- Attraction: The Lucca Grill
- Location: 116 E Market St, Bloomington, IL 61701
- Industry: Italian Restaurant
- Website: https://luccagrill.com/
There’s a spot in Bloomington where JFK once campaigned. It’s a place where pressed tin ceilings tell stories of nearly nine decades, and where the same family recipes have been perfecting thin-crust pizza since Franklin Roosevelt was president.
At The Lucca Grill in downtown Bloomington, dining isn’t just about the food—it’s about becoming part of a living piece of American history that has anchored this college town since 1936.
Founded by brothers Fred and John Baldini and named after their hometown of Lucca, Italy, this corner establishment has evolved into what some locals call “the melting pot of Bloomington.”
You’ll discover why countless college students, State Farm employees, and travelers from across the country make pilgrimages back to this unassuming yellow brick building on Historic Route 66.
Pizza Perfection & Menu Highlights
The A La Baldini Pizza: This signature creation represents everything that makes Lucca Grill special.
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Keep Exploring →You’ll find paper-thin crust loaded with savory sausage, pepperoni, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, and pepperoncini, all served on a raised platform pizza holder.
The expertly sliced toppings never weigh down the delicate crust, creating perfect balance in every bite.
Cracker-Thin Crust Mastery: The wafer-thin crust achieves that magical combination of crisp yet chewy, rigid but never dry or cracker-like, providing the perfect base for all the lovely toppings riding on top. You’ll experience what many reviewers call the best thin crust pizza anywhere – though some note the sauce could be more generous for their personal taste.
The Meat Combo: For serious carnivores, this pizza delivers with sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, ham, and their favorite “meat candy” – bacon.
Each 16-inch pizza provides generous portions perfect for sharing or saving leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
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Discover MoreClassic Italian Dishes: Beyond pizza, you’ll find layers of pasta in their lasagna sandwiching fresh ground beef, Italian sausage, mozzarella, Romano, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to perfection and topped with homemade meat sauce.
Their chicken parmesan features a succulent 6-ounce breast coated in special breading, pan-fried in olive oil, and smothered in garden-style marinara.
Signature Appetizers: The garlic bread deserves special mention – four layers of French bread lavished with house-made garlic butter, toasted and served with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. You’ll also find crowd-pleasers like mozzarella sticks, fried ravioli, and buffalo wings that perfectly complement the main offerings.
Fresh Salads: Their antipasto salad features succulent cooked ham, flavorful smoked turkey breast, pepperoni slices, tangy pepperoncini peppers, mixed cheeses, and crisp fresh vegetables, all mixed with their signature Italian dressing. The Caesar salad comes with house-made dressing, artisan lettuce, and house-made croutons.
Atmosphere & Historic Charm
Step Back in Time: You’ll marvel at the ornate tin ceiling and antique mahogany bar that transport you to an earlier era.
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Keep Exploring →Look straight up to admire the original pressed tin ceiling and think about the day JFK showed up on a campaign stop.
The memorabilia-covered walls include framed newspaper articles featuring the restaurant, creating an authentic museum-like dining experience.
Intimate Downtown Setting: The corner location offers a dim interior atmosphere with older sports decorations that give this eating experience a distinctly urban feel.
The best seating is on the main level where the fun and unique surroundings create the ideal dinner atmosphere, especially at the bar where you can enjoy the nostalgic low-lighted environment.
Historic Significance: As home to the first pizza in Central Illinois, Lucca Grill has been featured in newspapers from The Pantagraph to the New York Times and The Washington Post.
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Discover MoreThis historic establishment on Route 66 has long been a Democratic stronghold where many political deals were hashed out over the bar in this mostly Republican county.
Two-Level Dining: The restaurant offers seating on two floors, though the main floor is preferred due to fluctuating temperatures upstairs.
Note that the upstairs banquet room isn’t wheelchair accessible, with a steep staircase that’s difficult for handicapped or senior access.
Other Considerations
Smart Pricing Strategy: The A La Baldini ranges from $11.95 for a 10-inch small to $22.75 for a 16-inch large, representing excellent value for the quality and portion sizes. Most diners find the 16-inch pizza perfect for sharing and taking home leftovers.
Reservation Recommendations: You’ll want to make same-day reservations since they only have about 12 tables plus bar seating.
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Keep Exploring →Many people get off the highway just to eat here, so calling ahead ensures you’ll get a table rather than waiting at the bar.
Parking Reality: Parking can be tricky, adding to the city-like feel – you’ll need to park behind the restaurant or walk a few blocks.
This downtown location means embracing the urban experience rather than expecting suburban convenience.
Family-Friendly Institution: Many customers return after years of graduating from local schools like Illinois Wesleyan and Illinois State University, along with State Farm business transfers, showing real appreciation for this respectable corner restaurant now in its fourth generation of family ownership.
No Delivery Service: While they offer takeout, delivery isn’t available, so you’ll need to visit this historic location to experience the full Lucca Grill tradition.
Operating Hours: They’re open 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 11 AM to 10 PM Friday and Saturday, and 3 PM to 8 PM on Sunday, making it accessible for both lunch and dinner visits.
The Lucca Grill
📍 116 E Market St, Bloomington, IL 61701
