Visitor Reviews are posted here as service to travelers planning a visit to the Bloomington area. Visitors should take note that all reviews posted here are individual and highly subjective opinions. They are not representative of the opinion of the Bloomington CVB.
Came here on a recommendation by friends who KNOW mediterranean food. It's truly amazing food. We had the Guvec (chicken) [a stew cooked in handmade pottery] and the Mucver [zucchini fritters] and both were really tasty. The portions are pretty big, and all entrees are served with soup and bread. The soup, which my boyfriend normally isn't a big fan of, had him praising the chef. We tried both kinds -- the white bean and the red lentil. We both preferred the white bean (very hearty), but the red lentil is also quite nice and refreshing (strong dill taste). Plus, we had free Turkish tea -- quite a nice compliment to the chilly evening. All in all we had a great meal. We'll be coming back when we're in town!
Reviewer is from:
Los Angeles, CA
In Town For:
visiting boyfriend
Title:
Wonderful food!
Name of Restaurant:
Restaurant Tallent
Date Visited:
September 2009
Rating:
*****5
The food was absolutely wonderful. This restaurant is a rare find in Bloomington, IN. The steak was out of this world, the salad very good, the French Toast Zucchini Bread with chocolate sauce is to die for!
A little pricy but well worth it.
Reviewer is from:
Indiana
In Town For:
Visiting
Title:
very cool place
Name of Restaurant:
max's
Date Visited:
summer 2009
Rating:
*****5
best pizza i've ever had, the coolest place ever.
Reviewer is from:
the dude
In Town For:
business
Title:
Some places are NOT so good
Name of Restaurant:
Hinkle's Hamburgers
Date Visited:
july 29, 2009
Rating:
*1
Well, this is my first time eating here. Lived in B-town nearly 20 years, I would consider myself a "townie".(almost!) I was driving around, with too many choices for lunch. Wanted to try something different. Hung a left into Hinkle's parking lot. Looks kinda busy, this could be a good sign. Gave the nice lady my order, double cheeseburger, fries and a Dr. Pepper. Nearly $7.00, but she mentioned several times, "you'll be back". Sorry, I probably won't be back. Aside from the fry cook sneezing near my fries(did I mention he was wearing mirrored "motorcycle cop" sunglasses-very 70's) the burger was V E R Y greasy. The cheese didn't taste like cheese at all, and I should've forgone the "grilled" onions. I don't give out many reviews, but this place compelled me to write about my experience. I hope this review teaches me a lesson, that when it comes to a hole-in-the-wall hamburger joint, maybe I should get the chicken. It is hard to mess up that. Thanks.
Reviewer is from:
right here in B-town
In Town For:
life
Title:
Unusual delights
Name of Restaurant:
Finches
Date Visited:
April 2009
Rating:
*****5
Finches has become my latest favorite dining spot in Bloomington for lunch and dinner! I find the atmosphere ideal; very nice yet still casual. The unusual preparations of may dishes are exciting, delicious and makes you want to come back to try the next item on the menu. My highest recommendation goes to the Rabbit Pasta. I hesitated at first but find myself CRAVING the stuff. Definitely worth the visit!!!
Enjoyed dinner at Restaurant Tallent Menu was seasonal, showcasing local product. Experience was so great, went back again on last night of our visit and were treated to a table next to the pass where we could observe a kitchen making magic with calm and efficiency. Recommend the Walleye with Parsnip Puree and Greens; Scallops; Cauliflower Soup; Almond Cake with Pomegranate Gelato.
Reviewer is from:
Mundelein, IL
In Town For:
Indiana Heritage Quilt Show
Title:
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Name of Restaurant:
Scholars Inn
Date Visited:
2/26/09
Rating:
*****5
Excellent experience. Half-price martinis on Thursday nights added a great addition to an excellent meal. Great atmosphere and the friendliest staff.
And be sure to try out the fondue for dessert!
Reviewer is from:
a student
In Town For:
furthering my education!
