Photo by Ryan Martin.

A new Rock and Roll, 50’s style diner has opened up in Normal on Main Street. 

Rhythm Cafe, the new restaurant, recently opened in the suite on Main Street that was previously home to Nate’s Diner. 

The restaurant serves a variety of classic American foods, such as hamburgers, hotdogs, corn dogs, chili dogs, and even italian beef sandwiches. 

“People’s favorite of ours tend to be the cheeseburger.” Jared Dubach, General Manager of the Rhythm Cafe, explained. 

Special attention is given to preparing the burgers to make sure they’re the best quality. 

“We use fresh ground beef from a butcher we know in Iroquois County.” Dubach said. “The meat isn’t from trim, but from actual cuts of beef that’s ground up and made into quarter pound patties. I cook them on the flat top grill, make sure they get a good sear on them, don’t flip them too much, and make sure they’re cooked all the way through. One person described them as being like Steak ’n Shake burgers, but a little thicker.”

The italian beef sandwiches have also proven to be a favorite amongst customers. 

“People seem to really like the italian beef sandwiches.” Dubach explained. “We use Fontanini brand italian beef, but we add a little extra to it, to give it a little zing. It’s served on a french roll with mozzarella cheese, typically, but we can substitute that for other cheeses.”

The walls of the restaurant are decorated with vintage framed vinyl of classic rock albums, with more classic rock memorabilia planned to be hanged soon. The radio in the restaurant is always going as well. 

“We play a variety of rock and roll music throughout the day. I usually play radio stations in a cycle starting way back with 60’s rock and going through the 70’s, 80’s, and sometimes the 90’s.” Dubach explained.

With just recently opening, some additions to the restaurant will be added in the near future.

“We’ll be serving beer within the next few days, as soon as we get some things finalized.” said Dubach. 

They also plan to begin serving appetizers and wings soon, as something for people to eat while watching sports. 

“As soon as the television is finished being set up we’ll be playing Bulls, Black Hawks, Bears, Cubs, and Cardinals games whenever they are on.” Dubach said. 

The Cafe is also looking at possibly having acoustic music shows within it, but no exact plans have been made as of yet. 

Next door, in the old location of the Redbird Laundromat, a liquor store is being opened as well. 

“The liquor store we’re opening will be called Rhythm and Booze” Dubach said. “ We’re hoping to have it ready by the end of the year, or early next year.” 

The full restaurant menu, as well as hours and other information, can be found through its’ Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhythmCafeNormal or by calling them at (309) 454-9200

The restaurant is located at 304 North Main St. Suite C in Normal.