This was my Monday night spot. Half priced martinis? Yes, please. Be careful not to have too many because their drinks are pretty strong and their stairs are pretty steep. Deadly combination, but well worth the risk. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because one night, I went there and they had salsa music playing. I'm always down for a good salsa, but not at a martini bar. Didn't quite flow with the atmosphere. Would have preferred jazz or swing. Anything but salsa. read more

Average martini bar. Bartender was nice but seemed very high and just out of it while making our drinks. The place was empty from 9:00 to 10:00 and the dj was just vibing by himself. I could see is being more fun later in the evening. read more

Serendipity has a split personality. Classy (well, classy for Bloomington) lounge upstairs, your trendy cousin's basement downstairs. The martinis served upstairs are delicious and unique. Drinks downstairs are strong and super affordable - $6 singles and $8 doubles. i show up for their Latin dance nights, which are always a good time. read more

I've been here twice and have always enjoyed the cocktails and appetizers. Their spin dip is amazing. The bar is shooting for a twenties lounge feel, but I think they fall just short of that. It's certainly a relaxing environment with couches here and there and lots of tables--would probably be good for a reception. Both times I've gone, it's been very quiet. I would like to go on a night when they have something going on to see how it is. They have an eclectic collection of martinis with some creative choices here and there. Their version of a cosmo is pretty tasty, and the whiskey cocktails are on point. I would love to come back and try some more. The only reason why this place doesn't get a higher rating from me is because the service could've been much better. You would think that in a place as quiet as this, you would get ignored less. Not the case. We even had a waitress ask us to close our tabs early so she could go home early. We didn't really care that much--just thought it was odd. We would've ordered more drinks from her given the chance. read more

I'm only giving this place four stars because I don't want it to get too crowded ;) I *love* Serendipity. Monday night is the best time to go because they have half-price martinis...but it's also worth an occasional non-Monday splurge. For martinis, I recommend the Petite Fleur or the Tropical Sunset (if you want to get WASTED on the cheap, then go for The Professional -- it's almost entirely whiskey). Have also heard good things about the Bellini. Mango martini is yummy, but not very strong. For those non-Monday splurges, you really have to try the Winter Cup. Worth it! For food, try the Fish & Chips. It's delicious, and goes well with all of the above. Furthermore, the staff is so laid-back and friendly. They are attentive when you want something, and leave you alone when you don't! Wonderful service. I wish I could give this exactly 4.5 stars, because that is what it deserves. read more

I've had or tasted half a dozen of the food items here, and they've all been terrific--tasty, sophisticated and well prepared. Can't speak to the "martinis" (most of which are not actual martinis), but they have some good wine selections. Service is very attentive, and the surroundings are comfortable and attractive. My guess is that the vibe varies depending on the music. Two of the three times I was here I was lucky enough to catch "Standard Deviation," a FABULOUS retro/classic standards combo with a female vocalist named Lauren who really needs to be discovered. Unfortunately, most people weren't actually listening. read more

This place is fairly new, and it was not around when I was in college. A part of me wishes it had been, but I don't know if I would have appreciated it as much. My friends and I are in our mid-20s, and I'm pretty sure everyone else there was 30+. I don't really mind that, cause at least we weren't surrounded by fratty douches and sorostitutes. The drink selection is good... a martini list, and few beers, but good ones, including Duvel and Dogfish Head. The Duvel and Dogfish head were reasonably priced, but the martinis were as expensive as they would be in Chicago. Boo to that! I love going to Indiana and ordering cosmos for $4.75. I can buy a $11 martini in Chicago anytime! They also have a dance floor and play a lot of Latin music, which is pretty awesome. read more

Best old fashion in town!! Cant believe i didn't know about this place. Could use some work on the outside but the inside is absolutely beautiful. Excellent martinis and the bartenders know there shit!! read more

The first time I went to this bar was last night and I was very impressed! The ambiance and decor of this place is nice, and the service is exceptional. I have been to other martini bars before, and I felt their selection of martini's was well rounded. I drank a "sex and the city" flavored martini, and it was absolutely delicious. I also really liked how they had an extensive wine selection, and other cocktails were available. This place has events regularly such as salsa night, and even live entertainment. It definitely is not just a place to drink, so if you're ever bored on a weekend, this is a great place to come with a group of friends. I will admit that the crowd here is a bit older, but there are some college students floating around from time to time. I think one thing that may draw in a younger crowd could be a college night type thing, where with a student ID there'd be some specials or entertainment more tailored to a younger student crowd. Overall this was a great experience and I was very impressed! read more

