2018 Best of Bloomington-Normal Guide

B EST DAT E LOCATION

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BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Sweet Shop

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BEST LATE NIGHT TRANSPORATION

BEST SPORTS BAR

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BEST GROCERY STORE

Ice Cream BEST LIQUOR STORE

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BEST AUTO CARE

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EMILY GRIFFITH | FEATURES EDITOR “All happiness depends on a leisurely brunch.”

That is the motto for local brunch restaurant Fort Jesse Cafe.

Only working with scratch-to-order foods, using local ingredients, Fort Jesse Cafe offers combinations that are a little weird, a lot of fun and as fresh as possible. The chefs are always pursuing new ideas through changing daily and weekly specials.

Fort Jesse Cafe’s famous “Let’s Get Weird” specials include chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, cornmeal pancakes, BBQ Benedict, chicken and biscuit, huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos and the Fort Buster.

Manager Nick Birky said, “We pay attention to the guests. Our atmosphere and what we create is important to us. So, we maintain a culture that resembles Bloomington-Normal and is uplifting without being pretentious, which is a big part of our success.”

The Fort Jesse Cafe staff has fun with the guests, while also keeping it professional.

“It starts with great food, but the environment and the people are also very important,” Birky said.

Due to its popularity, Fort Jesse Cafe is also known for its long wait times. However, with a digitized guest log, guests can either wait in their car or — if the weather is nice — enjoy community activities such as chalk drawing, listening to local bands or playing cornhole. Once it is the guest’s turn is to be seated, they will receive a text. The food is well worth the wait.

Fort Jesse Cafe is located 1531 Fort Jesse Road in Normal.

With great customer reactions and community support, this brunch spot is holding down the fort.

Photo courtesy Fort Jesse Cafe

RACHEL SCHOLLMEIER FEATURES REPORTER Voters’ stomachs have spoken and named Chipotle Mexican Grill as the Best Burrito in Bloomington-Normal.

Chipotle is a popular spot for college students, as it is fast and delicious. Additionally, orders are custom-made, with choices of meat, salsa, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, guacamole, rice, beans and other fresh products.

Similar to restaurants like Subway and Blaze Pizza, food is prepared right in front of the customer.

With three Chipotle establishments in the Bloomington-Normal area, it is easy for students to get their burrito fix.

Other than just burritos, the restaurant offers burrito bowls, tacos and salads.

“I love the bowl. The sour cream and chips are amazing and it always fills me up,” junior journalism major Kacey Nichols said.

Nichols goes to Chipotle about three times a month.

The restaurant also has vegan and vegetarians options, with its offering of Sofritas. They include shredded Hodo Soy tofu marinated in a spicy sauce made from chipotle chilies, roasted poblanos and Mexican spices.

Chipotle prides itself on its clean, fresh ingredients. The majority of its products are sourced locally with support of sustainable agriculture and use of naturally raised meat.

Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor

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Natalie Stuckslager | Photo Editor

BECKY FLETCHER | FEATURES REPORTER

NICK LANDI | SPORTS REPORTER

DESTIHL Restaurant and Brew Works, at 318 Towanda Ave. in Normal, has been the ideal place for trying new beers, enjoying a brew pub atmosphere and even going on a date.

Out-of-town visitor Kyle Degler said DESTIHL has an eye for quality and detail, and he and his wife are already planning their return.

“Everything from the beer to the food to the ambiance is tops.

We were there on St. Patrick’s Day and they had Irish dishes and beer pairings,” Degler said. “You could have a romantic dinner or beers with your friends — it fits a lot of occasions.”

Since its opening in 2007, DESTIHL has been widely recognized for its brewing techniques, winning several awards. Named on the “Breweries to Watch” list by Draft Magazine and among “186 of the Best Beers in the World” by All About Beer magazine, DESTIHL continuously works to up its game.

Blaze Pizza is to pizza as Subway is to sandwiches and Chipotle is to Mexican food.

Just like the latter two chains, Blaze stands out because of customers’ ability to customize their pizza any way they want.

They can choose from a variety of cheeses, meats, sauces and veggies, or buy one of its signature pizzas.

Those who are not looking to have a pizza can also choose from a selection of desserts and salads. There are also a variety of drinks to go with one’s meal, including lemonade, tea and soda.

