In search of the best bars in Bloomington, IL? Bloomington is a neighborhood city and the county seat of McLean County, Illinois, United States.
The absorbing nightlife of the Bloomington normal area is represented by the numerous bars that exemplify the values of the mid-west and the remarkable quality of life they are afforded.
Whether you are in town for a weekend, attending an event, or having a business engagement, you will enjoy your visit to the bars promising Midwestern hospitality and a relaxing browse of the spectacular range of drinks curated by local breweries.
Bloomington has a rich heritage proudly displayed through the bars strategically located in the city; people come from far and wide to explore the immersive nightlife that the town promises to offer.
Here is a list of the top bars in Bloomington, IL, to direct you to bars that guarantee that your first visit will be a grand Premier.
Best Bars in Bloomington, IL
1. Fat Jacks Bar
The experience awaiting visitors at Fat Jacks Bar is a fantastic one that starts with the bouncers at the door; they are super polite and very professional, do the right thing, and will be your friends forever.
Fat Jacks Bar is considered one of the best bars in Bloomington, the environment is great for any occasion, and the team is attentive and on hand to make the experience worthwhile.
There are several different but inclusive rooms for clubbing, chilling out, and bar games. Each room has a different atmosphere with separate bars, bartenders, and exclusive music, so there is something that appeals to everyone.
There are 30 tap handles available at this stunning bar, and they usually carry a wide selection of craft and specialty beers. There are also many unique signature cocktails to try out with friends if something other than beer is your kind of drink.
Fat Jacks Bar is open from 3:00 pm – 1:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 3:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3:00 pm – 12:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 511 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States. Phone: +1 309-821-9222.
2. Maguire’s Bar & Grill
Avoid the young students at the other drink joints and check out this mature gem in downtown Bloomington,
Maguire’s Bar & Grill is one of the city’s perfect examples of cool bars.
Billiards, darts, slot machine, jukebox, big screen smart TVs for all your sports games and video games, exclusive live music on weekends, and open mic all through the week in addition to trivia games; what more could you ask for?
Maguire’s Bar & Grill is one of the only bars in the city that offer customers complimentary popcorn and fresh conversation until they are settled in for the night of fun and fireworks.
Stop by without a reservation, and you will be well taken care of with sweet drinks like Fernet Hot Chocolate, Hot Toddy, Mezcal Negroni, Espresso Martini, Margarita, Piña Colada, Sprezza Rosso Spritz, etc.
Maguire’s Bar & Grill is open from 12:00 pm – 1:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 12:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm – 12:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 220 N Center St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States. Phone: +1 309-829-0002.
3. Rosie’s Pub
Suppose you are searching for a bar because you love variety and are a sucker for new experiences. In that case, Rosie’s Pub is looking for you because it is one of the fun bars in Bloomington that favors new activities and homely competitions.
This bar is in Abraham Lincoln’s former law office; it is easy to find on the map or by asking for directions. On the inside, one side is suitable for hosting a medium-scale company event, and the other is the bar.
The management always comes up with some great weekly specials, and the tables in the bar area provide more of an intimate arrangement for a family or loving couple.
Be sure not to come alone; come to have a beer with your friend, a bottle of wine with a date, meet up with co-workers for some amazing cocktails, or anything in between
Rosie’s Pub is open from 12:00 pm – 1:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 12:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm – 12:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 106 E Front St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States. Phone: +1 309-827-7019.
4. Diggers
Diggers is a long-standing establishment just off downtown Bloomington; it is the right place to go if you are sick of college bars and want to enjoy a generous portion of alcohol in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Diggers are one of the top places to drink in Bloomington, and for a good reason, you can expect prices that wouldn’t put a permanent dent in your wallet, and it is the safest place to end a friendly brawl over a delicious drink.
There is no other bar in town that opens as late as Diggers, from dart boards to jukebox, Wednesday night open mic to Friday live bands; diggers pulls an eclectic crowd 365 days a year.
It’s necessary to reiterate that Diggers is generous with its drinks, making it a true friend of the thirsty. Customers often order drinks like Casamigos Anejo, Bacardi Oakheart, Dixie Black Pepper, Absolut, Dixie Black Pepper, Cruzan Black, etc.
Diggers are open from 2:00 pm – 1:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 3:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm – 12:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 230 E Front St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States. Phone: +1 309-829-3757.
5. Killarney’s Irish Pub
Killarney’s Irish Pub is an incredible Irish bar and one of the best bars downtown in Bloomington. It posts the lowest everyday drink prices you will not find anywhere else.
