4. Restaurants

Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works

318 S Towanda Ave, Normal, IL, 61761
  • (309) 862-2337
  • Store is closed

Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

Visit below restaurant in Normal for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 1617 N Main St )

Visit below restaurant in Normal for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 1617 N Main St )

  • Rob G.

    I chose this place for dinner based on a number of recommendations and for the most part I was not disappointed. The appetizers were tasty and creative. I had the beer battered asparagus and deep fried cheese curds. Both were very good. My burger was perfectly cooked and came with perfectly cooked thick cut bacon and a very tasty sweet BBQ sauce which complimented things well. The fries were cut way to thick leading to an undercooked middle. The chocolate mouse desert was a big disappointment. We sent the first one back because it came on a dirty plate. The manager brought out the second one with apologies. The second incarnation was overpoweringly seasoned with cinnamon. We are talking about an "I dare you to eat that" amount of cinnamon. Most of the beers were lackluster to average, but there were also some very good beers such as Vortex. The Barley Wine was undrinkable. It tasted like a dirty bum had bathed in it. The service was outstanding. The hostess, waiter, and manager all went out of their way to make sure we had a wonderful experience. They were all knowledgeable and well trained and even when we had problems they were quick to fix everything. I would go to Destihl again although I would steer away from the barley wine and chocolate mouse.

    (4)

  • Jeremey S.

    I am a frequent diner at this establishment. Heard of the new menu changes and decided to try to come in Christmas Eve as they were one of the few restaurants to stay open later. Stopped in to get a table and was told the wait would be 35-45 min. Decided to check the bar for a table, all were full on the way back out noticed over half the dining room was empty. 35-45min wait? Who is in line for these tables? Decided to eat somewhere else, the beer is ok, and the food average for what they charge, service is always lacking. I feel they are spending more time on there new brewery and less on their menu, and customer service. They really need to step it up if they want to improve and keep their customers.

    (1)

  • Shelby H.

    One of my favorite restaurants in Blo/No. Love love love love the beer battered asparagus appetizer....so delicious. Mmmmm mmm. The interior is beautiful and sophisticated...a nice change from the tacky and busy decor of the corporate chain restaurants that seem to run this town. One thing that always stands out is the awesome service. It seems they train their staff very well. Service is top notch here. Being a server myself, I appreciate the efforts!

    (5)

  • Jeremy B.

    I have eaten at Destihl dozens of times and have sampled over 75% of their menu. The food: Brick oven pizzas, sandwich/pub fare, entrée dining, small plates/appetizers. I'm not a huge fan of crisp or thin crusted pizzas but most people I know who do enjoy them recommend their pizza. I can say that they are cooked in an open flame brick oven and that while it isn't my style of pizza they do have some great tasting specialty pizzas (get the brewmaster's). Destihl boasts a fantastic choice of burger and sandwich options for both lunch and dinner, they also let you substitute the side that comes with the sandwich for basically any sort of side dish (I often substitute chips or wedges for fries or steamed veggies). I highly recommend their bison burger and their (nontraditional) Reuben. If you are a soup and salad person they also offer a panera style half soup or sandwich half salad meal and their soups are fantastic and made in house. The entrée portion of the menu is a little pricier than the sandwiches and pizza but most items are excellent. Their pork chops and swordfish are amazing and my wife loves their jambalaya and stuffed poblano peppers. I love steak and I have had theirs but it just isn't my favorite. They have too many entrées that are well constructed and a better value for me to order it again. Basically any entrée I've had was delicious and well thought out. *However* I have ordered a couple items from their daily specials (given to you by your server) and was not impressed by them either time I ordered them. I recommend that you stick to their carefully constructed menu. Also, the Thai steak salad is the best salad entrée I've ever had. Small plates and appetizers at this establishment are second to none in the Bloomington/Normal area. Deep fried asparagus and cheese curds are the first words most people utter to their servers upon seating. The wide array of choices is perfect for someone like me and there are many options that are crowd pleasers. The staff: Front of house, waitstaff, bartenders, kitchen. Front of house is always friendly, attentive, and accurate in regards to wait times. They do take reservations and if you plan on going Thursday-Sunday during peak times ... make sure you call ahead. I was formerly a server so evaluating waitstaff is my bread-n-butter. The waitstaff at Destihl is typically knowledgeable and friendly. I can only recall one negative experience regarding waitstaff of all the times I've been there and I haven't seen that server since. I've heard that you must make a minimum in tips to remain on the waitstaff here and this is probably why the service is usually impeccable. One server in particular, named Paul is phenomenal. He knows how to describe food and beer, and recommend pairings. Also, they are willing to go out of their way to help you out! Sometimes when it gets busy you will get spotty service from the bar. Not sure what the problem is but sometimes the bartenders are just rude and don't desire to be helpful. Bartenders at this sort of establishment need to be extra attentive as it is a microbrewery and people like me want to talk and learn about the beers we are buying! In short, I think they need to staff more bartenders in busy times. According to the food that arrives at my table with incredible consistency the kitchen has low turnover and high standards. Nearly everything is served up with flair and beauty. Plating is a serious endeavor here and it is clear that someone checks every plate before it leaves the window. THE BEER: The beer and bar are the only reason for a 4 star review instead of 5. Periodically, every beer you sample will taste of vinegar. Upon doing a little research it is probably dirty lines. Sometimes, there is none of that present and the beer is fantastic. I would wager a guess that they need to clean their lines more often since they have a constant rotation of different beers moving in and out (they are a microbrewery). Most times the vinegar taste is not present and the beer is good, however when it is ... it is utterly undrinkable to a refined palate. I always ask for a shot glass sample before I purchase (just to check).

    (4)

  • Jay L.

    This review should have been done a month ago but better late than never. We came to Destil after my daughter's graduation from ISU to celebrate. We had a party of 9 and without a doubt I'm glad we picked Destihl to dine at. The menu is very wide and has pretty much something for everyone. In addition, it does have a few dishes that I find adventurous for Normal such as the Duck Cassoulet(more on this one later). The craft beer selection was also very good. I had the Dopple Chop and it was excellent. It's the type of dish you see in Chicago but I was surprised to find it in Normal. My wife got the Cassoulet and that is the reason for only 4 starts. It was not very good. She has lived in France and knows Cassoulet but this just didn't turn out right. Maybe it was a bad night and I do give them props for having it on the menu but in the end, it didn't meet her standards. Feedback from others in our group was good - Pot Pie, Salmon & Brats. Last of all the Desserts were top drawer! My daughter and son had the S'Mores and they loved it. The presentation was just beautiful. Again, alone the lines what I would expect at fine dining in Chicago. I had the Banana Cream Pie and I want it again! Like the S'Mores, wonderful presentation and taste. Thank you Destihl for a great meal!

    (4)

  • John S.

    This is a nice looking restaurant inside - its not just a big sqaure room - has "area's". The menu is a pleasant surprise - not too many options, but certainly good options to choose from - all quite unique - this is not a bar and grill menu. They have there brewery here.. I had the IPA which was very good - citrusy - very similar to a Sweetwater IPA. My main dish was undercooked - Seabass - I had to send it back, but the next one was cooked. The service is very good, beer very good, menu very good selection, upscale looks, upscale prices (only slightly), nice enough place to dine at.

    (3)

  • Jessica S.

    Tips for the best experience ever... 1. Go early... like old people dinner time and you'll have your pick of tables. No AARP discount though, sorry. If want to go later, get a reservation or steal a spot at the bar. 2. Order a microbrew. I recommend the Hefeweizen or get a flight... ooh get a flight! 3. Beer Battered Asparagus. Best appetizer ever. 2nd place goes to Beer Battered Bacon. Yes Bacon can get better. And it just did. 3rd are the pretzels. I'm German. I love pretzels. 4. If their special is a seafood dish you order it. Some of the best seafood I've had in Bloomington, and ya know we're kinda land locked around here so you want to know before you order, that its gonna be good. It is. 5. Kobe Burger OR Buffalo Burger... yes its pricey but that's because you've gotten used to eating crappy thin unflavored pieces of beef that masquerade as a burger. This is the definition of a burger... those are imposters. Educate yourself. 6. Don't order dessert. Drink more amazing beer. 7. Tip well.

    (5)

  • Jennie S.

    I went here with my friend for my birthday, and it was just okay. When we were seated, our waiter introduced himself and said he would be "helping us out tonight," and that's just what he did. It didn't seem like he cared too much about our dining experience, and only spoke to us a handful of times. I ordered the strawberry blonde ale which was decent, and I got carded - maybe our waiter Josh didn't actually look at my DOB, but he didn't wish me a happy birthday. Not a big deal, but while I was in the bathroom and my friend asked him if they did anything for birthdays, he just said "not really, no." Nothing else. Lame! I ordered some pretzels, which just tasted like those frozen jumbo pretzels reheated with some nacho cheese sauce and honey mustard. I thought I would be pretty full from the pretzels, so I ordered a "small plate" of the seared ahi tuna with grilled pineapple salsa. Wish I had known that the $8 of ahi was seriously only two bites and came on a plate the size of a cocktail napkin. Whatever. My friend ordered the top sirloin with mashed potatoes and green beans. Thankfully she shared her veggies with me, which I happen to like raw so it was good that they had only been grilled for 30 seconds. They brought out some A1 sauce for her in a little dish on top of a doily. Just really weird. Overall, I felt like we overpaid for a mediocre dinner. In my opinion, half of the purpose of eating out is the service. When the service feels impersonal and half-assed, it ruins the dining experience.

    (2)

  • Liz C.

    We had been to Destihl two or three times prior to this visit. When it came time to take my lovely sister out for her birthday, it was the first place we wanted to go. We're slight foodies, and because she's a bartender, she enjoys unique drinks. Our group consisted of three adults and two kids (12 and 5). We ordered the battered asparagus and bavarian pretzels for appetizers, which were wonderful and the whole table enjoyed. Sis ordered some sort of cucumber/lime drink that she liked, but said it was slightly too sweet. Eh, whatever. It happens. Sometimes she's really picky like that. LOL What keeps me from giving this a full 5 stars were the problems we had with our entrees. Collectively, we ordered the steak, a spicy shrimp pasta, the thai fried chicken, the Medeterranian pizza (for the 12yo), and chicken fingers for the little one. Halfway through eating, the guy paying for dinner (my significant other) realized he had been given SUPER bloody fried chicken. It took forever for us to find our waitress to tell her about it. The waitress sent the dish back and had the kitchen fire him a new one. When the second one came out, it was even bloodier than the first. I mean, when he cut into it, it oozed blood like it was an extra in a zombie movie. By this time, everyone else was done eating. The waitress was alerted to the problem and whisked his plate away saying "well, you probably don't want another one, do you? I mean, everyone else is already done eating." So my poor significant other really didn't get to eat much at all. He left the restaurant hungry and dejected. It really ruined his night. Destihl didn't make us pay for his entree, and gave us a free piece of cake. My boyfriend doesn't like cake, so he didn't even get to eat any of that. We left the restaurant with the taste of disappointment and sadness on our tongues.

    (2)

  • Mason D.

    Simply the worst food in Bloomington. Food combinations don't make sense, just makes for bad tasting food.

    (1)

  • Ashley S.

    During a baseball tournament that you have no kids in, you really only have one thing to think about...food. Well that and beer and when the heck the game is going to end!! That's exactly what happened when I was out supporting my fiances baseball team.(he coaches) It was HOT, I was sun burned and starving and my butt was number from sitting in the bleachers for hours on end. Once the game FINALLY finished, we stopped at this place. It made everything better. Fish and chips, a nice cold beer and a great atmosphere. It was literally in the parking lot of the hotel, so that was nice, but the best part had to be the fish. It was flaky and fresh and the tartar sauce was amazing!! The only reason I didn't give it a 5 was because of the staff. We waited for our food for quite some time and also needed some things throughout the meal and had a hard time getting response. I would go back there, for the fish :)

    (4)

  • Bryan D.

    This is a very good place to eat. I was very impressed by the wide variety of the beer selections brewed on site. I also liked that the beer costs the same regardless of the size. For example, a 4 oz drink costs $2, so an 8 oz drink costs $4. Many places gouge you for the smaller pour. I liked that I was able to build my own flight of sample beers. I was a little bothered that I asked about one beer and our waiter couldn't tell me anything about it and wouldn't even give me a small pour to sample before buying the 4 oz sample. This was after we had spent a lot of money on dinner already. The macaroni and cheese is awesome, with just the right amount of bacon. My steak was cooked just right and needed no additional seasoning (salt, pepper, or steak sauce). We will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Therese D.

    One of my favorite restaurants ever. So creative and daring with their beers, we tried a sour beer, never heard of this, sounds bad, it's so good! Hubs makes beer so many questions were asked, leading to a tour of the brewery - super nice staff. The food was just as the beer- unique, flavorful, made by someone that is passionate about food. We had; fried cheese curds, swordfish tacos w/black beans and rice, Mac n cheese, eggs n grits, steak and fries. Dessert was hard to choose with such great choices but narrowed down to sour cherry cobbler, homemade lemon/strawberry ice cream, and amazing chocolate ice cream.

    (5)

  • Andrea T.

    Delicious restaurant!!! We were in town for a business trip and I had been here a few years ago and still remembered how good the food was. Three of us sat out on the patio this trip. I still remembered the dish I had the last time I was here and was really hoping they still had it. They did and I was so excited! It is the Stuffed Poblano Peppers. I am not a vegetarian but wow are these ever good! They do have some spice so they are not for those that cant take and heat. The iced tea is also very delicious! We were in town for a few nights and found out that we could not find many other restaurants we wanted to try so we came back for lunch a couple days later. This time we started with the Beer Battered Asparagus. It is awesome! If you love asparagus, you cannot go wrong with these! I had Swordfish Tacos and they were also good. It is a lot of food so you better come hungry! Just a side note: I cannot drink beer so I have no clue how their beer is. Overall, I wish there was one of these where I live. So yummy!

    (5)

  • Julia S.

    Awesome five course dinner! Generous on the beer! Started out with the normal blonde beer not my fav but who am I to complain...I drank it! Salad = pickled cherry tomatoes with bacon, olive oil, basil oil, greens and candied lemon...pretty good. 2nd course= Vertex IPA featuring rare citra hops (very hoppy) not bad but not my favorite. Served barley cold. This was served with braised pork belly and scallops that were PERFECTLY cooked! Topped with a little cilantro and pickled red onion (best dish) 3rd Clarice Belgian Dark Stong Ale with Ginger Hello Clarice... :) This beer was smooth and delicious. It was paired with a chili rubbed pork loin and braised shoulder. The cumin and coriander roasted cauliflower and braised shoulder was soooooo tasty. 4th Drunken Weasel dunkel weizen with coriander this was amazing as well but nothing beats the Clarice. Chocolate bacon mousse with caramelized nectarines Antiquity rye wine with cocoa nibs All in all this was 4.5 out of five stars. If I could give them another half I would. It is great that they put these dinners together and it is only $55 per person. I met some great people there and we will be signing up for next one!

    (4)

  • Daniel S.

    What can I say about Destihl? Beer - Great. Best local beer you can get in Bloomington; haven't had a bad brew yet. Food - Top notch. One of the classier places in town with still affordable prices. Atmosphere - Well, it's right next to the mall, so the location takes away a couple points. Overall - One of the best places to eat in Bloomington-Normal.

    (4)

  • Rob H.

    Driving through on a trip to St. Louis, and needed a bite. Thank GAWD for the YELP. I no longer have to gamble on eating at unfamiliar restaurants and hope for the best. So Destihl came up with high ratings, and was close. We pulled in and found a reasonably priced gastro-pub that also brews its own beer! Dining with a party of 4. Entrees as such. I sampled each one. Grilled swordfish tacos - corn tortillas, grilled chimichurri-marinated swordfish, cumin-lime slaw, avocado mousse, pickled red onion, chili-salted lime, ancho rice & beans. The tacos are delicious, but the rice and beans are so good, I ate them first. Cheese Grits and Eggs - fried eggs, white cheddar grits, applewood-smoked bacon, scallions, grape tomatoes, olive oil. Hearty and satisfying home style grits, elevated to something more. White bean chicken chili - This is the soup of the day, so no fancy description. Excellent southwest flavor, chicken chili. Potato Crusted Rainbow Trout - baked rainbow trout, fingerling potatoes, stewed tomatoes, chorizo, spinach, white cheddar, micro greens, garlic chili oil. The fish is light and flavorful, cooked perfectly with a crispy outside, and moist inside. For dessert (which was completely unnecessary, as all of us were stuffed) - Sour Cherry Bread pudding - cuban bread, sour cherries, vanilla cinnamon custard, old fashioned vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce. The bread pudding was rich without being too sweet. The cuban bread has a satisfying chew to it, and the sour cherries add a little bit of tang.

    (5)

  • Jeanne M.

    We tried this place on a whim And was pleasantly surprised on the menu I could not believe that they had beer battered asparagus.. It was a very delicious appetizer. And then on to our meal, had beer battered bacon on my burger. How can you go wrong with beer battered bacon? I will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Rhonda G.

    A reunion of sorts was taking place in the area and we couldn't bring ourselves to eat at some of the places we frequented in our undergrad years (you know, that whole older + wiser thing). Our group was pretty large and we didn't make a reservation for lunch so we just went in hoping for the best. Turned out quite nicely and they had space for us in an area off of the main dining room, which was great so we could talk freely without censoring ourselves too much. We were here during the lunch/brunch hour so half the table ordered lunch and some of us (me) got breakfast. The french toast is awesome! They use large pieces of French bread and the batter is outstanding. I finished ALL OF IT! I sampled a bit of everyone's dish as well and I was pleased with everything. They actually have a limited beer selection, which is surprising given the name, so I opted out and stuck with mimosas. I did sample the Hefeweizen and it was average but still a good solid choice in my book. Our server was extremely nice and I appreciate the attention she gave to our large party. Definitely worth a stop in when in the area.

    (4)

  • Dave C.

    I had family in town, members of my parents generation, and everyone turned to me for a restaurant suggestion. I ran through the short list of good spots in town and landed on Distihl since it happened to be closest. I was a little hesitant about taking a big city lawyer, his wife, sister and cousin (aunts and uncle to me) to a brew pub but I assured myself that the menu would be satisfactory. Not only was it satisfactory, it delighted my family. The beer batter asparagus was the favorite of the appetizers, though the brussel sprouts (I know, right?) ran a close second. Between a bottle of wine and some fine single malt whisky, we somehow missed out on the beer, though many of the entrées have the local brew as an ingredient. The entrées, Kobe burgers, ancho chicken salad, roast beef, and andouille and duck casserole, were all well executed, tasty and filling. It may be upscale pub fare, but it is quite a way up that particular scale. The decor, modern industrial, is a foundation for an enjoyable night out. Although the high unfinished ceilings make some noise inevitable, we were able to hear each other fine with the exception of someone who denies a hearing problem. (you know who you are) All in all, I was pleased that Distihl pleased my family. The staff was friendly and attentive, the food is great and the menu is interesting.

    (4)

  • Ted C.

    I am NOT rating any of the food since we ate at Biaggi's but my buddy felt it in his heart to get me a growler of beer because I made my way down to BloNo for his commencement. They have a very wide selection of beers which are brewed on site, which is commendable. I really enjoy the boom of local breweries and how they are all expanding their beers. Destihl has a wide variety that ranges from the very good to just kind of eh. The Normal lager and Redbird ale are at the 'eh' scale. The lager and American style ale were just a little off. I am however not a fan of either of those styles of beer. The Drunken weasel dunkelweisen had a medium body, malty taste that was delicious and dark, reminded me of a doppelbock. I tried the Hawaii five-ale which was a fruit flavored ale-I am expecting more of a lambic type beer or even an Abita Purple Haze style beer but it was just really tart with no real fruit flavor. They have a lot of depth style wise but I think it would be better if they focused on a few good styles, and perfecting it-they are good and a lot of things but not 'GREAT' at one thing. I settled on the Bella imperial pilsner which had a good balance of crispness and slightly hoppy taste at the end. A clean finish and my finalist for my growlre. A 2.5 or maybe a 2.75, but I'll round it up to three because of all the free samples they let me have.

    (3)

  • Amanda B.

    A beautiful microbrewery that is a restaurant setting itself apart from the others in Blo-No. Great place for a date. I went here on a stressful Monday night, wanting to relax. After the flight of 6 beers, I was indeed relaxed. I got the sampling of 6 beers and I would say that the Redbird Ale (GO ISU!) was my favorite. For dinner, I had the Spicy Thai Shrimp Pasta. Not too bad, definitely had leftovers to take home. Moderately spicy. Definitely would go back to try other things on the menu!

    (4)

  • L F.

    2 stars seems steep, but by the description next to the stars (meh. ive experienced better) kind of sums it up. People love this place and at first I did too, but that was 2 years ago. The last time I was there was in February 2014. The beer battered asparagus didnt have much flavor and were huge (i.e. thick stocks mean less tender- so they were a bit on the hard side). My burger was dry and though I asked for ketchup, never saw it. The side of fries it came (all of 4 steak fries) were under seasoned. I ate half the burger and 2 of the fries. My friend experienced similar results with her omelet-like dish. The goat cheese was mounded in the middle and there were so many different types of herbs on it that they off set each other. Much went to waste. Maybe we ordered the wrong dishes, who knows.

    (2)

  • Kim M.

    People of Bloomington, it really amazes me how early you go out to eat. We had RSVPs at 5:30 thinking that it would be easy to get in and it was packed -- packed like it was 8:30. My snobby Chicago attitude says that for Bloomington, this is a good place to go. I felt like I was home at this restaurant. I had the Hefeweizen lemon chicken, and it could have been cooked a little more, but the sauce was good. I am still unsure if the mashed potatoes were fake or real. So if you are the chef there, that could be a good thing. My friend had the mussels, and while the sauce was good - most of the insides of each mussel had become dislodged and fallen to the bottom of the bowl. My other friend had the pizza (don't remember which kind) and she enjoyed that. And I don't even remember what my other friend had because the martinis were that good. My dislike of this place is the size of the booths. You can't fit 4 people in a boothy table that is meant for 2 people. My elbow kept hitting the wall...my other friends couldn't move. It was awkward. Good thing we like each other so much. I'd go back. Maybe it was just an off night.

    (3)

  • Tom O.

    Good buffalo burger. Beer is unique and above average. A welcome gem in a city full of chain restaurants.

    (4)

  • Denise G.

    LOVE Destihl! This was my favorite place to persuade my parents into taking me out to eat when I was a student at Illinois State. I've been here multiple times and everything was always outstanding. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is really airy and open, and there is really something for everyone here. The beer flights are a fun place to start, I'm not a beer drinker by any means, so to say that means it has to be good. My boyfriend and I went here on our first date after forgetting to make a reservation at Reality Bites (oops.. cute story now of course though). Destihl always looks super crowded, but there must be some sort of wormhole there because we've never had to wait all that long. Every other time we've gone back, there has always been a booth as soon as we walk in, or a helpful and friendly employee to keep us entertained while we wait. The S'mores dessert is to die for; assemble your own smores with cinnamon pie crust cookies, toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate and delicious cinnamon whipped cream. I seriously wish that was its own entree. Saturday & Sunday brunch here is to die for! Both french toast dishes on the menu will leave you thinking about french toast for the rest of the day. The Mediterranean frittata is delicious and savory, with a lot of unique ingredients.

    (5)

  • John W.

    Love it, awesome pizzas too! Great brews available (not all of them) and quality food.

    (5)

  • Lindsey D.

    My husband and I live 5 blocks from Destihl and eat here once a week. We absolutely love this place. The servers are always friendly and attentive but never in your face. I eat the same thing every time we go- Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza!! Delicious. And their iced tea is my favorite drink from anywhere, ever.... My husband always changes what he gets. He has had burgers, pizza and tonight he had their skirt steak. He has always been pleased. Love this place. Chef Manny is amazing!!

    (5)

  • Jamie L.

    This is one of my favorite restaurants in town. When it opened, the beer selection was greater and there were a few options I really enjoyed. My faves are no longer there, but the food is still good. We always get the thai mussels. I love the sauce they use. A couple times we've had problems with the bowl having 6-10 unopened mussels. These shouldn't be served and the servers are always great about getting replacements or correcting the problem. They actually lowered their prices a bit which is nice considering I never noticed a change in the quality. We don't go as much since they stopped serving my ahi tuna salad with cayenne dressing. It was the best salad I'd ever had and now it's gone. Still, the food is great and the servers have always been friendly. I also like the kids menu. The price is great, it's not even $5 and they get an entree, side, drink and a mini rootbeer float. The entrees are huge for kids, but leftovers are never a problem. My son doesn't like their pizza much since the crust is a bit tough and they skimp on the toppings for kids pizzas. The mac n cheese and the burgers are adult size portion and taste great. Their dessert menu has never impressed us. We've tried several things and haven't found one that I like. They have some dessert specials I tried that were very good! The portions are huge so the prices are a little steep for a dessert. Carrot cake is $8 but it's about a quarter of a cake. It's enough for 4 people. The pumpkin bread pudding was also really good.

    (5)

  • Julie O.

    Best bathrooms ever. Spacious, clean, full doors...enough about that. Anyhow, really good menu, lots of options. Salmon sandwich was great, homemade chips were good. Burgers were okay, not the best I have had but not bad. Attentive service, nice decor. Laid back atmosphere really helps. I would do Destihl again.

    (4)

  • Sarah B.

    Destihl is delicious. It is a bit pricey, but the food is always wonderful. I've gone to Destihl twice now and the servers have always been prompt, friendly, and good at their jobs.

    (5)

  • Susan A.

    We chose this restaurant from reading the reviews on Yelp. I made reservations while traveling down the road and when we arrived we were quickly seated. I overheard a man tell his friends that the air conditioning was broken. The temps outside were a blistering 99 degrees and the restaurant was hot. Our waitress said the a/c wasn't broken, it just couldn't keep up that day. I ordered the Rueben sandwich, which was their take on the classic Rueben. It was a little heavy on the horseradish/mustard, but other than that it was delicious. The cranberry bread gave it just a touch a sweet taste and the saurkraut was delicious as well. My husband had the Chipotle chicken sandwich. The chicken was a little small for the bun and the chipotle might be a little hot for some people, but it was a good sandwich. We were just traveling through the state, but if we are ever in the area again, I would definitely eat at the Destihl again.

    (4)

  • K L.

    Destihl, which used to be one of the better restaurants in Bloomimgton/Normal, has made some recent menu changes that have really impacted the quality of the food. I used to be a big fan of the Mediterranean pizza, which had a crisp crust and loads of fresh vegetables. I had one last night from the new menu, and I would bet a great deal of money that what I ate was a frozen pizza. If not actually frozen, it was of the same poor taste and quality, with a gummy crust, scant vegetables, and greasy cheese. What a disappointment! Another former favorite, the fried asparagus, was nearly inedible, with woody asparagus and thick, greasy batter. My entire party of four was extremely dissatisfied with the food. We won't return. ):

    (1)

  • Josh L.

    Beer. How could I forget the BEER!? Hand-crafted brewing as good as it gets. Having met the brewers and seen the operation, I now have a greater respect (and understanding) of what they provide vs. buying beer from a major distributor. This beer is fresh, full of flavor and locally made! What more can you ask for.? It seems to me, those reviewers that don't like the beer are not acustomed to a "home brew" style beer. This is not a pasturized, mass-produced beer. It is a micro-brew. Knowing what you are getting may make all the difference in your opinion. Don't be afraid to try something new. Now go try a pint (or take home a growler) today!

    (4)

  • Sara O.

    Another wonderfully yummy supper!! I love this place. Battered asparagus have become my staple. The warm potato and salmon salad is amazing. And I've never had a special I didn't like ;) Beers, pretty darn good. Bloody Marys, even better. My only compliant is that they don't stagger the small plates all that well. Everything arrived to our table at once and it was a little overwhelming. I would have liked to receive one dish at a time to extend our dinning experience beyond 30 mins.

    (4)

  • Michael M.

    Thank you! I haven't resided in the Bloomington Normal area for the last twenty years. Living on the east and west coasts I was spoiled by quality restaurants and fresh food I could get in San Francisco and Washington DC. It is about time B-N stepped up their game. I have eaten here now four times and have not been disappointed. The asparagus is awesome, the ham & apple sandwich is a must, pretzels are a perfect accompaniment to the beer, and I could go for a bowl of the corn and chicken chowder right now! At the end of the summer they had an outdoor movie night, the played The Birds by Hitchcock, I hope they continue with this. Destihl is a good place to go on a date or for a brunch with your mom.

    (4)

  • J H.

    We arrived later afternoon when the place was moderately busy. Our server seemed confused when I asked for the pint portion of beer. He may have been new, because the timing of appetizers and food too a pretty long time. Its not worth ordering your burger a certain way, it'll come out "medium." Once our food was finally served, it seemed like we were being rushed to finish. They attempted to clear plates without asking if any of our party was finished. Overall, the food was decent, beer was good, service needs tweaking.

    (3)

  • Sebastian M.

    The asparagus appetizer was delicious! I whole highly recommend it to anyone. It had a sweet flavor while still having a bit of a kick to it. Then there are a ton of espresso barbecue entre selection. I decided on the Brewmaster Pizza and it was very good. Barbecue sauce replaced the regular tomato sauce and I approve!

    (4)

  • Linda K.

    My son, who attends ISU, introduced us to Destihl a year ago and it is definitely our favorite restaurant in the Bloomington-Normal area. We go there every time we are in town. The food is very unique and delicious. My favorite is the warm salmon & potato salad. I'm not a beer drinker but they seem to have a wide variety of signature beers. The staff is always friendly and very service oriented. Mostly college students working there. Our first visit we had to wait a while so the manager bought us a couple of appetizers. They always seem to go out of their way to make sure everyone is happy and satisified. And, yes, the bathrooms are beautiful!!

    (4)

  • Mike R.

    When will Bloomington, IL realize there is more to fine dining than steakhouses? Never, but at least this place will help them branch out a little bit. When ever I'm in the Bloomington-Normal area and want to try a nice microbrew and have some good food I always try to go to this place. It's very relaxed has great staff and by far one of the best places in the area. I'm not a fan of chain resteraunts so I guess that makes me the anti Bloomington- Normal foodie but this place doesn't feel ridiculously corporate.

    (4)

  • keith d.

    I like the different items on the menu, not the same old stuff you see at all these chain places. Clean restrooms! They always say if the restroom is nasty, what is the kitchen like? The fish tacos and flatbread pizza we had amazing.

    (4)

  • Russ C.

    Contemporary decor. Appetizers are their weak spot. They try hard to be unique, but miss the spot. The Reuben egg rolls are decent. The entrees are well presented, well prepared, and taste very good. I recommend the Mahimahi and Kobe burger. Many entrees are $10. This is 5 star food at 2 star prices, so definitely worth 5 stars at this value. Service is excellent. Beers are good.

    (5)

  • Megan B.

    Delicious. Bold flavors and reasonably priced. I will return often.

    (5)

  • M T.

    i went here with a big group for my birthday. we are an older crowd over 30. and we went out with family who was over 40 in age. the beer selection was great. we got the redbird ale and the sampler. both excellent choices. in terms of food, it was hit or miss. miss: truffle fries cod fish & chips tuna steak hit: salmon salad flat bread pizza kobe burger --great sauce pot roast , this was good, but take note that it is open faced so its not a traditional sandwhich beer battered asparagus

    (4)

  • Harry W.

    very nice. The food was tasty, nice diverse menu, friendly service, nice atmosphere. Had the asparagus appetizer and cedar plank salmon which was very moist and tasty.

    (4)

  • T. K.

    Let me start by saying if you were looking for a place to eat in Bloomington/Normal this is the place I would recommend for everyone. It simply has food that is amazing and unpretentious. Its definitely not the standard fare you see around here. For one its a place where you get your moneys worth, second its locally owned which is a nice change from all these chain restaurants we have in town.

    (5)

  • L J.

    I checked out Destihl while on business in Bloomington. Quite chic especially compared to other places I dined while there. The decor is very cool and the atmosphere hip and urban. The menu was good. Their specialty martini's were awesome. I've been making their basil martini at home ever since and the strawberry balsamic martini was good as well. Would definitely go back again and again!

    (4)

  • Chris R.

    Bad beer reviews must be from bud drinkers... the flight of beer I had was on par with most brewpubs. Tasty and nicely priced menu. Growers price but may refills are cheap? I intend to find out. Ribs fell off the bone with a unique bbq sauce. Maybe not what I'm used to but think the they're aiming for that. Service was ok. No biggie in our current state of mind. We will be back next time we are in town.

    (4)

  • K S.

    Eh... underwhelmed. Food was trying to be "gourmet" but missed the mark. It was either over-done, under-done or lacked any flavor. Way to pricey for the service we got. Don't think I'll be back.

    (1)

  • m m.

    I really wanted to like this place. It looks nice and seemed to have a nice menu. Everyone in the B-N area raved about it. So, today, we checked it out. I took two of my girlfriends here for their birthdays and left thoroughly disappointed. My girlfriend ordered the fish tacos and it was really salty. My other girlfriend ordered the portabello and brie and thought it was just okay. I had the spicy Thai shrimp and had them take it back b/c it was so salty. I ordered a steak salad instead. It was also too salty, but I just ended up eating it b/c I was starving at this point. The service was terrible, too. We had to repeat over and over if we wanted ketchup, sugar, refills...and each time we requested something, it took the server over 15 minutes to bring it to the table for each request. Awful. It took the three of us over 2 hours to eat our salty food because of the lackluster service. We will not be back. $50 for us to eat not so great food and wait on the wait staff? No thanks.

    (1)

  • Craig L.

    Destihl is yet another example of a quality non-chain place in Bloomington-Normal. I'm not a beer drinker, so I can't comment on the microbrews they offer, but my friends have been happy with many of them. The atmosphere is somewhat of a hip restaurant in a larger city. We're not in NYC or LA, so it's not ~that~ trendy, but the crowd is on the younger side, and the decor is modern. The food is upscale American. They offer several meat entrees, burgers/sandwiches, dinner salads, and seafood dishes. The food is flavorful, and the portion size is appropriate (plenty of food for one person but not a huge portion like you get in some restaurants). They also offer some tasty appetizers and desserts. I'd recommend the beer battered asparagus and the pumpkin bread pudding and berry Napoleon. Prices are what you'd expect; most entrees will run you $12-16 with a few being more in the $20 range. Burgers/sandwiches/salads are less. They do get busy, so if you're coming on a weekend night, be sure to make a reservation.

