Dining Out

This restaurant is known for its Indian breads and buffet. Menu items include lamb biryani and the spicy chicken vindaloo. Good vegetarian choices. Prices: Appetizers $1.99-6.99, entrées $10.99-13.99 Hours: Mon-Sat 11 am-2:30 pm and 5-10 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

Bright and spacious, this comfortable restaurant has excellent meze-style appetizers (you can make a meal of them) as well as kebabs and pide (best described as open-faced sandwich boats, or Turkish pizzas). Lots of vegetarian options. Try the incredible tarator, a chopped-walnut yogurt spread, on freshly baked bread. Regular tables as well as traditional Turkish seating. Prices: Lunch appetizers $2.75-6.95, entrées $7.75-12.95, dinner appetizers $3.50-7.95, entrées $9.50-14.95 Hours: Daily 11 am-10 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC Outdoor Seating: Yes

This cozy restaurant occupies a vintage bungalow on Bloomington’s 4th Street restaurant row. Little Tibet serves house specialties of momo dumplings and curries from Thailand and India, as well as noodle dishes and vegetarian choices. And besides wine and Champagne, Anyetsang’s serves a large variety of mimosas. Prices: Lunch entrées $6.95, dinner appetizers $5.95, entrées $11.95-12.45, desserts $2-3 Hours: Wed-Mon 11 am-10 pm. Closed Tu Bar: Wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

At Bella Cucina, Victoria Colongione offers soups, salads, and desserts, but sandwiches are the main attraction. Bestsellers include the classic Reuben and the chicken salad sandwich, lasagna, and matzoh ball soup. There is limited seating, but carryout and delivery are available. Prices: Most sandwiches about $6.25, desserts $3 Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am-3 pm. Closed Sat and Sun Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX Outdoor Seating: Yes

The cafés at these member-owned organic groceries feature hot dishes, a salad bar, and eclectic deli and dessert selections. Local ingredients are emphasized, and vegan and vegetarian choices abound. All three locations offer a salad bar, soup, made-to-order sandwiches, and baked goods, while the West 6th Street and East 3rd Street locations also offer a hot bar with salad, lunch, and dinner items available every day from 10:30 am-9 pm. The East 3rd Street location also has smoothies. Prices: Salad/hot bar $7.99/lb, entrées $5-15, desserts $1 and up Hours:  East 3rd Street: Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm (breakfast until 10:30 am) Sat 8 am-9 pm (breakfast until 11 am) Sun 8 am-9 pm (brunch until 1 pm). West 6th Street: Mon-Sat 8 am-9 pm Sun brunch 9 am-2 pm. Kirkwood Avenue: Mon-Sat 8 am-7 pm Sun 10 am-5 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access Outdoor Seating: No/Yes/Yes

Customers can watch employees make East Coast-style, kettle-boiled bagels from scratch while waiting in line in this laidback eatery. Bagelwiches (like the Lotsa Lox, with cream cheese, Nova lox, tomato, onion, and capers), salads, soups, coffees, and cookies are popular. Breakfast is served all day. Prices: Appetizers $3-5, entrées $3-10, desserts around $2 Hours: Mon-Sat 6 am-7 pm Sun 7 am-7 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access Outdoor Seating: Yes

This casual restaurant on East Kirkwood is all about good sandwiches. Chef and manager Mike Moy offers house-made Chicago-style corned beef and Italian beef, with Italian ices for dessert. Prices: Sandwiches $3-8, desserts $1-2 Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am-8 pm Sat 11:30 am-3:30 pm. Closed Sun Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access Outdoor Seating: Yes

Beautiful chocolates and cakes are handcrafted with local ingredients at BLU Boy Chocolate Café & Cakery. Cookies are excellent; choose from buttery oatmeal raisin, double chocolate mudslide, or the classic chocolate chunk, balanced by a touch of cinnamon and salt. BLU Boy may be the only place in Bloomington to buy macarons, delicate French sandwich cookies. Don’t forget luscious seasonal tarts and pies, the daily cupcake menu, or house-made gourmet ice cream. All make great gifts. Prices: Cookies and macarons $2-3, cake and pie slices $3-5, chocolates $2-12 Hours: Mon-Th 10 am-6 pm Fri-Sat 10 am-10 pm. Closed Sun. Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of BLU Boy Chocolate Café & Cakery here!

