Restaurants in Bloomington
Best Restaurants
“We love being able to walk to The Elm from the B-Town Bungalow. Always a good recommendation for alumni's looking for something new, close by and great atmosphere.”
3
C3 Bar
“Three stars. The drinks were phenomenal. Our server was attentive initially but wasn’t very helpful in answering questions about the menu. I had the chef’s special pasta, which was delicious. My boyfriend had the pork tenderloin. When he cut into the meat, it was underdone. Our server became MIA after our dinners were served so it took quite awhile to even notify her that the temperature of his meat was unsafe to eat. When she finally returned, she said she would ask them to “put it in a little longer.” Because of her knowledge gap with the menu, we assumed she didn’t understand that you don’t generally put a piece of meat that has already been cut and partly consumed back into the oven. Unfortunately that is exactly what happened. After a short period of time, she returned with the same piece of tenderloin, now charred on the edges and served on a bread plate. It was horrendous. We were so baffled, we didn’t know what to say. He was full at that point (after eating off my plate during the long wait), so we just ended the evening without dessert. There was no compensation offered or provided on the bill to account for the poor quality of food nor did the manger get notified to extend her apologies. We were extremely disappointed. When you spend $100 on dinner, you expect it to be prepared in a safe and sanitary manner. Neither of those things happened for my boyfriend.”
“A classy, hidden gem that Bloomington has needed for quite a while. Superbly crafted cocktails using fresh juices and sometimes the Flavour Blaster or Ripple, highly trained staff combines to elevate your craft cocktail experience in Bloomington.”
“Restaurant owners are down to earth and super kind hearted people. Food tastes like what God and Angels would eat in heaven. A bit of Mediterranean, Indian, and Greek.Drove more than an hour to come here and will do so again.”
“Service was painfully slow and the place wasn't too crowded. It seemed like the servers didn't communicate well on who had which table and what the status was for each table. The menu was pretty interesting and the food was good, but a little too sweet for dishes that are meant to be savory not sweet. Outdoor patio was nice and sunny. Nice furniture and cushions etc.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“I had the pleasure of experiencing a unique hot pot restaurant in Bloomington, and the experience was simply fantastic! Around 7 p.m., the place was bustling and completely full. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long before we were seated. The waitstaff quickly provided us with menus and water. Initially, I thought it might take a while to order, but to my surprise, we were attended to in less than five minutes. A very enthusiastic and somewhat male server, upon learning it was my first visit, recommended their broth bases to me in a manner both friendly and professional.Our chosen broths were served promptly. I opted for the bone soup, while my friend went for the classic spicy. Both were incredibly delicious, and the seasonings were ample. What was particularly impressive was the quality of their instant noodles – when mixed with fatty beef, sesame sauce, garlic oil, and chili sauce, the taste was unparalleled. Even more remarkable was the fact that yellow throat was included as part of the all-you-can-eat menu, truly offering great value.FTI Yellow Throat was my flavor thing to eat in home.The restaurant did not enforce a tipping policy, which I found very respectful. As my last meal in Bloomington, this hot pot dining experience left me extremely satisfied and memorable. I highly recommend it to those looking for an authentic hot pot experience!”
“My mom stumbled upon Osteria Rago online and so we decided to try it out for lunch. It was absolutely delicious. Our server was very outgoing and attentive and made us feel very welcome and was happy to answer any questions we had. She seemed genuinely happy to be helping us. Overall the place was very clean and stylish. The food came out quickly and you could tell a lot of love went into every dish we had. 10/10 ❤️ will definitely be back.”
“We made a 4:30 reservation and seated promptly and I was curious about the value of the food and it did not disappoint! Probably the best ribeye I have had since Las Vegas. It was almost a full 20 oz of meat, little fat and super thick! Well worth the price as it made 2 meals. The bread was awesome too. Will definitely visit in the future!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“My time at michael’s uptown Café was wonderful very chill and elegant my food was so delicious and the crème brûlée to die for overall It’s an amazing restaurant to enjoy an amazing meal and chill with friends and family”
“Crumbl cookie is amazing, The cookies are so good I could probably eat them all day! But the problem about it is that it isn’t the cheapest. If I could eat them all day, but I would also go broken, Other than that Crumbl is amazing!”
“I was in Bloomington the other day, and before I hit the road to go back to Indy, I decided to do a to-go order for my dinner. I am always hungry for Korean food and K-Bap was located conveniently not too far from IU. I called and placed an order for Japjae and it was ready in about 20 minutes. This restaurant is not that big and not fancy looking but oh the food was DELICIOUS! I think it helped that they put it on aluminum foil and closed it, because after one hour drive to Indy the food was still hot. It was so tasty and I wish they were closer to me!”
“It's been a while since we went, and I don't remember specific foods, but we were wowed by the flavors and atmosphere. We sat at a table on the floor which was fun.”
“Was a little sheepish about eating here! We had tried it a couple times when they first open and just wasn’t has good as campus location! But it was amazing our service was great, food was on point and we will be back sooner!Parking: Plenty of parking here and plenty of handicap spaces by front door!”
“If you’ve met anyone who has gone to school around Mother Bear’s Pizza then you’ve probably heard about this place. I was skeptical with how passionate they were about how good this place was, but I have to say it lived up to the hype. The pizzas were incredible. The Monet was the best white sauced pizza I’ve ever had. The pesto garlic bread was also fantastic. They have so many great pizza options, so it’s hard to go wrong. Parking kind of sucks so you might have to park a bit up the street and walk down. Definitely check this place out if you are anywhere near it.”
“Three stars. The drinks were phenomenal. Our server was attentive initially but wasn’t very helpful in answering questions about the menu. I had the chef’s special pasta, which was delicious. My boyfriend had the pork tenderloin. When he cut into the meat, it was underdone. Our server became MIA after our dinners were served so it took quite awhile to even notify her that the temperature of his meat was unsafe to eat. When she finally returned, she said she would ask them to “put it in a little longer.” Because of her knowledge gap with the menu, we assumed she didn’t understand that you don’t generally put a piece of meat that has already been cut and partly consumed back into the oven. Unfortunately that is exactly what happened. After a short period of time, she returned with the same piece of tenderloin, now charred on the edges and served on a bread plate. It was horrendous. We were so baffled, we didn’t know what to say. He was full at that point (after eating off my plate during the long wait), so we just ended the evening without dessert. There was no compensation offered or provided on the bill to account for the poor quality of food nor did the manger get notified to extend her apologies. We were extremely disappointed. When you spend $100 on dinner, you expect it to be prepared in a safe and sanitary manner. Neither of those things happened for my boyfriend.”
“An absolute local gem—the food served at the Kitchen is all incredible and consistently good. They serve truly delectable vegan meals alongside other fare and homemade vegan seasonal soups for $5/$7 small/large—an affordable and filling option. There is something for everyone’s needs, even a kids menu, and a full coffee bar. You will not be disappointed, and it’s off a walking trail (the B-Line) that leads to south to Switchyard Park and north to downtown. Beautiful patio. Need I say more?? Go!Kid-friendliness: They have a small kids play area, especially good for toddlers & littles under 5.”
“This was my first encounter with Venezuelan food and it was great! The customer service was also top notch which really sealed the deal. I will definitely be back in the future”
“Best wings in Bloomington, hands down. There's no need to even put sauce on them, and the meat just falls off the bone. I have dreams about these wings. Portion sizes are MASSIVE as well. I absolutely love this place.”
“I’m obsessed with the doughnuts and I’m not even vegan. They’re unlike any cake doughnuts I’ve ever had, and the icing flavors are so good and unique, especially the fruity ones. I spend so much money here every-time I’m in Bloomington. The hand pies are also amazing if you want something more filling or protein dense.”
“Absolutely loved my first time at Hinkle! Super laid back and comfortable atmosphere, the employees made me feel like family! the food was amazing and super fast service! oh my were those burgers fabulous! My visit to Hinkles today was the absolute best part of my day! Thank you to all the staff even the bearded feller that made me laugh and cut up with me. Fun times for sure and great food..can't beat that!”
“We love Siam House. The food is amazing this is our go to spot for our date night. My spouse is military and we always have a post extended leave date at Siam House when he returns home. We have dressed casually and we have dressed formally for our anniversary dinner. The atmosphere provides for a flexible ambiance for both. It has adorable Thai decor and indoor and outdoor seating. The service is always great. My only complaint is the warped floors in the dimly lit bathroom hallway trip me every time. The portion sizes are much too large too but you definitely leave satisfied.”
“Pretty good local ramen experience. Their ramen noodles have great texture and the broth is delicious. They have a sampler platter for all the various ramen meats (with a side of a vinegar-type sauce) that's a good app to try to see what ramen bowel you'd like. The dumpling were the perfect chewy texture as well. Finally, I tried their oreo-based aqua tea and it was well-balanced and not too sweet (plus the oreo bits gave it a good mouth feel). I definitely recommend trying them at least once.”
“Absolutely amazing! It is a tights space and kind of loud area. But the food is so freaking good!!!The Garlic bread is a MUST.I had the Penne Vodka noodles, so good, I just don't recommend adding shrimp, it comes too hot and overcooked.The cheesecake is to die for! We got 2 pieces to go, and we both tried a bite when we got in the car, my fiancé went back in and got 2 more pieces to go.I heard the tirimasou is amazing too.Every dish that came out looked amazing. The pizza is cooked in a woodfire oven. Salads are so good. This place is a gem for sure! Our new favorite spot!The staff was so friendly and helpful as well”
“I ordered and dined-in several times. I must say I really like the place. The food is good. Cabbage is excellent, and I love all the vegetables. The meat dishes are good to ok depending on what it is.The service is slow oftentimes. I had to wait for my to-go order every time that I was picking up.The atmosphere in the restaurant is ok, but again feels very rushed.However, I think it is the best Chinese food place in Bloomington currentlyVegetarian options: All the veggies dishes I had (about 10 different ones) were greatDietary restrictions: They have a lot of optionsParking: The parking lot is small, but if picking up, there is more parking near byKid-friendliness: Good options for the whole family”
“The lamb was amazing. Wow. Some of the best food I’ve had in a while. The waiter was super friendly and accommodating. I cannot recommend eat here enough. 10/10 recommend. I cannot wait to go back!”
“Ordered take out for our anniversary. I had the bone-in ribeye and she had salmon. Had two apps as well. The order came out perfect and the food was awesome!Thank you!”
Online Reservation Available
“Stopped in and talked to one of the managers, Cara, and the bartender. They were both very attentive which is something I have always noticed about Lennie's staff. I didn't buy food tonight, but I do want to give a shout out to the meatballs. Pair them with a glass of wine and you have a chefs kiss.”
“Service was painfully slow and the place wasn't too crowded. It seemed like the servers didn't communicate well on who had which table and what the status was for each table. The menu was pretty interesting and the food was good, but a little too sweet for dishes that are meant to be savory not sweet. Outdoor patio was nice and sunny. Nice furniture and cushions etc.”
“One of my favorite places to eat in Bloomington. Great atmosphere and ambiance. Food is filling and does a good job of bringing the tastes of the Emerald Isle to Indiana.”
“We made a 4:30 reservation and seated promptly and I was curious about the value of the food and it did not disappoint! Probably the best ribeye I have had since Las Vegas. It was almost a full 20 oz of meat, little fat and super thick! Well worth the price as it made 2 meals. The bread was awesome too. Will definitely visit in the future!”
“I didn’t eat here because I was already full, just looking for a hole in the wall to drink. I found the hole. This place had amazing feel/atmosphere. Gave me Irish pub vibes. Mark, the bartender was awesome. I am in town visiting family and I will definitely be coming back everyday until I leave. 10/10”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Judy’s Kitchen has the best Orange Chicken with huge portions! It is so hot and fresh! 10/10 recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
“Great experience here today. I had the guajillo pork tacos and my wife had the chicken nachos. Kids meals were very affordable and quite generous in portion size. Beers were tasty too. We make it a point to visit every time we are in Bloomington.”
