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BEST TATTOO / PIERCING PARLOR
GRAPHIC FLESH
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE WITH CUSTOM XPERIO UV LENSES TM
Location Near You: 1008 N. Main Street Bloomington, IL 61701
2 Illinois Tattoo Co. 3 Other
800.325.7706 www.GaileyEyeClinic.com
NATALIE STUCKSLAGER Vidette Photographer
KATELYN PROVOW | NEWS REPORTER With its amazing work and reasonable prices, Graphic Flesh has been voted the No. 1 Tattoo and Piercing Parlor in Bloomington-Normal. When it comes to tattoos and piercings, picking out the decision. Graphic Flesh is an award-winning, professional tattoo and piercing studio run by exceptional tattoo artists and piercers who provide exceptional care. In the store, customers can choose from the hundreds of possible tattoos they have pictured or can bring their own ideas and collaborate with a tattoo artist. There are also pictures of possible piercings such as ear, nose, lip and navel piercings. The Graphic Flesh Facebook page also shows photos of the artists’ completed tattoos. The photos show the precision and incredible detail the artists incorporate in their work. really clean establishment and all of the workers were super friendly,” freshman accounting major Dylan Becker said. “Eddie the Tatman was the artist who did my tattoo and he was the man.” The store is located at 604 Dale St. Unit C in Normal. The store hours are noon to 8 p.m. every day of the week. To book an appointment, call the store at (309) 862-
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EXCEPTIONALLY CONVENIENT • Easy to transfer • Save money with textbook rental & affordable tuition • Flexible schedule
VIEW THE SCHEDULE AT: lakelandcollege.edu Summer term begins June 6th. Intersession begins May 16th.
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BEST UPTOWN BAR
BEST DOWNTOWN BAR
PUB II
DADDIOS
2 Maggie Miley’s 3 Brewe-Ha’s
2 Fat Jacks 3 Chasers MICHELLE CARRICO Vidette Photographer
ELLEN CELSKE Vidette Photographer
JAKE PLAUTZ | FEATURES REPORTER
ALEX CAMPBELL | NEWS REPORTER
One of the most well-known phrases among the students of Illinois State University is “Pub Wednesday.” It seems that just about everyone on campus decides to go to Pub II on Wednesday. The bar sells $5 pitchers of any beer in the Budweiser family, a deal that many college students cannot seem to pass up. But, Pub II is not only popular on Wednesdays. Another reason to love the Pub comes in the form of tiny, fried cheese. Beloved by almost everyone, Pub II’s cheeseballs are among the best drunk food in town. Most people cannot go to the bar without getting at least a half order of those famous balls of cheese. Pub II has deals every day of the week, and while Wednesday is the most popular, the bar always has its fair share of people crowded inside. Now that the weather has turned, Pub II also has people crowded outside. It has one of the nicest patios in town complete with an outside bar, a combination that could make it very easy to accidentally spend a whole afternoon enjoying the weather. Cheeseballs and pitchers may be Pub II’s claim to fame, but that does not mean it is all the bar does. The bartenders make a mean margarita and the cooks in the back make a pretty good burger. All of this combined means that Pub II will most likely be a student favorite for a long time to come.
Two Illinois State University students walk into a bar… That bar is most likely Daddios on 527 N. Main St. in Bloomington. The annual Vidette survey asked students which bar in downtown Bloomington was their favorite and the resounding answer was Daddios. One of the many reasons this bar is popular among college students is its very fair deals. Some of these deals include: $2 shots and U-Call-Its on Thursdays, $3 Razz Bombs on Fridays and $3 Cannon Blast shots on Saturdays. Another big catch for the bar is its constant array of live music for its loyal base. Senior Scott Piekarski said that the bar “plays a wide variety of music” so that it appeals to many people. When asked what makes the bar so worthy of the high honors from The Vidette readers, Piekarski said, “It’s a good bar. It has a lot of room to dance, with some side tables to talk at if you want to.” Daddios has something for everyone. From live entertainment to extremely affordable drinks, this is bar is the perfect place for a weekend out. Make sure to get your studying done during the day, as Daddios is open 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursdays, and 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
A Special Thank You! To our residents for selecting us as Best Customer Service in the Small Apartment category! Stop by for a tour and see why we won Best Customer Service and check out our Newly Renovated 24 Hour Fitness Center & Wellbeats Room!
