Took a quick detour off 69 while heading south and found Uptown Cafe in Bloomington, IN. What a GREAT find!! Hands down the best Caesar salad I've ever had (complete with anchovies which are optional). Too many good looking choices on the menu and settled for a Cajun pasta special that was more than I could eat. Sat at the bar and service was excellent. Prices are reasonable and the place had an upbeat vibe for being a random Tuesday during July when most IU students are home for the summer. Overall - Fabulous dining experience !! read more

Two words: burnt roux. I had at least somewhat high expectations seeing as Uptown is a regular destination for folks on IU expense accounts. Going on a Tuesday provided the opportunity to order a weekly special of crawfish etouffee. To their credit, the crawfish themselves were cooked perfectly and flavorful. However, the first red flag was that it was far too dark (with a gumbo-like color, rather than the blond-brown of a proper etouffee), and when I tasted it, I was shocked that it simply tasted burnt. That they'd overdo a roux like this and then serve it (especially on a special that they could've just taken off the menu) is genuinely shocking. read more

The service wasn't great this time around. We waited quite a while before our server came by, which was surprising since I've had her before and she's usually excellent. By the time she did check on us, our party of five was already ready to order drinks and food. The kitchen, on the other hand, seemed to be moving quickly--our food actually came out before our drinks. Everything tasted great overall, though one steak initially came out without the gorgonzola crust. It was quickly corrected, and once it came back with the cheese, it made a huge difference--the person who ordered it said it was a total game changer. He said it was good without it, but amazing with it. The desserts came out quickly, and the drinks came out quickly the rest of the night too. Our reservation (7:45pm) must've been right when a rush was happening. read more

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Recently met some friends for lunch at Uptown. We chose Uptown because the menu had a pretty good variety. We ordered calamari as an appetizer for the table. Good presentation, but taste was average. For an entree, I got the crispy chicken sandwich and my SO tried the salmon wrap. Both our meals were okay, but nothing special. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Service was good and the inside was quaint.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall, I'd say the experience was fairly average, hence 3 stars. read more

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Went to this gem for breakfast, and it was soo good I had to post about it! Loved all Of our entrees and the scrumptious cinnamon roll coffee cake. YUM ! read more

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Table for two and the final bill was $48. So $58 with a tip. But, the food was excellent. Everything from the avocado toast to the huevos rancheros and the jalapeño grits. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great vibe and ambience, too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We love coming during the summer when the students are gone.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The only thing missing is Eggs Benedict or the option for poached eggs. Five stars. read more

Uptown Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

One of my all time favorite restaurants in Bloomington. A little on the pricey side but worth every penny. Try the Viet-Cajun Chicken (or substitute for shrimp), you will not be disappointed. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was charming - old school family restaurant vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everything was very classy, and the service was friendly and great. I absolutely loved my breakfast (the number 2). It was such a classic, but the potatoes were so soft and well seasoned, and this is coming from a person who isn't a big fan of potatoes. The sausage patty was full of flavor and tasted like a mini steak- very high quality. The coffee was nothing special, though. read more

Uptown Cafe - The number 2 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Food: I cannot say enough! Biscuits and gravy were so yummy and flavorful. I would have preferred a little more sausage (or larger pieces) but it was so good! I added the habanero hot sauce on the table and it was . Bacon was thick and perfectly crisp. My boyfriend's meal was also good. My fav was the red potatoes. The star of the show was the waffle! Light, flavorful, and buttery! The berries on top were so good. Service: Andrea was ! She was attentive, thoughtful, and patient. I want service like hers wherever I go. Ambiance: It was crowded for a snowy, cold Sunday morning but we were able to be seated right away. Our 2-seater table was a little bit crowded with 3 plates, a bellini pitcher, 2 bellini glasses, and 2 waters. Restaurant was clean, warm, and noise level was good despite many people there. read more

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Loved our brunch experience here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great spot to visit in the summer without students in Bloomington.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outdoor seating area right by the street that makes great people watching for summer street festivals.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Got the eggs Benedict and a combo plate. Eggs were delicious and the potatoes it came with were a favorite. Will definitely stop by next time we're visiting. read more

