BuffaLouie’s
American, Fair Labor, Sandwiches
114 S. Indiana Ave.
812-333-3030
In 1987, an IU student opened BuffaLouie’s, naming it after his grandfather. Wings, subs, and salads are the reason to visit this award-winning restaurant. In addition to their wings, try the Buffalo, Teriyaki, or Parmigiana Burger, or one of their many other sandwich or wrap options. Black bean patties are a great choice for vegetarians. Sides and appetizers include curly fries, mozzarella sticks, garlic bread, and onion rings. Hoosier and sports-themed memorabilia adorn the walls, and big-screen TVs keep you entertained. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Sun. 10:30 a.m.–midnight • Bar: Beer • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal
Do Asian Fusion Cuisine
East Asian, Japanese, Korean
404 E. 4th St.
812-333-7470
This Asian fusion restaurant adds Korean flavor to the melting pot of international food on East 4th Street. Bamboo ceilings and lots of warm, dark wood transform the converted house into a comfortable dining destination. From ramen to shareable hot pots, the menu is full of warming soups, stews, and curries. Bulgogi, a classic Korean dish of marinated grilled beef, is a popular choice. Try it in a bento box. • Prices: Lunch: $-$$; Dinner: $-$$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Wed. 11 a.m.–midnight; Th.–Sat. 11 a.m.–3 a.m.; Sun. noon-10 p.m. • Bar: Beer, wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes
DoMo Japanese Steak & Sushi House
Asian, East Asian, Japanese, Sushi, Vegetarian
106 S. Franklin Rd.
812-332-7700
This oversize Japanese restaurant on Bloomington’s west side is split into hibachi and sushi zones. Choose hibachi for a bit of dinner theater, fun for kids and groups. Sushi options range from basic avocado rolls to the fiery Heart Attack, a tempura-fried jalapeno filled with spicy tuna and cream cheese. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Sun.–Th. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. • Bar: Beer, wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No
Irish Lion, The
Brunch, European, Irish, Pub Food
212 W. Kirkwood
812-336-9076
Step into Ireland when you enter this pub with its gorgeous 1860s bar, located just west of the downtown Square. Start your meal off with an order of escargot, baked potato skins, or Leprechaun Wings. For dinner, try the Chicken Cordon Bleu, Leg O' Lamb, or indulge in a Filet Mignon. Specialties include oysters, lamb, corned beef and cabbage, and Irish stews. After dinner, enjoy a slice of Irish Apple Walnut Cake or Whiskey Pie. Nightly specials. Full array of Irish and European imported beers; 57 single-malt scotches. Brunch is served from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sunday. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–3 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–midnight • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., DC • Outdoor Seating: Yes
Janko’s Little Zagreb
American, European, Steaks
223 W. 6th St.
812-332-0694
A Bloomington favorite, with its checked tablecloths and IU-decked walls, Janko’s is one block west of the downtown Square. Lamb and pork chop specials are featured regularly, and the menu offers Eastern European specialties like fiery Bucharest meatballs, but fabulous steaks are the reason most people line up to get in. • Prices: $$$–$$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Th. 5–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 4:30–10 p.m.; Closed Sun.; Reservations recommended. • Bar: Beer, wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, DC • Outdoor Seating: No
Malibu Grill
American, Fair Labor, Gluten-Free, Seafood, Steaks, Vegan, Vegetarian
106 N. Walnut
812-332-4334
Malibu Grill, on the east side of the downtown Square, offers casual dining in an upscale atmosphere for 200. Specialties include the Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Caesar salad, Lime Chicken Fettuccini, and Caramelized Salmon. Live jazz Wed.–Fri. 6–9 p.m. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Th. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5:30–9:30 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5:30–10:30 p.m.; Sat. noon–10:30 p.m.; Sun. noon–9 p.m.; Reservations accepted only during the week; 20-minute call-ahead service available. • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., DC • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal
Rainbow Bakery
Bakery, Gluten-Free, Sweets, Vegan, Vegetarian
201 S. Rogers St.
812-822-3741
This funky café is Bloomington’s first all-vegan bakery. They whip up dozens of fun cupcake flavors, such as Sweet Coconut Curry and Chai Latte. The types of cupcakes available change daily. They also offer a varying assortment of baked goodies, such as doughnuts, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. Many of their treats are gluten-free, or can be specially ordered that way for an extra charge. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Tu.–Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Closed Mon.• Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes
Scholars Keep
American, Brunch, Fair Labor, Steaks
717 N. College
812-332-1892
Chef Drew Nickless’ eclectic menu emphasizes fresh food and offers specials every day in this romantic, 150-year-old brick mansion complete with fireplaces and an outdoor dining deck. The café serves creative dinners, burgers, and shareables. Definitely a place to bring a date! • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Sun. brunch 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Dinner daily 5–11 p.m.; Desserts and appetizers until midnight; Reservations recommended. • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal
Read our review of Scholars Inn Gourmet Café & Wine Bar here!
Sobon
East Asian, Korean
1811 E. 10th St.
812-333-1004
This casual joint serves up fast Korean fare. Walk up to the counter and order off the large menu board, and in a few minutes you’ll have a tray of steaming Korean cuisine. For some comfort food with a twist, try the bibimbap. This traditional dish is served in a stone bowl, filled with rice, veggies, slices of meat, and a fried egg. Mix it all up and enjoy. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. and 5–10 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No
Story Inn, The
American, Fine Dining
6404 S. Ind. 135
Nashville, IN
812-988-2273
Homey and quaint, this gem of a restaurant with wood floors and folksy memorabilia on the walls serves fresh food made from local ingredients. On weekends, live chamber music is featured. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.; Dinner reservations always required; reservations at other meals required for parties of six or more. • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes
Sushi Bar
East Asian, Japanese, Sushi
2522 E. 10th St.
812-331-7688
There’s karaoke on weekends at Sushi Bar, which offers regular $1 sushi specials. The Birthday Roll includes tempura shrimp, eel, spicy shrimp, avocado, and crab. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Lunch: Mon.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Sun. noon–2:30 p.m.; Dinner: Mon.–Wed. 4:30–10 p.m., Th.–Sat. 4:30 p.m.–3 a.m., Sun. 4:30–10 p.m. • Bar: Beer, wine, sake • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No
Uptown Cafe, The
American, Brunch, Cajun/Creole, Fair Labor, Steaks
102 E. Kirkwood
812-339-0900
The New Orleans-style Uptown Cafe is known for Cajun/Creole-inspired fare (try the Cajun meatloaf), fresh steaks, seafood, and extravagant breakfast and brunch items, including Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, and Michael’s Home Fries. Jazz and soul music complement your meal. The casually upscale environment provides the opportunity to dress up or down and enjoy a consistently tasty meal. Uptown’s bar area serves craft beer, fine wine, artisan spirits, and classic cocktails, as well as late-night food on Friday and Saturday nights. • Prices: $–$$$$ • 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