Let’s be honest—no great trip is complete without great food. Whether you’re in town for a quick stopover or spending a few nights at Days Inn by Wyndham Le Roy/Bloomington Southeast (1 Demma Dr, Le Roy, IL 61752, Phone: (309) 468-4083), your taste buds deserve an adventure too! If you’re wondering where to eat around here, buckle up, fellow foodie—because this little town might surprise you with its hidden culinary gems.
In this foodie’s guide to the Best Dining Spots Near Days Inn Le Roy, we’ll take a delicious dive into the local restaurants, cafés, and diners that make this area a treat to explore. From breakfast joints that smell like heaven to BBQs that’ll make you question your diet choices, we’re covering it all.
Why Le Roy, Illinois, is a Hidden Gem for Food Lovers
Le Roy might not be a massive city, but it has something better—local charm, warm smiles, and food that tastes like it was cooked by your favorite aunt who refuses to let you leave the table hungry. Located conveniently between Bloomington and Champaign, this small town offers easy access to both highways and comfort food.
Whether you crave a hearty American breakfast, a sizzling steak, or a cheesy pizza dripping with flavor, you’ll find it just minutes from Days Inn Le Roy. So, if you’re staying here, don’t settle for fast food right away—there’s much more waiting beyond the drive-thru!
1. Woody’s Family Restaurant – A Local Favorite
Location: 118 E Center St, Le Roy, IL 61752
Distance from hotel: About 3 minutes
If you ask anyone in town about the best dining spots near Days Inn Le Roy, Woody’s Family Restaurant is almost always the first name to pop up. This place is pure small-town magic—cozy booths, friendly service, and portions that could feed an army.
Why you’ll love it:
-
Breakfast is served all day (because pancakes are a human right).
-
Their fried chicken is crispy perfection.
-
Homemade pies—especially their banana cream pie—are legendary.
It’s the kind of restaurant where the waitress already knows your coffee order by your second visit, and the owner might just stop by your table for a friendly chat.
Pro tip: Try their “Woody’s Country Breakfast.” It’s a local legend—and a challenge for your stomach!
2. Casey’s Pizza – Quick, Tasty, and Surprisingly Addictive
Location: 1300 Chestnut St, Le Roy, IL 61752
Distance from hotel: 2 minutes
Now, don’t roll your eyes—yes, it’s technically a gas station, but hear me out. Casey’s Pizza is the ultimate roadside hero of the Midwest. Locals swear by it, and travelers fall in love after one bite of that perfectly golden crust.
Their breakfast pizzas are an absolute must-try—loaded with eggs, cheese, and sausage. And if you’re rolling back into town late, they’re open late enough to satisfy those midnight munchies.
Best for:
-
Grab-and-go meals
-
Budget-friendly bites
-
Pizza cravings at odd hours
So yes, sometimes the Best Dining Spots Near Days Inn Le Roy include a pizza counter inside a gas station. Don’t judge it—just try it!
3. The Coffee Steamer – Morning Fuel for the Road
Location: 201 E Center St, Le Roy, IL 61752
Distance from hotel: 4 minutes
If your morning doesn’t start until caffeine hits your veins, this charming local coffee shop is your new best friend. The Coffee Steamer is where Le Roy’s mornings come alive. The aroma of freshly ground beans alone is worth the visit.
What to order:
-
The Caramel Cloud Latte (sweet, smooth, and dreamy)
-
Their house-made muffins and bagels
-
Iced coffee for those hot Illinois afternoons
This café isn’t just about coffee—it’s about connection. You’ll often see locals chatting, students studying, and travelers like you finding a cozy nook to start their day.
4. Gill Street Sports Bar – Where the Fun (and Food) Happens
Location: 3002 Gill St, Bloomington, IL 61704
Distance from hotel: 20 minutes drive
For those willing to drive a bit for a great meal, Gill Street Sports Bar is a top contender. It’s a perfect place to catch a game, unwind after a long drive, and enjoy some seriously good bar food.
Must-try dishes:
-
Buffalo wings (crispy and spicy—exactly how wings should be)
-
Gill Street burgers (massive, juicy, and topped with creativity)
-
Loaded nachos and craft beer selections
This is where locals and travelers come together over good food, good music, and good vibes.
Tip: Visit on game nights—just be ready to cheer loud and eat big!
5. Reality Bites – Upscale Yet Approachable
Location: 414 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701
Distance from hotel: 25 minutes
When you want to trade your travel tee for something a bit classier, Reality Bites is your spot. It’s an upscale bistro offering small plates, creative cocktails, and an atmosphere that feels straight out of a city downtown scene.
