Bar and pubs
Bloomington Brewing Company
1795 e 10th st. 812-323-2112. primarily available at lennie's, a sophisticated gourmet pizza and beer restaurant. after you select your beer, you'll be asked whether you want it hand, nitro, or co2 pumped. choose hand pumped unless you really prefer your beer cold. (http://bbc.bloomington.com/)
Show Me's
(http://www.showmes.com/bl...) on the west side of town, boasts 53 flat screen tvs and 8 projection screens. with 24 taps you may never get your fill. cuisine ranges from burgers and wings to crab legs. outdoor seating with televisions and speakers. plenty of parking during any event.
The Bishop
123 s walnut st. where have all the good bars gone? it would be the bishop. a beer only bar with an exotic selection from around the globe. also a music venue housing nearly 200 people. the premier spot for bloomington's music and libations. don't want to see a show? don't worry! no cover for the bar. (http://www.thebishopbar.com)
Brothers
215 n walnut st. new in 2009, directly across from bluebird. no cover. strictly enforces id's and "casually nice" dress code. features two levels, with a bar on each floor. the second floor has a nice outside lounging area centered around a large fire pit. unless you want to hang out with a bunch of frat brothers and undergrads with fale ids, best to pass on this one. [www.brothersbar.com/]
Crazy Horse
214 w kirkwood ave. chill place with an older crowd. great patio seating and full dining menu. 812-336-8877. (http://www.crazyhorseindi...)
Bluebird
216 n walnut st. 812-336-3984. 30 year-old bar across from kilroy's sports that features live bands, three bars, a dance floor, and good drink specials. generally a more chilled out crowd. cover is usually between $3 - $5. (http://www.thebluebird.ws/)
Kilroy's on Kirkwood (Kilroys)
502 e kirkwood ave. 812-339-3006. very typically a "college" bar. lots of greeks, loud '80s music, and always packed. great place to sit outside and have drinks during the spring/summer in the daytime. another place to avoid if you are over 22 unless you wait until the summer months when the younger crowd clears out. (http://www.kilroys-bloomi...)
Nick's English Hut (Nicks)
423 e kirkwood ave. 812-332-4040. nick's is the oldest bar in bloomington and boasts tradition. much of the bar is wooden and it displays mementos from iu throughout the years, including sports memorabilia, photos, greek paddles, etc. the crowd is typically at least somewhat older, as nick's is notorious for not letting in students with fake ids unlike many other bars in the area. hot spot for alumni and the adult crowd. (http://www.nicksenglishhut.com)
Upland Brewery
350 w 11th st. 812-336-2337. upland wheats are available at most restaurants in town. try the great pasta dishes made with beer. (http://www.uplandbeer.com/)
Upstairs Pub
430 e kirkwood ave # 18. 812-333-3003. literally an upstairs bar. it features darts and pool tables. can get pretty crowded. be sure to try its signature drink, the amf adios mother fucker, made from five types of alcohol but tastes like kool-aid. don't expect friendly service, bartenders jerked the bottle from a patron's mouth and threw it upon the ground when wanting to close early during the summer months.
Root Cellar
Located in the basement of farm, one of bloomington's delicious downtown restaurants off kirkwood avenue, the root cellar offers a selection of beer and whiskey other beverages available at the posher bar upstairs. eclectic vintage decor in a cave like setting make this a popular destination for bloomington's hipsters, graduate students, and young professionals. occasionally features music - check out soul in the hole first saturday of every month for a great motown dance party or new wave night every 2nd & 4th saturday - www.newwavenight.com for wild dancing - '80s style.
Bears Place (Bears)
1316 e 3rd st. 812-339-3460. older crowd. music student hangout. loud obnoxious behavior not tolerated. monday nights feature live comedy shows. try the "hairy bear" several different kinds of alcohol. (http://www.bearsplacebar.com/)
Kilroy's Sports Bar (Sports)
319 n walnut st. 812-333-6006. features an upstairs and downstairs, with the upstairs usually being pretty packed. the upstairs is more 'club'-ish, it features more hip-hop music and dancing, with blacklights. there is also a patio area upstairs. the downstairs is more laid back and is similar to kilroy's on kirkwood. it's big and they have free popcorn. cover is $5. (http://www.kilroys-bloomi...)
The Vid Bloomington
105 west 7th street bloomington, in 812 333-0064. also known as the video saloon. this bar/live music venue features a relaxed atmosphere and nice staff. serves as a "melting pot" and has a diverse mix of students and bloomington residents. (http://www.thevidblooming...)
Jake's
419 n walnut ave. 812-333-5253. a club near kilroy's sports formerlly axis with a large dance floor and concerts. you can buy a mug and have it refilled every visit for discounted drinks. often features live music from local bands. (http://www.jakesnightclub.com/)
Wineries
Oliver Winery
8024 n sr 37 bloomington, in. 812-876-5800. (http://www.oliverwinery.c...)
Butler Winery
6200 e robinson rd., bloomington, in. 812-332-6660 hours mon to sat: 10-6, sun: 12-6. (http://www.butlerwinery.com/)