This was a phenomenal dinner! The food was amazing, staff was nice, and it was a great atmosphere. Prices were also very reasonable. I would definitely recommend eating here!

Beautiful place. Lots of history. Salad and Parmesan peppercorn dressing was awesome. The Bread was delicious and the prime ribs was perfect. The whole meal was under $80. That was with drinks and Appetizer. I loved the fret work at the entrance to the lower dinning room. Something to see. Wait staff were friendly and they were always around if you needed something.

Take a trip to Ireland while never leaving Indiana. I really enjoyed this Irish pub. They have an extensive whiskey / scotch collection that you can even do tastings of. I had the Big Ten Penicillin cocktail which was excellent. Their Reuben is also fantastic. My wife ordered the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich which was good but needed a sauce in my opinion. They have a small little patio up front with a lot more seating inside.

I really really loved my food-- I got the corned beef and cabbage (classic). I also loved what I sampled of my friends' food and drink. If you come here, you should really try to Irish coffee. It was beautiful and absolutely hit the spot on a chilly October night.

What a fun bar/restaurant experience! The decor of the restaurant was what sets the place apart. You feel like you are in another time and place. The food was average, the waitstaff was average, and a bit over-priced for the quality of the food. Would I go back? No. Am I glad I went once? Yes. I know it is a popular place for locals and usually draws a crowd.

We had dinner here both nights we spent in Bloomington while on a weekend away. We tried two other restaurants the second night, but ended up back at The Irish Lion because it was so enjoyable. The food is great. The staff is lovely. The drink menu is superb. The chill Irish pub atmosphere was a welcome break from the college vibe of the other establishments. If I ever visit Bloomington again, The Irish Lion is at the top of my list of places to go.

My wife and I have been looking for somewhere different to go for our anniversary, and the Irish Lion did not disappoint! Their atmosphere was very fun and unique and the food was was amazing! The waiter we had (Ryan) was very engaged and made some excellent recommendations. Needless to say, we have family from Oklahoma that is now aware of the Irish Lion and we will be taking them when they come up for their next visit.

Folks, this is my go-to. I can't offer you anything better. When your soul needs a reboot...when you need to feel a medium filled with laughter, friends and joy...when only a half-yard of cold Bass ale, a shot (or two) of whiskey and those wonderful fish and chips will do...there is no other place. The Lord gave me a beautiful wife and children. He also gave me the beloved Indiana University Hoosiers. He placed my heart in Southern Indiana and refreshes my soul in this incredible pub. Go. You will not regret it.

The Irish Lion consistently offers the best dining experience in Bloomington. I have eating and imbibing here for nearly 30 years and have never been disappointed. I hope to make it 30 more.

Excellent food and great atmosphere, nice staff. Be careful ordering a yard of beer unless you really want to drink. A half yard is plenty. I can recommend stopping in for a bite and a beer! But I think this place is for drinking, not dinner. Servings were too small…

We went there for a date night because someone had recommended it. We were pleased by the staff, the environment, and the food was outstanding!! It has become a top pick restaurant for us!! You won't be disappointed in the choice of deciding to go to The Irish Lion, that's for sure!!

Fantastic authentic Irish food. Normally I dislike Brie but the grilled Brie with soda bread and fruit platter was incredible (I think it's called the Ploughman's Plate). The cheesy potato skins were crispy and thick - perfect for dipping or eating alone. The true winner was the mutton pies with coddle. Hot chowder with chunks of thick bacon served in a warm bread bowl. I've never seen my toddler eat so much while at a restaurant. Service was great as well. (10/10)

One of my partner & my favorite date spots (but also an excellent place for an afternoon/evening beer solo or with friends. Pretty solid Irish digs, and consistently tasty. I've heard that they aren't great to their staff, which is a concern. The food is tasty & the atmosphere pleasant -- perhaps leave a large cash tip to help out our brothers, sisters & gender neutral friends in the service industry.

The food was good. However, an employee named Matt I believe was HORRIBLE! When we first walked in the door there is a wait to be seated sign. We stood there a bit and finally Matt came to the door and in a fairly unfriendly tone said "what do you need?" I was not sure what to say to this comment. We stated we were there to eat. We were seated. He seemed annoyed we did not have a QR reader to view the menu. He took our order, asked us if we needed anything else. We ask for other items which he never brought. Then he was explaining to another employee he was "buzzing hard that afternoon". We finally got another waitress to help us. We requested he not return to our table. He finally kept coming to our table before we left being antagonistic. Apparently this behavior is ok with Irish Lion! If you go to Irish Lion be sure you do NOT get a server named Matt! You will regret it.

