FORT JESSE CAFE, Normal - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

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About

Pursuing a vision of fun, fresh, house-made fare; in an unpretentious and uplifting atmosphere. Open 7 days/week.

CUISINES

American, Cafe

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch

FEATURES

Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

244 reviews

Excellent

178

Very good

48

Average

12

Poor

2

Terrible

4

tonyaA570

Pekin27 contributions

Unique eats

Feb 2020 • none

The special for February (for one more day) is the Pesto & Goat Cheese skillet. Eggs however you want them cover grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, asparagus, and halved grape tomatoes on a bed of hashbrowns. I got the pesto on the side because not all pesto is created the same. To round out the dish was toastserved with their very blackberry jam. Yum!😄😛

Written February 28, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Luke Wahl

Lafayette4443 contributions

OH WOW

Jul 2021 • none

The ideal wake up restaurant, superb menu offering original items, good value, and enticing simple atmosphere with lots of friendly people. Us five kids enjoyed the pancakes, hash browns, very fresh fruit, and eggs in all sorts of ways. My barbecue Benedict was especially wonderful and fixed up with the jalapeno corn muffins and fried jalapenos had me winning all day. Too few places make good use of the spicy green fruit. We didn't even make it to bedtime before musing about going back again! One of those things that sets apart the typical brunch station from the special ones. I personally noticed that most places make pancakes way too sweet; true here, my buddy ordered the mascarpone pancakes didn't need syrup. That might be my one calm with pancakes in general is that I would want more flavors that call for a little sweetness. That small matter because this menu is perfect in every way and offers so many options I will have to come back to try.

Written November 7, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TK S

Hudson281 contributions

Early Sunday Delight

Oct 2020 • couples

FJC is very popular and often busy but we called for a reservation this morning and so pleased we got in immediately! Coffee is always full flavored & delicious. Large variety of menu items with many unique choices. Fresh, nice size portions, wonderful flavors in everything they make, our breakfast selections were delightful. Dining at FJC this morning was a real treat! Service was wonderful, all staff wearing masks, social distancing guidelines being followed, cleanliness was awesome. FJC goes above and beyond in every way and it shows!

Written October 4, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jon W

1 contribution

Very Disappointed

Feb 2021 • family

We ordered food for delivery from this restaurant and received soggy french fries under cooked chicken tenders and very soggy. It was packaged in plastic containers that trapped a lot of moisture inside. The hashbrowns were burnt as well. There was no flavor seasoning on my Angus breakfast burger. People have told me that this is a great place to eat but the food was very under par. We spent a substantial amount of money for small portions and terrible food.

Written February 7, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KeithDonovan

Chicago243 contributions

Scrumptious Cafe

Feb 2022 • solo

A quaint little gym in Bloomington/Normal. The food speaks for its self here, the decor. The choices were shrimp and grits, a chicken sandwich of the month, which was a Nashville hot fried chicken with a honey hot sauce slaw. (The fries were seasoned to perfection. We had a friendly server by the name of Taylor who was very informative of the menu and super friendly. This place closes at 2 PM so come in early with an appetite and ask for Taylor! Tell them Keith-Donovan sent you.

Written February 18, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CDM49

Amarillo6379 contributions

👍 Decent Brunch Menu And Tasty Food.

Jan 2022 • family

Highly recommend you have a reservation as we did. People were lined up waiting when we arrived. Therefore we were seated promptly. Atmosphere is very casual and friendly. Our waitress was friendly and efficient. I had the Grandpa breakfast of eggs, hash browns and bacon, my spouse had the Belgian Waffle both were cooked perfectly and tasty. Portions were decent size but still more than we could eat. Plenty of free parking available in the parking lot. Would definitely like to be able to come back in the future.

Written January 26, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jim H

Champaign57 contributions

Tremendous local treasure

Jan 2022 • couples

My wife had the Advo Brekkie Sandwich which she described as "an explosion of great flavors". I had the Chicken and waffle benedict which was not only excellent, but contained the best tasting, most perfectly presented poached eggs I've had, in my life. Ray, our server was knowledgeable, on the spot and excellent when we asked for suggestions. The coffee was terrific, better than the Star####s we grind at home every morning. Cool, hip, happening menu that has tremendous variety and creativity. A fantastic local treasure.

Written January 21, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

blackfootcamp

Ottawa434 contributions

I think we might make it.

