Six Strings
Six Strings is the country bar in downtown Bloomington. Every weekend there is live music and great dance parties. Also, Six Strings has great drink specials on Bud Light. On the first and third Thursday of every month, there is a mechanical bull, which is a great time! If you like country music, this is where you'll want to spend your weekends.
Daddios
Many students are attracted to Daddios because of the bands that perform there. Sixteen Candles, Hairbanger’s Ball, Wedding Banned, and Too White Crew are just a few that perform on a regular basis. Daddios also has become known for its Thursday night special, “$1 You Call It.” With a student ID, cover charges on Thursdays are half off. For students who like to dance, there is a dance floor, but come early because it tends to get crowded. If you are one to just listen to music, there are also areas to sit or play pool. Generally, a $5 cover fee is paid at the door. Also, there is a dress code before entering the bar: no hats or men's gym shorts are allowed—this has become a hassle.
The Loft
As one of the classier bars, the Loft has a dress code and usually has a jazz band playing (but there is also a DJ on certain nights). While the image of an upscale bar would seem to push some students away, this bar is still very popular, especially on Thursday nights. However, one of the drawbacks is the location, as it is not on the same street as a majority of other bars.
220 E. Front St.
Bloomington
(309) 828-8464
Fat Jack’s
Fat Jack’s is one of the bigger bars at ISU, and what makes this bar unique is its cigar room. The space also allows bar-goers to roam the bar and check out who is in attendance. Students are able to play pool, sit at the bar, lounge on one of the many couches, or get down on the dance floor, where a DJ is usually playing hit music. While there may not be a band every night, there is always a cover charge. Also, Fat Jack's offers a wide variety of specially-brewed beers.
Maggie Miley's
This Irish pub has great food, even better drink specials, and generally a joyous drinking atmosphere. Also, there is authentic Irish music playing all of the time.
Pub II
The atmosphere is what makes Pub II one of the most popular bars at ISU. The dress code can be as casual as a sweatshirt and jeans to as dressy as black slacks and a nice shirt. The most popular night to be here is Wednesdays for $3 pitchers of Miller Lite or Bud Light. Sports are usually broadcast on the TVs throughout the bar, and students can even be found playing flip cup at the island tables. This is definitely the most popular bar at ISU. Most alumni come back to visit just for the Pub II.
102 N. Linden St.
Normal
(309) 452-0699
Mulligans
Mulligans is known for its Long Island iced tea served in a mason jar. It’s a drink that is sure to leave you feeling good. This bar has a comfortable feel to it, and it’s a great place to stand around and drink with friends. Mulligans recently added an outdoor beer garden equipped with TVs, so the local sports fanatics can enjoy the game. Through the years, this bar has gained popularity and has become a staple in any bar-goer’s weekend activities. Friday and Saturday nights are when this bar gets crowded to the max. It is difficult to have a good time when you can't walk through the bar.
531 N. Main St.
Bloomington
(309) 827-7796
Blue Line Nightclub
Blue Line is a new bar in town and is generally a relaxing lounge, but be wary if you are using a fake ID—the bouncers will call the cops. If you call the drink names by the Blue Line name, then you will receive the drink at half price!
The Bistro
The Bistro is the local gay bar that offers a fun time to anyone who enters. The drinks are fairly cheap, and Bingo is played every Thursday night. Winning a game of Bingo means winning a shot, so it is a must-try for most.
316 N. Main St.
Bloomington
(309) 829-2278
Chasers
Located in the basement of Michael's Restaurant, Chasers is the ultimate dance party, offering great DJs with an unbelievable dance floor. This is often the last stop for most bar-goers.
Elroy’s
A classic sports bar, Elroy’s has big-screen televisions surrounding the bar. The rectangular layout of the bar tends to be inconvenient and causes the bar to get crowded easily; however, this is the place to be when a big game is broadcast—you can be certain that it will be packed.
102 W. Washington St.
Bloomington
(309) 828-0142
Drifters
This is an excellent place to chill with friends, and it usually isn't crowded. Also, there is an open space for dancing and tables for sitting and chatting, as well.