The Best Brunch and Breakfast Spots in Bloomington, Indiana

Downtown Bloomington
Downtown Bloomington | © Yahala / WikiCommons
Courtney Johnston

Bloomington, Indiana is bustling with inventive restaurants and cafés that showcase a variety of brunch offerings ranging from traditional eggs and bacon to green smoothies and vegan sausage. Whether you love savory or sweet, warm and hearty, quick and easy, or healthy and refreshing, an incredible brunch and breakfast eatery in Bloomington awaits.

1. The Runcible Spoon Cafe and Restaurant

Cafe, American

Plate of French Toast with powdered sugar close up
Jennifer Barrow / Alamy Stock Photo

This casual café in downtown Bloomington is one of the best eateries in the city to visit. With whimsical decor and an eclectic, yet welcoming ambiance, it combines upscale and low-key dining. Known best for their popular breakfast entrées, you’ll fall in love with their delightful french toast and omelets. They are also the only coffee roastery in town and boast a variety of coffee and tea selections.

2. The Inkwell

Cafe, American

Drop by to try a flavorful drip coffee or whimsical latte (complete with latte art, of course). The café has a variety of made-from-scratch pastries to start your day on a sweet note, including muffins, scones, and their beloved home-made pop-tarts. They also offer breakfast sandwiches, like their unique broken yolk breakfast sandwich.

4. Uptown Cafe

Cafe, American

When it comes to breakfast and brunch, Uptown Cafe is a go-to spot for Bloomington locals. This slightly upscale café offers all favorite breakfast items, with a few out-of-the-ordinary selections. You’ll fall in love with their decadent cottage cheese pancakes, creme brulee french toast, cheddar jalapeno grits, or their smoked salmon eggs benedict. Enjoy bottomless Uptown blend coffee or hot tea or a small selection of cappuccino beverages with your meal.

5. Feast Market & Cellar

Cafe, Market, Restaurant, North American

Feast is a cozy corner café located in the heart of Bloomington that’s renowned for varied, colorful food selections and a unique, rotating menu. With seasonal offerings and selections that cater to a variety of diets, Feast prepares its food with only the freshest of ingredients. The brunch and breakfast menu boasts delicious frittatas, avocado toast, a breakfast tamale, a traditional breakfast sandwich, baked goods, and a full service coffee bar.

6. Village Deli

Cafe, American

Village Deli is a cozy, casual diner that offers a tremendous amount of breakfast options, all day long. They’re known for their enormous pancakes (including a cinnamon roll flavor), massive breakfast burrito, and homemade biscuits and gravy. A variety of potato options, house made granola, and plenty of omelet options are also available. The Village Deli is a tradition for many IU students and Bloomington residents.

7. The Owlery

Cafe, American, Vegetarian, Vegan

This vegetarian comfort food hotspot offers some of the most interesting and hearty breakfast choices in downtown Bloomington. They serve brunch only on Sundays, but the wait is worth it. Indulge in their red velvet pancakes, breakfast tacos, or breakfast poutine. Vegans will also love their large selection of choices, from tofu scramble, lentil breakfast, and easily customized entrées. They also have a good variety of gluten-free items.

8. FARMbloomington

Bistro, American

FARMbloomington | © Kyle McCarthy/Flickr
© Kyle McCarthy / Flickr

This modern farmhouse-style restaurant is a popular choice for its variety of delicious, hearty recipes that represent some of the best home-cooked cuisines of southern Indiana. With eclectic brunch recipes like bacon and egg breakfast pizzas, Hoosier poutine, and a southern Indiana biscuit basket, you’ll fall in love with breakfast all over again.

9. Bloomington Bagel Company

Shop

If you’re looking for a quick, but filling breakfast, Bloomington Bagel Company is the perfect destination. With several locations scattered throughout the city, there’s always a bagel stop nearby when you need it. Try their delicious homemade bagels with a variety of cream cheese schmears or grab a more hearty bagel sandwich and a cup of coffee for an easy breakfast. Find a full list of locations here.

10. Bedrak Cafe

Cafe, American, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

This brunchenette and juicery can be found in downtown Bloomington, offering healthy and seasonal food and beverage options. A variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food options, as well as more traditional choices are available. Their crab cakes benedict, breakfast tacos, and chicken and waffle sandwich are popular. Of course, you’ll want to try one of their signature juices or smoothies, or maybe a refreshing smoothie bowl.

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