Menu highlights:
-
Shrimp tacos with spicy aioli
-
Flatbreads that are as artistic as they are tasty
-
A martini menu that might just tempt you to extend your stay
Even though it’s a short drive, it’s one of the Best Dining Spots Near Days Inn Le Roy if you’re celebrating something special—or just treating yourself (because you deserve it).
6. Lucca Grill – A Pizza Lover’s Paradise
Location: 116 E Market St, Bloomington, IL 61701
Distance from hotel: 25 minutes
Craving a slice of history with your pizza? Lucca Grill has been serving mouthwatering pies since 1936. That’s nearly 90 years of perfecting their pizza game!
The interior feels like stepping into an old-school Italian tavern—complete with wooden booths, vintage signs, and locals who’ve probably been coming here for decades.
Top picks:
-
The Lucca Special Pizza loaded with Italian sausage, green peppers, and mushrooms
-
Their famous garlic breadsticks (don’t plan on kissing anyone afterward)
-
Ice-cold beer on tap
It’s one of those places that make you forget your diet—and you won’t regret it one bit.
7. Smokey Bones BBQ – For Meat Lovers Only
Location: 1601 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL 61701
Distance from hotel: 28 minutes
If the smell of smoky BBQ sauce gets your mouth watering, Smokey Bones is calling your name. Expect smoky ribs, tender brisket, and wings that practically fall off the bone.
BBQ must-haves:
| Dish | Description | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Back Ribs | Slow-cooked and brushed with tangy BBQ sauce | Order a full rack—you’ll thank yourself later |
| Brisket Platter | Juicy slices with perfect smoke rings | Pairs perfectly with mac & cheese |
| Pulled Pork Sandwich | Sweet, savory, and a little messy | Ask for extra napkins—you’ll need them! |
When it comes to the Best Dining Spots Near Days Inn Le Roy, this one tops the list for barbecue enthusiasts ready to get their hands deliciously dirty.
8. Destihl Brewery – For Food, Fun, and Fantastic Brews
Location: 1200 Greenbriar Dr, Normal, IL 61761
Distance from hotel: 25 minutes
Want to pair your meal with craft beer brewed on-site? Destihl Brewery is the go-to spot. Their gastropub-style menu is packed with inventive dishes—think beer-battered fish tacos, gourmet burgers, and desserts made with their own stouts.
Beer lovers’ favorites:
-
DeadHead IPA for hop-heads
-
Wild Sour Series for something adventurous
-
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout for dessert-in-a-glass vibes
Even if you’re not a beer drinker, the food alone is worth the drive. The industrial-chic décor and vibrant atmosphere make it a fun evening out.
A Quick Comparison Table: Where to Eat What
| Type of Craving | Recommended Spot | Distance | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Bliss | Woody’s Family Restaurant | 3 mins | Pancakes, omelets |
| Grab & Go | Casey’s Pizza | 2 mins | Pizza, breakfast bites |
| Coffee Kick | The Coffee Steamer | 4 mins | Lattes, muffins |
| Bar Fun | Gill Street Sports Bar | 20 mins | Burgers, beer |
| Fancy Feast | Reality Bites | 25 mins | Tapas, cocktails |
| Pizza Perfection | Lucca Grill | 25 mins | Classic thin-crust pizza |
| BBQ Heaven | Smokey Bones | 28 mins | Ribs, brisket |
| Craft Beer & Food | Destihl Brewery | 25 mins | Brewery favorites |
Final Thoughts: Eat, Sleep, Repeat
Exploring Le Roy, Illinois, isn’t just about highways and cornfields—it’s about hearty meals, friendly locals, and the joy of discovering great food where you least expect it. From Woody’s home-cooked charm to Lucca Grill’s historic pizza perfection, every spot has its own story—and flavor.
So the next time you stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Le Roy/Bloomington Southeast, remember this: skip the chain drive-thru and give these local favorites a try. After all, life’s too short to eat boring food!
FAQs – Best Dining Spots Near Days Inn Le Roy
1. What are the closest restaurants to Days Inn Le Roy?
Woody’s Family Restaurant and Casey’s Pizza are the nearest options—both within a 3-minute drive from the hotel.
2. Where can I get good breakfast near Days Inn Le Roy?
Woody’s Family Restaurant offers the best traditional American breakfast, while The Coffee Steamer is perfect for coffee and pastries.
3. Are there any fine dining options near Le Roy?
Yes! Reality Bites in Bloomington is an excellent choice for upscale dining with creative small plates and cocktails.
4. What’s the best place for BBQ near Days Inn Le Roy?
Smokey Bones BBQ in Bloomington is a meat lover’s paradise with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
5. Any breweries near Le Roy?
Destihl Brewery in Normal, IL, is a top-rated brewery offering craft beers and gourmet meals—just a 25-minute drive away.