    (5)

  • Andy B.

    Bloomington Normal seems to definitely be chain central, and it was refreshing to see a place someone obviously poured some cash into. Definitely a creative menu, very engaging and friendly staff, and good food too. The apple prosciutto pizza is a big hit, I had the tuna steak salad, also tasty. Definitely check this place out!

    (4)

  • Thomas L.

    Whenever we visit our daughter at ISU, we always make the effort to eat at Destihl. The food is always great, I especially enjoy the Jambalaya, and my wife like the "Potts Roast Sandwich". If your adventurous try the "Beer Battered Asparagus", yumm!

    (4)

  • Barb N.

    When we have guests in town we take them to Destihl. You don't feel like you're in a downstate restaurant. The menu is very diverse and the beers very tasty. The wait staff is very knowledgeable about the menu and can suggest any beer based on your description of what you normally drink. There is a nice outdoor seating area and great bar. Especially love their appetizers! You can spend a lot on your dinner or eat very reasonably. Love that about them, too.

    (5)

  • Josh E.

    Really high quality food. Beer is good. Nice atmosphere. Great appetizer.

    (4)

  • Farhan Y.

    I love their sandwiches and the atmosphere is great... would highly recommend it.....

    (4)

  • Ashley S.

    We all know this restaurant is widely popular. I love it too. Can we campaign to get Destihl to bring the Reuben egg rolls back?! I miss them!

    (5)

  • Ryan S.

    i don't know what the people who are calling this place "standard bar" food are thinking. the menu is one of the more creative in town. in fact, i think picky eaters will have trouble finding something they like. however, i think it's a good thing to have another restaurant that isn't a friday's/chili's clone. i got the dijoin chicken, which was really good. however, they put andouille sausage in the sweet potatoes, i was not a fan of that at all. if you are into craft beers you will probably like this place.

    (4)

  • Kelly M.

    Wasn't super impressed....food was good, but not great. REALLY liked the fact that they offer full and half salad options...the 1/2 salad was a perfect amount to finish. My husband liked their beers quite a bit. We had reservations, so there was no wait, although on the night we went, there was open seating. Staff was pleasant enough. Decor is very cohesive...just not very personal.

    (3)

  • Lauren K.

    Great food and service. My husband and I ate here for the first time on the way from STL to Chicago. He had a tasty bison burger (good shoestring fries) and I enjoyed some succulent marinated grilled shrimp - great flavor. We enjoyed the wonton/lemon curd/berry sorbet dessert. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. We will definitely make this a regular stop for next trip.

    (5)

  • Wendy F.

    This is a great brewery/restaurant! Every time we're down at ISU to visit our daughter, we make a point to stop here. The beers are great (we had samplers at our last visit) - and everything we've had to eat was terrific. We heard they are opening a new location in Burr Ridge - which was great to hear!

    (4)

  • Jack R.

    Went here as part of a package with the Hampton Inn next door. Standard bar and grill menu, but almost everything has a twist. Some odd spice or sauce is used in most of the entrees. I went with the sirloin steak because it was very standard. I usually order medium well, but the waiter cautioned me that their medium well is more like well so I went with medium and it turned out just right. Actually did not try their beer, but they had a pretty cool serving method for their sampler.

    (4)

  • Domingo K.

    had a drunken weasel and a chocolate 3 way - need i say more?

    (5)

  • John D.

    Destihl Restaurant and Brew Works works for me! Very delicious. I recommend the Thai pork pizza. It is quite spicy and a tad sweet. BUT, despair not when consumed with a fourflight of 4-oz brews on tap. I had the Redbird Ale, Intermission Session IPA, Pappy's Porter, and Oengus Irish Stout, all for less than six bucks. The atmosphere in here is quite appealing, with the nice backdrop glass view of the brew tanks behind the bar. Highly recommend this Brew Works for anyone visiting the Bloomington area.

    (5)

  • Lauren V.

    Service:amazing. Our waiter really knew his stuff. Had great recommendations. Food: fantastic! I'm a vegetarian and they had some great options. The ceaser salad is very tasty and so is the herbivore burger. Beer:this is why I gave the 4 stars. For a brewery I expected better tasting beer. Overall:strongly recommend trying. Outstanding place!

    (4)

  • Brianna B.

    My salad was so good that I went again the next night to get the same salad... But the second time it was underdressed and lacking the lemony brilliance of the first one. The sour IPA was brilliant (in small doses), but the blonde ale was boring. From these two visits, I have little reason to expect any consistency, from the kitchen or the brewery. Also, the prices are high ($7 to add salmon to a salad), and the decor is definitely more suburban chain restaurant than microbrewery. But that first salad was so good (kale, chard, broccolini, walnuts, etc) that I'd probably go back if I find myself back in Bloomington-Normal.

    (3)

  • Jen W.

    Decent restaurant. Food was not prepared the way I asked, due to the server not really understanding my needs. I have food allergies, and the food wound up containing several things I asked to not be included. They redid the order though, and even though on that second try the order took out the things that I can't have...which is appreciated...out of probably panic, they omitted things I actually *can* have, lol... Regardless, they tried, and were not jerks about having to redo the order. Which, of course, I greatly appreciated. *edit: I'm now up at 3 AM, very sick due to what is likely an order that was not fixed. Thinking back to it now, the omission of food I could eat with the order re-do was probably just the server taking the stuff back and picking out the items I couldn't eat...should have known better. Should have kept the defective order at my table until new version arrived. Server also rushed me the whole time, didn't give me a chance to look at the menu, or take out my credit card to pay, or really...do *anything* at a normal pace. The only enjoyable part of this whole meal was the hostess. I told her I preferred a quiet booth away from the crowd, and she sat me in a great booth. Even tipped the hostess for that. Too bad that booth came with such shitty service.

    (1)

  • Dennis K.

    Great food, great service! Shockingly bad beer for a brewpub. They MAKE good beer. They just don't SELL it at the restaurant. I love good beer. I'm disappointed to go to a brewpub and settle for wine. They need to get their act together.

    (1)

  • Kent K.

    Pretty cool place. The chile relleno is awesome. I enjoy going more in the fall/winter months because of the choice of beers on tap. The spring/summer beers just don't do it for me. The patio is nice place to sit. A bonus about this place is it is right off the Constitution Trail. Cheers!

    (4)

  • Lisa M.

    Went here a lot throughout my college years. Love how attentive the servers are. Tastings are great, beers are delicious. Food is solid. Bring an empty stomach!

    (4)

  • Erin Q.

    This place ranks high to visit with my clients as it is close to their office. Last night, I got to check it out for dinner, which is rare since it's usually a lunch. I was happy to order a cocktail and I tried the torched cherry rum drink, a spin on a caipirinha. It was awesome. Our server was super cool and was training, which he made a point of letting us know so we weren't overloaded with two people. I got the fennel sausage and date pizza and it is plenty big to share with someone. Just the right amount of bite from the fennel and a nice creaminess from the garlic sauce. My client got the Mediterranean pizza and a bloody mary. The bloody mary looked like a mean in and of itself! A great place to check out and close to local hotels too!

    (5)

  • Jill C.

    Amazing experience. The food was delicious. Our waiter, Wes, was awesome. Everyone from the host to the employees clearing the table were excellent and friendly. We will recommend this restaurant to our friends and family.

    (5)

  • Wendy S.

    Been here many many times and have never had a bad meal! Everything is delicious, beer battered asparagus is a must try. Love that their menu changes occasionally with not your basic plates. Last time I was there I wasn't sure what salad to get, server recommended the shredded Brussels salad, was so good! Favorite place in bloomington.

    (5)

  • James S.

    I have been to Destihl on multiple occasions. A few times on birthdays, a few times for some drinks and a quick lunch. Destihl is one of the best restaurants in Blo-No. Their menu is constantly changing which makes it fun every time you come in. But, I hope they never take the chorizo stuffed dates of the menu. They are small, but they pack a tasty punch. One thing they have changed that I am not a fan of is their new pizza crust. They sacrificed a larger thinner crust for a smaller thicker crust. Personally, I thought their artisan pizzas worked better on the thinner crust because the complexity of the toppings. Also, their fish and chips is the best in town. It is crisp and fresh served with a house made tarter like sauce. You also cannot go wrong with any of their burgers, but their bison burger can become dry if you order it anything past medium-rare. The menu items are diverse and ever-changing. We will be back often. (The beers are also good; this review was long enough already.)

    (4)

  • Aurora S.

    Everything was delicious! My boyfriend got the farm & field burger medium rare and it was cooked PERFECTLY. The combination of bison and lamb with the Havarti just MELTED in your mouth! I got the roasted portabella sandwich and it was so flavorful and crunchy. The greens made it. I love that the beers are available in 4 oz, it makes so much sense!

    (4)

  • Jessica S.

    Trendy delicious fun energetic Every time I go here it's a new experience and it is wonderful

    (5)

  • Barbie M.

    I never take the time to write a review. I will start with the positive. The Reuben egg roll and craft beer were great. The green Chile Mac and brewmaster pizza were horrible. The crust was good on the pizza but it tasted like bbq sauce on crust but it was at least edible The pork Mac n cheese was full of large chunks of pork fat. After the fourth bite I could not eat any more. Our server Christina was concerned only about the table behind us and not our table. It took ten minutes before we were even acknowledged and drink refills we're non existent. My biggest surprise wAs the lack of inquiry as to why I didn't eat my food. A horrible meal can be overlooked as a fluke if the service had at least been decent

    (1)

  • Andy O.

    All around great experience. Food was very good, service was great, and the atmosphere was nice, though a tad on the louder side. I had the flank steak which was delicious. Several in our party had the stuffed poblano peppers and were very pleased. I will definitely go back, several times!

    (4)

  • Nikki S.

    First time visit, awesome beer and great food. Love that you can basically create your own beer flights so you can try a variety. Cant wait to go back and try more of the vegetetatian options on the menu!!

    (5)

  • Marie C.

    Excellent burger..one of the best I've ever had. The home made chips were top notch also. Great beer selection. Not to loud. Great service at the bar. I'll be back when I'm in town again!

    (5)

  • Leland R.

    Ancho chips with a couple of Old Fashioneds on the patio. Hard to beat.

    (4)

  • Amy G.

    Literally the perfect stopping point between Chicago and St. Louis. Excellent food and beer. A huge selection of gastro pub food. It was hard to settle on one thing. Great for kids! Kids menu and coloring. The service was great.

    (5)

  • Doug M.

    This place was excellent. We had our company Christmas party here. We have had it at four different establishments. The team overwhelmingly stated this should be the place from now on. Appetizers, beer, main course, and desserts were all quality fare. The service was outstanding. The server was knowledgeable and very courteous. The staff seemed well coordinated and working together as a team came natural to them. Before I left a purchased a gift card to return with my wife for a date night. Outstanding choice in Bloomington-Normal

    (5)

  • Jen S.

    Super spot. Great salad selection for lighter fare, plus heartier sandwiches and appetizers. We tried the a beer, too. No complaints! We were driving to MO and only found this by looking on yelp. Could use a sign to advertise from I-55.

    (4)

  • John M.

    I am trying to like Destihl more. Since moving to the area, we've been to Destihl multiple times and have noticed that it's best to stay simple here. On our first visit, I tried the jambalaya. This was very underwhelming. When eating jambalaya, I expect vibrant flavors. Unfortunately, this was not the case. This jambalaya was bland compared to what I'm used to when I've ordered this dish in the South or even in the Pacific Northwest. Yes, the Pacific Northwest. My wife ordered the cheesy stuffed poblano which was an interesting take on a stuffed chile, but missed the mark. On subsequent visits, we've tried different dishes. The potpie was OK, but the large Brussels sprouts were large, ergo not cooked through. The best dishes that we've tried have been the burgers. The brioche bun does great things for the wagyu burger. L Last night, we shared an order of nachos. They were quite tasty, but unfortunately the service was sub par. Having worked in the service industry before I understand that side work is a necessity. However, walking by a table that is in need of fresh drinks in order to complete side work is unacceptable. Perhaps, it's just this server. Last time she was our server it was the same thing. She starts off strong, but goes downhill quickly. The beer here is decent. Perhaps, I'm spoiled as I'm a Colorado native who has also lived in the Pacific Northwest. I am a hop head, so have focused on IPAs.Their IPAs are decent, but not favorites. I need to do a bit more research and see which hops they are using. The IBA that I had last night was decent. The toastiness was nice with a bitter finish. I wanted to try a couple brews listed on the board, but alas they were out. Due to the abundance of chain restaurants, I know that we will return to Destihl. Hopefully, it will grow on me as I find the right dishes to suit my palate. As we visit, I will edit this review.

    (2)

  • Skylair M.

    Been here several times.... Food is good! Have had a few service issues in the past, but this can happen with any restaurant.

    (4)

  • Mean Eyed C.

    Very Nice Place Good service, good food, beers Try the pizza, its very good

    (5)

  • Laura C.

    Excellent atmosphere and service. Definitely try the pork Mac and cheese.. I have dreams about it. Also: the skillet nachos (hope you're hungry!) and the Beer battered asparagus. Skip the cheese curds... They're soggy. Who can beat the pub 2 on those anyway? Anyway, this place has delicious beer and food so I highly recommend it.

    (4)

  • Paul M.

    If you find yourself in Normal, IL, first rethink the choices in your life that have lead you down this path. Think about what might have been. Ask yourself why. Why, god? Why? Then eat at Destihl. I can think of no better distraction from the sad shambles of the life you have wrought for yourself. Also, beer-battered bacon? Are you f*ckin' kidding?

    (4)

  • Cathy G.

    Four people with different tastes for breakfast. Each person was totally happy. Each breakfast was exceptional as was the service. We had not been to Destihl for breakfast previously. We had only eaten lunch and dinner there and always been happy so we decided to try their weekend breakfast menu. What a treat. The Huevos ranchero stack is for folks who like spice. The maple egg and bacon sandwich is for someone with a hearty appetite. The cast iron baked eggs is for someone who hates when their eggs get cold, and the Destihl breakfast is for the traditionalist. The service at Destihl continues to be spot on with attention to detail and even a bit of humor. This place just gets better and better in our opinion.

    (5)

  • Jeff O.

    One of the best in town. Known for the beer though I only go the for food. They offer really great selections with unique flavor combinations. Try the Pastrami Reuben or the Ham and Apple sandwiches for a change of pace. The Weisenheimer chicken is excellent, as well. If you're up for decadence try the maple-glazed asparagus.

    (5)

  • Adam S.

    The restaurant is decorated in what I like to call "Post-Modern Horse Barn". The wait staff is excellent and very friendly. I enjoyed all of the suggestions that my server made drink wise....food wise not so much! The cheese curds are disgusting. The person who came up with the recipe has never traveled to Wisconsin to taste what a curd should taste like. It tasted like mushy under cooked calamari with very little cheese flavor. The bison burger was good, nothing spectacular. The Cheddar beer soup was the best I have tried in along time The beer selection is excellent and was thoroughly sampled. I even left with a growler of my favorite. Well worth a visit, but be warned about the CURDS!

    (3)

  • Chelsea W.

    Amazing atmosphere, food, and service! I have been living in the area for almost 6 years. Whenever my family visits me, they almost always ask to eat here and I would never in a million years complain about that! I love their iced tea. It has a unique, orange-y taste to it. I also recommend the beer-battered asparagus for an appetizer. I feel you can't go wrong with any of the entrees really. My mom and I like to split the pumpkin bread pudding or s'mores for dessert.

    (5)

  • Mark S.

    Great beer. I wish they had more vegetarian options on the menu, but what they did have was very tasty and very filling.

    (4)

  • Doug F.

    Bacon Bacon Bacon. The Beer Battered Bacon is a must for anyone who even slightly loves the taste of salty crispy pork touching your tongue. Crisp, a bit of spice, and ample flavor make this a great appetizer. Heck order 10 of these and make a meal of it. As for an actual main course you can never go wrong with Fried Chicken, but when you add Thai flavors you definitely can't go wrong. Each bite had a flavorful infusion of thai spices and the coconut rice complemented every bite with that unique zest. But don't fill yourself full of bacon and chicken as you still need to try the Maple Creme Brule. Sweetness in a dish. You get a nice blend of creamy and crunchy and every bite will make you feel like you are in heaven. Try this place out if you like flavor explosions!

    (5)

  • Novine G.

    When we travel to a new town, we like to head to local places downtown and avoid restaurants in the mall area. But Destihl was within walking distance from our hotel and the menu we saw online had a nice selection of dishes. Plus, it had gotten many rave reviews on Yelp so we decided it was worth checking out. As it was a Friday night, we weren't surprised by the wait. But we really didn't want to wait 45 minutes to be seated. Hearing that, the hostess offered the bar area as an alternative. Note to diners: Unless you can't stand to sit on a stool, avoid the line and head to the bar area. In addition to the bar itself, there's a lot of seating options including numerous 4-tops. Even though people were waiting to be seated in the dining areas, there was always open seats in the bar area. We ordered mixed drinks and appetizers as a dinner. We skipped the beer even though that's one of their specialities. But they did nice job with our mixed drinks. The potato croquettes were excellent with that right combination of crunchy outside and creamy inside. We also ordered the Bavarian-style pretzels. I love pretzels and these were among some of the best I've had. If you order them, be warned that they are huge! You really need a group to share those as we ended up taking one home. I preferred the cheddar cheese sauce over the mustard for dipping the pretzels but both were good. We also ordered the skillet nachos. Again, this is a large serving, enough for a meal for some. We liked the nacho chips that were very light, more like a potato chip than a traditional nacho chip. The roasted pork was very good and there was a nice mix of toppings on the nachos. The nachos don't come with sour cream or olives that you might traditionally get with a nacho dish but they did include tomatos and onions, although those weren't noted on the menu. Service: Nick was our waiter and he did an excellent job. He was attentive without being overbearing which is exactly what we want. Our drinks were brought to us only a few minutes after Nick took our order and we didn't wait much longer for our appetizers to arrive. They were busy but it didn't affect our service or the preparation of our food. We're glad that we tried Destihl. We'll definitely try it again the next time we're in the area. Five stars for service, drinks and the quality and preparation of the food as compared to similar restaurants.

    (5)

  • Joe R.

    Delicious and diverse beer menu, a swath of excellent food choices, and a simple yet elegant decor that elicits relaxed, tasteful, trendy vibes culminates in a wonderful dining experience.

    (5)

  • Shariq A.

    Very nice place with off the charts service. Was there last Wednesday night (1029/14). The food was really good - I loved my salmon with potatoes and mustard sauce. What blew me away was the service. My friends and I hung around for 2 hours after closing time and they never pressured us to leave and let us be while the staff cleaned the place. At one point, the waitress even brought out fresh batches of water. Kudos to the staff and management.

    (5)

  • Jen B.

    Two visits in and neither of them outstanding despite our hopes! Food was better our first visit with lazy service and then poor food with great service on our second visit. We were hoping the first visit's poor service was just the one server so we stopped back in recently for a re-do and had very blah food. We tried both varieties of wings, the thai wings were the best item on the table by far. The chipotle wings were fiery hot!! The pork nachos were a skillet of melted cheese topped with chips, pico de gallo and shredded pork. Having the chips all piled on top of the cheese made it hard to move them out of the way to dip them into the cheese. Also the chips sitting on the bottom in the pool of cheese turned to disintegrated mush. The pork was very tasty though, ate that out with a spoon. The ceviche was just chopped up shrimp topped with some avocado and lime juice. No variety of flavor or spice at all there. Most sadly of all, my bloody mary was undrinkable. I can usually get through at least one depending on the spice level but this one was half tomato juice and half A-1. Tasted like I was drinking a steak. It was actually almost brown when it got to the table. Definitely made by a person who has never drank a bloody in their life. Probably don't let that person bartend on Sundays since that's kind of a big Sunday brunch thing. Service on our first visit was very slow and we rarely saw our server but we had amazing warm potato and salmon dish as well as a really yummy and spicy thai steak salad. If they can get it together with the service and the food, this would be a win.

    (2)

  • Jethro A.

    This place is off the hook, The presentation the wine, the food. I hade the Thai chicken, amazing, Ceaser salad with egg amazing.

    (5)

  • Aubri W.

    Absolutely great food, unique menu and drinks, in my opinion it's the best central Illinois has to offer.. Not that you should put that on any sort of plaque or anything. But I would genuinely go there if it was a choice in any city. Totally worth it

    (5)

  • R P.

    Love this place. The food and drink are excellent. It was a pleasure each trip.

    (4)

  • Trista T.

    Central Illinois's finest food at reasonable prices. First...let me tell you the waiter did an mouthwatering description of the specials and convinced us immediately to try the bbq pork pizza. It was thin but not crunchy crust with carrots and cilantro...amazing! We also shared an appetizer of pretzels, cheese, and mustard dip...this is not just pretzel bites. These come in two, fresh, giant pretzels and hot dip....heaven!!! We also tried this lemony chicken pot pie topped with an extraordinarily flaky pastry on top. I am not a beer drinking but I hope to return and try some! I was mildly annoyed that we waited over an hour to be seated. We had been told 45 min originally. Its a busy place, so I suggest reservations!

    (4)

  • Twylla S.

    As far as Bloomington/Normal restaurants go this place is the shit. I didn't even know stuff like this existed back home. The menu is exquisite with options that rival menus in the Chicago suburbs where I live now. It took my nearly twenty minutes to finally settle on what I wanted to try on my first visit. My father is a vegetarian so we chose to split the portobello sandwhich and Mediterranean pizza. I also snagged an order if Reuben eggrolls to taste and bring home to my fiancé. The potato chips paired with the sandwhich were amazing. Thick and crisp. My dad and I both agreed that typically chips of that size can be hard and unpleasant but these were delightfully crunchy and delicious! The portobello sandwhich it's self was all that I expected, meaty and fresh and just the right amount of bread. Next up was the Med pizza. The flavor was spot on! I was surprised that even with all the veggies which can sometimes make a pizza soggy the crust was perfectly crisp. I look forward to trying their other pizzas. I forgot to mention we started out with a wonderful beer cheese soup. I loved all the different cheeses in it! Rich and delicious. Mmm! Definitely a perfect starter. I also had to snag an order of the Reuben eggrolls because they sounded so exotic. The misrule of cabbage and pastrami was perfect and felt like I was eating a normal eggroll with a fun twist! The mustard they were laid on top of was good too I couldn't scoop up enough! They reheated okay, I'd recommend finishing them there :) Our server was so awesome and helpful and I wish I could remember his stinking name. He let us taste a bunch of different beers and I finally settled on the nutty brown. I love all the different beer options. Like I said I totally can't wait to come here again!!

    (5)

  • Aaron H.

    About a month ago i tried out this place for dinner. The menu is kind of strange and out of the ordinary and thats why i gave it 4 stars. Dont get me wrong the two meals that were ordered were delicious but i was scared on what the meals would taste like. Lol. I got the greek style lamb pizza and the other meal ordered was called warm potato & salmon. The sauce mixed in with the dish was wonderful and complimented the salmon nicely. My pizza was unique and i enjoyed it very much. I loved the greens on the top and the feta cheese mixed in. Had great service and will go back.

    (4)

  • Kristin B.

    This place has a VERY interesting menu. A lot of thought was put into the ingredients and description of each dish. My group ordered two appetizers: the baked nachos and the beer battered asparagus. Both were outstanding. The asparagus was cooked perfectly and topped with a maple Chipotle glaze. YUM. I ordered the stuffed peppers and no words can be used to describe the deliciousness... Best stuffed peppers ever. Very spicy and fresh. A member of the group ordered the skirt steak and gave it a thumbs up. Things fell a little short on the Thai fried chicken. The seasonings were great, but it had been cooked a bit too long and was quite dry. Overall, it's the menu that would keep me coming back. Everything looked so good it was very hard to decide what to order!

    (4)

  • Patrick W.

    Stopped in late with my daughter for dinner and a sample of the beers. Had the sword fish, excellent. The cheese curd appetizer was very good. and large. Service was good even correcting my daughter's pizza prder. Beers Tenebrous and Oengus both very good and recommended.

    (4)

  • Matthew M.

    It's hard to live in Bloomington/Normal and not hear of Destihl these days, especially with a new beer production/distributing operation in full force. Destihl Opened in 2007, but I finally started coming to eat about three years ago and find myself coming here more than any other place in town. Although the Destihl brand is beginning to be known around the midwest for some unusually good beer, most people (including myself) would agree that it is known more for some of the best food in the area. Each item and dish listed on the menu is carefully thought out and prepared, and what keeps me coming back is the uniqueness of the dishes. Although most of the 'uniqueness' yields great flavor, there are several dishes/plates that seem to be unique just for the sake of it, and aren't the best in practice. Most people, including myself, would agree the Beer Battered Asparagus, Ceviche, Beer Battered Bacon, and Cheese Curds top the list for best small plates/appetizers with impeccable flavor combinations and originality. For dinner, I have always enjoyed the Gaucho Skirt Steak (a wonderfully prepared dish!) and the Thai Fried Chicken (best chicken dish in town!). Other dishes, such as their very famous Stuffed Poblano Peppers and some of the pizzas never fail to deliver a great flavor combination. The kitchen/cook staff have always cooked my dishes perfectly, without exception. Although all the beer served at the restaurant is brewed in-house, I would have to mention that it is always hit and miss. Some of their beers - the Ambassador Am-Belgo Pale Ale, Sour Ales, Strawberry Blonde, Hoperation Overload - rank alongside my favorite beers. Other beers, however, don't always hit the mark. I do appreciate the amazing diversity in beer selection transitioned throughout the year, and I imagine eventually all their beers will be up to the quality of my favorites. Destihl has a very unique, trendy drink menu, with cocktails you would never ordinarily try at another restaurant or bar. Their Basil Bulleit, for example, combines Bulleit bourbon, lemon juice, and basil, topped off with a splash of Cabernet - a wonderful, unique drink. The wine list is easily accommodates most dishes on the menu, and was chosen with great thought. An exceptional amount of time is obviously spent on training all their staff - hosts, servers, bar and support staff - on an excellent knowledge of their beer and food. I have always had a good experience, many times wonderful, dining at Destihl. Servers are happy to recommend dishes they like, and most importantly, dishes they do not. Unlike Medici, servers know all about the beers they are serving, and how to pair correctly with dishes. The atmosphere at Destihl is good, although a little confused. The interior fixtures are very modern, with exposed beams and structural elements, but the furniture (seats, booths) are much warmer. I usually don't really pay attention to some of the conflicting details, but it would be nice to see one consistent theme in decor and branding. However, at the end of the day, when you are seated and enjoying a great meal with great service, is it worth complaining about little things? Absolutely not. Destihl enjoys a #1 spot in my book for Bloomington-Normal.

    (4)

  • Kevin K.

    It's been a while since we'd been back here, but I had a craving for beer and a pretzel. The server we had admitted he was new, and did OK, but he had to run and check on the answers to many of our questions. The pretzel we had as an appetizer was great, big and soft, but not too dense, and the cheese sauce and mustard were both good with it. I ordered the brewmaster's stone oven baked pizza, and my wife had the skirt steak. The kids ordred the cheese pizza and the hot dog from the kids menu. My wife was happy with her skirt steak and felt it was cooked nicely. I was disappointed with my pizza, as I was expecting a bit fluffier, bready crust, and instead it was almost cracker thin, burned, and was the same size as my kids' cheese pizza from the kids menu. In addition, all the ingredients on the pizza were lumped in the middle. I was disappointed with the pizza. I had their Replicale Amber ale with my pizza and the beer wasn't balanced at all, as it was all hops and bitterness. Overall, I think if we went back, we'd probably go for appetizers (pretzels and beer battered asparagus) and/or dessert, but probably not for the entrees or beer.

    (2)

  • Chris J.

    Best food in Bloomington! Highly recommend trying them if you haven't been here before. Their beer battered asparagus is amazing - don't jump to conclusions - you have to try it. Shrimp ceviche is great too. So many good choices. Only negative is that their kitchen can be somewhat slow some nights...

    (4)

  • KJ V.

    Great beer! In the summer, I recommend the Strawberry Blonde. Food is delicious. You can tell they add 'love' to every dish. For appetizers, I recommend the chorizo stuffed dates, the cheese curds or the pretzels. For dinner, the spicy Thai shrimp is good Or the ribs! You cant go wrong with anyone of their stone oven pizzas or any one of their burgers. Atmosphere is great. Outdoor patio dining is great for the summer or fall. Service is great too. If u can't decide what to order, as your server. They are very knowledgeable and can help!

    (4)

  • Steve R.

    Good beers, decent food. Pretty kid friendly. The service was EXCELLENT! Kinda corporate in appearance, but what do you expect from an area that is a giant mall? I'd come back.

    (4)

  • Ethan H.

    Cool restaurant. They have a wide variety of good selections for both lunch and dinner. Their appetizers are great as well. My favorite thing is the unique beer selection that they brew themselves. I have a growler I like to get filled up with my favorite beer of the evening when I go.

    (4)

  • Emilie T.

    I love destihl. Great customer service, clean and unique atmosphere, and a variety of foods and flavors to choose from! The urban cuisine has such a fun flare! My personal favorite has to be the Thai Fried Chicken, even though its crazy messy to eat. At lunch time, I miss it so much, I grab a small taste of it through the Thai style wing appetizer. My mom loved the pottsroast sandwich. For lighter fare I'd go with their ham and apple sandwich or one of their scrumptious salads! Make sure you have room for dessert though, they have several mouth-watering options and you'll be sad if you didn't! The only negatives is that the atmosphere can be extremely boisterous at times, but it is a brewery :-P Also, I have ordered the icecream (usually fantastic) and it was frost biten and poor.

    (4)

  • Myki R.

    This is a must try... If you are driving down through the state of Illinois and on south 355, get off the highway for a quick trip to this establishment. The chef is inventive and talented. Many favorites on this menu! This restaurant is a great example: farming and fresh ingredients equal an exceptional outcome!!!

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    This is one of my favorite places to go to in town. Classy, great food, awesome beers, and not expensive. Try the deep fried bacon! It's pure heaven on a plate!

    (4)

  • Veronica M.

    Destihl is one of my favorite restaurant when we are wanting a non-chain. The food is usually very good and unique. The beer battered asparagus (MONSTER SIZE asparagus) is fantastic. The only reason it's not 5 stars is I've had hits an misses with the food on occasion, usually either being too bland, or too seasoned, but nothing that has ruined a meal. I really like the layout of the restaurant, it's spacious and not too loud. It's nice for a family as well.

    (4)

  • Judy L.

    Destihl does not have birthday candles or do a special birthday dessert or comp a birthday dessert of your choosing. Destihl's only downfall is that they do not celebrate birthdays at all. It's hard to stay mad though when they serve fun named beers in 4oz portions ranging between $1.00 to $2.50! Of the 4 that I tried, I really loved Rye-PA (rye/ipa), Normal Blonde and Bar Sinister. The cartoon t-shirts for these awesomely named beers are seriously the cutest! The food is excellent and at lunch they have a you pick two type combo (soup, salad or 1/2 sandwich). If you are looking for a beer/cheddar soup that is thicker (fondue like consistency), this is not the soup for you. It really is a soup. Dipped my wheatberry bread sandwich in there...yum, yum! They make this delicious bread in house! If you only have room left for 1 dessert, don't miss the pecan pie! It is a hand-made individual pie. Crust and filling is just right. Crispy, buttery and gooey.

    (4)

  • Bob B.

    Started out with their Redbird Ale. Very disappointed, none of the roasted malty flavor you usually get with a Red Ale, instead just an overwhelming taste of hops, almost to the IPA area of bitterness. I don't know where this trend of over hopping everything started, but someone needs to stop it. This beer alone will keep me from going back. For an appetizer I tried the Brussel Sprouts and Bacon, something pretty easy to make, but they goofed it up. Just the salt from the bacon was enough for the dish, but they added more. Also, if you are going to add onions into something like this, don't put them in at the beginning. They weren't caramelized, they were burnt, and the flavor of that took over everything but the saltiness. Finally, the pepperoni pizza spent a bit too much time in the oven. The cheeze was toasted by the time it came out, and was told that's how brick oven pizza's come out because of the heat. No, it isn't. That's how they come out when the kitchen doesn't pay attention to them. Servers were nice, service was prompt, prices were reasonable, which is the only reason it got 2 stars not 1.

    (2)

  • Jennifer B.

    We are new to the area and have been looking for good reataurants. I've come here 5 times with varying results. The asparagus appetizer is awesome... it is great every time, although I think it would be better if they peeled the stocks, cut off the bottom, or used slightly skinnier stalks as some times the bottom is too fibrous. The best thing ever is the fish and chips. It is as a large portion - my daughter and I share it. The banana pie is also awesome. The mac and cheese appetizer is good, but very cheesy and heavy. The first time I had the pot roast it was terrific.. tender, pretty lean, the sauce was rich and flavorful , and the vegetables practically melted in your mouth... I couldn't wait to try it again.. unfortunatly it was fatty when they first brought it out. I sent it back and when it came back out it still was not as remembered.. The sauce was odd and watery.. they were very nice anout it.. they took it back and gave us a free dessert... over all a great place but needs some consistency...

    (4)

  • DeAnne P.

    Good drinks. Food is ok. Really like their pretzels. Service can be slow and forgettful.

    (3)

  • John A.

    We just had an early dinner here today. Conor was our waiter and he was fantastic. Genuinely knew everything about the menu both for food and beer. As a restaurant manager myself, I was thoroughly impressed. I had the Thai fried chicken which had a great flavor and was cooked to perfection. My girlfriend had the green chili Mac and cheese which was also very good. As an appetizer we had the beer battered bacon, which when you don't think about how unhealthy it probably is, was just as awesome as it sounds. Beers were also very good and reasonably priced.

    (5)

  • Geoff E.

