Hunger is a dominant feeling that can overpower the whole day. During the rush of lunch, people on campus try to grab something quickly or want a freshly made plate. Bloomington offers the best lunch options far and wide for your needs. The food culture in Bloomington allows the residents to try foods from around the world and around the nation. Regular lunch spots are a gem to many people, but let us introduce you to some hidden gems of Bloomington that you need to try as soon as possible!
CHOP SHOP AND WHEEL PIZZA!
Chop Shop and Wheel Pizza are the best combinations anyone could ask for. They are both located in the same place at 430 E. Kirkwood Avenue. On the infamous Kirkwood, Chop Shop and Wheel Pizza sit next to Kilroy’s with a sit-down area and a grab-and-go window. They are more of quick service and quick bites type of eatery, a perfect place for lunch! Wheel Pizza is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Chop Shop is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
Their menu varies with time, but Wheel Pizza specializes in different types of pizzas and sells a slice for three dollars or a whole pizza ranging from twelve to fifteen dollars. Chop Shop specializes in salads and customers are free to build their own salads. An employee makes the salad on the spot, chops it, dresses it, and creates a perfectly tossed salad to go. These two food restaurants are ideal for a healthy or carb-loaded quick lunch. Your hunger needs will be satisfied when they try this place.
DATS!
DATS is a great lunch spot that features homemade Cajun and creole cooking. Their menu options satisfy meat-lovers and vegetarians. They usually give their food in a to-go box, but also have seating inside their restaurant; therefore you can take it back home or eat it there. Their menu offers half-and-half options where you can get two entrees, but half the portions. A warm-meal from the south with a burst of flavors!
They are located on 408 E. Fourth Street along the famous street known for international restaurants. They share their building with the Fourth Street International Market, which is even better because cheap drinks are just a few steps away to help you with your spicy Cajun meal! Quick and great service with great food! Dats is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every weekday.
VIVA MAS!
Viva Mas is a fresh Mexican restaurant that has already created loyal customers! This restaurant is not on the infamous Kirkwood, but is located on 2550 E. Third Street with a massive parking lot. In Bloomington, it is difficult to find parking during the lunch rush and a Mexican cuisine is a popular option among residents. Therefore, if you want Mexican cuisine during lunch, Viva Mas is away from most of the chaos. It gives you air to breathe and good seats to eat. Their menu offers a variety of options from tacos to enchiladas, and combination meals.
Mexican restaurants are plentiful in Bloomington and each one has its own little twist. Viva Mas creates a whole new experience inside the restaurant with colorful decorations and cultural art. Viva Mas has great food, drinks, and quick service to get you in and out during your lunch break.
HIVE!
Hive is known for many things such as their famous chicken pot pie, their sweet Hive pie, and their interpretation of a Bahn Mi! Their menu is based on comfort food with an “international flair” which becomes international comfort foods ranging from ramen to Reuben. The restaurant gives off the comfort vibe as well with its open seats, fast-service, deli, and to-go service. The Hive knows quality food is healthy food.
They are located on 2608 E. Tenth Street at the end of the connected buildings. You cannot miss it! Since they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they open at 7 a.m. every weekday and close at 9 p.m. A large parking area and Bloomington transits stop right in front. Check them out and let us know what you think!
Bloomington is home to a variety of restaurants with different niches to satisfy the diverse residents. Many places are staples in Bloomington culture, but many new places are on the rise. These new and hidden gems are definitely food adventures you must take on for lunch.
