I was recommended to come to this bar from someone at BMI airport... and I'm so glad she told me to come here. The bartender was so friendly and helpful. I almost got the shoe but she recommended the pony and it was more than enough for me! So delicious, so seasoned to perfection and reasonable prices. Everyone knows eachother so it seems like a family here. I can't wait to come back!!! read more

Basically it's a little bar with slots, drinks, and food. It's nothing fancy at all, and it can easily be missed. The Spotted Dog is mostly a local hangout and probably has the same small group in there all the time. Good prices on drinks. Menu has typical bar food options. About the best thing that can be said is it has cheap drinks. It's about $2.50 for a basic liquor. They also pour these pretty strong. Food isn't as impressive. Pretzel Bites are probably the healthiest thing. It's $7 for a basket. The rest of the food includes the infamous Horseshoe sandwich, which is a big ass open faced sandwich covered in fries and cheese sauce, and that's about it. Go here to drink, eat, and play games. It has quite a few slots for a tiny ass place. The drinks are cheap and the food is the basic stuff. read more

The Spotted Dog - Whiskey And The Pretzel Bites - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

I was there one day and I went up to order my food while my friend decided to gamble there. They told me that the kitchen was closed, so I got my drink and went back to the table and 20 minutes later some people came in and asked for a menu, they were given the menu and they received their food. Wtf!!! Never going back shameful disrespect very dirty environment, trashy place read more

I've been to The Spotted Dog several times and haven't left a review but this place doesn't disappoint! Our latest visit two weeks ago was, again, delicious. I had the pony shoe and my husband had the chili dog . The cheese sauce is the winner in my dish - it was tangy and creamy and served over waffle fries and a perfectly grilled hamburger. The chili dog was filled with toppings on a soft bun - delicious! The server was friendly and attentive and the vibe in the place was very positive. We love this little hole in the wall tucked away off Morrissey in Bloomington. read more

Stopped in for lunch with another family and all our kids! another ridiculously good meal at a very reasonable price! Great service! Cold beer! I'm telling you this place isn't much to look at, but they hit all the marks where it counts in my book. Really good, affordable food served up by an attentive friendly staff who appreciate your business. Again, the place only seats about 20 people, so plan your visit accordingly. read more

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Although my OG review gave The Spotted Dog praise, I will say within the past few years or so during the pandemic I noticed the price of stuff going up. That, however, I understand. The real issue I have with is the fact they're cutting back on portion sizes. Now that we're better under control these days, the pandemic is no longer an excuse. I am saddened by the portion sizes being smaller than usual especially since the price hike. I remember when coming inside and taking my food to-go was a decent portion. The horseshoe as pictured in my photo is not near the size it was when The Spotted Dog first opened. I understand and get the pandemic has messed with prices on things etc. I would like to suggest The Spotted Dog go back to their original days with giving generous portions of food such as french fries, tater tots, etc. My horseshoe had medium, or perhaps smaller sized burgers than from when I had last ordered this item. I typically order a double cheeseburger here with fries. I can say that the double cheeseburgers are still decent for the price you pay. You get a side of french fries with it automatically and can add some free condiments and the like to the burger. The burgers are always filled with flavor and have an amazing taste. The bun is always toasted and tastes right too! I am unsure what has happened with this establishment. I was not satisficed with my portion size with this horseshoe at all. read more

The Spotted Dog - This is the latest menu according to their Facebook - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

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Great place on the southern end of Bloomington. The food was delicious and atmosphere was perfect for after working a cross country meet!

Stopped in for a burger. The burgers tasted just like a backyard BBQ burger. The place is very small and LOUD!! It's a great place for your younger crowd. The service was great! The prices were average. The atmosphere is very up beat. The decor is your typical bar signs and TVs. We might stop back for a burger and drink. . read more

All the food was delicious. Especially the homemade chicken noodle soup. Very hearty

A great little bar with great service and good food. When dining in, my go to is the horse shoe as it is delicious. Their cheese curds are also very good and we frequently pick them up for take out with a burger. Take out is always fast too! read more

This place is SEEDY. The tables are DIRTY and the food is FORGETTABLE. If you have even the slightest intention of dining thoughtfully during Covid, STAY OUT OF THE SPOTTED DOG. read more

Came in after the kitchen closed and they still made me cheese curds!! Good bartenders and thank you!!

