It’s that time of year again where IU students prepare for yet another semester in Bloomington. There’s so much to be excited about when arriving back in your college town. You’re probably itching to re-visit your favorite restaurants and coffee shops, or if you're anything like me you may be anticipating the Bloomington bar scene. Bloomington offers a variety of bars that guarantee a good time. Before you celebrate this in Bloomington, check out the bars I noted below. They each offer a different vibe while presenting a college bar atmosphere in their own ways.
Best bars for drink deals
Brothers Bar & Grill:
215 N. Walnut St.
Brothers Bar & Grill has more to offer than a wide selection of big TVs. Its cozy environment makes it the best place to enjoy a well-priced drink and meal combination. From 4-10 p.m. every Tuesday, it serves cheeseburgers for only $3. Take advantage of the drink specials next Tuesday by enjoying a meal with a $2 domestic draft. You can even enjoy your meal while participating in trivia night from 9-10:30 p.m. every Tuesday.
Wednesday night is another great time to stop by Brothers. Starting at 9 p.m., you can order wings for just 25 cents. The wings special ends when the kitchen runs out, so I suggest getting to Brother’s close to 9 p.m. or even a little earlier. When I first tried the food at Brothers, I was impressed with the quality of the meal. Take a look at Brothers’ website to see what other specials are going on throughout the week. Not only will your wallet thank you, but your tummy will too!
The Alley Bar:
210 W. Kirkwood Ave
Located just off the square on Kirkwood Avenue is The Alley Bar. It’s open every day from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. every Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Sunday. This charming little bar offers a stunning list of specials. My favorites are the $3 Michelob Ultra, Budweiser and Bud light pints on Mondays, along with $5 Bloody Marys and mimosas on Sundays. If these don’t get your attention, its website lists different specials for every day of the week. I think it’s important to know which spots in town have the coldest beers, and I’m here to say that The Alley Bar is one of them. Not only does The Alley Bar have eye-catching drink deals, it’s also a great spot to watch sports on TV. The bar opens early on Hoosier game days that start earlier in the day to let customers watch every minute of the action. Next time you're craving a delicious craft beer, make your way to The Alley Bar.
Best bars to catch up with friends:
The Video Saloon:
105 W. Seventh St.
Established in 1980, The Video Saloon stands as my favorite bar in Bloomington. My two favorite things about The Video Saloon are the games and the retro feel of it all. If I wanted to experience what a night out in the 80s would look like, I'd go to The Video Saloon. Every time I step in there, I feel like I'm going back in time. Everything about The Video Saloon is just simple: the setup, the menu and the games. It’s never too crowded to the point where you can’t have a normal conversation. Anytime I'm there I notice how everyone keeps to themselves, which makes for the perfect casual night out.
Another great attraction is the variety of games the bar offers. The Video Saloon has pool tables and dart boards throughout the entire bar. Rather than waiting in line for just one pool table at a typical dive bar, The Video Saloon gives you multiple tables to choose from. My favorite game to play at The Video Saloon is darts. I like how it’s closer to the main area of the bar so I can socialize with a bigger crowd while I play. Even if you’re not a professional at playing pool or darts, I still recommend checking it out.
Nick’s English Hut:
423 E. Kirkwood Ave.
This Bloomington staple has been a Hoosier fan favorite ever since 1927. I can still feel the history through Nick’s rustic booths and walls. This spot has two floors filled with different seating options to choose from. Whenever I'm out with just one or two friends, I usually grab a booth on the main floor. It’s a nice and cozy environment where you can talk with your friends without any interruptions. For bigger groups, I recommend finding a table upstairs in the Hoosier room. Its lively atmosphere and efficient service make it a great place to catch up with friends. Next time you end up at Nick’s, make sure to start the night off strong with a classic game of sink the biz.
Best bars with quality beers and cocktails
The Tap:
101 N. College Ave.
While I love The Tap for its prime location, my favorite thing about this bar is its generous selection of drafts. There are about 53 drafts to choose from at The Tap, with 13 of them being their own brand. Some of the drafts change with the season but my usual favorites are Guinness and Big Jam Cider. Sometimes if I'm craving the tap’s environment but don’t want to drink alcohol, I just order a Sprecher’s Root Beer. Sprecher’s is one of my favorite root beer brands and it tastes even better on tap.
Currently, it has original and cranberry flavored Angry Orchard and “Strawberry Magic” from Cider Boys. These are great options for those who don’t like to drink beer. One of my favorite things to do in my free time is to drink a pint with a couple of friends at The Tap. If you're itching to check out the list of draft beers right now, go to The Tap’s website.
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The Dunkirk Library
430 E. Kirkwood Ave.
I like to save this spot for special occasions because it’s truly an experience like no other. This classy speakeasy is tucked away in the back of Bloomington’s own Upstairs Pub. The Dunkirk Library’s intimate atmosphere is perfect for a romantic date night or a memorable girls’ night out. The best part about this spot is their extensive list of remarkable cocktails. I usually order the East 8 Hold Up or a Lychee martini. While the martini is not on their normal menu, the bartenders always make me a good one if I ask. The menu offers different specialty drinks during each season. For those who love Guiness, try out their Ripple Machine, which scans a picture of your choice onto the foam of a Guiness. Every time I leave The Dunkirk Library, I find myself counting down the days until I get to go back. I always have a great experience at this bar and the bartenders are always kind and welcoming. Take a look at its online menu to see what other cocktails catch your eye.
