First time here. Had the Chicken & Waffles. Simply, AMAZING!! I was visiting family in town. They took me here on my last day (a Wednesday morning). There was no wait, but it was still pretty busy. The place has a great "home kitchen" feeling to it. The staff is so nice. I ordered the Chicken and Waffles. It's one waffle and a pile of 3 or 4 chicken tenders. I'm from the south, so I KNOW Chicken and Waffles. But when I say this is the best that I've ever had, I SWEAR on my life it is worth it. If I were to be executed, I'd request this for my last meal. The batter for the Chicken and waffles was the deal sealer. It's unique and savory, magical, goodness. I also wanted to try their eggs Benedict, but I don't see how I could ever eat anything else off of their menu. Save yourself the time, don't even entertain trying anything else on the menu. Chicken and waffles - every time! read more

You'll have to wait a bit but it's luckily worth the wait! Great classic brunch and breakfast. Get there early!

So so good my mom took me there and I just love it The breakfast is so good and I really like their coffee's to definitely will go back

I can never express how much I love this place. For breakfast, lunch, brunch- you can't go wrong here. The staff is wonderful and the food is amazing. The lack of parking and seating is definitely an issue, if not the only issue. I'm sure one day they'll expand... but nonetheless, if you get here early (especially on weekends) you won't have a problem. This place is to die for- 10/10. read more

Absolutely the best breakfast in town. The Shrimp and Grits and Cajun Skillet are my favorites. Always at least a 25 minute wait, but well worth it. You WON'T be disappointed! read more

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Great place if your looking for something different from the IHOPs and Cracker Barrel's. Worth the trip! read more

Fort Jesse Cafe - Chicken and Waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Normal, Illinois

We stopped by this spot on our way back from Chicago to St. Louis. It was a cute and quaint spot. The decor is simple and clean. The wood tables made me feel like I was eating at home. Our waiter Jordan was very nice and responsive to our needs; refilling our drinks, and very knowledgeable about what was available. I ordered the bruschetta skillet, biscuit And side of gravy. Mike got the cajun scramble. His first choice was the shrimp and grits, but they ran out of the grits. I was a little disappointed, but everything else was amazing. Even the ice tea. I would definitely come back again! read more

Everything was delicious .. fun menu great flavors.. nothing was bland.. good times

Food rating: very good Service rating: great* Atmosphere: good** Price: good Will I come back: definitely Rating out of 10: 8.5 *Phone and carry out only ** I've never been able to dine-in I've tried lunch and breakfast and never had a bad experience. The breakfasts in particular were delicious. I highly recommend the chicken & biscuit. The only real down side to this place is it is small and ALWAYS busy. I've never been able to dine-in and have had to do takeout any time I've tried. Hopefully they keep doing well and can afford to move to a bigger place. Any interaction I've had with the staff has been great, very friendly service on the phone and in person. read more

Fort buster or Chicken and Waffle Benedict. If you're a lunch person the Cuban is great.

So good! If you love comfort food this place is awesome. Reminds me of a breakfast joint in the south. It's small and has a long wait time but it's always worth it. Good coffee too! read more

This is the best breakfast place in Bloomington/Normal, if you want unusually good look no further. I have been coming here for awhile and have never been disappointed, service is outstanding if I do say so myself. I always get Chicken and Waffle it is very good and there monthly coffee specials are terrific. read more

I just had the cornmeal pancakes and they were unbelievable. I've also had the shrimp and grits and eggs Benedict. You can't order anything bad from Fort Jesse Cafe. read more

Such amazing food and such amazing service. The people working were so nice and truly the best service I've ever had. Workers took such good care of us and they take pride in their work. Would 100% recommend this cafe. Definitely would give them more stars if I could. read more

Worth the wait! Modern small business establishment. Great food! Service was efficient, food was fresh and different. Had Chicken Pesto skillet. read more

This is a great cafe run by really awesome people! If you like to eat a really good breakfast and support local folks, this is for you! The cornmeal pancakes are PHENOMENAL! I've never had anything like them anywhere else - cornmeal pancakes, shredded Cuban pork, blackberry jam (that is to die for) drizzled on top...there's more, but words really won't do it justice. Heaven! My hubby had the bruschetta skillet, which was also very, very good. Instead of shredded cheese, they use local curds. Yum! This place is definitely worth a try, but if you're heading there for breakfast on the weekend either be there early or be prepared to wait. It's worth the effort either way. If you decide to sleep in and put your name on the wait list you can always grab a cup of coffee while you wait! read more

