisle and from where I was, I could see two staff holding the guy up and two punching him in the face. In what world is this ok? Even if he was drunk, you gotta rough him up like that?? Mustaine continued on, he said the show was over unless those bully "security" were removed from the building. A few minutes (and more wasted time that could be spent playing music) later, it was reported the problematic people were gone from the building, along with Megadeth's time to perform. They played their final number and the show ended, but the atmosphere was definitely changed. If this is the way this place runs at a fraction of capacity, imagine how crazy it would be with MORE people in attendance? The arena has not issued any kind of public statement to explain, justify, apologize for, etc the actions of it's staff and the incredibly unprofessional and dangerous manner in which they conduct themselves, despite repeated requests to. Many others, as well as myself will issue our reply though, do not visit this venue. You are not safe here, you are not welcome here. Maybe it's just a heavy metal thing, maybe it's just we who aren't welcome or safe here. I'd love some clarity, but I doubt I'll ever receive any. So whatever, I'm gonna do what's best for me, and that's never return to this dangerous, unsafe space.

I have spent many hours in this arena, with my son's hockey practices and games, professional hockey and concerts and it is a great venue! Went to one of the 1st concerts since Covid. Plenty of free parking within walking distance. The security check, food sales seating all went smooth. Mask policy was being followed and everyone in our group had a great time! The sound was awesome and I would definitely go back for other events

I had a fine meal here. Often the vegan options at restaurants are sub-par or considered as discretionary additions to the menu. The effort put into your vegan dishes was pristine and delicious for people unfamiliar with vegan appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The zero-proof orange drink had changing, lasting notes and changed how I view zero-proof drinks. Great atmosphere and volume, both indoor and outdoor seating. Thank you for a great experience.

My kids took me here for our Mother's day dinner. Our Waiter was phenomenal. He certainly made a very special evening more special. The food-delicious, the atmosphere- relaxed and inviting. Absolutely will be back.

Food was amazing. Loved the cornflake chicken. Pleasantly surprised by the sashima, I ended up ordering seconds! The only down side was it took 35 minutes for the creme brulee to arrive. The server acknowledged the delay, which was appreciated.

Epiphany Farms in Bloomington, IL, is truly a gem. From the moment you walk in, the energy is warm, welcoming, and just plain fun. The service here is consistently excellent and the staff goes out of their way to make sure you’re having a great time, and it shows. The food? Outstanding. Every dish is beautifully presented and full of flavor. Whether you're coming in for a casual bite or a special evening out, the quality is always top-notch. The added bonus of being able to order food from Anju Above brings even more variety and creativity to the menu and it’s a treat every time. Cocktail lovers, take note: the drinks are just as thoughtfully crafted as the food. The cocktail menu is creative and balanced, and there’s also a great selection of bourbon for those who appreciate a good pour. Billy, the mixologist, is a standout and he's not only skilled behind the bar but also a fantastic and friendly presence whether he's bartending or serving tables. A special shoutout to Vince, the manager, who runs the restaurant with the perfect mix of professionalism, kindness, and fun. He and his team clearly care about the guest experience and it makes all the difference. And don’t skip their take-home market items, especially the drunken cherries and lavash crackers as they are absolutely worth grabbing on your way out. Just another example of how Epiphany Farms brings creativity and quality to every corner of what they do. Epiphany Farms offers more than just a meal - it’s a full experience. If you’re in Bloomington, don’t miss it.

Our 23rd Wedding Anniversary was yesterday,9/28/25! We were in Bloomington on a side mission and planned to have dinner afterwards. My husband suggested Epiphany or another restaurant. I wasn’t sure b/c I don’t like Sushi, but was intrigued by “farm to table” feature. Then, nice we were having trouble deciding my husband said let’s just go home and eat at another restaurant. I said no, we’re here let’s try Epiphany! What an AMAZING experience!!! The service, especially our server, was attentive, exuberant plus knew the menu well, so was an excellent foodie guide! The manager stopped by several times to check on us, and she was also extremely knowledgeable and excited to share details about the businesses and the farm! We were asked about dessert and was thinking of choosing the Choc-Blondie, so asked our server for direction, he said don’t order dessert “I have something special planned for you and their preparing it now!” OMG!!! He brought the Choc-Blondie out with a flourish!! EVEN ADDED A SPARKLER! This place, their care, attention to detail, FOOD, experience, atmosphere was second to none!! What a wonderful anniversary dinner!!! We will totally be back!!! To Epiphany and Staff: Game changer!! You are on a whole different level and I can’t wait to return!!😋