The Edge
(309) 585-3779| TheEdgeOnHovey.com 800 Hovey Ave, Normal, IL 61761-3494
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ERIN ANIOLOWSKI | FEATURES REPORTER Waking up groggy and hungover from the night before, you look
BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
BREWE-HA’S: $2 BURGER BASKET
Struggling to get out of bed, your body is demanding something beefy and delicious. Where to go on a budget? Brewe-Ha’s. Brewe-Ha’s Bar and Grill in Uptown Normal offers the $2 Burger Basket from 2–6 p.m. Monday–Friday and Sunday. The $2 burger basket is the ultimate cheap date that will impress — a meaty steak burger cooked fresh with a couple handfuls of crispy fries. According to reference.com the average college student spends anywhere from $80-200 a month on groceries. To eat a basket dream) would cost $60. Recent graduate Samantha Naborowski frequently ate the Burger Basket while at ISU and would recommend it to anyone wanting the best value in town for a burger. “The value is unbelievable!” Naborowski said. Looking for a drink to compliment this great deal? Brewe-Ha’s also has $2 import beers every Tuesday as part of the import club.
2 Moe’s Southwest Grill: $5 Burrito, Chips / Salsa & Drink Mondays 3 D.P. Dough: $8 Hot Box
MONICA MENDOZA Senior Photographer
drink all 40 and the determined patron will receive a T-shirt and a quote with their name on the wall. Burgers, beer and a good time with friends makes this classic basket the Best Bang for Your Buck in Normal.
STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ | NEWS REPORTER Fiesta Ranchera has again been chosen by the Bloomington-Normal community as having the Best Drink Special in town, along with the Best Margarita. With half-price margs on Thursdays, many students and community
I. BEST DRINK SPECIAL II. BEST MARGARITA
FIESTA RANCHERA
night out on the town. “My dad is the one who came up with the half-price margarita special back in 2007,” one of the heirs to the restaurant, Nick Canchola, said. “Ever since then it has been interesting to watch people respond to it so well. Everyone loves to drink and have a good time, and I’m happy that this special has become a big part of that.” peach, lime, coconut, mango, raspberry and strawberry. Opening in 1998, the restaurant — which now has three separate Blo-No locations — has become a staple for good drinks and authentic Mexican food, a fact those who run the restaurant are proud of. “Being named Best Drink Special and Best Margarita is awesome. It’s an honor to be recognized for the work that has been put out by everyone involved with the restaurant,” Canchola said. It is no coincidence the restaurants have become a big name in town. Canchola said the dedication his parents have put into these restaurants has made them what they are today. “If I learned anything from my dad, it is that you have to work hard for the things you want in life,” Canchola said. “Running a restaurant isn’t easy, so much work has to be put in and made consistently. Getting recognition is great, but being able to do work and bring joy to others is what really makes it count.” Fiesta Ranchera offers menu items that go great with the restaurant’s half-price margs, like tacos, burritos, enchiladas and anything off its vegetarian specialty menu.
I. 2 Pub II: $5 Pitchers
3 Chasers: $1 U-Call-Its Thursdays
ELLEN CELSKE Vidette Photographer
II. 2 Los Portillos 3 Chili’s
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THE VIDETTE
BEST ASIAN CUISINE
GREAT WALL
2 Panda Express 3 Kobe Japanese
AVERY RAINWATER Vidette Photographer
Steakhouse
STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ | NEWS REPORTER The Great Wall restaurant has won the category for Best Asian Cuisine for this year just as it did last year, assuring it as the best spot in town to get delicious traditional Chinese food. “We are very honored to receive this title again,” Manager Jay Wang said. “Knowing the Bloomington-Normal community has chosen us as the Best Asian Cuisine makes us here at Great Wall feel appreciated and that our hard work and dedication pays off.” The restaurant describes itself as offering the quickest, freshest, most delicious Szechuan- and Hunan-style Chinese food in Blo-No. Offering dine in, carry out, delivery and even catering, the The restaurant’s most popular menu item is General Tso’s chicken, but it also has a special diet menu and chef’s specials, making sure everyone’s tastes buds are covered. What is it about the Great Wall that keeps customers choosing it as the best? Wang said they go the extra mile to make sure everything is delicious and satisfying. “We make all of our sauces here,” Wang said. “We have our own recipes for them which give our food an original, distinguishable and authentic taste.” The restaurant offers luncheon and dinner specials that make customers interested in getting the most bang for their buck — when it comes to Asian cuisine — excited to swipe their card at the register. Whether you enjoy egg rolls, crab rangoons, lo mein or even tofu, the Great Wall is here with low prices and workers who feel good about serving the community.
THE VIDETTE
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BEST PIZZA
FIREHOUSE PIZZA & PUB TARA BABIC | FEATURES REPORTER Illinois State University students chose Firehouse Pizza & Pub as the Best Pizza on campus. With its great location and late hours, students make sure to stop at Firehouse after a night out. Both an eatery and a bar, the atmosphere at Firehouse Pizza proves to be a fan favorite among the college students in town. back environment to drink, eat pizza and visit with friends. “The atmosphere of the bar is always a good time,” Firehouse employee Celeste Doehler said. The night the Cubs won the 2016 World Series, Firehouse fans and students. The celebration at Firehouse following the victory was rowdy but safe. Along with the popular atmosphere, the pizza is something to remember. Firehouse employee Nick Seger said, “We put a lot of love into our pizza. We don’t just throw ingredients onto the crust.” Firehouse is one of the few places in town that offers pizza by the slice. It also delivers and provides carry out. Make sure to check out the best pizza in town, voted by ISU students, on your next trip to Uptown for a pleasant experience with great deals.
2 Papa John’s 3 Monical’s Archive Photo
THE VIDETTE
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KEVIN SCHWALLER | NEWS REPORTER There are a handful of local coffee shops in BloomingtonNormal. While there are many spots for students on and off-campus to choose from, The Coffee Hound was voted Best Local Coffee Shop on campus. In Uptown Normal, there is rarely a time The Coffee Hound is not buzzing with customers. The Coffee Hound Co-owner April Fritzen said she appreciates that the store has won the title for another year. day with a smile and a great cup of coffee,” Fritzen said. “It is such a simple way to connect with people and actually feel like we are having a positive impact on someone’s life. Coffee is a long chain of connections that travels and impacts the lives of many people.” The Coffee Hound has an extensive menu, providing a variety of coffee, lattes and tea, as well as pastries. “Starting with the farmers that work so hard to produce the coffee, to the mill that processes, to importing beans from all over the world, to where we roast and serve the coffee,” Fritzen said. “We follow this chain closely to know that all involved are treated fairly. This includes our staff and customers.” “These positive relationships create an environment that is positive and continues to grow over time,” she added. The Coffee Hound was up against Uptown neighbor the Coffeehouse, Fushion Brew, Einstein Bros., Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts among others.
BEST BREAKFAST PLACE
FORT JESSE CAFE
2 Merry Ann’s Diner 3 Cracker Barrel BRET FARRELL Vidette Social Media Manager
BEST LOCAL COFFEE SHOP
THE COFFEE HOUND
2 Dunkin’ Donuts 3 Starbucks
MONICA MENDOZA Senior Photographer
AVE RIO | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “All happiness depends on a leisurely brunch.” That is the motto of this year’s winner for Best Breakfast Food. Fort Jesse Cafe has only been open for about a year and a half, but it has won the hearts of many college students and community members. Co-owner Abby Strader said she appreciates the support of the community. “We try to provide quirky, fresh and fun food,” Strader said. The menu is full of risky combinations like the Chicken breaded chicken breast, whipped cinnamon butter, green onions and chipotle maple syrup, or the Cornmeal Pancakes, which come with two cornmeal pancakes topped with cuban pork, blackberry jam, chipotle maple syrup, almonds, walnuts, green onions and whipped cinnamon butter. “We really appreciate the campus support and we’re glad everyone enjoys the food,” Strader said. She said on certain days the cafe sees a lot of college students. “Students often come in later on the weekends, and we have some steady groups during the week.” Fort Jesse Cafe is open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and is at 1531 Fort Jesse Rd.