    This is CLEARLY the place to go in the area. Went with a larger group for a business dinner. For starters, I'm a self-admitting beer snob & am often disappointed with "brewery" beer selections, so I got a 4-oz flight of 4 different samples. Loved them all, especially the Weissenheimer hefeweizen. Soup was AMAZING -- chicken & corn chowder...seasoned beautifully. The appetizers were solid...cheese curds just good but OMG on the tempura fried asparagus...that's a must-try! I decided to go ahead & get the "Trifecta of unhealthy" with the beer-battered bacon & egg burger -- personally I love fried egg on a burger, but now picture it with bacon. And not just any bacon...beer-battered, deep fried bacon. That's right, it tasted as magical as it sounds. Others at the table took pictures of my dinner if that gives you an idea of how formidable a burger it was, scrumptious & unnecessary from my heart's perspective. A neighbor had the Thai chicken & was raving about it. I also had a bite of the Fish & Chips and it was delicious too, so that's 3-for-3 on entrees & combined with the beer & service = 5 stars in my opinion. For a large group, service was fast & friendly, which is to say it was not overly memorable....just the way it should be for a big table. Can't wait to try something new next time!

    (5)

  • Camon B.

    Hubby and I stopped in at this restaurant last night while in Normal for a conference. We were seated right away at 7:30 PM on a Sunday night (thrilled; we were sure we'd have a wait). We had the Reuben Eggrolls as our appetizer and they were FABULOUS. He ordered the Thai Pizza and it was a delicious blend of flavors, but the ratio of bread to meat/toppings was not to his liking. He was still a little hungry after eating the whole thing. I ordered the Dijon Chicken, but didn't have high expectations as it was chosen specifically since I'm watching calories. I expected bland grilled chicken and veggies but it was moist, flavorful, and delicious. We didn't order beer or desserts, although there were several options of both that I would have liked to try. Our waiter was a bit inattentive, bored, dull, but we found the rest of the staff to be pretty great (passing-by staff took all the empty plates, provided refills, and checked on us, which I felt should have been our waiter's responsibility). The manager stopped by twice and we appreciated his checking on us. We're going back tonight to try more of the interesting, extensive menu.

    (4)

  • Janis B.

    This is my new favorite for the Bloomington-Normal area. The food, service, and atmosphere was excellent. I actually took a picture of the chicken corn chowder in hopes that my husband could recreate at least something similar to it. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. Just soup and a sandwich and I was SO impressed! It was fun to go somewhere outside of our usual list of chain restaurants and experience something really unique and fun. I'm not a beer drinker, so I can't comment on that, but it's great place for non-beer drinkers too. I saw diners of all ages, including young families who seemed quite happy. I'll be back whenever I'm in town!

    (5)

  • Brent C.

    Beer has improved since my first couple of visits years ago. Really good oatmeal stout. The bacon wrapped dates were fantastic. Fish tacos were pretty good. The beer geek in me would love this place to be a little more laid back and staff demonstrate more passion in the food and beer.

    (4)

  • Oscar A.

    Hello Normal Illinois. I relied on yelp for good eats and it lead me to this place. I concur this is probably the best place to eat around here, but how should I know I don't live or eat out here. Here's what a guy like me recommends when you're here: 1) have a beer don't be an ass. 2) Beer battered asparagus- it's tough to turn asparagus into something good. It makes you pee really yellow too. 3) another appetizer- shrimp ceviche and lamb meatballs. 4) I had the poblano peppers- pretty decent. Don't order pasta, there's nothing exciting about it. 5) repeat step one -you're at a micro brew house genius. No dessert for me. Portions are generous. I am detracting a star because it's ridiculously hot in here and I think the AC is broken.

    (4)

  • Pat M.

    We had a wonderful dining experience. There was four in our party, each had a different fish and remark on how wonderful it was. I had the Salmon and potatoes, I rould go back today and order it again. Only complaint, check the pagers, we made reservations a month earlier figuring we would get right in. We waited over 30 minutes and we went up to the desk as everyone was being seated but us, our pager wasn't working. They should check them more often to make sure they are working properly. They could have given us a free drink or appetizer for the inconvenience . But we had a lovely evening.

    (4)

  • Derek S.

    We had a great experience with the staff and our meals were delicious. We had two of the features for the evening and were very satisfied with them.

    (5)

  • Gretchen J.

    The craft beer is excellent as well as the food. We ordered the flatbread pizza and fish tacos but that was after agonizing over many great options. Be sure to leave room for banana creme pie! It is made it order and worth every calorie. Can't wait to visit next time we are in the area.

    (5)

  • Dakota H.

    This time coming to Destihl (probably my 5th or so time) they really did a great job. My fiance and I ordered the pretzels to start off, and man oh man were they good pretzels. I know, pretzels sound like a weird thing to get at a restaurant but I was really satisfied with them. I ordered the jumbalaya for my entree and it was good, too. Not my favorite dish ever but definitely well done in my opinion. She got the steak salad and really loved it. This was the second or third time we had the server we had. On first impression he seems a little bit strange but once you warm up to him I really liked the guy. We didn't get dessert this time but the Banana Cream Pie is really amazing (we've had it before). Overall, service was excellent. Timing was perfect. The ice tea is killer. The atmosphere is nice. Destihl is one of my favorite dinner places in town.

    (5)

  • Tim R.

    This place is great and the food is better than most brew pubs that I've been to. A really nice perk is that you can order 4 oz. samplers of all their beers and work your way through. My personal favorite was the Hefe. I also highly recommend the chorizo stuffed dates that are wrapped in jalapeño bacon that surely pack a punch! The service was top notch. We will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Colleen F.

    I cannot put into word how fantastic the beer is here. The flavor on each one I tried is unique and smooth. The cheese curds are some of the best I've had. I look forward to researching this place to see if I can purchase the beer for at home.

    (5)

  • Jodi H.

    Service was a little on the slow side, but the food was delicious. The gluten free cherry beer, on the other hand, was beyond gross. The other beers I sampled were pretty good. Definitely recommend as a good casual lunch/dinner spot.

    (4)

  • Taylor A.

    This is a hard review for me to write because while I love the food I've had here, I'm almost never enamored with the beers they brew. I've tried many of the 4 oz samples and rarely find but a few that have great flavor or are interesting. I do love the fact that their smaller sample beers (4 oz) are 1/4 the size but also 1/4 the price of the pints. Makes it easy to sample a bunch of beers. The salmon potato salad is a rockstar and this is coming from someone who doesn't eat salads often. The wings are great as well. Crispy but with great flavor (blows BWW out of the water). The deviled eggs and bacon/brussels sprout dishes were also standouts. The menu is large and it really all over the map, which means anyone you take here will find something they like. Love the food, but just wish their beers were of higher caliber.

    (3)

  • James S.

    Come here if you want good food in Blo-No. I have not been disappointed with any dish here. Notably, their chorizo stuffed dates are something from what I imagine heaven is that is comprised of the best foods from across the world. Your life is not complete without trying these. Next, the fish and chips is reminiscent of England. The lemon tarter and malt vinegar are rendered useless by the beautiful golden brown batter. Finally, the Thai pork pizza is the very best pizza in the area. It has the perfect mix of spicy and sugar.

    (5)

  • Douglas L.

    Always great atmosphere! Table server on NYE was the best ever. She brought me a sample of the featured soup before I decided what to order. I had my favorite foods at Destihl. Bacon wrapped chorizo dates, tomato couscous soup, and my entre was jambalaya. I found out the restaurant changed the sausage in the jambalaya and I hope they change it again. I found the sausage lacked flavor and the skin was a little tough. But I ate everything! I'll be back often.

    (5)

  • admandano r.

    Always nice to walk from your hotel after a long day of travel to a unique atmosphere. Food ok, IPA ok, service ok. Waiting to pay your bill not ok.,,

    (2)

  • Zach N.

    I don't know how I haven't written a review about Destihl before. Here goes: Last time I went, it was for a date night with the girlfriend. We wanted to sit on the patio, and there was a 30 minute wait. Unfortunate, but we decided to wait at the bar. We ordered the Ancho Chips and Dip and a couple cocktails. I order the Pisco Mojito, but they were out of pisco, so I settled for a New Fashioned. It was alright... very fruity towards the end, given that there were large pieces of strawberries and oranges in it. My girlfriend got the Sangria Blanco and enjoyed it. I had a sip and it was excellent. For food, we ordered from opposite ends of the spectrum. I got the Thai Fried Chicken. She got a Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza. Holy moly, that chicken was delicious. It was so crispy and the meat was juicy and flavorful. The skin was excellent due to the sweet chili vinaigrette that caramelized onto the skin. The coconut lime rice made a decent bed for the chicken, but it seemed to be a bit of an afterthought. Maybe it just didn't shine because the chicken was so good. Either way, the dish was delicious. My girlfriend got the pizza. I didn't realize they had a stone oven, but they do, and they know how to use it. Her pizza was crispy, not over-topped, and seriously excellent. It was so good that I'm definitely getting a pizza next time I go. All in all, our experience was awesome. I don't know why I don't go to Destihl more, as it's definitely one of the better restaurants in Bloomington-Normal. I'll have to make it a regular stop.

    (4)

  • Lauren C.

    Holy crizzap, this place is good. I've been here a few times whenever I come back to Illinois to visit family. Since my sister attended ISU, we would go here occasionally. This place has a feeling of a chain, but has simply put, amazing food and a GREAT selection of drinks. Definitely a big Austin, Texas Gastropub feel to me, which I love. I could eat the entire appetizer for menu and be satisfied. My favorites are the beer battered asparagus and the stone oven pretzels. The accompanying sauces make me want to lick the platters clean. I've had several sandwiches, burgers, and other entrees here that were excellent. The only thing I remember not liking was the beer and cheddar soup. It sounded amazing, but the taste was not quite right. Didn't taste especially cheesy and lacked a good beer flavor. Maybe it was just off that night? I'm not a big beer drinker (prefer mixed drinks or wine), but I have had some excellent craft beers here. The beer samples they do are great! This place really holds its own and will be around for awhile.

    (5)

  • Bill B.

    Was very disappointed in the restaurant this past weekend. My youngest son ordered spaghetti to carb load for his swim meet. The cook proceeded to ruin the dish twice. How do you ruin spaghetti, twice? It is one of the easiest things to make. The excuse was that he had put it in the microwave to cook it thoroughly. WHAT??? With such a bad experience my son ended up not eating anything. The management didn't even step up to try and make things right. I would not recommend this location for people with children.

    (1)

  • Joel V.

    Great food, awesome craft beers! Try the desserts! Great place to have dinner or lunch if your near Bloomington, IL.

    (5)

  • Colleen M.

    Destihl is one of the best restaurants I have tried in Central Illinois so far. I have also been the Champaign location and both locations have excellent food and service. On my last visit I had the bacon cheeseburger. If you're on a diet, you might want to steer clear of this place, but it's a great place for an indulgent cheat meal. Everything I've had here has been really good and flavorful. No matter what you order, you won't go home hungry. I wish they had the fried egg BLT as an option for dinner. I have had that for lunch and it was amazing!

    (5)

  • Mike N.

    My favorite restaurant in town. Great for dinner or lunch. Exceptional craft beers and tapas menu at dinner. Favorite lunch is Ahi Tuna Salad with Beer battered asparagus appetizer. Pick any beer on the board. I do like their cask ales and IPA's. For dinner we normally order several small plates or split a ancho chicken salad and order the beer battered asparagus. They have very good martinis too!

    (5)

  • Kristin C.

    We love the food & atmosphere at Destihl. In fact we went out of our way to eat lunch there yesterday. It's one of the places we miss most now that we don't live near Bloomington-Normal. We have always had great food & great service. My husband loves their beer & the selection of microbrews they offer.

    (5)

  • Noel W.

    Never disappointed here, changing unique beers, a menu that is never allowed to go stake, with friendly staff. My favorite B/N restaurant.

    (5)

  • Zach J.

    Well I went to ISU years ago and this place along with many other places did not exist. I was shocked to hear a gastro pub was built in Normal. When visiting I had to give it a try. I started off with the beer and cheese soup which was excellent except for the fact it was a little thin. I ordered the burger with the fried bacon on it and egg. I ordered the burger medium rare, I got medium so it was a little too dry for me. The fried bacon was a piece of heaven! The egg in there was overcooked, I should have bit into it and liquid yoke should have poured everywhere which it did not. There was a subtle tomato jam that gave it a nice kick. The fries were really good. For a restaurant in Normal this was really good for standards out there, in Chicagoland I would have given 3 stars due to over cooked parts of this burger, but for Bloomington/Normal it was a cut above!

    (4)

  • Brian B.

    We were in town for the holidays and wanted to meet up with a friend and chose this place on a recommendation. I was fun to learn that Normal had caught the brewing bug. Being from Portland where good beer flows on every corner I was prepared to be harsh on their beers (snobby if you will) but I was pleasantly surprised. I had three different beers and all were quite tasty. The atmosphere was pleasant and the service staff was top notch. The food was good and served fast and hot. I'm not in Normal often but when I return I'll visit Destihl again.

    (4)

  • Katie B.

    One of my favorite places. The food is amazing and there is always a creative special. I love the bread pudding in every flavor. Their drink menu is fantastic in addition to house made beers. Great place for a celebration of nice dinner out.

    (5)

  • Ryan K.

    Not a bad place to eat. Don't get the po'boy sandwich it tasted more like a coleslaw sandwich. But I had the asparagus appetizer and the pumpkin bread pudding. Both were very good!

    (3)

  • Anon Y.

    The food is upscale American, with almost $10 hamburgers and wood-fire pizzas, or more expensive ($15-$23) entrees. Overall the entrees are worth it, although I find going for lunch a bit of a better value. The margherita style pizza is excellent. You can make a meal of appetizers like the stone oven pretzels, potato croquettes, or cheese curds if you just want to sample some of the beers. Most of the year-round available beers are not my favorite, but they always have at least one seasonal or limited run beer that is really good. If you don't want to get a flight to figure out what you want you can still get a 4 oz serving for around $1.50 for most beers.

    (4)

  • Kelly S.

    We visited again this past Saturday for lunch. We haven't been here in a loooong time. The beers were much better than I remember. I'm guessing they are maturing in their beer brewing expertise. They also had a much larger selection of craft drafts - like around 12 or so vs. 3 or 4 last time. For food, I opted for the shimp and pesto pizza - adored it! My boyfriend got the cuban sandwich and while it was very tasty, the bottom bun was soggy and the fries that came with it were a little chewy. Like they were sitting around for too long. Not a fan of the fries at all.

    (4)

  • Alberto D.

    Excellent meals, beer, and service...as usual. We had a large group for a birthday party. They took care of us very well. We ordered lamb&buffalo burgers, the pork 2-way (ribs, slaw, and pulled pork on one plate), while others had various salad and pizzas. Everything was prepared perfectly. Our server, Ryan, was very well versed in the beers (all brewed on site, all good, none great) and in the menu. He offered great suggestions on pairings of beer and wine with the meals. If you're traveling or live in BloNo, head here for the best place in town.

    (4)

  • Mindy H.

    I'm new in town and this was the one place EVERYONE told me to check out. The service was excellent from the moment we walked in and out server made us feel special. He made some great beer suggestions and helped us pick an awesome appetizer to match. Both of our dinners were delicious as well! In honor of being new in town he brought us some samples of the sour beer they have on tap for us to try which was really unique and awesome. Ill def be back!

    (5)

  • Chuck S.

    First, beer. Over two evenings, did samplers on all beers. All were average to below ( have done online reviews for over 1400 beers, kinda know beer). They were "butterbombs" in other words, full of diacetyl... Food... First night, an Aussie Waygu burger. Cooked perfect, decent burg. Second night, beer batter bacon ..awesome, and stone oven pizza, which was horrible. Soft, gooey, obvious frozen crust, scant toppings. Service.. Very good, friendly folks. C'mon, brewmaster, step h game up...

    (3)

  • Brian Z.

    Sitting here now, mt first visit, eating the sausage and date pizza on recommendation of my server. My first two peices were over loaded with sausage but not one date. I pick one off another piece to try it. Flavor of the combination of roasted garlic and fennel and dates is great pairing of flavors. But with such few slivers of date it was a bit of disappointment. I also noticed most of the sausage is fine but a few chunks were cold like the just out of a cold table. But only a few. I do wish there was less sauage on it and more dates to balance the flavors. I asked the server for some more dates and he came back from asking the kitchen and said that kitchen staff would not give me more "because they are pre-portioned". I would not accept so he went back to the kitchen or a manager and a few minutes later a manager brought some and apologized. Thanks for that. Unfortunately, you only have one time to make a first impression. They missed the opportunity to impress but much appreciated that the manager tried to help. I would still go back. Next time the thai fried chicken is what I will try.

    (3)

  • Jeremy M.

    Destihl is like that hip young hangout. Head there for the multitude of beer on tap. The food is very eclectic, but just mediocre on taste. Stay away from this place on the weekends. Very lengthy lines.

    (3)

  • Dee R.

    Food terrific! Burger cooked perfectly. Excellent excellent service, knowledgable waitstaff. Beautiful patio to enjoy a lovely day.

    (5)

  • Ellen B.

    Just had a great lunch with my sisters @ Destihl. Excellent food and service, priced reasonably. I had their Steak Thai chopped salad. The steak was a perfect medium rare; the chopped salad was dressed with a light peppery dressing that was perfect with the greens and meat. My sisters had the Cuban sandwich w/ fries and the jambalaya with corn muffin. Needless to say we all enjoyed our meals. We split a slice of chocolate cake to celebrate my sisters birthday, it was sublime chocolatey goodness.

    (4)

  • Darrell S.

    I like to sit in the bar area for lunch and even dinner here but all of the seating is nice and modern decor. Always love the different appetizers beer battered asparugus, beer battered bacon, shrimp ceviche, rueben egg rolls, potato croquettes are some of my favorites. In addition to their daily specials my favorite entrees are Strawberry goat cheese salad, Destihl Meatloaf, Cedar plank salmon, and fish tacos. All are high quality and do not disappoint. There is also a selection of craft brews done right on premise that you are sure to find one you like whether you are a hop head or an ale type.

    (4)

  • Vijay Vardhan R.

    I would say it's one of the best in Bloomington, I had lamb meat balls for appetizer and steak for entree and both were really good. Waiter was courteous and polite at all times.

    (5)

  • Alex P.

    Beer excellent. Had Thai Chicken sauce very flavorful although chicken a bit dry. Service was very good and prices reasonable , would recommend especially for the beer. I think French fries need a lot of help so I would not order any, but all of the rice dishes were very good.

    (4)

  • Jean-Charles D.

    I go there as often as I can, because there is always a new beer to taste and because it's the best restaurant in the Bloomington-Normal area (OK, maybe not the best because I don't know everything, but at least one of the three best places!) The beers are amazing. There is one for every taste: sweet, sour, hoppy, spicy... They brew classic beers but also more innovative beers. If you don't know which one to pick, ask your server, he/she will be able to help you or will bring you a sampler. And if you are still not able to choose, they offer 4oz beers so you can pick several... The food is american innovative, I would say. There is absolutely nothing to avoid on the menu (I tried almost everything...). The pulled pork ginger egg-rolls are a must-have. The beer battered asparagus need your attention as well. The pizzas are delicious, the burgers are tasty, the entrees are well cooked and nicely presented and any combo salad/sandwich is a pleasant lunch choice. The staff is friendly, helpful and patient. The restaurant is clean and well maintained. It's often crowded but the atmosphere is always great! You definitely need to go there for the beers. And you will go back for the food... And the beers!

    (5)

  • Wayne F.

    Highly recommended...the planked salmon was top notch, the Bavarian pretzel appetizer was great (and quite the serving; request light on the salt!), topped with a kolch brew...all appropriately priced...great service, and fast! We will be back again if ever near Normal.

    (5)

  • Renee C.

    Good vegetarian options and there is a lot of variety on the kids menu. We had the veggie burger, cheesy pizza and kids grilled cheese. The food was really good and reasonably priced.

    (5)

  • Jackie L.

    This place has a great atmosphere and a nice bar. I really enjoy the beer options especially the hefeweizen (hence being a brewery). The only reason why I gave it 3 stars instead of more is because I didn't like my choice of entree. I ordered the chicken with asparagus and mashed, and the chicken was too burnt/blackened? All I tasted was grill burn. I enjoy grilled chicken and blackened chicken, but this was too charred tasting. My friend ordered it too and felt the same way. HOWEVER - Next time I go, I will try the cod or the burger. Other friends got those entrees and they looked/tasted good. I will review the next time with a new entree and probably give 5 stars :)

    (3)

  • Jacob L.

    This place is the absolute best place to eat and drink in the area. Destihl's menu eagerly takes on classics, like a bacon cheeseburger, and nails more creative dishes as well. They frequently will offer unique specials as well; all of this suggests to me that they have an excellent and energized chef in charge. For me, the even bigger draw is the beer. Without exaggeration, the beer is world-class across the board. They even have the accolades to prove it. You can buy it in small sizes for $1-1.50 to try many styles, by the pint, or even have a growler filled. Even if you don't want a lot to eat, Destihl is a must to have some of their beer. Just grab some of their fried cheese as an appetizer and try out whatever they have on tap. So excited for their new brewery opening up, I hope they get some things available in bottles before long.

    (5)

  • Diane E.

    Traveling to Chicago and asked Siri for a place for lunch. Glad this was suggested! Beautiful restaurant with very friendly staff. Food was excellent! I love a good Rueben, and they had Rueben eggrolls! How creative is that?! And soooo tasty, as was the mustardy sauce they were served with. The only thing that keeps me from giving a 5 star rating is that it is a very noisy place. This made conversing with my friend, who has some hearing loss, difficult. If I lived nearby, I would eat here often!

    (4)

  • laurie f.

    I'm super happy they are in big Bloomington-Normal! As much as I loooove Chicago, it's exciting to know I don't have to drive 2-3 hours for amazing food (it's nice to keep the tax dollars in town and support local, too.) Alas, I'm not a beer drinker, but a tea drinker, so no beer reviews here. Only that my friends who are have enjoyed the selections. RE: service, based on others reviews, I've been lucky, I guess. Friendly, prompt, efficient, knowledgeable: from the hostess to the servers to the bartender. I've been here with a group of 10 from work for dinner, with a friend for dinner, and then popped in and ordered carryout for myself: late lunch, and waited at the bar (I was longing for a cheeseburger and actually went to Steak N Shake around the corner, first; went in, thought about it, walked out... I wanted something...more. Yay for the Bison Burger and amazing french fries). The BISON BURGER. I can't say enough yummy things: from the oatmeal wheat bun to the bison meat (cooked the way you like... be brave~ order rare or med-rare; due to the low fat content compared to beef, you'll get juicy, moist flavor having it cooked like that ) to the toppings (ale onions, maple smoked white cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion (I was by myself, so I kept the onion). The flavors all came together delightfully. With the french fries.... Whoa. Heavenly. I love the Bison Burger so much, I've had it 2 out of the 3 times I've been here. The other was CEDAR PLANK SALMON, which was yummy as well. I also concur with the BEER BATTERED ASPARAGUS reviews. Even if you just somewhat like asparagus, this is a delicious treat to start the meal. And it's light, just enough, not too much. Plus you're getting your veggies. Enjoy the deliciousness and be more experimental than I've been! Maybe next time I'll try the ANDOUILLE & DUCK CASSOULET or DUCK CONFIT POT PIE. And when I'm in the mood for a cheeseburger I'll try the AMERICAN KOBE or go vegetarian (gasp!) with the VEGGIE (black bean & rice burger). Mmmmm, maybe. That BISON BURGER is sooo good....

    (5)

  • Neil H.

    For a restaurant in a small town, this place has consistently excellent food that you can tell is executed by a Chef. The ribeye steak is fantastic. You can't go wrong with the pizza. And it's great just to stop in for an appetizer I recommend the pretzels with the stone ground spicy mustard.

    (5)

  • Aletta J.

    Had a girl's weekend and ended up here for dinner after shopping and hanging out. 3 burgers, fish n chips and shrimp pasta later all were satisfied. The best were the 4oz glasses to sample beers in an inexpensive way.

    (4)

  • Eric D.

    The food was ok. the beer was barely ok. the stout was thin. The Cal Common was decent. The worst part was the menu's, smelled like old dirty rag!! I find that Granite City is better??? Crazy I know. Keep trying guys. With that many people on staff you would think they could clean menu's with a clean rag??? Service was good at least.

    (2)

  • Valarie F.

    We had a party of 7 so we made a reservation for Saturday night. My 13 year old niece has multiple food allergies and our server was very attentive and helpful in making sure her meal was safe but not bland/boring. I shared a house salad with my brother-in-law and the server brought it on 2 plates without us even asking him to. Everyone loved their food. My steak was cooked perfectly. Our waiter checked on us multiple times throughout the meal, refilled our drinks, bused our table, etc. I was beyond pleased with the entire experience.

    (5)

  • Kevin B.

    I had a group of 10 with me without reservations when we showed up. While waiting in the bar I talked to our server about how to split up the bill and all. To my great surprize the staff/manager was able to get us into our own room and keep the same server we had in the bar. The service was great and everyone was very pleased with their food. Good job Destihl!

    (4)

  • Chen V.

    The food and beers were great - we knew that going in. However the service was terrific and that made all the difference. The waiter was very attentive, When we told the waiter a couple of us were sharing an entree, it was brought to us already divided in separate plates. Questions were answered patiently. Leftovers were bagged well in decent to-go containers. The service made all the difference. We will be back.

    (4)

  • Dewey G.

    Food is very good but I wouldn't say excellent. The beer battered bacon is killer! Plan to work off these calories. Nice environment. A must visit.

    (4)

  • James R.

    My sister lived in Bloomington for 15 years and never told me about Destihl. It wasn't until I went to The Great Taste of the Midwest that I had my first exposure to them and their fantastic sour beers! Unfortunately my sister moved out of state right after I discovered Destihl, so now she gives me grief for making the drive since I barely visited her when she lived in the area. Destihl is located in a strip mall complex. It's kind of behind the rest of the strip mall. Both of my GPS systems had it misplaced, so keep an eye out when you go searching for it. I'm a beer guy, not a foodie. I can say that Destihl has made some great beers that I thoroughly enjoy. On my visit this weekend I was really hoping to get one of their sours, unfortunately they were out. If you are going to stop by Destihl, you must try a sour if they have one on tap. That being said I tried 7 of their other beers. Not one of them disappointed me. In fact I didn't find one I didn't like. I ended up buying four growlers to take home with me to share with friends. Yea, guys back home you are welcome! I'd make the trip to visit Destihl just for the beer. If you like Hefeweizens, they have a great one! But wait! There's more! Apparently besides being a great brewery, Destihl is also a Gastropub. Again, I'm not a foodie, but I know what I like and my meal there was fantastic! I had the pots sandwich. It is an open face pot roast sandwich with a side of mashed potatoes. Great flavor! I really loved it. My wife had their special chipotle chicken sandwich that was very delicious as well. For desert she ordered the pumpkin bread pudding and I think she had a flavorgasm. She couldn't stop raving about it. She let me try some and I thought it was really good myself, except I was more concerned with the beer. The atmosphere was very nice. Behind the bar you could see the boilers and fermenters behind a glass partition. This was a nicer place than most brewpubs I've visited. They seem to be a place that wants to be a nice respectable restaurant but also churn out beer for the everyday guy, not just beer snobs. I could picture local factory workers sitting next to Lawyers at the bar enjoy a meal and a beer. Our service was fantastic. I never had an issue and Kayla was extremely helpful, even if she wouldn't tap a keg of the sour for me. She was quick, attentive and answered my questions. Even if I wanted to find something wrong with the service, I couldn't. If you are in the area, stop in. If you are looking for a good beer, stop in. If you want to try something new, stop in!

    (5)

  • Len L.

    "Regular" beer is boring but hand-crafted beer - I don't know if I can ever get bored of "special" beer. They have a large variety of hand-crafted beer and what's good of this place is that they incorporate their own beer into the food. One of my favorite appetizers are the "Thai Style Chicken Wings" - beer-brined wings with spicy thai sauce and the beer-battered asparagus, lightly beer battered aparagus with a touch of maple chipotle sauce - Delicious, almost a meal of itself. We ordered a few entries from beer-braised ribs to their prosciutto wrapped meatloaf. The entire meal was a joy to eat and drink and the service was spectacular. They came by every chance they got to see how everything was and wasn't. There were not too many things that we did not enjoy, the entire meal was a blast and so was the beer.

    (4)

  • Ray B.

    Busy on Wednesday night! Nice (ambitious) beer listing; tried the beer batter bacon- surprised at the nice amount that came with the serving.

    (4)

  • Glenn H.

    Was in town for my daughter's Pom's Team Competition. This restaurant was located across the parking lot from where her team was staying. We went for a late lunch and had an amazing experience. Wait staff was friendly, professional and knowledgeable, We had the Beer battered bacon as an appetizer (simply because we had to) and then my wife and I each had the 1/2 sandwich , 1/2 salad lunch combo. We enjoy trying new and different things so our orders often become a contest as to who can order the best item on the menu, She had the Cuban Pork sandwich with the shredded brussel sprout salad, I had the Chicken Havarti sandwich and the Not quite Greek salad. A tie was declared and we were both quite pleased and surprised at the quality and interest the dishes provided. My wife noticed they served breakfast and we agreed that this would be worth the return trip the next day... it was. Again great wait staff, , professional knowledgeable and pleasant. Food was again interesting and phenomenal. Baked Egg Skillet and a ham/egg sandwich with a jalapeno maple kick to it... also tried a small Sour cherry beer..Its nice to be unexpectedly vowed...especially in a college town... especially on a "poms weekend"... I wish they would open up close to me, they would certainly give a solid run to the local restaurants here.... I know a building...if they are interested...

    (5)

  • Cristie F.

    I'm seriously angry that there is not a Destihl in the Chicago area. Who knew that on a quick biz trip down to Bloomington-Normal that I would stumble upon a gem that served craft beer and Artisan eats. Since I was with a group of co-workers, I chose not to partake in boozing. As a light weight with an early wake-up call, I chose to not have a raging hangover or make an ass out of myself. Needless to say, aside from my one glass of white wine, I didn't drink The food was fantastic. I was pleasantly surprised. Considering we were far from the Chicagoland area (and in the middle of nowhere - well, for a Chicagoan) I didn't expect to encounter a contemporary and trendy foodie find like this. Our group of 4 ordered a variety of appetizers. All were a major hit. + CHILI-LIME PEANUTS dry-roasted peanuts, spicy chili-lime seasoning, chili-salted lime wedge + SHRIMP CEVICHE shrimp, cilantro, lime, red onion, jalapeño, avocado mousse, corn tortilla chips + STONE OVEN PRETZELS two pretzels, smoked ipa mustard sauce, cheddar cheese sauce + BEER-BATTERED BACON hefeweizen-battered jalapeño bacon, maple chipotle sauce + HOUSE OLIVES marinated olive medley, feta, chili flakes, grilled baguette bread + PROSCIUTTO & CHEESE FLATBREAD roma tomatoes, prosciutto, ale onions, asiago, extra virgin olive oil, watercress, mozzarella + BEER-BATTERED ASPARAGUS hefeweizen-battered asparagus, maple chipotle sauce, grilled lemon By far, the beer battered bacon was the best. I wanted to be a complete slob and place another order to go. However, I restrained myself and kept my glutinous thoughts to myself. The service was top notch. Our waitress was extremely friendly and didn't seem bothered by our indecision on our order, or 4 million questions about the menu. The food came out quickly and the ingredients were very fresh. The biggest buzzkill about Destihl is that there isn't a location in the Chicago area. Boo. We need one up here - stat.

    (5)

  • T J.

    This is what Chili's or Friday's should be. Menu has a little bit of everything and everything is done well. The various plates I have tried have all been good. Everything tasted fresh and had a good combination of flavors. They are trying to be a step above the chain places and succeeding. Waitstaff seems just a little more attentive and professional, atmosphere is nicer than a normal chain too. My favorite item so far has been the Kobe Burger, mainly due to the espresso bbq sauce they serve with it. (though it is a pet peeve of mine to call something Kobe. This isn't Japan and Wagyu isn't actually Kobe Beef) Brunch on the weekends is also really good.

    (4)

  • Wayne` B.

    GREAT GREAT GREAT beer battered deep fried jalapeno cheese and meat dish restaurant. Perfect place to grab a meal and catch up with the guys. Their microbrews are decent, but their food is phenomenal! One of my personal favorites in town. Food: 10/10 Service: 8/10 Environment: 7/10 Price: $$-$$$

    (5)

  • Nicole A.

    Wish more places existed like this. Destihl focuses on the experience of food and flavor. The waiter provided great recommendations and knowledge about the food and the micro brews. The "sour" micro brew was really different with the flavor of sour and a bit of whiskey. The potato appetizer was delicious, such a layering of flavor. Soup and salad were fresh and good. My husband wasn't very fond of his burger, though the waiter did sway him against it. So, if you listen to the waiter, you will have a tasty food and beverage experience. I want to drive back to Bloomington...from Milwaukee!

    (4)

  • Cindy V.

    I'm not from this area, so am relatively unsure of the competition for dining dollars in the market. I will say though that the food we had (party of 5, and we tried a ton of different offerings) was all very good. The standouts for me were the beer battered bacon and the banana cream pie, I will find a way to go back just for those two! Unfortunately, this restaurant is only getting a 3 star review from me because the service was to the point of almost unbearably slow. The restaurant didn't seem to be overly busy, and our server didn't seem to be trying to manage too many tables; so I am really not sure what the problem was. There was a 30 minute wait between clearing the dessert dishes and bringing the check. Very frustrating. Just wanted to warn the masses!

    (3)

  • Eric Y.

    This review is based on a limited selection of items. They have a nice selection of house made brews on tap, probably around 10. These can be ordered in the 4 oz, 12 oz, or 20 oz size, or taken home in growlers or mini-kegs. The 4 oz size is perfect for creating your own flight. I tried a red ale, a Weiss beer, a stout, and an imperial-cherry stout. I found the beers decent - though a few were unappetizingly tart, especially the cherry stout and the red ale. Food-wise, I only sampled two items - the beer-battered aspragagus and the duck rillettes. The asparagus is delicious - it's like tempura on steroids. The duck rillettes suffered from not enough duck and not enough seasoning. The rest of the menu looks pretty good - I'd definitely go back for a real meal if I was in the area.

    (3)

  • Lauren W.

    I have only been here once, and that was about two years ago. My infrequency can be accounted for by being a student and being a student. It's quite expensive for my normal taste, but my dad and I went here when he came down to visit. The other part is that I don't often have the time to eat out due to my busy schedule. Either way, I enjoyed this restaurant, but I would go more often if I had more time and money. Their microbrewery was amazing according to my dad, who had tried their seasonal "Redbird" brew. He was even able to pinpoint the some of the exact flavors in the beer. The food was delicious, as I saw they had ceviche and ordered it in a heartbeat. I forget what my dad ordered; however, he was very impressed by the overall environment, service, and quality.

    (4)

  • Chris N.

    Destihll is absolutely amazing! From the minute you walk in, you'll feel that you're not even in the Bloomington-Normal area. The space is open and spacious, and you can tell the owners did a wonderful job with research in terms of designing the space and menu. We were seated around 11:30am (Sunday), just before the place was hit with a lunch rush. Our server, Nick B. was fantastic and deserves lots of kudos...make sure to ask for his section, and then, tip him very well! He was friendly, knowledgeable and gave us all an opportunity to take our time with deciding what we wanted to order. The menu is extensive, and offers a little bit of something for everyone. We started off the with the beer-battered asparagus (moist, crisp and lightly coated), which has to be one of their signature items! You'll love this appetizer, even if you're not a fan of asparagus itself. In addition to the asparagus, I also started off with the Roasted Corn and Chicken Chowder. Wow! This soup truly had substance - tender chunks of chicken, and endless amounts of corn. Sometimes, you go to a restaurant, and the soup is all broth. This was not the case at Destihl, and thank goodness for that! Since we were there on a weekend, I ordered off the special brunch menu, and had the Huevos Ranchero Stack. There was a nice kick to it, and the eggs were cooked perfectly! If I lived in Bloomington-Normal, I would hit this place up every week! If you're a fan of beers, this place also brews their own and you should check it out. Also, make sure to try the Spicy Bloody Mary! It's great!

    (5)

  • Tristan B.

    Sadly I have to drop Destihl a star. The lost star is unrelated to the beer selection. The beer remains amazing. The food on the other hand has gone slightly down hill. Last night the food was excellent. A couple weeks ago my father described the ribs as worse than microwave ribs. The menu is smaller, some things were removed, a couple things were added. Of note their is a new beer battered dish: beer battered tuna. I don't eat fish, but if I did beer battered tuna would be my fish of choice.

    (4)

  • Sampad D.

    nice ambiance. recommended: thai fried chicken shrimp & asian noodles bit on costly side

    (4)

  • Laura K.

    Destihl is awesome because: their beer-battered asparagus, amazing selection of good beers, it is relatively inexpensive, great service, and the stuffed poblano peppers. Definitely my favorite restaurant in B-N.

    (5)

  • Alex K.

    I had heard a lot about Destihl from a friend who had been in Bloomington a couple of months ago, so it was on my "hit" list! First impressions as I walked in the door? You could drop this restaurant in Scottsdale and it would fit right in (hint...hint). But that's not a bad thing in any way. It's upscale, it's modern, and thought has been put into the design to make it interesting. I was driving so I only had one beer...the Marzen. It was good if a little fruity for me. My friends thought it was frou frou, but I liked it! Had to order the deep fried bacon as an app. I loved it! My friends thought that it was a little salty. See where this is going? Ha. For our entrees we had the American Kobe burger (me), the fried fish and the prosciutto wrapped meatloaf. The burger was cooked right and the barbeque sauce complimented it nicely. What was weird about the sauce is that I didn't like it much alone...but on the burger? Fabulous! :) Comments about the other entrees: the meatloaf was a small portion, and she wouldn't share so I am assuming it was good. The beer battered fish and chips? Amazing. Big portion and I would probably get it I lived in town! We ordered the carrot cake for dessert. Great cake, but huge piece so make sure that you have friends to help you eat it! All in all...a solid restaurant that I enjoyed the heck out of! Go there!

    (4)

  • Michael D.

    A bevy of eight actors, including myself, passed through Normal, IL. We asked the locals where to eat, and they pointed us in the right direction. We all left extremely satisfied. The micro-brewed beer was amazing. There were darks, IPAs, Pilsners, and a delicious Lamkin! And the staff was more than happy to supply us with free samples of each. To eat, I ordered a rich, zesty tomato soup and for the main course, the Chicken and Pesto Pasta - very satisfied. To top the meal off I shared a pound of their Chocolate cake with one of my cast mates. p.s. A few of the cast mates ordered various soups and could not stop slurping it down so they ordered more!

    (5)

  • Michael H.

    My favorite restaurant in Bloomington/Normal!

    (5)

  • Rebecca K.

    First, I have to laugh and agree with the person who commented on the bathrooms. They are really, really nice bathrooms. The decor here is impeccable. Bottom line? The food is good, and you should probably eat here. Everything I've had after my first visit shortly after opening has been very good. (First visit was the grilled stuffed pasta, which at the time was not enough food and about six times too much oil - maybe it's changed.) The beer battered asparagus, beer battered tuna, and cheese curds are awesome options for appetizers. The strawberry and goat cheese salad was excellent, as was their American Kobe burger. The menu is huge and definitely ambitious, and one that large should definitely have more vegetarian options, but as I said, almost everything I've had has been good. Many of the beers Destihl makes aren't much to my taste since I don't like lagers or bitter beers. Their Hefeweizen, however, is awesome, and I get it every time. In particular, I like to get it on Sundays, when pints of the house beers are currently $2. A great deal! The food is good, though less good if you're a vegetarian, and the prices could be a bit lower, the beer is great (especially on Sundays!), and it's a really beautiful restaurant. Give it a try! Let me know if the grilled stuffed pasta still sucks. [Edit: Shortly after I wrote this, the Sunday deal switched to two dollars off all their beers. Still a good deal, and lets you explore more of their beer menu at a discount. Woot!]

    (4)

  • Derek N.

    Not bad, not great. What is going for it is the selection of beers. Traveling to the mid-west often leaves me few choices on micro or craft beers. I will always support a restaurant that brews their own or has a good selection. The meatloaf was good. I saw that another yelp member recommended it.

    (3)

  • Brittany Q.

    For central Illinois this is a nice place. It's basically a micro brewery. They have standard sandwich dishes and a great drink menu. Maybe the service was just slower while I was there at lunch time, but if you are on a schedule go for dinner instead. You will not get out of there quickly. I did enjoy there brews. They do flights of what they currently have on tap and you can also take home growlers. From what I understand the brewery in Normal is better than the one in Campaign.

    (3)

  • Joe W.

    This is my new favorite restaurant in Bloomington-Normal. I have been here twice and both times it was amazing. The microbrews out here are awesome. My favorite is the Red Bird Lager. I have had the roasted chicken and a buffalo burger out here, and both were tasty and well prepared. The service has been top notch both times I have been here. They also have a very nice patio for when the weather is nice. This place is often busy, but for good reason. I am happy to see a quality place like this doing well in Bloomington-Normal. You may need to make a reservation to get in there. Also the prices are not to bad. Not a cheap place to eat, but fairly reasonable. Check this place out!

    (5)

  • Jessica M.

    Sigh. I really wanted to give this place more stars. I really really tried to love it. Being a new place in the Bloomington-Normal area, and having spent 4 years there for college, I was excited to be back 5 years later and check it out. While visiting my sister for her birthday, we decided to stop in for lunch. A couple of thoughts... Pros: - The atmosphere is nice and very clean. The Hefeweizen was really good. If you like hefe's, you'll like theirs. We also really liked their breaded cheese curds. I liked that we could sample the beers before committing to one. Plus, they have $2 off beers on Sundays (and their beer prices are low anyway) so we paid very little for our beers. Cons: - The food was just not up to par. Maybe I'm spoiled by some great gastropubs up in the Chicago area, but I wasn't impressed...We had the pesto & goat cheese pizza and it was just sort of "meh." The fish tacos weren't so great. WAY too much of the avocado/lime/bitey type of mousse that took over the flavor and got really messy. I suppose if you order it with that on the side, they'd be good. But all in all they just didn't' stand out as great to me. - We didn't like the Redbird Lager. It didn't do anything for us. - I could tell our server was not in the best mood right when he greeted us. He looked like he had a pained look on his face. I was sure to tip well and he did thank me later, which was nice. Hopefully that brightened his day.. he did a good job and was attentive. All in all, maybe I should have ordered a burger and fries...or something that other Yelpers suggested. Like I said some parts were spot-on and some weren't. I'd be open to trying it again and ordering something new and of course having their hefe. Oh, and I just heard they're opening one in Burr Ridge - very near to us up here. I'll definitely check it out.

    (3)

  • Chrissy N.

    Came here with 4 girlfriends on a Saturday night. The place is good looking, and almost modern-Asian inspired. Same with their serving dishes. We only waited about 10 minutes. We thought we'd wait at the bar- but really, it was nowhere to be seen from the front entrance. Once seated, two of us ordered beer after the waitress explained in full detail, each of their brews. She was very helpful, but nobody really liked their beer. For appetizer, we got the deviled eggs. There were only 4. I had the white cheddar soup and shared a pesto goat cheese pizza. Both were very delicious. In fact, everything brought out to the surrounding tables looked delicious as well. And fairly heaping helpings! Most of the entrées were under $10. CHEAP! Overall: Beer- was not for us Service- attentive, helpful, perky Food- delicious, inspired selection Atmosphere- modern but cozy- especially in evening. Booths are a little on the small side, and bar is tucked way in the back by the brewing house.

    (3)

  • Casie V.

    Good draft selection

    (3)

  • Krissy C.

    am personally a HUGE fan of Destihl. I lived in Bloomington for 2 years and go back to visit frequently. This is definitely one of my must-have stops when I'm there. When I first started going to Destihl the fool was a bit inconsistent, and the beer was as well, but in the past few years they have improved any inconsistencies and are an amazing place for a nice date, dinner with friends, family, or a business dinner. The atmosphere is perfect, but can be a bit noisy, depending on where you're sitting. The layout is circular and a bit different, but it works really well functionally for staff and patrons alike. The bar area is great with a concrete bar and lots of tables, but it does get full quick on the weekends! The food is modern-american and high class bar fare as the best way I can state it. I LOVE their fish and chips with habenero infused (not nearly as spicy as it sounds, just adds flavor) vinegar and wonderful tartar sauce. I have to resist getting these little gems every time I go so I can try something new. The fish and chips is a large portion with long potato wedges that I usually sub-out for a salad (which in itself is large and has lots ofthings on it). The fried cheese appetizer is relatively new and wonderful. These are obviously made in-house and not some frozen concoction. The breading is light and crunchy and the cheese is cooked until perfectly warm, but not too hot. The marinara sauce is well flavored with just enough spices to make it wonderful with the cheese. You really can't go wrong with most things on the menu. The steaks used to not be that incredible, but again, they have improved these greatly over the last few years. The salads are large and they do not get skimpy on toppings or dressing. The soups are good quality and nicely flavored. Every item is plated well and attractively, which only enhances the experience. Pretty well you can't lose here anymore. Their menu changes about twice a year or so and that can be disappointing if you have a favorite, but also a great opportunity to try new tasty things! The beer they craft on-site is good, and the bar is very well stocked with top shelf liquor of all kinds and price ranges. You can also get a refillable growler of their beer to go if you want! Overall I love this place. The atmosphere is great and comfortable for casual or more formal dining, the staff are friendly, and the bartender are knowledgeable (if they're not too busy to chat!). I definitely recommend making reservation on weekends since this place fills up quickly, and it can take a while to get in.

    (4)

  • Aldwin C.

    great micro-brewery. i ate there for lunch and dinner for 3 days to try everything on their menu. a great find in Bloomington/Normal IL.

    (4)

  • Ethan H.

    Second time was much more enjoyable. I had the American Kobe Burger. It is a half-pound Wagyu Beef Burger topped with Jalapeño Bacon, White Cheddar and Bleu Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato and Pickle, served with Crispy Potato Wedges and Chipotle Espresso BBQ Sauce. CHIPOTLE ESPRESSO BBQ SAUCE!!!! Delicious. It took a while for the waitress to bring our check, but other than that. FANTASTIC!

    (4)

  • Eugene W.

    This is the third time visiting Desthil and think we got a good feel for the place. Stopped by this past Sunday when it was very hot and humid. Our past visits have been great with above average beer. This last visit reminded us of our unfortunate visit to the Champaign location and based purely on the latest visit, it would be two stars, but figure it was just a bad experience. Had the Hawai Five Fruit beer, which seemed to just be a witch's brew as it did not remind me of Hawai, nor were the fruit notes noticeable. Also noticed a slight taste of smoked malt which leads me to believe this was a one off. Had the pizza which reminded me of some sauce with lots of peperoni on a premade crust with sprinkles of cheese. Not very good. From past visits, most of the beers are good, but nothing out of this world. The burger has also been consistently good and wish I had just gone with it the last visit. The kid's meals are a good size and the little one has always enjoyed the Mac 'n Cheese and Spaghetti.

    (3)

  • Pamela K.

    The food is delicious! We have tried the asparagus, pizza, burgers, ceviche, and flatbread. I would recommend all if it!

    (4)

  • Chef B.

    I give this one 5 stars because it's unique. You can't compare Destihl to anything else in b/n. Overall, the service is good, quick and attentive. They have a pretty good fish taco, altough I ordered it one time and the soft corn tortillas were cold. That ruined the dish on that one occasion. But overall, it's a good recipe. Great jambalaya, and the brewmaster pizza is downright addictive. The appetizers usually bring the house down. This is a great happy hour place. Great apps plates for sharing with friends or co-workers. They deserve props for brewing their own beer, but none of them are mind-blowing, to be honest. Whichever one I try, it's always a little too _________ (hoppy, bitter, sweet, yeasty, etc.). I'm more likely to order mixed drinks when I'm there, and I love beer. They have a good pour for their mixed drinks, so it's not a loss, but if I'm a beer fan and I'm at a place that brews their own, I shouldn't even be considering a mixed drink. Despite that critique, Destihl still gets strong marks from me for being unique with great service. B/N needs more places like this.

    (5)

  • Tracey S.

    For 6pm on a Friday night I expected it to be busier, so it was nice to be able to walk in and be seated immediately. Unfortunately we did have to wait nearly 10 minutes before any of the servers who walked by even acknowledged us. However, once she did, she was polite and efficient without being intrusive, so once we did get served, I really did like the service. The food was all good across our whole table- the dijon chicken with mashed potatoes and asparagus was good. The IPA mustard was great, as was the grilled flavor on the chicken. The only unfortunate parts is the mashed potatoes were so consistent I have a feeling they may be fake, and I only got four spears of asparagus that weren't that well trimmed and still had a fair chunk of the woody ends. My mother got the Cuban sandwich and it was really delicious. The iced tea had a faint orange and ginger flavor that was enough to make it unusual and refreshing and a nice change of pace. Overall I'll definitely be coming back here to try a wider variety of items- I have a feeling I just had a slight misstep with my entree.

    (3)

  • Leyton P.

    We used Yelp to hit 3 restaurants in Bloomington while there on business. All three were good, but Destihl was the best value and the most fun. The staff was amazing, and they had lots of fun with my Pecan Pie first ordering. The food was amazing for a brew pub. Everything is made on site. It's not Station 220, but it's not trying to be. An amazing place to eat. If you like beer or bacon, this is heaven.

    (5)

  • Carla G.

    This may be the best brewpub I've even been to. And, as the co-owner of a beer blog, I've been to a lot of brewpubs. To have a brewpub that has both really good food and really good beer is unfortunately all too rare. Start with the beer sampler and feel free to swap beers if their main beers aren't your style. The Two and Brew special gives you a choice of one of their soups or salads, an entree and a pint of one of their beers. As someone mentioned in an earlier review, this is comfort food with a twist. I really liked their version of fish & chips and the clam chowder that was the soup of the day had a wonderful smoky taste. They are getting ready to open another location in downtown Champaign and I know we'll be checking that one the next time we're visiting C-U.

    (5)

  • Thom Z.

    I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I partook in a flight of their beer. And, I have to tell you, it was great. The waitress explained each beer and what it was like, and she was spot on. I ended up drinking their pale ale most that day. It's worth it just to try their brews. The food was really well prepared and very varied. They even serve buffalo. The waitress, once again was very kind to us and helped us decide on food. The food took a while to get, but was well worth the wait. I highly recommend this place to anyone in the area.

    (4)

  • Lee R.

    This is undoubtedly the finest and most unique restaurant in central Illinois. Everything we had was outstanding, and it is not expensive. Their beer selection is great too. Don't miss a chance to dine here.

    (5)

  • stephanie d.

    Still my favorite stand-by place in town for pre- or post-event, a nice dinner date, or just unwinding at the end of a long week. Some welcome menu changes since my first review (e.g., splitting pizza into flatbreads and pizza; addition of the small places -- omg the ceviche!!!) has kept the place fresh, though I still tend to stick with one of my favorites: the stuffed peppers, fish and chips, asparagus, mussels, or shrimp and sausage skewers). One suggestion for newcomers or those unsure of the beer: talk to your server, get tasters, and ask for recommendations based on what you like. I know some of my friends get frustrated that they can't order their favorite beer (they only serve their own), but what they have on tap at any given moment is usually a pretty long list, and I think they can satisfy most palates.

    (5)

  • David C.

    I see a pattern forming here. It seems most of those who were disappointed ordered beer and pizza, or beer and an appetizer. I have to say the food on the dinner/lunch menus is quite good and the dishes are very creative for Bloomington, IL. I applaud the chef for "daring" to deliver a creative menu to a town that hereto for has been void of same. This town simply does not have much in the way of fine/creative dining--Destihl is as close as it gets. The wait staff is inconsistent in their attentiveness. The microbrews are unremarkable, but drinkable. All in all, one of my favorite places for dinner in B/N.

    (4)

  • Rick P.

    One of my favorites. Great in-house brewed beers. Food is excellent. I especially like the stuffed pablano pepper. If you are curious about the beers, try the flight. 4 oz samplers from light to dark.

    (5)

  • Marcus C.

    Came in a few weeks ago with a baseball team, and wasn't expecting it to be so crowded on a Thursday evening. We had a group of 18, and the host told us it would be about an hour wait until we could get seated all together. I wasn't sure if we could wait an hour for a table for our whole party, but part of our group wasn't finished with the game yet so I decided to give it a try. Another parent and I stayed at the bar waiting for our table, and the host, Matt, went above and beyond any expectations I had. He kept good communication with us and checked with us at the bar quite often to keep us updated with the progress of our wait. When we mentioned to him that we may have to go to another restaurant, he offered and did call two other places in on our behalf to see if he could get us in. We decided to stay, however, in part due to his attentiveness and insistence that they would seat us! He suggested breaking the party up into two groups, which drastically shortened the wait, and after only waiting about 30 minutes, got us seated. Everybody enjoyed the food and beer. The beers are incredible! I had the Thai Fried Chicken, and man, what a great dish. I usually don't order chicken dishes when we dine out, but this was too good to pass up. Our server (I forgot her name) was remarkable, and she was more than happy to split up our checks and give great recommendations on dishes. The food and service was incredible, but it was the host Matt that made our experience stand out. Any other place would have put us on a long wait and make us sit through it. He gave us a sense that we were the priority, although I'm sure he made every customer feel like they were priority also. And he absolutely went out of his way to take care of us, even if it meant that he called Destihl's competitors in town, just so we were able to enjoy a dinner somewhere with the team. A great experience, wonderful staff, and a great dinner!

    (5)

  • Rama D.

    Just got back from my 4th visit to Destihl. I find it okay. A positive addition to B/N, but not a place I would opt to go if it were up to me. I am vegetarian, so please keep that in mind when reading. The place is very cool looking, at least for B/N. The food is pretty good, bordering on overpriced IMO. Not a very diverse vegetarian selection, but not awful either. Service was okay - waiters seemed a bit inattentive, but that might have been because of the large group that I was a part of. Above average overall.

    (3)

  • Cheryl P.

    I loved everything about Destihl. The menu was so creative and varied. Lovely - lovely interior and exterior space. Perfectly sized portions. And expert attentive service. AND incredible eats!! Our table ordered the ravioli, scallops with curried potatoes, jambalay, and flank steak. Tried them all and except for the flank steak they all tied for first place. Flank steak was a little tough but it had kickin flavor! Also ordered 4 desserts - and all 4 were absolutely worth the calories. Must go back. Soon.

    (5)

  • Cindy C.

    Excellent. We go here on every visit to Bloomington. Try the beer-battered asparagus. We also had stuffed, grilled pasta & pizza. Wonderful. One hour wait Friday night about 7:30.

    (4)

  • Amanda R.

    Stephanie d.'s review is spot on. You do have to learn your way around the menu. In addition to the stuffed peppers and the asparagus, I also like the warm potato and salmon salad (i know it sounds gross, but it's delicious and not really a salad at all. Think of it as honey mustard glazed salmon on a bed of potatoes) The tomato soup is outstanding, and the fish dishes are usually very good. I really think the prices are quite fair, the portions are big enough to share, and the service is always excellent. The beer is hit and miss, but there's always a couple winners, ask for a sample first. The brewers seem to be trying a lot of Belgian styles lately, and while they don't really resemble anything I've had in Belgium, I still really like them. One of the yeasts they use is very sour, which may or may not be your thing but I love it. The seasonal flight is a fantastic deal, as are the 2$ sunday pints. I like their brunch, but they've changed their heuvos rancheros recently. They used to be outstanding, now they're just good. Unfortunately desert is consistently disappointing. I've heard good things about the chocolate cake, but at 9$ and a pound in size, it's just too much for 2 people. I wish they would offer a smaller portion.

    (4)

  • Louis W.

    The beer was good but the food was just ok.

    (3)

  • Charles J.

    Long wait on a Friday night, Kobe burger was awesome jalapeño bacon was magica but wedges were just okay. My wife's burger was great but shoestring fries were terrible. And my expresso BBQ sauce was too much like bad coffee.

    (3)

  • Jason T.

    The beers have always been pretty good, but the food is inconsistent. Service can be shaky as well; last time here the entrees came out a few minutes after the apps. That should never happen.

    (3)

  • Micah H.

    Food was excellent - a notch above the typical BloNo "gourmet fare" - beer was delish and they accomodated changes to make dishes vegetarian with no problem - tasty shitake mushrooms !

    (4)

  • Jayne H.

    Update: We have been going here quite a lot lately, and last night changed everything. Our family went together (which is an event in itself because we have two teenagers), for a special night out after the pumpkin patch. Hubby orders his usual appy of a beer-battered brat on a bed of sauerkraut. The brat tasted "off" and the kraut was soggy and actually tasteless - no pickled taste but just soggy cabbage. He could not eat it. Teen 1 ordered steak. Although it was "medium" it was tough. I shared a pesto & goat cheese pizza with Teen 2. As always, the pizza was good but the cheese seemed different. I had the Strawberry & goat cheese salad. The cheese was definitely not the same. Instead of clumps of goat cheese, there were "drops" of a soft, dip-like substance. Hubby always likes to east the goat cheese from my salad, and last night was no different. Later that evening, Hubby, Teen 2 and I were doubled over with excruciating abdominal pain, and many trips to the bathroom. Since that was our only meal since early in the day, we knew that it was from this meal. Was it a different chef? Did they cut some corners? Also, although our waiter was attentive and friendly he had never heard of a "virgin marguerita with sugar on the rim instead of salt". ..and it may be a restaurant rule, but we could not order a half&half pizza. Sorry, Destihl, but we may not be returning for a while.

    (2)

  • Z Z.

    once a month.. if not twice a month. just depends how often I get back to blo/no. their food is always awesome, service is always friendly & knowledgeable on menu items, cocktails are PERFECTION, and their beer of course is great. I would love to see more vegetarian options (non pasta) but I typically order the same menu items anyway..but many of the menu options I feel could be great if prepared vegetarian. lovvvvvve destihl!

    (5)

  • Ren W.

    Destihl has some of the best food in Bloomington-Normal, and unfortunately substandard microbrew beer. The food is inventive and flavorful with high quality ingredients. I've been here multiple times and always been happy with the food. The Dopple Chop is particulary tasty as well as the Cedar Plank Salmon. This is the best food I've had at any microbrewery (and I've been to lots of them!) Their desserts are very good. The carrot cake is huge being plenty for two or more people! The vanilla ice cream they use is very tasty. In fact so much so that a server told us it was strictly controlled back in the kitchen. Ah, Desithl, how I yearn to love your beer! Every time I go to Destihl I get a sampler of their beers leaning towards those that are heavier, hopier, or have more flavor. Usually I do this the first time I go to a microbrewery so that I can determine which beer I would like to get a full glass of. Everytime I have done this at Destihl (at least five times now) I have not found a beer that I want to finish the sample of let alone get a full glass. The problems with the beer have ranged from grassiness, underlying cloying sweetness, astringency, off-style sourness, to just plain funk. While I've had an occasional beer that might be drinkable, not one has been good in the style in which it was created. I'd absolutely have to have a great microbrewery in Bloomington-Normal, unfortunately Destihl isn't it. I still haven't given up hope. Someone please fix this beer!

    (4)

  • Matt M.

    This is a real review ! I went to destihl with my girlfriend, her mom visiting from California, and her 3 year old daughter for dinner. We had the pretzels for an appetizer and they were delicious. I had the Dijon chicken! Chicken was great. Girlfriends mom had stuffed peppers and was pleased. Girlfriend had the portabello sandwich and she liked it. Gfs daughter loved the fruit bowl and root beer float that comes with kids meal. Our experience was great. The waiter was knowledgable and attentive. Highly recommend the pretzels and Dijon chicken!

    (4)

  • Barbara P.

    Destihl's is a nice addition to the long list of chain restaurants in the Bloomington/Normal area. Three of us went here for dinner one rainy night. We were seated promptly & our drink order taken immediately. None of us is a beer drinker so I can't comment on the beer. I had the Coconut Curry Mahi-Mahi & it was one of the better meals I had during my 3 week stay in the area. The potatoes & bok choy were nice accompaniments & the fish was done just right.

    (3)

  • Remy M.

    The Destihl in Normal, IL is in a stand-alone building in an anonymous looking shopping center. The building facade has a clean, modern look and this is also reflected in the interior which has an angular feel with light and dark wood, metal and leather as the main materials. Overall this comes across as attractive and is certainly disctinctive in the the overall location. I tried dinner at Destihl. It was a Sunday night and was fairly quiet. The bar area has full service and I ordered from the menu in the bar area. Not wanting to try seafood in the middle of the Corn Belt, I tried the flat iron steak with fingering potatoes and asparagus. Steak had good flavor and was quite tender. The potatoes came with blue cheese on top and made a good counterpoint to the other flavors including the Chimichurri sauce. For beer, I tried the house-made Normal Lager. It was advertised on the menu, light body with medium hops. It tasted fresh and had enough taste to stand up to the steak and other flavors. I was pleased to see that espresso was available (have been disappointed at other places like this in the past) and wrapped up with a double espresso. Defnitely worth it and would eat there again.

    (4)

  • Levi W.

    The beer is phenomenal, service is great, and a wonderful atmosphere. My wife and I have been there several times and it is where we go on every special occasion. You must try it out.

    (5)

  • Anna B.

    Modern, cool, awesome food. Their pizzas are sooooo yummy, their salads are delish, and the fried cheese curds (made from local cheeses) are awesomely bad for you. Go there!

    (5)

  • Cindy S.

    The stuffed poblanos are to die for. Service great and restaurant cozy on a very cold night.

    (5)

  • Patrick P.

    I've eaten here twice now. The beers are over flavored. The food is good. The meatloaf and the bison burger are pretty good. I just can't get past the fact that a brewery has better food than beer.

    (3)

  • Theresa J.

    Good place to visit if you're in BloNo. Went while here visiting family. The salmon and half rack ribs were nice. Have the heff to drink and ice cream sandwich for desert.

    (4)

  • Meghan B.

    You know, it's just OK. It's very possible that I came in with too-high expectations, given that it's a microbrewery and, well, microbreweries are by definition good. Beer wasn't bad... but also wasn't good. Selection was kind of bizarre, flavor profiles were off, and a few we sampled were either flat or tasted watered down. I do hope to keep trying their beer, but man, I think they could and should REALLY step it up! As for food, we only split a goat cheese and pesto pizza. It was also just OK. Thin crackery crust, which is always such a disappointment to me. But of course it was edible. I'm curious to try a few more things on the menu, so I'll update when I do. Ambiance was fine, place was crowded on a Saturday night but we had no trouble sitting and eating in the bar area. (No smoking in B-N, wahoo!) They really focus on the presentation of the food, which is nice, but all the more reason it also disappoints a bit.

    (3)

  • Kira K.

    Excellent food. If you're a foodie, you'll love it! Try the seared ahi tuna or the asparagus. Love the fact that they use goat cheese on many menu items. The service is great, and they charge no corking fee when you bring a bottle of wine that they do not already sell. For Sonoma/Napa wine club members such as ourselves, this is a perfect place for us. The decor is great and it's very fun at night. I have tried their beers and I didn't like them, but I figure it's probably because I wine-person.

    (4)

  • Kim B.

    I've been to Destihl twice & I thought the food was really solid. It's something different from the Applebee's/Chili's/Ruby Tuesday scene and it is a Micro Brewery! Their beer is actually pretty good. They have bar food with a "twist" - they use a lot of interesting ingredients (Beer Battered Asparagus, anyone?) Considering the other options in Bloomington/Normal, if you are looking for something different I recommend checking out Destihl. They have a really great dinner & lunch menu. They also offer brunch, but I haven't tried it yet. The atmosphere is really modern, so it could be a new & different place for a date or group get-together.

    (4)

  • Gail C.

    Ah ha....just what a college town needs ...... a micro brewery! Sincerely, I ate here over the weekend and for the Normal area it was a refreshing change from the chain restuarants that are all over here. The decor is very modern....all steel and leather. The bar area is open, with plenty of tv's for the viewing. The beer sampler is wonderful. Giving you plenty of choices. The coffee brew is a bit too strong on the coffee end. I thought give it a whirl: combining two of my favorite things: coffee and beer. And folks, this one is a no go. Food: I ordered the greek salad...they attempted tres chic and did not live up to the expectations. I got alot of lettuce, minimal feta cheese and a few olives with oil on top. The hanburgers there are good, ribs good. Everything there is ala carte so you have to ask for substitutes for fries, mashed etc. Desserts are different. I tasted the smores, which was not as sweet as you would think and very light. Service is good there. Definately a go back to.

    (3)

  • Matt G.

    This place rules! 'Nuff said! Check it out, seriously, I wanted to go there right when they opened as I had read about them in the Pantagraph and their overall goals for the diner's experience. Each time I go there, I am utterly amazed at the taste of their food, the atmosphere and the service. They are quite creative with the menu, so you'll find a lot of cool new things to try each time you go there. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • John D.

    Destihl is hands down the best restaurant I've been to in the Bloomington/Normal area. The food is both sophisticated and made with a little love. Essentially, it's a New American cuisine restaurant with touches of influence from other regions. And then there's the cherry on top - that Destihl brews its own beer. The beer is also sophisticated and comes in a variety of tasty styles. If you're a little timid about trying new things, you can always get pizza or a burger at Destihl, but if you're interested in food - read the menu more thoroughly.

    (4)

  • S P.

    Best place for parents and their ISU students! I love this place and go back whenever I can (whenever my parents pay). My dad (a beer enthusiast) loves the microbrews on tap. I love the fantastic signature cocktails. The menu changes with the seasons and always has fresh new tastes. Its a very popular place because of its awesome-ness so while school is session be SURE to make a reservation!

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    The inside of Distihl is clean and attractive, if not a bit corporate feeling. The service was friendly and attentive. The food is good but not great, with standard brewpub food like burgers, sandwiches, and a few entrees. The beer was hit or miss. I enjoyed the pale ale, but the lager was almost skunky, in a bad way. All said, not a bad place. Taking into consideration other options in the area, Distihl becomes that much more of a front runner.

    (3)

  • Richard H.

    Yummy beer and cocktails. Tasty food. Friendly staff.

    (4)

  • Matthew M.

    Overall great experience. I'd recommend the Kobi burger.

    (4)

  • Lindsay Z.

    Besides the occasional smell of bleach from cleaning (which isn't often, and just means that things are clean!!) , great food, great flights. I recommend the chicken corn chowder, a flight, and the beer battered asparagus with chipotle bbq sauce. To die for....always have to stop in to destihl when I'm home in normal visiting family!

    (5)

  • Lawrence T.

    Went there for a Sunday lunch. Decided we wanted to sit on the outside patio. We were the only ones out there but or waiter never let the service lack even though I'm sure we were an inconvenience. The food was wonderful. We shared the beer battered bacon, which was tangy and mouth watering. My wife had the Destihl breakfast, her eggs were perfect the jalapeño Bacon was as advertised. Her potatoes were too spicy and off putting. I had the feta flatbread and it was a perfect combination of flavors an ingredients. Overall a great experience. If they keep this up my rating will improve

    (4)

  • Patty S.

    Stayed at the Hampton Inn next door to Destihl and I'm glad that this was where I decided to eat at. It's got a modern, but comfortable, brewery restaurant atmosphere. Their menu is also the same way - comfort food with a twist. The was was curvy and inviting. There wasn't many people there as it was a Wednesday night. Since they are a brewery, they offered quite a few different beers, but I decided to get some wine an they had some good selection in that realm as well. Everything on their menu looked delicious, but I only got the spinach salad with strawberry, orange segments, candied walnuts, and herbed goat cheese - one word: "YUM!" The prices were reasonable and the portions were respectable. I'm glad I discovered this place and can't wait for the next time I'm staying in the area!

    (4)

  • Jude F.

    Visited on a warm evening and the a/c was not up to par. Service was quick and friendly. Food portions are small, good wine selections for the non-beer drinker. Overall good experience. Need another visit to consider a higher rating.

    (3)

  • JP W.

    I saw my old review said I would give Destihl another try and after a couple more visits my opinion remains the same. They have a few great dishes on the menu, but everything else (except for the service) is just so-so. I have yet to have one of their beers that wasn't off balance or too sweet. I met and talked beer brewing with someone who assists in their brewing a few months ago and he said his preference is toward sweeter beer styles, but I'm not sure if that explains the sub-par beer. That being said, I've always had great service.

    (2)

  • Peter T.

    Went here since it was walking distance from The Chateau and I had to use my Per Diem for the night. So I came here and asked for a to-go menu, the fool at the front gave me a card and said they didn't have one.......irritated already. Finally, one of the girls at the front smartly hands me a regular menu. After browsing, I decided to head over to the bar. The bartender was a white dude in his mid-twenties, medium build. Anyway, had a beer, a soup, and a pizza. The Pizza was disappointingly not Chicago style...it was thin crust wood fired. It was Ok, sorta like a CPK or Yardhouse pizza. The Decor is very modern, dimly lit, a lot of black everywhere, corporate looking.

    (3)

  • Ted C.

    I am NOT rating any of the food since we ate at Biaggi's but my buddy felt it in his heart to get me a growler of beer because I made my way down to BloNo for his commencement. They have a very wide selection of beers which are brewed on site, which is commendable. I really enjoy the boom of local breweries and how they are all expanding their beers. Destihl has a wide variety that ranges from the very good to just kind of eh. The Normal lager and Redbird ale are at the 'eh' scale. The lager and American style ale were just a little off. I am however not a fan of either of those styles of beer. The Drunken weasel dunkelweisen had a medium body, malty taste that was delicious and dark, reminded me of a doppelbock. I tried the Hawaii five-ale which was a fruit flavored ale-I am expecting more of a lambic type beer or even an Abita Purple Haze style beer but it was just really tart with no real fruit flavor. They have a lot of depth style wise but I think it would be better if they focused on a few good styles, and perfecting it-they are good and a lot of things but not 'GREAT' at one thing. I settled on the Bella imperial pilsner which had a good balance of crispness and slightly hoppy taste at the end. A clean finish and my finalist for my growlre. A 2.5 or maybe a 2.75, but I'll round it up to three because of all the free samples they let me have.

    (3)

  • Amanda B.

    A beautiful microbrewery that is a restaurant setting itself apart from the others in Blo-No. Great place for a date. I went here on a stressful Monday night, wanting to relax. After the flight of 6 beers, I was indeed relaxed. I got the sampling of 6 beers and I would say that the Redbird Ale (GO ISU!) was my favorite. For dinner, I had the Spicy Thai Shrimp Pasta. Not too bad, definitely had leftovers to take home. Moderately spicy. Definitely would go back to try other things on the menu!

    (4)

  • L F.

    2 stars seems steep, but by the description next to the stars (meh. ive experienced better) kind of sums it up. People love this place and at first I did too, but that was 2 years ago. The last time I was there was in February 2014. The beer battered asparagus didnt have much flavor and were huge (i.e. thick stocks mean less tender- so they were a bit on the hard side). My burger was dry and though I asked for ketchup, never saw it. The side of fries it came (all of 4 steak fries) were under seasoned. I ate half the burger and 2 of the fries. My friend experienced similar results with her omelet-like dish. The goat cheese was mounded in the middle and there were so many different types of herbs on it that they off set each other. Much went to waste. Maybe we ordered the wrong dishes, who knows.

    (2)

  • Rick P.

    One of my favorites. Great in-house brewed beers. Food is excellent. I especially like the stuffed pablano pepper. If you are curious about the beers, try the flight. 4 oz samplers from light to dark.

    (5)

  • Kim M.

    People of Bloomington, it really amazes me how early you go out to eat. We had RSVPs at 5:30 thinking that it would be easy to get in and it was packed -- packed like it was 8:30. My snobby Chicago attitude says that for Bloomington, this is a good place to go. I felt like I was home at this restaurant. I had the Hefeweizen lemon chicken, and it could have been cooked a little more, but the sauce was good. I am still unsure if the mashed potatoes were fake or real. So if you are the chef there, that could be a good thing. My friend had the mussels, and while the sauce was good - most of the insides of each mussel had become dislodged and fallen to the bottom of the bowl. My other friend had the pizza (don't remember which kind) and she enjoyed that. And I don't even remember what my other friend had because the martinis were that good. My dislike of this place is the size of the booths. You can't fit 4 people in a boothy table that is meant for 2 people. My elbow kept hitting the wall...my other friends couldn't move. It was awkward. Good thing we like each other so much. I'd go back. Maybe it was just an off night.

    (3)

  • Tom O.

    Good buffalo burger. Beer is unique and above average. A welcome gem in a city full of chain restaurants.

    (4)

  • Denise G.

    LOVE Destihl! This was my favorite place to persuade my parents into taking me out to eat when I was a student at Illinois State. I've been here multiple times and everything was always outstanding. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is really airy and open, and there is really something for everyone here. The beer flights are a fun place to start, I'm not a beer drinker by any means, so to say that means it has to be good. My boyfriend and I went here on our first date after forgetting to make a reservation at Reality Bites (oops.. cute story now of course though). Destihl always looks super crowded, but there must be some sort of wormhole there because we've never had to wait all that long. Every other time we've gone back, there has always been a booth as soon as we walk in, or a helpful and friendly employee to keep us entertained while we wait. The S'mores dessert is to die for; assemble your own smores with cinnamon pie crust cookies, toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate and delicious cinnamon whipped cream. I seriously wish that was its own entree. Saturday & Sunday brunch here is to die for! Both french toast dishes on the menu will leave you thinking about french toast for the rest of the day. The Mediterranean frittata is delicious and savory, with a lot of unique ingredients.

    (5)

  • John W.

    Love it, awesome pizzas too! Great brews available (not all of them) and quality food.

    (5)

  • Lindsey D.

    My husband and I live 5 blocks from Destihl and eat here once a week. We absolutely love this place. The servers are always friendly and attentive but never in your face. I eat the same thing every time we go- Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza!! Delicious. And their iced tea is my favorite drink from anywhere, ever.... My husband always changes what he gets. He has had burgers, pizza and tonight he had their skirt steak. He has always been pleased. Love this place. Chef Manny is amazing!!

    (5)

  • Jamie L.

    This is one of my favorite restaurants in town. When it opened, the beer selection was greater and there were a few options I really enjoyed. My faves are no longer there, but the food is still good. We always get the thai mussels. I love the sauce they use. A couple times we've had problems with the bowl having 6-10 unopened mussels. These shouldn't be served and the servers are always great about getting replacements or correcting the problem. They actually lowered their prices a bit which is nice considering I never noticed a change in the quality. We don't go as much since they stopped serving my ahi tuna salad with cayenne dressing. It was the best salad I'd ever had and now it's gone. Still, the food is great and the servers have always been friendly. I also like the kids menu. The price is great, it's not even $5 and they get an entree, side, drink and a mini rootbeer float. The entrees are huge for kids, but leftovers are never a problem. My son doesn't like their pizza much since the crust is a bit tough and they skimp on the toppings for kids pizzas. The mac n cheese and the burgers are adult size portion and taste great. Their dessert menu has never impressed us. We've tried several things and haven't found one that I like. They have some dessert specials I tried that were very good! The portions are huge so the prices are a little steep for a dessert. Carrot cake is $8 but it's about a quarter of a cake. It's enough for 4 people. The pumpkin bread pudding was also really good.

    (5)

  • Julie O.

    Best bathrooms ever. Spacious, clean, full doors...enough about that. Anyhow, really good menu, lots of options. Salmon sandwich was great, homemade chips were good. Burgers were okay, not the best I have had but not bad. Attentive service, nice decor. Laid back atmosphere really helps. I would do Destihl again.

    (4)

  • Sarah B.

    Destihl is delicious. It is a bit pricey, but the food is always wonderful. I've gone to Destihl twice now and the servers have always been prompt, friendly, and good at their jobs.

    (5)

  • Susan A.

    We chose this restaurant from reading the reviews on Yelp. I made reservations while traveling down the road and when we arrived we were quickly seated. I overheard a man tell his friends that the air conditioning was broken. The temps outside were a blistering 99 degrees and the restaurant was hot. Our waitress said the a/c wasn't broken, it just couldn't keep up that day. I ordered the Rueben sandwich, which was their take on the classic Rueben. It was a little heavy on the horseradish/mustard, but other than that it was delicious. The cranberry bread gave it just a touch a sweet taste and the saurkraut was delicious as well. My husband had the Chipotle chicken sandwich. The chicken was a little small for the bun and the chipotle might be a little hot for some people, but it was a good sandwich. We were just traveling through the state, but if we are ever in the area again, I would definitely eat at the Destihl again.

    (4)

  • K L.

    Destihl, which used to be one of the better restaurants in Bloomimgton/Normal, has made some recent menu changes that have really impacted the quality of the food. I used to be a big fan of the Mediterranean pizza, which had a crisp crust and loads of fresh vegetables. I had one last night from the new menu, and I would bet a great deal of money that what I ate was a frozen pizza. If not actually frozen, it was of the same poor taste and quality, with a gummy crust, scant vegetables, and greasy cheese. What a disappointment! Another former favorite, the fried asparagus, was nearly inedible, with woody asparagus and thick, greasy batter. My entire party of four was extremely dissatisfied with the food. We won't return. ):

    (1)

  • Josh L.

    Beer. How could I forget the BEER!? Hand-crafted brewing as good as it gets. Having met the brewers and seen the operation, I now have a greater respect (and understanding) of what they provide vs. buying beer from a major distributor. This beer is fresh, full of flavor and locally made! What more can you ask for.? It seems to me, those reviewers that don't like the beer are not acustomed to a "home brew" style beer. This is not a pasturized, mass-produced beer. It is a micro-brew. Knowing what you are getting may make all the difference in your opinion. Don't be afraid to try something new. Now go try a pint (or take home a growler) today!

    (4)

  • Sara O.

    Another wonderfully yummy supper!! I love this place. Battered asparagus have become my staple. The warm potato and salmon salad is amazing. And I've never had a special I didn't like ;) Beers, pretty darn good. Bloody Marys, even better. My only compliant is that they don't stagger the small plates all that well. Everything arrived to our table at once and it was a little overwhelming. I would have liked to receive one dish at a time to extend our dinning experience beyond 30 mins.

    (4)

  • Michael M.

    Thank you! I haven't resided in the Bloomington Normal area for the last twenty years. Living on the east and west coasts I was spoiled by quality restaurants and fresh food I could get in San Francisco and Washington DC. It is about time B-N stepped up their game. I have eaten here now four times and have not been disappointed. The asparagus is awesome, the ham & apple sandwich is a must, pretzels are a perfect accompaniment to the beer, and I could go for a bowl of the corn and chicken chowder right now! At the end of the summer they had an outdoor movie night, the played The Birds by Hitchcock, I hope they continue with this. Destihl is a good place to go on a date or for a brunch with your mom.

    (4)

  • J H.

    We arrived later afternoon when the place was moderately busy. Our server seemed confused when I asked for the pint portion of beer. He may have been new, because the timing of appetizers and food too a pretty long time. Its not worth ordering your burger a certain way, it'll come out "medium." Once our food was finally served, it seemed like we were being rushed to finish. They attempted to clear plates without asking if any of our party was finished. Overall, the food was decent, beer was good, service needs tweaking.

    (3)

  • Lauren W.

    I have only been here once, and that was about two years ago. My infrequency can be accounted for by being a student and being a student. It's quite expensive for my normal taste, but my dad and I went here when he came down to visit. The other part is that I don't often have the time to eat out due to my busy schedule. Either way, I enjoyed this restaurant, but I would go more often if I had more time and money. Their microbrewery was amazing according to my dad, who had tried their seasonal "Redbird" brew. He was even able to pinpoint the some of the exact flavors in the beer. The food was delicious, as I saw they had ceviche and ordered it in a heartbeat. I forget what my dad ordered; however, he was very impressed by the overall environment, service, and quality.

    (4)

  • Chris N.

    Destihll is absolutely amazing! From the minute you walk in, you'll feel that you're not even in the Bloomington-Normal area. The space is open and spacious, and you can tell the owners did a wonderful job with research in terms of designing the space and menu. We were seated around 11:30am (Sunday), just before the place was hit with a lunch rush. Our server, Nick B. was fantastic and deserves lots of kudos...make sure to ask for his section, and then, tip him very well! He was friendly, knowledgeable and gave us all an opportunity to take our time with deciding what we wanted to order. The menu is extensive, and offers a little bit of something for everyone. We started off the with the beer-battered asparagus (moist, crisp and lightly coated), which has to be one of their signature items! You'll love this appetizer, even if you're not a fan of asparagus itself. In addition to the asparagus, I also started off with the Roasted Corn and Chicken Chowder. Wow! This soup truly had substance - tender chunks of chicken, and endless amounts of corn. Sometimes, you go to a restaurant, and the soup is all broth. This was not the case at Destihl, and thank goodness for that! Since we were there on a weekend, I ordered off the special brunch menu, and had the Huevos Ranchero Stack. There was a nice kick to it, and the eggs were cooked perfectly! If I lived in Bloomington-Normal, I would hit this place up every week! If you're a fan of beers, this place also brews their own and you should check it out. Also, make sure to try the Spicy Bloody Mary! It's great!

    (5)

  • Tristan B.

    Sadly I have to drop Destihl a star. The lost star is unrelated to the beer selection. The beer remains amazing. The food on the other hand has gone slightly down hill. Last night the food was excellent. A couple weeks ago my father described the ribs as worse than microwave ribs. The menu is smaller, some things were removed, a couple things were added. Of note their is a new beer battered dish: beer battered tuna. I don't eat fish, but if I did beer battered tuna would be my fish of choice.

    (4)

  • Sampad D.

    nice ambiance. recommended: thai fried chicken shrimp & asian noodles bit on costly side

    (4)

  • Laura K.

    Destihl is awesome because: their beer-battered asparagus, amazing selection of good beers, it is relatively inexpensive, great service, and the stuffed poblano peppers. Definitely my favorite restaurant in B-N.

    (5)

  • Alex K.

    I had heard a lot about Destihl from a friend who had been in Bloomington a couple of months ago, so it was on my "hit" list! First impressions as I walked in the door? You could drop this restaurant in Scottsdale and it would fit right in (hint...hint). But that's not a bad thing in any way. It's upscale, it's modern, and thought has been put into the design to make it interesting. I was driving so I only had one beer...the Marzen. It was good if a little fruity for me. My friends thought it was frou frou, but I liked it! Had to order the deep fried bacon as an app. I loved it! My friends thought that it was a little salty. See where this is going? Ha. For our entrees we had the American Kobe burger (me), the fried fish and the prosciutto wrapped meatloaf. The burger was cooked right and the barbeque sauce complimented it nicely. What was weird about the sauce is that I didn't like it much alone...but on the burger? Fabulous! :) Comments about the other entrees: the meatloaf was a small portion, and she wouldn't share so I am assuming it was good. The beer battered fish and chips? Amazing. Big portion and I would probably get it I lived in town! We ordered the carrot cake for dessert. Great cake, but huge piece so make sure that you have friends to help you eat it! All in all...a solid restaurant that I enjoyed the heck out of! Go there!

    (4)

  • Michael D.

    A bevy of eight actors, including myself, passed through Normal, IL. We asked the locals where to eat, and they pointed us in the right direction. We all left extremely satisfied. The micro-brewed beer was amazing. There were darks, IPAs, Pilsners, and a delicious Lamkin! And the staff was more than happy to supply us with free samples of each. To eat, I ordered a rich, zesty tomato soup and for the main course, the Chicken and Pesto Pasta - very satisfied. To top the meal off I shared a pound of their Chocolate cake with one of my cast mates. p.s. A few of the cast mates ordered various soups and could not stop slurping it down so they ordered more!

    (5)

  • Michael H.

    My favorite restaurant in Bloomington/Normal!

    (5)

  • Kira K.

    Excellent food. If you're a foodie, you'll love it! Try the seared ahi tuna or the asparagus. Love the fact that they use goat cheese on many menu items. The service is great, and they charge no corking fee when you bring a bottle of wine that they do not already sell. For Sonoma/Napa wine club members such as ourselves, this is a perfect place for us. The decor is great and it's very fun at night. I have tried their beers and I didn't like them, but I figure it's probably because I wine-person.

    (4)

  • Kim B.

    I've been to Destihl twice & I thought the food was really solid. It's something different from the Applebee's/Chili's/Ruby Tuesday scene and it is a Micro Brewery! Their beer is actually pretty good. They have bar food with a "twist" - they use a lot of interesting ingredients (Beer Battered Asparagus, anyone?) Considering the other options in Bloomington/Normal, if you are looking for something different I recommend checking out Destihl. They have a really great dinner & lunch menu. They also offer brunch, but I haven't tried it yet. The atmosphere is really modern, so it could be a new & different place for a date or group get-together.

    (4)

  • Rebecca K.

    First, I have to laugh and agree with the person who commented on the bathrooms. They are really, really nice bathrooms. The decor here is impeccable. Bottom line? The food is good, and you should probably eat here. Everything I've had after my first visit shortly after opening has been very good. (First visit was the grilled stuffed pasta, which at the time was not enough food and about six times too much oil - maybe it's changed.) The beer battered asparagus, beer battered tuna, and cheese curds are awesome options for appetizers. The strawberry and goat cheese salad was excellent, as was their American Kobe burger. The menu is huge and definitely ambitious, and one that large should definitely have more vegetarian options, but as I said, almost everything I've had has been good. Many of the beers Destihl makes aren't much to my taste since I don't like lagers or bitter beers. Their Hefeweizen, however, is awesome, and I get it every time. In particular, I like to get it on Sundays, when pints of the house beers are currently $2. A great deal! The food is good, though less good if you're a vegetarian, and the prices could be a bit lower, the beer is great (especially on Sundays!), and it's a really beautiful restaurant. Give it a try! Let me know if the grilled stuffed pasta still sucks. [Edit: Shortly after I wrote this, the Sunday deal switched to two dollars off all their beers. Still a good deal, and lets you explore more of their beer menu at a discount. Woot!]

    (4)

  • Derek N.

    Not bad, not great. What is going for it is the selection of beers. Traveling to the mid-west often leaves me few choices on micro or craft beers. I will always support a restaurant that brews their own or has a good selection. The meatloaf was good. I saw that another yelp member recommended it.

    (3)

  • Brittany Q.

    For central Illinois this is a nice place. It's basically a micro brewery. They have standard sandwich dishes and a great drink menu. Maybe the service was just slower while I was there at lunch time, but if you are on a schedule go for dinner instead. You will not get out of there quickly. I did enjoy there brews. They do flights of what they currently have on tap and you can also take home growlers. From what I understand the brewery in Normal is better than the one in Campaign.

    (3)

  • Joe W.

    This is my new favorite restaurant in Bloomington-Normal. I have been here twice and both times it was amazing. The microbrews out here are awesome. My favorite is the Red Bird Lager. I have had the roasted chicken and a buffalo burger out here, and both were tasty and well prepared. The service has been top notch both times I have been here. They also have a very nice patio for when the weather is nice. This place is often busy, but for good reason. I am happy to see a quality place like this doing well in Bloomington-Normal. You may need to make a reservation to get in there. Also the prices are not to bad. Not a cheap place to eat, but fairly reasonable. Check this place out!

    (5)

  • Jessica M.

    Sigh. I really wanted to give this place more stars. I really really tried to love it. Being a new place in the Bloomington-Normal area, and having spent 4 years there for college, I was excited to be back 5 years later and check it out. While visiting my sister for her birthday, we decided to stop in for lunch. A couple of thoughts... Pros: - The atmosphere is nice and very clean. The Hefeweizen was really good. If you like hefe's, you'll like theirs. We also really liked their breaded cheese curds. I liked that we could sample the beers before committing to one. Plus, they have $2 off beers on Sundays (and their beer prices are low anyway) so we paid very little for our beers. Cons: - The food was just not up to par. Maybe I'm spoiled by some great gastropubs up in the Chicago area, but I wasn't impressed...We had the pesto & goat cheese pizza and it was just sort of "meh." The fish tacos weren't so great. WAY too much of the avocado/lime/bitey type of mousse that took over the flavor and got really messy. I suppose if you order it with that on the side, they'd be good. But all in all they just didn't' stand out as great to me. - We didn't like the Redbird Lager. It didn't do anything for us. - I could tell our server was not in the best mood right when he greeted us. He looked like he had a pained look on his face. I was sure to tip well and he did thank me later, which was nice. Hopefully that brightened his day.. he did a good job and was attentive. All in all, maybe I should have ordered a burger and fries...or something that other Yelpers suggested. Like I said some parts were spot-on and some weren't. I'd be open to trying it again and ordering something new and of course having their hefe. Oh, and I just heard they're opening one in Burr Ridge - very near to us up here. I'll definitely check it out.

    (3)

  • Chrissy N.

    Came here with 4 girlfriends on a Saturday night. The place is good looking, and almost modern-Asian inspired. Same with their serving dishes. We only waited about 10 minutes. We thought we'd wait at the bar- but really, it was nowhere to be seen from the front entrance. Once seated, two of us ordered beer after the waitress explained in full detail, each of their brews. She was very helpful, but nobody really liked their beer. For appetizer, we got the deviled eggs. There were only 4. I had the white cheddar soup and shared a pesto goat cheese pizza. Both were very delicious. In fact, everything brought out to the surrounding tables looked delicious as well. And fairly heaping helpings! Most of the entrées were under $10. CHEAP! Overall: Beer- was not for us Service- attentive, helpful, perky Food- delicious, inspired selection Atmosphere- modern but cozy- especially in evening. Booths are a little on the small side, and bar is tucked way in the back by the brewing house.

    (3)

  • Casie V.

    Good draft selection

    (3)

  • Krissy C.

    am personally a HUGE fan of Destihl. I lived in Bloomington for 2 years and go back to visit frequently. This is definitely one of my must-have stops when I'm there. When I first started going to Destihl the fool was a bit inconsistent, and the beer was as well, but in the past few years they have improved any inconsistencies and are an amazing place for a nice date, dinner with friends, family, or a business dinner. The atmosphere is perfect, but can be a bit noisy, depending on where you're sitting. The layout is circular and a bit different, but it works really well functionally for staff and patrons alike. The bar area is great with a concrete bar and lots of tables, but it does get full quick on the weekends! The food is modern-american and high class bar fare as the best way I can state it. I LOVE their fish and chips with habenero infused (not nearly as spicy as it sounds, just adds flavor) vinegar and wonderful tartar sauce. I have to resist getting these little gems every time I go so I can try something new. The fish and chips is a large portion with long potato wedges that I usually sub-out for a salad (which in itself is large and has lots ofthings on it). The fried cheese appetizer is relatively new and wonderful. These are obviously made in-house and not some frozen concoction. The breading is light and crunchy and the cheese is cooked until perfectly warm, but not too hot. The marinara sauce is well flavored with just enough spices to make it wonderful with the cheese. You really can't go wrong with most things on the menu. The steaks used to not be that incredible, but again, they have improved these greatly over the last few years. The salads are large and they do not get skimpy on toppings or dressing. The soups are good quality and nicely flavored. Every item is plated well and attractively, which only enhances the experience. Pretty well you can't lose here anymore. Their menu changes about twice a year or so and that can be disappointing if you have a favorite, but also a great opportunity to try new tasty things! The beer they craft on-site is good, and the bar is very well stocked with top shelf liquor of all kinds and price ranges. You can also get a refillable growler of their beer to go if you want! Overall I love this place. The atmosphere is great and comfortable for casual or more formal dining, the staff are friendly, and the bartender are knowledgeable (if they're not too busy to chat!). I definitely recommend making reservation on weekends since this place fills up quickly, and it can take a while to get in.

    (4)

  • Aldwin C.

    great micro-brewery. i ate there for lunch and dinner for 3 days to try everything on their menu. a great find in Bloomington/Normal IL.

    (4)

  • Ethan H.

    Second time was much more enjoyable. I had the American Kobe Burger. It is a half-pound Wagyu Beef Burger topped with Jalapeño Bacon, White Cheddar and Bleu Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato and Pickle, served with Crispy Potato Wedges and Chipotle Espresso BBQ Sauce. CHIPOTLE ESPRESSO BBQ SAUCE!!!! Delicious. It took a while for the waitress to bring our check, but other than that. FANTASTIC!

    (4)

  • Eugene W.

    This is the third time visiting Desthil and think we got a good feel for the place. Stopped by this past Sunday when it was very hot and humid. Our past visits have been great with above average beer. This last visit reminded us of our unfortunate visit to the Champaign location and based purely on the latest visit, it would be two stars, but figure it was just a bad experience. Had the Hawai Five Fruit beer, which seemed to just be a witch's brew as it did not remind me of Hawai, nor were the fruit notes noticeable. Also noticed a slight taste of smoked malt which leads me to believe this was a one off. Had the pizza which reminded me of some sauce with lots of peperoni on a premade crust with sprinkles of cheese. Not very good. From past visits, most of the beers are good, but nothing out of this world. The burger has also been consistently good and wish I had just gone with it the last visit. The kid's meals are a good size and the little one has always enjoyed the Mac 'n Cheese and Spaghetti.

    (3)

  • Pamela K.

    The food is delicious! We have tried the asparagus, pizza, burgers, ceviche, and flatbread. I would recommend all if it!

    (4)

  • Chef B.

    I give this one 5 stars because it's unique. You can't compare Destihl to anything else in b/n. Overall, the service is good, quick and attentive. They have a pretty good fish taco, altough I ordered it one time and the soft corn tortillas were cold. That ruined the dish on that one occasion. But overall, it's a good recipe. Great jambalaya, and the brewmaster pizza is downright addictive. The appetizers usually bring the house down. This is a great happy hour place. Great apps plates for sharing with friends or co-workers. They deserve props for brewing their own beer, but none of them are mind-blowing, to be honest. Whichever one I try, it's always a little too _________ (hoppy, bitter, sweet, yeasty, etc.). I'm more likely to order mixed drinks when I'm there, and I love beer. They have a good pour for their mixed drinks, so it's not a loss, but if I'm a beer fan and I'm at a place that brews their own, I shouldn't even be considering a mixed drink. Despite that critique, Destihl still gets strong marks from me for being unique with great service. B/N needs more places like this.

    (5)

  • Tracey S.

    For 6pm on a Friday night I expected it to be busier, so it was nice to be able to walk in and be seated immediately. Unfortunately we did have to wait nearly 10 minutes before any of the servers who walked by even acknowledged us. However, once she did, she was polite and efficient without being intrusive, so once we did get served, I really did like the service. The food was all good across our whole table- the dijon chicken with mashed potatoes and asparagus was good. The IPA mustard was great, as was the grilled flavor on the chicken. The only unfortunate parts is the mashed potatoes were so consistent I have a feeling they may be fake, and I only got four spears of asparagus that weren't that well trimmed and still had a fair chunk of the woody ends. My mother got the Cuban sandwich and it was really delicious. The iced tea had a faint orange and ginger flavor that was enough to make it unusual and refreshing and a nice change of pace. Overall I'll definitely be coming back here to try a wider variety of items- I have a feeling I just had a slight misstep with my entree.

    (3)

  • Carla G.

    This may be the best brewpub I've even been to. And, as the co-owner of a beer blog, I've been to a lot of brewpubs. To have a brewpub that has both really good food and really good beer is unfortunately all too rare. Start with the beer sampler and feel free to swap beers if their main beers aren't your style. The Two and Brew special gives you a choice of one of their soups or salads, an entree and a pint of one of their beers. As someone mentioned in an earlier review, this is comfort food with a twist. I really liked their version of fish & chips and the clam chowder that was the soup of the day had a wonderful smoky taste. They are getting ready to open another location in downtown Champaign and I know we'll be checking that one the next time we're visiting C-U.

    (5)

  • Thom Z.

    I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I partook in a flight of their beer. And, I have to tell you, it was great. The waitress explained each beer and what it was like, and she was spot on. I ended up drinking their pale ale most that day. It's worth it just to try their brews. The food was really well prepared and very varied. They even serve buffalo. The waitress, once again was very kind to us and helped us decide on food. The food took a while to get, but was well worth the wait. I highly recommend this place to anyone in the area.

    (4)

  • Lee R.

    This is undoubtedly the finest and most unique restaurant in central Illinois. Everything we had was outstanding, and it is not expensive. Their beer selection is great too. Don't miss a chance to dine here.

    (5)

  • stephanie d.

    Still my favorite stand-by place in town for pre- or post-event, a nice dinner date, or just unwinding at the end of a long week. Some welcome menu changes since my first review (e.g., splitting pizza into flatbreads and pizza; addition of the small places -- omg the ceviche!!!) has kept the place fresh, though I still tend to stick with one of my favorites: the stuffed peppers, fish and chips, asparagus, mussels, or shrimp and sausage skewers). One suggestion for newcomers or those unsure of the beer: talk to your server, get tasters, and ask for recommendations based on what you like. I know some of my friends get frustrated that they can't order their favorite beer (they only serve their own), but what they have on tap at any given moment is usually a pretty long list, and I think they can satisfy most palates.

    (5)

  • David C.

    I see a pattern forming here. It seems most of those who were disappointed ordered beer and pizza, or beer and an appetizer. I have to say the food on the dinner/lunch menus is quite good and the dishes are very creative for Bloomington, IL. I applaud the chef for "daring" to deliver a creative menu to a town that hereto for has been void of same. This town simply does not have much in the way of fine/creative dining--Destihl is as close as it gets. The wait staff is inconsistent in their attentiveness. The microbrews are unremarkable, but drinkable. All in all, one of my favorite places for dinner in B/N.

    (4)

  • Marcus C.

    Came in a few weeks ago with a baseball team, and wasn't expecting it to be so crowded on a Thursday evening. We had a group of 18, and the host told us it would be about an hour wait until we could get seated all together. I wasn't sure if we could wait an hour for a table for our whole party, but part of our group wasn't finished with the game yet so I decided to give it a try. Another parent and I stayed at the bar waiting for our table, and the host, Matt, went above and beyond any expectations I had. He kept good communication with us and checked with us at the bar quite often to keep us updated with the progress of our wait. When we mentioned to him that we may have to go to another restaurant, he offered and did call two other places in on our behalf to see if he could get us in. We decided to stay, however, in part due to his attentiveness and insistence that they would seat us! He suggested breaking the party up into two groups, which drastically shortened the wait, and after only waiting about 30 minutes, got us seated. Everybody enjoyed the food and beer. The beers are incredible! I had the Thai Fried Chicken, and man, what a great dish. I usually don't order chicken dishes when we dine out, but this was too good to pass up. Our server (I forgot her name) was remarkable, and she was more than happy to split up our checks and give great recommendations on dishes. The food and service was incredible, but it was the host Matt that made our experience stand out. Any other place would have put us on a long wait and make us sit through it. He gave us a sense that we were the priority, although I'm sure he made every customer feel like they were priority also. And he absolutely went out of his way to take care of us, even if it meant that he called Destihl's competitors in town, just so we were able to enjoy a dinner somewhere with the team. A great experience, wonderful staff, and a great dinner!

    (5)

  • Rama D.

    Just got back from my 4th visit to Destihl. I find it okay. A positive addition to B/N, but not a place I would opt to go if it were up to me. I am vegetarian, so please keep that in mind when reading. The place is very cool looking, at least for B/N. The food is pretty good, bordering on overpriced IMO. Not a very diverse vegetarian selection, but not awful either. Service was okay - waiters seemed a bit inattentive, but that might have been because of the large group that I was a part of. Above average overall.

    (3)

  • Cheryl P.

    I loved everything about Destihl. The menu was so creative and varied. Lovely - lovely interior and exterior space. Perfectly sized portions. And expert attentive service. AND incredible eats!! Our table ordered the ravioli, scallops with curried potatoes, jambalay, and flank steak. Tried them all and except for the flank steak they all tied for first place. Flank steak was a little tough but it had kickin flavor! Also ordered 4 desserts - and all 4 were absolutely worth the calories. Must go back. Soon.

    (5)

  • Cindy C.

    Excellent. We go here on every visit to Bloomington. Try the beer-battered asparagus. We also had stuffed, grilled pasta & pizza. Wonderful. One hour wait Friday night about 7:30.

    (4)

  • Amanda R.

    Stephanie d.'s review is spot on. You do have to learn your way around the menu. In addition to the stuffed peppers and the asparagus, I also like the warm potato and salmon salad (i know it sounds gross, but it's delicious and not really a salad at all. Think of it as honey mustard glazed salmon on a bed of potatoes) The tomato soup is outstanding, and the fish dishes are usually very good. I really think the prices are quite fair, the portions are big enough to share, and the service is always excellent. The beer is hit and miss, but there's always a couple winners, ask for a sample first. The brewers seem to be trying a lot of Belgian styles lately, and while they don't really resemble anything I've had in Belgium, I still really like them. One of the yeasts they use is very sour, which may or may not be your thing but I love it. The seasonal flight is a fantastic deal, as are the 2$ sunday pints. I like their brunch, but they've changed their heuvos rancheros recently. They used to be outstanding, now they're just good. Unfortunately desert is consistently disappointing. I've heard good things about the chocolate cake, but at 9$ and a pound in size, it's just too much for 2 people. I wish they would offer a smaller portion.

    (4)

  • Louis W.

    The beer was good but the food was just ok.

    (3)

  • Jayne H.

    Update: We have been going here quite a lot lately, and last night changed everything. Our family went together (which is an event in itself because we have two teenagers), for a special night out after the pumpkin patch. Hubby orders his usual appy of a beer-battered brat on a bed of sauerkraut. The brat tasted "off" and the kraut was soggy and actually tasteless - no pickled taste but just soggy cabbage. He could not eat it. Teen 1 ordered steak. Although it was "medium" it was tough. I shared a pesto & goat cheese pizza with Teen 2. As always, the pizza was good but the cheese seemed different. I had the Strawberry & goat cheese salad. The cheese was definitely not the same. Instead of clumps of goat cheese, there were "drops" of a soft, dip-like substance. Hubby always likes to east the goat cheese from my salad, and last night was no different. Later that evening, Hubby, Teen 2 and I were doubled over with excruciating abdominal pain, and many trips to the bathroom. Since that was our only meal since early in the day, we knew that it was from this meal. Was it a different chef? Did they cut some corners? Also, although our waiter was attentive and friendly he had never heard of a "virgin marguerita with sugar on the rim instead of salt". ..and it may be a restaurant rule, but we could not order a half&half pizza. Sorry, Destihl, but we may not be returning for a while.

    (2)

  • Z Z.

    once a month.. if not twice a month. just depends how often I get back to blo/no. their food is always awesome, service is always friendly & knowledgeable on menu items, cocktails are PERFECTION, and their beer of course is great. I would love to see more vegetarian options (non pasta) but I typically order the same menu items anyway..but many of the menu options I feel could be great if prepared vegetarian. lovvvvvve destihl!

    (5)

  • Ren W.

    Destihl has some of the best food in Bloomington-Normal, and unfortunately substandard microbrew beer. The food is inventive and flavorful with high quality ingredients. I've been here multiple times and always been happy with the food. The Dopple Chop is particulary tasty as well as the Cedar Plank Salmon. This is the best food I've had at any microbrewery (and I've been to lots of them!) Their desserts are very good. The carrot cake is huge being plenty for two or more people! The vanilla ice cream they use is very tasty. In fact so much so that a server told us it was strictly controlled back in the kitchen. Ah, Desithl, how I yearn to love your beer! Every time I go to Destihl I get a sampler of their beers leaning towards those that are heavier, hopier, or have more flavor. Usually I do this the first time I go to a microbrewery so that I can determine which beer I would like to get a full glass of. Everytime I have done this at Destihl (at least five times now) I have not found a beer that I want to finish the sample of let alone get a full glass. The problems with the beer have ranged from grassiness, underlying cloying sweetness, astringency, off-style sourness, to just plain funk. While I've had an occasional beer that might be drinkable, not one has been good in the style in which it was created. I'd absolutely have to have a great microbrewery in Bloomington-Normal, unfortunately Destihl isn't it. I still haven't given up hope. Someone please fix this beer!

    (4)

  • Charles J.

    Long wait on a Friday night, Kobe burger was awesome jalapeño bacon was magica but wedges were just okay. My wife's burger was great but shoestring fries were terrible. And my expresso BBQ sauce was too much like bad coffee.

    (3)

  • Jason T.

    The beers have always been pretty good, but the food is inconsistent. Service can be shaky as well; last time here the entrees came out a few minutes after the apps. That should never happen.

    (3)

  • Micah H.

    Food was excellent - a notch above the typical BloNo "gourmet fare" - beer was delish and they accomodated changes to make dishes vegetarian with no problem - tasty shitake mushrooms !

    (4)

  • Matt M.

    This is a real review ! I went to destihl with my girlfriend, her mom visiting from California, and her 3 year old daughter for dinner. We had the pretzels for an appetizer and they were delicious. I had the Dijon chicken! Chicken was great. Girlfriends mom had stuffed peppers and was pleased. Girlfriend had the portabello sandwich and she liked it. Gfs daughter loved the fruit bowl and root beer float that comes with kids meal. Our experience was great. The waiter was knowledgable and attentive. Highly recommend the pretzels and Dijon chicken!

    (4)

  • Barbara P.

    Destihl's is a nice addition to the long list of chain restaurants in the Bloomington/Normal area. Three of us went here for dinner one rainy night. We were seated promptly & our drink order taken immediately. None of us is a beer drinker so I can't comment on the beer. I had the Coconut Curry Mahi-Mahi & it was one of the better meals I had during my 3 week stay in the area. The potatoes & bok choy were nice accompaniments & the fish was done just right.

    (3)

  • Remy M.

    The Destihl in Normal, IL is in a stand-alone building in an anonymous looking shopping center. The building facade has a clean, modern look and this is also reflected in the interior which has an angular feel with light and dark wood, metal and leather as the main materials. Overall this comes across as attractive and is certainly disctinctive in the the overall location. I tried dinner at Destihl. It was a Sunday night and was fairly quiet. The bar area has full service and I ordered from the menu in the bar area. Not wanting to try seafood in the middle of the Corn Belt, I tried the flat iron steak with fingering potatoes and asparagus. Steak had good flavor and was quite tender. The potatoes came with blue cheese on top and made a good counterpoint to the other flavors including the Chimichurri sauce. For beer, I tried the house-made Normal Lager. It was advertised on the menu, light body with medium hops. It tasted fresh and had enough taste to stand up to the steak and other flavors. I was pleased to see that espresso was available (have been disappointed at other places like this in the past) and wrapped up with a double espresso. Defnitely worth it and would eat there again.

    (4)

  • Levi W.

    The beer is phenomenal, service is great, and a wonderful atmosphere. My wife and I have been there several times and it is where we go on every special occasion. You must try it out.

    (5)

  • Anna B.

    Modern, cool, awesome food. Their pizzas are sooooo yummy, their salads are delish, and the fried cheese curds (made from local cheeses) are awesomely bad for you. Go there!

    (5)

  • Cindy S.

    The stuffed poblanos are to die for. Service great and restaurant cozy on a very cold night.

    (5)

  • Patrick P.

    I've eaten here twice now. The beers are over flavored. The food is good. The meatloaf and the bison burger are pretty good. I just can't get past the fact that a brewery has better food than beer.

    (3)

  • Theresa J.

    Good place to visit if you're in BloNo. Went while here visiting family. The salmon and half rack ribs were nice. Have the heff to drink and ice cream sandwich for desert.

    (4)

  • Meghan B.

    You know, it's just OK. It's very possible that I came in with too-high expectations, given that it's a microbrewery and, well, microbreweries are by definition good. Beer wasn't bad... but also wasn't good. Selection was kind of bizarre, flavor profiles were off, and a few we sampled were either flat or tasted watered down. I do hope to keep trying their beer, but man, I think they could and should REALLY step it up! As for food, we only split a goat cheese and pesto pizza. It was also just OK. Thin crackery crust, which is always such a disappointment to me. But of course it was edible. I'm curious to try a few more things on the menu, so I'll update when I do. Ambiance was fine, place was crowded on a Saturday night but we had no trouble sitting and eating in the bar area. (No smoking in B-N, wahoo!) They really focus on the presentation of the food, which is nice, but all the more reason it also disappoints a bit.

    (3)

  • Gail C.

    Ah ha....just what a college town needs ...... a micro brewery! Sincerely, I ate here over the weekend and for the Normal area it was a refreshing change from the chain restuarants that are all over here. The decor is very modern....all steel and leather. The bar area is open, with plenty of tv's for the viewing. The beer sampler is wonderful. Giving you plenty of choices. The coffee brew is a bit too strong on the coffee end. I thought give it a whirl: combining two of my favorite things: coffee and beer. And folks, this one is a no go. Food: I ordered the greek salad...they attempted tres chic and did not live up to the expectations. I got alot of lettuce, minimal feta cheese and a few olives with oil on top. The hanburgers there are good, ribs good. Everything there is ala carte so you have to ask for substitutes for fries, mashed etc. Desserts are different. I tasted the smores, which was not as sweet as you would think and very light. Service is good there. Definately a go back to.

    (3)

  • Matt G.

    This place rules! 'Nuff said! Check it out, seriously, I wanted to go there right when they opened as I had read about them in the Pantagraph and their overall goals for the diner's experience. Each time I go there, I am utterly amazed at the taste of their food, the atmosphere and the service. They are quite creative with the menu, so you'll find a lot of cool new things to try each time you go there. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • John D.

    Destihl is hands down the best restaurant I've been to in the Bloomington/Normal area. The food is both sophisticated and made with a little love. Essentially, it's a New American cuisine restaurant with touches of influence from other regions. And then there's the cherry on top - that Destihl brews its own beer. The beer is also sophisticated and comes in a variety of tasty styles. If you're a little timid about trying new things, you can always get pizza or a burger at Destihl, but if you're interested in food - read the menu more thoroughly.

    (4)

  • S P.

    Best place for parents and their ISU students! I love this place and go back whenever I can (whenever my parents pay). My dad (a beer enthusiast) loves the microbrews on tap. I love the fantastic signature cocktails. The menu changes with the seasons and always has fresh new tastes. Its a very popular place because of its awesome-ness so while school is session be SURE to make a reservation!

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    The inside of Distihl is clean and attractive, if not a bit corporate feeling. The service was friendly and attentive. The food is good but not great, with standard brewpub food like burgers, sandwiches, and a few entrees. The beer was hit or miss. I enjoyed the pale ale, but the lager was almost skunky, in a bad way. All said, not a bad place. Taking into consideration other options in the area, Distihl becomes that much more of a front runner.

    (3)

  • Richard H.

    Yummy beer and cocktails. Tasty food. Friendly staff.

    (4)

  • Matthew M.

    Overall great experience. I'd recommend the Kobi burger.

    (4)

  • Lawrence T.

    Went there for a Sunday lunch. Decided we wanted to sit on the outside patio. We were the only ones out there but or waiter never let the service lack even though I'm sure we were an inconvenience. The food was wonderful. We shared the beer battered bacon, which was tangy and mouth watering. My wife had the Destihl breakfast, her eggs were perfect the jalapeño Bacon was as advertised. Her potatoes were too spicy and off putting. I had the feta flatbread and it was a perfect combination of flavors an ingredients. Overall a great experience. If they keep this up my rating will improve

    (4)

  • Patty S.

    Stayed at the Hampton Inn next door to Destihl and I'm glad that this was where I decided to eat at. It's got a modern, but comfortable, brewery restaurant atmosphere. Their menu is also the same way - comfort food with a twist. The was was curvy and inviting. There wasn't many people there as it was a Wednesday night. Since they are a brewery, they offered quite a few different beers, but I decided to get some wine an they had some good selection in that realm as well. Everything on their menu looked delicious, but I only got the spinach salad with strawberry, orange segments, candied walnuts, and herbed goat cheese - one word: "YUM!" The prices were reasonable and the portions were respectable. I'm glad I discovered this place and can't wait for the next time I'm staying in the area!

    (4)

  • Jude F.

    Visited on a warm evening and the a/c was not up to par. Service was quick and friendly. Food portions are small, good wine selections for the non-beer drinker. Overall good experience. Need another visit to consider a higher rating.

    (3)

  • JP W.

    I saw my old review said I would give Destihl another try and after a couple more visits my opinion remains the same. They have a few great dishes on the menu, but everything else (except for the service) is just so-so. I have yet to have one of their beers that wasn't off balance or too sweet. I met and talked beer brewing with someone who assists in their brewing a few months ago and he said his preference is toward sweeter beer styles, but I'm not sure if that explains the sub-par beer. That being said, I've always had great service.

    (2)

  • Peter T.

    Went here since it was walking distance from The Chateau and I had to use my Per Diem for the night. So I came here and asked for a to-go menu, the fool at the front gave me a card and said they didn't have one.......irritated already. Finally, one of the girls at the front smartly hands me a regular menu. After browsing, I decided to head over to the bar. The bartender was a white dude in his mid-twenties, medium build. Anyway, had a beer, a soup, and a pizza. The Pizza was disappointingly not Chicago style...it was thin crust wood fired. It was Ok, sorta like a CPK or Yardhouse pizza. The Decor is very modern, dimly lit, a lot of black everywhere, corporate looking.

    (3)

  • Sebastian M.

    The asparagus appetizer was delicious! I whole highly recommend it to anyone. It had a sweet flavor while still having a bit of a kick to it. Then there are a ton of espresso barbecue entre selection. I decided on the Brewmaster Pizza and it was very good. Barbecue sauce replaced the regular tomato sauce and I approve!

    (4)

  • Linda K.

    My son, who attends ISU, introduced us to Destihl a year ago and it is definitely our favorite restaurant in the Bloomington-Normal area. We go there every time we are in town. The food is very unique and delicious. My favorite is the warm salmon & potato salad. I'm not a beer drinker but they seem to have a wide variety of signature beers. The staff is always friendly and very service oriented. Mostly college students working there. Our first visit we had to wait a while so the manager bought us a couple of appetizers. They always seem to go out of their way to make sure everyone is happy and satisified. And, yes, the bathrooms are beautiful!!

    (4)

  • Mike R.

    When will Bloomington, IL realize there is more to fine dining than steakhouses? Never, but at least this place will help them branch out a little bit. When ever I'm in the Bloomington-Normal area and want to try a nice microbrew and have some good food I always try to go to this place. It's very relaxed has great staff and by far one of the best places in the area. I'm not a fan of chain resteraunts so I guess that makes me the anti Bloomington- Normal foodie but this place doesn't feel ridiculously corporate.

    (4)

  • keith d.

    I like the different items on the menu, not the same old stuff you see at all these chain places. Clean restrooms! They always say if the restroom is nasty, what is the kitchen like? The fish tacos and flatbread pizza we had amazing.

    (4)

  • Russ C.

    Contemporary decor. Appetizers are their weak spot. They try hard to be unique, but miss the spot. The Reuben egg rolls are decent. The entrees are well presented, well prepared, and taste very good. I recommend the Mahimahi and Kobe burger. Many entrees are $10. This is 5 star food at 2 star prices, so definitely worth 5 stars at this value. Service is excellent. Beers are good.

    (5)

  • Megan B.

    Delicious. Bold flavors and reasonably priced. I will return often.

    (5)

  • M T.

    i went here with a big group for my birthday. we are an older crowd over 30. and we went out with family who was over 40 in age. the beer selection was great. we got the redbird ale and the sampler. both excellent choices. in terms of food, it was hit or miss. miss: truffle fries cod fish & chips tuna steak hit: salmon salad flat bread pizza kobe burger --great sauce pot roast , this was good, but take note that it is open faced so its not a traditional sandwhich beer battered asparagus

    (4)

  • Harry W.

    very nice. The food was tasty, nice diverse menu, friendly service, nice atmosphere. Had the asparagus appetizer and cedar plank salmon which was very moist and tasty.

    (4)

  • T. K.

    Let me start by saying if you were looking for a place to eat in Bloomington/Normal this is the place I would recommend for everyone. It simply has food that is amazing and unpretentious. Its definitely not the standard fare you see around here. For one its a place where you get your moneys worth, second its locally owned which is a nice change from all these chain restaurants we have in town.

    (5)

  • L J.

    I checked out Destihl while on business in Bloomington. Quite chic especially compared to other places I dined while there. The decor is very cool and the atmosphere hip and urban. The menu was good. Their specialty martini's were awesome. I've been making their basil martini at home ever since and the strawberry balsamic martini was good as well. Would definitely go back again and again!

    (4)

  • Chris R.

    Bad beer reviews must be from bud drinkers... the flight of beer I had was on par with most brewpubs. Tasty and nicely priced menu. Growers price but may refills are cheap? I intend to find out. Ribs fell off the bone with a unique bbq sauce. Maybe not what I'm used to but think the they're aiming for that. Service was ok. No biggie in our current state of mind. We will be back next time we are in town.

    (4)

  • K S.

    Eh... underwhelmed. Food was trying to be "gourmet" but missed the mark. It was either over-done, under-done or lacked any flavor. Way to pricey for the service we got. Don't think I'll be back.

    (1)

  • m m.

    I really wanted to like this place. It looks nice and seemed to have a nice menu. Everyone in the B-N area raved about it. So, today, we checked it out. I took two of my girlfriends here for their birthdays and left thoroughly disappointed. My girlfriend ordered the fish tacos and it was really salty. My other girlfriend ordered the portabello and brie and thought it was just okay. I had the spicy Thai shrimp and had them take it back b/c it was so salty. I ordered a steak salad instead. It was also too salty, but I just ended up eating it b/c I was starving at this point. The service was terrible, too. We had to repeat over and over if we wanted ketchup, sugar, refills...and each time we requested something, it took the server over 15 minutes to bring it to the table for each request. Awful. It took the three of us over 2 hours to eat our salty food because of the lackluster service. We will not be back. $50 for us to eat not so great food and wait on the wait staff? No thanks.

    (1)

  • Craig L.

    Destihl is yet another example of a quality non-chain place in Bloomington-Normal. I'm not a beer drinker, so I can't comment on the microbrews they offer, but my friends have been happy with many of them. The atmosphere is somewhat of a hip restaurant in a larger city. We're not in NYC or LA, so it's not ~that~ trendy, but the crowd is on the younger side, and the decor is modern. The food is upscale American. They offer several meat entrees, burgers/sandwiches, dinner salads, and seafood dishes. The food is flavorful, and the portion size is appropriate (plenty of food for one person but not a huge portion like you get in some restaurants). They also offer some tasty appetizers and desserts. I'd recommend the beer battered asparagus and the pumpkin bread pudding and berry Napoleon. Prices are what you'd expect; most entrees will run you $12-16 with a few being more in the $20 range. Burgers/sandwiches/salads are less. They do get busy, so if you're coming on a weekend night, be sure to make a reservation.

    (5)

  • Andy B.

    Bloomington Normal seems to definitely be chain central, and it was refreshing to see a place someone obviously poured some cash into. Definitely a creative menu, very engaging and friendly staff, and good food too. The apple prosciutto pizza is a big hit, I had the tuna steak salad, also tasty. Definitely check this place out!

    (4)

  • Thomas L.

    Whenever we visit our daughter at ISU, we always make the effort to eat at Destihl. The food is always great, I especially enjoy the Jambalaya, and my wife like the "Potts Roast Sandwich". If your adventurous try the "Beer Battered Asparagus", yumm!

    (4)

  • Barb N.

    When we have guests in town we take them to Destihl. You don't feel like you're in a downstate restaurant. The menu is very diverse and the beers very tasty. The wait staff is very knowledgeable about the menu and can suggest any beer based on your description of what you normally drink. There is a nice outdoor seating area and great bar. Especially love their appetizers! You can spend a lot on your dinner or eat very reasonably. Love that about them, too.

    (5)

  • Josh E.

    Really high quality food. Beer is good. Nice atmosphere. Great appetizer.

    (4)

  • Farhan Y.

    I love their sandwiches and the atmosphere is great... would highly recommend it.....

    (4)

  • Ashley S.

    We all know this restaurant is widely popular. I love it too. Can we campaign to get Destihl to bring the Reuben egg rolls back?! I miss them!

    (5)

  • Ryan S.

    i don't know what the people who are calling this place "standard bar" food are thinking. the menu is one of the more creative in town. in fact, i think picky eaters will have trouble finding something they like. however, i think it's a good thing to have another restaurant that isn't a friday's/chili's clone. i got the dijoin chicken, which was really good. however, they put andouille sausage in the sweet potatoes, i was not a fan of that at all. if you are into craft beers you will probably like this place.

    (4)

  • Kelly M.

    Wasn't super impressed....food was good, but not great. REALLY liked the fact that they offer full and half salad options...the 1/2 salad was a perfect amount to finish. My husband liked their beers quite a bit. We had reservations, so there was no wait, although on the night we went, there was open seating. Staff was pleasant enough. Decor is very cohesive...just not very personal.

    (3)

  • Lauren K.

    Great food and service. My husband and I ate here for the first time on the way from STL to Chicago. He had a tasty bison burger (good shoestring fries) and I enjoyed some succulent marinated grilled shrimp - great flavor. We enjoyed the wonton/lemon curd/berry sorbet dessert. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. We will definitely make this a regular stop for next trip.

    (5)

  • Wendy F.

    This is a great brewery/restaurant! Every time we're down at ISU to visit our daughter, we make a point to stop here. The beers are great (we had samplers at our last visit) - and everything we've had to eat was terrific. We heard they are opening a new location in Burr Ridge - which was great to hear!

    (4)

  • Jack R.

    Went here as part of a package with the Hampton Inn next door. Standard bar and grill menu, but almost everything has a twist. Some odd spice or sauce is used in most of the entrees. I went with the sirloin steak because it was very standard. I usually order medium well, but the waiter cautioned me that their medium well is more like well so I went with medium and it turned out just right. Actually did not try their beer, but they had a pretty cool serving method for their sampler.

    (4)

  • Domingo K.

    had a drunken weasel and a chocolate 3 way - need i say more?

    (5)

  • John D.

    Destihl Restaurant and Brew Works works for me! Very delicious. I recommend the Thai pork pizza. It is quite spicy and a tad sweet. BUT, despair not when consumed with a fourflight of 4-oz brews on tap. I had the Redbird Ale, Intermission Session IPA, Pappy's Porter, and Oengus Irish Stout, all for less than six bucks. The atmosphere in here is quite appealing, with the nice backdrop glass view of the brew tanks behind the bar. Highly recommend this Brew Works for anyone visiting the Bloomington area.

    (5)

  • Lauren V.

    Service:amazing. Our waiter really knew his stuff. Had great recommendations. Food: fantastic! I'm a vegetarian and they had some great options. The ceaser salad is very tasty and so is the herbivore burger. Beer:this is why I gave the 4 stars. For a brewery I expected better tasting beer. Overall:strongly recommend trying. Outstanding place!

    (4)

  • Brianna B.

    My salad was so good that I went again the next night to get the same salad... But the second time it was underdressed and lacking the lemony brilliance of the first one. The sour IPA was brilliant (in small doses), but the blonde ale was boring. From these two visits, I have little reason to expect any consistency, from the kitchen or the brewery. Also, the prices are high ($7 to add salmon to a salad), and the decor is definitely more suburban chain restaurant than microbrewery. But that first salad was so good (kale, chard, broccolini, walnuts, etc) that I'd probably go back if I find myself back in Bloomington-Normal.

    (3)

  • Jen W.

    Decent restaurant. Food was not prepared the way I asked, due to the server not really understanding my needs. I have food allergies, and the food wound up containing several things I asked to not be included. They redid the order though, and even though on that second try the order took out the things that I can't have...which is appreciated...out of probably panic, they omitted things I actually *can* have, lol... Regardless, they tried, and were not jerks about having to redo the order. Which, of course, I greatly appreciated. *edit: I'm now up at 3 AM, very sick due to what is likely an order that was not fixed. Thinking back to it now, the omission of food I could eat with the order re-do was probably just the server taking the stuff back and picking out the items I couldn't eat...should have known better. Should have kept the defective order at my table until new version arrived. Server also rushed me the whole time, didn't give me a chance to look at the menu, or take out my credit card to pay, or really...do *anything* at a normal pace. The only enjoyable part of this whole meal was the hostess. I told her I preferred a quiet booth away from the crowd, and she sat me in a great booth. Even tipped the hostess for that. Too bad that booth came with such shitty service.

    (1)

  • Dennis K.

    Great food, great service! Shockingly bad beer for a brewpub. They MAKE good beer. They just don't SELL it at the restaurant. I love good beer. I'm disappointed to go to a brewpub and settle for wine. They need to get their act together.

    (1)

  • Kent K.

    Pretty cool place. The chile relleno is awesome. I enjoy going more in the fall/winter months because of the choice of beers on tap. The spring/summer beers just don't do it for me. The patio is nice place to sit. A bonus about this place is it is right off the Constitution Trail. Cheers!

    (4)

  • Lisa M.

    Went here a lot throughout my college years. Love how attentive the servers are. Tastings are great, beers are delicious. Food is solid. Bring an empty stomach!

    (4)

  • Erin Q.

    This place ranks high to visit with my clients as it is close to their office. Last night, I got to check it out for dinner, which is rare since it's usually a lunch. I was happy to order a cocktail and I tried the torched cherry rum drink, a spin on a caipirinha. It was awesome. Our server was super cool and was training, which he made a point of letting us know so we weren't overloaded with two people. I got the fennel sausage and date pizza and it is plenty big to share with someone. Just the right amount of bite from the fennel and a nice creaminess from the garlic sauce. My client got the Mediterranean pizza and a bloody mary. The bloody mary looked like a mean in and of itself! A great place to check out and close to local hotels too!

    (5)

  • Jill C.

    Amazing experience. The food was delicious. Our waiter, Wes, was awesome. Everyone from the host to the employees clearing the table were excellent and friendly. We will recommend this restaurant to our friends and family.

    (5)

  • Wendy S.

    Been here many many times and have never had a bad meal! Everything is delicious, beer battered asparagus is a must try. Love that their menu changes occasionally with not your basic plates. Last time I was there I wasn't sure what salad to get, server recommended the shredded Brussels salad, was so good! Favorite place in bloomington.

    (5)

  • James S.

    I have been to Destihl on multiple occasions. A few times on birthdays, a few times for some drinks and a quick lunch. Destihl is one of the best restaurants in Blo-No. Their menu is constantly changing which makes it fun every time you come in. But, I hope they never take the chorizo stuffed dates of the menu. They are small, but they pack a tasty punch. One thing they have changed that I am not a fan of is their new pizza crust. They sacrificed a larger thinner crust for a smaller thicker crust. Personally, I thought their artisan pizzas worked better on the thinner crust because the complexity of the toppings. Also, their fish and chips is the best in town. It is crisp and fresh served with a house made tarter like sauce. You also cannot go wrong with any of their burgers, but their bison burger can become dry if you order it anything past medium-rare. The menu items are diverse and ever-changing. We will be back often. (The beers are also good; this review was long enough already.)

    (4)

  • Aurora S.

    Everything was delicious! My boyfriend got the farm & field burger medium rare and it was cooked PERFECTLY. The combination of bison and lamb with the Havarti just MELTED in your mouth! I got the roasted portabella sandwich and it was so flavorful and crunchy. The greens made it. I love that the beers are available in 4 oz, it makes so much sense!

    (4)

  • Jessica S.

    Trendy delicious fun energetic Every time I go here it's a new experience and it is wonderful

    (5)

  • Barbie M.

    I never take the time to write a review. I will start with the positive. The Reuben egg roll and craft beer were great. The green Chile Mac and brewmaster pizza were horrible. The crust was good on the pizza but it tasted like bbq sauce on crust but it was at least edible The pork Mac n cheese was full of large chunks of pork fat. After the fourth bite I could not eat any more. Our server Christina was concerned only about the table behind us and not our table. It took ten minutes before we were even acknowledged and drink refills we're non existent. My biggest surprise wAs the lack of inquiry as to why I didn't eat my food. A horrible meal can be overlooked as a fluke if the service had at least been decent

    (1)

  • Andy O.

    All around great experience. Food was very good, service was great, and the atmosphere was nice, though a tad on the louder side. I had the flank steak which was delicious. Several in our party had the stuffed poblano peppers and were very pleased. I will definitely go back, several times!

    (4)

  • Nikki S.

    First time visit, awesome beer and great food. Love that you can basically create your own beer flights so you can try a variety. Cant wait to go back and try more of the vegetetatian options on the menu!!

    (5)

  • Marie C.

    Excellent burger..one of the best I've ever had. The home made chips were top notch also. Great beer selection. Not to loud. Great service at the bar. I'll be back when I'm in town again!

    (5)

  • Leland R.

    Ancho chips with a couple of Old Fashioneds on the patio. Hard to beat.

    (4)

  • Amy G.

    Literally the perfect stopping point between Chicago and St. Louis. Excellent food and beer. A huge selection of gastro pub food. It was hard to settle on one thing. Great for kids! Kids menu and coloring. The service was great.

    (5)

  • Doug M.

    This place was excellent. We had our company Christmas party here. We have had it at four different establishments. The team overwhelmingly stated this should be the place from now on. Appetizers, beer, main course, and desserts were all quality fare. The service was outstanding. The server was knowledgeable and very courteous. The staff seemed well coordinated and working together as a team came natural to them. Before I left a purchased a gift card to return with my wife for a date night. Outstanding choice in Bloomington-Normal

    (5)

  • Jen S.

    Super spot. Great salad selection for lighter fare, plus heartier sandwiches and appetizers. We tried the a beer, too. No complaints! We were driving to MO and only found this by looking on yelp. Could use a sign to advertise from I-55.

    (4)

  • John M.

    I am trying to like Destihl more. Since moving to the area, we've been to Destihl multiple times and have noticed that it's best to stay simple here. On our first visit, I tried the jambalaya. This was very underwhelming. When eating jambalaya, I expect vibrant flavors. Unfortunately, this was not the case. This jambalaya was bland compared to what I'm used to when I've ordered this dish in the South or even in the Pacific Northwest. Yes, the Pacific Northwest. My wife ordered the cheesy stuffed poblano which was an interesting take on a stuffed chile, but missed the mark. On subsequent visits, we've tried different dishes. The potpie was OK, but the large Brussels sprouts were large, ergo not cooked through. The best dishes that we've tried have been the burgers. The brioche bun does great things for the wagyu burger. L Last night, we shared an order of nachos. They were quite tasty, but unfortunately the service was sub par. Having worked in the service industry before I understand that side work is a necessity. However, walking by a table that is in need of fresh drinks in order to complete side work is unacceptable. Perhaps, it's just this server. Last time she was our server it was the same thing. She starts off strong, but goes downhill quickly. The beer here is decent. Perhaps, I'm spoiled as I'm a Colorado native who has also lived in the Pacific Northwest. I am a hop head, so have focused on IPAs.Their IPAs are decent, but not favorites. I need to do a bit more research and see which hops they are using. The IBA that I had last night was decent. The toastiness was nice with a bitter finish. I wanted to try a couple brews listed on the board, but alas they were out. Due to the abundance of chain restaurants, I know that we will return to Destihl. Hopefully, it will grow on me as I find the right dishes to suit my palate. As we visit, I will edit this review.

    (2)

  • Skylair M.

    Been here several times.... Food is good! Have had a few service issues in the past, but this can happen with any restaurant.

    (4)

  • Mean Eyed C.

    Very Nice Place Good service, good food, beers Try the pizza, its very good

    (5)

  • Laura C.

    Excellent atmosphere and service. Definitely try the pork Mac and cheese.. I have dreams about it. Also: the skillet nachos (hope you're hungry!) and the Beer battered asparagus. Skip the cheese curds... They're soggy. Who can beat the pub 2 on those anyway? Anyway, this place has delicious beer and food so I highly recommend it.

    (4)

  • Paul M.

    If you find yourself in Normal, IL, first rethink the choices in your life that have lead you down this path. Think about what might have been. Ask yourself why. Why, god? Why? Then eat at Destihl. I can think of no better distraction from the sad shambles of the life you have wrought for yourself. Also, beer-battered bacon? Are you f*ckin' kidding?

    (4)

  • Cathy G.

    Four people with different tastes for breakfast. Each person was totally happy. Each breakfast was exceptional as was the service. We had not been to Destihl for breakfast previously. We had only eaten lunch and dinner there and always been happy so we decided to try their weekend breakfast menu. What a treat. The Huevos ranchero stack is for folks who like spice. The maple egg and bacon sandwich is for someone with a hearty appetite. The cast iron baked eggs is for someone who hates when their eggs get cold, and the Destihl breakfast is for the traditionalist. The service at Destihl continues to be spot on with attention to detail and even a bit of humor. This place just gets better and better in our opinion.

    (5)

  • Jeff O.

    One of the best in town. Known for the beer though I only go the for food. They offer really great selections with unique flavor combinations. Try the Pastrami Reuben or the Ham and Apple sandwiches for a change of pace. The Weisenheimer chicken is excellent, as well. If you're up for decadence try the maple-glazed asparagus.

    (5)

  • Adam S.

    The restaurant is decorated in what I like to call "Post-Modern Horse Barn". The wait staff is excellent and very friendly. I enjoyed all of the suggestions that my server made drink wise....food wise not so much! The cheese curds are disgusting. The person who came up with the recipe has never traveled to Wisconsin to taste what a curd should taste like. It tasted like mushy under cooked calamari with very little cheese flavor. The bison burger was good, nothing spectacular. The Cheddar beer soup was the best I have tried in along time The beer selection is excellent and was thoroughly sampled. I even left with a growler of my favorite. Well worth a visit, but be warned about the CURDS!

    (3)

  • Chelsea W.

    Amazing atmosphere, food, and service! I have been living in the area for almost 6 years. Whenever my family visits me, they almost always ask to eat here and I would never in a million years complain about that! I love their iced tea. It has a unique, orange-y taste to it. I also recommend the beer-battered asparagus for an appetizer. I feel you can't go wrong with any of the entrees really. My mom and I like to split the pumpkin bread pudding or s'mores for dessert.

    (5)

  • Mark S.

    Great beer. I wish they had more vegetarian options on the menu, but what they did have was very tasty and very filling.

    (4)

  • Doug F.

    Bacon Bacon Bacon. The Beer Battered Bacon is a must for anyone who even slightly loves the taste of salty crispy pork touching your tongue. Crisp, a bit of spice, and ample flavor make this a great appetizer. Heck order 10 of these and make a meal of it. As for an actual main course you can never go wrong with Fried Chicken, but when you add Thai flavors you definitely can't go wrong. Each bite had a flavorful infusion of thai spices and the coconut rice complemented every bite with that unique zest. But don't fill yourself full of bacon and chicken as you still need to try the Maple Creme Brule. Sweetness in a dish. You get a nice blend of creamy and crunchy and every bite will make you feel like you are in heaven. Try this place out if you like flavor explosions!

    (5)

  • Novine G.

    When we travel to a new town, we like to head to local places downtown and avoid restaurants in the mall area. But Destihl was within walking distance from our hotel and the menu we saw online had a nice selection of dishes. Plus, it had gotten many rave reviews on Yelp so we decided it was worth checking out. As it was a Friday night, we weren't surprised by the wait. But we really didn't want to wait 45 minutes to be seated. Hearing that, the hostess offered the bar area as an alternative. Note to diners: Unless you can't stand to sit on a stool, avoid the line and head to the bar area. In addition to the bar itself, there's a lot of seating options including numerous 4-tops. Even though people were waiting to be seated in the dining areas, there was always open seats in the bar area. We ordered mixed drinks and appetizers as a dinner. We skipped the beer even though that's one of their specialities. But they did nice job with our mixed drinks. The potato croquettes were excellent with that right combination of crunchy outside and creamy inside. We also ordered the Bavarian-style pretzels. I love pretzels and these were among some of the best I've had. If you order them, be warned that they are huge! You really need a group to share those as we ended up taking one home. I preferred the cheddar cheese sauce over the mustard for dipping the pretzels but both were good. We also ordered the skillet nachos. Again, this is a large serving, enough for a meal for some. We liked the nacho chips that were very light, more like a potato chip than a traditional nacho chip. The roasted pork was very good and there was a nice mix of toppings on the nachos. The nachos don't come with sour cream or olives that you might traditionally get with a nacho dish but they did include tomatos and onions, although those weren't noted on the menu. Service: Nick was our waiter and he did an excellent job. He was attentive without being overbearing which is exactly what we want. Our drinks were brought to us only a few minutes after Nick took our order and we didn't wait much longer for our appetizers to arrive. They were busy but it didn't affect our service or the preparation of our food. We're glad that we tried Destihl. We'll definitely try it again the next time we're in the area. Five stars for service, drinks and the quality and preparation of the food as compared to similar restaurants.

    (5)

  • Joe R.

    Delicious and diverse beer menu, a swath of excellent food choices, and a simple yet elegant decor that elicits relaxed, tasteful, trendy vibes culminates in a wonderful dining experience.

    (5)

  • Shariq A.

    Very nice place with off the charts service. Was there last Wednesday night (1029/14). The food was really good - I loved my salmon with potatoes and mustard sauce. What blew me away was the service. My friends and I hung around for 2 hours after closing time and they never pressured us to leave and let us be while the staff cleaned the place. At one point, the waitress even brought out fresh batches of water. Kudos to the staff and management.

    (5)

  • Jen B.