The spotted dog.. hit the spot. Delicious food. Amazing service. Friendly. Homely. I love this place. Once visit and I know that I will be back. Food is cheap five to seven usd for dishes. Huge portions. We got chicken Philly pony shoe loaded waffle fries cheese balls. All were delish. Cari is the Wednesday baretender waitress. Super friendly. They also have darts pizza small gamling video games and a small parking lot. Come here you won't be dissapointed. read more

The Spotted Dog - Yum sum food.. - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

Delicious! I'm not sure if you can go wrong with bread, spicy fried chicken, waffle fries, and bacon, all smothered in cheese. But it was delicious and fulfilled every craving imaginable in one dish. This is the place to go if you are looking to pig out. Its a meal large enough to share. The service is friendly and attentive. The restaurant is a little dark inside. read more

The Spotted Dog - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

We ordered a horseshoe and a chicken Philly sandwich, each came with a side of fries, one we had "loaded." The fries were very old, limp, grainy, and a tad stale. The beef in the horseshoe was overcooked, so it had no flavor, much like the rest of it. Lacked any sort of seasoning or spice except salt. My chicken Philly was similarly lacking flavor. It felt completely unseasoned. The bread looked and tasted like day old grocery sandwich roll. It dulled the already dull taste of the filling, even the cheese lacked any bite or savoriness. Not good food at all. read more

This is a hole in the wall, but the food was good and the staff was very friendly and attentive. It seems weird to say, but the prep cook needs to improve their knife skills. The onions, lettuce, and tomatoes on our nacho were large chunks. Nachos were tasty, but clunky to eat. Same with the Hot Dogs. I was hoping for a Chicago dog. They did not have all the toppings, but they did pile it high with what they had and it tasted great. The large pieces of onion, tomato, and pickle did make it hard to eat. For your side, spend the extra $1 for waffle fries. They were amazing. The pork tenderloin was enjoyed by others in my party. Good food and good service! read more

The Spotted Dog - 2 American Dogs loaded with toppings and waffle fries - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

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I was on a search for a new place to get lunch.. The Spotted Dog was on the list when I searched. There was a horseshoe pictured so it was an easy decision. It's a small bar right on Morrissey. It's adjacent to Grady's Pizza. It's not one of those bars that serves food and pretends it's not a bar. The lighting is dim. The bar is the most prominent thing. The bartender came to the table to take our order. She was very friendly. Good personality. One of those people who should be dealing with people. I can't stress how important that aspect can make all the difference. I like a server that joke around with you. On to the food! I got a order of cheese balls. Those were good. Not you're ton of the mill ones you get at most places. Some were a little dry but not every one is going come out perfect. The main course showed up soon after. The horseshoe. I substituted waffle fries for the regular fries. Wise choice. I got loaded. Sort of. Loaded usually means tomato, onions, and bacon. I just wanted the bacon. Another wise choice. The horseshoe was amazing. The best part is they actually seasoned the burger. Most places think the taste of all toppings is enough. Not The Spotted Dog. Made it even better. The cheese was great. Definitely not some nasty canned cheese. Unless you're really hungry settle for the ponyshoe. I had leftovers. It surprising reheated well and tasted just as good. My next thing to try is their tenderloin so definitely making another trip. read more

The Spotted Dog - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

First, the waitress was perfect. However, that's as far as it goes. If they're supposed to have the best burgers in the area, we'll, the area is ripe for new burger joints. read more

The best value and good times easily besting the more expensive and higher class venues around the area, simple and fantastic menu offering up the diner style eats straight from a home-cooked kitchen, and family style service multiple waitresses keeping attention on us though that was probably because there were not many others there for our Sunday mid-afternoon hit. Everyone loved the appetizers, wings, jalapeno corn poppers, and cheese curds made for a winning trio; then enjoyed hot dogs and sandwiches immensely - even without their vote their speed downing each dish made things plenty obvious. I split the large horseshoe though wondered why the loaded option wasn't on the menu though was informed later on it - definitely should have had it because the wonderous homestyle cheese sauce, fries, and grilled chicken was missing its onions, tomatoes, and other shoe laces; however at these prices cannot complain and will definitely be back! read more

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This place is Great! Super clean and awesome food. I love cheeseburgers and would put The Spotted Dog double up against anyone in town. Best double cheese in McLean County. It goes great with the pepper jack cheese balls. Staff is friendly and provide great service! Included the menu, you won't believe how reasonable they prices are. read more

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We have only ordered out. The food has all been good. They season their hamburgers. Hamburgers and pony shoes are really good.

Although the place looks a bit trashy and doesn't have draft beer, the food and beers are great price-wise and have very friendly people.

Day two of our trip and, once again, our well Yelp researched lunch spot was unavailable! This time we had decided to eat at "The Pop Up Chicken Shop" but upon arrival we saw a big sign on the door proclaiming "Chicken Shop Closed" today! We quickly consulted Yelp and found another highly rated place close by. The Spotted Dog Cafe was a tiny place offering "Food. Gaming. Beer. Drinks". The lot was full of pickup trucks and most of the lunch patrons were working guys (a good sign). In the attached room there were half a dozen gambling machines and three more tables. All the tables were high tops (not my favorite) but it was okay. DD ordered a burger with waffle fries, I got the Pot Roast sandwich which the waitress said was her favorite and Mom got a "half shoe" which was a burger topped with french fries, cheese sauce, tomatoes, jalapeños and bacon! It was huge. All of the portions were generous and I took half my yummy sandwich with me. DD said the meat on her burger was "too chewy" but she ate most of it. The waffle fries were good. None of us finished our plates. Our waitress was very personable and great at explaining what things were. Still sorry we weren't able to try our first choice lunch, our impromptu backup choice turned out to be good also. read more

