This is an must see in Bloomington. Every college town needs a place like this. It is has an awesome college vibe where you can tell many memories have been made, lies have been told and beers have been consumed. I was not feeling all that grand when I was there and opted for a loaded baked potato, far from a menu standout, but something that I hoped would go down easy. And I was so surprised, the potato was fresh, hot and tasty. They gave me all the toppings on request so I could fix the potato to my taste and quickly bought me a soda when I decided I wanted more than water. My dining partner had pizza that looked and smelled amazing. I will go back when I am feeling better and partake in some beer and some more fun food. But I had a great time there! The service was excellent from the server to the guy who helped us pick the tee shirts. As an SEC girl, I had a great time in Big Ten country! read more

This is a huge bar near the Indiana University campus. Two floors, lots of rooms, tons of TVs, and lots of bars, too! We were there for lunch on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and it was fairly quiet because most of the students were probably gone for the holidays. I can't imagine what this place looks like when it is packed. The breadsticks with nacho cheese sauce were hot and delicious. We got the Supreme pizza, and actually it was a bit too much in the 12 inch medium size for two of us to finish after the breadsticks. Lots of cheese on the pizza and plenty of toppings, but they weren't evenly distributed, so some slices had more veggies while other slices had more pepperoni or sausage. Cool place to hang out and watch a game or just chill and have some drinks. I really liked how big and bright it looked, and really clean, too. read more

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March 2021 - I'm not sure why a restaurant would change the recipe for a legendary dish like Sausage Pizza but Nick's did so and it's awful. The pizza sauce was ruined by garlic and the crust was not thin and crispy. The 7" pizza had almost no toppings for an $8 pizza. My out-of-town guests were recommended to eat 1/2 Stromboli sandwiches and they were not happy with that either. At 2pm the kitchen was filthy dirty and didn't look like it had been cleaned in several years. The young lady that served us was pleasant and attentive but the food was horrible. I won't be back anytime soon... read more

Nicks has a great atmosphere for game days! There is both a restaurant and bar. Each time we come here we get the Sink the Biz fries, they are a staple! The bartenders are efficient and all of the food choices are great! You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Nick's is always busy on weekends, especially for game days. A lot of people come here to play Sink the Biz! I would recommend if you like beer and are in good company. read more

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Overpriced, mediocre, environment is fun, drinks aren't crazy priced. The location is great so they ride on that and bring a "Bloomington institution." Do better. read more

Nick's English Hut (or "Nick's" for short) has been a Bloomington classic since before I was born. Established in 1927, Nick's has been a local favorite for over 85 years. The restaurant is known for its pub grub, IU memorabilia, and lively atmosphere. It's one of the best restaurants to watch a sports game, and in particular, an IU basketball game. Just type in "iu kentucky nicks" in a YouTube search, and you'll get a glimpse of what the atmosphere at Nick's can be. I've been to Nick's many times to watch IU basketball games or to grab a drink with friends. Nick's really does offer a unique experience, but surprisingly, the food does not live up to the restaurant's reputation. Generally speaking, the food I've ordered at Nick's has been very average and slightly overpriced. The pizza is average, the burgers are average, the stromboli is average, and the fish fillet is average. The sink the biz fries are one of the few items I really enjoy, and in my opinion the wings are really good too. It's disappointing though, that Nick's has such a great reputation in one of the nation's best college towns, yet has such a limited selection of good food. Another thing Nick's is well known for is a drinking game called "Sink the biz." Sink the biz is a popular game on Friday and Saturday nights for both college students and adults. The game is played with a bucket full of beer and a drinking glass floating in the beer. Each person playing the game has a glass of beer that they pour into the floating glass. The person that causes the glass to "sink" in the bucket has to drink the beer in that glass. It's a very original game and one that adds character to Nick's. It's also another reason why Nick's is so well known in town. Overall, I am a fan of Nick's. The restaurant/bar offers a unique experience and has been a Bloomington classic for years. However, since this is a food blog, I must be honest and critical of the establishment's food. In my opinion, the food at Nick's does not live up to the restaurant's reputation. Nick's will always be a great place to watch IU basketball (or other sporting events for that matter), but if you're looking for a great dinner, you should look someplace else. Still, let's give credit where credit is due. Nick's is a great bar and a Bloomington classic. read more