Love the atmosphere here nothing like this in Bloomington! I love to dance and Mike makes the best martinis! The Mango martini is so delicious I highly recommend. Come with a date or your friends and dance the night away don't be a fly on the wall! read more

I really like this place. It's hard to find a bar in a college town in which the bartender has more than your standard Long Island-in-a-pitcher repertoire. The atmosphere, I'll admit, is a little dry, but if you're looking for a quiet place to have a really top-notch mixed drink made by a friendly guy who suggests different types of every liquor to suit your taste, that might be a good thing, and this place will hit the spot. read more

The place is nice but the drinks are mediocre for a martini bar. Also the DJ on salsa nights is terrible. When I asked him to play any salsa song I got this response "It's MY party, so if I want to play salsa I will". No it's not your party. You are hired to do a job which includes making your customers happy.... and no, he never played salsa that night. read more

Fantastic martini bar.. Albin and Mike are brilliant mixologist. Go on a Saturday night if you like Latin dancing.. Go anytime if you want some of the best cocktails of your life. The bar staff is the best in Bloomington, maybe in all of Indiana .. Try it, you'll love it.. read more

Drinks were good. There's a hotel looking hallway. There's some IKEA decorations. Best part was that we had the parking spot directly in front so we made a quick getaway. Salsa night DJ was on point. It gets better as time goes on. read more

I went there when they first opened a few months ago, so I cannot speak for any recent changes they might have made. The night I went there was a live band playing, and they were so loud that I literally had to shout at my companions two feet away in order for them to hear. So much for a classy atmosphere. The cocktails and desserts were decent but overpriced -- nothing to write home about. That's typical of anywhere in Bloomington, really. Given that there are so few places to get a martini in this town, you should give it a shot -- but try a night where there's no live music. read more

I've been to Serendipity several times now, and I will not be back after my visit last night. In fact, I'm signing up for Yelp just to let other people know not to go there. For the area, the drinks are overpriced and mediocre, at best. But that's not why this place gets a poor review. The first time I went there, I was meeting a group of 8-12 friends to celebrate a birthday on a Friday night. By midnight, we were the only people left in the bar, but we weren't concerned because their signage says they are open until 3am. Instead of treating us like customers, they start putting chairs on tables and tell us they are closing up because they slow. So we were encouraged to move along. Last night, the same thing happened, only worse! We were served our last drink at 11:40 (they close at midnight). Before midnight, they were already putting chairs up on the tables and mopping floors! Then right at midnight, the bartender first starts hovering around our table. Then a couple of minutes later, the OWNER comes over and just stands by us for a few seconds, then tells us they are closed and we need to leave. If you have the nerve to charge $8 for a whiskey and coke, at least let me FINISH the damn drink! Every other self-respecting bar in town allows at least 15-20 minutes for you to finish your drink and leave. This owner does not respect or care about his clientele. He wants to sell you an expensive drink and kick you out as quickly as possible to avoid paying an employee for an extra 15 minutes of work. DO NOT GO HERE! Go to someplace classy like Scholar's Inn instead. They know how to treat their customers (and their drinks and food are MUCH better). read more

Loud music - I came with a group of 4 and we could barely hear each other! Drinks are overpriced - $10+ for a martini that isn't top notched Rude staff - the person seating us seemed mad that we came in and glared at us the whole time we were there. Will not be going back. read more

