Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Strawberry Champagne. These are just three of the 80+ cupcakes on the menu at Underground Cupcakes & Café, owned by sisters Marena Regalado and Melissa Emlinger. Daily selections vary, but custom orders (including gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan cupcakes) take just a few days. Gluten-free and sugar-free cupcakes are also available every Wednesday. If it’s something savory you’re craving, the café has you covered. At least two made-from-scratch soups, plus made-to-order salads and sandwiches, are available every day. • Prices: $ • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

The menu changes seasonally but always includes pub favorites such as Fish and Chips, as well as many dishes that include Upland’s craft-brewed beers as ingredients. The menu runs from sandwiches (try the buffalo burgers) to entrées, and many vegetarian/vegan specials are also offered. Live entertainment. Beers regularly on tap include wheat, weizen, pale, IPA, porter, and amber. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Th. 11 a.m.–midnight; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sun. noon–midnight • Bar: Beer, including carryout, and wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

Read our review of Upland's Bloomington Brew Pub 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!