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BEST HANGOVER FOOD
MERRY ANN’S DINER
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MALLORY LOVINGS | NEWS REPORTER
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I am getting involved and making a difference in my school and in the community.
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“Merry Ann’s pancakes and Oreo milkshakes are the only things that make me happy,” junior English education major Katie Sall said. Merry Ann’s is a diner on the outskirts of Illinois State University’s campus. According to its website, it was named after Merry Ann Pomonis after she passed away from breast cancer in 1983. It’s a small, home-style restaurant that is open 24 hours. It is great for late night snacks, early morning breakfasts and especially the weekend cure for hangovers for college students. “Merry Ann’s omelets are so good to have on Sunday mornings after going out,” junior psychology major Ashley Augustyniak said. “That, or the hangover meal they provide there at night is really good — it strays away from getting sick in the morning.” Merry Ann’s is also known for its affordability, which is a big plus for college students. The most expensive item on the entire menu is $8.95. “Merry Ann’s is so cheap and affordable when you’re craving some greasy good after regretting the night before,” junior marketing major Michelle Mikliszanski said. The restaurant’s website suggests it is famous for The Diner Stack meal, which consists of hash browns topped with cheese, hamburger or sausage patties, two eggs and sausage gravy. This dish is only $7.25. “Merry Ann’s is a great place for hangover food because it has greasy, cheap, delicious food,” senior mass media major Laura Garcia said. Merry Ann’s breakfast, lunch and dinner is served at all hours of the day and night, and that is only one reason why it is one of the best diners in Bloomington-Normal.
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BEST SANDWICH
MCALISTER’S DELI EMA SASIC | NEWS EDITOR Whether you are a fan of the wraps or clubs, your winner for Best Sandwich is the Bone Student Center’s own McAlister’s Deli. After undergoing renovations and opening in September, the campus classic drew in big crowds and hungry stomachs. McAlister’s has an extensive menu for any sandwich fanatic and will suit even the pickiest palate. One of the restaurant’s signature items is the McAlister’s Club. Customers get Butterball smoked turkey, Black Forest ham, bacon, cheddar and Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, McAlister’s Honey Mustard and mayo all in one sandwich. There are plenty of options for people who want to cut calories as well. “I like to get the grilled chicken Caesar wrap because it is decently healthy and is the perfect amount of food,” sophomore journalism major Shannon Stevens said. Of course, no sandwich can be eaten on its own. Every item comes with a choice of mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, fresh fruit, chips, salad, soup and more. “I love that you can pick whatever side you want. If I’m feeling like I want to splurge a little bit, I enjoy getting the mac and cheese,” Stevens added. Event Management, Dining and Hospitality staff member Shayla Dennis said the support from the Illinois State University community helped McAlister’s Deli earn this ranking. “The staff, students and faculty that come in every day, our service where we try to go above and beyond for everybody, we work with a great department, I think a little bit of everything contributes to it,” Dennis said. Another reason this establishment ranks so high on people’s lists is because there are a variety of ways to pay. McAlister’s accepts credit/debit, cash and, helpful for ISU students, Redbird Card money and Flex Dollars.
The entire Campus Recreation team would like to say thanks for another great year as your home for recreation!
Check out our
upcoming events!
Find out more at
CampusRecreation.IllinoisState.edu
•Earth Day Water Bottle Swap: •Picnic, Paddle, Play: •SUP Paddle boarding:
April 24
April 28 April 29
•Kayak Rescue Skills Workshop:
April 30
24 Hour Fitness Room
TIED FOR 2 Jimmy John’s and Potbelly Sandwich Shop 3 The Rock Restaurant
EMMA HORATH Senior Photographer
24 | BEST OF BLO-NO
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MORE WINNERS Best Burrito
Chipotle
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ALDI
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CVS
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The Rec
Red Robin
Best Auto Care
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Uber
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EVAN MORRIS | AD PRODUCTION MANAGER
BRIGID ACKERMAN & ANYA MALLEY
KARALYN COLLAZO | SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR LAURA EADES, SARAH GREENBERG, LAUREN LEADY, CHRISSY RODRIGUEZ & HALEY VARNES