Service was great, food was good. Only negative, it was a little pricey ordering off the dinner menu

Celtic Stew was a comfort food that will please the most demanding palate. The Oyster Rockefeller were amazing. The vibe was relaxed and inviting, and service prompt and pleasant... Coming back very soon.

Sat outside, it seemed a little crazy so our server was a little behind (after a while I realized they gave us to her even though we were really far from her section) but the assistant manager, Nick, stepped in to get us started and did a wonderful job making sure everyone had what they needed! The Duck was SOOOOO good and even though it was really busy, my friend and I ever waited for a single thing we needed. Can't wait to go back! It's pet friendly so the dog had a great time too!

Their large outdoor space-- the Grotto-- was wonderful. Until Covid-19, it was reserved for big parties like wedding receptions. Several outdoor heaters should be able to make it a wonderful romantic venue through the holiday season. And, as always, the food was great!

Great food, great atmosphere, nice staff. I only wish they made Irish boxty (Scottish boxty are good too). I plan on eating here regularly. 😁

Good food, great people. If I could give ten stars I would. I had a really good rueben and accidentally left my wallet upon leaving. Someone picked it up and turned it into the bartender. There was more than a hundred bucks exposed on an elastic band. Untouched. Hell yeah. Will come back again. And again.

We ate outside in The Irish Lion Glen. It was a great experience! During the covid problems of eating in restaurants The Glen is perfect. Not only was it a safe place to eat but the food, service and drinks were outstanding!

Great good, fantastic whiskey selection. Servers are friendly and bartenders know their stuff. Kid friendly too, so definitely a spot you can bring your family. We stop every time we come to Bloomington

I haven't eaten here in years but it's still great.

As always, great food, amazing, whisky selection, good service. One of the best places in Bloomington.

Great food and drinks. Service was awesome.

A Bloomington staple with delicious food (lamb is my go to), whiskeys, and half-yards! They've opened up their huge New Orleans-eque event patio with cascading vines, The Glen, for dining. We felt very safe with plenty of social distancing and we love that we can bring our fur baby.

Finally went here after moving to southern Indiana 4 years ago and was told to go here. It was very good. I had the Chicken Cordon Bleu which was great. For appetizers we got Oysters Rockefeller which were very good and Blarney's Puffballs which were very good also. My friend had the Roast Duckling which is Half a duck. I tried a piece and it was so good. Definitely recommend.

Excellent Irish food in an eclectic pub atmosphere. Typical bar food. The walnut cake is outstanding (it is very similar to Sticky Pudding). The whiskey pie is great too.

From well poured pints to appetizers to soup to entree to dessert we were met with great food, friendly laid back vibes, and great service. Solid from all ends and a great stop on a road trip through town. Well done Irish Lion.

Some friends and I met here on Saturday night. This was my first time visiting the Irish Lion and will not be the last. The food and environment was incredible. The staff is awesome. Perfect Saturday night out on a cold night

The food is awesome! One of the only places I like everything on the menu and thats why I drive 2 hrs just to eat here! We had the corned beef and cabbage and the rack of lamb this time. If you're in the area or just in the mood for an Irish feast, then give this place a try. You'll be glad you did!

Irish Lion has never disappointed me. Out of the three times I have being there, from food to drinks to service, it has been great overall. The staff is very friendly and attentive. The service takes bit of a time depending on the crowd at hand. Atmosphere is perfect for a casual hangout. Tried Leg of Lambs, Shaprds Pie and Old Fashioned (Cocktail) and all of them has being of great quality. Highly recommended. Update May 2023: Chicken Cordon Bleu was okay. It was a great portion but the taste was okay. Not great. Blarney Puffballs are great as a appetizers. Cocktails Rhubarb & Ginger Gimlet was great. Irish "Green Tea" was simply phenomenal.

It's not a place I visit often but the food is terrific. If you are thinking about this place then go. It might seem a bit pricey but once you taste the food you will realize it's a great value for the money.

Good food, excellent Waite staff Food portions were good but small. Atmosphere was very good!

This may be there best Irish pub going. My wife and I have eaten here several time and everyone we tried is great. Try a cup of coddle and the escargot for appetizers. The shepherd's pie is the best I've ever had. The leg of lamb is cooked and seasoned just right. For dessert, we especially like to split the whiskey pie; but also like the Apple Walnut cake and the cheesecake. Great beers and whiskey flights, too!

I went here with Matt Henry and his cousin Jared. The food was excellent and had the mutton stew (I think it was?) in a bread bowl. I highly recommend it and the whisky bar looks impressive although I have yet to try any there.

