Indiana University's spring commencement is just weeks away, with the graduate ceremony scheduled to take place on Friday, May 5 and the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 6. For those planning a celebration of their grad(s) post-commencement, we've rounded up restaurant specials & policies during graduation weekend to make your planning as easy as possible. Check back frequently for updates — this list will be added to as the big day gets nearer.

As one of the busiest weekends of the year in Bloomington, please practice patience and expect extended wait & service times. Most restaurants are still experiencing staffing issues, and they are doing their very best to provide you with the service you deserve while also working with the limited staff they have available. Please be kind!

Congratulations to the 2023 Class of Indiana University Hoosiers!
 

Restaurants Offering Special Graduation Menus

Aver's Public House

Aver's Public House is offering a Sunday Brunch Menu w/$6 Bellini & Mimosas from 11am-3pm.Reservations can be made on the Open Table app or by phone at 812.331.5555. No specials available Friday or Saturday.

BB's Market

BB's Market is running a limited menu. Please look at their website to see the menu they will be offering. 

Cardinal Spirits

Cardinal Spirits is celebrating commencement with a delicious 4-course meal inside their cocktail bar and outside on their beautiful patio. It includes a welcome punch, appetizers for the table, your choice of two small plates, and a dessert. It's cocktail style service, meaning all plates can be shared, if you wish!

Chef Lee - In Your Home

Chef Lee - In Your Home is available for private dining. There is limited availability for small parties 10-30, either hosted at facility, or pickup or delivery service options.

Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse will be offering a limited menu with the most popular selections from their regular menu. They will not be offering brunch on Saturday or Sunday.

The Elm

The Elm will be offering a special, celebratory Graduation menu will be served on both days. For Friday and Saturday reservations, guests must e-mail events@elmbloomington.com as all bookings are organized, managed, and confirmed online. Reservations for these two nights cannot be made over the phone. 

Rasta Pops

Rasta Pops will be at Food Truck Friday. On Saturday, look to their social media to find the location of their cart.

Scenic View Restaurant

Scenic View Restaurant will offering their regular brunch and lunch menu Friday 10a-3pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm. They will also have several special items in addition to the standard menu. They will have plenty of Mimosa bottle service buckets available & Blood Mary's. Reservations should be made by emailing scenicviewgraduation@gmail.com. While a reservation is not required, it is very strongly recommended.

Southern Stone Kitchen & Bar

Southern Stone Kitchen & Bar is offering a Special Menu available on Open Table.

Uptown Cafe

Uptown Cafe will be serving special chef-curated brunch and dinner menus. Pricing is a la carte. Reservations must be requested by visiting uptown@the-uptown.com/graduation and submitting a request form. A large commercial tent will be used for the patio all weekend.

Restaurants Requiring Reservations

Most restaurants are offering first come, first served service during graduation weekend, but a few are requiring reservations:

• Cardinal Spirits
• Chef Lee - In Your Home 
• Che Bello Kitchen
• The Elm (Limited availability remains, but only for parties of four guests or fewer)
• Feast Market and Cellar (Inside is booked up. Patio slight availability but not weather guaranteed)
• Pilis Party Taco
• Roly Poly Sandwiches

As one of the busiest weekends of the year in Bloomington, please practice patience and expect extended wait & service times. Most restaurants are still experiencing staffing issues, and they are doing their very best to provide you with the service you deserve while also working with the limited staff they have available. Please be kind!
 

Bakeries Offering Special Orders

• Crumbl Cookie
  • Need at least 2 days notice for catering orders that include flavors of the week; at least 3 days notice for specialty catering flavor orders

Restaurants Not Offering or Not Requiring Reservations

• BB's Market (not requiring)
• Café Pizzaria (First come first served. Expect longer wait times)
• The Caffeinated Cook
• Crazy Horse (All reservation spots are full, but they will be accepting walk-in parties until they are at capacity)
• DeAngel's Italian Creole (not requiring)
• Healthy Hoosiers (not requiring)
• Hopscotch Kitchen (not requiring)
• Kalao Restaurant and NightClub (open for regular hours of 4pm-3am)
• Needmore Coffee Roasters (not requiring)
• The Owlery (Limited menu, first come first serve)
• The Irish Lion Restaurant & Pub (Parking at the Morton Street and Fourth Street Garages)
• Pizza X (not requiring)
• Southern Stone Kitchen & Bar (not requiring)

Private Rooms & Large Groups

Seeking private space rentals at restaurants and/or establishments equipped to handle large groups? Visit our page about group-friendly restaurants in the area — be sure to call well in advance of graduation to inquire about reservations and room bookings.

Happy Graduation!