Indiana, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Bloomington

June 23, 2020 Kaleigh Reichenbach

Find out what American restaurants to try in Bloomington. 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

10. The Irish Lion Restaurant & Pub

212 W Kirkwood Ave 1/2 Block West of the Square, Bloomington, IN 47404-5144 American, Irish, International, Pub Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Private D [email protected] +1 812-336-9076 http://www.irishlion.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 558 reviews

The Irish Lion Restaurant & Pub

If you can’t make it to Ireland, do the next best thing! A true public house experience and 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

Reviewed By Laurie B

Three of us ate here when Farm was closed for the July 4 holiday. Our friend assured us how good the food was but I found it lacking on all fronts. We had what they call call Irish soda bread to start but it wasn’t even vaguely like the soda bread we have in Boston or any other places I’ve been either. It was just Carmel colored thin sliced bread with no raisins. For dinner I had the duck with stuffing and baked apple. The duck was rather blah and needed seasoning. The skin wasn’t crispy and the baked apple wasn’t even cooked.My companions liked their meals but weren’t overly enthusiastic.

9. Bub's Burgers and Ice Cream

480 N Morton St, Bloomington, IN 47404-3734 American Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service [email protected] +1 812-331-2827 http://www.bubsburgersandicecream.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 193 reviews

Bub's Burgers and Ice Cream

Reviewed By Martha C

We tried the "big ugly burger"! It took four of us to eat it. Flavor was great!! We tried their waffle fries with toppings. Great also.

8. Malibu Grill

106 N Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404-4911 American, Bar Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Takeout, Live Music [email protected] +1 812-332-4334 http://www.malibugrill.net
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 369 reviews

Malibu Grill

Reviewed By tdw41

We found this restaurant to be top notch. The food and service were outstanding. My wife had the pink snapper special, I had the seared tuna, and my grandson had a steak. All were excellent. Will definitely return when in Bloomington.

Where to Eat in Bloomington: The Best Restaurants and Bars

7. Upland Brewing Company

350 W 11th St, Bloomington, IN 47404-3720 American, Bar, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live M [email protected] +1 812-336-2337 http://www.uplandbeer.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 574 reviews

Upland Brewing Company

Reviewed By mauneja

My family recently ate at Upland while visiting my daughter at school. Everyone enjoyed their meal, I had the pork tenderloin sandwich, definitely recommend.

Where to eat Pub food in Bloomington: The Best Restaurants and Bars

6. Runcible Spoon Cafe and Restaurant

412 E 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47408-4018 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Table Service, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol +1 812-334-3997 http://www.runciblespoonrestaurant.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 351 reviews

Runcible Spoon Cafe and Restaurant

Reviewed By kimstamps

While we were visiting Bloomington,The Runcible Spoon came highly recommended and it lived up to the recommendation. The restaurant is in a renovated home, with eclectic decor. There's outdoor seating in nice weather and inside seating, which takes advantage of every inch of space. The place is busy and servers are attentive and helpful. The food is the star with a focused menu and everything prepared perfectly. The weekend special offers you choice of 2 eggs, French toast or pancake, and bacon or sausage. The scrambled eggs were fluffy and topped with cheese. The pancake is huge - and delicious. It had a slight crispy exterior and fluffy inside. The omelette was flavorful. The coffee treats are delicious and beautifully prepared. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and look forward to our next trip!

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5. Uptown Cafe

102 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408 American, Cajun & Creole Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks, Late Night Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Television, Free Wifi, Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, A [email protected] +1 812-339-0900 http://www.the-uptown.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 751 reviews

Uptown Cafe

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 Lynn J

This remains our favorite restaurant in Bloomington, hands down over many years. Others come and go. Sometimes we love to go go others, but we constantly return here to enjoy the consistently good food and service. We adore the pork liver pate and often share that and the mesclun salad.

Most Popular Chinese food in Bloomington, Indiana, United States

4. Big Woods Bloomington

116 N Grant St, Bloomington, IN 47408-4026 American, Bar, Pub, Gastropub Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music [email protected] +1 812-335-1821 http://www.quaffon.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 485 reviews

Big Woods Bloomington

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 Quaf

Reviewed By Chicago_Gayle

We enjoyed a great lunch while passing through the area. We had the Pulled Pork Nachos (which are an amazing specialty of the restaurant) as well as a Brew Burger and Brewer's Wings. Everything was great, and the service was attentive. The restaurant has both indoor seating and covered outdoor seating.Gayle,Thank you so much for taking the time to review our restaurant. I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. We are looking forward to the opportunity to serve you again in the future! Cheers,Harrison DowningGeneral Manager

Indiana, United States Food Guide: 10 Asian food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Bloomington

3. Mother Bear's Pizza

1428 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401-3731 Italian, American, Bar, Pizza Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 812-332-4495 http://www.motherbearspizza.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 783 reviews

Mother Bear's Pizza

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 w

Reviewed By jimbomorg

Great pizza, cheap beer in a classic college setting. Didn’t try anything else but the pizza, beer, and wings didn’t disappoint. Great for students and parents early in the night.

Most Popular Middle Eastern food in Bloomington, Indiana, United States

2. Darn Good Soup

107 N College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404-3975 American, Soups, Contemporary Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible [email protected] 812-335-3533 http://darngoodsoup.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 279 reviews

Darn Good Soup

Reviewed By RyansTravelers

Went here with my wife for a quick lunch. This is a counter service restaurant with self-service for your beverage. The soup was fantastic. I enjoyed the "Sweet and Sour Pork" soup. I would like to try their other selections as well as I think they change up their line up of soups on a daily basis. We didn't have to wait long at all to order and receive our soup. The atmosphere is one expected at a counter service style restaurant and a bit of a tight space. The only draw back was I thought that it was a little over-prices. I could probably get a hardier meal somewhere else for the same cost. But, if you are willing to spend the money for a moderately priced counter service, I would recommend giving it a try.

Best Mediterranean food near Bloomington, Indiana, United States

1. Lennie's Restaurant

514 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408-4059 Pub, Gastropub, American, Bar, Pizza, Contemporary, Soups Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Wine and Beer +1 812-323-2112 https://www.lenniesbloomington.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 414 reviews

Lennie's Restaurant

At Lennie's, you'll likely find IU professors enjoying pints after class, groups catching a bite after an IU Auditorium performance, or couples enjoying a first date. Lennie's friendly, cozy environment, and great food attract a diverse crowd. Culinary In

Reviewed By buckeyemorel

Thanks to General Manager Matt Houghton for his exceptional customer service. In trying to accommodate an unusual dietary restriction, Matt went above and beyond to take care of things. Great gourmet pizzas. Nice ambiance, and perfect new location.Thanks for your review! So glad to hear you had a great experience. And that certainly sounds like Matt! Hope to have you back again soon. =)

Top 3 Indonesian food in Bloomington, Indiana, United States

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