The Rock Restaurant
203 W North St, Normal, IL, 61761
The Rock Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Normal for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Normal for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Normal for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
203 W North St
Normal, IL, 61761 - Phone (309) 451-4976
- Website https://www.therockrestaurant.net/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Greek Cuisine
Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.
Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.
For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.
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Samantha E.
The owner of this place and his family are really hospitable. You can tell they have a passion for what they're doing, or at least genuinely appreciate your business. I typically order falafel bites with tahini sauce, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, or one of their salads. I'm always pleased & the ingredients always taste fresh. My partner goes there a bit more than I do. He loves the gyros and falafel as well. I wish they had tabouleh.
(5)Jenni P.
I came here with no idea what the place was like or served. We are visiting ISU and wandered in. Food was delicious. I had an Italian beef and it was just as good if not better than Portillo's back home. I hope to come back on my next visit. Update: here on another visit and came back. Love this place!
(4)Harry W.
Nice clean place. Good prompt service. the gyro cheeseburger was messy w too much mayo/tzadiki for my taste. the gyros themselves were ok, but could have benefited from more spice. the fries were GREAT! Its in downtown Normal without a dedicated parking lot and as such, parking is what it is
(3)Tom P.
Just had another great lunch today. We shared the cheese balls with ranch to start - which were great. I got the gyro cheeseburger - it has a nice combo of flavors. I got it with everything and it was all very fresh. My wife got the Philly cheese steak sandwich with grilled onions and melted provolone cheese, which also was excellent. Weather was perfect so we ate outside. Overall quality experience.
(5)Allison U.
I usually don't find myself in the Bloomington-Normal area and, when I do, it is typically for a quick gas station stop on the way between Chicago and St. Louis. So, when I stopped for dinner here with my sister and her boyfriend, I didn't have the highest expectations. In splitting a few dishes at The Rock, my hopes (and craving for Mediterranean food) were fulfilled! Between the three of us, we split a falafel sandwich, a garlic chicken pita sandwich, and a standard gyro sandwich with a 1/2 side of falafel and a 1/2 side of baba gonaush. Out of this nice sampling, we all agree that the baba gonaush was very good and that the hummus was a little bland for our taste. Regardless, each of these came out with warm and pillowy pieces of pita bread which made for a delicious start to our detour dining experience! Out of our 3 entrees, the falafel sammy stood out as the phenomenal pick of the night, complemented by tangy and flavorful tzatziki dressing. We enjoyed the garlic chicken sandwich (I can personally vouch that it was pretty delicious as leftovers the next day!), but felt that the gyro was our least favorite. The cashier that served us was very friendly and accommodating, especially considering that it was around 7:30 pm on Memorial Day Monday. In terms of road trip stops, this is the best one that I've made in a long time. When passing by Redbird territory, I'd definitely consider swinging by The Rock Restaurant for a delicious and affordable Mediterranean meal next time I'm driving on I-55!
(4)Erin R.
Food was great, but they left out my $3 order of baklava when I picked it up. Bummer.
(3)Shameika V.
I love this place excellent food & service! Calling in might be the best, sometimes they have a little wait (nothing like Super Gyro 23 mins)
(5)Jacob K.
I'm currently sitting in the Rock and purchased a chicken gyro, fries, and a drink... For $9. I assumed I would get a good sized serving, instead I got 5 measly strips of chicken. I asked an employee if that's really how much comes in the sandwich, and he confirmed it. Biggest rip off. I used to love this restaurant but the food is not worth these prices.
(1)Ruby P.
Love The Rock salad and gyros. Beware, their fries are addictive. Service is great. Food is delicious. Restaurant is clean and efficient. Enjoy!
(5)Dayna S.
Solid choice for Mediterranean options and some vegetarian/vegan dishes as well. Always clean. Friendly, well trained staff.
(4)James S.
Holy falafel. Seriously, eat here if you want the best falafel in central Illinois. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but the falafel, gyros burger and hummus will blow your mind. The fries are probably not made in house, but they are fantastic when dipped in the house made tahini sauce. Excited they expanded. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Brenda S.
Hands down, best Gyros around.
(5)Elizabeth M.
Heading home from Chicago, I jumped on Yelp to find somewhere for BF and I to eat lunch. Yelp wins for us again! I'm vegetarian (with the occasional fish) and LOVE that they tell you right off what's vegetarian, saving me from 15 minutes of looking through every menu item for non meat items. BF loves his gyros, so he went with the Super Gyro. I decided this was going to be my once every 2 months fish, so I got the salmon salad. Was very good. Both of us left happy.
(5)Kimberly K.
The place to go in town for gyros! Friendly service and delicious food. If the dining area is full, take your food to go and sit at Uptown Circle.
(4)Chris R.
Best restaurant in Bloomington/Normal! Fun family-owned place where everything on the menu is top notch. The ownership is great, employees are knowledgable and polite, and the food is to die for! Highly recommend!
(5)John O.
I've gotten the Philly cheese steak a few times and it's always amazing. Great prices and food. Amazing space after the renovation.
(5)Leland R.
Falafel was excellent, and the kids loved the grilled cheese pita meals. New section of the restaurant has plenty of space. Not too pricey either.
(4)Chelsea W.
I love the re-modeling that they have done! It makes for a nicer, more spacious atmosphere. Cool soda machine too! As far as the food goes, the gyro and fries are delicious and I often crave them if I walk by the restaurant. My boyfriend and I went here the other day because he wanted a falafel. He and I agreed that the falafel was just okay.
(4)Sara B.
Not what I was expecting at all. i thought this would be like a hip bar and grill type place. Walk in and order at the counter. The food was greasy and tasteless. not sure what the fuss is about. The falafel was pretty boring and we didn't even finish it.
(2)Kristen G.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in the Bloomington-Normal area. The gyros are amazing and everything here is reasonably priced. I like that it isn't a chain restaurant especially since there are so many chains around town. I've never had a bad experience with the Rock and I would recommend it to anyone looking for great food on the cheap.
(5)Riley C.
Best lunch place in town period. The gyros are great, the italian beef is also good too. The fries are awesome. They recently renovated so there's always space inside, even during the busy lunch rush.
(5)Pete R.
I feel the need to add another review because it looks like our hardworking friends at The Rock will be christening an addition to their downtown Normal location VERY soon. The expansion into the corner storefront next door is apparently an over-budget labor of love, but is now predicted to be done by Christmas! We couldn't be happier for these guys and will be there when the new set of doors open!! We know they will STILL have the best gyros and garlic chicken in the area!
(5)Vivian L.
I love this place, ate there 3 times in one week the first time I tried it. Had their gyros and their fries are suspiciously delicious! The fries are just regular fries, but I have no idea why they taste so much better!! Price is good, perfect for the average college student, and right in the neighborhood with convenient parking. This place is a must visit!!!!
(5)Jamie L.
Always have been a fan. New renovation is beautiful and needed for how busy this place gets! When in uptown you must stop in. I always get the signature: the rock salad. Chicken and lamb meat are sooo tender and well portioned to salad greens. Enjoy!
(5)Mee M.
Best restaurant, you can tell owners work hard and care about what they do. All workers are friendly, fast service even though place was full and food is delicious. You like Mediterranean food go to the Rock You like American food go also to the Rock. Best best best!
(5)Mary M.
I'm a fairly frequent patron because I work near uptown and The Rock is usually decent enough for price and speed. It's never been my favorite, but like I said...decent. Unfortunately, my boyfriend (a local sous chef) and I were incredibly disappointed with our food there today. We ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich and a gyro. Both were substandard. The buffalo sandwich was poorly assembled, the bun was ice cold, the lettuce & tomato were sparse, and it was all-around...unappetizing. The meat on my gyro was cold and limp like it hadn't been cooked, the pita was stale-ish, and the sauce was...different(?). I don't know what was up, but it was just overall a really, really bad meal. Also, this was the only meal we ate today, and ever since, well, let's just say we've been suffering from gastrointestinal distress. Definitely wish we'd opted for Jimmy John's instead. It was *that* bad.
(1)Mack R.
I went to eat there for the first time with my girlfriend, who had eaten there twice before. I ordered "The Challenger," one of their signature items, and substituted gyro meat instead of chicken and substituted garlic sauce instead of BBQ sauce. My girlfriend ordered the falafel. We also shared french fries and onion rings. Positives: +Service staff was friendly and enthusiastic +Very accommodating to changes/substitutions on menu items +Prices were good +Food came quickly +Flavor of the food was great! Spices in the falafel were on point and it was cooked perfectly. The gyro meat was pretty good--I would say 4/5--and the mushrooms, onions, and garlic sauce complimented it very well. +French fries were particularly tasty... Some of the best in town! Areas for improvement: -Sanitation. Observed two employees' failure to wash hands between wiping nose/touching floor and handling food. -"The Challenger" is a misnomer. The meal (including fries and o-rings) was filling in the end, but the sandwich was smaller than expected. The falafel sandwich seemed larger in comparison, which was a bit disappointing. -The onion rings were overcooked, except for one particularly thick one, which was quite a bit undercooked. -Atmosphere. They are in the midst of a remodel, so I'll point out a few areas that could use some extra attention as they move forward. Men's and women's bathrooms were colored blue and sparkly pink, respectively, which seemed a bit tacky. The daily specials board was very difficult to see, as it was located behind the counter on a wall parallel to the customer's line of sight. I will definitely be returning for the food, and attention to the above areas of improvement will certainly merit a five-star rating.
(3)Chad S.
Great food, great people, great atmosphere, it's great, just go and try it. I always get the challenger. The fries remind me of Burger King fries, but taste better. The new renovation is really good. I think they may be adding outdoor seating as well, not sure though
(5)Morris N.
Fast food type place with a very casual environment. Friendly and relatively fast service during the lunch rush. 9 bucks for a gyros, fries, and drink is not bad. The gyros sandwich was excellent. Street parking can be tough to find but there is a parking garage a couple blocks away.
(4)Taylor A.
For a quick meal in uptown Normal, The Rock is my go-to spot. Fantastic gyros and chicken wraps, at a good price, with friendly counter service make me come back at least once every two weeks. Being right around the corner from the Marriott is a big plus too. The fries are really on point too. Some of the best in BloNo. I've heard good things about other items on the menu, especially the burgers and the Challenger, so be sure to check those out too.
(4)Brac H.
Best food in Uptown, Normal. I don't want to admit how many times a week I eat lunch there
(5)C C.
The Rock was one of the original businesses to invest in and seek to redevelop Uptown Normal. It continues to be a staple of Uptown and recently started an expansion project to offer additional seating, which is great because it can get crowded around the lunch and dinner rush. The food is consistent and good, offering fare beyond the typical Midwestern palate that's such a hallmark of Normal. The gyros are great, and their tabouli is excellent. The owners are always warm and welcome, and seem to really love bringing their raft to Uptown. Daily lunch specials are available, and though it's not the cheapest lunch in town (certainly on-par with most offerings), it is a real value for high quality and freshly prepared food. Good hours, great food, and a very good staff make this a welcome staple of Uptown.
(5)Mary W.
It's basically a concession stand. Bland, boring, not that great. Two stars because the actual restaurant is clean and bright.
(2)Dakota H.
I like this place. Good burgers (they taste 'real', which I like, good buffalo chicken sandwich (albeit a little small), and great Gyros. It's a perfect place to stop by for lunch. I'm happy they're expanding, because oftentimes it's very cramped inside, with a line.
(4)Andrew O.
The best gyros and fries! Always consistently great food and service. Owners go out of their way to constantly improve. Try the baklava - not too sweet, just perfect.
(5)Mark S.
The falafel sandwich and spinach pies are awesome. The dolma, however, are from a can. I expect freshly made dolmas at a Mediterranean restaurant.
(4)Chris J.
The Rock is good - but alas... it could be better. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I'm a huge fan of Mediterranean / Lebanese food. I love the food I find in New York, or around my Detroit metro area- both have great middle eastern cuisine. While the gyros are nice here - that is almost the extend of their Mediterranean fare. I wish they had more to offer - but of course they have to cater to their market (which probably isn't that adventurous when it comes to food). Also their Falafel is cooked in a way that makes them taste burned. :( Try Falafel in a very authentic place - it bursts with flavor and doesn't have any fried/burned taste.
(4)Jennie R.
I just ate here today and oh my goodness. I had the garlic chicken and it was the best thing I've eaten while being here in Normal. I am determined to go back and try more things but I highly recommend the garlic chicken!
(5)Tory E.
I absolutely love this establishment! I have been visiting the Rock for almost 10 years now and it always feels like home! Always great to see the owners actually working along side the employees to make sure service is always perfect! Plus the food is great too! I definitely recommend this restaurant!
(5)Rebecca H.
The Rock has consistently good food, served fast and for a good price. The owners are also big supporters of the campus and Uptown Normal community, which I really appreciate (and you rarely see from chains). The Rock has a great mix of options, American and Mediterranean, for the serious carnivore and vegetarian alike. Burgers, gyros, salads, delicious sides (like falafel, hummus and pita or stuffed grape leaves), desserts (mmmmm baklava). Their fries are addictive. I highly recommend the Challenger sandwich, which is a little bit of a misnomer as it it a normally sized pita sandwich, and not huge as the name suggests. It is a Rock signature item, and has grilled chicken, provolone, barbeque sauce, jalapenos (which you can leave off) and the great pepper and onion mix you get on Philly cheesesteaks. Their salads are also really good, but my only complaint there is there actually isn't enough salad! I would love to see more lettuce (and maybe greener lettuce like romaine) on them. But the toppings are plentiful and I love their Greek dressing. Prices are reasonable - for $20 you can get more than enough for two people, and if you order the day's specials, you can get out of there for around $15 for two, or $7.50 each, with fries or other side and a drink. You go order at the counter and then they bring your food when it is ready (usually about 5-10 minutes).
(5)Darrell S.
I give it 5 because of the Gyros they are the best in town hands down. Been coming to the Rock since they opened years ago in the old location off Main St. The new location has been added on since I was here last and it is really nice with more seating. Even though I have heard the Chicken Challenger is awesome I come here for Gyros the Super Gyro in particular as it comes with feta cheese and more of the nice crispy lamb. Someday I will branch out and try some other stuff on the menu as the guys that run the place are always asking how it tastes. They really care about their products here. If you have room for dessert I have to recommend the Baklava it is really good.
(5)Jared S.
This place literally has the best fries I have ever eaten in my life! Please visit here for the food it is one of the best things in town!
(5)Leena J.
After reading the reviews we had to try this place. We went there Monday night. Since it was a new place I wasn't sure if I wanted to try something new so I ordered baba ganoush( you can never go wrong with this) while my husband ordered the challenger. Baba ganoush came with pita which was nice , then I tried the challenger which was perfect the sauce , cheese , meat it was yummy. The baklava & lady finger were yummy too. We then ordered the gyro and to our surprise it was amazing . We were so happy with how the food tasted that we had another round of baklava & lady finger. Though lady finger lacked a bit of sweetness as compared to baklava . It was still good definitely a must try. Overall a great place. Perfect portions, taste & freshness. I hope to have a similar experience when I visit again. A must go place !
(4)Ryan S.
One of the better gyros I've had! Good fries too. Great place to eat when waiting for your late Amtrak.
(4)Shawn E.
I have heard many good things about The Rock so today I decided to have lunch there. The restaurant has a great vibe and atmosphere. It is located in a cool building. So the overall experience was really nice. As for the food, I had what was possibly the best Italian Beef sandwich I have ever had! Well done guys, I will be back to try your other cuisine.
(5)Carla H.
I think two of us have eaten here at least once a week for the last 3 weeks! Each time before attending a show at the Normal theater! Great combo. I love the hamburgers and cheeseburgers. Good salmon salad and the gyros are great. Just how do you eat a gyro without making a mess? All yummy! Finish with baklava or lady fingers for a special dessert. Mmm. Bet we'll be back next week before seeing Casablanca!
(5)Mike N.
Garlic chicken sandwich is Awesome! It's the special on Wednesdays. Is it Wednesday yet? Other favorites: Challenger Gyro Super Philly I love the rock. The service is great, food is great, and owners are great. Too bad DOWNTOWN Normal parking sucks!
(5)Poads P.
This is the best restaurant in Bloomington/Normal. It's affordable. It has a convenient location right off the ISU campus. The selection is decent. The food is delicious. The owners are nice and friendly. The service is quick. And there are options for both vegetarians and meat lovers. I get the falafel which is vegetarian. I would recommend it to anyone. I add onions, and you can get fries put inside your falafel. The tahini sauce is great. For around $6 it's an awesome deal. Speaking of the fries, they are out of this world. They might be the best fries I have ever had. You must try them at least once. I would recommend The Rock to anyone. If you're in uptown Normal looking for a quick meal, The Rock is your best option.
(5)Justin S.
Great Mediterranean food for a cheap price. It's hard to find good falafel in the Mid-West, but they do a pretty good job.
(5)Clete W.
Gyros and burgers ROCK! Fast and friendly service. Very satisfied in the beautiful downtown Normal. Great family place.
(5)Bill M.
Great food, great people, great prices. Plenty of space after remodel. Salads are fresh and gyros have a lot of meat with a nice sauce on the mild side. Hummus and pita appetizer is fresh and filling, and my baklava was made that morning. Highly recommend for simple, authentic, casual Mediterranean food.
(5)Kyle R.
The best vegetarian/vegan friendly restaurant in Bloomington/Normal. It's the best place to eat in Uptown too. Skip the rest, roll with the best dawg.
(5)Joe K.
I've been checking out a bunch of different restaurants here since I moved to Bloomington this week and I'll definitely be coming back here very often. The presentation is great and the food is very good.
(5)Jacob B.
Very good Mediterranean food, but not sure why it says "Bon Appétit" inside at a Greek Restaurant. .. :)
(5)Megan G.
Everything's amazing! I recommend the Rock salad because it has the gyro and chicken meat with fresh tomatoes and feta. Can't go wrong with a simple gyro. And the fries are perfectly crispy. Best of all you have to finish the meal with baklava!
(5)Alec H.
Not only do they have great food but they have a great staff as well. The owners are almost always there to ensure that their customers are happy and receiving the best food they can serve. Be ready to wait a few minutes for your food though because they cook it all fresh!
(5)M D.
Many gluten free items on the menu. Wonderful falafel and hummas.
(5)Nicole S.
Love this place!!!! I promise you that you will not be disappointed!
(5)Alec G.
Every time I eat here, the food is always hot and always delicious. Personal favorite combo: 1/2 lb gyro cheeseburger with medium fries. It consistently fills me to satisfaction. Their gyros are quite delicious. I like to come here after a long day of classes or work, hang back, and just enjoy the food. You could call it comfort food, but it's way better than that. It's the perfect food for relaxing and simply enjoying. If it sounds like I'm gushing, I admit I kind of am. But that's because it is just that good. I wholly recommend trying it.
(5)Casey S.
Been here several times, never been let down. We sometimes come here more than once a week. Awesome staff!
(5)Chris H.
Hands down, the best Gyro in Bloomington/Normal. For a truly authentic experience add feta cheese to it! Amazing!
(5)Teresa M.
My husband and I love The Rock. It's a great lunch spot. Delicious gyros and the best french fries!
(5)Jim L.
In town for the weekend and found this place just down the block from my hotel. The smell of Mediterranean spices wafting down the street was intoxicating! I had the jalapeno poppers and wings to start and both were perfect. However, the best was yet to come in the firm of the Greek Salad with Gyro. The meat was perfectly cooked, tender but with that crispy edge and the flavor was fantastic. I would have loved to have one of their gyro sandwiches, but I gave up bread for Lent. I was overjoyed to see the salad option. I only wish I could have the baklava dessert. :(
(5)Eric H.
For a quick grab and go meal close to the Marriott (I stay there with some frequency), The Rock is my go to. I usually order a Super Gyro and fries and they haven't let me down yet. Portions are generous and prices are pretty low. Can't get much faster than they are either. It looks like they're expanding--I'll be curious how that changes what the setup and focus of this place is.
(5)Shalini G.
Always amazing! The Rock Salad and the garlic chicken wraps are the best! Gyros are awesome too!
(5)Jeff B.
"Do you smell what the rock is cooking?!" I sure did and loved it! The rock, ROCKS! :-)
(5)Nicholas K.
Quick, cheap, and relatively tasty. Not a place I would visit regularly but it is a good place to go when I want to mix things up
(3)John O.
Some of the best gyros in bloomington/normal. Large menu from hot dogs to falafel. Some Chicago Hot dog stand favorites including the world famous Pizza Puff (Yummy but keep your cardiologist on speed dial). Their super Philly cheese steak is excellent and very filling. I love the garlic chicken too. My only complaint is the Pepsi products specifically the fountain unsweetened iced tea which tastes like the plastic bag it came in. What is with blm/normal and Coke products being so hard to find.
(4)Jesse R.
Remarkably successful business focused on quality Lebanese food. Great gyros! Very good family environment, we love to bring the kids here. Good thing they're expanding, they've been crowded lately!
(5)Sara P.
This place is a gem in BloNo. There is nothing like it here. Try the falafel sandwich. It's amazing. My husband loves the gyro sandwich.
(5)Tony D.
Good gyros, fresh spinach pie but small. Hot dog too heavy on the mustard and relish - no sport pepper. Interesting menu. Will be back. Good hi-way diversion.
(4)Anthony L.
Went to Normal for work. Stopped in here and had the gyro burger. It was delicious and I would absolutely recommend paying this place a visit
(5)Frank W.
The Rock is a great place for cheese steak sandwiches
(4)Matt S.
The Rock is worth every penny paid and effort made to eat at this place. Said and his brother are masters! This place beats just about any other restaurant in Bloomington/Normal.
(5)Antonio V.
Of the three times I've been here I've been disappointed each time. I tried a few different things hoping it might that they weren't that good at making something. Sadly each different item wasn't good. I mean who puts mayo in a falafel sandwich?!
(2)Mason D.
Great philly cheesesteak, but the gyro's aren't as good. The meat for the gyro's is great, but the pita bread is always stale because they grill it instead of steaming it which dries it out to the max. They fries here aren't worth ordering either.
(4)Jay S.
Some of the bast gyros around and really great service. Loved them at their old place, and even more at their uptown location.
(5)Jeremy M.
Great gyros. Huge tenderloins. Definitely recommend as a great local restaurant with lots of variety.
(5)Jeremy B.
Best gyros in the area. Their falafel is the best I've had...of course, it's the only falafel I've ever had. HOWEVER, the hummus is reDONKulously delicious. Seriously, the best. Freshly made with ingredients from Lebanon! Service has always been good and it is always clean. I would love to see some variety and maybe a locally sourced option on the menu! Otherwise, this place is prime!
(4)Mark B.
Great local place. Excellent hero and challenger sandwich and Rock salad. buffalo chicken sandwich just OK
(4)Micky B.
Man I sure do miss this place. Nothing like an order of the garlic chicken pita to fix a hang over. Their daily specials are pretty solid way to go if you don't know what to order. Everything I've had has been delicious, also the owners couldn't be any friendlier. Such a wonderful spot that adds a touch of culture to the already beautiful Uptown Normal area.
(4)Adam K.
Italian beef was fantastic, hot peppers an au jus are recommended. The crispy coated fries were hot and fresh and tasted great plan or with ketchup. The man behind the counter showed great pride in taking care of the guest and showing hospitality.
(4)Sumudu G.
It's just so good! I have no idea why I waited so long to try this place out! The fries are absolutely the best that I've ever had and the gyros are beyond compare. Because of some strange pregnancy cravings I am now familiar with many of the gyro places in town and The Rock is just simply the best. The fact that it's clean and the service is fast is an added bonus.
(5)Denise G.
I really like The Rock! Their new location is awesome, and they feature a lot of great specials for every day of the week. I love burgers and gryos as much as the next, but what really sets The Rock aside from the other places is their selection of Mediterranean fare as well. I love being able to get grape leaves, feta cheese, baklava or spinach pies with my meal. I really love the fries here, as well as the hamburger buns because they have sesame seeds!
(4)Len L.
For some reason I had a taste for a gyros and it so happen that I just passed by and say this place. They have a very large dining area and was greeted as I walked in. They have daily specials but I had my mind on the gyros special (includes a drink and fries). They gave me a cup and told me that they will bring the food to me. The food came fast, first thing in my mouth was the fries, I loved the fries...(steak fries) It was crispy just the way I like it. The second bite was the gyros and it was juicy. The whole meal was perfect, I enjoyed every part of the meal including the part when the server came by and asked how was my meal. I was impressed. I would definitely come back, especially for the fries and of course everything else.
(4)Anastasiya O.
This is my favorite place in the Blo-No area hands down. All of their food is delicious and the fries are some of the best I've ever tasted. I've tried pretty much everything off their Mediterranean menu and I've never been disappointed. Their jumbo hotdogs are also really tasty and definitely hit the spot when I was feeling homesick and craving Portillos. The restaurant itself is quaint and the staff has always been friendly. You can't go wrong with The Rock!
(5)David B.
From Detroit home of Greek town and lots of Mediterranean / Lebanese restaurants. I thought the food was great... I eat there every time I come. Garlic Chicken, Challenger, salads and fries all very good and look forward to more. Nice you can do refills, food and pitas always hot and fresh. Quaint atmosphere, like the tables in the windows and outside.
(4)Kelly S.
SUPER baklava ($1.25)!! It was very, very good. For our meal, we had gyros and garlic chicken and shared an order of fries. The garlic chicken ($5.45) was delish and the gyros ($5.45) were 'sooooo good' according to my son. They also have super gyros which has additional toppings such as feta and olives and more meat (6.99). People seem to be nuts about The Rock's fries in a couple other reviews. I didn't think they were anything that fabulous but I am a french fry snob. :-) If you've never had the fresh cut fries from Hot Doug's Encased Meat Emporium fried in duck fat, I feel sorry for you - you haven't really lived! Anyhowwwww, I digress... The Rock is a walk up to the counter and order and stuff in a plastic basket place. I never visited the old location but this location is very stylish and has very friendly people working there. The gyro cheese burger (6 oz. is $5.89 and 1/2 lb. is 6.39) sounded completely awesome but heavier than I wanted to tackle today. Obviously, it's made with sliced off the spit gyro meat PLUS a burger patty and it comes w/grilled onions, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mustard, ketchup and gyro sauce. The Rock salad also looked very intriguing and is something I will have to try. Again, gyro meat and gyro sauce along with the usual salad ingredients. Fries and a drink with any sandwich is an additional $2.50. Another tidbit from looking at their website, you can click on menu items and add them to your 'cart' to checkout and prepay and then pick your order up at the appointed time. Smart, very smart.
(4)Kelly C.
The best gyros ever! They also have amazing French fries! This place is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Normal. The owner is also so nice and always remembers us. It's also a great place if I'm craving an Italian beef and can't get portillos!
(5)Kevin D.
Second trip to Normal, IL and second time to the Rock Restaurant. The food here is excellent - had a gyro last time and burger and fries this time. Everything is delicious. I hear the philly steak is good too - will try that next time.
(5)Dawn H.
Very good food, restaurant was clean, service was fast. I would definitely stop in again.
(4)Eric Y.
We walked in for lunch while we were taking an impromptu college tour of Illinois State. This place is located on North St, which is the hub of the trendy Uptown area of Normal, located adjacent to ISU's campus. The place has nice, clean indoor seating and also a sidewalk eating area. They specialize in Mediterranean food as well as American classics such as burgers, cheesesteak and such. We had the falafel and the Philly cheesesteak. The falafel is chopped up into small pieces, wrapped in a double layer of a soft lavosh-style wrap with sliced tomato, iceberg lettuce leaves, tahini, and dill pickle spears. I have to say that the sandwich as a whole lacked seasoning and there was not enough falafel in it but whoever thought to put dill pickle spears in it was a genius! The falafel itself, being chopped into small pieces, was virtually flavorless but offered some nice crunch. Overall the sandwich was just ok but with a few tweaks could be really good. The cheesesteak was super hot so it was obvious it was just made but tastewise it was also just ok. The fries are thickish rectangles coated in something to make them really crispy - tasty. Overall this is a charming place with clean decor, friendly service and decent food.
(3)m m.
I just don't get it. We ate here again and it was just okay, again. My husband loved the beef dipped...but I just...I don't get it. It was just okay. Everything seemed over fried. The cheese balls, the fries, the kids' burgers...meh. It seemed clean inside. The high chairs looked like they have not been cleaned in quite some time. The place is small and a little cramped for my liking. I had the gyro and it was like every other gyro in town. Nothing to write home about.
(2)Kelsey M.
the rock has amazing gyros made fresh for you! the fries are very good also! great customer service
(5)Don J.
Always a tough decision between their delicious gyros or the challenger. Mouth is watering just thinking about it. The French fries are delicious. I have never had a bad experience at the rock.
(5)Ana S.
The best Mediterranean restaurant in Bloomington-Normal! We wouldn't get our gyro's anywhere else.
(5)Abhijeet M.
Best falafel I ever ate ....
(5)Andy E.
The Rock offers good food at a reasonable price. I have yet to leave feeling unsatisfied. It is certainly worth trying!
(5)JohAnna C.
Great downtown Normal resturant! The service is friendly, the gyros we perfect! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Kathy A.
Excellent service, very clean and fun atmosphere, old downtown location and wonderful food. We had gyros, burgers and Philly cheesesteak. Fries are incredible.
(5)Tracy H.
This was a great spot for lunch. We walked here from the University campus and enjoyed Greek Salads. The salads were well portioned and filled us right up. I ordered toasted pita and enjoyed that as well. The service was good too.
(5)S M.
Great food... Had the gyro and fries. Def worth the trip around the block several times looking for parking! Service was excellent and place was very clean! Option of ordering ahead online is also a convenient addition. Outdoor seating available with an excellent view of the area. We will be back for sure. Oh and the Baklava was awesome!!!
(5)Jessica S.
I'M SHOUTING AT YOU BECAUSE IT'S SO LOUD IN HERE I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU HEAR ME! BETWEEN THE ACOUSTICS & THE UNDISCIPLINED KIDS RUNNING AROUND NEARLY KNOCKING SERVERS OVER I REALIZE I SHOULD HAVE SAT OUTSIDE. ok, enough drama. whaddya need to know? - You order at the counter. They take all cards. Except punch cards from other restaurants. That would be silly. - Tried the Super Philly Cheese Steak in a 6 in. version and it was really yummy. Add some lettuce and tomato and I think it would have been perfect. Hubby said the burger was similar to Hardee's, so that's not the caliber I was expecting per other reviewers. Was it good? Yes. Best in town? Not quite. - Fries are yummy coated in something reminiscent of tempura but pretty unique for #BloNo fry fare. - Food is good. We will go back and try the gryos and tzatzaki sauce everyone keeps raving about. Then I'll decide if more gold stars should be awarded. - Service was friendly, quick and even brought the meal to us. Which is critical since the acoustics mean I wouldn't hear my name anyway. - Prices are reasonable and they have free refills on pop (yes I said pop, not soda) via your standard pick your poison machine. Tangent Alert: Why has no one in the world innovated this standard piece of machinery? - Aside from the unruly children driving us (and other patrons) nuts, the atmosphere is pretty cool inside. And a few tables outside are a nice alternative too. Other pertinent info: Fri & Sat nights expect to see mini-dresses and other hooched out attire.
(3)Nathan D.
Really great food, but i'd like to see it as more of a sit-down/café kinda place than a fast-food restaurant. It's not clearly one or the other. The food merits a bit more upscale atmosphere. I'd love to see them expand into a full-out Greek restaurant. Great prices and nice location in Uptown!
(4)Chef B.
Hands down one of the best lunch spots in B/N. The options are pretty limited if you're counting calories (hummus plates, a few salads, grape leaves), but if you're not . . . * Best fries in Bloomington-Normal * Best Gyro in Bloomington-Normal * Best Cheesesteak in Bloomington-Normal (get the super with provolone, peppers and mushrooms - 2 meals in 1). Awesome, awesome food.
(5)A W.
Very chill and clean atmosphere. As soon as a table gets up, an employee thoroughly wipes down where the customer(s) sat. I ordered the rock salad, a signature item, and I was disappointed. It was heavily loaded with meat along with little else. I'm pretty sure I had only one cucumber slice. The lettuce was iceberg so there was little taste there and no selection of dressing. Their portions are confusing too. Only medium or large for portions. The fries were amazing.
(3)Glenn P.
Had a super tenderloin sandwich for lunch and was just right. Low price and tasted great!
(5)Seth W.
Its yummy. I like the gyros. The price is right and the food is always hot and fresh.
(5)Sampad D.
They dont have authentic shawarmas but ot really is tasty...The french fries are also amazing..
(4)Jason G.
Having been a student at ISU, I've heard a lot about The Rock but they were closed for a while. I visited The Rock's new uptown location yesterday on my lunch break with a co-worker. I had heard great things about the place from friends and my boss. Neither of us had been before and both left thinking it was going to be the new "go to" for us on our breaks. I had the jumbo hot dog chicago style with chili. Normally I avoid onions and tomatoes but the food was so good I didn't even notice them. He had a cheeseburger. We both commented on the fries right away. Definitely some of the better ones we've had. Especially uptown. The food can be describe in 3 simple words: Delicious, hot, and fast. Can't wait to go back for a soaked Italian beef. Look out Uptown, The Rock is taking over Update: I have gone back twice since I posted this review. The second time I visited The Rock, it was Noon and the line was nearly out the door. I waited about 5 minutes in line and another 5 to get my food. The employees were fast and very nice. The girl at the counter even recognized me from the first visit. The third time I ate at The Rock, I took a friend who just moved to town. She loved it. Again, the food was fast and hot. One employee even came to our table to double check that they had our orders right before they brought out the food.
(5)Lauren W.
Very decent prices, I found that they offer some coupons in the student coupon that they hand out at the beginning of every semester. My fiancé and I tried their gyros special in addition to baklava for me (I had tried this delicious treat in AndalucÃa, Spain and became addicted...and have not been able to encounter this treat until this restaurant). The sandwiches were a good size for the money, and were quite tasty. Could have been a little bit larger for the money, but that's because I'm accustomed to other restaurants. Their fries are amazing, very fresh and tasty! I would recommend this restaurant if you're in the Bloomington-Normal area.
(4)Kelly M.
Really like The Rock. It's new location uptown Normal is very nice, and VERY close to the Normal Theatre...a plus! The seating is ample, although a little close together. The staff seem to know what they are doing, also nice. Hummus is just ok- had it one time, really good, and another it was just ok. Husband LOVES the gyros. I like their chicken salad (a salad, not chicken salad).
(4)Isaac S.
I had a mixed experience at The Rock. My garlic chicken wrap was delicious, but the dolmas were incredibly soggy, even more so than I expect from dolmas. My girlfriend's Greek salad, though, was just outright pathetic. Flavorless lettuce and the dressing that tasted like it came in an institutional-size can were the worst parts, but the massive amount of black olives dumped on top and the total absence of red onion or peppers. The price was right, though, and the location is certainly convenient for college students.
(3)John B.
Since my original review the Rock has moved to Uptown Normal after being displaced by another apartment building/chain restaurant monstosity on Main Street. While I honestly do miss the ambiance (if you can call it that) of the original Rock on Dale Street, the new location is just awesome. You can sit in the window and watch people passing by on North Street inside a modern yet very tastefully designed restaurant. I think the prices went up a bit to compensate for the added expense of the new restaurant...and they spent some serious bucks on this place...but it's totally worth it. They also have outdoor seating in the summer which is usually always taken up but if you can snag a table there's not a better location in Uptown. The gyros can't be beat and the chicken philly is just sublime. The fries are also the best fries you will find in BloNo hands down. I've never had any of the dessert out of the case since the prices already lighten my wallet enough, but it looks good also. Alright....this review is done since I need to run out the door to get a gyro:-)
(5)Kristen O.
And the Rock is back! Extremely glad that I put my name on the contact list, I found a recent email letting me know one of my favorite restaurants has reopened and is ready for my business. After driving around for 15 minutes to find parking (at 4 on a Thursday), we finally sauntered in the restaurant to find a beautiful (and HUGE, compared to the last place) seating area, people enjoying their meals and a short line to order our food. The menu is above the ordering counter, but I didn't need to look, I already knew I was getting a hot dog meal. Though it was busy, we didn't have trouble finding a table for 4 to sit at. They brought our food out to us and I was ecstatic. Not only did they deliver, they brought a perfect hot dog and the best fries I've had in a long time. My meal was $4.50 (2 for the dog and 2.50 for the combo), an excellent price for amazing meal. One highlight: the soda fountain machine is self-serve (no more change for refills). I believe they've added a lot to the menu, and now have a small case with baked goods. A great meal and good atmosphere; a place I would recommend to anyone looking for a decent priced, delicious meal.
(5)Jason H.
The Gyros are my favorite in town. The fries are really good too.
(5)B S.
Great food, reasonable prices. Daily specials. Staff is friendly, service is fast and the place is clean. Nice spot to grab a quick bite.
(4)William W.
Their new location simply Rocks. It's slick, clean, stylish, and just looks like a million bucks. I've upgraded to 5 stars because it turns out my toddler loves gyro meat and hummus. Who knew!?
(5)Peter M.
This is one of my two favorite places to get a gyros in B-N. The gyros are off the "spit" and then grilled and they aren't greasy. I hate when a place has the deli sliced gyro meat. Wasn't a fan of the fries. They had a coating that made them too crispy. My GF had the cheeseburger and it was just okay.
(4)Van M.
I have to admit that my 5 stars could be biased because these guys are so nice and I really want this place to do well. That said though, it's clear from the other reviews that I'm not an outlier to suggest that The Rock has some of the best grill food in town. If you're looking to save a little coin, check out their daily specials. I really like the gyro and the burger is (like Brandon C. said) one of the best in town. If you're looking for a hot mess of BBQ deliciousness, try The Challenger. It's diced chicken on a pita with grilled onions, green peppers, mushrooms, etc. all smothered with bbq sauce and some shredded cheese. Good people and good food.
(5)Kim K.
The Rock serves the BEST Gyro in the area....enough said!
(5)Sara F.
I love this place. I am new in town and this was the first place recommended by many. I had the gyro special and some hummus. One word, incredible. The service is great even when the place is super busy, the atmosphere is awesome and the owners are super friendly. My new favorite.
(5)Victoria V.
Just got my man and his co-worker (both Amtrak Conductors on their way through on a Chicago bound) the Super Philly and the Super Gyros to go. The service was really quick, nice, and personalized. I boarded the train with them and these two are so into their sandwiches right now and they keep talking and talking and talking about how good they are. "The olives dude"..."This is sooo good and messy man." In fact, I think if a naked lady walked by right now they wouldn't even notice. Anyway, I snuck a piece of gyros and it was very good. I'll definitely get them sandwiches from The Rock again. It just made me pretty popular with the Railroaders.
(4)Janet R.
I just love this place! Great food, great staff, great owner. Nice location in downtown Normal. The staff is always friendly and the place is always clean. They have a nice outdoor seating area also. The Philly Cheese Steak is my favorite. My daughters and I eat there all the time!
(5)Heidi B.
awesome gyros! the Rock salad, ROCKS!
(5)Julia S.
Great food! Great service! Love their new location. Gyros are amazing and perfect amount of meat, onions, sauce! Fries are great! Big portions so come hungry or share with a buddy! And there baklava PERFECT! Five stars all the way!
(5)Nate G.
An ideal place to come and grab a burger or gyro. Food is cheap, portions are large and the service is great. The taste is well above your burger chain so a big step up over regular fast food
(5)Carmello J.
New location on North street. Amazing food! They have the best frys in the entire state of illinois, no lie.
(5)Allan M.
Another great place about Bloomington-Normal that makes me wish I still was attending ISU, and not taking a break from going here, for now. This place, without question, had the best gyros in the Bloomington-Normal area, even if it does set you back a good bit of change each time you get them. :) And of course, going here was a nice occasional variation from always getting food at Southside(Dining Center), or the now-former Chatters(Dining Center). It has other decent things on their menu, such as their burgers. And yet again, as I did in my U-Liq review on mentioning Z's, I enjoy that this place doesn't get as crowded as Z's, most of the time, except for their lunchtime rush. I don't hate Z's(enjoy also going there from time to time, if anything), and am only saying this to compare them to Z's. I'm hopeful that I'll finally get to try the Texas Toothpicks(a jalapeno fried snack) on their menu, the next time I go here, and also have something ready to wash it down with, in case I find them too spicy, lol. EDIT: Forgot to say too that the owner is really nice as hell, I've had tons of nice chats with the guy from time to time. He's usually working, or at least stopping by several times a week(or his brother is working here).
(4)Zach P.
I found The Rock while attending Illinois State University and still head back there quite often. It is a simple hotdog/burger/gyro place but the food is outstanding! The best Gyros in town - the meat is perfectly seasoned and the pita is perfectly toasted. The pita never falls apart as you eat. The Challenger is also a great choice! Don't let the name fool you - its worth it! Prices are a little more ($1-2) than some other places but the extra buck is well worth the quality of the food. The owners are great - always remember you if you come back. Plus homemade baklava!
(5)Blair W.
after seven years of living in town, i finally tried the rock.. I noticed they also specialized in Lebanese cuisine(which i love), so i tried thier falafel. the bread reminded me of dinner's at my friend's house. I will be back.
(4)Owen W.
Oh Rock, I love thee. For years it was the falafel, as it was the only thing I could eat on the menu. And believe me, I still love the falafel, but now I can speak to the greatness of such things as the gyro burger and the hummus and gyro meat platter. Owners are also great guys.
(5)Allison H.
Yum! Really good garlic chicken, gyros, and fries. It's casual, and good for dine in or carry out. Usually kind of busy, with friendly staff. It's very conveniently located: close to campus, in Uptown Normal. Wish I could find a place like this where I am now...
(4)t x.
Delish!!! I had the chicken gyro and fries, and they were impressive! The fries taste lightly battered and are crispy and delicious. They needed salt or ketchup, but I prefer to add my own anyway. The chicken on my gyro was perfect! Food was fresh and tasty! I love the new location too...clean and simple with some nice touches. Keep it up!
(5)Lawrence T.
So glad they are back. I have sampled many items off of new menu. Tastes better than ever and the Fries are great
(5)Megan K.
The new location is fantastic, and the food is better than ever. I LOVE the gyro - fresh pita and the combo is a great lunch deal. Prices are good and the service is fast and friendly. I've only had the burgers, gyros and the greek salad, and they were all top notch (but the gyro is my favorite). I bring people here all the time and have never been disappointed. Try the outdoor seating when the weather is nice - what a great addition to Uptown!
(5)Eric G.
You have to try the gyro cheeseburger. Take an already awesome burger and then add the perfect amount of gyro meat. The best part is it's huge. One of my favorite burgers of all time.
(5)Ray N.
It's good, it's moderately priced, and it's a 2-minute walk from South Campus. What more can you ask? If you like the Rock, I would also recommend Latte Time, even though their menu has shrunk considerably since 2 years ago.
(4)Ryan S.
A nice little place. They have good gyros and a few other items that you don't see at every little gyros/hot dog place. You can also tell that the owner cares about his business. There is a sense of pride about the place, and he will remember you if you come in with regularity.
(4)