Fort Jesse Cafe

Letss start by saying it wasnt crowded. My Barista Emma made me best Matcha drink. 10 stars Emma…read morewas great. I will be back. No complaints. The meal was wonderful. Thanks for making me feel welcome. I would give 10 stars.

My husband and I were looking for breakfast and we were delightfully surprised by Egg Republic…read more They were still busy after 2pm which we took as a good sign. I ordered the biscuits and gravy. It was in the corner of the menu and I almost missed it. I'm glad that I didn't miss it because this was the best biscuits and gravy I've ever had. The biscuits were soft and pillowy and the gravy was rich. My husband got the creme brule French toast. This was also super delicious and really sweet. I highly recommend Egg Republic!

Inside

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Mimosa Flight

Bloomin' Cafe

4.2(54 reviews)

2.1 mi

Stopped for a quick brunch on our drive from Chicago to St Louis and what a special surprise!…read moreWonderful, warm service and delicious food. Eggs Benedict, French Toast, Avocado Toast! And tasty coffee. You can tell the staff really care about each other. Thanks for a great Mother's Day treat!

This is a charming little spot, the staff is always very friendly and they offer interesting…read moremonthly specials that show the chef is really challenging himself. I highly recommend the Benedict options. Also? Terrific pancakes!

Inside

Honey Sriracha chicken sandwich.

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Biscuits and gravy - good

DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works

4.2(996 reviews)

0.9 mi

The corned beef was incredibly tender and full of flavor. The Brussels sprouts were different--they…read morewere shredded and mixed with sauerkraut--but they were still really good, even though they weren't like any I've had before. The potatoes were also pretty solid. The flavored tea was nice, it just needed a bit of sugar. Our waitress was super friendly and made the experience even better. She was enthusiastic and enjoyed sharing her favorite menu items, which I appreciated. The ambiance was very welcoming, and I liked how open the space felt. The only downside was that the host who seated us seemed a little short when asking if we had reservations, especially when I asked if they were required.

So, I know the new kids in the block like this kind of thing to order from table and pay and…read morewaitress just plops food on table with all canned drinks no fountain drinks but honestly I didn't like that. I prefer more interaction with the people who are trying to earn a tip. But food was good 4 for food 1 for business profile So 3

Seating by bar area. We arrived at an off time, so it wasn't crowded. People started filtering in around 4pm.

Guajillo Chicken Nachos & Sausage and pepperoni stone oven pizza

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Dining area

Epiphany Farms Restaurant

4.5(515 reviews)

3.2 mi

•$$$

Really great experience every time I have been. Drinks A++ Food A++ Service A++ Even sat at the bar…read moreand had a drink while I waited on a date and for our Table upstairs and the bartender was so nice and helpful and gave us great recommendations

Place was great! Met some family there for lunch, and everyone enjoyed everything. Great vibe,…read moregreat food, fresh, and great staff.

Farm Restaurant

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Epiphany Farm Restaurant

The Original Pancake House

4.1(281 reviews)

0.6 mi

The OPH of Normal is a first class act! Thank you to Riley and staff for supporting the Illinois…read moreState Women's Soccer team! The breakfast was a great refuel for the athletes- and I know my daughter will be back for more pancakes! Thank you Riley for being so professional and great to work with! It's great having business like you in the community!

The Apple Pancakes are made earlier that morning, so you can't modify them. Like you can't ask for…read moreless apples or more cinnamon sugar. Unfortunately they come out dry. Other locations seem to make them to order and they come out nice and saucy at those locations. The last few years including today the loaded hash browns aren't as good as they used to be. They used to be more buttery and had cheese blended throughout. Today they actually forgot the cheese and then fixed it by sprinkling unmelted cheese on top after the fact. Nevertheless the bacon is amazing My wife liked the strawberry banana crepes with special request warm strawberry syrup on the side

Inside

Nutella French Toast

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Front

Flame At Bloom

4.1(35 reviews)

0.7 mi

My sister and I ate here for lunch on a weekend trip to Bloomington. I got the chilaquiles and she…read moregot the street corn and tomato soup. For drinks, we got freshly brewed coffee and homemade masala chai tea. Everything was delicious, fresh and made with care. The presentation was impeccable, too. The chilaquiles were insanely good and great as leftovers later that night. And our waiter was friendly and accommodating. He even generously refunded my sister when he found out she didn't really like the soup (it was good but not what she was expecting). There were a number of dishes we both still want to try so we'll definitely be coming back on our next trip down to Bloomington.

This was Our first time eating here, and We definitely would go back. The food was excellent and…read moreOur waitress was fantastic! The Ambiance was also nice. I would recommend You try it!

Higher end decor.

Samosas. It came with four we ate two before I took the photo. These were very good!

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Inside the restaurant looking to the front

Uncle Tom's Pancake House

3.9(115 reviews)

2.3 mi

We love Uncle Tom's Pancake House! Met a friend for breakfast last week and Uncle Tom's never…read moredisappoints. Vicki was our waitress and made us feel very welcome. Our food came out quickly and was delicious with plentiful portions. I had the classic 2 egg breakfast with hash browns and pancakes and my friend had a vegetable omlette. Delicious! Vicki kept the coffees full and checked us often to make sure we didn't need anything. She had also put some of her art on the specials board to make it more fun! Great homemade food and terrific service as always at Unc Tom's Pancake House! Definitely Recommend! Kate the Artist

The Chilaquiles were not good. Very thin, soggy, and cold…read more The Greek Omelette was fine this time, but next time I'll try something else.

Pork tenderloin sandwich was good but needed a little mustard.

The Chilaquiles were not good. Very thin, soggy, and cold.

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The Eggs Benedict was great with homemade Hollandaise sauce and thin sliced Canadian Bacon.

Jack's Restaurant

4.4(185 reviews)

0.4 mi

I came from texas for the special Olympics for my niece. We chose your restaurant for the final…read moreday. She had shrimp tacos I had beef strognof my brother had a gyro and my sister in law had chicken flat bread. The beef strognof was something I will dream of here in texas forever It was the very best that I had EVER HAD IN MY LIFE NEXT TO MY SISTERS GREAT JON

Deviled eggs appetizer was great. Creamy gnocchi and the seafood cioppino were excellent. Family…read morerun restaurant and service was superb. Quaint atmosphere.

Restaurant interior

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The Coffeehouse And Deli

3.4(166 reviews)

1.5 mi

Service was not good, not the wait staff themselves, but how disorganized everything appeared to…read morebe. We waited over 20 minutes for our food. Somehow we had the same order number as another table which confused the poor waitress who was nice. They clearly don't have a system for the wait staff to identify which table has whose food (you order at the front, not your table). We thought we saw my order come out but the eggs were scrambled, not fried, so I assumed it wasn't mine and didn't say anything. Eventually my friend confirmed they made my order wrong and didn't know who to bring it to and quickly remade it. Potatoes were overcooked, toast was dry, and eggs were fried with a good runny yolk. They're good for coffee orders but don't sit down to eat.

I don't know why I even come back and looking at my reviews from 8 years ago, the experience…read moresomehow got worse. If you don't look a certain way, the staffer treats your extremely rude. She talked to and smile to anyone before and after me. Also was yelling at another guy who didn't look a certain way. Paying $7 for a premade mid latte. Tables are dirty and extremely unpleasant experience.

Blt Sandwich, iced coffee, oatmeal pancake

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Latte

Tony's Diner

4.3(122 reviews)

4.6 mi

Nice home town feel we. Staff were very efficient, friendly, and attentive. The diner has a true…read morediner atmosphere, and is very clean. Food was very good and gave you nice portions sizes ! Will definitely come back.

If you're going on a Sunday, brace for a wait. Ample seating, but clearly the food is worth the…read morewait. The staff was welcoming, friendly, and fast. We got the country-fried steak and corned beef hash, both were delicious. The gravy on the steak was particularly good. Only downside was no half and half for the coffee. Only Coffeemate creamer.

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Inside

Biscuits and gravy was a powder pack mix. Bacon was under done.

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Indoor dining

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Alex L.

