While you may not want to plant a garden in the Bloomington area, it’s now time for outdoor dining. Bloomington has a wealth of restaurants with patios now open, each one as varied as the cuisine they each serve.
Here are some of Bloomington restaurants where you can enjoy dining outdoors:
4 restaurants with views, a special tree and even a fountain
Scenic View has one of the best views, of Lake Monroe, and even feeders bringing hummingbirds close to patrons. The restaurant, at 4600 S. Ind. 46, nearly lost its great view of the lake when a new utility pole was erected. But as of April 13, Duke Energy removed the apparatus obstructing the view and moved it to a lower position, according to Scenic View owner Jenny Bell. “We are very happy for the quick response and the community support in doing so,” she said.
Scenic View has seating for 75 people outdoors with two covered patios (good for seating even in light rain), a patio area with umbrellas and a full-sun patio area. Reservations are recommended but not required. The patio is always open, even in the winter. It’s a pet-friendly space for well-behaved, leashed animals.
The Elm restaurant is named for the large American elm tree on one side of the outdoor patio. General manager Eric Daniels-Howell believes the restaurant’s patio is the best in town. The patio has seating for up to 40 guests at a time under the shade of one of the oldest remaining American standard elm trees in the neighborhood. The patio will open for the season in May, following spring commencement at Indiana University, and will be open for Sunday brunch and dinner.
Lennie’s, at 514 E. Kirkwood Ave., has had a busy time on its patio with the warmer weather. Patio seating is first-come, first-serve, according to manager Gen Matthews, who said guests are welcome to note on reservations that they prefer outdoor seating. The patio seats 24 patrons and the addition of a parklet adds another 20 seats.
C3 restaurant, at 1505 S. Piazza Drive in Renwich Village Center, opened its patio area in April and has seating for about 50 people, according to general manager Allison Smith. “Our patio is the only one in town with a fountain,” she said. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis, with no reservations. Patio tables have umbrellas in the fenced area. C3 shares the piazza at the center with other businesses including Crumble Coffee and Bakery, which has outdoor seating at 1567 S. Piazza Drive. C3 has had its patio “since day one,” Smith said. The restaurant and bar will celebrate its 12th year in August.
23 other restaurant patios worth a visit
No matter your taste in food or outdoor dining, there’s a restaurant sure to please. Here’s a list of some options available.
Big Woods in Bloomington, 116 N. Grant St., has a patio along the side of the building and a much larger one in the back.
Che Bello, 106 W. Sixth St., along the north side of the courthouse square.
Crazy Horse, 214 W. Kirkwood Ave., has a large downtown patio. With a wrought iron fence separating it from the sidewalk along Kirkwood Avenue, it gives patrons a cozy place to be just off the downtown square.
FARMbloomington, 108 E. Kirkwood Ave., has seats for 28 customers with nearby flower boxes with herbs and marigolds coming soon.
Fat Dan’s Deli, 221 E. Kirkwood Ave., is just across the street from the downtown public library.
Feta Kitchen and Cafe, 600 E. Hillside Drive.
55 Southern Stone, 405 W. Patterson Drive.
Hive, 2608 E. 10th St. in Tenth & the By-Pass center.
Malibu Grill, 106 N. Walnut St., on the east side of the downtown square.
Marco and Polo, 209 S. Grant St., just off East Third Street.
Mother Bear’s Pizza West, 2980 W. Whitehall Crossing Blvd.
Runcible Spoon, 412 E. Sixth St., with one of the favorites for Indiana University students since it’s close to campus.
Samira, 100 W. Sixth St., on the north side of the downtown square.
Social Cantina, 125 N. College Ave., on the west side of the downtown square.
Soma and Parlor Doughnuts, at 322 E. Kirkwood, both have patios along Grant Street for people to enjoy a drink and a doughnut.
Soma at Hillside and Henderson, 581 E. Hillside Drive, Suite 104.
Tacos Al Pastor, 620 W. Kirkwood Ave. With two levels of patio that were recently remodeled.
The Tap, 101 N. College Ave., on the west side of the downtown square.
Taste of India, 316 E. Fourth St.
Upland Brewing Company, 350 W. 11th St.
Uptown Cafe, 102 E. Kirkwood Ave., with sidewalk dining with 16-32 seats depending on the table arrangement.
Village Deli has patio outside at 409 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Yogi’s, 302 N. Walnut St.
Note, this is not a complete list and may not include your favorite place with a patio.
Contact Carol Kugler at ckugler@heraldt.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: More than 20 Bloomington restaurants offer outdoor dining options
Reporting by Carol Kugler, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
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