Growing up in Bloomington and then moving away to one of the top culinary cities in the world, we’ve developed a serious appreciation for good food. Despite its small size, this college town offers a diverse culinary scene that never fails to impress us. Whenever we’re back in town, we make it a mission to discover the best spots for lunch, whether it’s catching up with friends or just grabbing a quick bite during the day. So, if you find yourself in town or just need some restaurant inspo, check out our carefully curated list below for the best places for lunch in Bloomington, Indiana. We hope this guide helps you find your favorite b-town lunch spots!
International Cuisine
Happy Thai
519 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401
$$
For some of the most delicious Thai cuisine in Bloomington, look no further than Happy Thai. Their lunch deal, for just $9.99, includes delicious entrees served with soup. Our personal favorites include Pad See Ew, Pad Thai, Green Curry, Pad Kee Mao, and Pad Woon Sen. Trust us, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu and their portions are super generous.
Taste of India
316 E 4th St, Bloomington, IN 47408
$$
Craving Indian food? Head over to Taste of India for a lunch buffet priced at $14.99. Treat yourself to a wide variety of delicious Indian dishes including Pakora, Butter Chicken, Palak Paneer, alongside basmati rice and buttery naan.
Korea Restaurant
409 E 4th St, Bloomington, IN 47408
$$
Located on 4th street, Korea restaurant has a charming outdoor patio that’s perfect for enjoying beautiful Bloomington afternoons. From Kimbap to Tteokbokki and Japchae, their menu is full of delicious Korean dishes. We can’t forget to mention the delicious Banchan - the complimentary side dishes that can vary every time you visit.
Siam House
430 E 4th St, Bloomington, IN 47408
$$
Located on 4th street, Siam House is another great option for Thai cuisine in Bloomington. Enjoy their flavorful Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and Tom Yum soup while enjoying the outdoor seating on a sunny day. We really miss their lunch buffet, but their generous portions are affordable and great for lunch.
Restaurant Ami
1500 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401
$$
Ami is our go-to spot for the best sushi in Bloomington. Whether you’re craving classic maki rolls or specialty rolls like the Super OMG roll, Salmon Avalanche, or the Dragon roll, Ami has you covered. Plus, sushi orders come with soup and salad!
Longfei Chinese Restaurant
113 S Grant St, Bloomington, IN 47408
$$
Longfei is an authentic Chinese restaurant that we love to visit for lunch. With a diverse menu offering traditional Chinese and Chinese-American dishes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.Some of our go-to orders include the Garlic Eggplant, Three Cups Chicken, Onion Pancake, and Salt and Pepper Fried Fish.
Hoosier Seoulmate
1614 W 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47404
$$
If you are looking for something unique, head to Hoosier Seoulmate for Korean fusion. From classic Bibimbap to their signature ‘Bul-dogs’ featuring Korean meats on classic American hotdog buns, their menu is full of unique items to try. We love their Beef Bulgogi, Japchae, and Rice Bowls, which are all great options for lunch.
Irish Lion
212 W Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404
$$
Located on Kirkwood, the Irish Lion is a cozy Irish bar and restaurant that offers a variety of comfort food classics. From the iconic Fish and Chips to hearty Shepherd’s Pie and their delicious Lamb Burger, there’s something for everyone. A meal at the Irish Lion isn’t complete without their famous Blarney Puffballs - crispy deep-fried potato balls made with a cheese and garlic mixture and served with sour cream. One of our favorite dishes is the Mutton Pies of Abbeyfaele, a soft bread bowl filled with either their Celtic stew or Coddle, featuring potatoes, sausage, bacon, and onions. Additionally, their lunch menu offers a variety of options including soup, stew, salad, and sandwich combos, offering delicious combinations for everyone. And don't miss out on their weekend brunch, best enjoyed in their charming outdoor patio, The Glen.
