Central Station Cafe
220 E. Front St., Bloomington
(309) 828-2323

Review by P. Barton of Normal

My friend and I recently chose Central Station Cafe for an early dinner on a Saturday evening. Even though we hadn't made prior reservations, and were dressed more for a ball game than an evening out, the hostess accomodated us (and another couple who walked in at the same time) at around 5:30. What a delightful blend of pampered service and casual dining!

As you approach the outside of this restaurant, you are treated to a nostalgic view of what the historic Central Fire Station must have been like. The massive front doors remain intact as huge window treatments, adding to the beauty and design of the building. Old time street lamps create a warm and inviting impression on the outside. Inside the dining and banquet rooms' leaded glass and copper lamp fixtures add to the unique look of the Central Station Cafe. A copper canopy extends over the bar, adding an excitingly different feature.

My friend chose the lasagna smothered with several cheeses and pepperoni, along with garlic bread and the house salad. I ordered meatloaf, which was swimming in mushroom gravy, with garlic mashed potatoes, fresh veggies and the house salad. An appetizing, fresh bread loaf accompanied our salads, which we chose instead of the soup du jour (french onion or spicy chicken & sausage gumbo). It was a difficult choice, since the soups sounded as good as the salads that we thoroughly enjoyed.

My, what a feast! The portions were super-sized and more than either of us could finish. I must say every bite was worth savoring! I couldn't begin to guess what secret flavorings this cook must know. All the entrees and salads look enticing - from steaks and pork chops to Thai or Lemon Caper chicken to ribs to orange roughy. Everything was priced between $8 and $20. Absolutely worth every cent! Appetizers included crab stuffed mushrooms, nachos, oven-toasted brie and calamari rings.

The staff was efficient, friendly and helpful. And we were especially surprised when, as we were leaving, the manager, Steffan, offered to show us the upstairs rooms. To our amazement a new and sophisticated martini bar, "THE LOFT", awaited us at the top of the staircase. The floor entryway was a marble finish and immediately reminded me of a upscale, intellectual hideaway bar for friends to gather and relax at the end of the day.

I felt transported to a city like Chicago or Atlanta as I drank in the upscale atmosphere. The bar was softly lit with blue lights near the floor - a very classy impression. Steffan said he was looking for a baby grand piano to add the right touch of live music. Very nice! How refreshing to have a classy piano bar right here in downtown Bloomington.

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