Location: Bloomington
Top Restaurants in Bloomington
Where to Eat in Bloomington: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Don't let Bloomington's modest size fool you; this Midwestern city offers as much sophistication as it does all-American charm. At Indiana University you will find cutting edge theatrical performances, museums and sports. Check out 4th Street's Restaurant Row for fine international dining. Head downtown for galleries, theaters and fun spots for the kids. Year round festivals will keep you entertained in any season.
Things to do in Bloomington
1. Samira's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Reviewed By AjaMay - Indianapolis, Indiana
Our first time trying Afghan food and we would definitely come back. Baba ganoush was very garlicky but still good.
2. Lennie's and the Bloomington Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
Reviewed By TrWorldTraveler - Bloomington, Indiana
We had a nice dinner with friends while supporting a great cause for LA CASA. My tilapia sandwich with coleslaw and pickle was delicious as well as the Reuben sandwich along with our beers, oatmeal stout, Java porter, imperial stout. The service is always good too. Recommended!
3. Big Woods Bloomington
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
Big Woods® Bloomington is nestled in the heart of Bloomington’s dining and entertainment district, offering indoor and outdoor seating, a full menu, Hard Truth craft spirits, and 24 craft beer and cider taps — including a great selection of dedicated Quaff ON!® lines.
Reviewed By JA M
We came for the first time last September and loved the outside heated tent atmosphere for cocktails. The food, especially the fish sandwich, was quite good (the overcooked, smoke-infused ribs, not so much). We visited twice this week—the first, just my daughter and me, the second with a group of nine. On the first visit, the fish sandwich and fish and chips were superb, the wings were very well-prepared, but the Middle-Eastern Zaatar and Honey flavor was far too “herbed” and generally not pleasing to the palate. I give them four stars for this visit.
But then a few days later we came as a large group for a 1 PM Saturday lunch. We seated ourselves at first under the heated tent and put our name on the wait list. We waited 30 minutes but the sole waiter never came by to take a drink order. We finally hailed him, only to learn of that he was “shocked . . . shocked” that we had not yet been attended to (a phony response). To our surprise, he never came by, even though he promised he would. Worse yet, it seems as if he notified the host of “that problem group” who then did come by only to inform us he would be confiscating our two outdoor tables for other parties with their names on the list. To make matters worse we were informed our table for 9 would not be available for another 2.5 hours (this after already sitting there 30 minutes). We had a feeling this first waiter had a bit of an “attitude” and sought to inconvenience us (run us off). No surprise, we were offended, and promptly went off to Upland Brewery for fabulous cheeseburgers. I give them one star for this visit.
Will we return? Absolutely, for the superb fish and chips . . . and inside where the service is good, but never again as a group larger than four people.
4. Mother Bear's Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 654 reviews
At Mother Bear's, we have established ourselves as an icon of the Bloomington, IN community and welcome many students, alumni, and local residents into our restaurant every day. Customers are welcome and encouraged to bring a Sharpie to your name on our wooden booths. Our unique dining environment also features an eclectic collection of local art. We are best-known for our traditional pan pizza but also offer sesame-seed thin crust and deep-dish options. All three choices are made with our homemade dough! Not in the mood for pizza? We also offer crisp salads, hot sub sandwiches, wings, and pasta dishes. To complete your meal, try one of our warm, homemade brownies. Ordering for carry-out or delivery? Try our most popular deal: the Munchie Madness! A 10” one-topping pizza, an order of breadsticks or cheese bread, two homemade brownies, and a 2-liter bottle of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Dr. Pepper, or Mountain Dew, all for $12.95! We also serve beer and wine with many selections from local breweries. We are consistently named the Best Pizza in Bloomington by Indiana Daily Student Poll, and People Magazine named us one of America’s Top Nine Pizzarias! Whether you're new to Bloomington or just stopping for a visit, please stop by to enjoy what we have to offer!
Reviewed By fieldinggeorge - Bloomington, Indiana
Mother Bears has the best pizza in Bloomington, IN. Atmosphere at both locations is unique and quality of service is excellent
5. Darn Good Soup
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By Dyngus - Noblesville
You like soup, you have to GO! Good variety of soups. They don't have a ton of soups to choose but have a good variety. You get bread with the soup also. The soups do change but have your basic chicken nooddle daily. Great experience and a must try!