WOW! This has easily become our favorite restaurant on our very first visit here. The food was phenomenal! Very cute atmosphere and vibes are immaculate. The menu is huge as they have multiple kitchens, so there is something for everyone. Staff is so friendly and service is top notch. Your drinks will never run low and they are constantly pre-bussing the tables. Lucy was incredible and she had so many wonderful suggestions. Experience was fantastic, will definitely be making many trips back.

Last minute change of plans to celebrate my wife’s birthday after Johna’s let us down so bad. Epiphany Farms in blooming got us in and hit the ball out of the park! Friendly from the moment we walked in to the perfect plates! Hats off for one of the best experiences we have had in Bloomington! The ingredients at this place are second to none! Clean, friendly and a genuine culinary delight!!!!

Over all a great experience! Good food and service although I will say I was disappointed that our waiter didn't actually explain how the little prize drop worked until after we had paid our bill and couldn't get them. It's every 12 plates we did 16 and he was wanting to see it and thought it would be fun for our 5yr old 😅 but the staff was friendly and quick and the sushi was good!

We were a group of about a dozen and visited during a weekday evening for dinner. Food choices were vast with numerous veggie options, as well as plenty of options for pescatarians and non vegetarians. I ordered the pan seared salmon which was presented well and tasted very good. I also tried the Green Machine sushi roll which included about a dozen pieces. The Green Machine included avocado, Cucumber, rice, marinated tofu, etc. It was better than I thought it would be and I would order it again. The crab meat sushi was also very good but I liked the Green Machine sushi better. All of this was washed down with a Dog Days (Analytical Shandy) on draft. Overall, the experience dining in at Anju Above was very good. I like the restaurant concept of Farm to Table. I would definitely recommend.

I would like to make a special thank you to the server who helped us the manager who set up our anniversary dinner and the chef’s who made a very special dish for us. They didn’t JUST give us a private dinner, but they designed and set up a room for are Reservation and somehow still was able to make ours very personal and gave us our own private table. The experience was priceless. The accommodations were astounding. They went above and beyond anything I could ever asked for. I am very grateful for what they have done. It’s truly the classiest place with the best food

Had a lovely dining experience here, mainly thanks to our server, Maura! Got the pork buns to start and I tried the pickle lemonade which I highly recommend. The fish bowl was excellent portion and price wise, and the lamb shank my friend got was perfect as well!

Located up stairs in the old Bloomington Central Fire Station. Amazing sushi, great service.

My dining experience at Anju Above tonight was nothing short of delightful. From the moment I walked into the restaurant, I was captivated by its elegance. Service was prompt; we were seated quickly, and our server was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. For starters, I indulged in the Fried Veggie Dumplings and a Yellowfin Tuna Hand Roll. The fried dumplings were a true delight, perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor. They paired wonderfully with the tangy pickled vegetables on top. As for the hand roll, it was a taste sensation. The yellowfin tuna practically melted in my mouth. Moving on to the main course, I was thoroughly impressed with the Pork Belly Ramen. The pork belly was exceptionally flavorful and tender, adding a richness to the dish. What truly elevated the ramen experience was the side of sweet and spicy sauce, which, when added to the broth, turned the dish into something extraordinary. The soft-boiled egg was cooked to perfection and seasoned just right, while the mushrooms added a depth of flavor that left me craving more. Overall, my dining experience at Anju Above exceeded my expectations. I'll definitely be returning to explore more of their enticing menu options.