Title:
LIP SMACKIN
Name of Restaurant:
SMOKIN JACKS RIB SHACK
Date Visited:
FALL 2008
Rating:
*****5
GREAT TASTE GREAT SIZE PORTIONS GREAT VALUE
Reviewer is from:
BLOOM DAD
In Town For:
VISITING
Title:
The best sub on Earth
Name of Restaurant:
Dagwoods
Date Visited:
2-3 times a year
Rating:
*****5
Dagwoods which has two locations in Bloomington is incredible. I discovered this place as an undergrad student and married a girl who shares the passion for there Subs. The special sauce is ridiculously good and the quality of the meats/cheeses is second too none. I go back for a basketball game and football game every year and usually score Dagwoods for lunch and bring a sandwich back to Chicago.
Reviewer is from:
Chicago
In Town For:
Football Game
Title:
Outstanding!!!
Name of Restaurant:
Truffles Restaurant
Date Visited:
09/14/2008
Rating:
*****5
Wonderful experience! Food and service were both terrific. Delicious flavors served by a knowledgable and attentive staff. Heirloom tomato salad and wild mushroom soup with truffle oil were great starters. The soup was prepared very well, so velvety! Filet was awesome, the rich bordelaise sauce pairing well with wine chosen from extensive list. Will definitely visit again next time in town. Don't be scared off by the strip mall exterior.
Reviewer is from:
Fort Wayne
In Town For:
Visit
Title:
Fantastic Italian Food
Name of Restaurant:
Grazie!
Date Visited:
May 2008
Rating:
*****5
I stubled upon this restaurant while looking at the school for my daughter. The decor inside was stunning as was the service. My server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and helped to guide me to the percect choice. They have half priced bottles of wine on Wednesday and Sunday and half priced martini's on Thursday. What a deal. Whatever you do, leave room for dessert!
Tasty, satisfying, healthy, yummy food! Great food! I'm from CA which has a plethora of vegetarian, vegan and raw food restaurants and ROOTS cuisine is hands down the best vegitarian restaurant I have ever been to. I like vegetarian food and normally choose vegetarian cuisine, but I am not a vegetarian. Oh soooo goood - It's a must. I'd eat there at least 3 times a week if I lived here. Delicious juices also. The chef is definitely talented and you can tell she or he likes to eat and likes to eat good food. Nice, nice!
Reviewer is from:
San Francisco Bay Area
In Town For:
working in Indy and visiting niece and nephew at IU
Title:
New Coffee House in town
Name of Restaurant:
Pourhouse Cafe
Date Visited:
2-23-08 & 2-27-08
Rating:
*****5
Great atmosphere, friendly barristas, homemade coffee cake and soups cannot beat what they serve here! I have never made or tasted better. Oh--and the coffee is hot and delicious, and the smoothies are out of this world! And all the profits earned above operating expenses goes to help people around the world.
Reviewer is from:
Cathy Kirkman
In Town For:
Resident
Title:
4th Street dining
Name of Restaurant:
Bombay House
Date Visited:
2007-2008
Rating:
*****5
Bombay House, which is located on 4th St., where there are several wonderful international restaurants to choose from, is an Indian restaurant that serves delicious food. My favorite dish of all time, which is served at this restaurant, is Butter Chicken. I know this name may sound strange, but it is by far my most favorite dish of all time. I highly recommend it.
Bombay House--Butter Chicken
Reviewer is from:
Michigan City, IN
In Town For:
College
Title:
BEST PIZZA IN TOWN
Name of Restaurant:
Rockits Pizza
Date Visited:
DEC 2007
Rating:
*****5
I LOVE THE PLAIN PIE,IS THE BEST IN TOWN!!!
Reviewer is from:
NEW YORK
In Town For:
VISITING MY SON
Title:
Mad for Mother Bear's
Name of Restaurant:
Mother Bear's
Date Visited:
multiple times a year since 2003
Rating:
*****5
I've had pizza in some of the great pizza towns like Chicago & NY. But none of it beats Mother Bear's. And never have I ever had my salad adorned with goldfish (what a nice change over the typical croutons!). We eat at Mother Bear's each time we visit B Town & we talk about it until our next visit.
Reviewer is from:
Memphis, TN
In Town For:
visit my Hoosier!
Title:
Worth the drive
Name of Restaurant:
Fairfax Inn
Date Visited:
11/05/2007
Rating:
****4
This place has family dining and a seperate bar with many pool tables and tv's. This down home restaurant has a large and diverse menu including a good selection of beer. Prices were vary, but food was plentiful and above average. Atmosphere during the weekday was subdued. The service was very good and the waitress had helpful recommendations on the menu. It probably won't be a regular hangout, but we will definitely go back.
