Monday Minute 5.4.26

By EatLocal / May 04, 2026

Happy Monday! Let’s take a just a quick minute to catch up on the latest happenings in our local dining scene! Here’s what’s new this past week:

Business Updates

  • La Gondola Spaghetti House’s Main St. location closed after 42 years on Saturday 5/2. While this longtime westside staple will be missed, their Vernon Ave location remains open.
  • The Local Hideout Bar and Grill set to open later this month at 2401 E Oakland Ave Unit B in Bloomington. This is the former Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ location.
  • Whiskey River Smokehouse’s back bar room is now open. Perfect for a night out with friends, wedding reception, birthday, or corporate gathering. Contact them to book.

Anniversaries

Hour Changes

  • LaGondola Spaghetti House’s Vernon Ave. location will now be open until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.
  • Tomi’s Essential Coffee in Lexington has moved to Summer Hours. Visit them 7 am to 1 pm Mon – Fri and 8 am to 12 pm Sat/Sun.
  • Viking Brews Coffee House has extended their hours Mon – Thurs from 6 am – 9 pm, Fri from 6 am – 10 pm, Sat 7 am – 10 pm and Sun 7 am – 8 pm.
  • Bloomington Meats Summer Hours: Mon/Tues 8 am to 5 pm, Wed – Fri 8 am to 6 pm, Sat 8 am to 4 pm and now open Sundays 10 am to 2 pm.

Menu Changes

  • The Mystic Kitchen & Tasting Room’s Saturday Brunch is back! Enjoy a new fresh food menu & all the fun brunch cocktails on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. For reservations call 309.585.2344.

Check in with us next week for new updates. Business owners – have an update to share for next week’s list? Send us an email and let us know!

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