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The Backstage Blog
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We want to take you behind the scenes, to give you insider information you won't find anywhere else. This is where we pull Bloomington's hip happenings together with recommendations from our team, first-hand accounts from project producers, and guest blogs by local gurus. The Backstage Blog helps you stay in front of it all.
Bloomington is known for many things, one of which is the wide variety of international food. Out of all the options, Mexican cuisine is one of the most prominent in town. There are mom-and-pop restaurants, large Instagram-worthy cantinas, and even a couple of food trucks. Pick any of these Mexican spots in Bloomington and you will be one happy camper.
Casa Brava serves up some of the best authentic, fresh Mexican food around. The West Side restaurant is a great option when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and enjoy delicious classic Mexican food.
There's no missing El Ranchero. Before you make it inside to take their amazing food, you will be able to see the bright-colored restaurant. The authentic Mexican cuisine is also just as exciting as the exterior -- Pollo Loco anyone? El Ranchero also has a location in Ellettsville!
Juannita's is a classic Mexican restaurant in Bloomington. The restaurant is homey and the staff is welcoming. If the vibes couldn't get any better, Juannita's patio is perfect to enjoy great food and nice weather.
La Bonita has delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. Just take a look at their Instagram -- the food is top of the line. What makes La Bonita extra unique is the restaurant actually doubles as a grocery store!
La Charreada
La Charreada is the first Mexican restaurant that greets you when you first enter Bloomington. The local Mexican restaurant Is fun for many reasons. Their food is fantastic, but they also have beer towers, which are sure to make for a good time.
The food truck is a favorite among locals and students. La Poblana is usually found on a corner of campus serving up some of the best tacos around. Pro tip: order a Jarrito of your favorite flavor to make the entire experience even better.
La Una Cantina serves up delicious Mexican food, but their tequila bar is also a great place to grab a margarita. This Instagram-worthy spot is located in the heart of the downtown making it the perfect stop to grab a bite.
Mateo's Restaurant
Mateo's Restaurant is a Latin-American restaurant, serving both authentic Latin foods and classic American dishes.
Mr. Taco
Mr. Taco is considered a "fast-paced Mexican grill." The restaurant offers tacos, tamales, burrito bowls, and more. To make it even better, Mr. Taco is Chipotle-style so you can personalize your dish!
Pili's Party Taco is another food truck on the list that you can almost always find parked outside of Switchyard Brewing Company. If that wasn't enough, the local favorite actually has another food truck and a storefront! Most go for their tacos and tamales, but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Pili's also has fresh pan dulce (Mexican pastries) at their store located downtown across from Fountain Square Mall!
Social Cantina is another hot spot for Instagram pics. The taco and tequila joint is under the same umbrella as The Tap, SmokeWorks, and Yogi's meaning it's sure to be a good time. The menu has the necessities such as tacos and tortas, but their Cantina Bowls are a huge hit. Social Cantina has a wall of over 100 different tequilas to try making the entire dining experience even more fun.
The 3 Amigos
The 3 Amigos is the perfect spot to grab food and drinks and catch a game. With such a huge menu, there is no
wrong choice but their fajita salad is a favorite!
Viva Mas has to be the most colorful restaurant on the list. The decor is a nod to the culture of Mexico and South America. The excitement doesn't stop there, however. The large menu offers multiple options so there is something for everyone. Don't forget to save room for dessert - you'll thank us later.
Nia is Visit Bloomington’s Content Coordinator. As soon as she stepped foot on IU's campus, she realized she found a forever-home in Bloomington. Her favorite thing about B-Town is the diversity and culture that is found in this small town in the Midwest. She enjoys exploring new places around town and cheering on the Hoosiers.
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