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Mark's On First

About Us

Founded in 2022, Mark’s On First is proudly owned and operated by Carol Lefkowitz, a lifelong member of the Gibson City community. The restaurant is the realization of her husband’s longtime dream—to open and run a bar and restaurant with a full-service kitchen where people could gather, relax, and enjoy great food together. When the opportunity presented itself to bring that dream to life and better serve the community they love, Carol and her family didn’t hesitate.

Rooted in Gibson City, Carol takes pride in creating a space that feels welcoming, familiar, and fun for locals and visitors alike. Mark’s On First is a full-service bar and grill known for its made-to-order menu with a wide variety of options, especially our popular homemade pizzas. From flavorful food to a strong drink selection, everything we do is centered on quality, consistency, and care.

With a fun, friendly staff and a lively atmosphere, Mark’s On First has become a place where smiles come easy—whether you’re stopping in for dinner, meeting friends for drinks, or attending one of our events. Serving Gibson City, Paxton, and Farmer City, Carol Lefkowitz is proud to offer a dining experience that reflects both a personal dream and a deep love for the community.

Areas Served

Our Professional Associations

Chamber of Commerce

Our Certifications

Bassett Certified
Food Handle Certified

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

At Mark’s On First, our specialties set the tone for good times: homemade pizzas crafted with care and piled high with fresh, flavorful toppings; a laid-back beer garden that’s perfect for catching up under the open sky; a little extra excitement with our gaming machines; and plenty of reasons to stop by any day of the week thanks to daily food specials and daily drink specials that keep the menu—and the mood—fresh. We round it all out with a lively events calendar, from music nights to community gatherings, plus the space and service to help you host your own. Come for the pizza, stay for the atmosphere, and make a night of it.

Our Services include:

Live Music & Events: From local bands and acoustic sets to community gatherings, Mark’s On First keeps the calendar lively. Join us for special nights, themed events, and crowd-favorite performances that turn an ordinary evening into a memory. Looking to host your own? We can help you bring it to life.
Billiards & Pool: Challenge your friends to a game on our well-kept pool tables. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just in it for the laughs, it’s the perfect way to unwind, mingle, and keep the good times rolling.
Big Screen TVs: Catch the big game (or a few at once) on our big screens. It’s game-day energy with great food, cold drinks, and the best seat in the house—yours.
Gaming Machines: Feeling lucky? Try your hand at our gaming machines and add a little extra thrill to your night out.
Full-Service Bar: From ice-cold beer to craft cocktails and classic pours, our bartenders serve it just the way you like it. Sip something new or stick with your favorite—either way, you’re in good hands.
Dinner Menu & Kids Menu: Come hungry. Our kitchen serves up hearty favorites, shareable starters, and family-friendly options—including a dedicated Kids Menu—so everyone leaves happy.
Homemade Pizzas: Our house-made pizzas are a crowd pleaser—perfect for sharing or making your own meal of it. Fresh, flavorful, and made with care.
Daily Food & Drink Specials: There’s always something new to try. Ask about our daily food features and drink specials for delicious deals every day of the week.
Beer Garden & Outdoor Seating: Soak up the season in our outdoor seating area and beer garden—fresh air, relaxed vibes, and room to gather. It’s the perfect spot for an after-work drink or a weekend hangout.
Pet-Friendly Patio: Bring your best friend along. Our outdoor space is pet-friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere for well-behaved pups and their people.
Dine-In or Pick-Up: Settle in and stay awhile, or take your favorites to go. Whether it’s a casual dinner, game-day spread, or a quick bite, we’ve got you covered.
Catering & Full-Service Events: Hosting an event? We offer catering with crowd-pleasing options—yes, including our homemade pizzas—and full bar service. We’ll handle the details so you can enjoy the moment.
Banquet Room (Full-Service): Plan your next celebration, meeting, or milestone in our private banquet room. With flexible setup, full-service bar access, and customizable menus, it’s ideal for birthdays, reunions, receptions, and more.
Group & Work Events: From team outings to client mixers, we make group gatherings easy and enjoyable. Reserve space, add catering or bar service, and let us help you create a seamless experience.

Our Brands include:

Our Products include:

Appetizers
Burgers
Sandwiches
Wraps
Wings
Salads
Top Shelf Liqour
Draft Beer on Tap
Domestic Beers
Import Beers
Wines
Seltzers
Gift Cards

Testimonials

On 2/21/2026 Steven Parker had this to say:
Great place to eat

On 2/1/2026 Beth Seddon-Brownsey had this to say:
Great place!!

On 11/23/2025 Brent Cordes had this to say:
Wife and I got individual pizzas. Hers gluten free. Both great. Cook even came out to give us a timing update. You can tell they care about quality. Servers are very friendly. Look forward to returning. This is a regular stop for sure.

On 11/17/2025 Jill Hackman had this to say:
Food was delicious and the service is fantastic. I had the poutine special.

On 11/15/2025 Chelsea Kelly had this to say:
Marks on First never disappoints! Every pizza—no matter the type—is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. You can tell Mark puts his heart into everything that comes out of the kitchen; he truly goes above and beyond. If you’re craving incredible pizza made with care, this is the place to go!

Contact Us

Mark's On First
120 E 1st St Gibson City, IL 60936
Phone: (217) 848-2836
Email: clfkwtz13@gmail.com

East Of Rte 47

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

American Express, Debit Cards, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Our Hours

Monday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Info

FAQ

hat kind of food and drinks do you serve?

We offer a full menu of homemade pizzas, burgers, wings, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, and more. Our full-service bar features domestic and imported beers, wines, seltzers, and top-shelf liquor.

Do you offer dine-in and carryout options?

Yes! We offer dine-in, pick-up, and curbside service so you can enjoy your favorites however you prefer.

Are there any special events or entertainment?

Absolutely! We host live music, events, and billiards, and have big screen TVs for sports and entertainment. Be sure to check out our daily food and drink specials too!

Is your outdoor area pet-friendly?

Yes! Our outdoor seating area is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along when the weather’s nice.

Can you accommodate group events or private parties?

Definitely. We have a full-service banquet room and offer catering and bar service for group events, work functions, and private parties. Contact us to book your event!