Reviewer is from:
Bloomington/Greenwood, IN
In Town For:
live here
Title:
Chinese Buffet A Good Value
Name of Restaurant:
China House Chinese Buffet Restaurant
Date Visited:
Oct. 24, 2007
Rating:
***3
China House is a Chinese buffet place, which means is predominantly standard fare Chinese dishes and a few American standbys such as baked Ham, crab legs, and salad fixings. My first impression comparing this with the numerous other Chinese restaurants I’ve been to during the 16 weeks I travel each year. I grew up in a Chinese family in New York, so I’ve had the best. So here goes . . .
Good things: loved the baked seafood, coconut shrimp, and the shrimp and fake crabmeat on a stick. I liked the seafood combo, bacon chicken, chicken with pineapple and the spinach wrap. But make sure to go to the “hibachi” (wrong country) corner where you can have chicken, steak and shrimp and seven kinds of veggies freshly cooked. Don’t get too excited about the steak, but the shrimp and chicken are decent The only buffet place with fried frog legs. It’s conveniently located especially if you are staying at any of the hotels on Franklin St.
Bad Things: Seemed to have a limited 35 plus choices compared to Florida (maybe I’m spoiled) which had double that. Fish was a bit dry and General Tso would be ashamed of the chicken bearing his name. The fried stuff seemed to have sat around too long – the egg roll was tasteless. I didn’t try the fried chicken, shrimp or veggies.
Overall, a very passable meal. The soup was decent, and even if you are on a diet, you’ll be able to find something. There’s enough there that you will be full. All for $10.60 for dinner, and probably less for lunch.
Reviewer is from:
Deerfield Beach, Florida
In Town For:
Dalai Lama's teachings at I.U.
Title:
Michaels Up-town Cafe for ever
Name of Restaurant:
Michaels Up-town Cafe
Date Visited:
July 2005
Rating:
*****5
No matter what you order in this place, it tastes wonderfull. I've been visiting the restaurant every summer for 9 years and you can choose breakfast, lunch or dinner they are all so good. I cannot pinpoint one dish for another
they are all fantastic. The Chef must be really something.
Reviewer is from:
Denmark
In Town For:
Coaching at the IU Soccer Camp
Title:
Good Fish
Name of Restaurant:
Malibu Grill
Date Visited:
7/1/07
Rating:
*****5
I love broiled, baked or grilled fish. At the Malibu Grill I had the Mahi-Mahi and have to say it was outstanding. The wood-fire oved baked menu items are a treat too.
Reviewer is from:
Ohio
In Town For:
Pleasure
Title:
Steaks ONLY
Name of Restaurant:
Janko's
Date Visited:
6/30/07
Rating:
****4
Don't go for the ambience, they have linoleom flooring glued to the wall and IU football schedules from the last 4 years. The steaks were great however and I would recommend it to anyone who loves steaks. They are big though, so bring your appetite!
Reviewer is from:
Midletown, Ohio
In Town For:
Monroe Lake Weekend
Title:
Fabulous and Amazing
Name of Restaurant:
Anatolia
Date Visited:
6/13/2007
Rating:
*****5
This restaurant is a bit exotic yet clean and comfortable. I got a lamb kabob and my boyfriend got the same with a yogurt, meat sauce added. The food was so full of flavor and filling. It was still nice and light and not too overwhelming and that was good because it was so very hot outside. The service was good...everyone here is nice and relaxed and you are greeted with a smile and the goodbye is as well. I highly recommend visiting this wonderful place of food and atmosphere.
Reviewer is from:
Bloomington
In Town For:
live here
Title:
More than just steaks
Name of Restaurant:
Little Zagreb
Date Visited:
IU Graduation, 2007
Rating:
*****5
Ww have tried several restaurants in Blooington but always choose Little Zagreb as our favorite. I've had steaks at some of the finest restaurants around the world and Little Zagreb by far has the best steak I've ever tasted. I was very impressed with the wine list. Now that my son has graduated from IU, I'll miss my dining experience at Little Zagreb!
