Schooners has been my favorite restaurant in Bloomington. My daughter introduced me your delicious food (chicken wings) in 1990. We always go Schooners whenever I was visiting her!! Now I am a resident, my visiting guests are always treated to your restaurant for good food and amazing customer service, thank you!! read more

Very down to earth place with a friendly atomosphere. Secluded bar area and seperate sit down dine in provide a good time for one person who wants to drink a beer and watch a game, and also a family who just wants to eat good food at a good price. Nicely done, Schooners. (Skoo-ners) CASH ONLY! read more

Schooners - Schooner's delight! - American Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

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Lunch - Schooner Burger and onion rings... Burger grilled to perfect medium. Onion rings are big and crispy...very light. Great lunch for under $10...cash only (ATM inside) read more

Wow Delicious! We shared the tenderloin with enough left over for at least two meals, and the onion rings were FANtastic!!! read more

Delicious wings. Don't be fooled by the atmosphere. This is top 3 wings in the city and best onion rings anywhere

It's really tough to give Schooner's a 3-star rating, but after eating there with our family over the past year, I'm being generous. 1) Wings are still AWESOME! Best in town, in my opinion!! The rest of the food? Mediocre, at best--burgers are overdone, fries can be purchased at Kroger, chicken is bland and that tenderloin? You know...the one that is supposed to be the size of a pizza pan? Yeah, not so much anymore. Plus, it costs more for less--didn't think we'd notice, eh Schooner's?? We did. 3) Cash only. Come on, Schooner's...get with the program - it's the 21st Century for God's sakes! 4) Cost. WAY TO HIGH for the food. Sorry. I can take my family of four to Rosie's downtown for burgers + fries all around + sodas for the kids, a few beers for the husband and a couple of 'ritas for me = around $55 before tip. Basically that same meal at Schooner's? Our check last Friday was $76. BEFORE TIP! (Only difference was we added 2 lbs. of wings; however, I did NOT have a margarita...just iced tea.) We'll be limiting our visits to Schooner's for carry-out only from now on...sigh. read more

We came here based on Yelp reviews and it lived up to our expectations! Great Reuben and wings! Excellent service too!

This place is so good, I had the chicken planks and onion rings and my hubby had the 1/2 fried chicken dinner special...Schooner hot sauce is the real deal!! Get a bottle to take home you won't regret it..take the 5 minute drive away from steak & shake and Bob Evans.... you will be rewarded!! read more

We go there once a week, twice during the warmer months. Great townie restaurant with fantastic staff members. Patio is fantastic during the warm months (great beers and Buffet cover bands). 5/5. read more

This place is amazing. Definitely a stop for those visiting, locals and those coming back home to visit. This place has great food, staff has all been there for a long time and dedicated to making sure you're take care of. A neighborhood bar that has been a staple for many years and will continue to be. read more

One of the BEST burgers I've had in a long while. Service was incredible for carry out. Slightly displeased with the large size and greasiness of the onion rings, but other than that, sooo good. read more

Disappointing. Onion rings were a huge plate of grease. Tenderloin sandwich was more like a large frozen chuck wagon patty.

Want a beer? Want good chicken? Want good ambiance? schooners. That's it. Schooners is legit

Fantastic buffalo wings and great service from our waitress Drew! Came in on a busy Memorial Day and our food came out quickly and it was delicious. Will be back! read more

If there was a hall of fame for local awesome sauce resteraunts this place would be a first ballot. Amazing food, friendly staff, love the local/hometown feel to the place. If you wanted to dine at a visually appealing resteraunt go to the olive garden. A must for those who love greasy food and dig the small town local owned type resteraunt. Battered Hot Wings for the win! read more