Tucked into the 10th and College apartment complex, Bombay Cafe offers fast Indian food. Meal specials are served in disposable, compartmentalized dishes. The menu rotates but often features favorites like butter chicken and dal makhni. Main dishes come with roti (an Indian flatbread), basmati rice, and small salads. Prices: Lunch special $6, dinner special $12, sides $3-7 Hours: Tu-Fri 11:30 am-2 pm and 5-11:30 pm Sat-Sun 5-11:30 pm. Closed Mon Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

Bub’s is a Bloomington outpost of a Carmel, Indiana, burger joint, and burgers (and ice cream) are what they do well here—from the full pound  “Big Ugly” to the 1/4 pound “Settle for Less Ugly” burger in ground beef or healthier elk.  Dress ‘em as you like ‘em and add sides of fries, slaw, potato salad, or onion rings.  Hand-dipped shakes and malts are added bliss! Prices: Burgers and sandwiches $5.95-19.95, sides $1.20-12.99, desserts $4.25-5.35 Hours: Daily 11 am-10 pm Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

Seventeen years ago an IU student opened BuffaLouie’s, naming it after his grandfather. Wings, subs, and salads are the reason to go. Hoosier and sports-themed memorabilia adorn the walls, and big-screen TVs keep you entertained. Prices: $2.99 (a hot dog) to $65.99 (super bucket of wings), cookies 59 cents Hours: Daily 11 am-midnight Bar: Beer Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access Outdoor Seating: Yes

Butch’s offers everything a homesick East Coaster could want, from corned beef on rye to bagels to NY-style pizza. Prices: Appetizers $3.95-9.95, sandwiches $3.95-19.95, pizza $12.95-17.95, sides $2.50-7.25 Hours: Daily 11 am-10 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access Outdoor Seating: Yes

Cozy and colorful, this funky café offers an eclectic pan-Asian menu and live jazz. For something different, make a meal of the unusual appetizers (try the really delicious but fiery Himalayan potatoes). Pastas are good, too, especially the peanut noodles. Lunch specials change daily. Wine is 30 percent off on Tuesday, and beer is discounted on Wednesday. Prices: Lunch appetizers $1.95-12.95, entrées $7.25-8.95, desserts $.60-4.95; dinner appetizers $3.95-12.95, entrées $9.95-16.95, desserts $1.50-9.95 Hours: Mon-Th 11 am-10:30 pm Fri 1-11:30 pm Sat 8:30 am-11:30 pm (brunch until 2 pm) Sun 8:30 am-10:30 pm (brunch until 3 pm). Reservations recommended on weekends. Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of Café Django here!

In business since 1953, Cafe Pizzaria was not only the first pizzeria in Bloomington but, according to store legend, the first restaurant to serve the Midwestern version of the Stromboli sandwich (with ground sausage, onion, cheese, and sauce on a sub bun). The original recipes are still in use, and owner Larry Webb purchases local Indiana beef from Fischer Farms. Daily specials, seating for 100. Prices: Appetizers $1.25-3.50, entrées $3.50-22.70 Hours: Mon-Th 11 am-11:30 pm Fri-Sat 11 am-midnight Sun 5-11:30 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: No

For the wonderful, spicy, exotic flavors of the spice trade, enter Puccini’s but turn right, not left. Caravan’s menu not only celebrates the cuisine of the owner’s native Ethiopia, but also Persia (modern day Iran) and Morocco. Get a sampler plate and savor them all. Prices: Appetizers from $3.50-10, entrées $13-24 Hours: Lunch Mon-Sat 11 am-2 pm, Dinner daily 5-10 pm Bar: Wine only Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

Come summer, lines form well into the night at the venerable Chocolate Moose. Grasshopper and Moose Chocolate ice creams are classics and well worth the wait. In fact, all of the homemade ice cream flavors are a good bet; add dips to a sundae or blend into a milkshake. Soft serve is big too, from tiny torch cones to chocolate-and-nut-dipped swirls. And there’s more than just frozen treats; Coney dogs and Spanish burgers have their share of fans. Dairy-less options include fruity Dole whip and slushies. Prices: Ice cream $1.50-5, slushies and sno cones $.50-2, sundaes and parfaits $2-5, sandwiches $1-4 Hours: Mon-Sat 11 am-11 pm Sun noon-10 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC  Outdoor Seating: Yes

Chow Bar’s prime location on Indiana makes it a popular spot of students and faculty. The lunch buffet isn’t huge, but it offers more than the standard sweet and sour chicken and fried rice. Seafood is plentiful, especially at the Sunday buffet. Or order off the menu; spicy Szechuan dishes arrive slicked with fiery chili oil. Vegetable-based dishes shine, in particular tender eggplant and snappy green beans coated in addictive garlic sauce. Bubble tea is a big draw, available in a wide variety of flavors from green tea to taro root to passion fruit. The menu focuses on Taiwanese specialties but also features Japanese and Indonesian style entrées. Prices: Appetizers $2-6, lunch $5-8, house specialties $9-15 Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm Sat noon-10 pm Sun noon-9 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Campus Access Outdoor Seating: No

At Weekday Happy Hour (from 4 to 7 pm) in this classic, comfortable bar, you'll find free munchies and tall draft beer specials. The specialties of the house include flavored martinis, Angus Beef burgers, quesadillas, steaks, and barbecued ribs. Live bands play some Saturdays and Sundays. Prices: Appetizers $5.49-7.99, entrées $6.29-18.99, desserts $3-4 Hours: Mon-Sat 11 am-1 am Sun noon-midnight Bar: Full Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., DC, Campus Access Outdoor Seating: Yes

This laidback, 40-seat restaurant opened in the mid-1980s and offers family dining. Specialty sandwiches are the Dagwood Supreme (ham, turkey, and roast beef) and the Ultimate Turkey (turkey, avocado, cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayonnaise). Be sure to ask for the really wonderful Special Sauce. Prices: Sandwiches $3.50-5 Hours: Mon-Th 10:30 am-1 am Fri-Sat 10:30 am-4 am Sun 11 am-midnight Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC Outdoor Seating: No

It can be hard to choose between 4th Street’s many international restaurants, but the Korean food at Dami is worth a taste. Many dishes are flavored with gochujang, a sweet but fiery Korean chile paste. Chile-red soups and stews are full of meltingly tender beef and chicken, particularly comforting on cold or rainy days. Try the bibimbap, a rice bowl topped with veggies, kimchi, and a fried egg, stir it up with a bit of chile paste to get a bit of everything in each bite. If you're unfamiliar with Korean food, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly wait staff for recommendations. The casual dining room is lined with flat screen televisions streaming Korean pop music, while a small outdoor seating area is a lovely place to lunch. Prices: Lunch specials $5-9, entrées $9-16, soups and stews $10-15 Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm Sat noon-10 pm. Closed Sun Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

Formerly called Yats, this restaurant was rechristened by Chef Bob Crowley when he became the sole owner. Crowley, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, offers recipes he collected from small Louisiana towns. Specialties include Chili Cheese Etouffee, Gumbo, Jambalaya, and the Datwich Sandwich, a complex preparation that involves turkey dusted in Cajun spices, soaked in beer, cooked twice, spiced, and served up “so it warms you from your nose to your toes.” Prices: Entrées $5.75-8.75, desserts $.50-3 Hours: Mon-Sat 11 am-9 pm Sun noon-6 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC Outdoor Seating: Yes

This restaurant in the old Princess Theater is the place to go for your fix of Mexican food. If you are hungry for more conventional south-of-the-border fare, try the chilaquiles verde (a corn tortilla and shredded chicken in green tomatillo sauce), carne asada (ribeye topped with onion), and tacos al pastor (tacos with marinated pork). Prices: Appetizers $3.85-9.99, entrées $5.49-13.25 Hours: Mon-Wed 11 am-10 pm Th-Sat 11 am-3 am Sun 10:30 am-9 pm Bar: Beer Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: No

House specialties at this bright and airy restaurant at the back of Victoria Towers are based on family recipes. Try the Yum Khai, a spicy grilled chicken salad with shallots, cilantro, tomato, and lime juice, or the Moo Num Tok (grilled pork with onion, mint, and chilies). Noodle dishes and curries are also firstrate. Prices: Appetizers $6-10.95, lunch entrées $8.95-10.95, dinner entrées $9.95-15.95, desserts $3-6 Hours: Mon-Th 11:30 am-9 pm Fri-Sat 11:30 am-10 pm. Closed Sun. Reservations recommended on weekends. Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Limited

This small Dunkirk Square restaurant specializes in the sandwich that gives it its name, as well as in other Middle-Eastern delicacies like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and baba ganoush. The menu also includes kebabs, salads, entrée platters, and very good fries. Prices: Appetizers $4.50-8.50, sandwiches $6-9.50, entrées $10.50-18, desserts $2-4.50 Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 am-9:30 pm Sun noon-9 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc. Outdoor Seating: No

Chef Daniel Orr’s FARM is a cheerful, tongue-in-cheek salute to the best of Hoosier eating. In the old Oddfellows Building, revamped to look like a country farm store, FARM sells lunch, snacks, and locally made products in the market and delicious supper fare in the restaurant. Orr is a firstrate chef who brings his impressive resume of world travel and cooking to local Indiana ingredients. Menu changes seasonally, but try to catch the seared skirt steak with fabulous garlic and chili fries. Orr’s raw fish preparations are excellent, as are the pizzas in the bar. Prices: Breakfast biscuits, cereal, omelets $2-8.50; lunch soups, sandwiches, and burgers $5-15; dinner appetizers $6-8; entrées $14-35; tapas and pizzas in the bar $6.50-16; weekend brunch $1-23 Hours: Tu-Fri 7 am-10 pm Sat-Sun 10 am-9 pm. Closed Mon; Root Cellar drinks, snacks, music Tu-Th 8 pm-1 am Fri-Sat 8 pm-3 am. Closed Sun-Mon Bar: Full Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes, weather permitting

Read our review of FARMbloomington here!

Just a block off campus, Finch’s is a Bloomington treat. Chef/owner Jeff Finch (formerly of Trulli Flatbread) turns out wonderful food with a wide Mediterranean pedigree. Lots to love here—but don’t miss the crispy calamari appetizer, the wood-fired pizzettas, the seafood pasta, and steak frites. The menu changes seasonally and showcases meats, cheeses, and produce from Indiana. Extensive beer, wine selection. Prices: Lunch $7.50-16, dinner appetizers $3.50-12.50, dinner entrées $14-28 Hours: Mon-Sat lunch 11:30 am-5 pm, dinner 5-10 pm Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of Finches Brasserie here!

Just steps from Kirkwood, Hartzell’s has stepped up to fill ice cream cravings. Freshly made waffle cones and bowls are the way to go—fill yours with a scoop or two of creamy homemade ice cream. Unique flavors like the pleasantly herbal Chocolate & Sweet Basil and chocolate-coated Potato Chip are fun and tasty. Carbolite and frozen yogurt are lighter options. Prices: Ice cream $2-5, sundaes $4-5, yogurt and carbolite $1-5 Hours: Mon 3:30-11 pm Tu-Sat 11:30 am-11 pm Sun noon-11 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc., Campus Access Outdoor Seating: Yes

Step into Ireland when you enter this pub with its gorgeous 1860s bar and good food. Specialties include oysters, lamb, corned beef and cabbage, and Irish stews. Nightly specials. Full array of Irish and European imported beers; 57 single-malt scotches. Prices: Appetizers $4.75-10.95, entrées $12.85-34.95, pub grub $5.95-6.95, desserts $3.75-5.80 Hours: Mon-Sat 11 am-3 am Sun 11 am-midnight Bar: Full Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., DC Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of The Irish Lion here!

A Bloomington favorite, with its checked tablecloths and IU-decked walls, Janko’s is one block west of the downtown Square. Lamb and pork chop specials are featured regularly, and the menu offers Eastern European specialties like fiery Bucharest meatballs, but fabulous steaks are the reason most people line up to get in. Prices: Appetizers $2-24.90, entrées $9.90-40.90 (includes salad and potato), desserts $3 Hours: Mon-Th 5-9:30 pm Fri-Sat 4:30-10 pm. Closed Sun. Reservations recommended. Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, DC Outdoor Seating: No
Read our review of Janko's Little Zagreb here!

