My server was super friendly and right of the bat acted like I was her best friend. She recommended a special to me, complimented my choice of entree, and brought it out relatively quickly. The only thing is that the menus were printed on ordinary computer paper, which had me slightly put off at first. However, the food was better than most in this town. When I was finished, my server even gave me a free refill on my drink in a to-go cup! read more

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

In town for business. Hungry for early morning food. My friends at Yelp suggested the Ft Jesse Cafe. One Cajun Skillet later and I knew I was in the right place. The shrimp and sausage along with peppers, onions and more is worth a return trip. This is my new spot for breakfast when in the area. read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This place is pretty great to say the least. Creative breakfast dishes of their own with new specials each month, along with traditional breakfast items. Nice place to pop into for brunch during the week, but be prepared to wait in line for breakfast on the weekends, because it is as good as people say it is! read more

So. Freaking. Good. This was my second time here and I ordered the eggs Benedict and crispy hash browns - delicious! I was eyeing every plate coming out of the kitchen because everything looked so good. Both times I've been here there is a wait, which I don't mind because there is a self-serve coffee station nearby, but the "waiting area" inside is awkward and in the way. They had a sitting area outside but it was cold so everyone is squished inside around the door. The space itself is weird and doesn't quite fit the vibe they're going for (think office tile ceilings, drab laminate floor, a box of a room with nothing to divide the space) and it's too small, but who cares because the service is quick, the staff is friendly and professional and the food is a delicious fresh spin on diner classics. I can't wait to go back to try more dishes. Only thing that's missing is a good Bloody Mary! read more

Wow. Was blown away by this place when checking it out. Was in town to find a place to live from SC and hit this place up on my way back to SC and made me feel like I was already there! Great southern inspired dishes. read more

Great food! Super long wait, if you are looking for a quick breakfast after church this is not he place to go.

A little off of I-74 but well worth the detour!! The food is fabulous, the staff extremely accommodating and the coffee terrific. I have made Jesse's Cafe one of my travel go to locations. read more

Fort Jesse Cafe - Great fluffy eggs and pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Normal, Illinois

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Very busy but we expected that. We were told 30 minutes to be seated. Make that 20, off to a good start. Ordered a breakfast burrito made with andouille sausage, eggs, cheese, and assorted vegetables on a bed of hash browns. A more than ample portion was served presented very nicely. It was delicious. Our waiter was nice and attended to every detail keeping our water full and stopping by frequently. This locally owned restaurant serves really good food and deserves our support. You can expect to wait especially on weekends but it's worth every minute of it. read more

Found this hidden gem online and noticed it was full of great reviews. I had to try The Fort Jesse Cafe for myself. The parking lot was almost full and the place was busy. I was greated by three friendly employees upon entering and seating quickly. Although the menu is small it is loaded with unique dishes. I had a tough time deciding as I would have loved to order about four of them. I ordered the Chicken and Waffles and because I just had to try them, a side of the Cheddar Grits. The coffee was much better than usual from a restaurant in this area and my cup never got more than half empty before a warmer. The service was great and the food was just as good. I loved the whole dish. I'm more of a traditional breakfast guy, this was my first Chicken and Waffles but it wont be my last. I will be back for sure and I cannot wait to get better acquainted with the rest of the menu. FYI, the line started at about 8:30 so get there early. Continued... I have been back twice since my first review. The first time I had the Country Fried Steak and the second time Grandpa's Breakfast. The Country fried steak was good although nothing special as was Grandpa's breakfast on the second trip. The portions were not huge but enough to satisfy for a meal. What stood out to me was the fact that when I received my rye toast, on both occasions I only got one piece? I can honestly say that is the first time I've experienced that in my life at a restaurant and it even looked odd on the little side plate. I guess that piece really needed a friend because it just looked lonely. Not a deal breaker by any means. The food is always good and the coffee even better. For the "traditional" breakfasts, Fort Jesse is good, but I think I'll stick to their signature dishes from now on. read more

Omg I love fort jesse! Great price for a lot of food! I'm so in love with the country fried steak and their breakfast burrito. Great place for Sunday breakfast and brunch. read more

Price is rite! Love this place ! I had the waffle with sausage and bacon and Hashbrowns. The waiter let me substitute Hashbrowns for eggs. I'm not a fan of eggs. Coffee was great and I was even given some coffee to go! My bill was under 10 bucks !! Can't beat this deal! The new owners are great! I would recommend coming here for breakfast or lunch ! read more

Very friendly staff. Amazing food. I got the eggs benedict which was really good!