“It’s wonderful,” senior Will Farlow said. “It’s a really good place to eat. I’d recommend it to anybody on campus.”

Blaze Pizza is located 1601 E. College Ave. in Normal.

Vidette Photo Archive

TIFFANY MORRISON | NEWS REPORTER Whether it be Super Bowl parties, fight nights, the World Series, family gatherings or just a get-together with friends, Buffalo Wild Wings is more than likely to be in attendance.

The Buffalo Wild Wings franchise has built and branded itself up as the ultimate sports bar. With that being said, its menu caters to a variety of finger foods, including its famous wings with complementing saucy flavorings ranging from Sweet BBQ all the way up to Blazin’. It’s no wonder the restaurant won best wings in Bloomington-Normal.

“I’m not surprised at Buffalo Wild Wings getting voted best wings just because their wings are so delicious and they’re always so moist yet crispy on the outside,” junior Emmanuel Carrera said.

The restaurant has a total of 16 sauces and five seasonings to choose from, letting customers decide which flavor best fits their tastebuds. The days that draw the biggest crowds are usually Tuesdays and Thursdays, when the half-price promos are available. Tuesdays have 65 cents off traditional wings and Thursdays have 65 cents off boneless wings.

“The selection of sauces is what I get really excited about when I go, I’ve tried all of the flavors and of course I have my favorites but I like to mix it up every time I go,” Carrera said.

Initially, there was no Buffalo Wild Wings in walking distance for Illinois State University students up until three years ago when the 603 S. Main St. location was opened.

Tiffany Morrison | Photographer

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RACHEL SCHOLLMEIER FEATURES REPORTER Coffee Hound has won Best Coffee Shop in Bloomington-Normal.

There are three locations in the Bloomington-Normal area, with two in Bloomington and one in Uptown Normal. Each location offers a warm, friendly space for customers to relax and enjoy some of Bloomington-Normal’s best lattes.

Coffee Hound prides itself on its fresh-roasted specialty coffees.

Each location is dedicated to providing customers with a unique atmosphere where they can enjoy quality beverages from around the world coupled with its own personal brand of coffee culture.

It is not an easy task to make the best latte. At Coffee Hound, coffee beans are handpicked, and every cup offers a delicious and unique flavor.

The owners’ passion and knowledge for coffee are what makes their products stand apart from others.

“I’m extremely proud and happy that our latte is something that people love, and that the community thinks we are number one,” Coffee Hound barista Brady Prohaska said.

Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor

EMA SASIC | EDITOR IN CHIEF 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 re-opening in September 2016, 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.

Shayla Dennis, Event Management, Dining and Hospitality staff member, 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 and cash, as well as Redbird and Flex Dollars, which is helpful for ISU students.

Natalie Stuckslager | Photo Editor

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Vidette Photo Archive

TIFFANY MORRISON | NEWS REPORTER With multiple burger joints in the Bloomington-Normal area, Red Robin still manages to reign superior for the title of best burger.

Red Robin’s motto, “Let’s burger,” does not disappoint its customers, providing them with a variety of flavor-packed gourmet burgers for every type of person and every type of mood.

“Unlike some burger joints, we take pride in the fact that we have fresh, made-to-order seasoned burgers,” 107 S. Veterans Parkway location manager Greg said.

Some of its more popular juicy, fire-grilled burgers include the jam-packed A1 Peppercorn burger filled with hardwoodsmoked bacon, melted Pepper Jack and crispy onion straws and the Whiskey River BBQ burger, overflowing with its signature bourbon-infused Whiskey River BBQ sauce.

If one is in the mood to spice it up, the Fiery Ghost Tavern Double will leave their mouth watering, literally, with its fried jalapeño coins and fresh jalapeños layered with Pepper Jack cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, or the Burnin’ Love burger, which also has the fried jalapeño coins topped with salsa, Pepper Jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and a signature chipotle mayo on a jalapeño-cornmeal Kaiser roll.

“I’m a sucker for anything with jalapeños and when I first tried the burger with the jalapeño coins, I was astonished at how tasty they were,” freshman Jake Vander Zanden said. “The Burnin’ Love burger is my go-to now every time I go with my buddies.”

The menu even provides an option for vegetarians called The Veggie Burger, which includes Swiss cheese, mushrooms, tomato bruschetta salsa and topped with a fluffy wholegrain bun.