Used to go here about twice per month for the Tuesday walleye fry, which was exceptional back then. Nice fish, choice of sides, exceptional cole slaw. Really disappointed tonight, though. It's now a fish fry, not a walleye fry, and I've never seen fish sliced so thinly before, not even at McD's. The breading was so overlooked, I needed a knife to cut it. No choice of sides, and the potato salad was tasteless. Baked beans were very good, the hushpuppies were actually better than I remembered, and the waitress was friendly and attentive, hence the second star. I really hope tonight was atypical, but if they continue using that fish, I don't expect any improvement. read more

My wife and I just returned from Schooner's. It was my 2nd time going there and 2nd time that I wasn't impressed. Today I ordered the 1lb catfish dinner, and boy was I disappointed. The menu does not come close to describing what you get when you order this. I assumed it would be served up like the rest of the world serves up fish.. Filleted. But I was quite wrong. When the waitress rounded the corner I could see the tail and instantly knew this would not go well. Thankfully it didn't have a head or skin, but still it made my stomach turn over instantly seeing the shape and tail. I then took my fork and pulled off a bit of meat to see the bones. I tried to eat, but it just wasn't happening. I took 4 bites and I was done. My wife ordered the buffalo wrap, but took only a few bites because she did not like the blue cheese dressing. She does love the onion rings though, and a half order is still a huge amount. Anyway, our waitress came to refill my drink, at which point I asked for the check. She asked if we wanted a box, my first thought was "so I can take it home and give it a proper burial". I would have expected a waitress seeing people have only taken a couple bites would ask if there was a problem with the food, but that didn't happen. The menu could have only been more vague if it had taken a cue from My Cousin Vinny and only said "Breakfast $1.99, Lunch $2.49, Dinner $3.49" I don't think I will go back to Schooner's again. The fact that the waitress never asked how our food was or if there was something wrong with it when we didn't eat much, that just shows that there is little care on the quality of the service or customer satisfaction. The menu's lack of description is a serious concern, especially for those that could have food allergies or are a bit squimish with certain ways in which foods are prepared. I would also say that accepting cash only is a bit lazy. I mean, this is the 21st century. I would think that if the amish can accept a debit card, then Schooner's should be able to as well. read more

We were traveling and I looked on Yelp find a place for lunch. Schooners looked good so we stopped. We were happily rewarded with the special of the day... Pot roast, potatoes and gravy and green beans. The mashed potatoes were crazy good! Pot roast cooked perfectly. For people with salt restrictions this was pretty salty. Overall, the service was fast and friendly...price 6.25!! read more

I should like Schooner's more than I do, but that is their fault, not mine. I love divey beer bars with decent food and laid-back places frequented by regular folks who find that five o'clock sometimes comes early. It doesn't bother me if I'm the youngest guy in the bar, and I'm not even that young. But Schooner's does one crucial thing wrong (on purpose), and they get 2 stars from me for it. If you're here with a group, and especially if you are drinking, the tab can go beyond what most folks carry on hand. Unlike every other bar/restaurant that is this big and well-established they only take cash. They are too stingy to take the small percentage rip from the card companies that every other small business does and instead pass that cost on to you, their customer. But wait, it gets worse. They refuse to take the hit that every other similar business does, and then they offer to let you use their on-premises ATM at $2 a pop, plus whatever your bank charges you at the end of the month. Since the ATM is either theirs, leased by them, or leasing space from them, they get a slice of every transaction. Prices on food and drinks here are average to high for the quality before all this nickel and dime garbage. The irony is that (I have a buddy that works with bars to diminish their losses from theft) they probably lose more money doing this because it is easier for staff to steal from them this way than with cards. So, they inconvenience you, cost you extra money, and make money at your expense. That leaves a bad taste in my mouth. read more

