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The Best Townie Bars in Bloomington, Indiana
Skip the college chaos. Discover where Bloomington locals actually drink — from dive bars with character to hidden gems serving craft cocktails. Your guide to the townie circuit.
Meet Bloomington
Every corner has a story — from longtime businesses on Kirkwood to newcomers building something special. We shine a light on places that make our town worth knowing.


🌟 Life in Bloomington
We’re more than just a college town. Bloomington is where limestone meets live music, where co-ops thrive alongside corner cafes. Whether you’re walking the B-Line Trail, catching a matinee at the Buskirk-Chumley, or grabbing tamales at the Farmers’ Market — this town has a rhythm of its own.
- 🎭 See what’s on stage or playing downtown
- 🍅 Explore local food & drink
- 📚 Find community resources & programs
Need a recommendation or want to share your own? Send us a tip or add a local favorite.
📢 Monroe County Alerts

Stay informed with emergency notifications and important local updates. Sign up for the Monroe County Alert System to get messages by text, email, or phone — tailored to your location.
🌞 Today’s Weather
High: 69°F | Low: 51°F
Looks like the day's starting off a bit shy with mostly cloudy skies, but don't worry, Bloomington! The sun's just waiting for its cue to make an appearance. 🌤️ So, if you've got plans to stroll around the Bloomington Antique Mall or maybe grab a gyro at The Trojan Horse, you might want to bring a light jacket to stay cozy with that high around 69.
But hold onto your hats, folks, 'cause the wind's gonna join the party later, dancing in from the west-southwest at 11 to 15 mph, with gusts showing off up to 28 mph. 💨 It's like the weather's doing its own little Memorial Stadium wave out there!
Now, as we head into the evening, we've got a chance of some sprinkles sneaking in after 5am, so maybe tuck your plants in for the night if they're not fans of surprise showers. The low will be around 51, with a gentle south wind giving a comforting lullaby at 3 to 5 mph.
And hey, as we move into the afternoon, keep an eye on the skies 'cause there's talk of rain and maybe even a thunderstorm showing up after 1pm. 🌧️ So if you've got outdoor plans like a visit to Morgan Observatory for some stargazing or a hearty dinner at Janko's Little Zagreb, you might want to have a backup indoor option just in case.
Temps will hover near 65, with a south-southeast wind at 5 to 9 mph, occasionally showing off with gusts up to 18 mph. And hey, even though the chance of precipitation is 80%, it's all part of the natural Bloomington rhythm, right? New rainfall amounts might be around a tenth to a quarter of an inch, but keep an eye out for those thunderstorms—they might bring a bit more to the party.
So, my Bloomington neighbors, grab your umbrellas, your rain boots, and maybe a cozy blanket for the evening. Stay safe, stay dry, and enjoy the unique melody of Bloomington weather today. 🌦️ And hey, if you need an excuse to curl up with a good book, I think Mother Nature just gave you one!
Last updated: February 18, 2026 11:32 am
📅 What’s Happening This Week
From happy hour specials to live shows — stay in the loop with Bloomington’s best deals and events.
📰 Bloomington News
Fresh from the front page — local headlines, neighborhood voices, and timely stories from across Monroe County. Whether it’s city hall or the farmer’s market, this is where Bloomington stays in the loop.

- Monroe County election board OKs 28 Election Day polling sites, early voting hours, but state legislation could limit schedule
- Federal lawsuit challenging Indiana’s student ID voting ban seeks emergency court order ahead of primary
- Two Showers West tenants fight Bloomington’s bid to terminate leases; judge weighs city’s ‘inverse condemnation’ theory
- 10th Street & Madison Street
- Feb. 16, 2026: Voter registration move, bus service in limbo, failed inspection at Crawford

- UPDATE: I-69 chase that started just south of Bloomington ends in standoff; truck fire later went out
- Beech Grove officer Brian Elliott killed, another wounded; statewide Blue Alert issued for suspect
- Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines wins Broyles Award as nation’s top assistant coach
- IU economics lecturer arrested on child solicitation charge after Florida undercover probe, police say
- Bloomington Convention Center skybridge takes shape over South College Avenue
Our News Sources
A curated roundup from trusted local voices:
- 🟥 B Square Bulletin – Independent reporting on city government & local policy
- 🟦 The Bloomingtonian – Photojournalism & breaking local news
- 🟨 Limestone Post – Longform features, arts, and community stories
- 🎙️ The Electron Pencil – Local commentary and civic opinion
- 📻 Earth Eats – Sustainable food and farming from WFIU/WTIU
- 🏛️ IU News – Highlights from Indiana University & campus life
🛍️ Support Local Businesses
From bookstores to bike shops, bakeries to barbers — our local businesses keep Bloomington buzzing.