However, as the website states, the joint provides more than just burgers. The menu has soups, salads, sandwiches and a wide range of appetizers and entrees. One of its more popular deals is the bottomless fries.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Vidette Photo Archive

Tiffany Morrison | Photographer

NICK LANDI | SPORTS REPORTER

CINDY HERNANDEZ | NEWS REPORTER

Odds are, at some point during one’s time at Illinois State University, they have probably seen an organization on campus sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts as part of a fundraiser.

Krispy Kreme is primarily known for its original glazed doughnut, which some groups will buy boxes of to sell and fundraise money. However, there are many other types doughnuts to choose from.

Krispy Kreme also serves cake, chocolate, iced and filled doughnuts. Some unique flavors include apple fritter, cake batter and chocolate iced glaze with sprinkles.

“I just think it’s a unique doughnut,” senior Bobby Rady said. “You got the glazed-covered doughnut and not many other doughnut companies do that.”

There are many drinks to choose from as well. Other than its assortment of coffee, Krispy Kreme also serves Ghirardelli hot chocolate and frozen lemonade. Customers can also buy ground coffee to make at home.

Krispy Kreme is located at 201 N. Veterans Parkway in Bloomington.

Illinois State University students, faculty and staff voted Emack & Bolio’s as the best ice cream in town.

With its Rock ‘n’ Roll vibe and convenient location in Uptown Normal, students stop in and satisfy their sweet tooth.

“It’s a good atmosphere for people to meet up, eat ice cream, hang out and have fun,” Emack & Bolio’s employee Josie Flynn said.

Emack & Bolio’s homemade ice cream has been around since the 1970s and was an escape for musicians after their late-night shows.

The shop is located in five states and was started by two pro bono lawyers from Massachusetts who wanted to give their rock ‘n’ roll friends a place to hang out.

Now, its late-night hours give students the opportunity to visit and take a break, relax and enjoy a treat.

With the shop’s Emack Attack 10 Scoop Sundae, large groups can share the giant dessert.

The shop sells anything from ice cream, smoothies, shakes to even a warm cup of hot chocolate.

Emack & Bolio’s is located in Uptown Normal, 107 E. Beaufort St.

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CINDY HERNANDEZ | NEWS REPORTER Pub II has once again won Best Uptown Normal Bar by Illinois State University students.

The famed “Pub Wednesday” continues its popularity among ISU students. It seems it has become a tradition to visit the sports bar during the week for deals.

On Wednesdays, Pub II sells $5 pitchers of any Budweiser beer and college students enjoy the deal.

Along with the pitchers, students will often place an order for the bar’s popular fried cheeseballs.

Apart from ISU students, locals regularly visit the bar. While Wednesday is the most popular day of the week, the Pub has a crowd every night, enjoying bar deals.

On Tuesdays, customers can buy $3 imports and microbrews, Thursdays feature $2 domestic bottles and Fridays have $3.50 Jack Daniel’s drinks.

Pub II has been open for more than 40 years. It is one of the bars that first received a liquor license.

The bar’s popularity has only grown since it first opened.

The Pub has become a popular place in the Normal community to visit on big sports days.

It is filled with Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University sports memorabilia among professional teams like the Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks.

Pub II is located 102 N. Linden St. Vidette Photo Archive

ALEX CAMPBELL | NEWS REPORTER Fat Jacks has been named this year’s annual Best Downtown Bloomington Bar. The annual award found its home this year at 511 N. Main St. Fat Jacks has been open for 21 years and offers more than 30 premium craft draughts that rotate and a kitchen that features New Orleans-style options. “[Receiving the award] is great. It helps to get our name out there to hopefully create more regulars,” Megan Harrington, the banquet manager for Fat Jacks, said.

“Because we have a dance room, the blue room and the pool, there is an atmosphere for everyone,” Harrington added.

Fat Jacks is open 3 p.m. – 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 3 p.m. – 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Fat Jacks offers signature drinks like hurricanes and tsunamis for $4.50.

Onoriode Dugbo | Photographer

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More great winners

Tiffany Morrison | Photographer

EMILY GRIFFITH & STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ FEATURES EDITOR AND NEWS EDITOR Fiesta Ranchera is known for stirring things up when it comes to its margaritas.