Whenever I come back to visit Bloomington The Irish Lion is the first place we go for dinner and drinks. Everything I have had is so good. They have a great mix of pub grub and higher end entrees. Always have to get the blarney puff for an app. And I love their specialty cocktails.

Nice outside seating and a fairly decent beer selection. Food was good and the service was friendly. I'll be going back!

The Food and Drinks are fantastic. Had dinner with 5 friends and we were told we were being to loud. Which is kind of ridiculous as a real Irish pub allows laughter. Its not a jovial atmosphere more just a quietly dine and get out.

Splurge. It's worth it! Great servers. Special food. Beer selections not too shabby.

This place is really neat. I surprised my boyfriend with a weekend trip and we just happened upon this place. The atmosphere, design, and history is this building was amazing. Hard wood floors and lots original structures still inside. My boyfriend got rack of lamb, and mashed potatoes. I got fish and chips. We also got the potato fritter things that were absolutely delicious. Very nice service and very pleasant. We'll definitely be back.

Great Bangers and Mash. If you're looking for a pub experience as close to Irish/Brit, this is the place. Pleasant service and the decor is impressive.

The best Irish pub I’ve been to in the US!

Great atmosphere, great food and drinks, and friendly service!

One of my favorites. Outdoor patio setup is great - Blarney Puffballs and a yard make for a great time.

Great food atmospere and top notch service!

Great atmosphere good service great food

Food was only okay. Atmosphere is wonderful

They have an item on the menu that squirts butter at you.

It was great food and an even better beer on tap! Always a good time!

Yum! Amazing food and service

Friendly service and nice environment

This is a unique pub and grub style restaurant. Great drinks, nice bar, plenty of seating with a comfortable atmosphere. Check online for their menu.

Very good food and the hospitality is nice as well

These guys kill it every time I go there. The food is always excellent and the servers are great.

Beef and lamb are great. Get a half yard of guiness and relax.

Fantastic food, even better beer

Great service. Tenderloins bigger than the bun!!

Such a great atmosphere, the food is phenomenal, and the wait staff is friendly and professional! My favorite place to eat in Bloomington!

Excellent lamb chops! Food was hot, service was great.

Nice people. Lamb burger was great.

Drove 2 hours for a shot in the dark. And I was completely satisfied. Definitely a good place to have a dinner date!

One of our favorite places! ❤

ordered 4 dishes, bad taste expect for the potatoes ball

Loved it. Service and food was excellent. A trip into Bloomington deserves a stop into it for a friendly atmosphere and good food!

Great food, but parking can be difficult.

I would legit drive to Bloomington every week, just to eat here, if my boyfriend wouldn't seriously question my sanity. This restaurant has The. Best. Food! I thoroughly enjoyed scoping out the interior, while waiting for our food. It's just absolutely gorgeous!

great place I've been here several times stopped by after work and had a beer and the lamb chops and some fried pickles and everything was amazing, cooked perfectly it's a little bit high priced but completely worth it wait times can be a bit long when its busy though.

Good food and nice decor

All around excellent -- great atmosphere, service, pub grub food, and drinks.

I was attending a wedding reception so not down in the main dinning area. The service was attentive and pleasant, the food OK particularly as we were a sizeable crowd.

Excellent soup and BLT! Great service.

Such a great spot. Cool atmosphere and even better food and drinks

Place is always at top of my list.

I have always loved the Irish Lion. The inside of the restaurant has such a cool layout and history. I'm always learning something new about the history (today, I learnt that there is a picture of the Irish Lion in the opening sequence of Cheers). Since the pandemic, they have had The Glenn open most times. The Glenn is a beautiful outdoor patio area. When you're there, you dont realize you're in town. And The Glenn is doggo friendly too! The food is always great. The menu changes but the favorites always remain the same. Good price for what you get. Finally, it is worth trying the yard or half yard beer at least once. It's a fun way to celebrate or laugh with friends (I always spill all over myself 😂) Great for large parties when things return to normal. The upstairs is usually private and they take reservations.

This is the Meatless Shepherd’s Pie. It was delivered to me filled at less than half of an 18 oz container (less than a cup of soup), as seen in the photo below. We had a great experience here in person when I enjoyed the exact same dish six months ago, but clearly they don’t care about their carryout or delivery customers. I have no words for this other than pathetic. This was worth $10? I don’t think so. I’m glad I ordered a side dish because they forgot the side salad too. Incredibly disappointing.

Food was wonderful, whole experience was great till our server forgot about us and we sat for a half hour with no drinks. We had planned on dessert and coffee, but gave up after waiting 30 minutes. Flagged down another server and got the bill and left. Been there many times, I'm sure there's a reason my table got lost in the shuffle.

Wonderful dinner. Had the Leg of Lamb and Corned Beef. Finished with the apple walnut cake. Has been and continues to be one of my very favorite places in Bloomington. Always good food, helpful and friendly staff, and a cheerful environment.

Midwest Irish pub, we thought it would be fun. Unfortunately the service was terrible, and the food was not uniformly cooked. Three lamb chops, each was a different temperature and none were the temperature ordered. The duck was okay, but I've never had stuffing with fennel seed in it either here or in Ireland.

Thanks guys, good stuff!

Fantastic!!!!!

Great lamb dishes!

Great atmosphere and the food was really good

Blarney Puffballs are the best!

Great atmosphere and always friendly staff. Try to sit in the front section near the bar. Your experience will be that much better. Try the Irish Coffee and the Coddle in the bread bowl. You won't be disappointed.

Always good.

If you need a whiskey or corned beef and cabbage, this is as close to Ireland you can get without the plane trip

(Translated by Google) Yummmmm (Original) Yummmmm

Awesome food and a cool look

The food was fantastic and authentic I loved everything about it

Good place for Irish food.

Love this place! Great food!

Entertaining but don't know how the story ended?

Pricey but happy to be able to take my dog out to eat with us there.

They managed to get all 7 of us seated & outside right away &dinner was really good.

Great food and great service

Great outside seating in the glen

Amazing food and atmosphere.

The food was delicious. We were surprised how quickly we were served. The service was awesome.

Excelent Ruben, dangerously tasty Salted Caramel Apple Mule, & very nice atmosphere.

Always delicious

Dive bar quality food with 5 star pricing.

Food is good. Really enjoyed lunch & 1/2 yards of beer in the alley!

Food and great drinks

Love "The Lion." They're the best, and I'm happy they do well!!!

In Bloomington Indiana for a visit. Decided to celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary here!! It was a great experience!! Excellent food and service!!

Family brunch to celebrate a belated Father's Day. Called for reservation, we were seated upstairs (we were only ones up there) ... would have liked to have been seated outside but humidity was up and possibility of showers. Everyone enjoyed their entrees. We ordered the Ploughman's Plate (brie, fruit & Irish Soda Bread) and potato skins, both very good. Service was good, as were the entrees. A couple minor issues but overall we enjoyed the experience... hadn't been here in several years.

I absolutely loved this place! It was very nice inside and the staff did above and beyond to make sure my girlfriend and I were comfortable and satisfied. It was an amazing place to spend St. Patrick's day. I recommend the leg of lamb.

First time here for lunch. I had the black bean burger. My wife and son had Alfredo. She added chicken to hers. Our food was excellent and the servings were good sized. Gracie was our waitress and took excellent care of us.

This was my 1st visit to the Lion and was not disappointed. I met up with a couple of friends but only for apps and a couple adult beverages so this review is limited. The service was quick, friendly and efficient that bodes well with the ambiance. Will add more once I've returned for a meal.😉

This place is a great hideaway restaurant with excellent food choices. The place was busy and tight. The server was great and the food came out hot and fast. The lamb was seasoned and cooked perfectly, the burgers are so juicy and packed with flavor. The pub options were plentiful. Very pleased with everything tonight.

The Irish Lion was nice inside and service was okay. I was very excited to try this place when I saw pictures online. However, the food was extremely bland. I had the salmon and the entire dish had no flavor at all. I was extremely disappointed for the price of the dishes here. My boyfriend had the duck and I thought it was very dry. We would not come back again. I was surprised considering all the good reviews. My boyfriend did like his potato soup, though.

The blarney puffballs are amazing, a great appetizer. Had the shepherd's pie for the main course, didn't like it too much. It was made with lamb, but the sauce was a tomato base, should have been a gravy base. Not really a good shepherd's pie. My wife's got the fish and chips. Not so good either. The fish was a little weird and the batter was not quite right, should have been beer batter. Also, the tiny little cup of coleslaw was kind of a slap in the face. They could have provided three times as much. Service was great. Came off and enough to keep us happy and we're very polite.

Cool atmosphere. Food was alright. Roasted potatoes and cabbage were winners. Puff ball appetizer was really good! Corned beef was over cooked, tough, and lacked flavor. Stew was all carrots and no beef. Burger was mediocre.

Pretty much everything is good here. Corn beef and cabbage, coddle, breaded mushrooms, Irish cider on tap and it’s the only bar where the bartenders know how to pour a Guinness the right way. And their apple walnut cake is dope

Great spot we stopped at for our dinner. I got the roasted duck and it was so good! My husband got the shepard's pie and it was good but not the best he's had.