Reviewer is from:
New York
In Town For:
Son's graduation from IU
Title:
Fantastic!!
Name of Restaurant:
Mother Bears
Date Visited:
2006-2007 School Year
Rating:
*****5
The best pizza! and the Riddler is AMAZINGGG! Mother Bears provides a unique atmosphere and the servers are very friendly and the food is brought out promptly. and the strawberry lemonaide is the best in the city!
I'm a huge fan of Roots' wide selection of vegan and vegetarian foods ordinarily, but this charming restaurant really outdoes itself once a week for Sunday brunch. The wait can be long, but the fruit pancake, the french toast, the omlettes, the potato pancakes, and the tofu scramble are all the best I've ever had. If you ever have half a chance, give Roots delicious brunch a try. You won't regret it!
Reviewer is from:
Bloomington, IN
In Town For:
school
Title:
LENNIE'S IS THE BEST RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD
Name of Restaurant:
Lennie's
Date Visited:
5/15
Rating:
*****5
Lennie's is the best restaurant. I enjoyed my Turkey Tortilla salad until the last bite. Herb crusted turkey breast served over mixed green, corn and black bean salsa, guac, chedder cheese and tortilla strips. Their famous ranch dressing drizzled over the top seals the deal. I would advise a Ruby Bloom Amber as a beverage choice.
Oh, and finish it off with an Original Sin. The warm chocolate chip brownie served with vanilla bean ice cream, hot fudge and white and dark chocolate shavings is pure heaven. The waitstaff knows what they're doing when they welcome you into the quaint dining room, great service.
Lennie's, I will return...very soon!
Reviewer is from:
New York City
In Town For:
Business
Title:
Great salads, sandwiches and pizza!
Name of Restaurant:
Lennie's
Date Visited:
4/20/2007
Rating:
*****5
We headed to Lennie's after a friend recommended it to us. What a terrific recommendation! My fiance and I shared a Margherita Pizza, one friend got the Teriyaki Chicken Salad, and another friend ordered the Bacon Turkey Melt sandwich. For the first time in our five year history, every single one of us LOVED our food. We finished with Mini-Indulgences, which are about 3-4 ounces of pure pleasure. Choices ranged from tiramisu, chocolate mouse, rasberry cheesecake, butterscotch pudding and bourbon pecan pie. The four we ordered were fabulous, so I have to believe the same holds true for all of them.
Don't forget to order a Quarryman Pale Ale with your food. Not a Pale person? I highly recommend the Java Porter, a beer that's uniquely Bloomington Brewing Company.
Lennie's is a must-do when visiting Bloomington!
Reviewer is from:
Chicago
In Town For:
Little 500
Title:
Simply The Best!
Name of Restaurant:
Nick's English Hut
Date Visited:
March 2007
Rating:
*****5
Our favorite place to eat in B-Town is Nick's. Everything on their new menu is excellent but we love their Strombolis and pizza. The service is prompt and the prices are very reasonable. It is amazing how much food Raggs is able to serve out of the kitchen. Muggs is a great host and he makes sure we have a fun time too!
John and Barb Chaplin
Reviewer is from:
Speedway, IN
In Town For:
All Football and Basketball games
Title:
Thai food to die for
Name of Restaurant:
Esan Thai
Date Visited:
often
Rating:
*****5
The best Thai food in Indiana- I have only found comparable in Kansas City. It is reasonably priced and if you like curry- you have to try it. All their peanut dishes are fabulous as well. Can't beat it! If they were open, I would go there right now (11:53 PM Tuesday)
Reviewer is from:
Terre Haute
In Town For:
Day Trip- Griffy park, visit friends and shopping!
Title:
Consistantly Delicious!
Name of Restaurant:
Malibu Grill
Date Visited:
For about 3 years
Rating:
*****5
Love the owner, love the jazz, love the pictures of patrons by the restrooms, love the service, the food is always great, summer, winter, spring and fall.
Reviewer is from:
A transplant
In Town For:
several years now...
Title:
Best Burger in the America!
Name of Restaurant:
Hinkle's Hamburgers
Date Visited:
01/04/07
Rating:
*****5
I travel extensively across the U.S. for work and I always look for a good burger in whatever town I find myself. I have to say that Bloomington, Indiana's Hinkle's Hamburgers is the best I've ever had. Gayle King - try a Double Cheese Deluxe at Hinkle's - it will soar to the top of your list! Better than Le Tub in Hollywood, FL.