Having gone to school at IU and getting quite familiar with the bar scene around Bloomington, I can honestly say Serendipity boasts the nicest drinks for the best price. I mean Duvel on tap for only $4?! Who can beat that! The martinis they serve here are also delicious and there are about 3 drinks per martini. Martinis at $103= $3.33 per drink of QUALITY alcohol (Grey Goose, Belvedere Van Gogh etc.) as compared to the Karkov at KOK (Not to hate on Kilroys I love them! I've spent plenty of money there hahaha- you can't beat $2 tuesdays). Comparing Serendipity to Kilroy's is like apples to oranges anyway... I digress. Phil the Bartender is helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to any type of drink you have a question about. Last time I went in they were out of the specific wine I wanted, Phil recommended another, let us try it, and then gave us the bottle for half off!! I guess they were clearing out their old selection... Other than the ambience at the Uptown there is no "upscale" drinking/dining place in Bloomington that really matches the "high end" vibe. I've been to the Rail and much prefer the Uptown or Serendipity. The Rail is too small and when I got a Old Fashioned the glass was less than 1/3 full. Besides Phil makes a much tastier Old Fashioned :-) If you are going for food I recommend trying the Serendipity Burger, tempura shrimp, or the Steak is always good. If you want to try their Martinis go on a Monday they are half off. They also have Salsa night every other Saturday. Quite a diverse crowd and they even had people from Arthur Murray teaching us Salsa moves when I was there. They do events/special prices too- my friend's Fraternity had a barcrawl there. My suggestion: If you are looking to try something new and exotic, check it out and go on a Monday. You can't go wrong with $5 Martinis. read more

I was really excited to go to Serendipity for the first time last night for their half-priced martini night, but I was really letdown upon arrival. My friends and I showed up around 9:30pm only to find that the bar was closed. The hours online, and on their door say 6:00pm-12:00am on Monday, so why weren't they open? There was no indication of a private party going on; it seemed that there was no one there, and the doors were locked. I ended up calling the bar twice to see if anyone could explain why they were closed with no warning, but no one answered. Overall, I was just really disappointed that I did not get to experience this place because their cocktails seemed promising. Maybe next time they can properly advertise their hours. read more

Was my first time there on Saturday night and it was Salsa night. I was surprised how packed the place was for it being the summer time. There was a small but friendly staff that were quick to find us a seat and get us a drink. Bartender made me a drink called a city god that was amazing!! I was with a group of 10 people that were also very pleased with there drinks. I am so happy we found this underground upscale martini bar here in Bloomington. I will definitely be back soon. read more

Only been here once and it was on our wedding night. The martinis were good but man were they overpriced. The service was very attentive and friendly. The dance floor is sizeable and they played amazing Latin music the entire time we were there. Not sure if that's what they do normally or not. People were salsa dancing and kept making us all go on the dance floor. All in all a fun place, but the crowd is definitely a bit of an older bunch. read more

It's hard to find a good drink in this town, truly. In a college town where a typical bar is only a stone's throw away, we who like our drinks well mixed and our liquor from the higher shelf are often disappointed. Serendipity is a great respite for those who like a quiet atmosphere, good drinks, and cozy seating. I've always been pleased with the drinks; there are a couple of out-of-the-ordinary concoctions, but most of the "martinis" (half of which are not, really, but are good) are pretty standard fare. For Bloomington, I find it overpriced for sure; many of my friends have said something along the lines of "NYC-like prices in a Midwestern town." The food is ok but terribly overpriced, despite the knowledge that it's advertised as "tapas." I've gone a couple of times when live music was there, and I hated it. The music was great, but the room is very resonant. My friends and I could barely hear each other shout, and we ended up leaving earlier than desired. Definitely a step in the right direction, but Serendipity needs some tweaking. read more

I liked the ambiance and they do have an extensive menu but the martini I had was waaaayyyy too strong, almost undrinkable. Others with me were hit or miss (one really good and another too strong). And our service was pretty unremarkable. If I'm paying $13 for a drink then the service should match and it definitely didn't. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt though because I've heard better about this place. I'll try it again but go back for some live music and some specials. read more

The martinis are fantastic here and Monday is half price martini night. I'm not sure why the 2 different nights we were in here though it was so empty. On a Friday evening, we were the only patrons there. The bartender and waitress are really nice and welcoming as well. read more

The meatballs definitely came frozen out of a package but they still somehow managed to burn them. They were hard and barely edible. The hummus was clearly store-bought as well and very bland. The fries were good, but that's not hard to find in Bloomington. Drinks were overpriced and subpar. I would try this place again but it was way too expensive for what it was. Disappointed all around. The location and inside the building are prime, this place just isn't living up to its potential. Only 4 tables there for a trivia night was just sad. read more