2

46

251

1 year ago

Forte Jesse Café is a delightful spot that combines cozy ambiance with delicious food and excellent coffee. The moment you step in, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that's perfect for a casual meal or catching up with friends. The menu features a fantastic selection of breakfast and lunch items, all made with fresh ingredients. I highly recommend trying their signature breakfast burrito or the seasonal pastries--both are exceptional! The coffee is top-notch, with a variety of options to satisfy any caffeine craving. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring you have a great experience from start to finish. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Forte Jesse Café is a must-visit for great food and a welcoming vibe! read more

Donnie C.

0

19

1

11 years ago

My three boys wanted pizza and I convinced them to have some brunch instead. They thanked me for it after their meal. Wife and I had a skillet brunch, I never thought of adding cherry tomatoes but the flavor combination was perfect. Sweet and spicy. The kids had pancakes and waffles, they ate every bite and were fighting over our toast and blackberry jelly. Can't wait to try other items on the menu as all of the food coming out of the kitchen looked fantastic. For the quality and amount of food, it was very reasonable. read more

Genny N.

0

4

0

2 years ago

My husband and I love this restaurant! It has friendly staff, amazing food and a great vibe. I've been in love with this place since college and I am so happy to see it grow. Between the two of us, we have probably eaten over half of the menu and we haven't ever disliked anything we ordered or walked away hungry! Whenever we have people visit the Bloomington-Normal area, we take them here. It can be a little hard to get in because of their location, but it is WELL worth the wait! read more

Seth D.

0

3

0

9 years ago

You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. If checking it out for the first time, I'd recommend the chicken and waffle. Great balance of flavors. I'm also very thankful for a breakfast place with really good coffee. Most "diner" coffee is gross. And, you can have a cup while you wait. Genius. Service is really great too. Friendly and helpful. For a place as busy as this one is, that's a real accomplishment. Waiting tables is not easy work. read more

Ann B.

2

9

0

2 years ago

The best breakfast place in town. Every dish is top-notch and innovative. I always have to try the specials because they are so unique. The chicken and waffles are fantastic, as is the Benedict! The service was top-notch from the moment I walked in the door. The hostess was sweet and friendly. The waitress was super friendly and we even struck up nice conversation. Can't ask for much more than that when you're on the road. read more

Amy S.

83

8

88

2 years ago

Jordan, our server, was excellent. He was attentive to our specific requests and checked on us frequently to see if we needed anything. I was impressed that he told us his name a second time after taking our drink order. This helped me remember his name in case we needed something. I have always coming to this restaurant for their excellent and unique food and their quality service. read more

Lane M.

0

2

0

7 years ago

I LOVE Ft. Jesse Cafe - despite any wait time! The food is fresh and delicious! My favorite on a Sunday morning would have to be eggs benedict, but I am always torn by their wonderful specials! Coffee is very good, and if you are old enough to remember Green Rivers, they have this as well!! ALL is yummy! read more

Jessica P.

0

6

0

5 years ago

Me and my husband came here on Sun morning. We heard so many good things about this restaurant and haven't had time to come. Finally, we got here and love the food. It's a true American breakfast type, very good traditional menu and great taste. We love it here! read more

Evan G.

0

1

0

7 years ago

Amazing! I have been going to Fort Jesse since it first opened back in 2015, and the experience just gets better and better. They have specials on the menu for certain times of the year, and the atmosphere is so homey! I highly recommend FJC! read more

Carolyn C.

87

1

10 years ago

The Fort Jesse Café's Bruschetta Skillet is delicious! The coffee is so good I bought a bag to make at home! We need more restaurants like this in Bloomington-Normal. I wish they were open on MONDAY!! I think they need a larger location soon. read more

Tiffany S.

0

10

0

10 years ago

Best breakfast in BloomingtonNormal! Possibly best in the state. Great service! There is usually a line out the door. They get you in fast and get your food to you quick! The food is also elevated above and beyond your expectations! read more

Cristina R.

0

3

0

10 years ago

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. read more

Bob S.

0

4

0

7 years ago

I am a regular for to-go orders. The wait isn't bad if you order to-go. The food is always great, and I love the variety they offer with their specials. The price is very reasonable. read more

Sarah D.

88

3

0

8 years ago

Worth the wait! Such flavor and portions are too big, bring your appetite. The specials are always delicious but the standbys are fabulous go-tos. The staff, impeccable! read more

Tim P.

