A MUST TRY— Amazing Filipino spot with delicious selections! I was so happy to find this spot along my trip! All the food servings are enough to feed at least two people! Finally found a Filipino restaurant that serves crispy fried chicken skin—it was yummy! The kare-kare was creamy and full of ingredients—they definitely don’t skimp out! And ohhmyygoodness, the pork bbq was the highlight of my meal—it was fully cooked but still juicy and NOT OVERCOOKED! It was cooked in open-flame(I even ordered more to-go cuz it was soooo good)

I have been a Customer of the Grand Cafe for many Years... going back to the early 1980's when it was located just West of the Scottish Rite Consistory in Bloomington. Although no longer located there, the Spirit continues at it's current location in the Oakland Commons. Much has changed, but the Grand Cafe is yet a Mysterious and Magical place... just as it was before! Yesterday, 11 June 2025, I finally had the opportunity to introduce my friend Lee to the unique Atmosphere and Charm of the "Grand", and he was not disappointed in the Hospitality extended to us...or the Food we were served. During our visit, we were first greeted by Kalen Mapugay, son of Jimmy and Kelly Mapugay who are the current Caretakers and Owners of the Heritage of the "Grand". Along with their daughter Jaiden and many others, they have brought their own Gifts to the continuing Story of the Grand Cafe. After being guided to the beautiful Dining Area at the Rear of the Restaurant, we were seated by Felicia... herself a dedicated Host at "the Grand" for over a decade, coming aboard about the time it was relocated from it's previous location next to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. Felicia was graceful and happy to serve us, and answered the many questions I posed about 'the Grand'... and also remembered the names of others that had Transitioned to the current location as well. Also, Zhon Bian served us, and entertained us as we traded and compared Happy Memories and Recollections of the Times she had Served me as a Customer of Yen Ching where she had worked before coming to the Grand Cafe. Zhon herself, is Priceless... she is so Humble and Hard-working and has been since I first encountered her over 30 years ago... but, still she carries on Focused on whatever Task is at Hand without complaint, and is yet able to Smile and Inspire. Of course, the Food was Excellent, and although some might have remarked on Google Maps that it has become "Pricey", I would definitely disagree, because it's not an easy Task to both Preserve and keep Alive Heritage in this Day and Age. In 2025, the Economy is quite Unpredictable and Restauranteurs everywhere are Stressed, particularly in the "Middle Market" niche that the Grand Cafe inhabits... ... and we as customers should stop for a Moment and remember that in Reality we are Guests and should extend more Kindness and Appreciation towards those that Serve Us and Share their Gifts, both Tangible and Spiritual in the Work they have chosen. I hope each of us can become more Mindful of the Privilege and Opportunity that we have when we visit the 'Grand'. And Encourage Mindfulness and Kindness in others towards the History of not only the Grand Cafe in Bloomington, but the Rich Heritage of not only the Food on the Table before you, but Everyone that Serves you as partake of the Fine Food and the Spirit of the Grand Cafe. Bruno Biava

Felicia always has a smile on her face!!! We love us some egg rolls!!!! First time sitting down to eat was amazing service!!!

Went to check out their newly remodeled dining room and it was great! Love the higher booths and the decor with the vibrant red. Egg rolls were good as usual but the chicken fried rice was the 5-star standout dish among everything we ordered. One of the best I've had anywhere. Asked for the hot Sichuan chili oil on the side and it added even more flavor to all the dishes. Felt a little bit rushed towards the end with our waitress wanting my credit card even before we were done putting our to-go boxes together, but we did get attentive service from her overall.

Very much enjoyed our food and experience. The staff were very attentive and kind. The food was very good - Pork and Chicken Skewers and Casher shrimp.

One of my favorite restaurants in Bloomington Normal! They reopened the place with in the back recently. It’s spacious and nicely decorated in red accents. The food variety is a mix of Cantonese Chinese, Filipino plus ramen. A small variety of local brewery beers. 5/5 food quality at very reasonable prices. This place always lifts me up after a long day!

Still the best egg rolls and they Bloomington. Love the PC tray! My other favorites are the Szechuan beef, kung pao chicken, and beef broccoli.

Dine in!! Dine in!! Amazing surprise awaits behind the carry out restaurant! Bloomingtons best new kept secret will not disappoint! Elegant reasonable and great taste!