“This is my all time favorite restaurant for Indian cuisine. It's the most delicious I have tried and I have been to many places all over the US. My favorite is the lamb korma and paneer spinach dish but I also really enjoy the butter chicken and garlic naan. Try this place. You won't regret it!”
“Melissa, our server was especially a darling. Really cared about our experience! We had a great time because of her sweet personality and understanding of our needs as customers!!Dietary restrictions: Just let them know your restrictions, and they have many options!”
“Itadakimasu! Hearty, authentic ramen and Japanese bites make for one of Bloomington’s best dinner spots. This just may be the Midwest’s best ramen restaurant.Yatagarasu has to be one of my favorite local Indiana restaurants. The Bloomington location is immaculately decorated, with incredible ambiance. The food itself challenges that of ramen joints in most major cities. I want to clarify that I’m not a strong believer in the idea that the best restaurants can only be found in more metropolitan areas. Some of the greatest food I’ve ever eaten has been located in what some would consider a hole in the wall in the middle of nowhere. However, as Bloomington’s options have dwindled thanks to the import of major restaurant chains like Canes and Sweetgreen, among other examples of gentrified dining, I’ve been harder pressed to recommend restaurants I consider local staples.Yatagarasu is a breath of fresh air (unfortunately, depending on your university affiliation, coming from our mortal enemy Lafayette). I proves definitively that we Hoosiers don’t need to commute to Louisville, Chicago, Indianapolis, or St. Louis for quality restaurants. Yatagarasu has a simple, undemanding menu that delivers each time I come here. While the menu may be short the food itself is complex and packed with flavor. You don’t find yourself wishing you could have more options because your regular is always excellent. The pork in the rich garlic ramen melts in your mouth, and the soft boiled eggs are always cooked to perfection. There is little more one could ask for in ramen.What they do at Yatagarasu they do well. This includes the drinks, which are plentiful, and range in price and preparation depending on your personal persuasion. If you do it right you can get a lot of bang for your buck though it’s a not a bar where you’d want to over indulge. It feels more akin to a high brow speakeasy, with its low lighting and secluded booths.If you want to watch a sports game, they almost always have women’s gymnastics on. It’s never so crowded as to be uncomfortable and the service is excellent. I deducted one star from the service score only because my last trip here our waiter seemed to be inexperienced and forgot our napkins, spoons, the towelettes that come with every meal, and the appetizer plates. I don’t usually like to harp on service as I know it’s a super challenging, under appreciated profession. However the experience was so jarringly different I had to mention it. Please, anyone who owns a restaurant, don’t throw your servers in the deep end if they’ve never waited tables before or had comprehensive training. It sucks all around, but especially for the server, because they end up evaluated and criticized for mistakes they probably would never have made had they had enough time and help to properly prepare. Good, slow service is always better than fast, poor service. That being said, all the other times I have been here the hospitality has been a 10/10. If you’re in Bloomington, even if you don’t consider yourself a ramen person, check this place out. You will leave with a full belly, surprised in the best way possible.”
“A small, quaint food spot.Stopped there a couple months ago for the 1st time. Pleasantly surprised by the flavor and freshness of the food. Our order was hot, fresh and seemed like it was freshly made upon ordering.The young lady serving us was polite and friendly.The atmosphere is soothing. It is not as modern as some of the restaurants in the downtown area but it felt nice, cozy and welcoming.Again, the food was amazing. The veggies were fresh, the chicken (teriyaki) was piping hot and had flavor bursting from it. The bourbon chicken was some of the best I've had. Again, fresh, tasty, deliscous!!!They also offer some more tradional oriental dishes that we don't find at many other places.I will absolutely be going back and supporting this small, local, business again.Highly recommend!!Parking: Street parkin right out front of the shop, but not always easy to snag one because it is very close to downtown. You definitely have options. There is a parking garage right beside it also.”
“Literally every time my office orders Greeks, it’s fan-flipping-tastic. It’s “bussin” as my coworker calls it. 12/10 would eat here again. Bruschetta was really good, balsamic vinegar would be the cherry on top ☺️”
“The food was amazing and the service was top notch. We're from out of town and also haven't had Indian food before, so didn't know what to expect. We brought our two toddlers with us. The kids were a little chaotic and we broke a glass. The staff were so kind about it. We're looking forward to going back once the kids are older!”
“Ordered takeout while stopping through Bloomington. OMG was it delicious! I'm coming back here next time I'm in Bloomington. I like that they're off of I-69 as I don't particularly care to drive through the college side.”
“3 Amigos catered my daughter and son in law’s wedding last Saturday at Switchyard Park Pavilion. They did “build your own tacos”. I have to tell you that I was skeptical, but this was best wedding or event food I have ever had in my 65 years. The meats were flavorful and moist, the vegetables fresh and beautiful, the sauces were delicious, and even the rice tasted great. Very highly recommend!”
“Stopped at the Downtown location today. Very good wines, great prices, and even better staff! Super friendly and welcoming. Will definitely be back again! If you’re in the area, stop by and check them out!”
“I ate from the food truck at the Saturday market. I had pad kra pao (spicy basil) and it was great. I ordered it "sitting on the side of the street in Bangkok spicy" and they delivered. it's one of my favorite dishes and I loved every sweaty bite. my mom got the crab Rangoon and said they were great too. I'd eat from this truck any time I saw it, no question.”
“This is my all time favorite restaurant for Indian cuisine. It's the most delicious I have tried and I have been to many places all over the US. My favorite is the lamb korma and paneer spinach dish but I also really enjoy the butter chicken and garlic naan. Try this place. You won't regret it!”
24 Hour Restaurants
“This place ROCKS! I hosted a Senior Send Off event here in late April for a student organization I am involved in. Topo's easily exceeded all of my expectations. They were very easy and flexible to work with and willing to do what it takes to make my event a success. All of the staff is incredible as well. Throughout my event and for several days after, people were coming up to me and could not stop talking about how great the venue was. The venue stole the show in the best way possible! The interior is recently renovated but still holds an old, stately mansion feel. The back porch is beautiful and they have great seating and a nice fire. I would highly recommend Topo's to anyone looking for a venue. It truly took my event from good to great!”
“Service was amazing had problems with the food. I had t bone steak with eggs. They asked how I wanted the steak and eggs. I told them they did the opposite. After I told them they did fix it. And warnming steak might be undercooked. It definitely was but if I were to complain about it again, I know they would have fixed it. Service was great and would go back.Wheelchair accessibility: From the front entrance, it is not wheelchair accessible.”
“Absolutely the kindest staff I've met at any subway, and I've never had a problem with quality or freshness here. My go-to location especially after the remodeling!”
“What a wonderful addition to Bloomington!! Welcome back Baskin Robbins. Lauren and all her colleagues are going above and beyond to create a great customer experience. Oh, and the donuts are yummy too.”
“Dunkin Donuts in Bloomington Indiana sucks! They don't understand English. They will give you the wrong donuts. They sell stale donuts. When you get the wrong donuts through the drive thru and get home to find they screwed up your order they are rude and ill-mannered about fixing THEIR mistake. They actually want you to drive back their mistake so they can resale the donuts to another unsuspecting customer. You don't know where their donuts have been since they break the law by reselling these donuts people return to them. They don't have a sign at the drive thru, saying what kinds of donuts they have, So you have to describe them. Since they don't speak proper English they guess at what you are ordering. I don't know how they got powdered sugar from me saying chocolate icing. When you call them you can expect the run around and rudeness. Trust me when I say there are better gas station and grocery store donuts in Bloomington and from now on that is where I will get my donuts.”
“Only giving 5 stars so this can be seen.This store is THE WORSE McDonald’s I have EVER been to. The customer service, horrid. Especially from THE MANAGER?!? All over the kid in back window cashed out the wrong order, a simple mistake. THE WAY SHE TALKED TO THAT POOR KID WAS UNPROFESSIONAL. She acted as if that little inconvenience had ruined her whole life.. already upset with the kid, she herself then comes to the window to give back change and she was mad at me?!?! Then on top of that… Our order was made sloppy, like ketchup and onions all over everything because our sandwiches were barely even wrapped.. fry’s cold of course but that’s a givin. I’m js I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS LOCATION !!”
“Stopped at the Downtown location today. Very good wines, great prices, and even better staff! Super friendly and welcoming. Will definitely be back again! If you’re in the area, stop by and check them out!”
“Family favorite. Not too fancy, but always good. If you're looking to put yourself in a food coma with lots of starchy comfort food, this is the place for you. It's also possible to get take-out and delivery, but they can get very busy at peak times.”
“Shout out to whomever made my pizza tonight! Absolutely beautiful and delicious -the lucious lumps of goat cheese and ricotta were artfully presented and to die for. Thank you so much! Everything at Buccetos is a feast - their homemade Diavolo Pasta - especially good with Italian sausage - generous salads, and gourmet pizzas are perfect every time! I am a loyal fan and Grubhub customer!”
Takeout Restaurants
“Absolutely the best bakery I have ever been to! Coffee is delicious as well! This is the only bakery I will go to. My kids love the hot chocolate and all the sweets.”
“We love being able to walk to The Elm from the B-Town Bungalow. Always a good recommendation for alumni's looking for something new, close by and great atmosphere.”
“I had the pleasure of experiencing a unique hot pot restaurant in Bloomington, and the experience was simply fantastic! Around 7 p.m., the place was bustling and completely full. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long before we were seated. The waitstaff quickly provided us with menus and water. Initially, I thought it might take a while to order, but to my surprise, we were attended to in less than five minutes. A very enthusiastic and somewhat male server, upon learning it was my first visit, recommended their broth bases to me in a manner both friendly and professional.Our chosen broths were served promptly. I opted for the bone soup, while my friend went for the classic spicy. Both were incredibly delicious, and the seasonings were ample. What was particularly impressive was the quality of their instant noodles – when mixed with fatty beef, sesame sauce, garlic oil, and chili sauce, the taste was unparalleled. Even more remarkable was the fact that yellow throat was included as part of the all-you-can-eat menu, truly offering great value.FTI Yellow Throat was my flavor thing to eat in home.The restaurant did not enforce a tipping policy, which I found very respectful. As my last meal in Bloomington, this hot pot dining experience left me extremely satisfied and memorable. I highly recommend it to those looking for an authentic hot pot experience!”
“I went in for my first time, and the staff was so helpful! The kind woman at the register walked me through all the options and gave me suggestions based on flavors I told her I liked! She didn’t seem bothered to help me at all which was so wonderful!”
“Pretty good place. Always good food, if pricy. For some reason always gets my concrete mix wrong though. Consistently get vanilla toffee mix when I ask for chocolate peanut butter brownie...”
“I've gone four or five times now and every time has been stellar food. The atmosphere is nothing special but that really doesn't matter to me. The bulgogi "hot dog" things they have are tasty and great as an app. Their main dishes are delicious and many come with some nice Korean sides. Best of all is the price. I feel transported to a time before the pandemic. So step back in time, get filled up with probably a little left over for like 36 bucks with tip for two people. It's just too good. Do yourself a favor and eat here.”
“It’s a better, local Cava. Highly recommend. Lots of topping options, price isn’t too bad, and it’s got lots of seating.Vegetarian options: Falafel protein option”
“We stopped by for lunch on the way to a conference. The owner was kind and helpful: not only was the ordering process easy, the owner gave us suggestions on what to do in between conference sessions and where to eat. The wraps were all delicious, and the cookies are a MUST have. Definitely worth the stop.”
“One of the best places to get a drink in Bloomington! The staff are also friendly and the drinks are always delicious. Their list of ciders have a range of sweetness to accommodate any drinker. When the weather is nice they open the big garage door to see the B line trail which is beautiful.”
“My mom stumbled upon Osteria Rago online and so we decided to try it out for lunch. It was absolutely delicious. Our server was very outgoing and attentive and made us feel very welcome and was happy to answer any questions we had. She seemed genuinely happy to be helping us. Overall the place was very clean and stylish. The food came out quickly and you could tell a lot of love went into every dish we had. 10/10 ❤️ will definitely be back.”
“Financial Analyst-Benjah Raphael I am extremely satisfied with all the help BENJAH RAPHAEL rendered me every step of the way. He have a good understanding of all the processes and are always receptive to my needs.”
“Probably the best cappuccino I have had in my life. An extremely well balanced espresso shot and put the right amount of silky smooth milk. This place deserves more recognition among people who genuinely care about espresso.”
“Fantastic coffee! Getting the Co-op special at Bloomingfoods right now, and very happy with beans! We've tried a handful of different locally roasted beans at home, and so far Needmore is our favorite”
“My kids and I have found our new favorite place! Everything was so good and the staff was very friendly Especially loved the little appetizers picture here. Can’t wait to go back!”
“The best Thai food in Bloomington! Delicious food, panang curry, pad Thai, and crispy chicken are some of my family's favorites. Service is excellent, I'm impressed by the care taken when packing to go orders. Dining in provided a nice atmosphere. Lunch menu is generous and affordable.”
“A Bloomington staple. Dont even think about a national franchise if you are going to order pizza and:or breadsticks. There are local flavors for everyone! The breadsticks have a perfect garlicky salt that brings back every late night of undergrad the moment it hits your tongue. Dip with nacho cheese and ranch. Our go to is the the extra thin crust with sausage. Usually pineapple and jalapeños. Dont sleep on the mojo, yummy! Plus, this place does a ton for our community”
“Maui, Hawaii is where my love for acai bowls began.I will drive an hour to get my acai bowl fix at InBloom!Friendly service, fresh ingredients, and plenty of goodies on top.Definitely worth the drive for me!”
“I hosted a private event (50+ people) at Upland Brewery on Thursday, Oct 19. Anna was my contact at the location and she was sensational. She ensured that I had everything that I needed in order to have the event be a success. The food was delicious and came out hot and ready. The bartender was so sweet - our large crowd was no match for her as she was quick and ready! The space was absolutely perfect and was made even more eloquent by the Edison lighting hanging above. If you are looking for a unique, cool, and fun place to host any event, this is your place! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“I love this place. A lot of bang for your buck. And the staff are always friendly and helpful.Kid-friendliness: Kids love pizza and Italian foodsWheelchair accessibility: The place was wheelchair accessible. First level seating and parking. Very helpful for someone with mobility issues like myself.”
“Very good service, soft serve ice cream, and cyclones (we tried a cherry cheesecake/marshmallow one today). Our doggo couldn’t exactly tell us what he thought, but I bet he would say they make a pup cup par excellence!”
“I love this place. I’ve been coming here a few years, and it’s just down the road so I come a lot, lol! Everyone who works there is so very kind, and make wonderful food. I will always recommend this place to anyone. I usually go through the drive thru, but inside and the outside sitting area is nice:)”
“Not too bad The meat was a little dry like it had been on warmer or something for too long and honestly burnt. Service was good.Parking: Parking is not an issue with plenty of spots. Not that great if you're wanting to go west on 3rd a little difficult to get out.Kid-friendliness: Seems to be a kid-friendly environment.Wheelchair accessibility: Should be no problem getting a wheelchair in and out ramps on both sides of a door.”
“I personally believe this is the best chic fil a in the town. I came in to use a gift card I had sitting in my wallet for a long time. I had my order taken very fast but I however had a long wait for just a sandwich. So I was a little curious as to what happened. Well it turns out that they accidentally dropped the wrapped sandwich on the floor and was taking the time to make a new one. Unknown to me they tossed in a gift card for a free sandwich or nuggets for my wait. I wasn't spending any money in the first place and they gave me another free one. Ill always be patient for good service”
“You know the Lord's chicken is gonna be on point! Best nuggets ever...breading is just a touch sweet, yum! Chick-fil-A, it's "my pleasure" to leave this review...”
“The Food !!! I recommended the food. Prices aren't bad either. With the sandwiches you can either get 2 sides or 1 side and a drink. I only ate half a sandwich and half of the fries and I was full !”
“I never write reviews on restaurants, but this one deserves the recognition. Friendly & welcoming owners, delicious food, and a relaxing atmosphere. We are looking forward to our next visit.”
“It was the best sub and chicken salad I’ve ever had!! I loved it and I am looking forward to ordering again soon. They really know what they’re doing. I ordered it through DoorDash.”
“Love it and honestly never knew they had breakfast and it’s easily become a daily stop almost for me to grab a quick bite. Friendly smiles and fast service. Can’t ask for much more”
“I come here 3-4 times a week on my lunch break and the staff are the best of any subway in town! food is always perfect and ready before i get there, if youre having issues with the other subways just come to this one they don't miss!”
“You're in, and you're out. There's not much of an atmosphere because it's a drive-in, but the surface is good, and the ice cream is even better.”
“Every time I’ve stopped in at the drive thru Anthony has been working. Anthony is great at what he does, always has a smile accompanied with a small conversation. I leave with a smile myself! Thanks Anthony!”
“I mainly go here for Kevin's trivia. It feels like management is trying to hold Kevin back, probably saying things like "don't ask too many questions", but I enjoy it and it makes this Wendy's the best Wendy's. Management should embrace the unique talents of their staff rather than trying to homogenize the dining experience.”
“We came in for lunch while on a road trip. Great atmosphere, super nice and courteous staff. The food was absolutely delicious and we received our entrées in what must be record time. I highly recommend eating here. I will definitely return whenever I'm in Bloomington.”
“Very good service, noodles were tasty. We tried chicken satay (good flavor and tasty peanut sauce). My husband had the coconut curry with sweet peppers and mango (I believe is the house specialty with mango curry or something) the flavor was good but he mentioned that the mango was frozen in the middle.”
“I was not happy with the Egg Benedict. Bread was hard and felt heavy after breakfast. Service was fine, rushed me out when there were not many customers. Skip this Benedict if you can. On other note, ambiance was very good.”
Cheap Eats
“We stopped by for lunch and ordered 2 döner kebabs - they were delicious and brought us straight back to memories in Berlin.We had a lovely conversation about the Turkish community in Germany and the owner’s experiences in Schöneberg.Fresh vegetables, tasty kebab, perfect portion, great price, friendly and humorous guy, all around Döner Kebab in Bloomington is a wonderful experience.Highly recommend.”
“Always a wonderful connection to the local music scene and the place where I found my first Gig, could never recommend a place more highly. Amazing music wonderful bar tenders and awesome management.”
“Some of the best I’ve had. The staff is amazing and has great recommendations. I loved the Red Bull super charger! And the crème soda was out of this world!!! This will be a regular place for us.”
“They cook to order, so it's always fresh. Very good. The best spot in town for Chinese food in my opinion. Just make sure you take some money cuz they only accept cash!”
“Food was great. Wish they had non-pork items other than cheese pizza on the pizza buffet and they were out of cheese sauce for the breadsticks on buffet the entire time I was there.”
“Bruster's Real Ice Cream offers a classic ice cream experience with a convenient modern twist. The young staff adds to the local charm, and their online ordering option is a fantastic feature, especially during peak times when lines are typically long. The quality of the ice cream stands out, rivaling or even surpassing premium brands found in grocery stores. This makes it a great destination for families looking for a delicious ice cream treat together.Overall, Bruster's Real Ice Cream seems to offer a combination of great ice cream, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a local ice cream spot.”
“Best breakfast in Bloomington! I ordered the club #4. Which comes with 2 slices of French Toast, 2 eggs and ham and I also ordered a side of bacon. Orange juice and water to drink. The total was $10 and some change before tip. First, the French Toast was amazing. You can actually taste the vanilla which is something a lot of places get wrong. The ham is the real deal. Not a round slab like most places and you can see from the picture that the ham and eggs are cooked perfectly. Just like they came out of grandma's cast iron skillet. This is the best looking place from the outside and the entire is definitely a little dated but the food more than makes up for that. Highly recommend you give them a visit.”
“This is quaint little restaurant in Bloomington that serves both Tibetan and Indian food. The food and samosa as appetizers was very delicious. The staff were very prompt and polite. We had a pleasurable experience here after our New Year Day’s hike and trail run. The restaurant is well-decorated and food is authentic. Highly suggest this place for dinner dates.Parking: We found free street parking in front of the restaurant on a Monday. Other days you should pay for the parking using coins and parking meter.”
“I work here, and the atmosphere is great. We make pizzas with the customer in mind and aim for top quality. The pizza business is big in Bloomington, and we strive for the best pallet and experiences when you purchase our ”
“Good Thai food and affordable, decent sushi (although I usually get Thai). The inside is surprisingly elegant and the staff is fantastic. A nice, easy-going place for dinner with friends. It's my favorite restaurant on the far-west side of Bloomington. It can get busy, but there are two big rooms so there are usually enough seats.”
“We got the spicy squid and chicken rice bowl. 1 bulgogi and 1 reg Kimbab. We wanted the Jajang udon but it was not avail thus the 4 stars because that was the reason we went there. The food was very spicy but we love it like that. It came with macaroni salad. The portion is really not that big but we got carry out. The service was a bit slow but I think there was only 3 people working. The place is like at an apartment complex which was kind of confusing at first. They had some tables there but the place is really small.”
“Excellent cookies! We got 9 total, three different kinds. Ordered these on-line and they were ready within 20 minutes. I got there and saw the Carrot Cake Cookie and purchased it, as well. It did not disappoint ? Highly recommend Baked ?”
“I love their food it was hot and the okra is better then cracker Barrel My waitress Bobbi she was really nice and the people here were looking forward on seeing you everyday that looking forward on coming back here”
“I had the sampler, chips and salsa with sour cream and guacamole. This was all very good, solid 4 star.I think had the chips been a bit fresher and the online ordering not giving us issues it would be a 5 star all the way.”
“Edit: Best Chinese Buffet for miles. We were so happy to find this gem in our new town, which is *in* Bloomington (right next to Ellettsville). The food is always fresh and delicious. They have the most consistently delicious buffet options and the *$14 buffet comes with a drink! Me and my husband eat here at least once a week.”
“Everyone was great and I have had a one complaint with another location years ago but this location was great except for some reason my chicken tenders were overly salty but still delicious.”
“Very friendly, good sushi and soup noodles. Nigiri needs a bit more rice to balance, though, it's getting less and less lately and overwhelmed by the fish. Special rolls and chow fun are great. Their friendliness is my favorite.”
27
BBQ Train
“this BBQ Train Viceman Grill is under new management please come again and you wont be disappointed offering authentic Jamaican jerk chicken and pork come on down and try it! you wont be disappointed”
“This place is amazing!! It’s a “must stop” every time my wife and I are in Bloomington. She loves the Flora and we always get at least one bottle of one of their unique or limited offerings to take with us as well.”
29
Red Lobster
“My family and I decided to give Red Lobster a try and the server didn't disappoint. Miss Rosie was one of the best servers I've every had. Even with other tables she made sure we had what we needed and we never had to ask for refills, and she did this will all her tables. Thank you Miss Rosie for helping us have a great experience!”
30
Malibu Grill
“In town for business and stopped by to eat at the bar... I never go to places back-to-back, but it was SO good... here I am! Server: Natalie (extremely knowledgeable and outgoing) Bartender: Jace (makes incredible handcrafted cocktails!). The menu does not do the food justice... it is incredible and so is the Service! Even when it is busy, the ambiance is still relaxing and enjoyable! Highly Recommend... and I may be back for a 3rd visit!”