Went with the 2 stars only because I've been here multiple times and had good experiences as well but last trip here will unfortunately be the last trip here.... Was in town visiting family and usually when they say where do you want to go schooners is top of my list. So schooners we went, and boy was I disappointed... Normally food is awesome and service is friendly and great but we didn't have anything good to say about this visit, it started the second we walked in the door and all you could smell was a strong odor of bathroom stalls like you were at an arena for a concert or something. Originally they were going to sit us right by them and we asked for a different table. Not to mention a woman stating it was her first day to a table of patrons as we walked in.... We unfortunately received that waitress as our own, her name was "Amy" ( sorry to bust you out Amy but did so in hopes of you not ruining someone else's experience) She was very slow and you could tell didn't know what she was doing. She took our drink orders and asked if we wanted to start with an appetizer, we went with a half order of onion rings. She left for a short period and came back with our drinks. She proceeded to take our order. We had 4 adults and one child. The entire time she took our order she couldn't seem to take her eyes off the tv that was right above us. So much so she took everyone's order but mine and walked away. I had to call out to her for her to come back. Where it all went down hill, the onion rings took forever and came out about 2 minutes before our meal when multiple other tables who had came in after received there's before us. Our order was as followed... One schooner burger with cheddar cheese,tomatoes and lettuce substitute fries for coleslaw. Buffalo chicken wrap minus blue cheese add ranch dressing Pork tenderloin sliders plain ( waitress stated they came that way unless items were added) Chicken with side salad house dressing Grilled cheese with fries........ Burger came with Swiss and no toppings with fries not coleslaw Tenderloin sliders came with onions and pickles And my wrap had blue cheese. When the waitress asked how everything was I couldn't help but laugh. She had got the grilled cheese right at least. When I sent my wrap back due to the blue cheese she came back out stating the chef said it wasn't it was ranch. I never seen ranch come in chunky block like formations. ( I know the difference between ranch and blue cheese) the owner even came to table to tell me that they used a ranch/blue cheese combo. Seriously???? Which is it? Is it on there or not. After a few minutes the owner came back and finally admitted the waitress made yet another mistake and hadn't ordered it without the blue cheese. Btw coleslaw never came out either!!!!! To top it all off the bill was 57.44. We gave her 60$ when she came back to the table she brought a dollar. Now I might not be great at math but 60-57.44 is not a dollar. What a joke and what a disappointment. Owner offered me a free sandwich and beer next time I'm in but that does me no good since I won't be. Needless to say Amy was my first experience not leaving a tip. My only tip to her would be to find another line of work you cost schooners a loyal customer of over 15 years! read more

I waited after three times visiting this establishment to review. Ate on 2 out of 3. First on the food, wings are good, the all-you-can-eat walleye is average, and the cheeseburger is great. I keep hearing from people this place is a locals only and patrons are not too keen to letting others in their "club". I have not gotten that feeling. Everyone seems very talkative and are having a good time enjoying a schooner a beer and a bite to eat. Good sports vibe to the place. Typical central Illinois Cubs vs. Cards rivalry. The tavern is divided into three parts...dining room, beer garden, and bar room. Each area has a different feel. Dining room is good for groups and may I suggest if your kid is screaming or running around stick to the dining room and stay out of the bar area. read more

Schooners is where you go for wings! Hands down. If I owned a business, it would be cash only by the way......there's a reason for that. The beer, the food, the people, the memories........never had a bad experience here. read more

So I've been to Schooner's twice since my last review. I never liked their steak fries that came with each entree, now they have crinkle cut which I like less. But what I do like is that you have an option for your side instead of getting stuck with fries. I still get the onion rings though they are not as good as they once were. The breading is much thicker and I often have onion skin. I like their cheese sticks as an appetizer and both times I've had the ham po'boy and it was really, really good. read more

Sat on the bar side, Shiner on draft! a little slow with drinks from the bar; Onion rings had great flavor but we're to greasy and tough for me;. I had fried chicken, tender & juicy with great thin crispy crust but lacked seasoning. Came with everyday frozen crinkle fries and store bought dinner roll that I didn't even try. Suz had the Italian Beef that she said compared with 'Johnnies Beef' in Elmwood Park and really liked the Au Jus. Forgot it was CASH ONLY when it was time to pay the bill. Over all, definitely a locals place and with so many other places to try, will look elsewhere next time. read more