Nick's English Hut - Sink the biz fries - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Having been a lifelong Hoosier, but never having been to this Bloomington classic, had to go while nearby despite being in COVID country. Temperatures checked at door, masks on all and outdoor street seating available reassured. Great beer selection. Initially had to wait a bit for service but then was very attentive. Split the Stromboli bbq style and sink the biz fries. Excellent choice! Sat in booth occupied by Kurt Vonnegut in 1983. Can envision this being my go to bar 40 years ago! Hope this damn virus clears up so college kids and families can frequent once again! read more

Holy hell what have I been missing my whole life not having the biz fries?! We visited on a slow Saturday and the bartending staff were so kind and friendly towards us. They laughed as we played Sink the Biz. We ordered a half strom but they accidentally brought us a full one. Obviously not a problem in our books! Even the burger was very juicy and large. The bar has so much character and history, it's such a fun place to be. I will not forget my lunch here! read more

Give credit for trying to operate during virus but place last night was being managed by kids basically - glad they are working but it needed some experienced oversight Food was awful I used to love the Stromboli's but they just keep getting worse no seasoning way to skinny on ingredients other than bread I'll give them another shot but as a local there are better options-just my thoughts you can't save your way to margin dollars if people don't come back - make them the way they used to be made read more

Hit Nick's yesterday with a couple alumni friends who were in from out of town. The four of us have been coming to Nick's for 40 years. Our friends had already been seated when we arrived. We sat down and waited a bit before our very indifferent waitress showed up. We asked her what beers were on tap. She said "it's on the back of the menu". Apparently she didn't notice that we didn't have menus. Our table was set for five but we only had two menus. Not a big deal but we had to take the menus away from our friends to check the beer list. We all ordered food. Hamburger, black bean burger, two strombolis and a potato with side salad. The burger was basic. Very unappealing. The flavor was okay but it was luke warm as if it had been sitting awhile. The strombolis were both nearly inedible. The bread was burnt, the filling was dry. There was no sauce on either. Our friends had to ask the server to bring them some sauce for the stromboli. At the end of the meal, they had only eaten a quarter of the stroms, the rest stayed behind on the plate. The server forgot our water that we requested when we ordered our beers, forgot condiments that had been requested when we ordered our food. It was a disappointing experience. read more

This will be an easy review to comprehend. This is the best bar in Bloomington. Play sink the Biz while you're here. The food is top notch - sink the biz fries and pizza are some favorites. Do not leave Bloomington without going to Nick's, it's an institution that's been around since 1927, and you haven't actually experienced Bloomington/IU until you wrestle your way upstairs on a Friday or Saturday night. read more

What a disgusting visit. The bartender was completely ratchet. I've seen strippers with better attitudes. And telling customers that she "doesn't care if she has customers or not because she made enough the night before." Is straight up business cancer. What a crappy visit. read more

Nick's is a MUST in Bloomington! Sink the biz fries & quesadilla are my favorite! Awesome atmosphere too!

Nicks has been one of my favorite bars in Bloominton since before I was legally allowed to be in bars (they took my fake ID 3 months before I turned 21). It's a great place to watch a game, play sink the biz and eat. The same bartender has been working there for AGES and it amazes me how he always remembers everyone. Their pizza is always a go to for me. My mom loves their Stromboli. I have also had the quesadilla, cheeseburgers, Sink the Biz Fries, mozzarella sticks, you name it I've probably had it there. I don't play sink the biz anymore (I caught the flu a day after playing and I am convinced it was from that dirty finger game) but that's a staple of Nicks. You have to play it at least once! Drinks are reasonably priced and food is the same. The only thing that I would change is that they need to update their bathrooms. I went there this past weekend and 1 stall in the bathroom was completely missing a toilet seat which is unacceptable for a restroom with only 3 stalls. read more

Nick's English Hut - Sink The Biz Fries - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Overall, the food was good. There are no woods for how rude and disrespectful the waiter was. He talked to us like we were idiots and watched the soccer game more than he worked. He rolled his eyes at me literally every time I asked for something. My bill was $14 and some change. I tipped him very little and wrote on my receipt, "you are not nice." After we walked out he came out and while holding the receipt he yelled at the top of his lungs, "have a nice day." The man was belligerent! Today I noticed on my online banking that he took an $8 tip for himself. So not only is he rude and belligerent, but also a thief!! read more

Great atmosphere. Loved that they have a hefeweizen on tap. Stromboli was just Ok. Plenty of meat & cheese, but almost no veggies :-( read more

Love Nick's as a lowkey spot on gamedays, the bartenders and food usually take awhile but it's great once you get it! Definitely wish I spent more time here read more

Great fries and great drink specials. No matter who you are or what you think, make sure you play sink the biz AT LEAST once in your life.

the oldest bar in Bloomington founded in 1927 by Nick Hrismalos-great college bar- started going in college.  Food has dramatically improved over the years- it is 5 star "bar food"- nothing to write home about-- but good food nonetheless.  Has a good selection of craft beer and is a college hangout for people of all ages.  My favorite is the supreme pizza or a stromboli- It is fun to sit outside and chat with passerbys or people watch -during college game days it is packed by all ages-college age to former alumni of all ages.  It is a large two story bar that hosts large parties with the Business School or high school reunions- all the while downstairs- everyone else. read more

This place has been an icon in Bloomington for many many years and has never failed to please. Just feels so IU when you're there. Great food too! read more

Went in with a group of 10, 9 of us got accepted and the last one was stopped for ID. We had already ordered pitchers when I found out our last friend was having troubles. Walked over to the front and was told that my friend was denied for "not having an new enough ID" he presented 4 forms and was still denied. We asked for a manager and the guy literally said "you want me to waste my managers time with this?" We said yes and the manager came over and without even looking at the ID said you guys are causing a scene and to get out of here. read more

My friend was denied entry despite being 22 years old and showing several valid forms of ID. When we asked to speak to a manager the staff was rude, refused to help, and accused us of "causing a scene". Will never return. This ruined my week. read more

What am I missing here? We had terrible food and terrible service. Assumed this was an IU institution we expected a better experience. The biz fries were cold and had so much seasoning they were inedible. There were literally piles of seasoning as if the lid to the shaker fell off. My Turkey burger just tasted plain weird. Mushy overcooked mushrooms that also tasted weird. No one at our table finished their meal. Service was terrible. Even though the waitress was bustling all around us, we felt forgotten through our whole meal. I get it that it's a college watering hole- but no reason the food and service should be so bad. read more

I had the delicious Stromboli sandwich. The buns were perfectly toasted and I was eating the droppings with the fork. Nothing went to waste. The pickles were sweet and there just wasn't enough. This is must visit if you come Bloomington. I'll be back! read more

Food is good. Service is ass. Lived in Bloomington all my life nicks is somewhere I go a lot. This is the SECOND time I've been gaslight by a server here. To be specific Eric is his name the male server that is typically at the upstairs w a pony tail is RUDE. Went in both times asking for a bucket of biz fries. Thirty minutes later everyone else was served and I got nothing. Each time I was given an attitude as well when it came to why we didn't get the fries. Then tried to blame his job for the reason why he didn't put the order in of fries. When in reality he was busy talking to other waiters and walking around doing nothing. Hate that these experiences have made me want to not do business here. read more

It's the atmosphere. It's the history. It's the location. As for food, it's not bad but certainly could be much better. Onion rings remind me of donut batter dipped onions. They're heavy instead of light and crispy. My favorite, the bbq strom, seems to have gotten way smaller since my last visit. As for pricing, I don't understand how students can afford to eat here. But, I'll still go back. read more