Social Cantina
125 N College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404
$$
Social Cantina is a vibrant Mexican restaurant located on the square serving fresh and flavorful dishes, from tacos to enchiladas and more. For tacos we recommend the Pork Belly, Carne Asada, Ahi Tuna, Fried Mushroom, and Fried Avocado. We also love the Ahi Paradise Cantina Bowl served with guac, mango, pickled red onions, and adobo crema. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their delicious margs or cocktails - the Socialite is my personal favorite!
American
BuffaLouie’s
114 S Indiana Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408
$$
When it comes to wings, Buffa's is our ultimate go-to spot. They offer a variety of sauces to choose from, ranging from Sweet BBQ to Garlic Parm and Korean Q. BuffaLouie’s also serves up Loaded Tots that are perfect for sharing with friends. Whether you’re watching an IU game, looking for a fun place to hangout with friends, or a quick lunch spot, Buffa’s offers the perfect place for delicious food and a laid back atmosphere.
Upland
350 W 11th St, Bloomington, IN 47404
$$
Upland is a great place for local brews and delicious food. We love sharing the Upland Nachos with BBQ pulled pork, the Chili Glazed Duck Tacos, and the Wit Mac and Cheese while sitting outside on their spacious patio.
Da Vinci Pizza and Pasta
250 S Washington St, Bloomington, IN 47408
$$
Located in downtown Bloomington, Da Vinci is known for its delicious Neapolitan pizzas and pastas. We love their Truffle Funghi and Margherita pizzas. We recommend grabbing a seat at their outdoor patio. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a nice day with some delicious food.
The Tap
101 N College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404
$$
We love going to the Tap to try their rotating selection of craft beers and snack on our favorites like the Tap fries, Fried pickles, and Margherita pizza. Plus, they have great lunch specials ranging from $8-$10 including soup and salad combos, flatbreads, sandwiches and more.
Goodfella’s
427 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408
$
Located on Kirkwood, Goodfellas is the perfect lunch spot especially for hungry IU students. Specializing in whole pizzas or pizza by the slice, Goodfella’s dishes out giant and delicious portions. You can’t beat their lunch deal - for just $10, you can enjoy a giant slice of pizza, a side, and a drink. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between classes or satisfying your late-night cravings, Goodfella’s has got you covered with their generous portions and mouth watering pizzas.
Lennie’s
514 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408
$$
A Bloomington classic, Lennie’s offers a diverse menu featuring salads, sandwiches, calzones, pizzas, and more. Don’t miss out on their Portobello Sandwich with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and a red pepper vinaigrette on ciabatta. And be sure to take advantage of their lunch combinations all under $12.
Brunch
Bloomington Bagel Co.
Various Locations (N Dunn St., N Morton St., and S College Mall Rd.)
$
This Bloomington staple serves delicious bagels and bagel sandwiches for a quick and filling lunch or a perfect hangover cure. Whether you're in the mood for a classic bagel with schmear or a loaded bagel sandwich, they've got something for everyone. Our personal favorites are the asiago, spinach, or cheddar jalapeno bagel with artichoke and smoked gouda schmear or the Hot Mess bagel sandwich.
Village Deli
409 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408
$
Another Bloomington staple, Village Deli serves their famous giant pancakes and classic brunch meals on Kirkwood. Our order always includes the Cinnamon Roll Pancake, Eggs Benedict, and Paxton Potatoes.
Southern Stone
405 W Patterson Dr, Bloomington, IN 47403
$$
Another great brunch spot, Southern Stone offers a giant breakfast burrito, Shrimp and Grits, Chicken and Waffles and delicious Biscuits and Gravy. Their lunch and dinner menu feature soups, salads, pasta, tacos, sandwiches and burgers. We recommend the Smashburger, Fried Green Tomato BLT, and the Hoosier Pork Tenderloin.
Runcible Spoon
412 E 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47408
$$
Located near campus and Sample Gates, Runcible Spoon is the perfect spot for a weekend brunch. We love the classic Weekender, the Corned Beef Hash, and Blueberry Pancakes. And with their extensive lunch menu, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