“We had this delivered at my work and even though I didn’t get to eat it as soon as it delivered, the wings were still great! My fave is the dry rubs, so juicy and crispy. Definitely going to order again!”
“Lots of options, it didn't take very long at all, the people were polite and the food had beautiful presentation and obviously fresh ingredients. Enjoyed the vegetarian tacos very much!Vegetarian options: Clean, fresh, very nice”
“Nice little fine dine restaurant, Great menu the food was wonderful nice wine selection with a great ambience. Very nice place to have birthday dinners, anniversary dinners, Valentines dinners, great for romantic dinner. Definitely recommend.”
“It’s awesome that an authentic Chinese hot pot would situate in Bloomington.A meal is composed of platters of lean meats, fresh vegetables, and delicious staples all cooked fresh in your own personal broth.Lovely! *chefs kiss*”
“Really good food and super quick service from order to the time that the food hit the table was only about 8 minutes or so but it was all fresh and super hot and really tasteful. I was super happy with it. I had taken my lady friend out for her birthday so they really came through for me”
36
Domo
“The food was high quality. My family enjoyed the preparation and the show while cooking. The service was attentive and we lacked for nothing. We will definitely return.Vegetarian options: I noticed vegetarian options on the menu.Kid-friendliness: My kids enjoyed the cooking and the food.”
“My husband and I stopped in here on our way through town and we are so glad that we did! I had a flight of beer and all were very tasty! We split the club sandwich and truffle fries! Everything was delicious, I highly recommend both food items! The beer and the food menu offer a great variety! The bartender and staff were very helpful with the food choices and honestly, I don't think you will be disappointed in whatever you choose! We will definitely be back again!”
“i had a great lunch with amy as our server. she was awesome and was super quick with our drinks and good food. she was also very sweet and went out of her way to be polite. i had the cheese deep dish pizza and it was very good. looking forward to coming back!”
“The staff was amazing, and the food was very delicious. This was definitely a 5-star experience!Parking: Plenty of free parking in their paved lotWheelchair accessibility: Easy access to the door from most spots in the parking lot”
“Allie W was the best bottle girl I ever had. Was my last weekend in Bloomington and they treated me with the best respect and helped my table have the best time. I would recommend her anytime you ever have a table. She was so helpful with every question and bottle I had for the night.”
41
Che Bello
“Easter brunch was amazing! ❤️ amazing staff, very friendly and personable! Will be coming back on our next trip!Kid-friendliness: Waitress talked to our daughter so sweet!”
“I honestly don't understand the bad reviews. This is my favorite local restaurant. There is literally nothing else like this anywhere around. Beautiful lakeside outdoor seating, great food, decent draft selection, staff are kind and courteous, live bands on the weekend, outdoor games. Awesome vibe. This place is friggin great. I only wish that they were more active on their Facebook page so that we know events ahead of time, and I also wish they were open later on the weekends. Definitely recommend.”
“Fun place. I got to relive my college days. The bar has expanded into three different areas. Luckily it wasn't fratty as the reputation - there were some of parents and alumni when I went. They make you line up outside even if no one is there which is lame -it's not a classy NYC club. There's a modest cover. Just don't ask the bartender for a gimlet because he doesn't know what one js haha.”
Latest Reviews
“Great food great customer serviceParking: Great parking even when busy in morning always plenty of parkingKid-friendliness: Crew also talking to kids and playing with them”
“You go to Denny's because it's midnight and you want salt, butter, grease, and meat. This is 100% what you are going to get . It won't be fast but it will be hot and taste like the picture looks. Our server was friendly, attentive, and took care of us while contenting with some annoying customers.”
“Food was great. Wish they had non-pork items other than cheese pizza on the pizza buffet and they were out of cheese sauce for the breadsticks on buffet the entire time I was there.”
“I love this place so much! Food is always amazing. Great place to get a group of friends and share a bunch if different things! We like doing the lion roll, mountain roll, eel roll, and the seafood soup ? ? ?Vegetarian options: Veggie roll is fine. The vegtable tempura is also alright.”
“This is the best play to dance in Bloomington. The the atmosphere is classy and nostalgic for a speak easy. The owner is extremely nice. The drink prices aren't crazy. I highly recommend going here to dance on a salsa night.”
“Most dishes are made fresh, making them easily customizable. Staff are accommodating to vegan alterations and substitutions. Flavours are on point. Our favorites are: Tom Kha soup, Tofu fresh rolls, pad Thai, Pad ped, Larb, Drunken man fried rice, and mango sticky rice for dessert. I wish they would add more vegan appetizers and vegan roasted or fried dishes, and vegan desserts. Pros: Ambiance is good and relaxing, Staff is friendly and knowledgeable, Lots of parking Cons: Vegan Pad Thai could use more sauce.”
“Morgenstern's is a delightful place. It is aesthetically pleasing, with a well thought out layout, and full of beautiful books! They offer a wonderful space for our community and host many gatherings of writers and readers. I feel lucky to have my book on their shelves, and lucky to have Morgenstern's as a place to frequent.”
“We love being able to walk to The Elm from the B-Town Bungalow. Always a good recommendation for alumni's looking for something new, close by and great atmosphere.”
“I had the sampler, chips and salsa with sour cream and guacamole. This was all very good, solid 4 star.I think had the chips been a bit fresher and the online ordering not giving us issues it would be a 5 star all the way.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“Great Food. Loaded fries on appetizer menu are to die for. Amazing tenderloin sandwich. Wife got a patty melt, said it was the best she's ever had. Great Service as well.”
“Visited on eclipse day. They were offering free eclipse pancakes via web advertising. Lots of folks setting up in parking lot for the view. Seemed the place to be! Food was great and served fast. Always love the smell of the hearth. Thanks for the great visit!”
“Crumbl cookie is amazing, The cookies are so good I could probably eat them all day! But the problem about it is that it isn’t the cheapest. If I could eat them all day, but I would also go broken, Other than that Crumbl is amazing!”