Stopped at this restaurant on our trip. We were told everything they offer on the menu is freshly picked up and grown at a farm just 7 miles from there. And indeed everything was fresh and tasted amazing especially the crème burleè. We hit dinner rush so the restaurant was very loud with multiple large groups on a Friday night. But besides not having reservations, they found a nice table for us. Our server was not very knowledgeable of the menu and was working slow, she was also forgetful and her excuse for everything was that she was working there only since January. We were not able to enjoy our food because our service was slow and we didn't have everything to be able to start eating, but once it got to us it was good. They have a nice seating area outside but the day and time we went was way too hot to enjoy it. Nice parking lot on the side of it

Came with my sister for lunch it was so good. We started out with the bruschetta and when I say it was one of the best bruschettas I’ve ever had it was amazingly good. We both got the Rosie’s grilled chicken. It was so tasty. The fries were amazing so hot and crispy. I loved the blackened chicken breast on the sandwich it was so juicy and flavorful. Love the vibe , we sat outside && it was definitely a great experience. Will definitely be back

Loved the food in this episode of the podcast about how to cook your food in the microwave with the right ingredients for a delicious dinner with the family at home in a special way to get the most amazing meal in your kitchen with a great deal better quality food for you to enjoy in your own kitchen!

Amazing atmosphere and food! I tried a sunrise burger, one of their appetizers, and their Peach Thyme Prosecco Smash, and they were all delicious. I'm anxious to go back and try more on their menu. I've returned a few times since my initial review. Their cheese curds are delicious and the mozzarella tomato sandwich with chicken (pictured) is yummy, too.

Lovely place, i put in a order to go. A house salad and a black bean burger with fries. I was a bit dissapointed my fries were cold, the salad was very sparse. The only good thing was the burger itself. I dont think i will return.

Recently had an exceptional dining expat Rosie’s. Food, service and atmosphere all top notch!

I don’t go out to eat really at all, but driving here from Lincoln is worth it. It’s one of the few places im comfortable eating at since I have a shellfish allergy. It’s always the place my boyfriend and I go to if we’re celebrating something or it’s a rare night we eat out. Service is always great and food is incredible.

We stopped here after not getting into another place and wow that was a happy accident! The fries are really great and the Mac n cheese we got for our son was so delicious he ate almost all of it and it was a very generous portion. The atmosphere inside and outside is very relaxing. The flatbread is very flat and crispy. We would have loved to have drinks but we had a couple hours to drive. We would definitely stop here again

When I looked at their menu online, I thought it might be a little too bougie for my girl group, but happily, I was wrong. We were greeted warmly by the owner and seated in the beautifully decorated dining room. They've restored many of the beautiful features of the old building they occupy. The menu offers a variety of things to choose from. My group of 3 ordered the large charcuterie tray and pretzel bites with spicy mustard and beer cheese. Both were fresh and delicious. The peach jam on the tray was a sweet bite after the tasty meats and cheeses. I also enjoyed the creamed asparagus soup, topped with a sour cream swirl. My taste buds were delighted! They have a large menu of cocktails, craft beers, and wines, but we didn't partake on this visit. The atmosphere is light and trendy with a casual feel. We came because we had won a gift certificate at an auction and thought we would try something new. I'm so glad we did. My friends and I enjoyed our visit there and are already talking about going back.

Nice, cozy little space with a good.vibe and romantic atmosphere. Perfect for taking a date for dinner and drinks. Service is absolutely wonderful and attentive. I had the Sassy Chicken Thighs which were really good. Their take.on the Old Fashioned is one of the best I have ever had.

My friend told me about this place and how good the cocktails were. Of course I’m nosey and had to try it for myself. I was in town for an event and took my family with me and we all loved it! They have outdoor seating, the service was really good (Parker was so funny!) and the cocktails were indeed amazing. I got the pistachio martini 🍸

Absolutely incredible restaurant. Amazing selection, delicious dishes, and the staff is fantastic. So kind and caring and they honestly care if you have a good time or not. They go above and beyond. Birthdays, anniversaries, all have been wonderful here. More than 5 stars!

