For a small Indiana town, Bloomington has a lot to offer. If you have some down time and want something to do or eat or drink, you won’t have to go far! Many of the following recommendations are within the area on this map:
Breakfast
- Uptown Cafe (102 E. Kirkwood Ave.)
Very close to the Buskirk-Chumley. Try the potato omelet or the creme brulee French toast. And if you want to get a head start on the partying, don’t pass up their mimosas. - The Runcible Spoon (412 E. 6th St.)
A local favorite for hipsters and hippies. Although it’s known for crappy service (cuz, you know, pretentious hipsters aren’t required to be friendly or attentive), the food is delicious and made of locally-grown ingredients. For breakfast, try the eggs Benedict. For lunch, try the gypsy chicken or the black Russian sandwich. - The Village Deli (409 E. Kirkwood)
A very popular breakfast place for students. Try their colossal pancakes! - FARM Bloomington (108 E. Kirkwood)
Right next to the Buskirk-Chumley, offering fresh, locally-grown and made food. We’ve actually never been here, but we’ve heard great things! Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. - The Waffle House (530 N. College Ave.)
Not an official Waffle House, but same kinda food. And if you are in possession of Waffle Dollars for the real Waffle House, you can use ‘em here!
Lunch, dinner, and breweries
- Opie Taylor’s (110 N. Walnut St.)
A great local eatery in the heart of downtown Bloomington, very close to the Buskirk-Chumley. Lots of IU Hoosier pride. The staff members wear t-shirts that say “Purdue Grads Drink Wine Coolers”. - Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream (480 N. Morton St.)
Home of the Big Ugly 1-lb burger. Eat the whole burger and get your picture on the wall! Also try the cookies-n-cream milkshake. - Anatolia (405 E. 4th St.)
Offers delicious Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Sit at the tables or in traditional Turkish floor seating. You can’t go wrong with any of their kebabs. - Little Tibet (415 E. 4th St.)
This is one of our favorite date night spots. If the weather’s nice, enjoy the outdoor seating. We always get the mo mo and the murgi curry. Also try their Thai iced coffee. - Siam House (430 E. 4th St.)
A great Thai restaurant. Try their lunch buffet! - Malibu Grill (106 N. Walnut)
Try this if you’re looking for something a little more classy. They have a large menu and a great wine selection too. It’s right next to Opie Taylor’s on the square (less than a block away from the Buskirk-Chumley). - Grazie! Italian Eatery (106 W. 6th St.)
A great place for you Saracenos who want a taste of the motherland. And of course, a wonderful selection of wines, martinis, and other cocktails. - Scholar’s Inn Bakehouse (125 N. College Ave.), Scholar’s Inn Gourmet Cafe & Wine Bar (717 N. College Ave.)
Same company, different places. Try the Bakehouse for baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. Try the Cafe & Wine Bar for more upscale dining and drinking. - The Irish Lion (212 W. Kirkwood)
Authentic Irish food and drink. You can’t go there without trying the Blarney Puffballs. Also try the Celtic stew and a 1/2 yard of Guiness. - Roots (124 N. Walnut)
We don’t really go here because we are carnivores and they don’t offer meat. But still a great place, especially for all you vegans and vegetarians! - Nick’s English Hut (423 E. Kirkwood)
Outstanding pub food. If you’re looking for a traditional Bloomington drinking game, try playing Sink the Biz, and don’t forget to order their Sink the Biz fries! - Upland Brewery (350 W. 11th St.)
Go on a brewery tour (with free tasting at the end!), and then check out their large and delicious menu. Try the Upland Wheat or the Helios Pale Ale. Aw heck, try any of their beers. - Lennie’s & The Bloomington Brewing Company (1795 E. 10th St.)
Another local brew pub! All of the food is delicious, and try any of their beers. Anna S. is partial to their Quarryman Pale Ale and Ruby Bloom Amber.
Bars
You are guaranteed to party hearty at the wedding, but if you just can’t get enough, try some of these bars. (Also see Nick’s, Lennie’s, and Upland above.)
- Serendipity (201 S. College Ave.)
A martini bar and restaurant with a wide range of drinks and tapas to choose from. Somewhat pricey for Bloomington, but a cool and classy atmosphere. Almost directly across the street from the Marriott. - Atlas Ballroom (209 S. College Ave.)
Super close to the Courtyard Marriott (almost directly across the street). We haven’t been here yet, but we hear it’s an awesome hangout for hipsters, minus the student crowd. Oh, and they have ski ball. However, they don’t have a sign out front. Serendipity does have a sign. If you’re facing the front entrance of Serendipity, Atlas is the building on the right. - The Root Cellar (108 E. Kirkwood Ave.)
Right next to the Buskirk-Chumley, this is the bar in the basement of FARM Bloomington. A really cool atmosphere (“cellar” is a pretty accurate description). - The Vid (105 W. 7th St.)
Another home for local hipsters! Come here for darts, pool, and PBR. - Kilroy’s on Kirkwood (502 E. Kirkwood)
A favorite for frats and sororities at IU. Newly remodeled, and has outdoor seating right on Kirkwood. - The Upstairs (430 E. Kirkwo0d)
Another great place for darts, in a great location. If you’re looking for ultimate intoxication, try their A.M.F. (Adios, motherf…..!). It’s blue, delicious, and deceptively not-alcoholic-tasting. Be careful on the steep staircase!
Desserts
- Blu Boy (112 East Kirkwood Ave.)
This chocolate cafe and cakery is directly next to the Buskirk-Chumley. Everything is absolutely delicious. Try their homemade ice cream, macaroons, or any of the fancy chocolates. - Chocolate Moose (401 S. Walnut St.)
A very quick walk from the Courtyard Marriott. One of Bloomington’s favorite local ice cream places. Try their homemade grasshopper ice cream (mint ice cream with oreos). - Campus Candy (518 E. Kirkwood Ave., upstairs)
This is a really fun candy store with a huge variety of candy, including some hard-to-find, “vintage” candies from back in the day. But be careful– they charge based on weight, and when we went there together, we ended up going a little crazy and buying $15 worth of chocolates and gummies.
Wineries
- Oliver Winery (8024 N. State Rd. 37)
About a 15-20 minute drive north of Bloomington, Oliver Winery offers free tastings and beautiful scenery. After your tasting, you can buy a bottle of wine and have a picnic outside. - Butler Winery (1022 N. College Ave.)
Convenient location, but a much smaller tasting room, and without outdoor space. But still a great place for tasting Indiana wines!
Things to do
- Walk!
Indiana University Bloomington has an absolutely gorgeous campus. Check out the interactive campus map (click the link in the upper-right corner for a printable version). While you’re on campus, check out the IU Art Museum and the Lilly Library (home of some absolutely amazing and rare literary pieces). After walking around campus, start at the Sample Gates and walk your way up Kirkwood and around the square. - Wonder Lab Museum of Health, Science, and Technology (308 W. 4th St.)
This is a great place to take kids! Lots of fun, interactive, and educational exhibits. - Bloomington Community Farmer’s Market (401 N. Morton)
Even if you aren’t looking to buy fresh produce and meats, the Farmer’s Market is a great experience. Enjoy walking up and down the aisles of fruits, veggies, meats, flowers, plants, and more. There is often some kind of musical performance. And don’t leave without getting a bag of fresh popped kettle corn. - Check with the Bloomington Visitor’s Bureau!
We could go on and on and on about stuff to do in Bloomington. Try browsing www.visitbloomington.com to find places and activities! But, uh, don’t forget to come to our wedding!!
