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Nearby Restaurants in Bloomington

With one hundred fifty restaurants in the downtown district alone, there’s an inspiring food scene to explore in Bloomington, Indiana. With proximity to a large international student population at IU, there’s been a bloom of authentic food options from every corner of the world. From tasty Thai curries to interesting sushi rolls, you’ll be sure to find something to keep coming back to again and again.

We’ve compiled five of the best restaurants, quick bites and breweries in Bloomington, that you need to try as soon as possible.

1

Malibu Grill

There’s a little bit of everything on the Malibu Grill menu, from steaks to seafood to pasta and burgers. Though Bloomington has named Malibu Grill the city’s best restaurant several years in a row, it’s not just the food locals love. Their atmosphere is as enticing as the food, making this a world-class dining experience. 

Belly up to the bar, grab a table in front of one of their flat screens or sip one of their unique martinis on their outdoor patio. 

Insider Tip

Tuesdays are Wine Night – select bottles of wine for just $12!

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steak and fries
2

Nick’s English Hut

Step into a Bloomington destination that’s a little bit English pub, a little bit sports bar. Spread across two levels and an outdoor patio, Nick’s English Hut offers mouthwatering pub grub and an energizing atmosphere in which to catch your favorite games on the big screen. 

Their cozy interior is matched only by the menu, which features unique dishes like Nick’s Stromboli, a pizza sandwich baked on a sub bun and served with sweet pickles. Whatever your order, wash it down with a cold beer fresh from the tap, whether that’s an import like Guinness or a more local brew.

Insider Tip

Try Sink the Biz, a drinking game invented by IU students. Involves a bucket of beer in the middle of the table with a beer glass (the “biz”) floating in it. Players take turns pouring beer into the biz. Whoever sinks the biz drinks the biz.

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beer taps
3

Chocolate Moose

Soft serve, shakes, floats, oh my! Chocolate Moose is a place to satisfy your sweet tooth. This local-favorite shop opened in 1933 and has churned their ice cream on-site ever since. Whether you enjoy yours in a cup or a cone, you’ll find something to love at Chocolate Moose. They even have handmade vegan flavors! 

The less sweet-inclined will also feel at home here thanks to their savory sandwiches for any time of day. Swing by in the morning for a croissant or English muffin piled high with breakfast meats and cheeses, or come in the afternoon to fill up on a classic Ham & Cheese or the more inventive Spanish Burger, which features a beef patty baked in tomato sauce. 

Insider Tip

Check out the IU Campus Locations at Memorial Union, Goodbody Hall, and Bookmarket Eatery

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banana split
4

The Tap

Bloomington locals have two favorite B words – burgers and beer. The Tap offers visitors a taste of just that with over 90 hand-selected brews on tap and endless burger combinations.

If 90 doesn’t sound like enough to choose from, ask your server about their blended drafts which mix two or more taps together. Want to swing by but not in the mood for a burger? The Tap has you covered with artisan pizzas, fresh tacos and sandwiches as well.  

Insider Tip

Hit The Tap on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for trivia night. 

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the tap beer