Popular with IU students, both Kilroy’s venues serve sandwiches, pizza, and appetizers such as stuffed breadsticks and nachos. More than 40 flavored Long Island iced teas are available, and drink specials are offered every night. Prices: Appetizers and entrées around $5.50 Hours: Mon-Sat 11 am-3 am Sun 11 am-12:30 am Bar: Full Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

Both vegan- and omnivore-friendly, this charming, funky shop offers delicious salads, soups, veggie burgers, quesadillas, and baked goods. Hungarian Mushroom Soup and the Spinach Black Bean Burrito are specialties. The restaurant serves organic and local produce and composts back to suppliers. Prices: Appetizers $2.99-4.25, burritos from $4.59, desserts $1.50 Hours: Daily 11 am-9 pm. Delivery Mon-Fri 11 am-9 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Campus Access Outdoor Seating: Yes

“I cook foods I like to eat,” says Marina Fiore, chef of this quaint, family-oriented restaurant. Her tastes run to French classics—rabbit dishes, cream sauces, crème brûlée, and chocolate mousse. Vegetarian options are always available. Prices: Appetizers $4.25, dinners $14-20 (including soup or salad, a vegetable, and potatoes), desserts around $3.25 Hours: Lunch Th and Sun only 11:30 am-1:30 pm, dinner Tu-Sun 5:30-9 pm. Closed Mon. Reservations are required for large parties. Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Open-air dining room

This reincarnation of an east side favorite is located alongside city hall in an old train depot. The cavernous building houses booths that create space for conversation. The menu offers an eclectic array of salads, sandwiches, pita wraps, and paninis.  Try the “Old Chicago”—a combination Italian beef and Italian sausage—and save room for the elephant ears on the dessert menu! Prices: Appetizers $4.99-9.99, salads $6.49-9.29, sandwiches $8.49-9.49, desserts $3-6 Hours: Sun-Wed 11 am-11 pm, Th-Sat 11 am-2 am Bar: Yes Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

Mad Mushroom delivers pizza at all hours, for all price points. The menu spans from bargain one-topping pizzas to specialty pies topped and sauced with gourmet ingredients like roasted red potatoes and gyros meat. And there’s more than pizza on the menu. Fill late night pasta cravings with baked ziti or spaghetti with basil pesto chicken. Check the website for daily specials. Prices: Appetizers and salads $3.99-6.99, grinders and pasta $4.49-8.99, pizza from $6.99, gourmet and specialty pizzas $10.99-22.99 Hours: Closed for remodeling until August 2013 Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access Outdoor Seating: No

This tiny 4th Street gem serves Burmese food—an exotic mix of Chinese, Thai, and Indian with a savory character all its own. Lots of curries and noodle dishes and many vegetarian options. Try the paratha with yellow chickpea curry and the tea leaf salad! Prices: Appetizers and salads $5.99-10.99, entrées $9.99-13.99, desserts $4.99 Hours: Tu-Sun 11:30 am-2:30 pm 5 pm-9 pm. Closed Mon Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

The first store for this beautiful little restaurant was hidden away in a strip mall on the west side of Bloomington. My Thai Cafe’s second store is on 4th Street restaurant row and also serves Thai family recipes cooked to your preferred degree of spiciness. Excellent spring rolls and shrimp tempura, to start. Entrées shine, too. Look for noodle dishes featuring the sweet and spicy “chef's gravy,” and try the fragrant curries. Prices: Appetizers $5.95-9.95, entrées $5.95-13.95 Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11 am-3 pm, dinner Mon-Th 4:30-9 pm Fri 4:30-10 pm, Sat 11 am-10 pm. Closed Sun Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of My Thai Cafe here!

A Bloomington institution for more than 80 years, Nick’s is the place to go for Gregg “Rags” Rago’s famous Nick’s burgers, strombolis, pizza, soups, salads, and sandwiches prepared with locally produced meats and produce. Enjoy daily food and drink specials while watching your favorite sports on the many high-definition TVs. A museum of IU memorabilia is displayed on the walls. Prices: Appetizers $2-10.50, entrées $5.95-21.95 Hours: Sun-Wed 11 am-midnight Th-Sat 11 am-2 am. Reservations are recommended for large parties. Bar: Full Credit Cards: Cash preferred, but Visa, MC, and Disc. are accepted. Outdoor Seating: Limited
Read our review of Nick’s English Hut here!