We don't get in here as often as we'd like. Every time we're here, we leave satisfied. Yesterday, I had the french toast with 2 over easy eggs, bacon and sausage. It was amazing. The eggs were perfect, the proteins were spot on, and the french toast was amazing. My daughters loved the pancakes and my wife feels her cinnamon roll was perfect. read more

Bruschetta skillet for vegetarians! Every. Single. Time. Wait is crazy and a bigger space is needed for sure but it is ALWAYS worth it. The cold brew is good too but be prepared to visit the bathroom soon thereafter. Food has always been good, versatile and staff is absolutely attentive. Great for families with or without kids! read more

I highly recommend you do what I did and call ahead for seating, there was an hour long wait for a majority of the morning when I was there. I chose the Bruschetta Skillet which hardly had any hash browns, and was okay for the most part. I wouldn't really recommend the caramel cold brew, for me it was quite bland and watered down. read more

All breakfast food is deluxe and consistently well prepared. It can be difficult to get into because of the small size of the restaurant, but excellent when you do! read more

Giving 4stars for flavor, & amount served. However, they should call the eggs Benedict, deviled eggs Benedict because...well the photo says it all. read more

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

My favorite brunch in town. I've never had anything bad here, and the coffee is delicious and ample. Service is great, prices are reasonable for the quality you're getting ($9-13). It can be busy, but tables turn over quickly. Parking isn't an issue usually. read more

Great coffee, food, and service! Would definitely go back. I had the French toast, eggs, bacon, and hot sauce on the side. My husband had the country fried steak. I had a bite and that was also great. The English muffins are huge! read more

Went to Ft. Jesse Cafe twice last week for breakfast... it's that good! This place was packed both days I went. Biscuits and sausage gravy were amazing! Everything is clearly homemade. Hash browns were also really good. Rest of my party got grandpas breakfast. I think we all cleaned our plates. They said that the homemade jam was wonderful. I will be back, hopefully soon. Also, want to try their lunch. read more

My wife and I went here recently based on recommendations from a couple of friends. We had also noticed on occasion that the Fort Jesse Cafe seemed to often be crowded on weekend mornings, with crowds spilling out into the parking lot. So we thought we'd give it a try. We were both underwhelmed. The menu had what we thought of as a small selection of items. On the up side, the coffee was good, and our young female server was attentive and upbeat. I ordered the banana pecan pancakes. They differed from the normal stack of three pancakes only in that the banana and pecans were placed on top of the three pancakes, along with a scoop of butter. That's it. The bananas and pecans were not mixed into the batter, and there was nothing extra like whipped cream, no sides included, no meat. I thought it was just a bit weak, especially for the price. My wife thought the same about her meal. It was forgettable. In fact, I forget what it even was now. We both concluded we were led astray by our friends and by the teeming weekend throngs. We will not go back. There are better breakfast places in town. read more

Delicious food. My only recommendation would be to have more vegetarian specials and more vegetarians options on the standing menu. They get super creative with their meat-based dishes, particularly the specials, and I'd love to see similar vegetarian dishes. read more

Thanks we did also both amazing!!! And for everyone else, forgot to include the shrimp and grits also come with yummy anduille saugsage!!

Good, not great. Just a reliable brunch eatery but without any alcohol. I hear they're trying to get a liquor license which would help, as would moving to a bigger space but I don't imagine that will happen after COVID year. They have some fun offerings (chicken & waffle eggs benedict) but they don't really hit home like those 5-star breakfasts in town do. read more

It's VERY good. Get their coffee, even if you only 'kind of' like coffee. It's so rich and smoothe. I asked what brand it was and it's some blend they get out of a Decatur distributor. Friendly staff too. It gets REALLY busy though...so if you don't get there right at or before peak times 7 and 11, you could be waiting. read more

This place is really good! I've had their Cajun Skillet and Chicken and Waffles (hands down the best I've ever had). Their blackberry jam for toast/biscuits is also really, really good. It is crowded here most days, so be prepared for a wait (especially on Sundays) but everything is a.m nice serving size and fairly cheap read more

Never Fails! Always delicious! French toast is always a favorite. Save room for a cinnamon roll or take one home to enjoy the next day.