Came here for my friends 21st birthday. I walked in with a white claw and gave it to the bartender to throw away and ordered a new one as she proceeded to tell me she "should have kicked me out for even bringing it in" I suppose I should've just left it in the parking lot for her to pick up later. My friend who's birthday it was was ordering a drink and she refused to serve him because his ID was not horizontal. Horrible service the bartender claimed to "like her job" but clearly didn't want business considering there were 3 people in there when the group of 8 of us walked in. Won't be back. read more

Great burgers, crisp fries and cold beer. This is exactly the great kind of local place I love. Enjoy read more

I like this place even if it was a bit tricky to find. Good double burger w waffle fries. I had a couple Budweiser Zero NA beers as well. I did not expect them to stock NA beer so pleasant surprise. Place is a Union supporter . Bartender Amy was very cool and worked her butt off. read more

Nothing fancy but great spot to relax, play music, n have good cheap drinks. Our waitress took care of our large party (we filled the entire area n took up all tables. Typical bar food. Very inexpensive to eat. Apps were half off when we were there. read more

The Spotted Dog - The horseshoe. - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

This place was unbelievable! Small place ,pretty hard to find at night. Unusual looking building, more like a shed than a restaurant. Walk in and there is small bar, full liquor bar. Good selection of beer. The two waitresses (owners) were incredible. They rearranged seating to accommodate us. Small place so we were unsure if we could be seated. That was really appreciated. So this is the cheapest, best fun food you will find. We had the Pony. Horseshoe and the fried cheese. The Pony is just unreal- open face burger, pork tenderloin or chicken, covered with a mountain of loaded fries. Try to finish it-i dare you. $45 got us 3 sandwiches 4 beers and fried cheese ball. Stuffed! Highly recommended . Much thanks again to the 2 ladies who were super helpful! read more

This place was SEEDY. The location was SUS. The music was somewhat disjointing in an Urban manner. The staff was overly friendly offering to bring us pitchers. The food is better than what you would expect for a sports bar. THIS PLACE WAS TOTALLY AWESOME!!!! WE'LL BE BACK! read more

We stopped in on a Saturday night. It's a small Place. Kind of busy.Great prices,great portions great taste.The biggest waffle fries I have ever seen.They have deep fried hot dogs. The pony shoe is large.I could barely finish the double burger. All the food looks good.Great value.If your into poker machine's they have those.T.V.'so Too. read more

A nice interesting looking hidden bar in Bloomington. The place is decent and has an old-time feel tucked away in the industrial part of Bloomington. This bar has video gambling and seem pretty decent and full and overall this bar was a unique old time encounter and a fun place To visit if you are in the area. The food was pretty decent and there are several televisions where one can watch sports throughout the bar read more

First off, there is no clear signage to determine where this place. When you get in, it's like carpeted with a bar- kind of reminds me like a double wide trailer. Not a lot of seating but found a spot quickly- almost more parking than seating (not by much). We ordered some Philly cheesesteaks, fries and cheese curds. Cheese curds were baller- definitely recommend. Philly cheese steak- bun was a little and brought down the entire sandwich. Fries were good- not really hard to mess up. All and all I'd come back here; definitely not order a philly. Drinks were cold and had good value. read more

Found this place on Yelp. Just opened up two months ago. Food is good. Katelyn the bartender is very nice, and knowledgable about the business and the area. I recommend a stop in here if your in the area. Cold beer and all of the popular drinks. Gaming is in the works as of this review. read more

The Spotted Dog - Pork Tenderloin - Sports Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

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Little more than a pre fan building with small dining area and small bar. But, the food is 1) inexpensive, 2) pretty good, and the service is attentive and prompt. This place is making it because they execute on the fundamentals and there food is a great value. Simple, tasty food. read more

I love this place!! Great place to get a horseshoe and a drink or three and still spend less than $20 typical bar food but very reasonable and good quality. read more

Great food, clean and fast. Girl behind bar handles the 10 seats at bar and the 6 four tops. My beer never got warm. Check it out if you get a chance, you will like it. read more

We ordered take out very late when we arrived at a local hotel. The woman at the front was very nice and helpful both when we called and when we picked up our order. We ordered 3 entrees with 2 appetizers as our last person's meal. All items were very good and the prices were inexpensive. All and all a great experience! read more

Your typical dive. Waitresses could have cared less, lack of attentiveness. Not the best food

Good food and service, nice drink specials, and lots of good music. It's got a fun crowd and a lot of regulars. Easy to get to location with off-street parking in the front and back. I don't live here so I don't make it to The Spotted Dog very often, but I'm glad I've found somewhere to meet friends when I'm in town. read more

Best chicken philly sandwich in Illinois, if not the Midwest. I like the dive bar atmosphere also.