The Mystic is located in the beautiful historic Illinois hotel building. The restaurant has some good options. I ordered the sassy chicken thighs (which was only one thigh) which was served in a delicious glaze on top of a bed of mashed potatoes, with broccoli florettes. With only one chicken thigh, and a very small bit of the broccoli florettes it wasn’t very filling, but the delicious mashed potatoes helped. Everything was exceptionally delicious. The smaller serving allowed room for dessert. Which for me was a shared sticky toffee cake, which was melt in your mouth delicious. Emily was our server and everyone was very attentive excellent service and equally good food. The atmosphere is outstanding in the architecturally beautiful Illinois house. My only suggestion would be to serve two chicken thighs with that entrée for a more filling meal. Other than that it was a wonderful experience and I would definitely come back.

Absolutely delicious. Went on a Tuesday evening and was not disappointed. Wine bottles 50% off on Tuesday, phenomenal food!

Everything about our first time here was wonderful. From the friendly staff to the delicious food, it was a very enjoyable evening. Because my first choice for dinner was sold out, the owner was kind enough to give us a free dessert, delicious apple crisp. Best of all, she also gave me her recipe for her amazing carrot soup!

First time going to a show here and it was great! Perfect parking right across the street -which was free. Beautiful inside. You can see the stage from the very back, which was great. Smoking area was a plus as well.

Place was pretty sik, security were all chill dudes and kept it professional. Sound Quality was great and was a nice change of venues having have bar top at the front near the stage and an old man assist bar. Stay Stellar

Purchased a reserved seat for the Adelitas Way & New medicine show and they were taken. Have staff thats just standing around (most of them) police the seated area. Extra money was spent for something I wasn't able to use.

I used to work at the cast theater in Bloomington Illinois when it was a theater I was in charge of opening and closing the theater. I used to start up the projection and put the film in if it broke I’d have to go up there and slice the film in together it had a balcony, but usually we had the balcony closed cause there usually wasn’t enough people in the theater. I do remember watching the black hole was a film. I think I was an Usher, but I became a part-time manager. . I do remember watching the black hole was a film. I think I was a Usher, but I became a part-time manager, so it’s kind of interesting to see that that theater is still open. and it’s a four or five story building and up in the top floor. There was a model T up there. There was a lot of antiques cause the elevator broke a long time ago. Way before I became the manager

First, I’ve travelled extensively around multiple venues around the country big and small to see different rock concerts. Castle theater staff and bar access were great. However, everything else was subpar. Being a small venue, the acoustics were not good quality. The stage is low to the ground so viewing ability on the ground level is hindered if at a sold out show. The standing room layout is strange with random metal dividing bars everywhere. And the standing room isn’t tiered much so if you have tall people in front of you a few rows up you won’t get a clear view. All in all it’s an old venue. It’s more for nostalgia than quality music productions, especially for larger acts.

First time seeing a live show at the Castle. Loved the atmosphere and the sound was great!

Great old venue where you can see the artists close up! Seating in the balconies and bar stool and standing on the main floor! We were about 12' from the stage with an awesome view of Larry Fleet and band!

This is a great museum with very friendly staff and amazing architecture

Just wanted to add a photo of the nearby Miller Davis building, taken on a clear evening in February of 2025. Interesting fact -- Abraham Lincoln spent some time here in the 1840's when he was a young practicing attorney in his 30's, prior to his political life.

This place was awesome. We went on a free day and spent about 2 hours inside. There are many displays that show artifacts from a past time, all meticulously kept, with easy to read factoids by them. There are 4 floors of things to look at and do, including a miniature farm from ‘back in the day’ with activities for the kids. The library is packed full of books from modern day all way way back to the 1800s. If you are researching something and call ahead, they will pull any information they think could be relevant and have it on a table for you when you get there. All the staff was helpful and extremely polite.

The McLean County Museum of History is a well-curated museum that brings local history to life with engaging exhibits and interactive displays. The building itself is historic and adds to the experience. It’s an educational and enriching visit for all ages, especially for those interested in learning more about the region’s past and cultural development.

Review Date: April 18th, 2012 A pretty cool museum. I’m not sure what it is about this museum that I like but it’s a fun place to visit. It seems that every time I came here, there was always something new to discover. They had some fun and interactive exhibits that we played with and took a ton of goofy photos of us interacting with them. There were some cool exhibits on the history of certain things from the past. I’ve been here 3 times in total and each time was a blast. I have a bit of an interest in history, so it was fun to find out some local history of the area. I was surprised to see one of those single-engine planes on one of the lower levels. That was a fun discovery. Since I haven’t been there in awhile, I really don’t know what else to say about the museum. I’m sure the exhibits have changed since then so I don’t want to rattle on too much about stuff that might not be there anymore. It’s just one of those places that you need to see in person.