Although I am not a fan of the university, I do love a prideful college bar. Upon arrival, it's strange to figure out what door to enter. Apparently, there's a entrance for just the restaurant and then one for the bar - a bit confusing. I was asked to show my stamp just to go to the bathroom between two rooms. We ordered some pizzas for the table and they were very crispy, thin crusted, cheesy pies. Everyone seemed to enjoy their slice. We were sat in a corner nook that wasn't the best for getting up/moving around/going to the restrooms. We also ordered breadsticks (gone in 30 seconds, so didn't get to try them) and the Sink the Biz fries which is the go-to for this bar. Great dipping sauce but the seasoning was quite heavy on the fries and a little too salty for my taste (and I LOVE fries). Lastly, we got pitchers of beer and played Sink the Biz which is a drinking game that originates from either this bar/town/university. Super fun and a quick/fun way to get everyone going. read more

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Dive bar and grill in Bloomington. Food was very good. Service was very good. They charge about $15 or so for a sandwich. I'm serious. That's ridiculous. Nick's Brew is good. Decor is cool. read more

Called ahead, rude. Said was family friendly, we said be there in 5 minutes. Showed up in 5 minutes would not let us in because 21 and over. I called the same guy and asked and he said "apparently we aren't family friendly. read more

When in Bloomington.... Nick's is a long-time IU tradition, brimming with memorabilia. I've been here many times through the years, but the food last night was the best I've ever had on a visit. In the past, I've liked the chili and the fried mushrooms..... last night, I stopped in solo during a quick overnight in Bton for an early dinner and a beer. (Ok, two beers.) The HUGE bacon blue cheese burger I had was ON POINT. Seriously one of the best I've had in recent memory, and I am ALWAYS down for a good cheeseburger. Ditto the fries - hot, crispy, perfect. I don't go in for the whole upstairs, nightlife scene. I just stick to the booths up front for food and beer. Indiana, we're all for you!!! IU! read more

Whoever controls music should be shot. Taylor swift for 45 minutes, really, bars clearing... service half ass as usual.

Great place to eat and a regular Bloomington icon. The lack of parking around the area is the only downside to a great option to eat and hang out at. I recommend the pork tenderloin and their seasoned French fries! read more

First time here on Saturday before the IU vs. Illinois basketball game. Got here around 1pm and the place was packed. We grabbed a table upon walking in but about 5 minutes later is was a lengthy wait to get a seat. I figured the place was popular as the crowed standing outside in 18 degree weather seemed to be growing. The food is standard pub fair and I would save average to slightly above average but the atmosphere is top notch. I can see why this place is popular with the alumni that seemed to pack the place. My wife had a burger, my daughter and I the tenderloin and my other daughter a pizza. The pizza looked good but when Mother Bears is near, I don't do pizza. Everyone liked their meal despite the service being a bit slow. However, having time to kill and not really looking to be out in the cold longer than we needed to we didn't mind the slowness. Overall, go for the experience when in town. Just know that you could be waiting, especially on a game day when all the people are in town. read more

Our group has been coming to Nick's for 25 years and have never had a bad experience until Saturday. We've always had great service but our server, a big guy on the second floor, was not up to that past standard. He was not at all friendly. We suggested a seating arrangement (move one table) other than what he said we had to use and he finally just turned away and said "Do whatever you want". The topper was the bill he gave us that listed everything for a group of 20 in one long list not separated in any way and with one total for the whole group. We had to sort out everyone's individual total ourselves. The upstairs was not busy and he seemed to be sitting around a lot. You must pay him well because if he depends on tips, he worked his way out of at least $50 that day. He said he had worked there a long time, although none of us had seen him before. Our experience and memories of Nick's were tarnished this year. read more