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

This welcoming café is full of light from window-lined walls, abundant plants, and shimmery papier-mâché sculptures. Over-size muffins and cookies are baked in-house, fresh waffles are popular for breakfast. Free Wi-Fi, plenty of coffee options, and comfortable couches make it a popular study spot during the day. At night, the café hosts poetry readings and local music shows, often extending the 9 pm closing time until events wind down. Prices: Coffee and tea $1-4, baked goods $1-3, salads and sandwiches $3-8 Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm Sat-Sun 9 am-9 pm (open later depending on the event)  Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC Outdoor Seating: Yes

An intimate restaurant just a block off the downtown Square, Tallent offers a creative, eclectic menu of superb food based on seasonal Midwestern ingredients. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Chef David Tallent and Pastry Chef Kristen Tallent put innovative twists on classic recipes. The menu changes frequently, but look for the exciting foie gras preparations, fresh fish specials, braised meat dishes, and fabulous desserts. On Monday nights, buy one entrée and have another for half price. The bar menu offers more casual dining options. Prices: Dinner appetizers $10-19, entrées $21-37, desserts $8-11 Hours: Mon-Sat 5-10 pm. Reservations recommended. Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: No
Read our review of Restaurant Tallent here!

This hole-in-the-wall place right next to the Bluebird serves delicious pizza with a rich, spicy tomato sauce until late in the evening. Wonderful, herby breadsticks. Local delivery available. Prices: Pizzas $4 (small), $9.75 (extra large) plus toppings, slices $2 Hours: Mon-Sat 5 pm-3 am Sun 5-10 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX Outdoor Seating: No

A beloved Bloomington landmark, the Runcible Spoon began as a bohemian coffee house in 1976. While it has kept its funky atmosphere (and the goldfish swimming in the bathtub), the restaurant now features breakfasts (try the pancakes and famous eggs Benedict), pastas and sandwiches at lunch, and more classic dishes at night, like gypsy chicken poached in olive oil, and salmon with horseradish cream. Live, traditional Irish music is featured on Tuesdays. Prices: Appetizers under $6, entrées $6-14, desserts $3 and under Hours: Daily 8 am-midnight Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review on Runcible Spoon Cafe and Restaurant here!

Bloomingtonian lovers of bánh mì, those luscious French-Vietnamese fusion sandwiches of grilled meat, vegetables, and pâté layered on French bread, are in luck.  This tiny strip mall shop produces delicious sandwiches (available also as wraps or sans bread, as a salad) of beef, pork, tofu, or vegetables. Choose from Lemongrass (yum!), Teriyaki, Sweet Soy, Korean, or Rush Hour Sauce, all made according to the Vietnamese owners’ secret recipes. Prices: Sandwiches $4.25-5, burgers $5.25-5.75, soup and salad $3.15-6.75 Hours: Tu-Sun 11:15 am-8 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: No

Chef Drew Nickless' eclectic menu emphasizes fresh food and offers specials every day in this romantic, 150-year-old brick mansion complete with fireplaces and an outdoor dining deck. The café serves creative brunches (try the Green Eggs & Ham!), dinners (check out “Not Your Mother’s Meatloaf,” made with filet mignon, and the savory “Duck and Waffles”), and gorgeous, decadent desserts. Breads come from the Bakehouse, under the same owners, as is the neighboring bed and breakfast. Live jazz some Sundays. Monthly wine-tasting dinners. Definitely a place to bring a date! Prices: Appetizers $6-12, brunch $7-12, entrées $15-34, desserts $3-9 Hours: Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm, dinner daily 5-11 pm Th-Sat 5-11 pm desserts and appetizers until midnight. Reservations recommended. Bar: Full Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of Scholars Inn Gourmet Café & Wine Bar here! 

All ages are welcome at this relaxed sports bar, with its extensive menu featuring creative salads, sandwiches, burgers, and huge desserts. Dill chips made from fried pickles, Buffalo-Breaded Chicken, and Scotty’s German Chocolate Cake are specialties. Prices: Appetizers $5.75-11.50, entrées $5-13, desserts $2.50-7.75 Hours: Sun-Tu 11 am-10 pm Wed-Sat 11 am-11 pm. No reservations. Bar: Beer, wine  Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of Scotty's Brewhouse here!

