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: $–$$$ • Hours: 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m. daily • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes

Take West State Road 46 out of central Bloomington to the town of Ellettsville to find this family-owned barbecue joint. They smoke their meat low and slow in a custom barbecue grill. Try tender beef brisket, on its own or in a sandwich, or get your hands dirty and dig into some dry-rubbed ribs, no utensils necessary! • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 5 p.m.–9 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.–9 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

With locations on the east and west sides of Bloomington, Casa Brava is a reliable pick for quick, casual Mexican fare. All meals begin with a bowl of addictive, garlicky salsa along with an endless basket of tortilla chips. Add a side of queso if you’re feeling indulgent. Popular specialties include oversize platters of sizzling fajitas, generously stuffed burritos, and lots of enchilada options. You won’t leave hungry! • Prices: $-$$ • Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. • Bar: S. College Mall Rd.: Full; W. 3rd St.: Beer • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

Come summer, lines form well into the night at The Chocolate Moose. Grasshopper and Moose Chocolate ice creams are classics and well worth the wait. Soft serve is big, too, from tiny torch cones to chocolate-and-nut-dipped swirls. • Prices: $ • Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. noon–10 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

Chow Bar’s prime location on Indiana Avenue makes it a popular spot for students and faculty. The lunch buffet isn’t huge, but it offers more than the standard sweet & sour chicken and fried rice. The menu focuses on Taiwanese specialties but also features Japanese and Indonesian-style entrées. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sat. noon–10 p.m.; Sun. noon–9 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Campus Access • Outdoor Seating: No

Situated on West 3rd Street, Cozy Table offers an extensive menu of hearty and affordable diner fare. Of course, breakfast is served all day. • Prices: $ • Hours: Mon.–Sat. 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun. 6 a.m.–3 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

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

For more than 50 years, Cresent Donut has been satisfying Bloomington’s craving for fried dough, any hour of the day or night. Cake doughnuts have a delicate chew; try the spicy cinnamon sugar or chocolate- and nut-topped versions. The more elastic yeast doughnuts are Bloomington’s gold standard, coated in a lightly sweet glaze or a stripe of chocolate frosting. • Prices: $-$$ • Hours: 24 hours daily • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC • Outdoor Seating: No

Read our review of Cresent Donut here!

Conveniently located at 208 N. Walnut, this cozy, colorful tea shop is just half a block off the downtown Square. Cup & Kettle creates its own tea blends, with nearly 50 teas to offer, including Oolong and Pu’erh teas. Try the Turmeric Ginger for an invigorating pick-me-up or, for those with a fruitier palate, enjoy the Strawberry Champagne tea. Take-home loose-leaf teas are also available for purchase. • Prices: $ • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Yes • Outdoor Seating: Yes