As I mentioned in a previous post A Proper Guide to (the Real) Indiana, one of my favorite aspects about the small city of Bloomington is its food scene. There are so many delicious eateries here!
Compared to bigger cities, Bloomington’s food scene may seem quite small, but I can tell you from travel experience, this city has a really nice array of diverse kitchens to choose from and the food is super delicious!
So really, you can’t go (too) wrong when choosing a place to eat, but I’ve went ahead and compiled a comprehensive list of my top recommendations – starting with where to brunch.
Check it out below.
Bloomington Brunchery
Brunch culture is quite a big thing in Bloomington, so you have plenty of options to choose from and if you arrive during school season – plenty of people to wait behind! So plan for a queue.
Runcible Spoon
A personal favorite! This place (like many in Bloomington eateries), resides inside an old house that turned restaurant.
Here you’ll find quirky décor, amazing coffee, and even more amazing grub.
If you’re here for breakfast, I highly recommend the eggs benedict.
For brunch, the Black Russian has always been a personal favorite. It’s a warm vegetable sandwich with marbled rye bread, cheese, covered in Russian dressing and served with mouth-watering housemade fries.
The Village Deli
Located just around the corner from Runcible Spoon (found directly off of the famous brick street of Kirkwood) you’ll find The Village Deli.
This place offers typical American breakfast, at a cheaper price than the Spoon.
My favorite plates here are the pancakes – SO HUGE! – and the breakfast burrito.
Mmmm both music to make your mouth water!
(TIP: If you come in fall, try the pumpkin pancakes! They’re delicious!)
Cozy Table
If you’re looking for more typical American breakfast fare with lower prices and less students, this is your place to go.
It’s a little further out on West 3rd Street, but portion sizes are large and you get a taste of some of the local life around Bloomington.
Bloomington Bagel Company
BBC is famous for their creative schmears the put on their breakfast bagels.
Needmore Coffee Roasters
Needmore is another excellent place to go for coffee. Here you’ll find a vast selection of coffee, creative coffee drinks, and a fine quiche.
Bloomington Coffee and Sweets
Soma Coffeehouse and Juice Bar
You won’t find much of a breakfast here, but the setting is super funky, coffee is tasty and they offer some really nice juices as well.
Also located just off of Kirkwood.
Crumble Coffee and Bakery
If you’re main meal for breakfast is coffee, then Crumble is a great place to check out. This place has super nice coffee and always offers deliciously made sweets.
Located near College Mall Rd. Next to C3 Bar
Rainbow Bakery
Rainbow Bakery is a local favorite for plant-based sweets and local drip coffee.
Hopscotch Coffee Roastery
Awesome local vibe, nice patio to sit on and offers coffees from all over the world. (No breakfast will be found here.)
Bloomington Eatery
If you thought the list of brunch places was long, wait til you see this one.
TIP: 4th Street (also known as “International Row”) is a super cute street full of houses-turned-international-restaurants located right next to Kirkwood.
Listed in no particular order…
Anyetsang’s Little Tibet Restaurant
I’ve never been anything but impressed with my experiences at this place.
Service is always very welcoming, food is consistently amazing, and it’s got plenty of vegetarian-friendly options to choose from.
My recommendation? Go dumplings!
My Thai
Located on 4th Street is the best Thai cuisine you’ll find in Bloomington. Every time I visit the city, I don’t leave without food from this kitchen. Whenever my mom visits Bloomington, she always dines at this restaurant. Whenever my grandmother was alive, she specifically requested dishes from this spot. It’s that good!
My favorite dishes here are the vegetarian dumplings, the coconut duck curry (OMG – still to this day haven’t found another Thai restaurant with half as good of a plate), and for desert – Thai tea!
Turkuaz Cafe
If you want a more unique dining experience, check out Turkuaz.
Here you have the option to sit on the floor, surrounded by pillows, and shoes off. (They have a regular seating option as well, but where’s the fun in that?)