The motto of this friendly bar is what you see is what you get. It is a no-nonsense place with a clean environment and interiors, the floors are polished, and the bathrooms are spotless.
The bartenders are professional mixologists with an unbelievable knowledge of the craft, but they are very down to earth; it is easy for customers to have a good conversation with them at intervals.
Customers often start their evening at this bar with drinks ranging from Provoleta, Choripan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Monopolio Clara, etc.
Killarney’s Irish Pub is open from 4:00 pm – 1:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 2:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 4:00 pm – 12:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 523 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States. Phone: +1 309-828-1186.
6. Mulligans
The easiest way to become an ambassador of Bloomington is to go through this amazing bar; it puts forth the city’s best experiences with customer satisfaction and premium hospitality.
Mulligans is the best place to have an incredible nightlife experience with a friend on the weekend, and it is one of the best bars in Bloomington, where locals come to enjoy a wide selection of wines and several new cocktail options.
You will find that Mulligans needs more decorations, furnishing, and fun activities. Patrons are welcome to a world of entertainment when they enter this bar, as the atmosphere is cool and cuddly.
Be sure to get a cheap Long Island Tea or any other exotic cocktails on the menu that satisfy your needs.
Mulligans is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 3:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 531 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States. Phone: +1 309-827-7796.
7. Cheeks Bar & Grill
Cheeks Bar & Grill is a nice quaint bar with generous slot machines that activate the customers’ competitive spirit. It is one of the top bars in the city, providing outstanding service to military men and women.
The environment is cozy and mostly silent; customers can converse normally, not competing with noisy music or loud sports programs on the TVs, though there are TVs and a stage for live music every weekend night.
If you are military, you are very welcome, your first drink is on the house, and other fine patrons usually pick the second tab. A bell to ring to welcome the military also doubles as a debtor warning bell.
There are drinks like Orange Genius, Vodka, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Jack Daniels, and local draft beers on tap.
Cheeks Bar & Grill is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 3:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 1206 Towanda Ave #6, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States. Phone: +1 309-829-3655.
8. Gill Street Sports Bar & Restaurant
Enjoying the game while having food and drinks in that warm enough weather is sure to be an unforgettable experience, and you can have it at one of the best bars in Bloomington.
The indoor atmosphere is nice and clean, with a stunning sports bar feel. There are tables and booths for families. Outdoors, there is a volleyball court surrounded by threes and an axe-throwing venue.
The space is large enough for teams of friends who want to enjoy a weekend night of competitive fun activities and indulge in the many drinks available at the bar.
You can enjoy a relaxing night with masterfully curated drinks or pick from any of your favorite brands of Whiskeys, Spirits, Cocktails, and Imported and Local Beers available.
Gill Street Sports Bar & Restaurant is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 3:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 3002 Gill St, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States. Phone: +1 309-661-6387.
Also, check out our guide on the best bars in Greenville in South Carolina for a fun time.
9. Crawford’s Corner Pub
If you are traveling through the city of Bloomington from Iowa, you will be glad to find and stop at this bar for a mid-road trip drinking experience. It is regarded as one of the cool bars in town.
Crawford’s Corner Pub is known only worldwide because many patrons want to keep a secret to themselves. Although they want to share the good news, they don’t want to have to wait in line.
The building has been completely remodeled, and the personality of the drinks on the illustrated menu is quite remarkable; the management’s effort can be seen all around the bar and even outdoors.
If you happen to snag a table on the back patio, be sure to sit comfortably and order an array of drinks that range from beers like Bee’s Knees, Nolet’s gin, The Bee And The Monk, Wasp’s N’est, Hey Boo-Boo, and many more.
Crawford’s Corner Pub is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 3:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 610 W Chestnut St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States. Phone: +1 309-808-1623.
10. Ride The Nines Shooters Lounge
Ride The Nines Shooters Lounge is a bar unique on its terms and one of the cool bars in Bloomington.
The team is accommodating and happy to resolve any customer issues or complaints; they go about their duties in a professional and are out of the way except when needed.
Ride the nines shooters lounge is an exceptional bar where patrons do not get the awkward stare the first time they step foot in the interiors. The drinks are just too good to be true for the prices attached to each one.
You can order local favorites at this incredible bar, like Charcuterie Board, Half Priced Wine Sundays, Baklava, French Clover, Manhattan, Sangria, Maybons Cup, Chardonnay, etc.