    Two visits in and neither of them outstanding despite our hopes! Food was better our first visit with lazy service and then poor food with great service on our second visit. We were hoping the first visit's poor service was just the one server so we stopped back in recently for a re-do and had very blah food. We tried both varieties of wings, the thai wings were the best item on the table by far. The chipotle wings were fiery hot!! The pork nachos were a skillet of melted cheese topped with chips, pico de gallo and shredded pork. Having the chips all piled on top of the cheese made it hard to move them out of the way to dip them into the cheese. Also the chips sitting on the bottom in the pool of cheese turned to disintegrated mush. The pork was very tasty though, ate that out with a spoon. The ceviche was just chopped up shrimp topped with some avocado and lime juice. No variety of flavor or spice at all there. Most sadly of all, my bloody mary was undrinkable. I can usually get through at least one depending on the spice level but this one was half tomato juice and half A-1. Tasted like I was drinking a steak. It was actually almost brown when it got to the table. Definitely made by a person who has never drank a bloody in their life. Probably don't let that person bartend on Sundays since that's kind of a big Sunday brunch thing. Service on our first visit was very slow and we rarely saw our server but we had amazing warm potato and salmon dish as well as a really yummy and spicy thai steak salad. If they can get it together with the service and the food, this would be a win.

    (2)

  • Jethro A.

    This place is off the hook, The presentation the wine, the food. I hade the Thai chicken, amazing, Ceaser salad with egg amazing.

    (5)

  • Aubri W.

    Absolutely great food, unique menu and drinks, in my opinion it's the best central Illinois has to offer.. Not that you should put that on any sort of plaque or anything. But I would genuinely go there if it was a choice in any city. Totally worth it

    (5)

  • R P.

    Love this place. The food and drink are excellent. It was a pleasure each trip.

    (4)

  • Trista T.

    Central Illinois's finest food at reasonable prices. First...let me tell you the waiter did an mouthwatering description of the specials and convinced us immediately to try the bbq pork pizza. It was thin but not crunchy crust with carrots and cilantro...amazing! We also shared an appetizer of pretzels, cheese, and mustard dip...this is not just pretzel bites. These come in two, fresh, giant pretzels and hot dip....heaven!!! We also tried this lemony chicken pot pie topped with an extraordinarily flaky pastry on top. I am not a beer drinking but I hope to return and try some! I was mildly annoyed that we waited over an hour to be seated. We had been told 45 min originally. Its a busy place, so I suggest reservations!

    (4)

  • Twylla S.

    As far as Bloomington/Normal restaurants go this place is the shit. I didn't even know stuff like this existed back home. The menu is exquisite with options that rival menus in the Chicago suburbs where I live now. It took my nearly twenty minutes to finally settle on what I wanted to try on my first visit. My father is a vegetarian so we chose to split the portobello sandwhich and Mediterranean pizza. I also snagged an order if Reuben eggrolls to taste and bring home to my fiancé. The potato chips paired with the sandwhich were amazing. Thick and crisp. My dad and I both agreed that typically chips of that size can be hard and unpleasant but these were delightfully crunchy and delicious! The portobello sandwhich it's self was all that I expected, meaty and fresh and just the right amount of bread. Next up was the Med pizza. The flavor was spot on! I was surprised that even with all the veggies which can sometimes make a pizza soggy the crust was perfectly crisp. I look forward to trying their other pizzas. I forgot to mention we started out with a wonderful beer cheese soup. I loved all the different cheeses in it! Rich and delicious. Mmm! Definitely a perfect starter. I also had to snag an order of the Reuben eggrolls because they sounded so exotic. The misrule of cabbage and pastrami was perfect and felt like I was eating a normal eggroll with a fun twist! The mustard they were laid on top of was good too I couldn't scoop up enough! They reheated okay, I'd recommend finishing them there :) Our server was so awesome and helpful and I wish I could remember his stinking name. He let us taste a bunch of different beers and I finally settled on the nutty brown. I love all the different beer options. Like I said I totally can't wait to come here again!!

    (5)

  • Aaron H.

    About a month ago i tried out this place for dinner. The menu is kind of strange and out of the ordinary and thats why i gave it 4 stars. Dont get me wrong the two meals that were ordered were delicious but i was scared on what the meals would taste like. Lol. I got the greek style lamb pizza and the other meal ordered was called warm potato & salmon. The sauce mixed in with the dish was wonderful and complimented the salmon nicely. My pizza was unique and i enjoyed it very much. I loved the greens on the top and the feta cheese mixed in. Had great service and will go back.

    (4)

  • Kristin B.

    This place has a VERY interesting menu. A lot of thought was put into the ingredients and description of each dish. My group ordered two appetizers: the baked nachos and the beer battered asparagus. Both were outstanding. The asparagus was cooked perfectly and topped with a maple Chipotle glaze. YUM. I ordered the stuffed peppers and no words can be used to describe the deliciousness... Best stuffed peppers ever. Very spicy and fresh. A member of the group ordered the skirt steak and gave it a thumbs up. Things fell a little short on the Thai fried chicken. The seasonings were great, but it had been cooked a bit too long and was quite dry. Overall, it's the menu that would keep me coming back. Everything looked so good it was very hard to decide what to order!

    (4)

  • Patrick W.

    Stopped in late with my daughter for dinner and a sample of the beers. Had the sword fish, excellent. The cheese curd appetizer was very good. and large. Service was good even correcting my daughter's pizza prder. Beers Tenebrous and Oengus both very good and recommended.

    (4)

  • Matthew M.

    It's hard to live in Bloomington/Normal and not hear of Destihl these days, especially with a new beer production/distributing operation in full force. Destihl Opened in 2007, but I finally started coming to eat about three years ago and find myself coming here more than any other place in town. Although the Destihl brand is beginning to be known around the midwest for some unusually good beer, most people (including myself) would agree that it is known more for some of the best food in the area. Each item and dish listed on the menu is carefully thought out and prepared, and what keeps me coming back is the uniqueness of the dishes. Although most of the 'uniqueness' yields great flavor, there are several dishes/plates that seem to be unique just for the sake of it, and aren't the best in practice. Most people, including myself, would agree the Beer Battered Asparagus, Ceviche, Beer Battered Bacon, and Cheese Curds top the list for best small plates/appetizers with impeccable flavor combinations and originality. For dinner, I have always enjoyed the Gaucho Skirt Steak (a wonderfully prepared dish!) and the Thai Fried Chicken (best chicken dish in town!). Other dishes, such as their very famous Stuffed Poblano Peppers and some of the pizzas never fail to deliver a great flavor combination. The kitchen/cook staff have always cooked my dishes perfectly, without exception. Although all the beer served at the restaurant is brewed in-house, I would have to mention that it is always hit and miss. Some of their beers - the Ambassador Am-Belgo Pale Ale, Sour Ales, Strawberry Blonde, Hoperation Overload - rank alongside my favorite beers. Other beers, however, don't always hit the mark. I do appreciate the amazing diversity in beer selection transitioned throughout the year, and I imagine eventually all their beers will be up to the quality of my favorites. Destihl has a very unique, trendy drink menu, with cocktails you would never ordinarily try at another restaurant or bar. Their Basil Bulleit, for example, combines Bulleit bourbon, lemon juice, and basil, topped off with a splash of Cabernet - a wonderful, unique drink. The wine list is easily accommodates most dishes on the menu, and was chosen with great thought. An exceptional amount of time is obviously spent on training all their staff - hosts, servers, bar and support staff - on an excellent knowledge of their beer and food. I have always had a good experience, many times wonderful, dining at Destihl. Servers are happy to recommend dishes they like, and most importantly, dishes they do not. Unlike Medici, servers know all about the beers they are serving, and how to pair correctly with dishes. The atmosphere at Destihl is good, although a little confused. The interior fixtures are very modern, with exposed beams and structural elements, but the furniture (seats, booths) are much warmer. I usually don't really pay attention to some of the conflicting details, but it would be nice to see one consistent theme in decor and branding. However, at the end of the day, when you are seated and enjoying a great meal with great service, is it worth complaining about little things? Absolutely not. Destihl enjoys a #1 spot in my book for Bloomington-Normal.

    (4)

  • Kevin K.

    It's been a while since we'd been back here, but I had a craving for beer and a pretzel. The server we had admitted he was new, and did OK, but he had to run and check on the answers to many of our questions. The pretzel we had as an appetizer was great, big and soft, but not too dense, and the cheese sauce and mustard were both good with it. I ordered the brewmaster's stone oven baked pizza, and my wife had the skirt steak. The kids ordred the cheese pizza and the hot dog from the kids menu. My wife was happy with her skirt steak and felt it was cooked nicely. I was disappointed with my pizza, as I was expecting a bit fluffier, bready crust, and instead it was almost cracker thin, burned, and was the same size as my kids' cheese pizza from the kids menu. In addition, all the ingredients on the pizza were lumped in the middle. I was disappointed with the pizza. I had their Replicale Amber ale with my pizza and the beer wasn't balanced at all, as it was all hops and bitterness. Overall, I think if we went back, we'd probably go for appetizers (pretzels and beer battered asparagus) and/or dessert, but probably not for the entrees or beer.

    (2)

  • Chris J.

    Best food in Bloomington! Highly recommend trying them if you haven't been here before. Their beer battered asparagus is amazing - don't jump to conclusions - you have to try it. Shrimp ceviche is great too. So many good choices. Only negative is that their kitchen can be somewhat slow some nights...

    (4)

  • KJ V.

    Great beer! In the summer, I recommend the Strawberry Blonde. Food is delicious. You can tell they add 'love' to every dish. For appetizers, I recommend the chorizo stuffed dates, the cheese curds or the pretzels. For dinner, the spicy Thai shrimp is good Or the ribs! You cant go wrong with anyone of their stone oven pizzas or any one of their burgers. Atmosphere is great. Outdoor patio dining is great for the summer or fall. Service is great too. If u can't decide what to order, as your server. They are very knowledgeable and can help!

    (4)

  • Steve R.

    Good beers, decent food. Pretty kid friendly. The service was EXCELLENT! Kinda corporate in appearance, but what do you expect from an area that is a giant mall? I'd come back.

    (4)

  • Ethan H.

    Cool restaurant. They have a wide variety of good selections for both lunch and dinner. Their appetizers are great as well. My favorite thing is the unique beer selection that they brew themselves. I have a growler I like to get filled up with my favorite beer of the evening when I go.

    (4)

  • Emilie T.

    I love destihl. Great customer service, clean and unique atmosphere, and a variety of foods and flavors to choose from! The urban cuisine has such a fun flare! My personal favorite has to be the Thai Fried Chicken, even though its crazy messy to eat. At lunch time, I miss it so much, I grab a small taste of it through the Thai style wing appetizer. My mom loved the pottsroast sandwich. For lighter fare I'd go with their ham and apple sandwich or one of their scrumptious salads! Make sure you have room for dessert though, they have several mouth-watering options and you'll be sad if you didn't! The only negatives is that the atmosphere can be extremely boisterous at times, but it is a brewery :-P Also, I have ordered the icecream (usually fantastic) and it was frost biten and poor.

    (4)

  • Myki R.

    This is a must try... If you are driving down through the state of Illinois and on south 355, get off the highway for a quick trip to this establishment. The chef is inventive and talented. Many favorites on this menu! This restaurant is a great example: farming and fresh ingredients equal an exceptional outcome!!!

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    This is one of my favorite places to go to in town. Classy, great food, awesome beers, and not expensive. Try the deep fried bacon! It's pure heaven on a plate!

    (4)

  • Veronica M.

    Destihl is one of my favorite restaurant when we are wanting a non-chain. The food is usually very good and unique. The beer battered asparagus (MONSTER SIZE asparagus) is fantastic. The only reason it's not 5 stars is I've had hits an misses with the food on occasion, usually either being too bland, or too seasoned, but nothing that has ruined a meal. I really like the layout of the restaurant, it's spacious and not too loud. It's nice for a family as well.

    (4)

  • Judy L.

    Destihl does not have birthday candles or do a special birthday dessert or comp a birthday dessert of your choosing. Destihl's only downfall is that they do not celebrate birthdays at all. It's hard to stay mad though when they serve fun named beers in 4oz portions ranging between $1.00 to $2.50! Of the 4 that I tried, I really loved Rye-PA (rye/ipa), Normal Blonde and Bar Sinister. The cartoon t-shirts for these awesomely named beers are seriously the cutest! The food is excellent and at lunch they have a you pick two type combo (soup, salad or 1/2 sandwich). If you are looking for a beer/cheddar soup that is thicker (fondue like consistency), this is not the soup for you. It really is a soup. Dipped my wheatberry bread sandwich in there...yum, yum! They make this delicious bread in house! If you only have room left for 1 dessert, don't miss the pecan pie! It is a hand-made individual pie. Crust and filling is just right. Crispy, buttery and gooey.

    (4)

  • Bob B.

    Started out with their Redbird Ale. Very disappointed, none of the roasted malty flavor you usually get with a Red Ale, instead just an overwhelming taste of hops, almost to the IPA area of bitterness. I don't know where this trend of over hopping everything started, but someone needs to stop it. This beer alone will keep me from going back. For an appetizer I tried the Brussel Sprouts and Bacon, something pretty easy to make, but they goofed it up. Just the salt from the bacon was enough for the dish, but they added more. Also, if you are going to add onions into something like this, don't put them in at the beginning. They weren't caramelized, they were burnt, and the flavor of that took over everything but the saltiness. Finally, the pepperoni pizza spent a bit too much time in the oven. The cheeze was toasted by the time it came out, and was told that's how brick oven pizza's come out because of the heat. No, it isn't. That's how they come out when the kitchen doesn't pay attention to them. Servers were nice, service was prompt, prices were reasonable, which is the only reason it got 2 stars not 1.

    (2)

  • Jennifer B.

    We are new to the area and have been looking for good reataurants. I've come here 5 times with varying results. The asparagus appetizer is awesome... it is great every time, although I think it would be better if they peeled the stocks, cut off the bottom, or used slightly skinnier stalks as some times the bottom is too fibrous. The best thing ever is the fish and chips. It is as a large portion - my daughter and I share it. The banana pie is also awesome. The mac and cheese appetizer is good, but very cheesy and heavy. The first time I had the pot roast it was terrific.. tender, pretty lean, the sauce was rich and flavorful , and the vegetables practically melted in your mouth... I couldn't wait to try it again.. unfortunatly it was fatty when they first brought it out. I sent it back and when it came back out it still was not as remembered.. The sauce was odd and watery.. they were very nice anout it.. they took it back and gave us a free dessert... over all a great place but needs some consistency...

    (4)

  • DeAnne P.

    Good drinks. Food is ok. Really like their pretzels. Service can be slow and forgettful.

    (3)

  • John A.

    We just had an early dinner here today. Conor was our waiter and he was fantastic. Genuinely knew everything about the menu both for food and beer. As a restaurant manager myself, I was thoroughly impressed. I had the Thai fried chicken which had a great flavor and was cooked to perfection. My girlfriend had the green chili Mac and cheese which was also very good. As an appetizer we had the beer battered bacon, which when you don't think about how unhealthy it probably is, was just as awesome as it sounds. Beers were also very good and reasonably priced.

    (5)

  • Geoff E.

    This is CLEARLY the place to go in the area. Went with a larger group for a business dinner. For starters, I'm a self-admitting beer snob & am often disappointed with "brewery" beer selections, so I got a 4-oz flight of 4 different samples. Loved them all, especially the Weissenheimer hefeweizen. Soup was AMAZING -- chicken & corn chowder...seasoned beautifully. The appetizers were solid...cheese curds just good but OMG on the tempura fried asparagus...that's a must-try! I decided to go ahead & get the "Trifecta of unhealthy" with the beer-battered bacon & egg burger -- personally I love fried egg on a burger, but now picture it with bacon. And not just any bacon...beer-battered, deep fried bacon. That's right, it tasted as magical as it sounds. Others at the table took pictures of my dinner if that gives you an idea of how formidable a burger it was, scrumptious & unnecessary from my heart's perspective. A neighbor had the Thai chicken & was raving about it. I also had a bite of the Fish & Chips and it was delicious too, so that's 3-for-3 on entrees & combined with the beer & service = 5 stars in my opinion. For a large group, service was fast & friendly, which is to say it was not overly memorable....just the way it should be for a big table. Can't wait to try something new next time!

    (5)

  • Camon B.

    Hubby and I stopped in at this restaurant last night while in Normal for a conference. We were seated right away at 7:30 PM on a Sunday night (thrilled; we were sure we'd have a wait). We had the Reuben Eggrolls as our appetizer and they were FABULOUS. He ordered the Thai Pizza and it was a delicious blend of flavors, but the ratio of bread to meat/toppings was not to his liking. He was still a little hungry after eating the whole thing. I ordered the Dijon Chicken, but didn't have high expectations as it was chosen specifically since I'm watching calories. I expected bland grilled chicken and veggies but it was moist, flavorful, and delicious. We didn't order beer or desserts, although there were several options of both that I would have liked to try. Our waiter was a bit inattentive, bored, dull, but we found the rest of the staff to be pretty great (passing-by staff took all the empty plates, provided refills, and checked on us, which I felt should have been our waiter's responsibility). The manager stopped by twice and we appreciated his checking on us. We're going back tonight to try more of the interesting, extensive menu.

    (4)

  • Janis B.

    This is my new favorite for the Bloomington-Normal area. The food, service, and atmosphere was excellent. I actually took a picture of the chicken corn chowder in hopes that my husband could recreate at least something similar to it. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. Just soup and a sandwich and I was SO impressed! It was fun to go somewhere outside of our usual list of chain restaurants and experience something really unique and fun. I'm not a beer drinker, so I can't comment on that, but it's great place for non-beer drinkers too. I saw diners of all ages, including young families who seemed quite happy. I'll be back whenever I'm in town!

    (5)

  • Brent C.

    Beer has improved since my first couple of visits years ago. Really good oatmeal stout. The bacon wrapped dates were fantastic. Fish tacos were pretty good. The beer geek in me would love this place to be a little more laid back and staff demonstrate more passion in the food and beer.

    (4)

  • Oscar A.

    Hello Normal Illinois. I relied on yelp for good eats and it lead me to this place. I concur this is probably the best place to eat around here, but how should I know I don't live or eat out here. Here's what a guy like me recommends when you're here: 1) have a beer don't be an ass. 2) Beer battered asparagus- it's tough to turn asparagus into something good. It makes you pee really yellow too. 3) another appetizer- shrimp ceviche and lamb meatballs. 4) I had the poblano peppers- pretty decent. Don't order pasta, there's nothing exciting about it. 5) repeat step one -you're at a micro brew house genius. No dessert for me. Portions are generous. I am detracting a star because it's ridiculously hot in here and I think the AC is broken.

    (4)

  • Pat M.

    We had a wonderful dining experience. There was four in our party, each had a different fish and remark on how wonderful it was. I had the Salmon and potatoes, I rould go back today and order it again. Only complaint, check the pagers, we made reservations a month earlier figuring we would get right in. We waited over 30 minutes and we went up to the desk as everyone was being seated but us, our pager wasn't working. They should check them more often to make sure they are working properly. They could have given us a free drink or appetizer for the inconvenience . But we had a lovely evening.

    (4)

  • Derek S.

    We had a great experience with the staff and our meals were delicious. We had two of the features for the evening and were very satisfied with them.

    (5)

  • Gretchen J.

    The craft beer is excellent as well as the food. We ordered the flatbread pizza and fish tacos but that was after agonizing over many great options. Be sure to leave room for banana creme pie! It is made it order and worth every calorie. Can't wait to visit next time we are in the area.

    (5)

  • Dakota H.

    This time coming to Destihl (probably my 5th or so time) they really did a great job. My fiance and I ordered the pretzels to start off, and man oh man were they good pretzels. I know, pretzels sound like a weird thing to get at a restaurant but I was really satisfied with them. I ordered the jumbalaya for my entree and it was good, too. Not my favorite dish ever but definitely well done in my opinion. She got the steak salad and really loved it. This was the second or third time we had the server we had. On first impression he seems a little bit strange but once you warm up to him I really liked the guy. We didn't get dessert this time but the Banana Cream Pie is really amazing (we've had it before). Overall, service was excellent. Timing was perfect. The ice tea is killer. The atmosphere is nice. Destihl is one of my favorite dinner places in town.

    (5)

  • Tim R.

    This place is great and the food is better than most brew pubs that I've been to. A really nice perk is that you can order 4 oz. samplers of all their beers and work your way through. My personal favorite was the Hefe. I also highly recommend the chorizo stuffed dates that are wrapped in jalapeño bacon that surely pack a punch! The service was top notch. We will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Colleen F.

    I cannot put into word how fantastic the beer is here. The flavor on each one I tried is unique and smooth. The cheese curds are some of the best I've had. I look forward to researching this place to see if I can purchase the beer for at home.

    (5)

  • Jodi H.

    Service was a little on the slow side, but the food was delicious. The gluten free cherry beer, on the other hand, was beyond gross. The other beers I sampled were pretty good. Definitely recommend as a good casual lunch/dinner spot.

    (4)

  • Taylor A.

    This is a hard review for me to write because while I love the food I've had here, I'm almost never enamored with the beers they brew. I've tried many of the 4 oz samples and rarely find but a few that have great flavor or are interesting. I do love the fact that their smaller sample beers (4 oz) are 1/4 the size but also 1/4 the price of the pints. Makes it easy to sample a bunch of beers. The salmon potato salad is a rockstar and this is coming from someone who doesn't eat salads often. The wings are great as well. Crispy but with great flavor (blows BWW out of the water). The deviled eggs and bacon/brussels sprout dishes were also standouts. The menu is large and it really all over the map, which means anyone you take here will find something they like. Love the food, but just wish their beers were of higher caliber.

    (3)

  • James S.

    Come here if you want good food in Blo-No. I have not been disappointed with any dish here. Notably, their chorizo stuffed dates are something from what I imagine heaven is that is comprised of the best foods from across the world. Your life is not complete without trying these. Next, the fish and chips is reminiscent of England. The lemon tarter and malt vinegar are rendered useless by the beautiful golden brown batter. Finally, the Thai pork pizza is the very best pizza in the area. It has the perfect mix of spicy and sugar.

    (5)

  • Douglas L.

    Always great atmosphere! Table server on NYE was the best ever. She brought me a sample of the featured soup before I decided what to order. I had my favorite foods at Destihl. Bacon wrapped chorizo dates, tomato couscous soup, and my entre was jambalaya. I found out the restaurant changed the sausage in the jambalaya and I hope they change it again. I found the sausage lacked flavor and the skin was a little tough. But I ate everything! I'll be back often.

    (5)

  • admandano r.

    Always nice to walk from your hotel after a long day of travel to a unique atmosphere. Food ok, IPA ok, service ok. Waiting to pay your bill not ok.,,

    (2)

  • Zach N.

    I don't know how I haven't written a review about Destihl before. Here goes: Last time I went, it was for a date night with the girlfriend. We wanted to sit on the patio, and there was a 30 minute wait. Unfortunate, but we decided to wait at the bar. We ordered the Ancho Chips and Dip and a couple cocktails. I order the Pisco Mojito, but they were out of pisco, so I settled for a New Fashioned. It was alright... very fruity towards the end, given that there were large pieces of strawberries and oranges in it. My girlfriend got the Sangria Blanco and enjoyed it. I had a sip and it was excellent. For food, we ordered from opposite ends of the spectrum. I got the Thai Fried Chicken. She got a Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza. Holy moly, that chicken was delicious. It was so crispy and the meat was juicy and flavorful. The skin was excellent due to the sweet chili vinaigrette that caramelized onto the skin. The coconut lime rice made a decent bed for the chicken, but it seemed to be a bit of an afterthought. Maybe it just didn't shine because the chicken was so good. Either way, the dish was delicious. My girlfriend got the pizza. I didn't realize they had a stone oven, but they do, and they know how to use it. Her pizza was crispy, not over-topped, and seriously excellent. It was so good that I'm definitely getting a pizza next time I go. All in all, our experience was awesome. I don't know why I don't go to Destihl more, as it's definitely one of the better restaurants in Bloomington-Normal. I'll have to make it a regular stop.

    (4)

  • Lauren C.

    Holy crizzap, this place is good. I've been here a few times whenever I come back to Illinois to visit family. Since my sister attended ISU, we would go here occasionally. This place has a feeling of a chain, but has simply put, amazing food and a GREAT selection of drinks. Definitely a big Austin, Texas Gastropub feel to me, which I love. I could eat the entire appetizer for menu and be satisfied. My favorites are the beer battered asparagus and the stone oven pretzels. The accompanying sauces make me want to lick the platters clean. I've had several sandwiches, burgers, and other entrees here that were excellent. The only thing I remember not liking was the beer and cheddar soup. It sounded amazing, but the taste was not quite right. Didn't taste especially cheesy and lacked a good beer flavor. Maybe it was just off that night? I'm not a big beer drinker (prefer mixed drinks or wine), but I have had some excellent craft beers here. The beer samples they do are great! This place really holds its own and will be around for awhile.

    (5)

  • Bill B.

    Was very disappointed in the restaurant this past weekend. My youngest son ordered spaghetti to carb load for his swim meet. The cook proceeded to ruin the dish twice. How do you ruin spaghetti, twice? It is one of the easiest things to make. The excuse was that he had put it in the microwave to cook it thoroughly. WHAT??? With such a bad experience my son ended up not eating anything. The management didn't even step up to try and make things right. I would not recommend this location for people with children.

    (1)

  • Joel V.

    Great food, awesome craft beers! Try the desserts! Great place to have dinner or lunch if your near Bloomington, IL.

    (5)

  • Colleen M.

    Destihl is one of the best restaurants I have tried in Central Illinois so far. I have also been the Champaign location and both locations have excellent food and service. On my last visit I had the bacon cheeseburger. If you're on a diet, you might want to steer clear of this place, but it's a great place for an indulgent cheat meal. Everything I've had here has been really good and flavorful. No matter what you order, you won't go home hungry. I wish they had the fried egg BLT as an option for dinner. I have had that for lunch and it was amazing!

    (5)

  • Mike N.

    My favorite restaurant in town. Great for dinner or lunch. Exceptional craft beers and tapas menu at dinner. Favorite lunch is Ahi Tuna Salad with Beer battered asparagus appetizer. Pick any beer on the board. I do like their cask ales and IPA's. For dinner we normally order several small plates or split a ancho chicken salad and order the beer battered asparagus. They have very good martinis too!

    (5)

  • Kristin C.

    We love the food & atmosphere at Destihl. In fact we went out of our way to eat lunch there yesterday. It's one of the places we miss most now that we don't live near Bloomington-Normal. We have always had great food & great service. My husband loves their beer & the selection of microbrews they offer.

    (5)

  • Noel W.

    Never disappointed here, changing unique beers, a menu that is never allowed to go stake, with friendly staff. My favorite B/N restaurant.

    (5)

  • Zach J.

    Well I went to ISU years ago and this place along with many other places did not exist. I was shocked to hear a gastro pub was built in Normal. When visiting I had to give it a try. I started off with the beer and cheese soup which was excellent except for the fact it was a little thin. I ordered the burger with the fried bacon on it and egg. I ordered the burger medium rare, I got medium so it was a little too dry for me. The fried bacon was a piece of heaven! The egg in there was overcooked, I should have bit into it and liquid yoke should have poured everywhere which it did not. There was a subtle tomato jam that gave it a nice kick. The fries were really good. For a restaurant in Normal this was really good for standards out there, in Chicagoland I would have given 3 stars due to over cooked parts of this burger, but for Bloomington/Normal it was a cut above!

    (4)

  • Brian B.

    We were in town for the holidays and wanted to meet up with a friend and chose this place on a recommendation. I was fun to learn that Normal had caught the brewing bug. Being from Portland where good beer flows on every corner I was prepared to be harsh on their beers (snobby if you will) but I was pleasantly surprised. I had three different beers and all were quite tasty. The atmosphere was pleasant and the service staff was top notch. The food was good and served fast and hot. I'm not in Normal often but when I return I'll visit Destihl again.

    (4)

  • Katie B.

    One of my favorite places. The food is amazing and there is always a creative special. I love the bread pudding in every flavor. Their drink menu is fantastic in addition to house made beers. Great place for a celebration of nice dinner out.

    (5)

  • Ryan K.

    Not a bad place to eat. Don't get the po'boy sandwich it tasted more like a coleslaw sandwich. But I had the asparagus appetizer and the pumpkin bread pudding. Both were very good!

    (3)

  • Anon Y.

    The food is upscale American, with almost $10 hamburgers and wood-fire pizzas, or more expensive ($15-$23) entrees. Overall the entrees are worth it, although I find going for lunch a bit of a better value. The margherita style pizza is excellent. You can make a meal of appetizers like the stone oven pretzels, potato croquettes, or cheese curds if you just want to sample some of the beers. Most of the year-round available beers are not my favorite, but they always have at least one seasonal or limited run beer that is really good. If you don't want to get a flight to figure out what you want you can still get a 4 oz serving for around $1.50 for most beers.

    (4)

  • Kelly S.

    We visited again this past Saturday for lunch. We haven't been here in a loooong time. The beers were much better than I remember. I'm guessing they are maturing in their beer brewing expertise. They also had a much larger selection of craft drafts - like around 12 or so vs. 3 or 4 last time. For food, I opted for the shimp and pesto pizza - adored it! My boyfriend got the cuban sandwich and while it was very tasty, the bottom bun was soggy and the fries that came with it were a little chewy. Like they were sitting around for too long. Not a fan of the fries at all.

    (4)

  • Alberto D.

    Excellent meals, beer, and service...as usual. We had a large group for a birthday party. They took care of us very well. We ordered lamb&buffalo burgers, the pork 2-way (ribs, slaw, and pulled pork on one plate), while others had various salad and pizzas. Everything was prepared perfectly. Our server, Ryan, was very well versed in the beers (all brewed on site, all good, none great) and in the menu. He offered great suggestions on pairings of beer and wine with the meals. If you're traveling or live in BloNo, head here for the best place in town.

    (4)

  • Mindy H.

    I'm new in town and this was the one place EVERYONE told me to check out. The service was excellent from the moment we walked in and out server made us feel special. He made some great beer suggestions and helped us pick an awesome appetizer to match. Both of our dinners were delicious as well! In honor of being new in town he brought us some samples of the sour beer they have on tap for us to try which was really unique and awesome. Ill def be back!

    (5)

  • Chuck S.

    First, beer. Over two evenings, did samplers on all beers. All were average to below ( have done online reviews for over 1400 beers, kinda know beer). They were "butterbombs" in other words, full of diacetyl... Food... First night, an Aussie Waygu burger. Cooked perfect, decent burg. Second night, beer batter bacon ..awesome, and stone oven pizza, which was horrible. Soft, gooey, obvious frozen crust, scant toppings. Service.. Very good, friendly folks. C'mon, brewmaster, step h game up...

    (3)

  • Brian Z.

    Sitting here now, mt first visit, eating the sausage and date pizza on recommendation of my server. My first two peices were over loaded with sausage but not one date. I pick one off another piece to try it. Flavor of the combination of roasted garlic and fennel and dates is great pairing of flavors. But with such few slivers of date it was a bit of disappointment. I also noticed most of the sausage is fine but a few chunks were cold like the just out of a cold table. But only a few. I do wish there was less sauage on it and more dates to balance the flavors. I asked the server for some more dates and he came back from asking the kitchen and said that kitchen staff would not give me more "because they are pre-portioned". I would not accept so he went back to the kitchen or a manager and a few minutes later a manager brought some and apologized. Thanks for that. Unfortunately, you only have one time to make a first impression. They missed the opportunity to impress but much appreciated that the manager tried to help. I would still go back. Next time the thai fried chicken is what I will try.

    (3)

  • Jeremy M.

    Destihl is like that hip young hangout. Head there for the multitude of beer on tap. The food is very eclectic, but just mediocre on taste. Stay away from this place on the weekends. Very lengthy lines.

    (3)

  • Dee R.

    Food terrific! Burger cooked perfectly. Excellent excellent service, knowledgable waitstaff. Beautiful patio to enjoy a lovely day.

    (5)

  • Ellen B.

    Just had a great lunch with my sisters @ Destihl. Excellent food and service, priced reasonably. I had their Steak Thai chopped salad. The steak was a perfect medium rare; the chopped salad was dressed with a light peppery dressing that was perfect with the greens and meat. My sisters had the Cuban sandwich w/ fries and the jambalaya with corn muffin. Needless to say we all enjoyed our meals. We split a slice of chocolate cake to celebrate my sisters birthday, it was sublime chocolatey goodness.

    (4)

  • Darrell S.

    I like to sit in the bar area for lunch and even dinner here but all of the seating is nice and modern decor. Always love the different appetizers beer battered asparugus, beer battered bacon, shrimp ceviche, rueben egg rolls, potato croquettes are some of my favorites. In addition to their daily specials my favorite entrees are Strawberry goat cheese salad, Destihl Meatloaf, Cedar plank salmon, and fish tacos. All are high quality and do not disappoint. There is also a selection of craft brews done right on premise that you are sure to find one you like whether you are a hop head or an ale type.

    (4)

  • Vijay Vardhan R.

    I would say it's one of the best in Bloomington, I had lamb meat balls for appetizer and steak for entree and both were really good. Waiter was courteous and polite at all times.

    (5)

  • Alex P.

    Beer excellent. Had Thai Chicken sauce very flavorful although chicken a bit dry. Service was very good and prices reasonable , would recommend especially for the beer. I think French fries need a lot of help so I would not order any, but all of the rice dishes were very good.

    (4)

  • Jean-Charles D.

    I go there as often as I can, because there is always a new beer to taste and because it's the best restaurant in the Bloomington-Normal area (OK, maybe not the best because I don't know everything, but at least one of the three best places!) The beers are amazing. There is one for every taste: sweet, sour, hoppy, spicy... They brew classic beers but also more innovative beers. If you don't know which one to pick, ask your server, he/she will be able to help you or will bring you a sampler. And if you are still not able to choose, they offer 4oz beers so you can pick several... The food is american innovative, I would say. There is absolutely nothing to avoid on the menu (I tried almost everything...). The pulled pork ginger egg-rolls are a must-have. The beer battered asparagus need your attention as well. The pizzas are delicious, the burgers are tasty, the entrees are well cooked and nicely presented and any combo salad/sandwich is a pleasant lunch choice. The staff is friendly, helpful and patient. The restaurant is clean and well maintained. It's often crowded but the atmosphere is always great! You definitely need to go there for the beers. And you will go back for the food... And the beers!

