25 Essential Bloomington Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Bloomington.
Piada Italian Street Food
Minnesota
Counter-order restaurant serving design-your-own Italian food including wraps, pastas & salads.
Woolley's Kitchen & Bar
Minnesota
Embassy Suites steakhouse serving gourmet fillets & seafood in an open-air atrium.
Scramblin' Egg
Minnesota
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Bloomington's most persuasive restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 86.6.
IHOP
Bloomington, Minnesota
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
Perkins American Food Co.
Bloomington, Minnesota
Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.
Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse
Bloomington, Minnesota
Branch of an upscale American chain preparing steaks, seafood & cocktails in a sophisticated space.
Rainforest Cafe
Bloomington, Minnesota
Rainforest-themed chain for updated classic fare amid jungle flora & animatronic animals.
Shantytown Grill
Bloomington, Minnesota
Small neighborhood haunt offering burgers, wings & other American pub grub, plus cocktails & beer.
Cedar + Stone, Urban Table
Bloomington, Minnesota
Upmarket choice in the JW Marriott serving locally sourced American fare in a unique, modern space.
Johnny Rockets
Bloomington, Minnesota
Burgers, shakes & fries arrive in a retro setting at this outpost of the international chain.
Willy McCoys
Bloomington, Minnesota
Chain spot named for a notorious bootlegger offering classic tavern eats, full bar & TV sports.
Zantigo
Bloomington, Minnesota
Local counter-serve chain dishing up classic Mexican fare in a casual, contemporary space.
Zeke's Place
Bloomington, Minnesota
Unassuming, family-friendly bar & grill featuring burgers & sandwiches, plus beer & wine.
Wally's Roast Beef
Bloomington, Minnesota
Bare-bones counter-serve joint with seating, offering roast beef & other meat sandwiches & plates.
Mandarin Kitchen
Bloomington, Minnesota
Simple, bustling eatery known for its weekend dim sum spread & extensive menu of Cantonese dishes.
FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar
Bloomington, Minnesota
Polished, modern bar & grill serving breakfast, steaks, New American fare & cocktails.
Amazing Momo
Bloomington, Minnesota
Identifies as Asian-owned, Identifies as women-owned. Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch.
Erbert and Gerbert's
Bloomington, Minnesota
Chain eatery offering submarine sandwiches, soups & chili in a casual, counter-service setting.
Perkins American Food Co.
Bloomington, Minnesota
Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.
Twin City Grill
Bloomington, Minnesota
Contemporary American grill provides steaks, chops & classic comfort dishes in a polished interior.
Outback Steakhouse
Bloomington, Minnesota
Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.
Davanni's Pizza & Hot Hoagies
Bloomington, Minnesota
Regional chain with a long menu of pizzas, hoagies & more, ordered at the counter or for delivery.
Chevys Fresh Mex
Bloomington, Minnesota
Lively, informal Mexican chain with a colorful, family-friendly setting, plus tequilas & margaritas.
Penn Lake Roast Beef
Bloomington, Minnesota
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Blue Water Grill
Bloomington, Minnesota
Relaxed, modern option in the Hilton hotel offering all-day American fare & a variety of wine.