Beningo’s Restaurant
610 W Chestnut St, Bloomington, IL, 61701
Beningo’s Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Bloomington for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Bloomington for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
610 W Chestnut St
Bloomington, IL, 61701 - Phone (309) 829-1025
- Website https://www.beningos.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Jeremy B.
Beningo's epitomizes the Bloomington/Normal obsession with underwhelming food and dining experiences. I've been here twice and while the service is fine, basically everything else is pretty terrible about this place. I really just don't understand why people keep going here? It must have to do with the local history of this place as it has been around for a very long time. The first time I went was extremely underwhelming and I can't remember many of the details other than the fact that is was packed and I had to sit in the basement, which is strange and not restaurant like at all. It felt like I was in a small Midwestern church's "fellowship hall." The second time I went was with my wife's family and we were again seated in the basement, which was again ... awkward. The waitstaff was friendly. I ordered manicotti, which I believe was the special for that day. It came with a salad and very strangely a small side of another pasta of my choosing. This is one of the strangest menu strategies I've ever been exposed too. I literally had to choose what pasta I wanted to compliment ... my pasta. Anyway, I chose the fettuccine (for an additional 75¢) w/ their "house made" alfredo sauce. This was one of the worst things I've ever had from a restaurant. It wasn't that it was disgusting, just incredibly bland. Not a hint of garlic or cheese at all, and forget about parsley ... it just tasted like warm cream and butter. It didn't even taste like it had any salt in it! My salad was ok. They had a pretty decent house made dressing, which I chose after they were really confused when I asked for vinegar and oil. Also, they have packaged crackers on the table as if I am dressing my salad in 1988 with smashed saltines and those crackery breadsticks I wouldn't know what the manicotti tasted like because it was served in a bowl and actually covered in sauce ... as in, I couldn't even see the noodle! Swimming in sauce is one thing, this pasta was drowning. The sauce was ok, perhaps a bit overly salted. The price was steep for the questionable menu and awkward ambiance, thankfully ... I wasn't paying that day! ;-) Either way, this isn't the kind of place for me! Also, I was expecting actual Italian food from what I had heard about this place, not a regurgitated, uninventive, less refined Olive Garden menu. Although, they do have veal ... so there is that.
(2)JohAnna C.
This local favorite has great food! I loved the Sicilian Pizza and lasagna with half meat sauce half alfredo sauce!
(5)Rhonda H.
Love this neighborhood restaurant. We always eat there if going to BCPA. Real comfort food. Salad was much better last night. Waiter was annoying:). Always get a reservation. We got the last table at 6 pm. Eggplant Parmesan Is my fav!
(4)Stefanie F.
My absolute favorite italian restaurant in the world... the secret truely is in the sauce. The sauce is the best i have ever had. To backpack off of Julia's comment, they do have garlic bread and it is awesome, you just have to request it!!! They always give large portions that comes with garlic bread and salad and it is at a reasonable price. I always get the lasagna or the chicken parm or the pasta primavera. If you go get the french dressing, best I have ever had! I now live in STL and go to the hill all the time. I can't find anything as good as this place. A must try hidden gem. The decor is nothing great, has not been updated since the 70's but Janet (the owner) will take good care of you!
(5)Becky F.
This little Italian place is a favorite of natives of the Bloomington area, being new to the area I decided to try it. It is good, not five star but good. I have been here 3 times and have always sat in the small upstairs dining room which I understand is nicer than the basement room. Reservations are recommended, it is small and fills up quickly. The decor is dated but pleasant. The owner is frequently in the dining room visiting with the guests. I have had their lasagna and the eggplant parmesan. The eggplant is nice with a crispy coating, the lasagna is pretty standard restaurant food. You get a nice salad and bread sticks with your meal. I like Beningo's but if there were a Buca Di Beppo in town I would go there first.
(3)Dean W.
Based on Yelp reviews we decided to try Beningo's and we were not disappointed. The outside doesn't look impressive, the interior decor is dated, but the place is very clean, the restrooms are very clean, and most importantly, the service and food were excellent. We both had lasagna with meat sauce which we agreed was among the best we've ever tasted. The service was friendly, attentive and fast. This is a good place for a family or couples, casual dress is fine, though it is not fancy if you are looking for a formal dinner. Wine is available (not sure about other adult beverages). Very good food at reasonable prices. Choices included various pasta and Italian dishes, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken. Alfredo, marinara and meat sauces are all homemade.
(4)Jean-Paul M.
Best restaurant in town. Food is perfect and Janet and Crew always make you feel like family.
(5)Christina A.