This sleek lounge offers more than 20 martinis, an extensive wine list, and a variety of savory tapas and entrées. Don’t miss the Petite Fleur, an herbal gin cocktail. Those in the mood for a full meal may opt for one of the pasta, chicken, seafood, or steak entrées. Tapas, or small plates meant for sharing, round out the menu. Snag one of the few couches to take in the free live music on weekends. Half-priced martinis on Mondays. Prices: Martinis $8-12, tapas $6-12, soups and salads $6-9, entrées $9-28, dessert $6 Hours: Mon-Th 5 pm-midnight Fri-Sat 5 pm-1 am Bar: Yes Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

The 90-item menu was one of the first local restaurants to list vegetarian options using healthy, fresh foods. Specialties include pad thai, curries, combo seafood platters, spicy Thai and coconut-milk soups, miang kom (fresh spinach leaves folded into a cone and filled with ginger, peanuts, coconut, etc.), and Bananas Foster. Prices: Appetizers $5-6, entrées $9-14, desserts $2-6 Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm (lunch buffet 11 am-2 pm) Sat noon-10 pm Sun noon-9 pm Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: All Outdoor Seating: Yes

Serving up the best latte in town, Soma works magic with coffee beans and an espresso machine. A prime downtown location, and a location in Jordan Square means more to love. Soma’s signature brew, the super dark roast Blackbeard's Blend, is available every day, along with two other rotating blends. Constant traffic means coffee is always fresh. Healthful pressed juices are made-to-order, as are real fruit smoothies. Check out the PB&J smoothie, loaded with strawberries, banana, and organic peanut butter, it's a meal in a glass. Vegan baked goods like zucchini bread and blueberry buckwheat muffins are made in house. Prices: Coffee $1-3, espresso drinks $1.50-4.50, juice and smoothies $3-4.50, baked goods $1.50-4 Hours: Downtown Mon-Fri 6:30 am-11 pm Sat 7 am-11 pm Sun 8 am-11 pm, east side Mon-Fri 6 am-9pm Sat-Sun 7 am-9 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Campus Access Outdoor Seating: Yes

Four to five soup offerings change daily at this cozy café. Loaded potato and chicken corn chowder are always available, and other homemade varieties include the likes of cheddar vegetable, black bean chili and cream of mushroom. Sandwiches and salads are on the menu, too. Can’t decide? Try the combo for $6.75—cup of soup and half of a sandwich. Call ahead to carry out large portions of soup for dinner. Prices: Soup $3.35-11 depending on size, salads $6, sandwiches $3-7 Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30 am-7 pm Sat 11 am-3 pm. Closed Sun Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc., AMEX Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of Soup's On here!

Drive on up to the North Walnut location of Square Donuts to get your morning donut fix straight through your car window. Yeast donuts are light, airy confections that make it far too easy to go back for seconds. Try one with fruit filling like the jammy blueberry or tart key lime pie. The chocolate cake donut is another standout, exceptionally tender and barely coated in a sheer, vanilla-scented glaze. While the classics are always available, daily specials can sell out quickly. Night owls can score freshly fried donuts through the pick-up window starting at one in the morning. Prices: Individual donuts $.25-1, a dozen donuts $7-9 Hours: Tu-Sun 6 am-2 pm and 1 am-4 am at the North Walnut location. Closed Mon Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

Sweet breads from across the globe are the specialty at this bakery/café. Try the brioche, a French bread served plain, topped with berries, or filled with chocolate. On weekends, look for challah and babka, both Jewish breads, and pandesel, a Filipino roll. For lunch, there are sandwiches on focaccia, a flat Italian bread, with a variety of spreads, deli meats, and cheeses. Grab-and-go or linger at a table with organic coffee and tea. Prices: Individual bread and pastries $3-3.50, loaves $8, focaccia sandwiches $7-8 Hours: Tu-Fri 7 am-6 pm Sat 7 am-4 pm Sun 9 am-4 pm. Closed Mon Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: No

This airy, casual restaurant specializes in northern- and southern-Indian cuisine. The tikkas, vindaloos, and kormas are all good and cooked to your desired level of spiciness. Their version of the eggplant dish baingain bharta is wonderful as is the mattar paneer, known to its fans as “cheese and peas.” The southern-Indian dosa—a lentil rice crêpe with various fillings—is terrific. Slather on some coconut chutney and enjoy with a savory tamarind lentil stew.  Service is friendly and helpful, and there is parking on site. Prices: Lunch buffet $8.50, appetizers $3.50-6.95, entrées $8.95-14.95, desserts $2.95-3.50 Hours: Daily lunch 11 am-2:30 pm, dinner 5-10 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of Taste of India here!

