Located in a charming house near the corner of North Grant and East 6th streets that used to house Café Django, Big Woods Bloomington is a homey pub where 24 beers flow on tap. Offerings include appetizers to share, gourmet sandwiches, the signature JB burger, and a complete dinner menu. The outdoor beer garden has its own menu and serves only Quaff On! brewery beers. • Prices: $ • Hours: Sun.–Wed. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Th.–Sat. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; All ages until 9 p.m. • Bar: Beer • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes

The cafés at each of these three member-owned organic groceries feature salads, soups, made-to-order sandwiches, and baked goods, with the West 6th Street and East 3rd Street locations also offering a hot bar with salad, lunch, and dinner items every day from 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. The East 3rd Street location also has smoothies. Local ingredients are emphasized, and vegan and vegetarian choices abound. • Prices: $-$$ • Hours: East 3rd Street: Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–10 p.m. (breakfast until 10:30 a.m.); Sat. 8 a.m.–10 p.m. (breakfast until 11 a.m.); Sun. 8 a.m.–10 p.m. (brunch until 2 p.m.); West 6th Street: Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.–10 p.m. (brunch until 2 p.m.); Daniels Way: Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (breakfast until 11 a.m.); Closed Sat.–Sun. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access • Outdoor Seating: Yes/Yes/No • Accessibility Decal: West 6th Street and Daniels Way

Located next-door to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, BLU Boy serves beautiful chocolates and cakes that are handcrafted with local ingredients. The chocolate store's experienced chefs and chocolatiers create dainty, European-style desserts without any preservatives. Don’t forget luscious seasonal tarts and pies, the daily cupcake menu, or house-made gourmet ice cream. Visit the store's website to order boxed chocolate assortments, all of which make great gifts. • Prices: $$ • Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Closed Sun. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes
Read our review of BLU Boy Chocolate Café & Cakery here!

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

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

This laid-back, 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: $ • Hours: Mon.–Th. 10:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; Fri.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–4 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–midnight • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC • Outdoor Seating: No • Accessibility Decal

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 first-rate. • Prices: Lunch: $-$$; Dinner: $$-$$$ • Hours: Sun.–Mon., Wed.–Th. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Closed Tu.; Reservations recommended on weekends. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

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: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sun. noon–9 p.m. • 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. The 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: $-$$$ • Hours: FARM: Tu.–Fri. 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Closed Mon; Root Cellar: Weeknight hours vary; Fri.–Sat. 8 p.m.–3 a.m.; Closed Sun.–Mon. • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes

Read our review of FARMbloomington here!

Fat Dan's brings the flavors of Chicago to Bloomington. Our restaurant reviewer recommends that you try their IPA beer cheese fries, burgers, Chicago Dog—with all the condiments you can imagine—or hand-smoked brisket and pork. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.-Tues. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Wed.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. • Bar: Beer and wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes

Read our review of Fat Dan's here! 

Just steps from East Kirkwood, Hartzell’s has stepped up to fill ice cream cravings near campus. Freshly made waffle cones and bowls are the way to go—fill yours with a scoop or two of creamy homemade ice cream. Other creamy treats include soft-serve ice cream, Spinners (think DQ Blizzard or McDonald's McFlurry), shakes, malts, floats, smoothies, sundaes, parfaits, and Slush Puppies. Choose from a list of 58 toppings to customize your dessert. Carbolite (99.9 percent lactose-free) and frozen yogurt are lighter options. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon. 3:30–11 p.m.; Tu.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun. noon–11 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc., Campus Access • Outdoor Seating: Yes

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: $–$$ • Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–3 a.m. • 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: $ • Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Campus Access • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

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. Sandwiches include Italian Beef, Breaded Pork Tenderloin, Fresh Grilled Salmon, and the Black Bean Burger. For dessert, indulge in the cheesecake. Or, if you're looking for a fun night out, play Sink the Biz with friends while watching your favorite sports on the many high-definition TVs. A museum of IU memorabilia is displayed on the walls. • Prices: $–$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–midnight.; Reservations are recommended for large parties. • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Cash preferred, but Visa, MC, and Disc. are accepted. • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

Read our review of Nick’s English Hut here!

Serving up the best latte in town, Soma works magic with coffee beans and an espresso machine. A prime downtown location and another in Jordan Square means more to love. Constant traffic means the coffee is always fresh. • Prices: $ • Hours: East Kirkwood Mon.–Fri. 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sat. 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; East 3rd Street Mon.–Fri. 6 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 7 a.m.–9 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

Casual and family-friendly, the Trojan Horse, on the southeast corner of the downtown Square, serves Greek food and other Mediterranean treats. Try the Chicken Giannoulas, Lamb Kabob, or their signature Gyros Dinner–a heaping portion of gyros meat on a bed of rice with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and a side of Zaziki. The Trojan Horse is also famous for its hand-cut fries. Drink specials are offered every night. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Th. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–midnight; Sun. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. • Bar: Full • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No
Read our review of Trojan Horse 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!

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: $ • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 8 a.m.–6 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Campus Access • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

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. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Sun.–Mon. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Tu.–Sat. 1 p.m.–3 a.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes