Indiana University - Nightlife

A club-like atmosphere makes this home to a slightly older crowd—a lot of grad students or older undergrads frequent Second Story. The bar is cheap, and the dance floor is open. This is the place to see live music you may not see anywhere else.

Although you won’t find much dancing here, you will find a cozy little spot to hear live music, much of it local. Drink, play pool, and groove. Cover charge applies (usually around $5).

Axis features several local bands each week, and has “Nickel Nights” and “Hot Body Contests,” as well as the occasional “Retro Night,” karaoke, and ladies’ nights.

Bloomington’s only under-21 nightclub. The laid-back atmosphere and low cover charge makes Rhino’s a great place to see local indie, rock, and punk bands perform. There’s no food, no drinking (except from the Coke machine) and no smoking, but there’s plenty of dancing.

This 21-and-over gay dance club is not a quiet place to get to know someone, but it is a great place to hear techno/dance music, play pool, and see the occasional drag show. The crowd tends to be mostly younger. Cover charge is typically $4.

Big screen TVs and music dominate this bar. The Vid is a favorite of students trying to escape the familiar bar scene, thanks to its local flavor. This watering hole is more a hangout for townsfolk than for IU students.

Both Kilroy’s locations have something for the bar-hopper. With a pretty extensive menu and daily happy hours, Kilroy’s Sports is a gathering place for many students to take in athletic events along with a couple beers or a game of pool.

Kilroy’s on Kirkwood offers daily specials, and those under 21 can dine in before it turns exclusive at night. This bar has one of the largest shooter lists in the midwest; many shots are made up by the bartenders. Kilroy’s on Kirkwood has a sister bar, Kilroy’s Sports bar.

Known as a good place to watch an IU game, get rid of the munchies, or play pool, Upstairs is conveniently located in the central vicinity of several other bars.

Nick’s is a Bloomington tradition dating back to the 1920s. More laid-back than the average just-turned-21-bar-hopper-crowd may be used to, alumni and older students frequent this bar for the atmosphere and the tradition. Nick’s is most well known for “Sink the Biz,” a drinking game involving a bucket, two to ten players, and a whole lot of beer. If there was only one bar associated with Bloomington, Nick’s would be it.

Scotty’s is a popular sports bar, featuring an extensive beer list (both on tap and bottled); patrons can join the “Round the World Club” by trying every beer Scotty’s offers, and are rewarded with an engraved plaque along the bar.

This bar is known primarily for its reputation as a fantastic live music venue and Wednesday night 15-cent drafts. Recently expanded to add a new bar and more seating, there’s plenty of room near the stage for dancing. If you want to see a good show, chances are you should go to the Bird.

Yogi’s used to have dining available for all ages in the dining room separate from the bar, but recently changed their policy; now you must be 21 to enjoy the food. Most people go to Yogi’s for the 26 beers on tap or the 25 televisions around the bar—it’s a popular spot for a night out.

Bloomington’s only under-21 nightclub.

Catch an opera, a ballet, or a symphony. Ticket prices are lower for students, and there are shows here throughout the year.

Watch for Union Board Late Night events, movies, bowling, billiards, and more. Added bonus: you never even have to leave campus.