6. Michael's Uptown Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 658 reviews
The Uptown Cafe has been a Bloomington landmark since 1976. We serve Breakfast, Weekend Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. We are also known for our beverage program - serving fine wine and spirits, and craft beer and cocktails.
Reviewed By saltysdad - new jersey
Had brunch here this morning. Seated quickly , friendly wait staff. Food very good , not off the charts inventive but very satisfying. Will return.
7. Runcible Spoon Cafe and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By vbinCBR - Canberra, Australia
We had a light dinner on a Tuesday with some live Irish music playing in the next room--very laid back fiddle and guitar. The food was very tasty and the service was attentive.
8. The Irish Lion Restaurant & Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 480 reviews
If you can’t make it to Ireland, do the next best thing! A Bloomington tradition since 1982, The Irish Lion Restaurant & Pub is in a restored historic 1882 tavern, a 1/2 block west of the square in the heart of downtown Bloomington. A true Public House experience where friends and family gather for traditional Irish fare, seafood, steaks, lamb, Dublin pub stews, pub grub, and more. Offering an extensive collection of single malt scotches, Irish and American whiskies, a full bar, wine list and pouring the finest Irish & European imports on draught. Outdoor dining, steps to hotels, free three-hour parking at the Morton Garage (one block north). Large groups and all ages welcome. Trip Advisor Award of Excellence 2012-present. Named “Indiana’s Best Irish Pub” and one of “the 10 Best Bars in Indiana” –Best Things Indiana.
Reviewed By Jessie S - Bedford, Indiana
First time visit on Valentine's Day. Very quiet and cozy before the evening crowd. Midway through our dinner, my husband and I were already planning what we would have on our next visit. They serve traditional Irish fare along with other tempting dishes. My husband had the trout dinner, and I had the salmon in creamy dill sauce with rice. Both were very good. Instead of salad, we each tried a soup (The Celtic Stew & Coddle). Small bowl was deceiving because they were very hearty, especially if you pig out on the hearty soda bread and real butter. My husband loved the escargot in the herb garlic butter. For dessert, we ordered the traditional, made-in-house apple walnut cake (to go). Each piece weighs about a pound - moist, dense, and full of flavor. Yum. The setting is rustic, likely the original woodwork, historic setting. Caution to some: there are animal heads mounted on the wall in the lower level by the bar, not sure about upstairs. I wasn't thrilled with that but soon lost interest when the food arrived.
9. Upland Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 493 reviews
Reviewed By Jennyanndiana - Bloomington, Indiana, USA
Upland Brewing Company may be my favorite restaurant in Bloomington, Indiana. The food and beer are amazing whether you go for an entree, a burger or a sandwich. Besides a basic menu of beers (pilsner, pale ale, porter, amber, wheat and IPA) are joined by various seasonal additions. At my last visit, I tried the Turkey and Guacamole sandwich--delicious! My go-to comfort food is the Wit Macaroni and Cheese--you can add chicken, bratwurst or tofu for more protein. Their salads are wonderful, with interesting homemade dressings. Appetizers are amazing, and we've been known to order Nachos or Tacos from the appetizer menu for an entree. There are a number of vegetarian entrees for those who don't eat meat. While not as strong on vegan entrees, my wife was able to find several things she could eat when she was eating vegan. I can't say I've been disappointed with anything I've ever ordered. Since expanding the restaurant a few years ago, waits are not as bad as the used to be. When the weather is nice, sit out on the patio. If you're not a beer drinker, there are wine selections or soft drinks.
10. Bub's Burgers and Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By WA2world - Chesapeake, Virginia
This was my first and thus far only visit to Bub’s. Even being off the College St, it is still in walking distance to several good hotels in town. It is very casual and kids are welcome. There’s nothing too fancy here; just a (good) burger joint.
Bub’s offers a wide variety of burgers made and cooked to order from fresh ingredients. Elk is offered in addition to beef. There are also chicken and fish sandwiches, hotdogs, salads and home-made soup. Finish off with ice cream, if you didn’t already have too much.
Leave me out of the league of those wanting to tackle the Big Ugly Burger. I opted for a smaller cheeseburger, which was enough for me.
