Mustard's offers 'best burgers in town'

The menu at Mustard's claims Colonel Mustard has a long history at IU, beginning in 1938 as an athletic freshman. This IU connection is evident throughout the restaurant, which displays University sports memorabilia on every available wall surface. Even the table tents were displayed in baseball cases.\nService\nOur server could have been somewhat more attentive. We had to wait for refills on our drinks several times. She was friendly, but sometimes to the point that our male companion was somewhat uncomfortable. But overall, we were satisfied with our service.\nAppetizers\nWe ordered the Championship Chili, an award winner in the 1980 International Chili Society Cook-off, the menu claims. After 20 years, it still has a championship taste. With beef and a topping of cheddar cheese, this chili had a balance of spices. An interesting feature is the tortilla chips diners are to crumble into the chili. It's served in cups or bowls, for $1.95 or $4.09, respectively.\nWe sampled the nachos for two, at $5.69. (For one serving, the nachos cost $3.69.) Topped with ground beef, melted cheeses, tomatoes, jalepenos and green onions, the nachos come with sides of salsa and sour cream. The chips were a bit overdone and slightly brown, but the toppings were fresh. The salsa had a mild but spicy taste.\nOther appetizer options include cheese sticks, onion rings, zucchini sticks, soups, salads and combo platters. Prices range from $1.79 for the soup of the day to $11.99 for 30 buffalo wings.\nEntrees\nWe've been to Mustard's more than once, but each time somebody seems to order the 9-oz. top sirloin for $7.49. Served with a potato, the sirloin was slightly overcooked. But the flavor was good and the meat tender. Though it isn't the best steak in town, it satisfies any red meat craving.\nMustard's claims to the have the "Best Burgers in Town," so we ordered the cajun burger, a brand new menu item. It was sprinkled with Southern Cajun spices and topped with "secret" Creole mayonnaise, and cost $5.59. It tasted like an average burger with a dash of light spices, and was served on a toasted bun.\nOur companion ordered the "Mustard's Burger" for $4.99, which is one of the house specialties. There was plenty of meat on the bun, but not enough flavor. It's comparable to a hamburger that could be made at home on the grill. The bun was dry and had an odd flavor.\nWe chose baked potatoes as our side dish and were somewhat disappointed. They were dry and overcooked. Our companion enjoyed his steak fries, topped with cheese and bacon.\nDessert\nWe were content with our steaks and hamburgers, so dessert was a nice capstone to a good meal.\nWe tried the raspberry New York cheesecake for $2.99, a heavenly combination of raspberry sauce, crumb crust and cheesecake filling. With raspberries mixed into the filling and drizzled on top of the slice, this cheesecake was one of the best we have sampled in Bloomington.\nThe hot fudge sundae for $2.89 was large, and appeared to be nothing but a bowl of chocolate. But it also included a generous helping of White Mountain vanilla ice cream and a cherry, and our companion was pleased with his choice.\nWe also ordered Mustard's Last Dessert, a fresh, hot brownie topped with White Mountain vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream. It was large enough to serve the entire table. The brownie was warm and moist; other than that, it was simply a giant hot fudge sundae for $3.99.\nOverall\nMustard's is a casual, scenic dining environment. With its sports-related themes, it would be a great place to eat before or after a game. But it's also good for visiting parents or a casual date. We're long-time fans of this restaurant, and we recommend it.