Just west of the downtown square, Crazy Horse is one of Bloomington's oldest eateries. The specialties of the house include flavored martinis, Angus beef burgers, quesadillas, steaks, and barbecued ribs. Each day of the week offers several drink specials, including half-priced wine bottles on Wednesday and Sunday. Live bands play Sundays from 8–10 p.m. • Prices: $-$$$ • Hours: Sun.–Wed. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Th.–Sat. 11 a.m.–2 a.m. • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., DC, Campus Access • Outdoor Seating: Yes

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: $$$–$$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Th. 5–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 4:30–10 p.m.; 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!

Malibu Grill, on the east side of the downtown Square, offers casual dining in an upscale atmosphere for 200. Specialties include the Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Caesar salad, Lime Chicken Fettuccini, and Caramelized Salmon. Live jazz Wed.–Fri. 6–9 p.m. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Th. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5:30–9:30 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5:30–10:30 p.m.; Sat. noon–10:30 p.m.; Sun. noon–9 p.m.; Reservations accepted only during the week; 20-minute call-ahead service available. • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., DC • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

Read our review of Malibu Grill here!

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 dinners, burgers, and shareables. Definitely a place to bring a date! • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Sun. brunch 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Dinner daily 5–11 p.m.; Desserts and appetizers until midnight; Reservations recommended. • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal
Read our review of Scholars Inn Gourmet Café & Wine Bar here! 

The New Orleans-style Uptown Cafe is known for Cajun/Creole-inspired fare (try the Cajun meatloaf), fresh steaks, seafood, and extravagant breakfast and brunch items, including Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, and Michael’s Home Fries. Jazz and soul music complement your meal. The casually upscale environment provides the opportunity to dress up or down and enjoy a consistently tasty meal. Uptown’s bar area serves craft beer, fine wine, artisan spirits, and classic cocktails, as well as late-night food on Friday and Saturday nights. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Wed. 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; Th. 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri. 7 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sun. brunch 9 a.m.–2 p.m. • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

Read our review of The Uptown Cafe here!