    (5)

  • Wayne F.

    Highly recommended...the planked salmon was top notch, the Bavarian pretzel appetizer was great (and quite the serving; request light on the salt!), topped with a kolch brew...all appropriately priced...great service, and fast! We will be back again if ever near Normal.

    (5)

  • Renee C.

    Good vegetarian options and there is a lot of variety on the kids menu. We had the veggie burger, cheesy pizza and kids grilled cheese. The food was really good and reasonably priced.

    (5)

  • Jackie L.

    This place has a great atmosphere and a nice bar. I really enjoy the beer options especially the hefeweizen (hence being a brewery). The only reason why I gave it 3 stars instead of more is because I didn't like my choice of entree. I ordered the chicken with asparagus and mashed, and the chicken was too burnt/blackened? All I tasted was grill burn. I enjoy grilled chicken and blackened chicken, but this was too charred tasting. My friend ordered it too and felt the same way. HOWEVER - Next time I go, I will try the cod or the burger. Other friends got those entrees and they looked/tasted good. I will review the next time with a new entree and probably give 5 stars :)

    (3)

  • Jacob L.

    This place is the absolute best place to eat and drink in the area. Destihl's menu eagerly takes on classics, like a bacon cheeseburger, and nails more creative dishes as well. They frequently will offer unique specials as well; all of this suggests to me that they have an excellent and energized chef in charge. For me, the even bigger draw is the beer. Without exaggeration, the beer is world-class across the board. They even have the accolades to prove it. You can buy it in small sizes for $1-1.50 to try many styles, by the pint, or even have a growler filled. Even if you don't want a lot to eat, Destihl is a must to have some of their beer. Just grab some of their fried cheese as an appetizer and try out whatever they have on tap. So excited for their new brewery opening up, I hope they get some things available in bottles before long.

    (5)

  • Diane E.

    Traveling to Chicago and asked Siri for a place for lunch. Glad this was suggested! Beautiful restaurant with very friendly staff. Food was excellent! I love a good Rueben, and they had Rueben eggrolls! How creative is that?! And soooo tasty, as was the mustardy sauce they were served with. The only thing that keeps me from giving a 5 star rating is that it is a very noisy place. This made conversing with my friend, who has some hearing loss, difficult. If I lived nearby, I would eat here often!

    (4)

  • laurie f.

    I'm super happy they are in big Bloomington-Normal! As much as I loooove Chicago, it's exciting to know I don't have to drive 2-3 hours for amazing food (it's nice to keep the tax dollars in town and support local, too.) Alas, I'm not a beer drinker, but a tea drinker, so no beer reviews here. Only that my friends who are have enjoyed the selections. RE: service, based on others reviews, I've been lucky, I guess. Friendly, prompt, efficient, knowledgeable: from the hostess to the servers to the bartender. I've been here with a group of 10 from work for dinner, with a friend for dinner, and then popped in and ordered carryout for myself: late lunch, and waited at the bar (I was longing for a cheeseburger and actually went to Steak N Shake around the corner, first; went in, thought about it, walked out... I wanted something...more. Yay for the Bison Burger and amazing french fries). The BISON BURGER. I can't say enough yummy things: from the oatmeal wheat bun to the bison meat (cooked the way you like... be brave~ order rare or med-rare; due to the low fat content compared to beef, you'll get juicy, moist flavor having it cooked like that ) to the toppings (ale onions, maple smoked white cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion (I was by myself, so I kept the onion). The flavors all came together delightfully. With the french fries.... Whoa. Heavenly. I love the Bison Burger so much, I've had it 2 out of the 3 times I've been here. The other was CEDAR PLANK SALMON, which was yummy as well. I also concur with the BEER BATTERED ASPARAGUS reviews. Even if you just somewhat like asparagus, this is a delicious treat to start the meal. And it's light, just enough, not too much. Plus you're getting your veggies. Enjoy the deliciousness and be more experimental than I've been! Maybe next time I'll try the ANDOUILLE & DUCK CASSOULET or DUCK CONFIT POT PIE. And when I'm in the mood for a cheeseburger I'll try the AMERICAN KOBE or go vegetarian (gasp!) with the VEGGIE (black bean & rice burger). Mmmmm, maybe. That BISON BURGER is sooo good....

    (5)

  • Neil H.

    For a restaurant in a small town, this place has consistently excellent food that you can tell is executed by a Chef. The ribeye steak is fantastic. You can't go wrong with the pizza. And it's great just to stop in for an appetizer I recommend the pretzels with the stone ground spicy mustard.

    (5)

  • Aletta J.

    Had a girl's weekend and ended up here for dinner after shopping and hanging out. 3 burgers, fish n chips and shrimp pasta later all were satisfied. The best were the 4oz glasses to sample beers in an inexpensive way.

    (4)

  • Eric D.

    The food was ok. the beer was barely ok. the stout was thin. The Cal Common was decent. The worst part was the menu's, smelled like old dirty rag!! I find that Granite City is better??? Crazy I know. Keep trying guys. With that many people on staff you would think they could clean menu's with a clean rag??? Service was good at least.

    (2)

  • Valarie F.

    We had a party of 7 so we made a reservation for Saturday night. My 13 year old niece has multiple food allergies and our server was very attentive and helpful in making sure her meal was safe but not bland/boring. I shared a house salad with my brother-in-law and the server brought it on 2 plates without us even asking him to. Everyone loved their food. My steak was cooked perfectly. Our waiter checked on us multiple times throughout the meal, refilled our drinks, bused our table, etc. I was beyond pleased with the entire experience.

    (5)

  • Kevin B.

    I had a group of 10 with me without reservations when we showed up. While waiting in the bar I talked to our server about how to split up the bill and all. To my great surprize the staff/manager was able to get us into our own room and keep the same server we had in the bar. The service was great and everyone was very pleased with their food. Good job Destihl!

    (4)

  • Chen V.

    The food and beers were great - we knew that going in. However the service was terrific and that made all the difference. The waiter was very attentive, When we told the waiter a couple of us were sharing an entree, it was brought to us already divided in separate plates. Questions were answered patiently. Leftovers were bagged well in decent to-go containers. The service made all the difference. We will be back.

    (4)

  • Dewey G.

    Food is very good but I wouldn't say excellent. The beer battered bacon is killer! Plan to work off these calories. Nice environment. A must visit.

    (4)

  • James R.

    My sister lived in Bloomington for 15 years and never told me about Destihl. It wasn't until I went to The Great Taste of the Midwest that I had my first exposure to them and their fantastic sour beers! Unfortunately my sister moved out of state right after I discovered Destihl, so now she gives me grief for making the drive since I barely visited her when she lived in the area. Destihl is located in a strip mall complex. It's kind of behind the rest of the strip mall. Both of my GPS systems had it misplaced, so keep an eye out when you go searching for it. I'm a beer guy, not a foodie. I can say that Destihl has made some great beers that I thoroughly enjoy. On my visit this weekend I was really hoping to get one of their sours, unfortunately they were out. If you are going to stop by Destihl, you must try a sour if they have one on tap. That being said I tried 7 of their other beers. Not one of them disappointed me. In fact I didn't find one I didn't like. I ended up buying four growlers to take home with me to share with friends. Yea, guys back home you are welcome! I'd make the trip to visit Destihl just for the beer. If you like Hefeweizens, they have a great one! But wait! There's more! Apparently besides being a great brewery, Destihl is also a Gastropub. Again, I'm not a foodie, but I know what I like and my meal there was fantastic! I had the pots sandwich. It is an open face pot roast sandwich with a side of mashed potatoes. Great flavor! I really loved it. My wife had their special chipotle chicken sandwich that was very delicious as well. For desert she ordered the pumpkin bread pudding and I think she had a flavorgasm. She couldn't stop raving about it. She let me try some and I thought it was really good myself, except I was more concerned with the beer. The atmosphere was very nice. Behind the bar you could see the boilers and fermenters behind a glass partition. This was a nicer place than most brewpubs I've visited. They seem to be a place that wants to be a nice respectable restaurant but also churn out beer for the everyday guy, not just beer snobs. I could picture local factory workers sitting next to Lawyers at the bar enjoy a meal and a beer. Our service was fantastic. I never had an issue and Kayla was extremely helpful, even if she wouldn't tap a keg of the sour for me. She was quick, attentive and answered my questions. Even if I wanted to find something wrong with the service, I couldn't. If you are in the area, stop in. If you are looking for a good beer, stop in. If you want to try something new, stop in!

    (5)

  • Len L.

    "Regular" beer is boring but hand-crafted beer - I don't know if I can ever get bored of "special" beer. They have a large variety of hand-crafted beer and what's good of this place is that they incorporate their own beer into the food. One of my favorite appetizers are the "Thai Style Chicken Wings" - beer-brined wings with spicy thai sauce and the beer-battered asparagus, lightly beer battered aparagus with a touch of maple chipotle sauce - Delicious, almost a meal of itself. We ordered a few entries from beer-braised ribs to their prosciutto wrapped meatloaf. The entire meal was a joy to eat and drink and the service was spectacular. They came by every chance they got to see how everything was and wasn't. There were not too many things that we did not enjoy, the entire meal was a blast and so was the beer.

    (4)

  • Ray B.

    Busy on Wednesday night! Nice (ambitious) beer listing; tried the beer batter bacon- surprised at the nice amount that came with the serving.

    (4)

  • Glenn H.

    Was in town for my daughter's Pom's Team Competition. This restaurant was located across the parking lot from where her team was staying. We went for a late lunch and had an amazing experience. Wait staff was friendly, professional and knowledgeable, We had the Beer battered bacon as an appetizer (simply because we had to) and then my wife and I each had the 1/2 sandwich , 1/2 salad lunch combo. We enjoy trying new and different things so our orders often become a contest as to who can order the best item on the menu, She had the Cuban Pork sandwich with the shredded brussel sprout salad, I had the Chicken Havarti sandwich and the Not quite Greek salad. A tie was declared and we were both quite pleased and surprised at the quality and interest the dishes provided. My wife noticed they served breakfast and we agreed that this would be worth the return trip the next day... it was. Again great wait staff, , professional knowledgeable and pleasant. Food was again interesting and phenomenal. Baked Egg Skillet and a ham/egg sandwich with a jalapeno maple kick to it... also tried a small Sour cherry beer..Its nice to be unexpectedly vowed...especially in a college town... especially on a "poms weekend"... I wish they would open up close to me, they would certainly give a solid run to the local restaurants here.... I know a building...if they are interested...

    (5)

  • Cristie F.

    I'm seriously angry that there is not a Destihl in the Chicago area. Who knew that on a quick biz trip down to Bloomington-Normal that I would stumble upon a gem that served craft beer and Artisan eats. Since I was with a group of co-workers, I chose not to partake in boozing. As a light weight with an early wake-up call, I chose to not have a raging hangover or make an ass out of myself. Needless to say, aside from my one glass of white wine, I didn't drink The food was fantastic. I was pleasantly surprised. Considering we were far from the Chicagoland area (and in the middle of nowhere - well, for a Chicagoan) I didn't expect to encounter a contemporary and trendy foodie find like this. Our group of 4 ordered a variety of appetizers. All were a major hit. + CHILI-LIME PEANUTS dry-roasted peanuts, spicy chili-lime seasoning, chili-salted lime wedge + SHRIMP CEVICHE shrimp, cilantro, lime, red onion, jalapeño, avocado mousse, corn tortilla chips + STONE OVEN PRETZELS two pretzels, smoked ipa mustard sauce, cheddar cheese sauce + BEER-BATTERED BACON hefeweizen-battered jalapeño bacon, maple chipotle sauce + HOUSE OLIVES marinated olive medley, feta, chili flakes, grilled baguette bread + PROSCIUTTO & CHEESE FLATBREAD roma tomatoes, prosciutto, ale onions, asiago, extra virgin olive oil, watercress, mozzarella + BEER-BATTERED ASPARAGUS hefeweizen-battered asparagus, maple chipotle sauce, grilled lemon By far, the beer battered bacon was the best. I wanted to be a complete slob and place another order to go. However, I restrained myself and kept my glutinous thoughts to myself. The service was top notch. Our waitress was extremely friendly and didn't seem bothered by our indecision on our order, or 4 million questions about the menu. The food came out quickly and the ingredients were very fresh. The biggest buzzkill about Destihl is that there isn't a location in the Chicago area. Boo. We need one up here - stat.

    (5)

  • T J.

    This is what Chili's or Friday's should be. Menu has a little bit of everything and everything is done well. The various plates I have tried have all been good. Everything tasted fresh and had a good combination of flavors. They are trying to be a step above the chain places and succeeding. Waitstaff seems just a little more attentive and professional, atmosphere is nicer than a normal chain too. My favorite item so far has been the Kobe Burger, mainly due to the espresso bbq sauce they serve with it. (though it is a pet peeve of mine to call something Kobe. This isn't Japan and Wagyu isn't actually Kobe Beef) Brunch on the weekends is also really good.

    (4)

  • Wayne` B.

    GREAT GREAT GREAT beer battered deep fried jalapeno cheese and meat dish restaurant. Perfect place to grab a meal and catch up with the guys. Their microbrews are decent, but their food is phenomenal! One of my personal favorites in town. Food: 10/10 Service: 8/10 Environment: 7/10 Price: $$-$$$

    (5)

  • Nicole A.

    Wish more places existed like this. Destihl focuses on the experience of food and flavor. The waiter provided great recommendations and knowledge about the food and the micro brews. The "sour" micro brew was really different with the flavor of sour and a bit of whiskey. The potato appetizer was delicious, such a layering of flavor. Soup and salad were fresh and good. My husband wasn't very fond of his burger, though the waiter did sway him against it. So, if you listen to the waiter, you will have a tasty food and beverage experience. I want to drive back to Bloomington...from Milwaukee!

    (4)

  • Cindy V.

    I'm not from this area, so am relatively unsure of the competition for dining dollars in the market. I will say though that the food we had (party of 5, and we tried a ton of different offerings) was all very good. The standouts for me were the beer battered bacon and the banana cream pie, I will find a way to go back just for those two! Unfortunately, this restaurant is only getting a 3 star review from me because the service was to the point of almost unbearably slow. The restaurant didn't seem to be overly busy, and our server didn't seem to be trying to manage too many tables; so I am really not sure what the problem was. There was a 30 minute wait between clearing the dessert dishes and bringing the check. Very frustrating. Just wanted to warn the masses!

    (3)

  • Eric Y.

    This review is based on a limited selection of items. They have a nice selection of house made brews on tap, probably around 10. These can be ordered in the 4 oz, 12 oz, or 20 oz size, or taken home in growlers or mini-kegs. The 4 oz size is perfect for creating your own flight. I tried a red ale, a Weiss beer, a stout, and an imperial-cherry stout. I found the beers decent - though a few were unappetizingly tart, especially the cherry stout and the red ale. Food-wise, I only sampled two items - the beer-battered aspragagus and the duck rillettes. The asparagus is delicious - it's like tempura on steroids. The duck rillettes suffered from not enough duck and not enough seasoning. The rest of the menu looks pretty good - I'd definitely go back for a real meal if I was in the area.

    (3)

  • Rob G.

    I chose this place for dinner based on a number of recommendations and for the most part I was not disappointed. The appetizers were tasty and creative. I had the beer battered asparagus and deep fried cheese curds. Both were very good. My burger was perfectly cooked and came with perfectly cooked thick cut bacon and a very tasty sweet BBQ sauce which complimented things well. The fries were cut way to thick leading to an undercooked middle. The chocolate mouse desert was a big disappointment. We sent the first one back because it came on a dirty plate. The manager brought out the second one with apologies. The second incarnation was overpoweringly seasoned with cinnamon. We are talking about an "I dare you to eat that" amount of cinnamon. Most of the beers were lackluster to average, but there were also some very good beers such as Vortex. The Barley Wine was undrinkable. It tasted like a dirty bum had bathed in it. The service was outstanding. The hostess, waiter, and manager all went out of their way to make sure we had a wonderful experience. They were all knowledgeable and well trained and even when we had problems they were quick to fix everything. I would go to Destihl again although I would steer away from the barley wine and chocolate mouse.

    (4)

  • Jeremey S.

    I am a frequent diner at this establishment. Heard of the new menu changes and decided to try to come in Christmas Eve as they were one of the few restaurants to stay open later. Stopped in to get a table and was told the wait would be 35-45 min. Decided to check the bar for a table, all were full on the way back out noticed over half the dining room was empty. 35-45min wait? Who is in line for these tables? Decided to eat somewhere else, the beer is ok, and the food average for what they charge, service is always lacking. I feel they are spending more time on there new brewery and less on their menu, and customer service. They really need to step it up if they want to improve and keep their customers.

    (1)

  • Shelby H.

    One of my favorite restaurants in Blo/No. Love love love love the beer battered asparagus appetizer....so delicious. Mmmmm mmm. The interior is beautiful and sophisticated...a nice change from the tacky and busy decor of the corporate chain restaurants that seem to run this town. One thing that always stands out is the awesome service. It seems they train their staff very well. Service is top notch here. Being a server myself, I appreciate the efforts!

    (5)

  • Jeremy B.

    I have eaten at Destihl dozens of times and have sampled over 75% of their menu. The food: Brick oven pizzas, sandwich/pub fare, entrée dining, small plates/appetizers. I'm not a huge fan of crisp or thin crusted pizzas but most people I know who do enjoy them recommend their pizza. I can say that they are cooked in an open flame brick oven and that while it isn't my style of pizza they do have some great tasting specialty pizzas (get the brewmaster's). Destihl boasts a fantastic choice of burger and sandwich options for both lunch and dinner, they also let you substitute the side that comes with the sandwich for basically any sort of side dish (I often substitute chips or wedges for fries or steamed veggies). I highly recommend their bison burger and their (nontraditional) Reuben. If you are a soup and salad person they also offer a panera style half soup or sandwich half salad meal and their soups are fantastic and made in house. The entrée portion of the menu is a little pricier than the sandwiches and pizza but most items are excellent. Their pork chops and swordfish are amazing and my wife loves their jambalaya and stuffed poblano peppers. I love steak and I have had theirs but it just isn't my favorite. They have too many entrées that are well constructed and a better value for me to order it again. Basically any entrée I've had was delicious and well thought out. *However* I have ordered a couple items from their daily specials (given to you by your server) and was not impressed by them either time I ordered them. I recommend that you stick to their carefully constructed menu. Also, the Thai steak salad is the best salad entrée I've ever had. Small plates and appetizers at this establishment are second to none in the Bloomington/Normal area. Deep fried asparagus and cheese curds are the first words most people utter to their servers upon seating. The wide array of choices is perfect for someone like me and there are many options that are crowd pleasers. The staff: Front of house, waitstaff, bartenders, kitchen. Front of house is always friendly, attentive, and accurate in regards to wait times. They do take reservations and if you plan on going Thursday-Sunday during peak times ... make sure you call ahead. I was formerly a server so evaluating waitstaff is my bread-n-butter. The waitstaff at Destihl is typically knowledgeable and friendly. I can only recall one negative experience regarding waitstaff of all the times I've been there and I haven't seen that server since. I've heard that you must make a minimum in tips to remain on the waitstaff here and this is probably why the service is usually impeccable. One server in particular, named Paul is phenomenal. He knows how to describe food and beer, and recommend pairings. Also, they are willing to go out of their way to help you out! Sometimes when it gets busy you will get spotty service from the bar. Not sure what the problem is but sometimes the bartenders are just rude and don't desire to be helpful. Bartenders at this sort of establishment need to be extra attentive as it is a microbrewery and people like me want to talk and learn about the beers we are buying! In short, I think they need to staff more bartenders in busy times. According to the food that arrives at my table with incredible consistency the kitchen has low turnover and high standards. Nearly everything is served up with flair and beauty. Plating is a serious endeavor here and it is clear that someone checks every plate before it leaves the window. THE BEER: The beer and bar are the only reason for a 4 star review instead of 5. Periodically, every beer you sample will taste of vinegar. Upon doing a little research it is probably dirty lines. Sometimes, there is none of that present and the beer is fantastic. I would wager a guess that they need to clean their lines more often since they have a constant rotation of different beers moving in and out (they are a microbrewery). Most times the vinegar taste is not present and the beer is good, however when it is ... it is utterly undrinkable to a refined palate. I always ask for a shot glass sample before I purchase (just to check).

    (4)

  • Lindsay Z.

    Besides the occasional smell of bleach from cleaning (which isn't often, and just means that things are clean!!) , great food, great flights. I recommend the chicken corn chowder, a flight, and the beer battered asparagus with chipotle bbq sauce. To die for....always have to stop in to destihl when I'm home in normal visiting family!

    (5)

  • Jay L.

    This review should have been done a month ago but better late than never. We came to Destil after my daughter's graduation from ISU to celebrate. We had a party of 9 and without a doubt I'm glad we picked Destihl to dine at. The menu is very wide and has pretty much something for everyone. In addition, it does have a few dishes that I find adventurous for Normal such as the Duck Cassoulet(more on this one later). The craft beer selection was also very good. I had the Dopple Chop and it was excellent. It's the type of dish you see in Chicago but I was surprised to find it in Normal. My wife got the Cassoulet and that is the reason for only 4 starts. It was not very good. She has lived in France and knows Cassoulet but this just didn't turn out right. Maybe it was a bad night and I do give them props for having it on the menu but in the end, it didn't meet her standards. Feedback from others in our group was good - Pot Pie, Salmon & Brats. Last of all the Desserts were top drawer! My daughter and son had the S'Mores and they loved it. The presentation was just beautiful. Again, alone the lines what I would expect at fine dining in Chicago. I had the Banana Cream Pie and I want it again! Like the S'Mores, wonderful presentation and taste. Thank you Destihl for a great meal!

    (4)

  • John S.

    This is a nice looking restaurant inside - its not just a big sqaure room - has "area's". The menu is a pleasant surprise - not too many options, but certainly good options to choose from - all quite unique - this is not a bar and grill menu. They have there brewery here.. I had the IPA which was very good - citrusy - very similar to a Sweetwater IPA. My main dish was undercooked - Seabass - I had to send it back, but the next one was cooked. The service is very good, beer very good, menu very good selection, upscale looks, upscale prices (only slightly), nice enough place to dine at.

    (3)

  • Jessica S.

    Tips for the best experience ever... 1. Go early... like old people dinner time and you'll have your pick of tables. No AARP discount though, sorry. If want to go later, get a reservation or steal a spot at the bar. 2. Order a microbrew. I recommend the Hefeweizen or get a flight... ooh get a flight! 3. Beer Battered Asparagus. Best appetizer ever. 2nd place goes to Beer Battered Bacon. Yes Bacon can get better. And it just did. 3rd are the pretzels. I'm German. I love pretzels. 4. If their special is a seafood dish you order it. Some of the best seafood I've had in Bloomington, and ya know we're kinda land locked around here so you want to know before you order, that its gonna be good. It is. 5. Kobe Burger OR Buffalo Burger... yes its pricey but that's because you've gotten used to eating crappy thin unflavored pieces of beef that masquerade as a burger. This is the definition of a burger... those are imposters. Educate yourself. 6. Don't order dessert. Drink more amazing beer. 7. Tip well.

    (5)

  • Jennie S.

    I went here with my friend for my birthday, and it was just okay. When we were seated, our waiter introduced himself and said he would be "helping us out tonight," and that's just what he did. It didn't seem like he cared too much about our dining experience, and only spoke to us a handful of times. I ordered the strawberry blonde ale which was decent, and I got carded - maybe our waiter Josh didn't actually look at my DOB, but he didn't wish me a happy birthday. Not a big deal, but while I was in the bathroom and my friend asked him if they did anything for birthdays, he just said "not really, no." Nothing else. Lame! I ordered some pretzels, which just tasted like those frozen jumbo pretzels reheated with some nacho cheese sauce and honey mustard. I thought I would be pretty full from the pretzels, so I ordered a "small plate" of the seared ahi tuna with grilled pineapple salsa. Wish I had known that the $8 of ahi was seriously only two bites and came on a plate the size of a cocktail napkin. Whatever. My friend ordered the top sirloin with mashed potatoes and green beans. Thankfully she shared her veggies with me, which I happen to like raw so it was good that they had only been grilled for 30 seconds. They brought out some A1 sauce for her in a little dish on top of a doily. Just really weird. Overall, I felt like we overpaid for a mediocre dinner. In my opinion, half of the purpose of eating out is the service. When the service feels impersonal and half-assed, it ruins the dining experience.

    (2)

  • Liz C.

    We had been to Destihl two or three times prior to this visit. When it came time to take my lovely sister out for her birthday, it was the first place we wanted to go. We're slight foodies, and because she's a bartender, she enjoys unique drinks. Our group consisted of three adults and two kids (12 and 5). We ordered the battered asparagus and bavarian pretzels for appetizers, which were wonderful and the whole table enjoyed. Sis ordered some sort of cucumber/lime drink that she liked, but said it was slightly too sweet. Eh, whatever. It happens. Sometimes she's really picky like that. LOL What keeps me from giving this a full 5 stars were the problems we had with our entrees. Collectively, we ordered the steak, a spicy shrimp pasta, the thai fried chicken, the Medeterranian pizza (for the 12yo), and chicken fingers for the little one. Halfway through eating, the guy paying for dinner (my significant other) realized he had been given SUPER bloody fried chicken. It took forever for us to find our waitress to tell her about it. The waitress sent the dish back and had the kitchen fire him a new one. When the second one came out, it was even bloodier than the first. I mean, when he cut into it, it oozed blood like it was an extra in a zombie movie. By this time, everyone else was done eating. The waitress was alerted to the problem and whisked his plate away saying "well, you probably don't want another one, do you? I mean, everyone else is already done eating." So my poor significant other really didn't get to eat much at all. He left the restaurant hungry and dejected. It really ruined his night. Destihl didn't make us pay for his entree, and gave us a free piece of cake. My boyfriend doesn't like cake, so he didn't even get to eat any of that. We left the restaurant with the taste of disappointment and sadness on our tongues.

    (2)

  • Mason D.

    Simply the worst food in Bloomington. Food combinations don't make sense, just makes for bad tasting food.

    (1)

  • Ashley S.

    During a baseball tournament that you have no kids in, you really only have one thing to think about...food. Well that and beer and when the heck the game is going to end!! That's exactly what happened when I was out supporting my fiances baseball team.(he coaches) It was HOT, I was sun burned and starving and my butt was number from sitting in the bleachers for hours on end. Once the game FINALLY finished, we stopped at this place. It made everything better. Fish and chips, a nice cold beer and a great atmosphere. It was literally in the parking lot of the hotel, so that was nice, but the best part had to be the fish. It was flaky and fresh and the tartar sauce was amazing!! The only reason I didn't give it a 5 was because of the staff. We waited for our food for quite some time and also needed some things throughout the meal and had a hard time getting response. I would go back there, for the fish :)

    (4)

  • Bryan D.

    This is a very good place to eat. I was very impressed by the wide variety of the beer selections brewed on site. I also liked that the beer costs the same regardless of the size. For example, a 4 oz drink costs $2, so an 8 oz drink costs $4. Many places gouge you for the smaller pour. I liked that I was able to build my own flight of sample beers. I was a little bothered that I asked about one beer and our waiter couldn't tell me anything about it and wouldn't even give me a small pour to sample before buying the 4 oz sample. This was after we had spent a lot of money on dinner already. The macaroni and cheese is awesome, with just the right amount of bacon. My steak was cooked just right and needed no additional seasoning (salt, pepper, or steak sauce). We will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Therese D.

    One of my favorite restaurants ever. So creative and daring with their beers, we tried a sour beer, never heard of this, sounds bad, it's so good! Hubs makes beer so many questions were asked, leading to a tour of the brewery - super nice staff. The food was just as the beer- unique, flavorful, made by someone that is passionate about food. We had; fried cheese curds, swordfish tacos w/black beans and rice, Mac n cheese, eggs n grits, steak and fries. Dessert was hard to choose with such great choices but narrowed down to sour cherry cobbler, homemade lemon/strawberry ice cream, and amazing chocolate ice cream.

    (5)

  • Andrea T.

    Delicious restaurant!!! We were in town for a business trip and I had been here a few years ago and still remembered how good the food was. Three of us sat out on the patio this trip. I still remembered the dish I had the last time I was here and was really hoping they still had it. They did and I was so excited! It is the Stuffed Poblano Peppers. I am not a vegetarian but wow are these ever good! They do have some spice so they are not for those that cant take and heat. The iced tea is also very delicious! We were in town for a few nights and found out that we could not find many other restaurants we wanted to try so we came back for lunch a couple days later. This time we started with the Beer Battered Asparagus. It is awesome! If you love asparagus, you cannot go wrong with these! I had Swordfish Tacos and they were also good. It is a lot of food so you better come hungry! Just a side note: I cannot drink beer so I have no clue how their beer is. Overall, I wish there was one of these where I live. So yummy!

    (5)

  • Julia S.

    Awesome five course dinner! Generous on the beer! Started out with the normal blonde beer not my fav but who am I to complain...I drank it! Salad = pickled cherry tomatoes with bacon, olive oil, basil oil, greens and candied lemon...pretty good. 2nd course= Vertex IPA featuring rare citra hops (very hoppy) not bad but not my favorite. Served barley cold. This was served with braised pork belly and scallops that were PERFECTLY cooked! Topped with a little cilantro and pickled red onion (best dish) 3rd Clarice Belgian Dark Stong Ale with Ginger Hello Clarice... :) This beer was smooth and delicious. It was paired with a chili rubbed pork loin and braised shoulder. The cumin and coriander roasted cauliflower and braised shoulder was soooooo tasty. 4th Drunken Weasel dunkel weizen with coriander this was amazing as well but nothing beats the Clarice. Chocolate bacon mousse with caramelized nectarines Antiquity rye wine with cocoa nibs All in all this was 4.5 out of five stars. If I could give them another half I would. It is great that they put these dinners together and it is only $55 per person. I met some great people there and we will be signing up for next one!

    (4)

  • Daniel S.

    What can I say about Destihl? Beer - Great. Best local beer you can get in Bloomington; haven't had a bad brew yet. Food - Top notch. One of the classier places in town with still affordable prices. Atmosphere - Well, it's right next to the mall, so the location takes away a couple points. Overall - One of the best places to eat in Bloomington-Normal.

    (4)

  • Rob H.

    Driving through on a trip to St. Louis, and needed a bite. Thank GAWD for the YELP. I no longer have to gamble on eating at unfamiliar restaurants and hope for the best. So Destihl came up with high ratings, and was close. We pulled in and found a reasonably priced gastro-pub that also brews its own beer! Dining with a party of 4. Entrees as such. I sampled each one. Grilled swordfish tacos - corn tortillas, grilled chimichurri-marinated swordfish, cumin-lime slaw, avocado mousse, pickled red onion, chili-salted lime, ancho rice & beans. The tacos are delicious, but the rice and beans are so good, I ate them first. Cheese Grits and Eggs - fried eggs, white cheddar grits, applewood-smoked bacon, scallions, grape tomatoes, olive oil. Hearty and satisfying home style grits, elevated to something more. White bean chicken chili - This is the soup of the day, so no fancy description. Excellent southwest flavor, chicken chili. Potato Crusted Rainbow Trout - baked rainbow trout, fingerling potatoes, stewed tomatoes, chorizo, spinach, white cheddar, micro greens, garlic chili oil. The fish is light and flavorful, cooked perfectly with a crispy outside, and moist inside. For dessert (which was completely unnecessary, as all of us were stuffed) - Sour Cherry Bread pudding - cuban bread, sour cherries, vanilla cinnamon custard, old fashioned vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce. The bread pudding was rich without being too sweet. The cuban bread has a satisfying chew to it, and the sour cherries add a little bit of tang.

    (5)

  • Jeanne M.

    We tried this place on a whim And was pleasantly surprised on the menu I could not believe that they had beer battered asparagus.. It was a very delicious appetizer. And then on to our meal, had beer battered bacon on my burger. How can you go wrong with beer battered bacon? I will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Rhonda G.

    A reunion of sorts was taking place in the area and we couldn't bring ourselves to eat at some of the places we frequented in our undergrad years (you know, that whole older + wiser thing). Our group was pretty large and we didn't make a reservation for lunch so we just went in hoping for the best. Turned out quite nicely and they had space for us in an area off of the main dining room, which was great so we could talk freely without censoring ourselves too much. We were here during the lunch/brunch hour so half the table ordered lunch and some of us (me) got breakfast. The french toast is awesome! They use large pieces of French bread and the batter is outstanding. I finished ALL OF IT! I sampled a bit of everyone's dish as well and I was pleased with everything. They actually have a limited beer selection, which is surprising given the name, so I opted out and stuck with mimosas. I did sample the Hefeweizen and it was average but still a good solid choice in my book. Our server was extremely nice and I appreciate the attention she gave to our large party. Definitely worth a stop in when in the area.

    (4)

  • Dave C.

    I had family in town, members of my parents generation, and everyone turned to me for a restaurant suggestion. I ran through the short list of good spots in town and landed on Distihl since it happened to be closest. I was a little hesitant about taking a big city lawyer, his wife, sister and cousin (aunts and uncle to me) to a brew pub but I assured myself that the menu would be satisfactory. Not only was it satisfactory, it delighted my family. The beer batter asparagus was the favorite of the appetizers, though the brussel sprouts (I know, right?) ran a close second. Between a bottle of wine and some fine single malt whisky, we somehow missed out on the beer, though many of the entrées have the local brew as an ingredient. The entrées, Kobe burgers, ancho chicken salad, roast beef, and andouille and duck casserole, were all well executed, tasty and filling. It may be upscale pub fare, but it is quite a way up that particular scale. The decor, modern industrial, is a foundation for an enjoyable night out. Although the high unfinished ceilings make some noise inevitable, we were able to hear each other fine with the exception of someone who denies a hearing problem. (you know who you are) All in all, I was pleased that Distihl pleased my family. The staff was friendly and attentive, the food is great and the menu is interesting.

    (4)

  • Leyton P.

    We used Yelp to hit 3 restaurants in Bloomington while there on business. All three were good, but Destihl was the best value and the most fun. The staff was amazing, and they had lots of fun with my Pecan Pie first ordering. The food was amazing for a brew pub. Everything is made on site. It's not Station 220, but it's not trying to be. An amazing place to eat. If you like beer or bacon, this is heaven.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Trendy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works

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