Ride the nines shooters lounge is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 3:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 503 N Prospect Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States. Phone: +1 309-662-1009.
11. Elroy’s
Elroy’s is a Bloomington treasure! The owners are deeply rooted in supporting local breweries. The drinks creations are creative and delectable, and the atmosphere is lovely.
Elroy’s features, open bar concept, and seating assure a comfortable, cozy appeal with the perfect touch allowing your choice of cocktail to settle in smoothly.
There is a showcase humidor room boasting cigars that have traveled the world from the best brands you can think of. The room is irresistible, and many patrons have been seen using the beautiful background for photography.
The bar has drinks ranging from Charcuterie Board, Half Priced Wine Sundays, and Baklava to local brews and spirits.
Elroy’s is open from 12:00 pm – 1:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 12:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm – 12:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 102 W Washington St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States. Phone: +1 309-828-0142.
12. Legends Sports Bar & Grill
If there is one place that holds a special position in the hearts of the residents of Bloomington for providing a consistent quality of the best craft cocktails in town, Legends Sports Bar & Grill would be the only choice.
This great bar is classy and comfortable for grabbing a relaxing drink, carrying on romantic conversations with a friend, and enjoying an artistic, eclectic environment.
Residents of the town have celebrated life milestones at this bar while making many lasting and valuable friendships. It is a perfect place to decompress and forget life’s worries.
The drinks are wholesome, and you can order some premium options like Casamigos Repo Anejo, Bacardi Oakheart, Dixie Black Pepper, Absolut Cruzan Black, Havana Classic, Pilar Blonde, etc.
Legends Sports Bar & Grill is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 3:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 712 S Eldorado Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States. Phone: +1 309 661-8800.
13. Western Tap
The residents of Bloomington have been coming to Western Tap for a decade, and somehow, every year, it gets better and better. It has worked its way up the ladder to rank with the top places to drink in Bloomington.
The management team has an amazing mind, and every part of the bar showcases a thoughtful decision. It is easy to see why city residents love the drinks, the vibe, and, most importantly, the people.
It is a no-brainer to get drinks with friends in an atmosphere with local art. There are many event options to participate in, from trivia to yoga, Charcuterie classes to the cocktail seminar, and so on.
The crowd in icy weather speaks volumes about how great Western Tap is. Customers can choose exclusive drinks like Channel Marker Ipa, President Lager, Glass and Vine Mule, Aberfeldy, Purple Rain, Woodford Reserve, etc.
Western Tap is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 3:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 1301 N Western Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States. Phone: +1 309-823-9810.
14. The Pass Pub & Grill
Beyond serving great drinks, it is important to note that small gestures and little things matter to people the most. The Pass Pub & Grill is famous for putting hospitality and customer care at the forefront.
Customers are blown away by the care and attention with which the team does their jobs which is why The Pass Pub & Grill is one of the best bars in the city.
Suppose a bar is willing to go over and beyond to satisfy customers with the relationship. In that case, they will do the same with the drinks on the menu, which includes options like Sam Adams Boston Lager, Shipyard Monkey Fist Ipa, Victory Golden Monkey, Monkey Summer Love, Wells Banana Bread Beer, etc.
The Pass Pub & Grill is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 3:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 2303 E Washington St Suite #600H, E Washington St, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States. Phone: +1 309-662-7277.
15. Windjammer Lounge
When a group of friends plans a road trip to a bar in another city, it must be one of two things; either the service is too good to be true, or they are under a spell; a third option is that it might be both.
There is sand volleyball for those that have the skill and those who want to play in the sand, and there is also live music for those who know how to dance.
The outdoor patio allows people to enjoy a smoke with their buddies while they watch those engaged in a volleyball game. It is safe to say patrons have the best time of their lives at this bar, and they can testify to it.
The entire team at this bar works as one well-oiled machine, making the time spent in it a pleasurable experience for every customer. Customers will continue to spend their time and money ordering drinks like Bee’s Knees, Nolet’s gin, The Bee And The Monk, Wasp’s Nest, and Hey Boo-Boo at this bar for a long time to come.
Windjammer Lounge is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 am on Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 3:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 2303 Stern Dr, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States. Phone: +1 309-663-2233.
Also, check out our guide on the best bars in Fremont , best bars in Tucson, and the best bars in Redmond for a fun time.
Have Fun!
For a pleasant and unforgettable evening, consider a visit to any of these bars to enjoy all that they have to offer.
Best be assured that the offerings available at these bars are impressive and satisfying, so your enjoyment and utmost satisfaction is guaranteed.