For a slow breakfast that feels very Bloomington, go to the Runcible Spoon. It’s been a fixture on East 6th Street since 1976, set in an old house a few blocks east of the courthouse square and an easy walk from campus.
Inside it’s cosy and a little eccentric, with mismatched decor, art on the walls and small rooms that make it feel more like someone’s home than a restaurant. Brunch is served all day, and the corned beef hash is the dish regulars rave about. The Spoon also roasts its own coffee, so it’s worth having a second cup, and it’s been named among Esquire’s best breakfast places in America. Lunch and dinner are on the menu too if you’re there later in the day.
Weekend brunch is the busiest time, especially on IU move-in, graduation and game weekends, so expect a wait or get there early. Weekday mornings are calmer and perfect if you want to linger. When the weather’s good, grab a table outside.
It makes a great first breakfast of your stay before you head out to explore downtown.
