In the first six months of 2025, there are five Bloomington restaurants that have closed their doors. Some have social media posts stating plans for reopening are underway but some are gone forever.
Bedrak Cafe, at 409 S. Walnut St., closed its doors in early January after seven years in business. Bedrak offered breakfast, brunch and special juices. As reported in an early column, the owners said inflation and rising prices were factors in their decision to close.
Carson’s BBQ, at 3878 W. Third St., has posted on its website that it is temporarily closed but it’s obvious that the restaurant has had its former contents removed. Carson’s, which was once located in Ellettsville along Ind. 46, is known for its barbecue pork, chicken, brisket and ribs.
A Facebook post from May 18 says, “We are not closing down for good. Jeff is going to enjoy some time with family and friends for a bit. We will still be catering delicious Carson’s BBQ and setting pop-up events with our trailer.” The post said announcements about where the pop-up events would be will be announced on the Carson’s BBQ Facebook page.
Juannita’s Mexican restaurant at 620 W. Kirkwood Ave. closed in April. No one from the restaurant has returned phone calls and emails. Juannita’s opened in 2013 and offered Mexican fare based on recipes of the family’s grandmother, namesake for the restaurant.
Lan Ramen & Aqua Tea, at 250 S. Washington St., closed its doors earlier this year without any explanation. Efforts to reach the owners have not been successful. The restaurant offered handmade noodles, house-made kimchi, bubble teas and had customer favorites including pork belly ramen, pork and cabbage dumplings, beef brisket with hand-pulled noodles and smoothies.
The Owlery, one of Bloomington’s best known vegetarian restaurants, at 118 W. Sixth St., actually closed in November 2024 but had posted it was a temporary closure with “some exciting updates” expected in the future. So far, the restaurant remains closed.
The loss of these restaurants will be felt by many people, local residents and occasional visitors alike. The best lesson to take from this: If you have a favorite Bloomington restaurant, spend money there. Eat there frequently — and invite friends and family to eat there as well.
Moving plans for Cozy Table
Cozy Table, currently at 2500 W. Third St., is moving with its last day at the current place on June 29. That announcement can be seen by passing motorists on West Third Street.
Owner Kellie Kolious anticipates reopening in mid August at its new locations at 3870 W. Third St., former site of Little Blue Tattoo. Cozy Table also will take over the current Square Donuts spot at 3866 W. Third St. That will ensure Cozy Table has about the same dining space as its current location, Kolious said.
If you’re more interested in picking up a dozen doughnuts instead of sitting down for pancakes, sausage and eggs, Square Donuts is scheduled to move just a few doors down to the former Carson’s BBQ location at 3878 W. Third St.
Contact Carol Kugler at ckugler@heralddt.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: 5 Bloomington restaurants close in first half of 2025; Cozy Table to relocate this month
Reporting by Carol Kugler, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
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