This is a unique breakfast. Generally prepared with care and love. I am not a fan of the popular chicken and Waffles. But the skillets are so very good, usually there is a skillet special. Often on weekends need to wait to be seated. Pricing is a notch more than most breakfast places. Only reason not 5 stars is the price. Go here when you can and enjoy read more

I have been 3 different times and I have eaten a different item every time and it's has been hands down the BEST breakfast I have ever had!!! If you come on a weekend morning be prepared to wait as this place is quickly becoming a go to restaurant in Bloomington / normal !! The service matches the food both OUTSTANDING!! read more

Fort Jesse Cafe - Shrimp and Grits!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Normal, Illinois

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The wait time is the only real drawback. The tables and chairs were leftovers from the previous owners and it's not an ideal setup. Very few tables for two. The FOOD is DELICIOUS. They put interesting twists on traditional dishes. It's definitely worth the wait. read more

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Best breakfast in Bloomington! Feel like you are in Chicago! Awesome unique food!! My husband and I went on a Saturday morning at 10am abs waited for 15 min. I got the shrimp and grits and my husband got chicken and waffles, both absolutely amazing! If you've never had grits or had them in the past and not liked them you must try then again here! read more

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If there's any place you should do brunch, it's here. Forget everywhere else in Bloomington-Normal. The food and staff are excellent and it has such a cute and home-like atmosphere. What you can expect: unique and mouth-watering breakfast fare, giant mugs of coffee, smiling guests and employees, and a high probability you'll bump into friends/familiar faces. Must try: chicken and waffles at least once! Then come back to try the rest of the menu... It all sounds so good! Thank you Fort Jesse Cafe and family! See you back soon. read more

My family and I love Ft Jesse Cafe! The staff are always friendly and the food is delicious!

When this restaurant was suggested, I almost ruled it out because of the name - it didn't sound interesting to me. After looking up the menu and looking at reviews, I realized it was definitely worth a try. We had to wait a few minutes at 11:15 on a Friday morning. I don't really like being seated so close to other tables, but it worked - and I was happy to get a seat! I was torn between the pulled pork eggs benedict and General Tso's chicken sandwich for lunch on my recent (first time) visit. The server said both were good, but that the General Tso's was epic. I'm less of a breakfast food person than I am a lunch person anyway, so I took his recommendation. I was very happy with my sandwich, a little spicier would've been better for me, but even though General Tso's chicken is typically listed as a spicy dish on a Chinese restaurant menu, I don't find it very spicy at all. Anyway, it was definitely something different in a sandwich and I enjoyed it. My only regret is that I didn't get to try the eggs benedict too! I will definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone I know that is looking for breakfast or lunch in BNL. read more

I have relocated to Scottsdale, AZ and Fort Jesse Cafe is the one place I wake up missing! Interesting it is the only restaurant I wanted to patron after the restrictions from the pandemic were beginning to lift. I landed yesterday at CIRA at 12:51 and my first stop was FJC before they closed at 2 on a Sunday! Abbey has assembled an outstanding team that reflect her positive disposition and appreciation was customer service! My all time favorite member of her team Ray even has a burger named after him. Heard he was a customer at one time and that may or may not be true but I get it! I always overtip because I want the team to know my appreciation. Selfishly, I would have liked to keep this little place my secret but too late! Now I have to wait for a table! Really I feel like I am going to Cheers when I walk into the is place! read more

If you're looking for a phenomenal brunch spot, look no further than Fort Jesse Café. I had heard great things about it and had seen many a long line on weekends but had never been myself. I stopped by for mid-week brunch and was delighted from the start of the meal to finish. I ordered a pancake breakfast, which was accompanied with fluffy scrambled eggs and succulent bacon. The pancakes were served just right- crisp to perfection. It was the perfect meal- very simple but flavorful and beautifully plated. Service was great as well. It's a wonderful place with a homey feel. It's a "don't miss" in Bloomington/ Normal. read more

What an amazing little hometown breakfast spot. If your in Bloomington, this is the place to go for a home cooked meal with a twist on classic breakfast items. read more

Fort Jesse Cafe - Cajun Skillet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Normal, Illinois

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Pretty cool that this place is in Bloomington-Normal area. It feels like it could be in a big city, considering the vibe and the great food. Chicken & waffles if our standard, of course, but other things are great too. read more

What a great breakfast/brunch cafe! Every time I have visited Ft. Jesse the experience was wonderful. Consistently the service has been friendly and attentive. The menu is focused on comfort based breakfast and brunch and contains the best shrimp and grits that I have eaten. I do hope you give it a try and support a solid, local addition to bloomington/normal. read more

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Amazing!! Went here for breakfast and ordered the bruschetta skillet, it was delicious! I could really taste the fresh ingredients like basil and cherry tomatoes! I loved the quaint atmosphere and the service was fantastic. Our food came out in a timely manner and the coffee was delicious! I highly recommend this place for breakfast! It's a great place to go for breakfast when your trying to stay clear from all the chains. read more

Fort Jesse Cafe - Bruschetta skillet! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Normal, Illinois

The food at this unassuming cafe is astounding. It's like getting a blow job from a librarian who used to be a hooker! If you are anywhere near Bloomington Illinois, you need to stop in here for breakfast! read more

The wait was a little longer than expected at 9 am on a weekday, but it's understandable with the small space. The food is above and beyond worth it for the price. The atmosphere is simple and charming, but can be a little loud. I ordered the biscuits and gravy (eggs and the spicy sausage on the side). My boyfriend got the eggs Benedict. It was absolutely delicious. I'd order it again in a heartbeat. The coffee is delicious as well. All for 25 dollars, this place is an amazing little hole in the wall. read more

This place is great, always hot and fresh food, they are always happy to see ya, now the menu I have try pretty much everything on the menu. The Chicken and biscuit is my go too breakfast. You might have wait for table but it's worth every damn minute you wait!!! Enjoy.. the Chicken and Waffle is superb also. read more

The wait here can be insane!!! So make sure to add your name to the list and keep an eye on it while you go get some shopping done or something. Once we did get a table we started off with the homemade cinnamon bun and it was delicious, pretty large to you could have that be a meal itself. I tried the cornmeal pancakes, with so many different ingredients (cornmeal, blackberry jam, meat, etc) you would think the flavors would clash but they all come together really well. I loved how cheap this place was, the most expensive meal was 10 or 11 dollars, they could easily charge double that rate if this place was in Chicago. Nice to try a small family style place since Bloomington desperately wants to be the chain restaurant capital of the nation. read more

Delightully small menu means they're not trying to do everything, and know how to do a few things well. Chicken and waffles is ridiculously good -- someone definitely did their homework on frying it right, and picking complimentary flavors. But be prepared to wait. Bring a book. Either go there first thing in the morning or have some fruit before you go so you're not chomping at the bit to eat. It's crowded because it's good, and you will need to wait for a table. Totally worth it. read more

This breakfast /brunch spot consistently goes above and above, with excellent customer service and unusual "twists" on familiar breakfast and lunch items. It is Funky, not fancy, and is popular with families, singles and retirees. Prices are reasonable, and hours are limited. Food is cooked to order, and they welcome modifications. Due to the popularity of this spot, there is often a wait. read more

I like Ft Jesse Cafe. I have had lunch and been happy. I have had breakfast and been happy. Their lemonade is a bit hit or miss- sometimes perfect, others too sweet to not sweet enough. Service is what gets the 4 stars here. The tables are HUGE. HUGE. HUGE. and I think the staff struggle to maneuver around them....and it slows them down. It's a weird set up and food runners are leaving the kitchen in a sea of patrons waiting for tables...and it slows them down. The check out stand where they do their cashing out also allows people to pick up their to go orders...and it slows them down. It's not a natural restaurant space, but they make it work! read more

What a fantastic breakfast joint! I had the special: salmon cakes on a bed of spinach topped with eggs and hollandaise and a Mo-joe coffee (coffe + chocolate) my family really enjoyed everything they ordered - with a special nod to the blackberry jam. The folks working there had a friendly and welcoming feel and the teamwork shined through. The server was patient, efficient, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend. read more

Fort Jesse Cafe - Salmon caked on a bed of spinach topped with eggs and hollandaise - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Normal, Illinois

Best breakfast in town! Gourmet style breakfast/brunch, offering unique and flavorful dishes for an extremely reasonable price. This is my go to destination on a lazy Sunday morning. Haven't tried it all yet but can highly recommend the pancakes, the grits, and the chicken and waffles. read more

I didn't expect much because I've eaten here in the past. Last time I ate there, several years ago, it was basic truckstop food. I was surprised. New owners. New menu. Much better! If you asked me, they should change their name so people that gave up on them would come back. Creative menu. Lunch had Shrimp and grits, chicken and waffle, shrimp po boy to name a few. Plus, breakfast. I'll be back. read more

Fort Jesse Cafe - Cuban pork on cornmeal pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Normal, Illinois

Great find off the highway in Normal. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff and quality food. Get the chicken and waffles and bruschetta skillet. read more

Fort Jesse Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Normal, Illinois

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