I was able to make it to the McLean Museum in time to see the exhibits they had it was a very nice and well kept the museum. Apparently this is actually a courthouse that Abraham Lincoln practiced law in, this time when I went in the exhibit was the pedal cars and stories about the early pioneers and early settlers of the nation. Definitely a nice time, you should try to go, if this is something that interests you.

Awesome museum.. for 10 dollars plus tax… you will learn a rich history about Mclean Town, Abraham Lincoln’s work in this town, towns evolution from Native Americans, Immigrants to what is now today… Great small but full of history museum. Highly recommended.

This space is a staple in our community, and also a fabulous place for a wedding! The location is wonderful for checking out art and local businesses.

This is a very nice venue. The staff is always helpful and friendly. We have seen many shows at this facility. The venue is user friendly with clean restrooms and large foyer area. The acoustics are good and the seating is comfortable. There isn’t really a bad seat in the house. Good views from just about any seat you get. If I had to mention one drawback it might be the concessions area. It’s more like a snack area with candy bars, popcorn, and drinks. The selection is limited as far as that goes. We enjoy this venue over others we have been to because this one is more user friendly and classy. They continue to expand their variety of shows here from Comedy to Musicals, so there is something for all interests. We will continue to see shows at this venue. Keep up the good work.

My husband and I had our wedding here in March of 2022 and it was INCREDIBLE. Brian and the staff are amazing to work with and I would highly recommend this venue if you are wanting a beautiful blank slate wedding venue to work with that allows for you to pick and choose your own outside vendors! We used palace events for rentals to completely transform the space. Brian and the staff were extremely helpful with working out the logistics/ ins and outs of set up and take down with all the moving parts. Cannot recommend this venue enough!!! **photos taken by Carissa Mennen

The seats we picked online were not what we were expecting. The staff there helped us to get into a different set of seats that better accommodated our needs. We greatly appreciated the service they provided. Oh, and the show was great too! No bad seats to see or hear any of the performance!

A great place to see shows great audio and not a bad seat in the house. The outside events are always well organized affordable and fun. The most amazing venue in town to rent out for weddings and such very reasonable price for the memories of the omnius of the building!!! 🎉🎉🎉👍👍👍

The performance center is an amazing historical building with great acoustics. Every seat in the house is a good one. I highly recommend the center as it provides affordable cultural opportunities to our community.

Very nice historic venue. Seen some very good concerts there. Easy to get in and out of from the interstate.

I had an avocado tip in my salad that I actually bit down on. It was very hard and hurt my teeth for a few days. The male manager was super rude straight out the gate like I placed the thing in my food. The last picture is the plate he replaced my original plate with. I want be back and I will tell anyone going DON'T!!! The manager could have owned the mistake. It wasn't my fault.

Holy Mexican food! The BEST Mexican food I have ever tried in my life! Fresh, simple, delicious. The service was outstanding; our waitress was the sweetest human on the planet. Will be back for sure. This place is 2.5 hrs from where I live, but the food is worth the drive.

Portions are plentiful. All the children were satisfied and had leftovers. Torta Cubano was fresh and overflowing. The tacos were 3 stars. The cheese enchilada meal was filling. Order changes weren't a problem.

Fresh flavors and generous portions.

My fiancé and I absolutely love El Porton. It’s our go-to spot every Monday and a great way to start the week. Authentic food, reasonably priced, very friendly staff. A hidden gem right outside of downtown Bloomington. Highly recommend.