“Stopped in and talked to one of the managers, Cara, and the bartender. They were both very attentive which is something I have always noticed about Lennie's staff. I didn't buy food tonight, but I do want to give a shout out to the meatballs. Pair them with a glass of wine and you have a chefs kiss.”
“I had the sampler, chips and salsa with sour cream and guacamole. This was all very good, solid 4 star.I think had the chips been a bit fresher and the online ordering not giving us issues it would be a 5 star all the way.”
“Was a little sheepish about eating here! We had tried it a couple times when they first open and just wasn’t has good as campus location! But it was amazing our service was great, food was on point and we will be back sooner!Parking: Plenty of parking here and plenty of handicap spaces by front door!”
“My boyfriend and I went for dinner. Very VERY busy night for the restaurant. ( makes sense it’s a holiday weekend) we put in reservations online and the wait was 1 hour 25 mins. We were fine with the wait didn’t bother us any we were just enjoying spending time together out of the house. We got in and sat down had drinks and an appetizer brought to the table. We got so into talking to each other and playing the trivia game on the little device they had on the table that we didn’t notice an hour had gone by before we got our food. The manager apologized the server had apologized. We personally were not concerned with the wait. Our food was good our server kept up with refills and got our order right so we had no reason to complain. The server looked kinda defeated with the busy night he had and the kitchen taking so long. We decided rather quickly the young man serving us needed and deserved a smile. So we tipped $59 to out a smile on his face (and he earned it) when we were done and left the restaurant completely satisfied. We will be back.”
“Bless, the one of the last fastfood joints that doesn't charge me an arm and a leg for a reasonable amount of beef and a generous amount of veggies on my burger. I wouldn't make the mistake of getting a shake, but that's just my opinion, and who even reads these reviews anyways. They really cleaned up the place in the last year, so kudos, I feel less guilty coming here lol, and the fries seem better than they used to be. Maybe it's just in my head, but whatever, upgrade from 3 stars to 4 stars here”
“Pretty good place. Always good food, if pricy. For some reason always gets my concrete mix wrong though. Consistently get vanilla toffee mix when I ask for chocolate peanut butter brownie...”
“One of my favorite places to eat in Bloomington. Great atmosphere and ambiance. Food is filling and does a good job of bringing the tastes of the Emerald Isle to Indiana.”
“This is, hands down, the best buffet in Bloomington. It is fairly cheap and has a great selection. It's clean, and the service is prompt. It's a perfect place to fill up for a decent price.”
“Absolutely lovely spot - old house converted into cozy booths and very kitchy. Great breakfast options and friendly attentive staff. Is top of my list to go again next time in ”
“It's been a while since we went, and I don't remember specific foods, but we were wowed by the flavors and atmosphere. We sat at a table on the floor which was fun.”
“Food was great but never get the best experience. Our waiters have always been really friendly but never really attentive to the table. Love coming here for the food it's always great.”
“Only giving 5 stars so this can be seen.This store is THE WORSE McDonald’s I have EVER been to. The customer service, horrid. Especially from THE MANAGER?!? All over the kid in back window cashed out the wrong order, a simple mistake. THE WAY SHE TALKED TO THAT POOR KID WAS UNPROFESSIONAL. She acted as if that little inconvenience had ruined her whole life.. already upset with the kid, she herself then comes to the window to give back change and she was mad at me?!?! Then on top of that… Our order was made sloppy, like ketchup and onions all over everything because our sandwiches were barely even wrapped.. fry’s cold of course but that’s a givin. I’m js I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS LOCATION !!”
New Restaurants
“Restaurant owners are down to earth and super kind hearted people. Food tastes like what God and Angels would eat in heaven. A bit of Mediterranean, Indian, and Greek.Drove more than an hour to come here and will do so again.”
“Great beer and service! This is some of the best craft beer we've had in Indiana and definitely recommend. Note: No food served, but they frequently have food trucks and allow food to be brought in.”
“100% gluten free cafe…and it’s GOOD! Tons of options from cookies to sandwiches to muffins and biscuits. And a full coffee bar too. We had biscuits & gravy and a latte. We brought our toddler and it was a great atmosphere. One of the owners even brought out a fruit cup for our little guy. Had a great experience and will definitely be back! 10/10”
“The Everbowl experience in Bloomington is awesome! All natural, dairy free and vegan bases with gluten free granola - so good. Tons of fresh fruit options as well as honey, Nutella or peanut butter to top off the bowl.Full disclaimer my wife and I own the store. We are so proud of our amazing staff and the way they serve others when then come in the store. Come on in and try one of our smoothies or bowls. They are so yummy and good for you as well.”
“Firstly, GET THE COTTON CANDY GELATI You will thank me later hahaI've been to 2 other ritas, both in Pennsylvania and now that I'm in Bloomington, I was so happy to see the other day that we have one, and not only that but its open ALL YEARI am a sucker for their gelati, the texture is so perfect and its a perfect ration of Italian ice and custard. It tastes exactly the same as I remember it, so good. My fiance got a small cup of the chocolate custard, which he said was really good.Parking: We were worried about the parking, as we know that area of town tends to always be filled, but we lucked out on finding a spot down the road along the street. Thankfully, Sundays (I think all weekends?) has free parking, but even when its payed if you're just dropping in and leaving just throw a quarter in the meter. There's also a parking lot behind the building (I know it as behind the ramen shop, but I'm not sure the lot or road name) which is either always payed, or the same as the street meters (cannot remember).The staff were awesome, i sampled 2 things and my fiance 1.The cherry italian ice wasn't that good, didn't really taste strong like cherry. And the orange cream was strange. But hey, you might like it and samples are free so try what you like! (Cotton candy is the bomb). The staff were very nice.All in all, 10/10 great place for a sweet treat.PS. They have an app! You can get free stuff through it. I got offered a free small ice after just signing up”
“My time at michael’s uptown Café was wonderful very chill and elegant my food was so delicious and the crème brûlée to die for overall It’s an amazing restaurant to enjoy an amazing meal and chill with friends and family”