Dining Recommendations

  • People dining outdoors at a restaurant with green umbrellas and string lights, and a welcoming chalkboard sign.

    Upland Brewery

    The brewery that started it all in Indiana! Check out Upland’s large patio and expansive menu (even vegan options)! If Coastbuster IPA is on tap, do yourself a favor and grab one!

  • Exterior of a restaurant called Uncible Spoon with outdoor seating and flowering plants in front.

    Runcible Spoon

    Did somebody say BRUNCH!? This is a happening brunch spot with mimosa & bloody mary pitchers and plenty of options for those looking for the more traditional American breakfast.

  • People dining and socializing at a bar inside a restaurant or pub, with photographs and memorabilia on the walls.

    Malibu Grill

    Located right on the square downtown this happening place is great for upscale dining and cocktails. Snag a seat in the bar and catch some live music. Your host recommends the Caramelized Salmon, Cajun Ribeye, Ahi Tuna appetizer, and Chopped Salad (add a crabcake if you want to be extra!). Reservations recommended.

  • A cozy restaurant with red tablecloths, wooden walls decorated with Indiana football posters, and a few tables occupied by customers, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

    Janko's Little Zagrebs

    A Bloomington/IU staple famous for their spicy meatballs! This institution serves hearty steak & seafood dinners & fine wines in an old-fashioned dining room.


  • People sitting at outdoor tables with umbrellas at a distillery restaurant, pumpkins on the railing, trees in background, sunny weather.

    Cardinal Spirits

    Stylish boutique distillery & tasting room offering craft cocktails & elevated New American bites. Outdoor seating available and reservations recommended on busy nights. Reservations recommended.

  • Interior of a cozy cafe with tables, chairs, and large windows offering natural light.

    The Tap

    In the heart of downtown on the square The Tap has lots of draft beer options and casual eats with lots of tv’s for watching the game.

  • Close-up of a slice of pizza being lifted from a plate, with melted cheese stretching, and a whole pizza in the background on a wooden table.

    Lennie's Brew Pub Bloomington Brew Company

    Located right on Kirkwood makes this an easy walk from the B-Town Bungalow. Easygoing tavern serving local craft beers & a wide-ranging menu of eats, including gourmet pizzas. Reservations recommended.

  • Outside view of a restaurant with a large wooden deck, string lights, lantern-style lights, and a green canopy, with snow along the sidewalk.

    Big Woods | Quaff On!

    Relaxed restaurant & bar serving locally brewed beer & creative pub fare with live entertainment. Enjoy the beer garden or outdoor patio on beautiful days!

  • Social Cantina

    Social Cantina

    Craft margaritas and street tacos in a trendy atmosphere right on the downtown square!

  • Modern indoor bar and seating area with high stools at the counter, enclosed booths, black pendant lights, and wooden flooring.

    The Elm

    Located just 2 blocks from the B-Town Bungalow! This new restaurant has a rotating menu of the season’s finest foods. Serving craft cocktails and charcuterie boards makes this a great stop. Reservations recommended.

  • Exterior of a restaurant or cafe with outdoor seating, brick building, large windows, a neon sign that says 'PARKING OUT BACK', and colorful artwork inside visible through the windows.

    FARMbloomington

    Farm to fork. All-day cafe with a funky vintage vibe, modern farmhouse-inspired cuisine & downstairs nightclub. Reservations recommended.

  • Closed clam sandwich with lettuce, tomato, sprouts, and capers, served with a pickle spear on a paper-lined basket.

    Bloomington Bagel Company

    Fueling Bloomington with bagel breakfasts since, forever, basically. Several locations around town but most notable is just off Kirkwood Ave. Order the Lots-a-Lox bagel and you won’t be disappointed!

  • Outdoor seating area of a Thai restaurant called 'My Thai Downtown' with tables and chairs, a neon 'Open' sign, and a decorative rock feature in the background.

    My Thai Cafe

    Serving traditional Thai cuisine with excellent outdoor seating. Located on Bloomington’s iconic 4th street showcasing lots of international dining establishments (Mediterrian, Turkish, Greek, Indian & Thai fare on this street). If you don’t end up at My Thai check out some other great options here!

  • Interior of a colorful coffee shop with customers sitting at tables, a counter with a barista, and vibrant wall art and decorations.

    Rainbow Bakery

    Just a 5 minute walk from the Hoosier House! Hip bakery with retro decor, turning out all-vegan pastries & cakes, plus local drip coffee.

  • Person holding a waffle cone with two scoops of vanilla ice cream in front of a bakery called 'Sweet Chocolate House'

    The Chocolate Moose

    Enduring joint doling out ice cream & shakes, plus burgers & hot dogs, in modern, counter-serve digs We like to walk with the kids from the B-Town Bungalow.

  • Fresh pepperoni pizza on a blue plate

    Mother Bear's Pizza

    If you’re ordering pizza in this town, this would be the place! World famous for their sauce and deep dish!

  • The exterior of a restaurant with signs that read 'Buffa'. and 'Aces', with the phrase 'At the Gables' in neon lights, featuring a brick building and a stained glass window, under a partly cloudy sky.

    BuffaLouie's

    Counter-service locale dishing up burgers & wings in a laid-back setting adorned with sports decor. Located near Kirkwood on Indiana Avenue!

  • Interior of a modern cafe with a long bar, hanging geometric light fixtures, brick walls, and large front windows.

    The Inkwell Cafe

    A great little daytime cafe serving up hot coffee and treats. With multiple locations around town making it easily walkable from Ballantine Beauty & Hoosier House. We enjoy the avocado toast and medium roast coffee!

  • A person riding a bicycle in front of a coffee shop on a sunny day with trees and buildings around.

    Hopscotch Coffee

    Great little coffee shop and cafe! Great relaxed vibe and easily walkable.