5 Underrated Restaurants in Downtown, Bloomington IL Worth Trying
Updated 29 September 2026 · 6 restaurants in Downtown, Bloomington IL considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list picks out five Downtown Bloomington restaurants that earn strong Google ratings without a large pile of reviews behind them. Each needed a rating of 4.4 or higher with fewer than 400 reviews, and six businesses qualified. It is meant for locals and visitors who want something beyond the obvious choices, from a lunch-only ramen counter to a late-night lounge. Entries list opening hours, access details and what reviewers mention.
#1
The Mystic Kitchen & Tasting Room
★ 4.8 (336 Google reviews)Wine bar
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Mystic Kitchen & Tasting Room is a wine bar at 306 N Center St serving dinner from 4 pm Tuesday through Friday, with a Saturday morning window and evening service. It is closed Sunday and Monday. Reviewers mention spicy carrots, tamale cakes and stuffed portobello mushrooms, attentive servers who make useful recommendations, candlelit tables and lively live music that may not suit a quiet romantic dinner.
Best for: Shared plates with wine
- Address
- 306 N Center St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–10 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 10 am–1 pm, 3–10 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 4–10 pm; Tue 4–10 pm; Wed 4–10 pm
#2
Nom Nom Noodle
★ 4.8 (296 Google reviews)Ramen restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Nom Nom Noodle is a ramen restaurant at 1006 E Lincoln St inside a VFW building, open for lunch on most days and until 7 pm on Thursday. It is closed Sunday. Google lists vegan and vegetarian options, counter service and a bar on site. Reviewers mention birria ramen, a chicken sandwich and quick, friendly service in a plain, practical room. One reviewer found staff unsure about gluten questions.
Best for: Quick ramen lunch
- Address
- 1006 E Lincoln St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–4 pm; Mon 11 am–2 pm; Sat 11 am–4 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–7 pm; Tue 11 am–4 pm; Wed 11 am–4 pm
#3
BLOOM BARISTA
★ 4.7 (306 Google reviews)Indian restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
BLOOM BARISTA at 608 N Main St serves Indian-American fusion food, open from 11 am daily until 10 pm and until 2 am on Friday and Saturday. It is wheelchair accessible, including parking. Reviewers mention a corn panini, flavorful dipping sauces, smoothies, prompt and friendly service, reasonable pricing and a balcony and basement space they enjoyed. One stopped in after a flight delay at the local airport.
Best for: Indo-American fusion, late on weekends
- Address
- 608 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–2 am; Mon 11 am–10 pm; Sat 11 am–2 am; Sun 11 am–10 pm; Thu 11 am–10 pm; Tue 11 am–10 pm; Wed 11 am–10 pm
#4
Bakery and Pickle
★ 4.6 (191 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Bakery and Pickle is a dinner restaurant at 513 N Main St, open 5 to 10 pm Wednesday through Saturday. Reviewers mention a large focaccia with sweet and tangy pickled peppers, a seasonal three-course prix fixe and tasting menu, local eggs, pickled green beans and swordfish. They describe cozy decor, well-made cocktails, a speakeasy-style front and staff who adjusted dishes for allergies.
Best for: Date night tasting menus
- Address
- 513 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–10 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 5–10 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 5–10 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 5–10 pm
#5
Shake It Up Cocktail Lounge & Eatery
★ 4.6 (135 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Shake It Up Cocktail Lounge & Eatery is at 105 W Front St and opens at 11 am daily, staying open until midnight most nights and 2 am on Friday and Saturday. Reviewers mention the Ronin burger with bold pickled and spicy toppings, a chicken pesto sandwich, salads with lemon vinaigrette and a mocktail menu. One reviewer reports an unpleasant experience with a bartender.
Best for: Cocktails, mocktails and burgers
- Address
- 105 W Front St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–2 am; Mon 11 am–12 am; Sat 11 am–2 am; Sun 11 am–12 am; Thu 11 am–12 am; Tue 11 am–12 am; Wed 11 am–12 am
How we made this list
We looked at 6 restaurants in Downtown, Bloomington IL with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
The Mystic Kitchen & Tasting Room ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.8 from 336 reviews. Nom Nom Noodle is second at 4.8 from 296 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Bloomington IL are open late?
BLOOM BARISTA stays open until 2 am; Shake It Up Cocktail Lounge & Eatery stays open until 2 am.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Nom Nom Noodle $10–20. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Nom Nom Noodle.
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