Every now and then, you just want to discover a little culinary magic. Maybe you’re seeking a cozy corner for date night, or maybe you need a proper plate to satisfy that craving for comfort food. Whatever brings you to Bloomington, here are a few spots around town that won’t disappoint when you’re hungry for something truly memorable.
Smokin’ Jack’s Rib Shack
$ | (812) 332-7427 | WEBSITE
You just gotta love a restaurant with a play area for the kids. Smokin’ Jack’s Rib Shack, a popular spot in Bloomington, serves up brisket by the sandwich or slab all year round. There’s also Piggy Macs and wings for under 15 bucks. Sitting at the clean wooden tables surrounded by cozy decor and friendly staff, you can almost feel the family-friendly vibe in the air—or maybe that’s just the great value. There’s also indoor and outdoor seating at the large venue.
Oasis Chinese Restaurant
$ | (812) 339-3999 | WEBSITE
The MSG-free commitment at Oasis Chinese Restaurant, a Chinese spot in the heart of Bloomington, must be absolute. Every dish of General Tso’s chicken or steaming hot pot is served with a clear conscience and fresh ingredients. Once the aromatic steam clears, sauces like tangy sweet and sour or savory brown garlic are revealed. You can even add extra vegetables to their classic fried rice, because no one will tell you you can’t.
Mr. Pot Hot Pot
$$ | (812) 287-8232 | WEBSITE
Mr. Pot Hot Pot, a cozy Chinese hot pot spot in Bloomington, may look unassuming from the street, but their all-you-can-eat deal is a total steal. The set price includes everything—fresh meats, veggies, noodles, dipping sauces, and even fountain drinks—making it one of the best values in town. And because a single visit only sets you back around $25 per person, you can save up for the extra gyoza and tofu skin you’ll want to try on your next trip.
Aver’s Pizza, North
$ | (812) 339-6555 | WEBSITE
The pizza at Aver’s Pizza North, a reliable spot in a Bloomington shopping center, is meant to be enjoyed anywhere there’s a booth. Grab a table near the window with your family and share the Whole Enchilada or settle into a cozy corner and watch the steady flow of customers from the nearby Kroger. On weekdays, large cheese pizzas start around $14, which means you can indulge without breaking the bank.
Pizza X Campus
$ | (812) 339-7737 | WEBSITE
To find Pizza X Campus in Bloomington, look for the glowing neon pizza slice sign. Opened in 1998, this was the first late-night pizza joint in town. Like any iconic college-town pizza spot, it smells of garlic, oregano, and melted cheese, and it’s covered wall-to-wall in local sports-, music-, and campus-themed memorabilia. Thin-crust pizzas are served whole or by the slice, loaded with toppings like the nacho man Randy sausage featured pizza of the month.
Grab a large pie with extra nacho cheese and devour it by the light of that neon slice.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
$$ | (812) 331-7300 | WEBSITE
Penn Station East Coast Subs, a sandwich spot in Bloomington, could easily be a little East Coast deli, which makes sense, since you’re here for the subs and fresh food. While the menu here is straightforward, Penn Station keeps the sandwich selection focused. Order them hot and fresh, with or without the new whole wheat bread option.
Grab a couple of their popular choices like the Italian sub or teriyaki, and keep it casual with decent prices and friendly staff like Derrick, who makes visits enjoyable for families.
Lincoln Square Pancake House
$ | (812) 668-7492 | WEBSITE
Lincoln Square Pancake House in Bloomington has been flipping up a comforting combination of breakfast classics and hearty diner fare for years. So not only can you get plate after plate of their signature Biscuits and Gravy omelet here, you can also get a side of perfectly crisp hash browns, a stack of pancakes, and a bottomless cup of hot coffee.
The inside may resemble a cheerful morning kitchen at sunrise—lots of natural light, bright comfortable seating, a pleasant fragrant smell throughout—but we kind of love the welcoming family-friendly vibes. So bring your kids, slide into the spacious booths, and dig into some omelets and hash browns. There’s also quick service even during the busiest weekend rushes.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
$ | (812) 822-1628 | WEBSITE
Dining at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, a popular scratch-made restaurant, during the weekday lunch rush, when the fried chicken fingers are only $8.99 for a full plate, feels like finding reliable comfort food, which isn’t all that surprising given its consistent reputation. Only the main dining area and bar serve the full menu, which is available daily from 11am-10pm. But you can also enjoy classics like slaw, shrimp, and fries all evening, either as sides or paired with entrees.
Marco and Polo Restaurant
$$ | (203) 514-1841 | WEBSITE
It’s safe to assume Marco and Polo Restaurant serves Mediterranean, Indian, and Greek flavors. And they do. The cozy eatery in Bloomington offers standout vegetarian options—eggplant salad when fresh, but also Kuruk Chuchura throughout the year—as well as lamb shish kebab platters with tender meat, and baklava topped with honey syrup. Gyro meat is served on its own with warm pita or on Marco and Polo’s epic mixed platter along with rice, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.
Make a reservation for the intimate dining room, and watch the friendly owners create a warm atmosphere right before your eyes.
Peach Garden
$ | (812) 332-3437 | WEBSITE
Dining at Peach Garden, a Szechuan spot near Kroger Seminary, never disappoints. And neither do their signature dishes, like the fiery Szechuan chicken, savory Mongolian beef, and tangy homemade hot and sour soup. While the flavors may be bold and authentic, the steady flow of customers picking up orders or settling in for a quick meal is always efficient and friendly. So grab a table, order a few favorites, and enjoy the reliable, satisfying experience around you.
K-bap
$ | (812) 369-4224 | WEBSITE
The answer to the culinary question of, “What’s in a name?” is easily answered at K-bap: Korean comfort food. This cozy Bloomington spot offers up authentic Korean cuisine with a standout dish: jjajangmyeon with bouncy noodles and flavorful sauce. Nine out of ten Korean food enthusiasts agree that unlimited banchan refills trump any other side dish offering (this is not a legitimate poll), and K-bap aims to please.
Savor some seafood pancake in the charming dining room or take down a couple of tofu soup bowls during the lunch rush. The galbi can be a bit chewy, but the japchae is delightful. The service may be slow at times, but the friendly staff and secondhand-look ambiance make you feel welcome. Overall, K-bap is a delightful place to connect with kind people over incredible flavors.
Five Guys
$ | (812) 558-2448 | WEBSITE
Five Guys’ menu features burgers served “everyway,” which means that burgers are prepared in the most straightforward ways (the option to add extra patties or bacon is right at the top.) This fast-casual burger joint in Bloomington serves them classic with crisp lettuce and ripe tomato, loaded with sautéed mushrooms and onions, or smothered in melted cheese and tangy barbecue sauce.
Grab a burger for a quick lunch, share some fries during a casual dinner, or treat yourself and top it all off with a creamy peanut butter banana shake.