I absolutely LOVE Beningo's. Their sicilian pizza is my favorite pizza in town. I could eat the eggplant parmesan everyday. The meat sauce is amazing! I love their lasagna. It could be the best lasagna I've ever had. Even the vegetable lasagna is delicious! The chicken parmesan is another favorite of mine. Garlic bread and bread sticks are both delish. Also the garlic bread with cheese is a good appetizer. The house italian dressing is perfect. It's a vinegar and oil with spices. The homemade canneloni is to die for! Also if you ever come in on a night when they have crab cakes, get them! It's completely worth it. She could start a seafood restaurant if she ever wanted to. Definitely give it a try if you've never been. I take all of my family and friends when they come visit and they all love it as much as I do. Also, I love a family owned restaurant. This family's life revolves around that restaurant and you can tell by how delicious the food is.
(5)Elizabeth R.
Great service. The decor is odd as its a renovated home (or looks like it). However, the food is good. The area tends to lean towards chain restaurants and fast food, so this change of pace is welcome. I would recommend it to anyone. It is affordable and comfortable.
(4)Brad M.
One of the gems of B/N, if you have been around town at least once you probably have eaten here. One of the family favs, gone here countless times (to the point where the servers know our orders before we even sit down) and the food is consistently great. The service is outstanding as well. Highly recommend that if you are new to town, or if you are visiting, to check out this gem. I also highly recommend the meat lasagna and garlic bread.
(5)Bob K.
Same as always.
(4)Mark B.
We stumbled upon Beningo's when moving our kids into ISU and what a find. After a long day of assembling and moving stuff we wanted a real non-chain restaurant dinner and what a great find. We walked in about 30 minutes before closing and one of the waitresses told us there are 2 lasagna's left so if we want them to let her know. We took her recommendation and got lasagna and had ravioli's and a pasta with meat sauce. Everything was really good and came out with garlic bread.
(4)Laura B.
We found this place on Yelp after going to a concert at the BCPA. Lucky us! We loved the old time atmosphere - we felt completely comfortable as a large group and with four kids to boot. The food was delicious - loved my eggplant Parmesan. The homemade marinara was great. My only complaint - and usually I do this - ask for the dressing on the side. This place isn't foodie dining, it's dining for people who want to have a good meal. Great service - our kids loved Dawn so much they asked to talk to the manager. The manager came down and was tickled by them. As it turns out Dawn has Worked there for 30 years. We will definitely be back.
(4)Jeff H.
No reservations... seated immediately during a weekend where college students were moving back. Nice intimate setting. Excellent service staff. Delicious food. House dressing on salad is delicious. Sauces we're delicious. Food came out quickly. A great place to stop when other restaurants have long waits.
(5)Andy T.
Great food and a classic for this neighborhood. I would come back to this place over and over again. The veal park was great, cold beers, great cocktails and down home hospitality. Love it!
(4)Carissa J.
I was underwhelmed. It was my second time going, was excited to try the lasagna... it was just average. The sauce was really, really sweet, but also kind of salty. The bread sticks were generic, nothing special, and my ranch dressing was warm. The waiter was decent, friendly, but I had to ask for a refill on my own when it was completely empty and we were out of napkins for a while. Over priced for the quality of food in my opinion. I highly doubt I will return. The other five people in my party were not too impressed with their food, either.
(2)Joe R.
The best Italian restaurant in the area. Good food with fair prices, combined with the ambiance and decor, make this a great date restaurant.
(4)Julie P.
In a city dominated by chain restaurants, Beningos has been able to hold its own as a family-owned, Bloomington staple. It's a bit out of the way (or, as much "out of the way" as anything could be in Bloomington), but that adds to its charm. You will not leave here hungry! The sauce is fantastic--a unique flavor with a touch of sweetness, but not too sweet. The garlic bread is great. I usually get the eggplant parmesan. Great place to go with a family.
(5)Katie B.
The food is not authentic and the menu is long and outdated. If you are a vegetarian- they are very few options. The atmosphere is outdated. The food is just ok, it gets a lot of hype for being a local place but doesn't live up to the hype.
(3)Lois C.
Its our go to place for great food and great prices.I love the eggplant parmesan and the pizza rocks too....BUT make sure to call for reservations or you wont get in....
(5)Kim H.
We planned our weekend around a visit to Beningo's and arrived at 7:45 on Sunday eager to try their old-fashioned Italian entrees we had read about. We were greeted by a blank stare from a woman at the cash register after looking back and forth for a hostess. We were finally abruptly told by another woman that they were closed. We saw staff in the kitchen in addition to the two of them. We were told they hadn't had a table since 6 (although there were people in the dining room). Hmmm, not our problem. With communication (or lack thereof) like that, they won't have to worry about our family and friends ever trying to dine there again.
(1)Colleen M.
We had some family in town and ended up at Beningo's for a birthday dinner. We sat downstairs, as we had a large party. The downstairs feels like someone's Grandma's basement. It's kinda dark with wood paneling. Decor aside, the service is super friendly and quick. The food is pretty good and the portions are large. No one left hungry and the prices were affordable. I had the lasagna with meat sauce and it was tasty. This is an old school type of place that you'd go to with your parents.
(4)Dan S.
Best local (non-chain) Italian in Blo-no! Prices are normal, portions are fair, and the quality is very good. Much of it is homemade, and you can tell! The staff really made the place for me though. Incredibly friendly and helpful! Great place to go with the family or on a date.
(4)Roxy L.
Went for the first time last night. Pretty crowded and very plain Midwestern Italian food. I had the lasagna with meat sauce. It was okay - just very plain with little flavor. Like most Italian food in the area, it was lacking garlic! The breadsticks were not homemade and everything seems to come with a side of spaghetti. I got a cannoli and it was $6.50! Overall, this was expensive for the same food you could get at fast food Italian. I
(2)Julia S.
This place is great! Small and cozy. Yes the whole entire place is completely outdated but their food is tastey! Get the fried chicken and spaghetti. Make reservations because they fill up super fast. Look around while you are eating and enjoy wine, Italian beers or sipping on water...everyone is laughing and having a good time. Kind of reminds me on Mona and Caponi's in Toluca, IL but better food here. Only complaint is I wish they had garlic bread and not bread sticks. Also there desserts are okay. I want homemade cannolis!
(4)Mark P.
Excellent Italian! If you are looking for a local place that has home made italian food you have found it. The service and food was excellent. Just the kind of place I like to find in every city I visit. Markoo
(5)Tj M.
If your looking for the best Italian food in town this is the place.Beningos is on the west end of town and in a residential area of Bloomington. It has that 70s look going in side.The food there is fabulous and I love the lasagna.I have been told that there catfish is really good as well.Janet is the owner and this has been a family eatery for over 30 years. This is a nice sitdown to take your Girlfriend or wife. I am a local and truly believe this is the best Italian food in the area.
(5)Kelly S.
I had lasagna w/meat sauce. The portion was huge and I took half home. It came w/salad and garlic breadsticks. My friend had their homemade Italian sausage w/onions and peppers which came with a side of pasta, salad and garlic breadsticks. Very good sauce. Likerd the 'supper club' ambience. Making reservations is a good idea because they fill up fast on weekends. We've tried to go here twice in the past without reservations and couldn't get in.
(3)Jamie L.
A favorite of my family is the special pizza. It has everything including shrimp. It seems each time we get the pizza now, we get skimped out of a little more of the toppings. Not every piece has all toppings even. It's still delish, just lacking. Not as satisfying.
(3)Bill O.
Love this place. We don't make our way across town enough to visit here, but when we do, the food is fantastic. I'm a big fan of the chicken parmesan entree with a side salad and garlic bread. My only complaint is that the garlic bread is so good that the portion that they give you leaves you wanting more.
(4)R H.
Much like avantis this is inexplicably a townie favorite. Went and waited a long time to get served by a surly rude waiter. Got the rav and lasagna..too sweet and gummy for my tastes. Won't be back.
(2)Russ C.
The decor is vintage 1960s, complete with wood paneling, laminate wood tables, and basket of club crackers. The dining room is small and bustling with regulars. The food is simple, classic southern Italian dishes. There sauce is boss. I recommend the Lasagna. Skip dessert. They don't accept Amex. Closed on Mondays.
(4)David C.
I actually kinda like this place. It is homestyle (not family style) Italian in a super quaint 60's era dining room. The basement is a bit dark and dingy, but upstairs is an example of pure americana. The sauce is pretty darn good, I enjoy the salad (but be forewarned, the house dressing is good, but it is aggresively seasoned and the salad is floating in dressing--order it on the side people). I wish they would serve something other than breadsticks that are probably purchased at Sam's Club.
(4)Craig L.
I love Beningo's. It's along the lines of an Italian supper club, meaning you get a basic salad and breadsticks with your entree. For a family owned restaurant, they have a surprisingly large menu. Their pasta sauce is very sweet; don't be surprised when you taste it. However, it is very good. The staff are friendly, and the portions are certainly plentiful. The dining room is small, and so they have another dining room in the basement. Don't be offended if you're asked to eat in the basement; it just reflects how popular of a place Beningo's has become. If you are planning on going during regular dinner hours on a Friday or Saturday, you'll want to call for reservations first.
(4)DON W.
Had Chicken Primavera, greasy like chinese food. A lot of pasta, but the overall greasiness of the chicken and veggies took away from the marinara.
(2)