This upscale Greek restaurant, located in the stately Topolgus Building, is a welcome addition to the Bloomington restaurant scene. The avgolemono soup, a cut way above the usual Greek taverna standby, is a delicate, lemony chicken broth, with crispy risotto balls lending a crackle of texture and fried chicken goodness. For mains, meaty Greek spaghetti is fragrant with cinnamon and shredded myzithra cheese. A huge lamb chop from Viking Farms is sauced with roasted artichokes and served on some amazing braised greens. And the Hawaiian swordfish is wonderful, served on a bed of orzo studded with caramelized fennel, olive, and other Mediterranean flavors. There is also a daily vegetarian preparation of pasticcio, a custardy Greek pasta casserole that is comfort food at its best. For dessert, the Loukoumades—fried balls of yeasty sweetness, drizzled with oregano-scented honey and dunked into salty caramel sauce—will weaken your knees. The bar is gorgeous and the outdoor patio is a lovely option on a warm evening. Prices: Appetizers $5-13, entrées $15-33 Hours: Tu-Sat 5-10 pm Bar: Full Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of Topo's 403 here!

This high-ceilinged, medieval room on the IU campus evokes a bygone day. Fresh salad bar includes crisp greens, as well as tuna, pasta, and other side salads. Buffet with hot entrées changes daily but might include baked fish, pasta, chicken and meat dishes, and assorted sides. Luscious dessert bar, delicious Sunday brunch. Public welcome. Prices: $8.15-17.95, weekday brunch $8 for students Hours: Lunch buffet weekdays 11:30 am-1:30 pm Sunday brunch 10:30 am-1:30 pm. Closed Sat Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Campus Access, Disc., DC Outdoor Seating: No
Read our review of the Tudor Room here!

Authentic Turkish decorations and music enliven this intimate restaurant. Choose a seat on the floor in the casual, pillow-strewn sitting area or at one of the octagonal booths. Silky smooth hummus or crispy zucchini fritters drizzled in yogurt make good starters. If your idea of a kebab is meat on a skewer order a sis kebab. You’ll get tender chunks of lamb, beef, or salmon topped with complementary relishes and sauces. Or try a Turkuaz kebab; the skewer is traded in for a bowl, and bites of meat and seafood are mixed into a vegetable-rich stew. Boat-shaped pides are reminiscent of pizza, filled with cheese and all manner of toppings—think eggplant, ground beef, even eggs. Most meals come with a simple but flavorful red lentil soup and a trio of salads. The small attached market is worth browsing. Prices: Appetizers $5-9, pides $6-13, entrées $8-16 Hours: Tu-Th 10 am-9 pm Fri-Sat 10 am-10 pm Sun 10 am-9 pm. Closed Mon Bar: Beer, wine Credit Cards: Visa, MC Outdoor Seating: Yes

The New Orleans-style Uptown Café is known for Cajun/Creole-inspired fare (try the blackened-catfish sandwich), fresh steaks, seafood, and extravagant breakfast and brunch items, including Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Eggs Maryland, Eggs Benedict, and Huevos Rancheros. Jazz and soul music complement your meal. Uptown’s new bar area serves craft beer, fine wine, artisan spirits, and classic cocktails, as well as late-night food on Friday and Saturday nights. Prices: Dinner appetizers $6-12, entrées $14-35, desserts $6-8, brunch $8-20 Hours: Mon-Th 7 am-10 pm Fri 7 am-midnight Sat 8 am-midnight Sun brunch 9 am-2 pm Bar: Full Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes

Read our review of The Uptown Café here!

This long-established, upbeat restaurant on East Kirkwood serves breakfast all day (but all kinds of sandwiches and salads for lunch and dinner as well); “ginormous” pancakes and omelets are house specialties. The Huevos Rancheros are not authentic, but they are tasty! Prices: Appetizers $3.75-4.75, entrées $5-8, desserts $1.25-3.75 Hours: Mon-Fri 7 am-9 pm Sat-Sun 8 am-9 pm Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Campus Access Outdoor Seating: Yes

Read our review of The Village Deli here!

Teriyaki is tops at this compact restaurant in the heart of downtown. Hefty portions of teriyaki chicken and beef are dished up with lo mein or rice and a side of cabbage and broccoli. Sushi is popular too; all the greatest hits are available individually or as combos. With just three tables and a bar, service is brisk and food is ready to eat in no time. Open late on weekends. Prices: Teriyaki $5-8, sushi rolls $4-15, noodle soups $10-12 Hours: Sun-Wed 10:30 am-10:30 pm Th-Sat 10:30 am-3:30 am Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. Outdoor Seating: Yes