Jul 2021 • none

March of last year, a year and four months ago, my wife and I were just racing home from Miami Beach ahead of Covid before the country shut down. After being sequestered for a year and 4 months, we decided to try the waters again and unfortunately, I think we’re going to be…..just before the country shuts down again. We’re heading south and that can’t be the greatest decision 2 grown people have made. For a bit of normalcy, we started by stopping at the Fort Jesse Cafe in Normal, Illinois. This has traditionally been our breakfast stop any time we head south. It did not fail to give us a sense of well being. This service is still excellent, the food is still delicious, the atmosphere is still familiar and welcoming. Even my one egg over easy with sausage links and sourdough toast was something unexpectedly delicious. My wife on the other hand, doubled the eggs over easy, had some great hash browns with crispy bacon and a side of sourdough toast. And I have to admit, when I saw it, I got quite jealous. Shame on me. And so it begins.

Written July 26, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rusty

8 contributions

Good service but food not so much. Need a reservation ahead of time to be seated for breakfast.

Dec 2023 • family

Good service but food was undercooked. After hearing friends talk about the Fort Jesse Cafe we decided to go there for breakfast. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. The first time we went at 9:00 am and were told by the hostess that reservations were required to be seated. So we made a reservation for 3 days later and had to come back. When we came back in 3 days it was pretty busy. I asked the waitress what she recommended and then ordered the pancakes and an orange juice. My friend ordered eggs and coffee. When the orders arrived at our table the eggs and coffee were fine. My orange juice was warm and had a metallic taste. I cut into the pancakes and quickly discovered they were not done. I think this may be a good restuarant but since they were busy the orders were rushed and undercooked. The waitress was very nice and did not charge us for the orange juice. I am always leery about returning food and asking for something else but the waitress convinced me to do this. The next plate of pancakes were over done. I figured they were not happy in the back I returned the plate that was under cooked. So bottom line is the wait staff is great here, but the food is not so great when they are busy. Also call a couple days in advance and make a reservation to avoid the frustration of not getting seated.

Written December 30, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Teague B

67 contributions

Awesome Brunch!

May 2021 • none

Went here on the strong recommendations of a few people, and we were still overwhelmed by the experience. It's so good; quality food, impressive portions, and much of it is clearly homemade. No, it's not going to be a go-to place if you're looking for spicy, but great googly moogly, this is central Illinois. Service was great (Jack was a top-notch server!), and we all gave each other bites of what we ordered because it was too good not to share. We'll definitely be back!

Written May 17, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tony T

35 contributions

Breakfast with our daughters

Feb 2024 • family

Our Server Taylor was outstanding. She’s been working there for a number of years,, very friendly, knew the menu extremely well. We had reservations which I’d recommend. The food was excellent and included options you don’t normally see on breakfast menus. It was a bit loud due to the open environment and customers enjoying themselves. I highly recommend it to anyone.

Written February 20, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

offthemainroadtravels

208 contributions

Great beer and friendly service

Jul 2022 • none

If you are looking for a breakfast/lunch cafe with a kicked up version of classics then Fort Jesse Cafe is must stop. When we got there and noticed the wait it was a couple of thoughts of 1)How long is this going to take? and 2) This must be really good if there is a line here. Low and behold the wait wasn’t too bad and the food was excellent. A cuban sandwich will always get a try with us and was crunchy, salty, and with the whole grain mustard finished off every bite with a smile. Another thing we will always try is chicken and waffles with this version having a cinnamon butter and chipotle syrup on the side. The waffle was fluffy and the chicken crunchy and juicy spread the cinnamon butter on the waffle and drizzle with the chipotle syrup you have yourself a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and heat. One of those places when I think of chicken of waffles so go to Fort Jesse Cafe version. Kid friendly and kid menus. $$

Written May 20, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Koalasix

13 contributions

Worth One Try

May 2023 • solo

Service was great! Food took a bit of time. Great selection on menu, many different flavors to choose from, but can't say I'd return if I returned to town. The Cajun cheese curds were conflicting in flavor, imo. The lemon sauce was good. Didn't like the chipotle aioli at all, blech. The house made chips were soggy and tasteless even with salt. Only ate a couple. If I had to go again, no chips or Chipotle aioli.

Written May 13, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Debby J

Normal10 contributions

Good food, great service, and a good time! (The chalkboard art is fun, too.)

Mar 2023 • none

This spot is great for breakfast/brunch with family and friends. Our college-age daughter tried the Irish Creme mojo coffee with whipped creme, drizzled with chocolate. She loved it! Another family member said the Corned Beef and Cabbage skillet was some of the best corned beef he's had. My fav was the Chicken and Biscuit with sausage gravy. I highly recommend it!

Written April 1, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Christopher R

Ruckersville210 contributions

Amazingly Delicious!

Jun 2024 • business

I was in town for business and some locals recommended this cafe. I'm so glad I took their recommendation!!! Their coffee is some of the best that I have ever tasted. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. I enjoyed the Chicken & Biscuit that has a ton of other stuff on it as well.

Written June 30, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Fort Jesse Cafe

FORT JESSE CAFE, Normal - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor