The best bars & nightlife in Bloomington

“Enduring hangout for American fare & a massive beer selection in a space accented with antiques.”

“Chic, artful lounge in The Alexander with artisanal cocktails, small plates & wine.”

“Arty cocktails & small plates served amid pendant bulbs, a copper bar & a speakeasy vibe.”

“Hip drink destination known for specialty coffee during the day and craft cocktails at night.”

“Nightclub offering cocktails, small plates & cigars to a jazzy beat against a vintage backdrop.”

“A range of seasonal brews are poured at this funky craft beer & bookstore venue.”

“Trendy spot for American eats (including vegan fare), coffee, cocktails and live acts.”

“Whether your fridge wants a trusty year-round staple or you're itching for a short-run experiment, Quaff On! Brewing Company keeps the taps and bottles interesting with seasonal releases, the Woods Abide Series, and small-batch surprises. Peek at their brew calendar, then make this week taste a little better.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Need a quick Brown County reset this week? Moontown Brewing Company Nashville Pub is pouring award-winning Moonlite cream ale, crisp lagers like King of Troy, and juicy IPAs alongside tacos, nachos, and a seriously solid beer-battered fish number. Easy, tasty, very repeatable.”

“Ralston's Drafthouse is winning brunch this week with a scratch-made lineup that swings from Angel Biscuits and Gravy to decadent Elvis French Toast, and if you’re plotting a get-together soon, their room rental setup makes hosting friends or coworkers a whole lot easier.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Gather 22 hits that sweet spot between kid-friendly and treat-yourself, pouring legit espresso in the morning and shaking crafty cocktails at night. Slide in for chef-driven brunch with breakfast pizza, then come back for grilled pizzas at lunch and dinner, because weeknight cravings are real.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Solely Wine champions small producers with a curated lineup of low-intervention bottles and by-the-glass pours that actually taste like where they’re from. Drop in for tastings, casual classes, and weekly happenings, then snag a bottle for the couch later...”

“Mass Ave Wine nails the sweet spot of curated, affordable bottles you can sip by the glass or share by the bottle, alongside charcuterie, artisan pizzas, and small plates. Friendly guidance, local art, and non-alcoholic options make it an easy weeknight hang on Mass Ave.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Circa-1851 complex by Brown County State Park, offering rooms, cottages & a farm-to-table eatery.”

“Burger-centric, brewpub serving craft beers with a selection of eats from burgers to wings to pulled pork-topped burgers.”

“Stylish boutique distillery & tasting room offering craft cocktails & elevated New American bites.”

“Casual Golf Retreat option featuring burgers, beer, cocktails and wings, plus a karaoke night.”

“Live country-music venue with a large wood dancefloor & dance lessons, plus pub grub & beverages.”

“Craft-beer bar hosting regular events such as live music and trivia nights.”

“Casual eatery offering comfort food, wine, and beer in an old-timey setting with a porch.”

“Comfortable concert hall for pop, rock and blues acts, plus family-oriented shows via shuttle.”

“Easygoing tavern serving local craft beers & a wide-ranging menu of eats, including gourmet pizzas.”

“Cozy basement bar hosting a diverse lineup of live entertainment.”

“Straightforward rock club/bar hosting everything from cover bands & emerging acts to karaoke nights.”

“Casual spot providing a variety of dry, sweet, semi-sweet and dessert wines made from grapes, fruit and berries.”

“Colorful cellar lounge decorated in Americana, offering live music, karaoke & dance parties.”

“Casual, family-friendly Mexican restaurant featuring a full bar and regular daily specials.”

“Sports amenities, a restaurant & a pool at a down-to-earth hotel with simple rooms & studios.”

“Famous TV comics draw laughs at this stand-up comedy club with a variety of American eats.”

“House-brewed cider & light eats in a historic building with high ceilings & rustic charm.”

“Teams of improvisers compete during this show for all ages, which also offers classes.”

“Lively comedy club with stand-up shows & weekly open mic nights, plus pub food & a full bar.”

“Casual bar and restaurant featuring burgers, chicken wings and pizza, plus an outdoor patio.”

“Speakeasy-style bar serving classic cocktails and local fare in a space that's hard to find.”

“Touring bands, comedy acts & an in-house burlesque troupe entertain nightly at this revered venue.”

“Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.”

“Tasting rooms set in a landscaped garden, picnic packages, plus a shop selling food & wine.”

“Down-to-earth tasting room serving apple ciders of various flavors alongside beer.”

“New American outpost with a patio serving wines, brews & seasonal fare in a warm, upbeat setting.”

“Pizza and other New York-style eats along with beer and cocktails, served in a comfy, speakeasy-style space.”