Having lived in California for 4 years now I've definitely expanded my stomach horizon, but the one thing that you can never find out here is a big, tasty, fried pork tenderloin sandwich, and dammit, Schooner's is the best there is. Now if only they would take credit/debit.... read more

I am from out of town and Googled the best fish fry and this place came up so we went here the first guy was nice but the second guy at the bar was kind of rude because I was explaining to my mom eho was playing baseball and he was changing the channels snd he looked at me and are you going to give a playback every time I change the channel very rudely but then didn't know it or I would have left at that moment read more

First time here. We heard about Schooners two days ago as having the best burgers and onion rings in Bloomington so decided to try today. The recommendation was right on! Friendly staff, great food. Will definitely be back! read more

Every time I'm in Bloomington visiting my parents, I head to Schooner's with my dad. It's his local hangout but they do bar food very well. If it's your first time, stick with what they do best: chicken wings and onion rings. I've had wings all over the country and I can't find any that are better. Tender, meaty and perfectly sauced. I prefer the mild with plenty of ranch. I prefer the bar area if a seat is available. Everyone seems to know each other but it's always friendly. read more

A local gem. Best onion rings, kick ass corn fritters, slammin wings, dank cheese burgers, a tenderloin that could (feed the children) I drive a cab in Bloomington and if I like somebody enough, I might tell them about this place. read more

The. Wings. Best wings in B/N, hands down. Do yourself a favor and order two pounds. One pound will definitely leave you wanting more.

some of the best wings in town. A close 2nd to Mugsy's, IMO. I love, love, love their beergarden. I just wish their full menu was available outside. I don't understand ... the other food is just 15 feet away. Please bring me some of it. Cash only is also annoying. It's 2012. I've paid for groceries with nothing more than my fingerprint, but I need cash to buy wings and beer? It's time to upgrade. I'm picking nits . . . i still really like Schooners. It's a good place to go. Nothing fancy, just good stuff. read more

It's a nice dive bar. Good fish fry and onion rings. The wings are extremely overrated

Tenderloin was just silly! Very dry and seemed to be cooked earlier in the day. Limited draught beer selection. Other than the reaction when I walked in(of every starring at me) people were having fun and were fine. Onion rings were very good and bartender was friendly. read more

It is a nice, cozy, warm and friendly place that you can find a good meal. I got Swiss mushroom burger and I really like it. I would like to come back here again. read more

Good food, good service, fair pricing. All the things I look for. Can't go wrong with the place. I'm there at least once a week maybe twice.

Come on man...that pork tederloin knocks me out of my chair and throw in the onion rings??? It's just not fair. I could eat that every day. A Bloomington legend. I hope we keep it forever! read more

Best chicken in town at a great price. A local place not a chain. The place to go for good food.

i grew up going to schooners and usually try to make it there when i am back in b-n visiting my parents or friends. definitely a local spot - not typically where the college kids hang out. growing up in the area, i thought "everyone" knew about schooners. i'm glad i was naive - i much prefer the local crowd. the food is greasy, but completely delicious. my family always gets the same appetizers each time we go - corn fritters and onion rings. i'm sure we are taking years off of our lives by eating these things, but i guess you only live once. i've tried to explain schooners onion rings to people who haven't been there and i just can't do them justice. you have to try them for yourself! the beer garden is fun during the summer and now that the smoking ban exists, sitting in the bar isn't bad either! read more

By far the best wings I have ever had in my life and the onion rings are amazing as well. Staff has always been super nice. Will really miss this place when I move. Hometown feel! read more

THE place for locals in town...sort of in the middle of a residential area...not easy to find, but worth the hunt!! My husband LOVES the tenderloin...if you go with someone, share it- too much food for one! Great beer garden when the weather is nice. read more