Reviewer is from:
Fort Lauderdale, FL
In Town For:
Business
Title:
Best Steak EVER!!!!
Name of Restaurant:
Janko's Little Zagreb
Date Visited:
October, 2006
Rating:
*****5
If you want the best steak and the best service, go here!! You can't go anywhere else and have a steak melt in your mouth!! Their spicy meatballs are the best!! Wine and beer list is great! There is nothing bad to say about this restaurant. The BEST place to eat in Bloomington!!
Reviewer is from:
Unknown
In Town For:
Little Zagrebs
Title:
Great Steaks
Name of Restaurant:
Colorado Steakhosue
Date Visited:
9/30/06
Rating:
****4
We were in town for a football game and found a great steakhouse just a couple of blocks from the stadium, the atmosphere was great, lots of IU and Pro Sports memorabilia on the walls. The prime rib was excellent and the steaks were fabulous as well. There are also plenty of options for the non-steak eaters as well such as huge salads and tasty looking chicken dishes. The price was just right for the four of us and we got plenty of food for our dollar. The service was friendly and helpful.
We liked it so much we went back for lunch the next day and found the lunch menu to be just as good as the dinner menu. Lots of sandwiches and other entrees to choose from and a salad bar that has just about everything you could want.
Highly recommended.
See you for basketball season!
Reviewer is from:
Michigan
In Town For:
Football game
Title:
If you want to COMPLETELY delight your tastebuds...
I have been going to IU in Bloomington for about four years now, and never heard of Tallent. Whenever going out to eat for a special occasion I would frequent Scholars Inn or Puccinis...but Tallent is FAR ABOVE any restaurant in Bloomington. My boyfriend and I went there to celebrate our anniversary. The location is a little off the normal-beaten path, which actually is a nice thing as it wasn't ridiculously crowded. From the second we walked in our waiter was extremely attentive, knowledgeable, and courteous.
From start to finish our meals were absolutely incredible. I can honestly say I have never had such a delightful mixture of flavors in my mouth. The atmosphere is perfect, not too loud, and not too quiet. They have a lovely outdoor deck also. The dessert was absolute heaven, a chocolate cherry cake with a vanilla milkshake in a tiny glass complete with miniature straw. Satisfaction in every aspect. I was blown away. The prices are somewhat high, but for what you are getting (including produce that is mostly organic or from local farmers) it is absolutely worth every penny. I am already making reservations here for every special occasion. Wonderful.
Reviewer is from:
Chicago
In Town For:
Grad school
Title:
Creme Brulee French Toast
Name of Restaurant:
Michael's Uptown Cafe
Date Visited:
September 02 2006
Rating:
*****5
This is the thing to get if you like custard! The Grand Marnier and Vanilla sauce is really good.
Reviewer is from:
Columbus, Indiana
In Town For:
visit
Title:
Best Steakhouse in the Nation
Name of Restaurant:
Yanko's Little Zagreb
Date Visited:
090206
Rating:
*****5
The Sirloin for 2 is the best. We celebrate our anniversary at Yanko's each year. We are always extremely satisfied with the quality, service, portion, cost. We're semi-retired from Chicago and Yanko's is better than any (Morton's, Arnie's) in Chicago.
Reviewer is from:
Mitchell, IN
In Town For:
Anniversary Celebration
Title:
Giddy up to the Trojan Horse
Name of Restaurant:
Trojan Horse
Date Visited:
8/17/06
Rating:
*****5
Ah, yes, the Trojan Horse. Founded in 1978, this popular Bloomington restaurant offers a diverse array of Greek and American cuisine. It resides on the downtown square, on the corner of Kirkwood and Walnut. Customers seat themselves upon entering. The walls and booths are all of a deep wood, giving the atmosphere a dark but warm feeling. The restaurant itself is very narrow, with just enough room for one row of booths. For those who might feel a bit claustrophobic, an upstairs pub provides a little more shoulder room for those over 21.
For an appetizer, I started out with the Cheesepa'rer. To the best of my knowledge, this is a Trojan Horse original. Served with warm wedges of pita bread, this cheese dip is out-of-this-world. Its two main ingredients are feta cheese and spinach, and the result is a sharp, zesty cheese spread that will leave you wanting the recipe. Simply incredible.
For the main course I had the always popular Gyro. A pita shell stuffed with the signature pieces of shaved meats, fresh tomatoes, onions, and a tangy Zaziki sauce that adds a cool, surprisingly refreshing taste to it all. The tomatoes, onions, and the sauce all add to the sandwich a fresh taste that doesn't leave you with a heavy stomach like a burger might. I have little doubt that this would beat out anything a burger joint could offer, as far as fresh taste and healthiness is concerned.
The service wasn't anything extraordinary, nor do I believe its intended to be. This isn't anything upscale, as your bill will prove. Most sandwiches run you about $4.95. The Cheesepa'rer ran about $3.75. Overall, the bill with tax ran about $9.25, plus a 20% tip totaled $11.25. Not a bad deal when its some of the best food Bloomington has to offer. The Trojan Horse is a great place for anyone and everyone, no matter their budget.
By the amateur, inexperienced power vested in me, I hereby declare the Trojan Horse receive a rating or 4 1/2 Ouzos out of 5.
Opaa!
-Ben
Reviewer is from:
Fort Wayne
In Town For:
College!
Title:
Great food & Great Service
Name of Restaurant:
Casablanca
Date Visited:
6/16/2006
Rating:
*****5
We were in town visiting family and absolutely loved this restaurant. The food is fabulous and the service was great. The fish kabobs are delicious (as was everything else we ate). We even had one person in our party who is terrified of any type of ethnic food and he loved it too.
A wonderful choice for both Vegetarians and Carnivores. Menu items are available in either vegetarian or vegan styles.
Casual but cute cafe atmosphere. Great service. Tasty food at budget pricing.
Reviewer is from:
Fort Lauderdale, FL
In Town For:
business
Title:
Wonderful
Name of Restaurant:
Malibu Grille
Date Visited:
July 2006
Rating:
*****5
Fabulous. Loved the atmosphere - very comfortable. It was difficult to order because everything looked so good. I had the tuna, and it was outstanding. Great food, wonderful service. Completely enjoyable evening! I'll definately go back!
Reviewer is from:
Fort Lauderdale, FL
In Town For:
business
Title:
Great Chinese Carry-Out and Dine In!!
Name of Restaurant:
Peach Garden
Date Visited:
June 7, 2006
Rating:
*****5
I visited Peach Garden for the first time on Wednesday. I really enjoyed the food and envrionment. Peach Garden offers a variety of authentic Chinese dinners and appetizers. The lunch menu had a ton of options and came with an egg roll and rice. The pricing was very reasonable and the portions quite large. If you're looking for some good Chinese food in Bloomington make sure you visit Peach Garden!
Reviewer is from:
Granger, Indiana
In Town For:
College
Title:
Great Italian Food
Name of Restaurant:
Puccinis
Date Visited:
4-13-06
Rating:
*****5
This is by far the best Italian eatery in Bloomington. The food is amazing and the portions are gigantic. It makes the perfect date restaurante, but it is a little pricey. I had the ravioli with pesto and my boyfriend had the lamb with a mint sauce. Both dishes were fabulous. The wait staff was also very helpful in pointing out great dishes as well as the deserts. This is one restaurante that we will definately be returning to.
Reviewer is from:
Bloomington
In Town For:
hometown
Title:
Great representation of Bloomington
Name of Restaurant:
The Limestone Grille
Date Visited:
05/06/06
Rating:
*****5
My parents selected The Limestone Grille to celebrate my graduation. What a delight! The food was done to perfection, tasty and seasoned just right. The service was attentive without hovering. The artwork is soooooooo Bloomington! I was extremely impressed with the total package!
Reviewer is from:
Newark, New Jersey
In Town For:
Graduation
Title:
Wonderful!
Name of Restaurant:
Cafe Django's
Date Visited:
5-13-06
Rating:
*****5
Very unique, and a truly great atmosphere; food was wonderful and unique as well. Small dining room with attached bar; blues played in the background and I believe they have live music at night (we went for lunch). Menu consists of mediterranean to Indian to Thai cuisine. Very good and I highly recommend it.
Leaving aside Chicago's great restaurants, and a couple of exceptional bistros and dim sum Chinese eateries, this is one of the best places to eat in the Midwest, and, without question, the best in Bloomington. Trufles, in a suburban mall, is, unexepectedly, much more beautiful; actually, it is one of the best designed restaurants I have ever been too (and I have traveled a lot), and their food and service are quite impressive. But the food at Tallent is, by far, the best I have ever had in the city, and even in the Midwest, which I can afirm after considering great meals at Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Milwawkee, Madison, and Appleton, among other major and minor cities. in the region. My wife had, if I rememeber well, the tuna; I had the lamb cooked in three ways: both dishes were sublime. The service was somewhat slow --at Trufles it was much better-- and the decor at Tallent is absolutely awful --an undergraduate student's interpretation of Le rouge et le noir, with psychodelic designs in the particularly ugly staircase area. There are no plants in the parking, either. Nevertheless, I would travel to Bloomington,
Indiana, to eat at this great restaurant again. Congratulations to the owner or owners.
D. Garcia
Reviewer is from:
Puerto Rico
In Town For:
Visiting a student
Title:
Great tasting Italian!
Name of Restaurant:
Puccini's
Date Visited:
26/1/06
Rating:
*****5
We went to Puccini's for lunch and had an enjoyable time. Although the clientel was a little thin, the food was fantastic. I imagine it is a hit at dinner time and will definitely be returning again to find out whether or not that is the case. It was very tasty and a welcome alternative to the everyday fast food!!!
Reviewer is from:
Australia
In Town For:
Holidays
Title:
you HAVE to try Bucceto's
Name of Restaurant:
Bucceto's
Date Visited:
11/15/05
Rating:
*****5
Bucceto's has the best BBQ Chicken Salad EVER. I've never met anyone that doesn't like it. I even have friends who don't like salad but LOVE the BBQ Chicken Salad from Bucceto's. The ranch dressing is unbelievable. It's the perfect place to go with family, friends or even for a first date. TRY IT - You'll love it.
Reviewer is from:
Chicago
In Town For:
Visit
Title:
Taste of Heaven
Name of Restaurant:
Lennie's and the Bloomington Brewing Co.
Date Visited:
10-05-2005
Rating:
*****5
Lennie's has a wide variety of foods on the menu. Each member of our five person party tried something different so we could get a taste of everything. The crazy thing is that I can't say anything bad about any of our five items! The Cajun Shrimp Fettucine was out of this world, as was the Teryaki Salad (it had everything from snow pea pods to broccoli to hard-boiled egg!). If you like mushrooms, you've got to try the Woodsman Pizza. Start your dinner off with the Spinach-Artichoke Torta and one of the Bloomington Brewing Co.' Pale Ale or Java Porter. It's a little taste of heaven!
I am from Colorado and am in town visiting family.
We dined at Restaurant Tallent and I was just blown away by the entire experience. The atmosphere was elegant and relaxing (great art on display) the service was impeccable and the cuisine...WOW!!!
The Fall Menu is First Class.
I am absolutly amazed by the talent at Tallent!
I am from Colorado and am in town visiting family.
We dined at Restaurant Tallent and I was just blown away by the entire experience. The atmosphere was elegant and relaxing (great art on display) the service was impeccable and the cuisine...WOW!!!
The Fall Menu is First Class.
I am absolutely amazed by the talent at Tallent!
Great Euro-American gourmet food. Pricey, but worth it! This husband/wife team and crew deliver tasty cuts of meat, unique potatoes and flavorful vegetable dishes. They've created some of the most delicious sauces I've ever tasted!
Reviewer is from:
B-town
In Town For:
Forever!
Title:
Best Italian Food in Bloomington
Name of Restaurant:
Puccini's
Date Visited:
9/10/05
Rating:
*****5
With a party of four, I had an excellent experience at one of the best Italian places around. This neat little restaurant lies in the middle of the ethnic fare avenue of 4th Street, not too far from the IU campus, and boasts a wonderful atmosphere, great service and staff, a nice wine list, and delicious food and desserts. Our server helped to make our meal a more elegant experience and his suggestions towards entrees and deserts were followed by great satisfaction. Although it is a little pricey it is definitely worth a visit.
