Was really surprised when we came here based on reviews. Essentially every item on the menu seems to be frozen Sysco foods. Fries, falafel, grilled chicken, chicken nuggets, etc. Nice enough atmosphere and people, hence 2 stars instead of one. read more

The food is reasonably priced it's clean. If your hungry or just want to grab something quick to eat this is the place to eat it's just a restaurant near campus which is convenient if you want to grab something. The super size sandwiches which I love like the gyro and philly cheese steak. The burgers are fairly priced and taste pretty good. The space it's located at a good place in general. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Very good food and good prices, as well as good portions. The service on the other hand is a little bit slow but also worth it. People taking your order are nice but not super greeting and do not seem to be in such a happy of a mood. I highly recommend this place as it is a family favorite down at ISU. read more

Ok so a quick disclaimer: The Rock caters to a certain audience, ie. The University crowd, who, at the risk of offending, are probably not foodies, are probably coming here for copious, value conscious Greek food, and on weekends, are probably craving drunken munchies. I am not of that audience. That said, The Rock may not attract the "douchiness" of Guy Fieri any time soon, but for what it is, they do it very well. As is my usual travel speed I am always searching for good clean Mediterranean in the form of protein and greens, thus, the benchmarks of Greek salad with chicken and or lamb shawarma with hummus is usually in order. After three visits here I quickly became oriented on how to "create" such a salad: you gotta piece meal in the choices when ordering if you want your final salad to be decent. So I started with "The Rock" salad which comes with both chicken and lamb, and a few veggies atop (sadly) iceberg lettuce. Once I added the spicy relish, onions, jalapeños etc etc as add ons, I was satisfied. The hummus is decent here as well when topped with olive oil with the whole meal coming in at about 21 bucks, which is average to slightly high based on comparisons. I also sampled the falafel which was puzzling to me: it is obviously cut from a pan into pieces which makes me think it's baked rather than fried. So the verdict here is: if it's baked then it's great-- good flavor with the expected dry and gritty texture that is easily neutralized with a dip in their tahini. If it's fried then I don't know what to say....... hoping they School me on that one if they read this. My only suggestion, if they feel like stepping up their game, is that they should ditch to iceberg for romaine or mixed greens for salads. Iceberg is a hamburger topping..... and that's it. This will be my mainstay in Bloomington as it's right next to my hotel, and the chicken and lamb is wonderfully marinated. Also appreciative of the young attentive staff, seemingly from the student body who are not short on smiles and attention. I'll be back, Rock!! Robbo, Parker, CO read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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The burgers and fries are excellent- Very friendly and attentive staff, very helpful and they know the menu well- give great suggestions.

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. read more

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). read more

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! read more

Yelp can't be wrong. Needed a meal and didn't want the typical fast food. This place had a great rating, so..... Spot on!! read more

The fries here are the bomb com!!! The owners are amazing and they have the food to match! This is a place that is doing it right! Honestly I'm surprised this place hasn't been commercialized because it's that good! read more

This restaurant is awesome! The food is fresh and there is a wide variety of foods that are delicious across the board. It is close to campus and convenient. The only con is that it can become pricey but overall a great experience! read more

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. read more

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! read more

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! read more

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. read more

Spent 48 hours in Normal (I'm sure there's a joke here somewhere). Had lunch here with a friend, and it was good. It was a lot of food for the price (at least for this West Coast guy) and it was tasty. Had the falafel sandwich with a side salad. Place felt clean, informal. Order at the counter. Liked it. Would definitely go again. read more

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! read more

Always good food and good service. Workers always care about how the restaurant looks and make sure it looks presentable to guests. I'm always surprised... it's never as busy as I think it should be. My favorite is the Italian beef topped with provolone cheese and au jus on the side ... I always get the fries, but they can sometimes be a little greasy. read more

The Rock Restaurant - Greek Near Me - Normal, Illinois

My husband and I had to drive from Peoria to South Bend (flight re-route). We looked on YELP for a place to eat, and although it was a bit further thsn the GPS said it was, we really enjoyed it. He had a delicious burger ( I had to have a bite). Really good. I opted for the Rock Island salad, with gyros, and chicken meats on a bed of lettuce. Excellent. The only complaint was that it was freezing in the dining room on the other side... read more

The Rock Restaurant - Greek Near Me - Normal, Illinois

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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. read more

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. read more

My first visit and it was great good. We had the super gyro and the falafel sandwich with fries at the last minute I added chocolate chip cookies. My husband loved his gyro or it was the Super Gyro. I really liked the falafel sandwich. It was missing something though as it was somewhat bland. I think adding feta would have helped. The cookie was okay. The service was great. I called in my order and it was hot and ready when I came to pick it up. Staff was friendly as well. I will be back for sure. read more

Great food, great service, great family owned restaurant! Been coming to the Rock for over a dozen years now and they are always friendly and consistent. read more

Was excited to try this place again (it had been a couple years) with my boyfriend. We arrive, and after a few minutes of waiting, someone finally notices us and takes our order. We both order a hot dog and fries to go and sit at one of the high tops while we wait. After waiting longer than we should have (I had to go to the counter to make sure we hadn't been forgotten), an employee brings our food to us and we leave. When we get home, my boyfriend realizes they screwed up his order putting ketchup and onion on his hotdog when he asked for ketchup only. Feeling annoyed, I decided to give them a call and asked to speak with a manager. The manager gets on and I explain the situation to him, and he tells me to pick off the onion. Lol. Which wouldn't have been a problem if there wasn't ketchup all over the damn hotdog. I mean really, there was so much ketchup on the thing that I wouldn't even consider it edible. The manager then suggests for us to drive back and they could make us a new hotdog. Not really the remedy I was looking for, so I tell him I just wanted to let someone know about the incident and end the call. At this point, I unravel my hotdog and discover there is ketchup and mustard all over it, similar to my boyfriend's. Both of us did not eat our hotdogs. Between the long wait, the screwed up and inedible hotdogs, and the lack of professionalism from the manager, we will not be returning. Only reason why I give this place 2 stars is because the fries were good. read more

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. read more

Tried a few time since last review and stand by it I'm afraid. Today's gripe: my salt with mooshed chickpeas, olive oil and Gyro-like meat. To their credit they are sort of trying despite being situated in the Great Corn Desert... Stil, soak the damn chickpeas add the other stuff and hit blend and you are basically done. If the salt box falls in throw that batch out. Or if you are a chain smoker let someone else flavour to taste. 3 stars as a courtesy. I would probably say border 2.5. read more

The Rock Restaurant serves good food at a decent price. You'll want to try the fries for sure.

The last few time I've been the service has been horrible. People to busy on their phone to take an order and the food is just mediocre. I won't be back!!!! read more

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! read more

Really disappointed with the food. The Philly Cheesesteak was unlike any Philly Cheesesteak I've ever had. Mostly tasted like charred bits of meat with dried out onions, along with some dried out cheese. I asked the proprietor if it was supposed to look like that. He suggested that it was because I had let it sit there for too long (which was not the case - I had gotten it about 5 minutes prior). I reminded him that simply allowing a sandwich to sit for a while would not cause it to be over cooked. He did agree to make me a new sandwich, which I appreciated. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

The Rock Restaurant - Greek Near Me - Normal, Illinois