0

2

0

6 years ago

You can't beat FJC for breakfast in town and their lunch options are darn good too. There is a reason FJC is where we take our kids for a special birthday breakfast! read more

Heather P.

0

3

8 years ago

I have breakfast here every so often with a friend. They are always polite and take good care of you. The coffee is good and so is everything I've had off the menu. read more

Elizabeth G.

0

12

0

7 years ago

These place has great chicken and waffle Benedict. You should come early though or on a weekday or the wait will be at least 40 minutes long. Great local place. read more

Brittany B.

160

6

0

7 years ago

Awesome unique restaurant. Friendly waitstaff. The food is phenomenal. The chicken and waffles can't be beat but make sure to try the specials too. read more

Nic R.

0

6

0

11 years ago

Great food Great Service Great prices. I tried 3 different things on the menu and they were all great. I will be going back time and time again. read more

Jennifer L.

0

7

2

7 years ago

Wonderful breakfast and great service. Food is beautiful and delicious. Enjoyed a great meal with the family. A definite visit again.

Fort Jesse Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated September 2026

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Letss start by saying it wasnt crowded. My Barista Emma made me best Matcha drink. 10 stars Emma…read morewas great. I will be back. No complaints. The meal was wonderful. Thanks for making me feel welcome. I would give 10 stars.

My husband and I were looking for breakfast and we were delightfully surprised by Egg Republic…read more They were still busy after 2pm which we took as a good sign. I ordered the biscuits and gravy. It was in the corner of the menu and I almost missed it. I'm glad that I didn't miss it because this was the best biscuits and gravy I've ever had. The biscuits were soft and pillowy and the gravy was rich. My husband got the creme brule French toast. This was also super delicious and really sweet. I highly recommend Egg Republic!

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Stopped for a quick brunch on our drive from Chicago to St Louis and what a special surprise!…read moreWonderful, warm service and delicious food. Eggs Benedict, French Toast, Avocado Toast! And tasty coffee. You can tell the staff really care about each other. Thanks for a great Mother's Day treat!

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Shannon's Five Star

3.8

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Been here a bunch of times for breakfast lately, I s'pose based on location, familiarity and…read morefrankly the weekend breakfast buffet which includes all the morning staples and offers the most flexibility for a groups - esp large ones which this place handles well. That said, nothing here blows me away taste, or service-wise. I've never had a bad meal or service issue here either. I considered a demerit this time around for the current prices, but frankly it's the same way everywhere, esp for bfast. The biggest downside is probly the ambiance, which is more on the noisy side based on it being a pretty large place these days and still pretty popular. I can't comment on lunch or dinner because we've never tried it, but the place prized brunch spot mostly by folks middle-aged and up (with more families/kids on the weekends) for its all-around consistency.

Diner food. A consistent and dependable restaurant with a wide variety of menu options. I dined in…read morefor lunch with coworkers. The service was good. I ordered a Philly cheesesteak with fries. The Philly cheesesteak was ok. The Philly roll (bread) was not great. The Philly steak was a small portion. The fries were not good. The breakfast options are better than the lunch options.

Uncle Tom's Pancake House

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We love Uncle Tom's Pancake House! Met a friend for breakfast last week and Uncle Tom's never…read moredisappoints. Vicki was our waitress and made us feel very welcome. Our food came out quickly and was delicious with plentiful portions. I had the classic 2 egg breakfast with hash browns and pancakes and my friend had a vegetable omlette. Delicious! Vicki kept the coffees full and checked us often to make sure we didn't need anything. She had also put some of her art on the specials board to make it more fun! Great homemade food and terrific service as always at Unc Tom's Pancake House! Definitely Recommend! Kate the Artist

The Chilaquiles were not good. Very thin, soggy, and cold…read more The Greek Omelette was fine this time, but next time I'll try something else.

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Nice home town feel we. Staff were very efficient, friendly, and attentive. The diner has a true…read morediner atmosphere, and is very clean. Food was very good and gave you nice portions sizes ! Will definitely come back.

If you're going on a Sunday, brace for a wait. Ample seating, but clearly the food is worth the…read morewait. The staff was welcoming, friendly, and fast. We got the country-fried steak and corned beef hash, both were delicious. The gravy on the steak was particularly good. Only downside was no half and half for the coffee. Only Coffeemate creamer.

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