Reviewer is from:
Wichita, KS
In Town For:
Weekend Visit
Title:
A decent place to eat
Name of Restaurant:
Irish Lion
Date Visited:
9/9/05
Rating:
****4
The Irish Lion had a nice atmosphere for dinner for two or more. The service was okay, but not outstanding (although the green uniforms were great). The menu could use a little bit of work being more Irish, however, as I felt there were a few items which were more traditional Irish/British, but the rest of it was your normal Bar-Grill fare.
Reviewer is from:
Wichita, KS
In Town For:
Visiting on the Weekend
Title:
awesome eatin'
Name of Restaurant:
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Date Visited:
August 16, 2005
Rating:
*****5
I heard the atmosphere was really neat, and that the burgers were fabulous. Went there for dinner this last Tuesday evening. The salad was great, the cajan shrimp was great, and the french fries were the best I ever had. Loved the live singer and the tiki huts and torches! The only bummer was no smoking section.
Reviewer is from:
Pittsburgh, PA
In Town For:
visiting brother/vacation
Title:
Great atmosphere and the food ain't bad
Name of Restaurant:
Casablanca
Date Visited:
Been there several times
Rating:
*****5
This 4th street resturant is the best of the bunch. The Morracan food is great, and flavorful. The honey chicken is perhaps the best chicken dish I have ever had. The staff knows their stuff and dining on the patio is a great place to watch the world go by.
Reviewer is from:
Franklin
In Town For:
Tourism
Title:
AWESOME....FOOD,DRINKS ATMOSPHERE
Name of Restaurant:
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Date Visited:
August 6, 2005
Rating:
*****5
I have to admit I thought I was going to just another burger chain. BOY, WAS I WRONG.
The food, atmosphere, staff and the drinks were all awesome. you must check this place out.
Reviewer is from:
Indianapolis
In Town For:
visiting friends
Title:
Wonderful!!!
Name of Restaurant:
Michael's Uptown Cafe
Date Visited:
7/01/05
Rating:
*****5
This is our favorite restaurant in Bloomington. The food is so exceptionally good, I actually get sad at the end of a meal. Some chocolate mousse cake usually cheers me up, however. Mellow atmosphere, very nice service, good wines, and again, delicious food -- very gourmet and beautifully presented. Not cheap, but well worth the price. Very highly recommended.
Reviewer is from:
Bay Area, California
In Town For:
real estate -- we're moving here!!
Title:
Safe Bet
Name of Restaurant:
Malibu Grill
Date Visited:
03/13/2005
Rating:
***3
Visited the Malibu Grill in March. Although it's a little formulaic in menu (for my taste), the dishes were all safe bets and well-cooked. Service was a bit slow. Decor was nice and booths were comfy; a good option for parents with tired and hungry kids!
Reviewer is from:
Brooklyn, NY
In Town For:
Campus Tour
Title:
Best Wings EVER!!!
Name of Restaurant:
Buffa Louies
Date Visited:
05/04/05
Rating:
*****5
Buffa Louies had the best wings I have ever tasted! Nobody has ever made better wings than Buffa Louies. If there is any wing fan going to Bloomington, Buffa Louies is the place for you!
Reviewer is from:
Brock Easley
In Town For:
Campus Tour of IU
Title:
mmmm… BEER –Homer Simpson
Name of Restaurant:
Upland
Date Visited:
March, 2005
Rating:
*****5
Great micro-brew selection! Loved the Wheat Beer and the IPA. The atmosphere and food were outstanding. Really enjoyed the whole experience. Service was a little slow, but they were busy. The ability to see the production area through the window behind the bar was very cool. Wit Macaroni and Cheese and Schnitzel are must haves. If you like beer you have to check this place out! Well worth it!
Reviewer is from:
Chicago, IL
In Town For:
Alumni visit
Title:
The Irish Lion is worth the trip!
Name of Restaurant:
Irish Lion
Date Visited:
February, 2005
Rating:
*****5
Warm, casual, relaxing atmosphere. Good beer. Great food. My favorite is the coddle. Worth every calorie! And for extra entertainment talk a friend into getting a “yard” of beer. I went to school at IU and still go to Bloomington for the Irish Lion.
