25 Essential Bloomington Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Bloomington.
Mother Bear's Pizza West
Indiana
Roomy outpost of a popular campus pizzeria offering specialty pies & beer in a relaxed atmosphere.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Indiana
Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.
Samira Restaurant
Indiana
Upmarket eatery serving Afghan recipes including kebabs & dumplings, plus wine.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Bloomington, Indiana
Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.
Mother Bear's Pizza Campus
Bloomington, Indiana
Deep-dish pizzas & American snacks, plus beer & wine, at a local landmark resembling a rustic cabin.
Janko's Little Zagreb
Bloomington, Indiana
This institution serves hearty steak & seafood dinners & fine wines in an old-fashioned dining room.
Pizza X South
Bloomington, Indiana
Basic counter-serve joint offering quirky specialty pizzas, plus delivery & late-night hours.
Pizza X West
Bloomington, Indiana
Basic counter-serve joint offering quirky specialty pizzas, plus delivery & late-night hours.
Cloverleaf South Restaurant
Bloomington, Indiana
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great coffee, Great dessert, Serves local specialty. Popular for.
Fazoli's
Bloomington, Indiana
Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos.
Pizza X East
Bloomington, Indiana
Basic counter-serve joint offering quirky specialty pizzas, plus delivery & late-night hours.
Artists Colony Inn & Restaurant
Bloomington, Indiana
Laid-back accommodations in a relaxed inn with a free breakfast buffet, plus free parking & WiFi.
Harvest Dining Room at Brown County Inn
Bloomington, Indiana
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great coffee.
Trojan Horse
Bloomington, Indiana
Kitschy tavern known for its menu of Greek & American entrees, pub grub, milkshakes & cocktails.
Rally's
Bloomington, Indiana
Restaurant serving fast-food classics like burgers, hot dogs, french fries & shakes.
Lincoln Square Pancake House
Bloomington, Indiana
Cheery diner with a menu of hefty pancakes with various toppings, omelets & sandwiches.
Upland Brewing Co.
Bloomington, Indiana
Contemporary pub grub accompanies rotating house brews in a comfy, art-lined space with a patio.
Asuka Steak House
Bloomington, Indiana
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Smokin' Jack's Rib Shack
Bloomington, Indiana
Unpretentious restaurant featuring down-home, Southern-style BBQ & classic sides.
FARMbloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
All-day cafe with a funky vintage vibe, modern farmhouse-inspired cuisine & downstairs nightclub.
Jit's Thai Bistro
Bloomington, Indiana
Service options: Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great tea selection. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
BRU Burger Bar Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails. Popular for.
White Castle
Bloomington, Indiana
Fast-food chain serving signature beef, chicken & fish sliders, plus extras such as onion rings.
Five Guys
Bloomington, Indiana
Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.
Dairy Queen
Bloomington, Indiana
Soft-serve ice cream & signature shakes top the menu at this classic burger & fries fast-food chain.