Having spent 2 months in Turkey, I can tell you, this place is super authentic and super delicious.
Try the red lentil soup, pide, or the kebab. And after dinner, enjoy a warm Turkish coffee or Çay (Turkish tea) and relish one their housemade baklava.
Trojan Horse
Fancy Greek food? This place is not to be missed!
For dinner and a show, order the Saganaki!
Honestly, so much good food to be had here, have fun choosing 🙂
Uptown
For a jazzy, Creole vibe go to Uptown.
This place is elegant, has excellent cocktails, and makes an outstanding creme brûlée.
Prices are a little high (but well worth it).
Samira
This Afghan eatery serves big plates with big flavor.
Located around the square in downtown Bloomington.
(TIP: Opening times are strange here. Check the hours before you go.)
The Owlery
Hipster all-vegetarian restaurant that serves mostly comfort foods.
Don’t like the all-vegetarian label deter you. If I didn’t tell you and you didn’t know, you’d probably be fooled eating there.
The Irish Lion
Famous for having the oldest bar in Bloomington, a good Guinness isn’t the only thing you’ll find here.
Oysters Rockafeller, savory salmon, and the juiciest prime rib in Indiana (according to my late father) can be found here as well.
(TIP: the oysters tend to run out quickly, especially on weekends. Get there early to secure your order!)
FARM
My opinion of this place? Way overpriced and the menu is far too short. But it is a local favorite, menus are seasonally inspired and packed full of local ingredients.
Malibu Grill
For another fine dining experience, check out Malibu Grill.
Top steaks, fresh seafood, and fresh pastas.
Reservations are almost always required.
Upland Brewing Co.
While this particular spot is known more specifically for its craft beer, it also offers a full menu of really yummy food.
The Tap
Another brewery that also offers a nice menu. Food here is more closely related to your typical bar grub, but higher quality.
The Tap is famous for their Tap Fries.
DO Asian Fusion
Cool ambiance, great service, and high quality food at a reasonable price.
Le Petit Café
Amazing, small family-owned eatery.
Menu is small, food is cooked fresh, and the couple that run the place are the absolute sweetest.
Taste of India
Also located on 4th Street.
Sometimes offering a lunch buffet.
Pili’s Party Tacos
This is a food truck that you can often find set up in different areas of the city. If you see it, you should give her tacos a try. They’re fairly inexpensive and the flavor is wow!
Mother Bear’s Pizza (East Bloomington)
When it comes to pizza, you can’t mention a pizza joint in Bloomington without mentioning Mother Bear’s. You just can’t.
This place serves award-winning pizzas. Specializing in a deeper dish crust (not as deep as Chicago pizza, though!) and homemade brownies.
Bloomington Drinkery
Beer
- The Tap
- Oh so many beers to choose from! On tap, bottled, canned…
- Upland Brewing Co.
- Always a great place to test seasonal flavors and enjoy some delicious grub.
- The Orbit Room
- Looking for a small, quaint place with a couple arcade games, cheap beer, and hipster vibes? This is your place.
- Switchyard Brewing Company
- Great place on a sunny day, or to sit inside with a group of friends and play board games
- Nick’s English Hut
- For drinking games, university spirit atmosphere, and an experience in one of Bloomington’s oldest pubs…
Cocktails
- Cardinal Spirits
- Great patio, occasional food truck, artisan spirits and a cocktail menu build around them
- C3
- Cozy, chic spot. Excellent on a Thursday for live jazz music. Cocktails are top, food is top, and atmosphere superb.
- Uptown Cafe
- Restaurant with New Orleans vibes, outstanding food, and a top-notch drink menu
More on Bloomington
To find out what else there is to see and do in the lively city of Bloomington, IN, check out my post A Proper Guide to (the Real) Indiana and go check out Visit Bloomington’s site to find out more on where to eat, what to do and where to go in Bloomington.