I hate to leave this kind of review, because El Porton (in name only at this point) has a soft spot in my heart, having grown up eating here under the original owners. The new owners seem to have dropped some standards around consistent quality control, and almost worse than that is they allow their daughter to work the front while being incredibly insulting, condescending, and entitled - she often single handedly makes you not want to come back, just to not have to interact with her again. If the owners see this review, I get that you want to employ your daughter, makes total sense, but you need to understand that she’s losing you a lot of business and her work ethic is awful towards the community that makes your business possible in the first place. If I had acted like she does even for a single day at my family’s restaurant when I was growing up, they would have fired me and made me earn the right to work again at the business. All the best to you. I might try the place out in a few months to see if something has changed about this and the inconsistent food quality, but I’ve got one more visit in me and then I’m done with this place if nothing has changed, just being straight with you. And I’ll be telling everyone I know to get their food elsewhere too if that happens.

My new favorite. Wish I lived closer. The beans! Tacos are amazing. Cheviche tostada is a must!

Lots of great memories here. I took my wife recently to show her around my old stomping grounds before the students were back in school. They've done a wonderful job with the landscaping and upkeep of the whole area. Very nice! I can imagine the students are once again enjoying the picturesque surroundings as they're now back for the fall semester. All the best, Redbirds!

Beautiful campus with mature trees and amazing flower gardens. Went there for the concert on the Quad. Was a great time

The Quad is a great place to walk and relax. A lot of nature around. Very peaceful.

Really sweet place to relax. Sit under a tree and read a book with a nice breeze. It's a really awesome place to clear your head if you need to! Lot's of people walking around too

The prettiest quad in Illinois! Well-maintained, plenty of places to sit and meet, and open areas for other activities.

The Quad is surely a go-to spot for beautiful photos! Between the architecture and the greenery, so much photo creativity can come from such a gorgeous area.

What a great beautiful quad and a very cool campus. It's a great place to go for a walk on a nice summer day or evening.

Such a fun and unique experience I definitely recommend stopping in! Don’t forget the password when you make your reservation or the hostess will make you do a dance or tell a joke so be prepared! They had a future cocktail of the evening, but also an extensive full bar! The bar itself is beautiful and I would definitely come back just to sit there for cocktails in the future. The food was delicious even though it’s not a large menu there’s definitely something for everybody. The main highlight though was our server Kaitlin. She really made the experience exceptional - she was friendly, prompt with her service, offered great suggestions and ensured that we had a wonderful experience for our first time. The experience was very unique and I highly recommend stopping in - Just don’t forget the password!

This has been a constant spot for myself and my girlfriend. If you’re looking for the best cocktail bar in Bloomington/Normal, great food and atmosphere this is the place. Cullen, one of the bartenders there, whipped me up a fantastic rye New York sour with a dash of ginger liqueur. One of my favorites so far. Definitely give this place a try!

Our 1st visit here was super cute and quirky, with the hostess. Once you give the password and take the elaborate tunnel (*wink*wink) its the sweetest little speakeasy...great food and drinks...knowledgeable wait staff... Our second visit, just with friends for drinks and snacks...but will be back to try all the things...

Arrived early to drink at the bar, Cullen made sure we didn't leave the bar. Dinner was excellent (steak frites), and the bespoke cocktails matched every dish. Bakery and Pickle is not to be missed!

Excellent service and food. The baby-face food option was fantastic! Such a neat experience! Would highly recommend.

We had an incredible dinner experience celebrating our anniversary! From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond… especially in making sure my wife’s dietary restrictions were fully accommodated. We did the Capone Experience, and every dish was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. The attention to detail, flavor, and pacing of the meal was spot-on. Special shoutout to the executive chef and the entire team…. they made us feel truly taken care of. It’s rare to find a place that combines top-tier food, service, and thoughtfulness all in one.

Perfect for a special night out. The atmosphere is very sophisticated yet relaxed. And honestly the prices aren't that bad given how nice it is here! The charcuterie board (adult lunchables) was beautiful. Forgot to take a picture of the pickled onion rings, but they were fantastic!!

The best beef egg foo young and gravy in town. Their egg drop soup and wontons are also delicious. Everything is always hot and fresh. It was quiet at lunchtime but they seem to do a good amount of carryout business.

One of the best Chinese restaurants I’ve been to! This place has extraordinary food and great service. I force my boyfriend to take me here because I crave it so much :P

NOT A BUFFET. Good said it was, so that was disappointing. This food was amazing. Great place to eat. Great portion size for the price. They charge for refills tho! And there cups are not very big.