Uptown Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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I've been to btown many times but my first visit to Uptown and I will certainly be back. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The steakhouse / Louisiana Cajun theme surprised me and I loved it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the pork chop with creole sauce as an added item and it was cooked perfectly and was delicious. I had sautéed spinach which was excellent and I had the jambalaya too and it was just ok. My daughter had the salad and added salmon (basically what she always gets) and she loved it and the sherry vinaigrette dressing. Others at my table were very happy with their dishes including crab cakes and a New York strip. The service was top notch, drinks were flowing, she was very attentive and knowledgeable, and the food came at a good pace. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is unique and amazing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My husband too me here for my birthday after i took myself here one night for a glass of very delicious wine on a day off and I had smoked salmon with goat cheese on a toasted baquette and it was delightful. For my birthday I had orange wine which was spectacular. It's wine made from white wine grapes where the grape skins are not removed so it's almost like rose. VERY unique. I loved it. Also had Salmon and truffle fries and sauted spinach and it was amazing. My husband had a great meatloaf sandwich. Also we went crazy for the strawberry pecan salad with the most delicious salad dressing we've ever had in our lives. In house ranch made with garlic, mayo and basil. Very potent and went well with the candied pecans. And I topped it off with a berry lemon cake for dessert which was quite moist, melt in your mouth and fluffy with delicious frosting on top. Yum! read more

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My husband and I were celebrating our Birthdays!! I had the NY Strip, cooked a perfect mid-rare with steak fries. My husband had the special Baby Back Ribs with steak fries. Everything was delicious!! He had an Old Fashion and I had a glass of Cab. We started things off with the Buchetta appetizer with Goat Cheese, Andouille Sausage and carmelized onions. That is a must when you visit. Our server LaRose made the evening special. She sent us home with our Birthday Desserts!! We always love the Uptown and it's so nice to have affirmation that we've chosen wisely. read more

Uptown Cafe - NY Strip with Steak Fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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One of our favorite special occasion places for dinner, the Uptown is also open for breakfast and lunch. [[HIGHLIGHT]]From cocktails to dessert, food and drinks are excellent, and the ambiance and service match that quality.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Try the Louisiana Hot Pepper Chicken. Just the perfect tease of heat! Tip: Ask to substitute mashed potatoes for the rice. More in the mood for comfort food? Try the pot roast. Pescatarian? The crab cakes can't be beat! Want to really indulge? Gorgonzola filet mignon. It's not necessarily the best choice for vegans, but if you eat flesh, fish, or fowl, there's probably something you'll love. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]As you walk into the bar it feels very cozy and kind of like an old speakeasy with lots of art on the wall.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our group of 10 was quickly seated and we had the best server ever, she was on the ball. Didn't need any help answered all of our questions on the menu, I would have to say everything was delicious from the ribeye poor boy to the black bean soup. Meatloaf, salads were delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everybody really enjoyed the meal it was quiet enough that was easy to talk and have a great conversation.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will most likely be back even though it's in Bloomington and we live in Indy so I would rate this a five out of five and would recommend this to anyone who likes Cajun food and a whole variety of other types of food in a cozy atmosphere that you can have a great conversation with read more

The Uptown is a bit of a landmark cafe located in beautiful downtown Bloomington. It has been cranking delicious diner food for many, many decades. I dined on a weekend in late April, so a bit of a tardy review. Parking is by app pay in a parking lot behind, or off the street I believe also app pay. I was seated quickly by a hostess and provided a menu. My friendly waitress had water out before I even asked. I requested coffee which was returned in minutes. My order was biscuits and gravy with egg on top was turned around in about 10 minutes and a coffee refill was performed. My dish was great! Biscuits seemed fresh and gravy tasty. My bill was provided and turned around quickly. I thought the meal was a good value. If I return the Uptown Cafe is high on my list and hopefully for lunch next time. read more

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We had a nice brunch at Uptown. School wasn't in session, so we were able to get a table right away. We were greeted as soon as soon as we walked in, and got a table right away. The omelet was cooked perfect and the cinnamon roll coffee cake was very good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It is a very nice place inside and there is a whole outdoor seating section.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server was a little slow keeping up with his section, but we weren't in a hurry. If we are ever in town again we would definitely go back. read more

Uptown Cafe was an amazing experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a spot to eat in Bloomington. I came here for brunch with my club tennis team on a Saturday morning while we were waiting out a rain delay. As an upscale location, the prices are a bit steep, but they are definitely worth it. I got the hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, which had an amazing presentation (as seen in the picture) and also tasted great. For my main course, I got the huevos rancheros with chorizo (3 extra dollars for the chorizo). It comes with 3 tortillas as well as pico de gallo, sour cream, and hot sauce. The eggs and avocados were tasty and the chorizo took it to another level. I would definitely recommend getting these when coming here. The service was good, as food came out quick considering it was a party of 6 and our waiter was kind and attentive as well. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall ambiance is great for a nice occasion as well as a casual outing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 5/5! read more

Uptown Cafe - Huevos Rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Had a fabulous brunch here, complete with cocktails, which make every brunch better. They have an extensive cocktail menu. The restaurant is also HUGE, so no worries about getting a table, even during busy times. The food was very good as well. I loved the biscuits and gravy. Service was a bit harried, but we were there at the peak of Sunday brunch, so I understand. read more

I used to love Uptown -- it still has excellent service and well-prepared food but the new dinner menu is terrible. Very expensive, limited options, tons of add-ons. Its $36 for a single crab cake and $54 for a steak with no sides (sauces and sides cost extra). Feels like menu choices driven by cost and not customers. You can tell the original owner retired. The brunch is still great but skip the dinner until they make some changes. read more

The steak Benedict is good. Good size for a brunch. The winner however was the chicken sandwich my wife had. It's amazing!!! Lots of flavor. I didn't get a picture of it, but 107 pound woman ate all of it! read more

Uptown Cafe - STEAK BENEDICT 4oz grilled beef tenderloin, bacon, two basted eggs, toasted English muffin, sliced tomato, hollandaise, home fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Some girlfriends recommended this spot so I stopped in and first thing I have to say is - this is the cocktail SPOT. Bloomington doesn't have much in the way of places with a good craft cocktail and this place does cocktails and does them well. I requested an off the menu cocktail - a bees knees. The bartender had zero issue making this and it was fabulous. Now for the food - I mean wow. I had the Thai fried chicken and got the roasted cauliflower as my side. The portion was massive, the chicken crunchy with a sweet and tangy sauce, and the cauliflower was great. You never know if the vegetable of the day is going to be good - and I can attest they do everything well. While I don't have pictures - I stopped in for brunch on the weekend and the brunch was just as fabulous as the dinner. Definitely hit this place up! read more

Uptown Cafe - Thai Fried Chicken - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

This is a nice place for weekend brunch. They have a fun selection of cocktails and benedicts from which to choose. read more

Uptown Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Came here on a Saturday morning passing through Bloomington overnight. This was recommended by my Airbnb host and also had some good ratings. Get here early if it's Saturday, because the line out the door built quickly before they opened, and when I left about 40 minutes after they opened, I heard the hostess say the wait was about 25 minutes. As soon as I stepped in to the place, you could see all the staff at their sections, ready to attend to guests. Good sign! I was immediately greeted and given a menu after being seated by the friendly hostess. My order was taken promptly and I was served coffee first promptly, then my Denver omelette. Everything was hot, seasoned just right, and really tasty. The omelette itself was a very thin perfectly cooked egg-almost as thin as a crepe, and everything was nicely wrapped inside. I really enjoyed every bit of it. Coffee was just as good too. Great breakfast/brunch spot that offers up great service, great food, and an excellent atmosphere. The brunch crowd turnout obviously demonstrates this place is a go-to for many of the locals, and for sure visitors as well. If I'm back in Bloomington, this is a trustworthy spot. read more

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My sister and I had a little bit of a challenge finding this place because the street outside is permanently closed to allow outdoor dining for several restaurants in the area. We just decided to park on the street about a block away and walk around and "discover" its location. Their signage is very minimal so we had to use the street number on the building to actually find the restaurant. We were seated in a booth in nice dining room that seemed pretty full for the lunch hour. Plenty of servers were on hand and the service was good and efficient. The paper napkins on the table were unusual and pretty. My sister ordered the Crawfish Étouffée and I ordered the Red Beans & Rice without the Andouille. She also ordered a cup of the Cuban Black Bean Soup. To be honest, I had just come from oral surgery and my taste buds were not functioning 100%. But the beans and rice were consistent with the New Orleans style of slow cooked soft red beans in a thick roux. My sister tried them too and she said they were very good. Much better than her étouffée. She didn't think her étouffée was that good but did eat enough to fill herself up. She did say the black bean soup was awesome and finished the entire cup. I would have ordered a bowl of it for my main meal if one side of my mouth had not been numb. I love Cuban style black bean soup. I visited their restroom a couple of times to change out my gauze. It was a nice upscale restroom, clean, stocked, with a pleasant fragrance. read more

Uptown Cafe - Lunch Menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Uptown Cafe is a must visit on our list when we are in Bloomington. Every dish we've experienced has been delicious. All of our servers were attentive and great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere is inviting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Do you like an old fashioned? And some refined service this is your place! Not your college town place but a great cocktail and the food looks amazing! read more

My partner and I are a sucker for good cajun cuisine and will actively seek it out. While Uptown provides a grander selection of food they take a lot of inspiration from "cajun" style cooking. The food is a great price and very filling. You will most likely have leftovers and the service has always been great! read more

We came to Uptown Café after a busy Hoosiers football game, and the experience was excellent as always. Gabby (manager) deserves special recognition as she was incredibly attentive and creative in managing our seating arrangement when the restaurant was packed. She checked in often, making sure everything ran smoothly - Indiana hospitality at its finest. Our meals were outstanding: the steaks were cooked perfectly, and the rigatoni remains one of our all-time favorites. Uptown Café continues to be a must-visit on every trip back to B-town -- great food, great service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere no matter how busy it gets. read more

Uptown Café was such a great spot for a night out! We tried several cocktails and they were all so good. Each one had its own vibe and they were all crafted perfectly. For food we ordered pasta dishes and they were absolutely delicious. My pasta was creamy rich and cooked just right and the other plate at our table looked just as good. We also started with an appetizer that was amazing and honestly I am still thinking about it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was cozy and a little upscale without feeling stuffy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everything from the food to the drinks to the service made it such a fun night. read more

Uptown Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Came here for brunch with friends. Solid menu and outstanding food. We got the chorizo and eggs breakfast and a "number two." Both great dishes. This place is #1 spot for fine dining, fish and seafood, American food, breakfast/brunch, lunch, and bar/restaurant according to Bloom magazine. I only got a photo of the chorizo and eggs. Good coffee, good service, competitive prices. Metered parking on the street. Almost a speakeasy ambiance. Very cool. read more

Uptown Cafe - Chorizo and eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great place![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I hosted a private party there recently and it was amazing! I'm a regular visitor and have been for years! Bravo Uptown! read more

With many visits to B'town, I am always trying someplace different, and sadly trying to get a table. And this is a great location, right on Kirkwood , steps of the square. But this was a lucky night. Called ahead for a table and there were no reservations until too late for our dinner plans. But they said if you drop in, you might find a table in the seat-yourself bar area. And I've been wanting to try this place for a years. We dropped in, and despite being an NCAA tournament night, we saw a table setting their check. The hostess saw us waiting (and wet from the rain) and offered to put us on a list to squeeze us in the dining room. Then she saw the table we had our eye on and took it upon herself to clear out for us as soon as the folks got up. This lovely accommodating anonymous soul set the time for an excellent meal. The vibe and decor is really cool. This is the uniquely Cajun themed restaurant in town, and they really do a nice job on the theme, in a classy upscale way. The bar is the classic dark wood and brass, with subtle but suitable artwork. Many bartenders serving classic whiskey drinks (mixed too well for a college town), and dressed in varied classic styles, with vests, suspenders, aprons and such. Our waitress (Madison) was impeccably attentive and very knowledgeable about both the menu and the extensive list of specials. I changed my orders of both my dinner and dessert after hearing the details of the preparations of the specials. Service here was top notch. Ambience and service perfect for a date night, or in our case a celebration. The food was also amazing. I had the crab cake. Great fresh flavor, and a nice sized cake with lots of crab built in. I kept alternating between the garlic butter and the creole remoulade, because they were both light decadent flavors that complimented the crab perfectly. I had written off the Persimmon Pudding in the dessert specials, because it sounds like something that would taste like potpourri, but when the waitress said it's a cross between bread pudding and a dessert soufflé... I had to have it. (And apparently an Indiana speciality?) It was awesome! This is a very classy, grown up restaurant in the middle of a college town. Come here with someone special or for a great dining experience. read more

Uptown Cafe - Cajun Crab Cake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

One of the best restaurants in Bloomington and a great location on Kirkwood. Good for brunch, lunch, and dinner. My go to dish is the Louisiana Hot Pepper Chicken with mashed potatoes. They have a mean Wedge Salad too. Full bar with a generous amount of seating and a large dining room. Good for solo traveler, dates, and groups. Wonderful service! And don't forget the house made Crème Brûlée! read more

Uptown Cafe - Crème Brûlée - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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I had the opportunity to stop in to Uptown Cafe while on a brief stay in Bloomington this past weekend. My girl recommended it to me as I had most of the morning to myself as she was spending quality time with family. As I entered I was promptly and warmly greeted by the hostess and shown to a booth. The restaurant was not as busy as probably is usually ( I arrived around 11am or so ). The place is spacious and "warm", with ample seating at booths along one wall and numerous tables throughout. There is also what seems to be a nicely stocked and comfortable bar along the space on the opposite side. The server, Sue, was soon by my side offering a menu and suggestions. I started out with some coffee, as I'd not yet had my fix even though it was later in the day, while I perused the lunch menu. There were still a few breakfast selections, but after going over the quite healthy-looking lunch items I settled on the Ararat Chicken Pita consisting of ( stealing from the menu, here...) "chicken breast marinated in olive oil, rosemary, and garlic, char-grilled and sliced, then rolled into warm pita with lettuce, aioli, tomato, onion, and cucumber", along with a side of French fries. When it arrived it was nicely wrapped in foil to keep it wam. It was really quite tasty and I would definitely order it again. Large slices of chicken breast seasoned just right. The space at Uptown Cafe is nice and open, with plenty of room between table so you don't feel crowded. The bar area looks nice and I hope to belly up there one day on a future visit. All the staff was friendly, welcoming and seemed to enjoy themselves. Sue was just great, checking in just often enough to see if all was well, refilling my coffee and just ready with a friendly smile. Definitely do yourself a favor and stop in to Uptown Cafe if you find yourself in Bloomington and it's charming Square. I look forward to returning soon. read more

Uptown Cafe - Ararat Chicken Pita, with a side of fries. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Good Service, nice vibe on the inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food however was extremely mid, I had the Gumbo and it had a very odd flavor profile. Others in my group complained about the fries being too thick and undercooked as well. read more

First trip here, which I'm ashamed to admit after a wonderful experience. Service was awesome and they made the reservation process easy. We had dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Gumbo Ya Ya was very good, as were the Shrimp & Grits. Big ol' shrimp too! I got the Louisiana Hot Pepper Chicken and it probably wasn't quite as good as the other dishes I mentioned. They offer it with shrimp instead of chicken, if I had it to do over I'd have done shrimp instead of chicken. The Seafood Gumbo special wasn't as well received as all of the other dishes our table had. We enjoyed Uptown so much we came back Sunday morning to celebrate/recover from an Old Oaken Bucket victory. The biscuits and gravy were very good and the Potato & Andouille Omelet was delicious. Maybe a little heavy on the carmelized onions. The toast was great too! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great vibe and food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Even better service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Perfect for a low key romantic spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely will go again. read more

Service is always great, steaks are incredible. Surprisingly the menu has many affordable options. Overall this is the best restaurant in Bloomington by far. read more

Many many many times this is our go to when visiting family in Bloomington, IN. I've had several menu items and have never been disappointed. Hoosiers hospitality PLUS is what they also serve here and thank-you, thank-you, thank-you. But it does seem to always be a local favorite so please consider a reservation. Parking can be difficult to find and you are charged. Parking in Carmel, IN is free everywhere.......I have never understood why Bloomington charges?? read more

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