With flavors such as lime, raspberry, strawberry, mango, coconut and peach, it’s no wonder that Fiesta Ranchera keeps getting chosen by the Bloomington-Normal community as the Best Margarita and Best Drink Special for its half-price margarita Thursdays. Fiesta Ranchera also has $1.99 margaritas on Tuesdays.

Assistant Manager Nick Canchola’s family owns the restaurants and he said they are excited to hold the title of best drink special.

“My family has been working in town for over 20 years, so to know that people are being satisfied is always great to hear,” Canchola said. “We strive to be home to a welcoming environment that is enriched in our culture. It’s great to hear that people are enjoying themselves through our drinks.”

Fiesta Ranchera also offers menu items that pair well with margaritas such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas.

Fiesta Ranchera’s three locations in Bloomington are at 2103 N. Veterans Parkway, 1500 E. Empire St. and 1041 J.C. Parkway.

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Vidette Photo Archive

Ali Rasper | Photographer

KEVIN SCHWALLER | NEWS EDITER

KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM FEATURES REPORTER

Young America Realty has won Best Customer Service among large apartment agencies by the students of Illinois State University for another year in a row.

Some notable Young America locations include The Lodge on Willow, Kensington Suites, the Lofts on Hovey, Willow Trails and Rutherford Suites.

General Manager Andy Netzer said winning the title is always an honor for the company.

“It’s great to be recognized again for our customer service. We really do take the customer experience seriously, and it’s gratifying to know that our customers see that,” Netzer said.

Netzer said Young America can usually only get renewal leases from customers for one follow-on year, so it is a primary focus for Young America to have their tenants think highly of them.

“We want the referrals to younger siblings and cousins and friends who will attend ISU,” he added.

Netzer reflected this sentiment, saying that the company hopes it is more “in touch” with its customers.

“Students at ISU have a choice for where they will live, and we hope that as a locally owned and locally operated company we are more in touch with their needs than some of our competitors,” Netzer said. “It makes a difference that our team is fully engaged to this campus and to the needs of our residents.”

Bloomington-Normal has many different apartment services for students to live at, but First Site was voted number one for customer service for medium-sized apartments.

Unlike some universities, most students cannot live in the residence halls after sophomore year if they are not a resident assistant, and most search for an apartment. First Site makes the transition super easy and exciting for its customers.

Sophomore transfer students Sheridyn Hays and Christen Huette chose First Site when they came to ISU because its employees were very helpful with finding them the perfect apartment.

“Being new to ISU, I didn’t know much about the campus or where to begin looking for a place to live, but First Site sat down with me and took the time to find me an apartment,” Huette says, “It took some time, but they were very good at calling and communicating with me.”

Once students sign with First Site, the amazing customer service continues to grow. The company makes signing an exciting time and even gives signers a shirt or tank top.

If students still have to find spots to fill their lease, First Site has its own roommate portal on its website.

Paying rent is fast and right at one’s fingertips because they can pay online and have it done in a matter of minutes.

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ANDREW DOUGHERTY SENIOR NEWS REPORTER For the third consecutive year, The Edge Apartments on Hovey Avenue has won Best Small Apartment Customer Service by students at Illinois State University.

The apartments are only a few minutes from campus and feature 24/7 maintenance service and numerous amenities for residents to enjoy.

“Here at The Edge, customer service is always going to come first,” Property Manager Jacob Campbell said. “We always try to make sure our residents have everything they need, are informed and that we can provide the best customer service in town.”

The Edge recently renovated its 24-hour fitness center to include a fitness room as well as new weight lifting equipment.

“Whether it’s our amenities, our exemption forms we offer to incoming sophomores, working with financial aid or anything like that, we try to do everything we can to make their off-campus living experience the best here in Bloomington-Normal,” Campbell said.

Assistant Manager Jackie Fisher said staff members contribute to the overall atmosphere at The Edge.

“I would definitely say our staff and our community create a really great community feel with all our different resident events we have going on,” Fisher said. “Our staff really takes the time to get to know the residents and really make those connections and make that community feeling that you won’t get with other offcampus housing options.”

Vidette Photo Archive

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HANNAH ZETTL | NEWS REPORTER With 170,000 square feet, three floors of equipment, a swimming pool, rock climbing wall and even adventure equipment, it is no wonder the Student Fitness Center ranked the Best Place to Workout in Bloomington-Normal.

