Dining Out

This small but colorful Chinese restaurant is tucked into the side of the Seminary Square Kroger supermarket. As one of only a handful of Chinese restaurants offering delivery in Bloomington, The Peach Garden does brisk business dispatching food to customers in and out of the dining room. Szechuan and Kung Pao specialties are sneakily spicy, with heat that creeps up the back of your throat. Try pan-fried Szechuan wontons filled with pork and chicken. Many menu options are available in pint or quart sizes. Prices: Appetizers $1.45-5.45, lunch specials $5.95-7.95, entrées $6.45-13.95 Hours: Lunch Tu-Fri 11 am-2:30 pm, dinner Mon-Th 5-10 pm Fri 5-11 pm Sat-Sun noon-11 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Campus Access Outdoor Seating: No

Specials include Grilled Salmon, Bayou Bowl, and Portabello Soup. Entertainment nightly featuring jazz, blues, swing, and country music. Prices: Appetizers $3.50-11.99, entrées $8.50-16, desserts $3.50-5 Hours: Mon-Sat 4 pm until late Sun 5 pm until late. Reservations recommended for major entertainers. Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

This nonprofit coffee house’s motto is “pouring global goodness.” Launched by Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 100 percent of profits and tips are donated to charity. Check the website to see where the money is donated each month. The deceptively large space has plenty of room for a coffee date or an extended study session, and there’s even a small stage for live music. All manner of coffee and espresso drinks are sold, along with smoothies and teas. Cool down with a bowl of gelato, unique flavors like mascarpone caramel pistachio and spiced hazelnut fig rotate by season. Sandwiches, cookies, and muffins are also available. Prices: Coffee $1-3, espresso drinks, tea, and smoothies $2-5, gelato $3-5, sandwiches $4-6 Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm Sat 9 am-9 pm Sun 1-7 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

Specialties at this 200-seat restaurant include pasta, seafood, filets, and lamb; there is also a tapas bar. Prices: Appetizers from $3, entrées $10-26, desserts $5-7 Hours: Sun-Th 5-10 pm Fri-Sat 5-11 pm. Reservations are required on weekends and for large groups anytime. Bar: Full Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes