Hutton Honors College

— Places to Eat

Nearby Places to Eat

Recommendations by Mercedes Rodriguez, a journalism major from Hialeah, Florida.

Orientation affords incoming freshmen a great look at their new school. One easy way to take in some local color is by grabbing a quick lunch or dinner at one of many great restaurants within easy walking distance from campus. Below is a rough guide to reasonably priced eateries near campus.

Laughing Planet
322 East Kirkwood
Tucked away in what was at one time a fraternity house, Laughing Planet serves up some of the healthiest burritos this side of San Francisco. Here you can get your fill of tasty stuff like black beans and tofu, and the sauces they use always taste of fresh cilantro. It's a great place to stop off and grab a quick lunch. It's a good combination of low cost and a hip, relaxed atmosphere.

Siam House
430 E. 4th
Easily one of the best values in town is Siam House's lunch buffet. For about six dollars, patrons can feast on an array of Thai goodies. There is usually at least one seafood dish in the buffet, and always plenty of vegetarian offerings. Their regular lunch menu is also very easy on the wallet, offering the usual selection of curries and noodles to be found in most Thai places.

Shanti Indian Restaurant
221 East Kirkwood
Shanti is the place to go when looking for top-notch Indian cuisine in town. They feature a wide range of entrees, including lamb and seafood selections. Prices are relatively affordable, the average being 10 to 15 dollars per person.

Ladyman's Cafe
122 East Kirkwood
This place can easily be called a Bloomington institution. Around for over 40 years, Ladyman's isn't the fanciest place, but it sure is one of the best. Everything that comes out of their kitchen is like home cooking, from the BLTs to the chicken fried steaks, to their pies. This is comfort food at its best.

LaBamba Mexican Restaurant
520 East Kirkwood
Often known as a hangout for bar hoppers hungry after a night of partying, few know that LaBamba's is open for lunch also. The burritos really are the size of your head, and packed with tasty bits of steak or chicken, fresh avocados, and beans. Their tacos are also great, the shells not at all like the hard cardboard ones found at other places. Try the ground chorizo as a taco filling.

Opie Taylor's
212 North Walnut
This place is often touted as having some of the best burgers in town. The patties always come out thick and juicy. Order the chili fries and you'll get the biggest portion you've ever seen. It isn't as cheap as just swinging by McDonald's for a bite, but the superior quality makes it all worthwhile.

Cafe Pizzaria
405 East Kirkwood
One of Bloomington's oldest pizza places, the Café Pizzaria serves up great salads, sandwiches, and stroms as well. They're very reasonably priced and the inside has the sort of dim, cozy feel that every mom and pop pizza joint should.

Enjoy.