It’s welcome back week at Indiana University, an appropriate time to share some of the changes that have happened recently at Bloomington restaurants, food trucks, breweries and more. This isn’t complete, but should help people — both newcomers and longtime residents. Here are changes that have taken place in the past couple months.
New places: Spudshacks
Spudshacks opened Aug. 4 at 224 N. College Ave. It’s a little hard to find: Go to the downtown square, walk to North College Avenue, pass by BlueBird Couture at the northwest corner and walk along the sidewalk to the back of the building. You’ll find concrete steps with an awning overhead that reads “Spudshacks.” The Turkish couple who own the business are sharing the stuffed baked potatoes, handmade crepes, mini pancakes, cookies and cakes they remember from their homeland. They’ve recently added more toppings and ingredients that you can add to your crispy, salted baked potato.
Moving: Baldy’s Pizza and maybe
A southside pizza shop, Baldy’s Pizza, once at 5440 Old Ind. 37, is moving to a new location in Clear Creek Crossing near the southside Kroger. The renovations of the new spot aren’t quite done yet, but should be completed in the next month or so. The owner is hard at work and will reopen with the same pizzas, sandwiches, strombolis as before.
Cozy Table is no longer at 2500 W. Third St. but is expected to reopen soon at 3870 W. Third St., former site of Little Blue Tattoo. The restaurant known for its breakfasts and lunches will be taking over the Square Donuts space as well, but don’t worry: Square Donuts is moving a couple doors down and will reopen where Carson’s BBQ had been at 3878 W. Third St.
Oh, and for those people who found Taste of India in its temporary location: The popular Indian restaurant is back at its usual spot at 316 E. Fourth St. The restaurant there has been renovated, so check it out.
Closed, but not for good
Signs on the window of Coffee Beanery at 228 S. Grant St. say the coffee shop will be reopening in August. The restaurant offers coffee blends, cold-brew, espresso options, pastries and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Look for more information in future columns.
It may looked closed, but it’s not: Chocolate Moose
With all the scaffolding out front, people driving by may think that Chocolate Moose is closed. Jordan Davis, director of operations, said that the shop at 405 S. Walnut St. is open its regular hours still serving homemade ice cream, other icy treats as well as sandwiches. The issue is some of the masonry work on the structure and has nothing to do with Chocolate Moose. The Moose’s other location in Nasvhille in Brown County is also open.
Closed: Metal Works Brewing, Carson’s BBQ, Lan Ramen
Permanently closed. That’s what it says on social media about Metal Works Brewing Company, at 108 E. Sixth St. The phone is out of service and no one replies to email. Metal Works Brewing opened in June 2022, taking over the location and brewing from Function Brewing.
Carson’s BBQ closed in June. There were mentions on social media that Carson’s will continue catering, so check out their website, www.carsonsbbq.com, to see if they are reopening. So far, it doesn’t look like they have.
Lan Ramen & Aqua Tea closed its 250 S. Washington St. location. A sign on the window says to stay tuned for a future location. So far, it’s been quiet.
Contact Carol Kugler at ckugler@heraldt.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington restaurants: What just opened, which ones moved, or did they close?
Reporting by Carol Kugler, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
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