Lvl Up Coffee Bar - Normal, Illinois

Michael M.

We absolutely loved this coffee shop! The coffee was PERFECT! The cinnamon rolls were extremely delicious, just right mix of everything. The staff was kind, friendly, and helpful. Just an absolutely beautiful shop with incredible aesthetics and comfortable seating. Don't miss out on this one!

Taylor

The first time I tried Lvl Up it was their first week of opening.. my first impression was it was such a cute shop but I was nervous about the food being exposed to anyone walking in.

I have been a few times since then, but I always go through the drive through.

I went today and was so happy to see the food now has a glass case around it.

The pastry’s are really good and always fresh. I highly recommend their cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll scone, raspberry sourdough pastry and vanilla tart.

Their coffee is fresh and they have a wide variety of options. I really enjoy their Super 8 and my husband always orders their moon and stars

Alysse P.

Literally writing this less than 5 minutes after leaving because that was the nicest customer service experience i’ve had in forever. I wish i asked for his name, but the guy who took my order / made my matcha was the kindest soul ever. he even made it “shaken espresso style” and let me tell you i’m IMPRESSED. give him a raise if you haven’t already lol. also the pink heart straws are actually the cutest thing i’ve ever seen🩷

Joshua D.

Level up your caffeine experience.

Emily and I dropped in on our way to Analytical Brewing as I needed something to wake me up and Emily needed something to keep her going. I learned about this place recently while updating my list of coffeehouses in the Bloomington/Normal area and was surprised I never heard about it until then. Normally the algorithm knows to show me ALL the coffeehouses in whatever area I am in but I suppose some do slip through the cracks.

We pulled up and noticed there was a drive thru and it was popular. One car at the window with 2-3 cars pulling in behind it. We walked in and it was also decently busy inside. Not a bad crowd for 3:30pm. We walked up and ordered our drinks from a friendly barista. She asked if we had ever been there before and where we were from. After making small talk, we took a look around and then plopped down near the front of the store. It didn’t take long to get my americano and Emily’s Slo-mo.

Being quite the connoisseur of americanos (joking, I don’t know anything about coffee except how to drink it), I noticed my drink was looking a bit light brown. I’ve come to judge just how bitter they can be based on how dark they are and usually the darker, the more bitter. Not always the case and this was one of those exceptions. My baseline is the Dunkin’ americano, which is just right, in my opinion. This was maybe a notch or two below that. It packed more of a punch than I expected but left me wanting something a smidge bit more. Either way, it was really good.

Emily go the Slo-mo and she let me try a sip. It was good on it’s own but tasting it between sips of my drink made it taste a bit better, as it countered out the bitterness.

They had a wide assortment of baked goods at the counter but since we were planning to get food on the way to the brewery, we decided against getting anything. They did look good, though! I wish I would’ve snagged a photo of what they had to offer so you could see.

Honestly, this place was pretty nice. The walls are white and a bit barren and I thought the place might be video game-based due to the name but aside from a light up Starman from Mario Bros. and a single multi-game arcade cabinet in the corner, it was your standard coffeehouse. There is an outdoor patio area but with the random heatwave that hit recently, it wasn’t really a great day to sit outside and do much of anything.

Anyways, check it out if you are in the area. I could definitely see myself going back if the opportunity arises.

Nicolet S.

I just wanted to thank the young man who was behind the coffee bar on 2/20. The staff is great, but I wanted to single him out because I have never received any empathy in the time I have been in central Illinois until now. I had just gotten over a virus which made me extremely nauseated and the only thing I could stomach is hot cocoa. He could tell I wasn’t feeling well and asked how I was feeling and he listened. I just wanted him to be recognized for his hospitality and empathy.

Chad F.

The coffee and atmosphere are outstanding! The real suprise is the quality of the baked goods. Especially the new cinnamon rolls and scones. They are made in house. The best by far in Bloomington!

Gian P. G.

Awesome spot for coffee with great ambiance and staff! Really enjoyed my drink and I highly recommend! Just was in town on business south from Chicago and definitely will look at coming back hopefully soon!

Lynn W.

Have been in a handful of times for tea, chai or matcha lattes. The staff is always very friendly. Atmosphere is inviting with ample seating, greenery and just a nice warm feeling. The prices are a touch lower and the seating is more comfortable than Crafted, which I also love and frequent.

I tried the baked goods once and they were a bit dry. I should give them another chance as they do offer gluten free options sometimes.

I will definitely come here for an early morning fuel up!