This food is not good. Would not recommend. You’d be much better off going to Panda Express if you want good tasting Chinese food. So very disappointed and dissatisfied with this plate.

You have to call to place your order, and then you can pick it up inside or curbside or get delivery. Pick up was super fast over the lunch hour, right at 15 minutes (I can walk there from our downtown Bloomington office) So much food for the price, and the quality is top notch! The beef with broccoli was cooked perfectly, seasoned perfectly and the amount of sauce was just right. Comes with white rice, but you can sub for fried rice with a small fee. It came in the perfect sized container which is microwaveable so if you only want to eat half and save the other half for another lunch day, you're already good to go! The egg roll was the perfect complement and it came with all of the sauces: soy, sweet sour and spicy mustard. I understand now why everyone else in my office is obsessed and goes there regularly. Can't wait to try everything else on the menu!

Don't understand how this place has over 4 stars. The young man that took our order was friendly, but the food was mediocre at best. It's like pretty much any carry out Chinese food, except the meat tasted funny. We were not able to eat our meals, and will likely end up eating another meal somewhere else before the evening is over.

Awesome Chinese restaurant. Always great food and good portions for the money. Real dishes, real silverware. Seriously, if you like Chinese food and you've never been to The Golden Dragon, you are missing out! Friendly, family run restaurant. Been going there for 25+ years, never had a bad meal. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great locally owned business that is pet friendly. Owner saw me outside with my dog and brought her a treat. Dog bowls available on the sidewalk. I bring a collapsible set for my girl, but other people might want public bowls.

Lovely outdoor seating and delightful cocktails await you at Reality Bites. We enjoyed the Seared Tuna and Pork Potstickers appetizers. The Harvest Salad from the seasonal menu was also very tasty. The chicken on the El Bandido salad was tough- won’t order that again.

Wonderful place! This was my first time here, and the food was amazing. I had the Ex Boyfriend (the drink in the picture) it's a perfect light drink if you like drinks on the sweeter side. The party I was with shared many of the menu appetizers, and all were a HIT! Especially the spinach and artichoke dip, along with the bacon wrapped dates.

Been here several times. Always good! My salad had one sliver of avocado on it. Bummer! A little slow today, got a parking ticket for exceeding the 90min park time.

My boyfriend and I decided to try some place new for dinner and landed on Reality Bites. The owner greeted us right away. They were busy, so we sat at the bar while we waited for a table. It was worth the wait for sure! We ordered the Bang Bang Shrimp 🍤 and bacon wrapped dates for appetizers. I'm still thinking about how good both of those were. 🤤 My boyfriend ordered the New York Strip and I ordered "the Funks Grove Burger". I can't say enough good things about the food and environment there. We were raving to our family and friends about it!

The cocktail/mocktail menu is wonderful and well-stocked with seasonal offerings. I had a buffalo chicken sandwich on this visit (w/o bun) and it was OK - chicken was a bit overdone but the flavor was good. My conpanion had a burger and said it was very well seasoned and dressed. We enjoyed the seared tuna and goat cheese balls as appetizers - both were quite good! Service is always excellent and we will return

Came here tonight for dinner and inside was "full". They told me we could only sit outside which would have been fine but you don't get any service! But now we have been here for an hour and no food. Went inside and there are 8 tables and a few people at the bar. VERY SLOW SERVICE!!! Had high hopes for this place but we will NOT BE BACK for dinner for 4 to take over an hour!

My husband went with my son and a colleague tonight, and I asked my husband to bring me home a lobster tail. I have dined at the restaurant before and it was awesome, but the takeout was also incredible! The chef is consistent and great! FYI I’m new from Chicago Suburbs and I appreciate a good joint like this!

