Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors BureauBN Life
Group-Friendly Restaurants
Bloomington- Normal, is a hub of diverse culinary experiences and a perfect spot for gathering friends and family for a delightful meal. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with a few friends or a large celebration, the area boasts a variety of restaurants catering to different group sizes and tastes. Here are some of our great group-friendly dining options.
Anju Above
Location: 220 East Front Street
Contact: EpiphanyFarms.com/Anju | 309-828-8704
Cuisine: American with international flair
Occupancy: 120 main dining, accommodates groups over 20 people with prior arrangement
Anju Above is a gem blending small, globally inspired dishes with sustainable farming practices, providing a fast and fresh farm-to-table experience. From sushi to Neapolitan pizzas and Asian dumplings, the menu is an adventure in taste.
Avanti’s Italian Restaurant of Bloomington-Normal
Location: 3302 East Empire, Bloomington
Contact: Avantisnormal.com | 309-662-4436
Cuisine: Italian cuisine
Occupancy: The entire Zeller Banquet Room will seat up to 70 guests.
Avanti’s proudly prepares and serves homestyle pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. But what truly sets Avanti’s apart is thier legendary, freshly baked Italian bread, a staple crafted right in their own kitchen.
Baxters American Grille
Location: 3212 East Empire Street
Contact: BaxtersGrille.com | 309-662-1114
Cuisine: American steakhouse
Occupancy: 72 bar, 207 main dining, accommodates groups over 14 people with prior arrangement
Baxters offers seasonal menus featuring signature dishes of steak, seafood, and chops. Its inviting ambiance makes it ideal for gatherings, with a private banquet room for smaller groups.
The Barrel House
Location: 9 Brickyard Dr. Bloomington
Contact: Barrelhousepub.com | 309-590-3369
Cuisine: American cuisine, bar and Grill
Occupancy: 18-20 private dining, 60-70 semi-private
Enjoy mouthwatering burgers, appetizers, salads, pizzas, and more!
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
Location: 3010 E. Empire St
Contact: Biaggis.com | 309-661-8322
Cuisine: Classic Italian
Occupancy: 160 main dining, accommodates groups up to 100 people in a private setting
For an authentic Italian dining experience, Biaggi’s offers a wide range of classic Italian dishes in a comfortable atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for group outings.
Cracker Barrel
Location: 502 Brock Drive
Contact: CrackerBarrel.com | 309-829-3155
Cuisine: Home-style American
Occupancy: Seats groups of any size in sections of four, no private dining
Cracker Barrel is the go-to place for comforting country food. With all-day breakfast and favorites like roast beef and country fried steak, it’s perfect for casual group gatherings.
DESTIHL Barrel Room
Location: 1200 Greenbriar Drive, Normal
Contact: Destihlbreweryandbeerhall.com | 309-218-1616
Cuisine: Classic American inspired pub fare
Occupancy: Seated Capacity: 175 Cocktail Capacity: 275
The Barrel Room at DESTIHL Brewery offers various menu selections (food & beverage) from DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works and the Beer Hall.
Epiphany Farms Restaurant
Location: 220 East Front Street
Contact: EpiphanyFarms.com | 309-828-2323
Cuisine: American farm-to-fork
Occupancy: 140 main dining, accommodates up to 200 in a private banquet room
Epiphany Farms boasts a unique farm-to-table experience using the freshest locally sourced ingredients, making it an excellent spot for group gatherings that appreciate sustainable dining.
Jim’s Steakhouse
Location: 2307 East Washington Street
Contact: JimsBloomington.com | 309-663-4142
Cuisine: American steakhouse
Occupancy: 80-100 main dining, accommodates groups up to 85 in a private setting
Known for dry-aging their meat to intensify flavor, Jim’s Steakhouse offers mouth-watering steaks, seafood, and appetizers, making it an appealing choice for group dining.
Medici
Location: 120 West North Street
Contact: MediciNormal.com | 309-452-6334
Cuisine: Diverse American
Occupancy: Varies with different sections, accommodates groups over 20 with prior arrangement
Featuring a vast selection of dishes and microbrews, Medici offers both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, perfect for varied group sizes with prior coordination.
Pizza Ranch
Location: 1211 Holiday Drive
Contact: PizzaRanch.com | 309-820-9777
Cuisine: Varied American menu
Occupancy: 80 people in semi-private dining rooms
Featuring a popular buffet of salads, sides, pizza, and chicken, Pizza Ranch is a family-friendly spot, perfect for casual group outings with its diverse menu.