You can look at Nick's in one of two ways: drink and fried food in a local institution (and Bloomington is full of them). For this, Nick's English Hut excels. If you just want to drink a bunch of booze and eat fried food and pizza, you'll be happy. If you want some healthy food, don't drink heavily, and/or like reasonable service, go somewhere else. Bloomington has a lot of overrated legend establishments, many of them connected with drinking. This is perhaps the standard bearer for that. Each year, there's a batch of new recruits that goes through the various rituals here. A portion of them will fawn over the place for the rest of their lives, as though it were a pinnacle of entertainment. In reality, it's a HUGE bar of IU fans. I'm guessing the staff is either abused, not paid well, or both, because it seems that helpful servers and bartenders seem to go away quickly here. There is plentiful food, but much of it seems like Food Service stuff, as mentioned elsewhere. Nothing awful, nothing truly inventive. If you want to "live the legend" go ahead. If you want to live high and large, your better choices are elsewhere within walking distance. read more

Nothing taste fresh here folks. Frozen? My BF put it best "it's were you go to do shots before getting into a fight on Kirkwood". Never again thank you lol read more

I barely ever went to Nick's when I attended IU and I am forever ashamed of myself to admit that. It is such a great establishment and undergrad me just did not understand it. But alas - I am an alumni now and I give it my upmost attention when I'm back on campus. I went down for homecoming this year and went not once, but two times. The first night was just for a round of sink the biz and despite an obscenely crowded bar our server was on-top of our table - always bringing us quick refills and making sure we had plenty of napkins to soak up any split beer. The second time we went for pizza and biz fries. If you've never had the biz fries you are not doing Nick's right. YOU MUST GET BIZ FRIES. If you're ever in Nick's during a non-crowded time (good luck) be sure to take in the memorabilia on the walls. Lots of cool people have been in there and lots have left something behind. Also - they have touch tunes music. Which is a new thing I have discovered and love. read more

I don't really care for IU. I am a PSU grad and having grown up in State College, PA, a town easily comparable to Bloomington, I am tired of people saying the IU campus is the prettiest in the Big Ten. What pisses me off even more is after a college tour with my daughter at IU this week, I now think it IS the prettiest campus in the Big Ten and probably the prettiest in the country. But the best part of the entire visit to IU was my trip to Nick's. This is part fantastic restaurant, part quintessential undergrad hangout bar. And it is awesome. Try the Sink the Biz appetizer. Classic presentation in a popcorn tub with a Dixie cup filled with delectable garlic mayonnaise. Little zesty, so may not be for the young ones. Then please try what the owners have dubbed a Stromboli, but to laymen's eyes is a pizza sub. Get the traditional and be sure to put the sweet pickles on the sandwich before you dig in. Trust me. Great tradition, great staff, great food and after 9pm the students invade and make you feel young again. Check it out. read more

Started our meal with the mozzarella sticks - they were fabulous! Service was really good. We all had the stomboli - the veggie one was quite good. Note - the booths in the front are pretty small, so if you need more space they have tables in the back. read more

Add 2 more Mf'n stars I dunno. Maybe I'm a a little drunk. Yeah. It's a bad picture of a half-eaten Stromboli. And a greasy bucket of fries. But what you don't... nay. Can't understand from the pics is; this isn't JUST a Stromboli. And a half-empty bucket of fried potatoes with some seasoning on them. Don't judge me man. This is an experience. This Stromboli has magical powers. It was F'n special. The toasted bun. The spicy sassage goodness. The pickles. Don't even get me started. I'm tempering it's greatness with a little cold Coors light. And the synergy of this day cannot be underplayed here. IU playing Michigan State...Nick's. I'm just sayin. This place is American Collegiate food and beer greatness at its finest. It's why we won WWII. I'm still here c'mon over. Editors note addendum appendixus: Apparently this cat below me here, Philip M. Agrees with my assessment of the situation. Phil's a cool cat and obviously knows greatness when he sees it, too. I'd buy that MF'r a bucket of beer if he was here. read more

Nick's English Hut - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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