I would love to give 5 stars all around, but there is one serious problem with this establishment. There is an 'Exit' sign on the stairs pointing to double doors that look like the main entrance, but they're locked. Not only was this a pain for someone on crutches, it's a major hazard in case of fire! Fire exits cannot be locked and unusable! That aside, we absolutely loved this place! Our server, Brook, was phenomenal. The food was 5-star quality, and everything I've been raised to expect from a great steakhouse, and the desserts are incredible. We had the calamari, steak and lobster (The Boomer), the Sea Bass special, and the Chicken Italiano. Sides were New England clam chowder, side salad with bleu cheese, baked potato, and french fries. I can't recommend all of these enough! The steak is buttery soft, the lobster was perfectly cooked and fluffed, the chicken didn't require a knife to cut, the sea bass was actually crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth juicy on the inside. My side salad came with real bleu cheese, and my only complaint is the excessive amount of peas (photo below). The baked potato was perfectly done, the chowder was fantastic, and the fries were crispy and delicious. As this was a birthday dinner, they brought a complimentary slice of New York style cheesecake, which was made to perfection. All of this was paired with their Moscato by the glass. Live entertainment was going from the moment we walked in to the moment we left. There was piano, percussion, trumpet, bass guitar, and vocals. They played a wide variety of jazz and classic hits, including Piano Man. This was a real treat!

Rule #1: Do NOT let the outside appearances fool you. Looks are deceptive. It’s a very nondescript building (we tried figuring out how to get in…lol…go into the door facing Washington Street). Mama found out about this place, so I took her here for her birthday. If you’re hungry, grab a cheeseburger. If you want a divine dining experience, come HERE. The inside kinda looks like a multi-level Frank Lloyd Wright-esque meets Western intersection of elegance, charm, and serenity. Jim’s was founded in 1960, and a wonderful level of excellence is shown in the service (our server Brooke and attendant Josh were fabulous); in the food presentation from the salad to the appetizers to the main course. The food blew my taste buds in all four compass directions. Mama gave this restaurant NINE stars. I’d give it ten. There’s a piano bar adjacent to the dining area. Wanna make a birthday, anniversary, or anything else more memorable? Come HERE. Wanna treat yourself like a king or queen? Come HERE.

We loved the ambiance!! This was our first visit to Jim's steakhouse and we were definitely not at all disappointed. From the multi level seating that seemed to be endless staircases leading to new areas to the sounds of the piano playing, fully stocked bar. Our waitress was top notch, she was amazing. The Food was perfection. My husband said his steak was one of the best he's ever tasted. I had the sage stuffed chicken breast with mashed potatoes and asparagus, it was phenomenal. The candle lit tables were so romantic. We loved everything about our experience, We ended the night with the most delicious cheesecake. If you haven't tried Jim's steakhouse I 10/10 recommend!!

The ambiance of this place is unique. Upon entrance with a piano being played by the nicely stocked bar,we were escorted towards the back where there was plenty seating for dining. Multiple levels and fireplaces provide a fantastic atmosphere. When receiving our food, we weren't disappointed! The smell was incredible with taste to match. Perfectly cooked steaks! It feels as if you're a part a private club.

The Prime rib was tasty and tender. The service was outstanding and the drinks were mixed to perfection.

Jim’s Steakhouse. The name alone whispers old-school charm—mahogany walls, dim lighting, the faint ghost of 1980s cocaine deals drifting through the air. We came for a birthday dinner with high hopes and $400 in our wallets. We left spiritually bankrupt and bonded by trauma. It started with the “salad,” which was just iceberg lettuce drowned in a mystery dressing that tasted like mayonnaise left in a hot car. The Caesar was even worse—off-putting enough that grown adults stared at their plates like they’d just found a crime scene. Then came the appetizers. Calamari that fought back. Like chewing rubber bands soaked in fryer grease. Spinach artichoke dip? Not bad. But when one mediocre thing is the highlight, you’re in trouble. And then, oh boy, the entrees. Ribeyes so dry they could have been jerky. Over-trimmed, lifeless, and sadder than your aunt’s third wedding. The sea bass? Straight-up tasted like ammonia. Not metaphorically. Like, actual Windex. Someone spit it into a napkin. Loudly. Baked potatoes were raw in the middle. The sour cream tasted like it was trying to ferment itself. The mashed potatoes could be used to grout tile. And the steak tidbits? Just salt with a meat texture. We spent over $400 on what felt like a prank. I don’t know what happened back in the day, but Jim’s is running on vibes, dust, and memories of better times. We laughed so hard at how bad it was.