

Discover more from Redbird Country
Breakfast of Champions: Top 5 Breakfasts in Normal, Illinois
Parents like to eat good food. Take them out to these spots when they visit you!
Normal, Illinois, located in the heart of Redbird Country, offers many great places to eat breakfast and start your day off right. From classic breakfast sandwiches to unique takes on more classic dishes, Normal has all your breakfast needs covered. Here are some of the top 5 breakfasts to try next time your parents and family are in town.
1) Fort Jesse Cafe
Fort Jesse Cafe is the perfect place to start your day. It's one of those places where you can get generous dishes and excellent service in a comfortable environment with a delightful menu. Be warned, they are often packed so it's important to set up a reservation if you want to guarantee a spot in their fairly small dining space, It's on Fort Jesse, and a fabulously unique experience spot for your morning coffee or waffle craving. You'll never leave hungry! They also have well-made merch if you are a collector of mugs or clothing with restaurant logos on them.
2) The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House is a fantastic breakfast joint. They offer everything from pancakes, Belgian waffles, French toast, and eggs benedict to coffee in their house mugs you can purchase as a souvenir you pay at the cashier. The restaurant is family-friendly and they are also quite busy so be sure to allow for plenty of time to get a table and eat a scrumptious meal with your loved ones. You'll be able to add yourself to the wait list early by clicking here: The Original Pancake House
3) Times Past Inn
The Times Past Inn is a family-friendly establishment that is a Townie Favorite. It's low-key, but the kitchen staff does a fine job with their breakfast specials and traditional dishes. The food is always excellent and they have an attentive wait staff. Breakfast here isn't just a meal, it's an experience. Enjoy pancakes with two eggs, bacon, or sausage on the side. For lunch, you can't go wrong with any of the burgers. Take a look at their large menu here: Times Past Menu
4) Bloomin' Cafe
The Bloomin' Cafe has a small but quaint atmosphere with excellent food to match. Check out their three different Eggs Benedict plates: The Classic, Florentine, and Southern. You can also find omelets, chocolate chip pancakes, and Briosh French toast on the menu. There are Gravy Plates such as the Biscuit and Gravy Kicker that will satisfy your craving for a hearty meal in the morning! If you're feeling adventurous, ask for the special of the day. Take a look at the menu and see if anything looks as good to you as it does to me. Bloomin' Cafe Menu
5) Parkview Inn
Technically, it's in Bloomington, IL - but I'm suggesting it because it has a log cabin-like look to it and I think it'll be worth the visit for you. I know a lot of parents come in to visit with their college-aged kids and this is a great place to just relax and enjoy a down-home kind of meal. Located right by Miller Park, it's a throwback to the old diners in the mountains for a unique experience. You can find traditional favorites like omelets, pancakes, or even a breakfast burrito if you're feeling a little more adventurous.: Parkview Inn Menu
Final Thoughts
This wasn't an easy list of breakfast spots to make. There are many more in the area like Cracker Barrel, which is of course a family favorite, but I wanted to list some places that range from a larger kind of restaurant to a smaller, more intimate setting. This is by no means meant to alienate the other fine restaurants and cafés, I just feel that there are plenty of places that need business and I'll be sure to include many others in future articles.
Happy Eating!