Campus Recreation values integrity, development, teamwork, inclusion, fun, service and safety. The Rec offers personal training and daily exercise classes that guide students through formats such as strength, cardiovascular and mind/body training.

“Students like the facilities because there is such a variety of things to do for all kinds of different interests,”Alfonso Cerna, Student Fitness Center member services associate, said. “Staff at the student fitness center provide a positive atmosphere for everyone

to be a part of.”

If guided classes or machines are not one’s thing, the Rec also offers intramural sports that promote teamwork for participants at any level. Basketball, floor hockey, volleyball, flag football, soccer and pickleball are just a few of the activities members can choose.

For those with a sense of adventure, Campus Recreation hosts Activate Adventure, a program that strengthens groups through team building, trips and activities. An upcoming adventure is the Sunset Kayak and Canoe Trip Ali Rasper | Photographer at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Evergreen Lake. Participants can paddle through the water as they float into the sunset.

Vidette Archive Photo

EMA SASIC | EDITOR IN CHIEF Aldi is recognized for its low prices and high qualities foods, which led it to being named Best Grocery Store in Bloomington-Normal.

Located 301 Greenbriar Drive in Normal, the grocery store is convenient for students, especially those on a budget.

“Aldi was my number one stop when I was at ISU,” graduate Caleb Hanson said. “It had everything I needed when it came to groceries, there were speciality items I couldn’t get anywhere else and it was drastically cheaper compared to other places in the area.”

The store offers more than just standard groceries such as dairy, bread and fresh produce. Customers can find seasonal treats that are imported from Germany, Austria and other European countries. Aldi offers a growing organic selection, USDA Choice meats, the liveGfree gluten-free product line and more healthy options including the SimplyNature line of products, free from over 125 artificial ingredients and preservatives.

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BECKY FLETCHER | FEATURES REPORTER A tattoo and piercing parlor that works to provide an open and welcoming environment is a rare find.

Body modification is serious business when it lasts a lifetime and professionals who seek to provide the best artwork possible can be found at Illinois Tattoo Company.

One of its six in-house artists work with customers to provide them with what they envision.

Owner Chad Ramsay said the crew works to provide a great atmosphere and the artwork provided speaks for itself.

“We have so much experience in what we do it really makes it easy to get a great tattoo here,” Ramsay said.

“We aren’t the cheapest in town, and we can’t always get you in right away, but we make sure you walk out with something you’re proud to wear.”

Estimates can be found by messaging the shop on its Facebook page, by calling the number on its website, or stopping by the shop.

Artist profiles are also available through the website.

Illinois Tattoo Company is located at 109 W. Monroe St. in Bloomington.

Tiffany Morrison | Photographer

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Sam Brinkman | Photographer

ALEX CAMPBELL | NEWS REPORTER Going to the theaters to see the newest cinematic masterpiece is a longstanding tradition.

According to those in the Bloomington-Normal area, the theater to attend is AMC Starplex Normal 14.

“We don’t have any of the fancy amenities like reclining chairs or full meals, so you know you’re getting the typical movie experience,” General Manager Mike Menske said.

Because there are no recliners, customers do not have to reserve their seats when purchasing tickets unlike other theaters in the area.

At Starplex, movie lovers can pair their film with popcorn, candy, Icees, soda and other treats. The theater has a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine which has over 100 options, so customers can mix and match their favorite sweet drinks and sodas in one.

With huge releases like “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story” right around the corner, customers can take advantage of $6 matinee tickets before 4 p.m. every day. Student tickets also cost $6 with a valid student I.D. at any time.

“We pride ourselves on customer service, so winning this award recognizes our hard work,” added Menske.

Starplex Cinemas is located 201 McKnight St.

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MORE WINNERS

CREDITS Cover Design: EVAN MORRIS Ad Production Manager

Night Editors: HALEY VARNES AND MASON MCCOY

Graphics: LAINY LAMKEY Graphic Designer

Copy Editors: ABBIE LEWIS, KAYLA JANE JEFFERS, ASHLEY VISCONI, KIMBERLY LARSON, OLIVIA JUHL, RACHEL MCKINLEY AND JENNY GLASSCOCK

Best of Guide Editor: EMA SASIC | Editor-in-Chief

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