If you're visiting Bloomington-Normal, you're in for a treat when it comes to dining. The city has a wealth of great restaurants to choose from for people of all budgets and life stages, locally owned and operated restaurants as well as chain restaurants.
Many of the people who stay at House of Arcade vacation rental are families, so they often ask what are the best Bloomington IL restaurants for family dining. Here are some of the best recommendations from locals with family-friendly atmospheres and affordable pricing.
Don't have a place to stay yet for your visit? You'll have the most fun at House of Arcade, so book now!
1. Garden of Paradise
Family-owned and operated since 1990, this diner is a local favorite Bloomington IL restaurant for family dining. It's known for breakfast and has a decent lunch and dinner menu as well. Enjoy hot omelets and egg dishes, skillet meals, pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast staples. For lunch and dinner, try homestyle dishes like pork chops or country-fried steak, or branch out and try some of the Mediterranean specialties like spanakopita or kebabs. There's something for everyone, including a kids' menu.
2. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
This regional chain restaurant is known for its country cooking, and it also has a large gift shop that families will love to browse. It's a popular travel stop off I-55 as well as a favorite among locals who live on the west side of Bloomington. It's designed to be a "home away from home" and features country classics all day including pancakes, meatloaf, fried chicken, and chicken and dumplings. Order a family meal basket to share with the whole crew.
3. Grady's Pizza
If the kids need a place to burn off some energy, Grady's is the spot with an arcade, mini golf, bumper boats and more. It's more than just a great Bloomington, IL restaurants for family dining; it's a whole family fun center. But what you may be surprised to know is that the pizza is a local hit, with a signature sweet sauce. Dine in or call for delivery.
4. Tobin's Pizza
Locals argue about what the best pizza in Bloomington-Normal is, and while the jury might still be out, Tobin's is certainly at the top of the list. It's known for its thin crust as well as Micheleo's pan pizza (formerly at Micheleo's restaurant, which recently came under Tobin's roof). There are other items on the menu as well, notably the fried mushrooms. Dine-in, carryout, and delivery are available (in case you can't leave all the fun at House of Arcade!).
5. Pop-Up Chicken Shop
It's been said that this might be the best chicken you'll ever eat. This wildly popular family restaurant in Bloomington IL features wings, tenders, and even chicken and waffles. But what they're really known for is the sandwich (if you know, you know). The laid-back atmosphere makes it a great stop for families.
6. Avanti's Italian Restaurant
There's a full menu of Italian food here, but what makes Avanti's famous is its sweet homemade bread and the Gondola, a deli sandwich made with that bread. If you order a couple of full-size sandwiches, you can easily cut them up and feed a full family. Dine-in or take-out are available at this favorite Bloomington IL restaurant for family dining.
7. Portillo's
This Chicago institution finally opened a restaurant in Normal after the locals petitioned to have it done. It's best known for Chicago-style hot dogs, of course (hold the ketchup!). Other popular menu items include the Italian beef sandwich, Polish sausages, pasta, and the chop salad. Finish your meal with Portillos signature chocolate cake or a cake shake, and everyone will leave this family restaurant in Normal IL happy.
8. Shannon's Five Star Restaurant
Get non-nonsense, tasty diner food for the whole family at this locally owned family restaurant in Bloomington. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, favorites include diner classics like hash browns, skillets, country-fried steak, omelets, fried chicken, pork chops, sandwiches, and more. There's space for large gatherings if you need it.
9. Tony's Tacos
Tony's is a local institution when it comes to authentic Mexican food. From tacos a la carte to combo platters with burritos, fajitas, flautas, and more, Tony's has something for everyone. If the kids aren't into authentic Mexican, there are American options for them as well.
10. Pizza Ranch
A list of the best Bloomington IL restaurants for family dining wouldn't be complete without a buffet. And Pizza Ranch is the place to go when you have a hungry family. Besides its pizza, it's one of the best places to get fried chicken in town. In Bloomington, kids eat free on Tuesdays from 5–9 p.m.
Bonus: Pizza Place
Voted best Pizza in Bloomington-Normal by the Pantagraph reader choice awards 2022 is Pizza Payaa!
Voted Best Pizza in Bloomington – Normal
Best Gluten Free Pizza in Bloomington-Normal – We Hand Mix Our Own Gluten Free Dough
Best Vegan Pizza in Bloomington-Normal – We Make Our Own Vegan Mozzarella
Vegetarian Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Sausage Pizza, Cheesy Garlic Bread
Give them a try you will not be disappointed!
Enjoy the Best Bloomington IL Restaurants for Family Dining from the Comfort and Fun of House of Arcade
While these are some of the best family restaurants in Bloomington IL, there is lots more to do when you visit town! Stay with us and enjoy complimentary arcade games, classic video game consoles, a rec room, and digital board games. Book now to make a trip to Bloomington-Normal you won't forget.
