Groceries/ Notables  

Samira's - Offers excellent kebobs: various meats such as chicken, Cornish hen and lamb on skewers served over rice. One of the neat elements of this restaurant is that it serves a sliced eggplant and carrot appetizer with bread that we just can't get enough of. It is located right at the square on Walnut Ave.

Burmese

Burmese Gems Restaurant - A relatively new restaurant, they serve a combination of Burmese and Japanese food. Portions are not large and their price reflects it.

414 East 4th St. (on 4th St, 2 blocks from Sample Gate) (812)330-0742

Chinese

China Cafe- A takeout/Sit-in restaurant with a separate Chinese menu, this is the place to go if you want to order some good and particular Chinese Food. Ginger Chicken is a favorite. (around 10th St and Walnut St)

China Buffet - A buffet style Chinese restaurant, it is one of the cheap eats that most everyone has been to. Good value for money also makes it one of the most common food source for student organizations on campus. 

3rd St and College mall rd

Chow Bar - A favorite spot for large gatherings, this restaurant is one block away from Sample Gate. Buffet for lunch and at night features Chinese and other Asian dishes.

Dragon Express - A takeout/sit-in restaurant located right on Jordan and 3rd st across from Read Hall and the music school, this is the closest Chinese food to campus. Provided food for Hong Kong Student Association in 2002 Taste of Asia. 

3rd st and Jordan Ave

Grasshopper - A takeout/sit-in restaurant a bit far from the campus, this is the closest place for dim-sum, but it is served only on some days of the week and it is ordered, not traditional serving-style. 

(Drive west down Kirkwood from campus past State Road 37 on your right)

Mark Pi's China Gate - The only Chinese restaurant that does mostly sit-in business in Bloomington, this place has a good menu and a decent atmosphere. Try Drunken chicken as an appetizer. 

(Drive east on 3rd St, past college mall road across from Volkswagon dealership) 

Noodle Town- NEW! If you are a fan of roast duck, BBQ pork or Soy chicken, Bloomington finally has its own shop! A takeout/Sit-in restaurant specializing in noodles and roast delicacies made fresh daily. 

(College Mall next to Panera Bread)

Yummy's (Indianapolis) - The closest dim-sum place that has served dim sum (as opposed to ordered).  Leave Bloomington on State road 37N, I-465 west, exit 17. Turn left onto 38th st, turn left at Bob Evans Restaurant (Orange colored house)

Bombay House - With an outdoor dinning area, this Indian restaurant has good ambience indoors and outdoors. The food is delicious as well. 

(on 4th st,  2 blocks from Sample Gate)

Shanti's - This restaurant has been around for some time, and over the years it has sponsored many student events with great food which we always drop by for afterwards.  

(on Kirkwood Ave 4 blocks from sample gate)

Japanese

Asuka - NEW! Hibachi Steak arrives in Bloomington this July here at Azuka! Chefs prepare your meal  in the grill in front of you. Recommended is the steak and shrimp combo. 

(College Mall next to Panera Bread)

Domo - Located across from University Apartments and the music school, this is the closest sushi place around. It provided the sushi sponsored by Asian Student Union in the 2002 Taste of Asia. It has a sushi bar and a relaxed atmosphere.  Try the Chirashi (Fish over rice).  

(3rd st and Jordan Ave)

Mikado's - With a full on sushi bar and a good list of sake, this restaurant is one of  personal favorites. The sushi is excellent, and also  notable is the Udon. End with a banana tempura for a sweet finish. (East on 3rd St, turn right at college mall rd, turn left into a small mall after BurgerKing)

Korean

Korean BBQ - Hefty portions, TV, and a good lunch menu. Try the beef rib (Balbi) and seafood pancake. 

(east on 10th St on your right before State Road 45/46)

NEW! Koreana This new restaurant seem to be the new hangout when I arrived. It was packed. Great friendly service couple with good Korean food. 

east on 10th past state rd 45/46 on the right in the small shopping mall where Olive Market is  

Thai

Siam House - Here is the well known Siam House, which provided the food for Thai Student Association in 2002 Taste of Asia. Recommended is shrimp in egg roll for appetizer, and Pad Thai, of course. Lunch buffet available.

(on 4th St 2 blocks from Sample Gate)

Tibetan

Little Tibet -With Tibetian food and Thai dishes, this small restaurant has serves a good quite lunch. (on 4th St 2 blocks from Sample Gate)

Snow Lion - 

Vietnamese

Saigon Café -This is Bloomington's first Vietnamese Restaurant ever.  It features Vietnamese signature beef noodle soup called Pho.  Saigon Café serves comforting home cooked Vietnamese cuisine, such as Vietnamese spring rolls (goi cuon), grilled dried beef (thit bo kho), and an array of vermicelli noodle dishes.  

825 N. Walnut (The hill on the left where Walnut and the Railroad intersect)

GROCERIES AND FOOD STORE

Saraga
College Mall a few shops past Krogers

The place for frozen fish, fresh vegetable and the largest selection of east Asian foods. Also has Korean video rental, pastries, cooking utensils, a wide array of seasoning and instant noodles. (A few shops past Krogers at College Mall)

Notable Mentions

Large catering available Lime Stone Grill - Fine dinning, amicable environment. 

(Behind Krogers in College Mall) 

Pucchini's 

Candle-lit and well decorated, Pucchini's serve great Italian dishes and is a great date scene. Perfect for those who live in the dorms since it is located right near Sample gate on 4th St.

(4th St 2 blocks from Sample Gate)

Amazing desserts, extensive wine list, fine entree and one of the best ambiance in Bloomington makes this restaurant a must for dates. Fois gras, Lamb Chops and Chocolate Pate is definitely a good sample of the menu. For dates, try Chocolate fondue for two.

 (West on 10th St turn right at Walnut Ave, turn left at 11th st, past College Ave drive up small hilly road onto the restaurant)