Speakeasy We had never been to a speakeasy before, so we weren't sure what to expect. The experience exceeded our expectations--everything was truly extraordinary. We would definitely come back again. read more

On January 19th, the night of the IU vs. Miami game, my friend and I decided to celebrate the win at Upstairs Pub. We are both Black women. Upon arriving, we showed our IDs to the first bouncer, who directed us to a second bouncer for an additional ID check before entering the pub. The second bouncer reviewed my ID and approved me without issue. For context, I am a current graduate student at IU, born in 1997. He then examined my friend's ID. She was born in 1998, yet he told her that her ID was fake and attempted to confiscate it. My friend firmly insisted that the ID was legitimate and asked what she could do to verify her identity. The bouncer claimed that the ID did not look like her and stated that she could prove it by using Face ID on her phone -- a request that made no sense, as Face ID can be used by anyone with access to a phone and is not a valid form of identification. While this interaction was taking place, white women were continuously passing us in line without being subjected to the same scrutiny or additional ID checks. The bouncer did not stop or question them at all. It is important to note that in my friend's ID photo, she was wearing a blonde wig and eyelash extensions, which she was not wearing that night. Despite these differences, it was still very clear that the ID belonged to her. Eventually, the bouncer stated that he was done speaking with us and suggested that we take the issue up with management. Once inside the pub, the first employee we spoke to was dismissive. He waved his hand at us as if to shut down the conversation and said, "You're here, you can just stay." We explained that the issue was not about being allowed inside -- it was about being racially profiled and feeling unsafe and unwelcome spending money at the establishment. As we attempted to explain this, a man standing next to the employee aggressively turned toward me and shouted, "WHAT," in a threatening manner. As a woman, I felt unsafe and intimidated. Engaging in a confrontation with a visibly intoxicated man who could physically harm me was not an option. Another employee, Connor, eventually stepped in and attempted to provide some comfort. He expressed empathy and stated that although he is white, he understands what it feels like to be a minority. While he cannot fully understand the experience of being a minority in America, I did appreciate his effort to acknowledge our feelings and the fact that he was the only employee who showed us any compassion. Based on this experience, I encourage people of color to be cautious when supporting Upstairs Pub, as our treatment made it clear that this is not an environment where we felt respected, protected, or supported. read more

Way too crowded!! Through the entire place (except the hallway by the bathrooms), there was nowhere you could stand without getting pushed around by other people trying to move. I get that they want to make money but I have no idea why they kept letting people in since it was such a struggle to even get to the bar to buy anything. The AMFs were good if you're into that but not worth being packed in like sardines. Once we were in we figured we had gotten far enough to fight our way to the bar to get a round of drinks, but we left as soon as we finished. read more

Fun place to go in the summer because of the patio. There were some pretty girls there. There were some older people there too...not just college students. I'm looking forward to seeing what the Assembly Hall scoreboard looks like after they've installed it. read more

I was assaulted with me in my boyfriend.trying to order a drink and the bartender was being creepy with girls and called us a slur and made us uncomfortable. When we confronted him and said it wasn't ok my boyfriend was carried out by his shirt thrown down a flight of stairs. Being alumni and sober this was uncalled for and not a what I remember. Currently waiting for a response from management. read more

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Hell yeah!! Personally my favorite bar in Bloomington. They are very chill and the vibe is always fun. We have thrown back everything on the menu (food and drink) and appreciate the Bartenders for putting up with me constantly playing Taylor Swift on the juke box! Love you, Upstairs! read more

First time at the Upstairs - I can tell you that it most definitely wasn't my scene. But there were things I enjoyed about it. We sat on the rooftop part called the "ski lodge". I thought that was cute ! The decor was interesting - the tables were made of giant spools. They were pretty big and hard to have conversation with the person across from you. The place was loud, as are most bars. There wasn't a lot of seating inside, as people were pretty packed in. The bartender wasn't able to make a few of our drinks: however, the screwdriver I got was phenomenal. The jukebox idea is neat, though we spent the night listening to a lot of bad songs mixed with some good. The outdoor seating does have heat lamps which make it bearable in the cold, but roasts you if you're right underneath. Mostly, I guess I don't get the hype. Very college. I've been to better bars with better atmospheres. read more

Upstairs Pub - Screwdriver - Pubs Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

I had a very disturbing experience at Upstairs Pub that I feel compelled to share. After trying to bring a water out of the premises--something that should have been handled with a simple reminder or warning--I was aggressively confronted and physically assaulted by one of the bouncers. There was absolutely no justification for the use of force in this situation. I was mistreated and left shaken by the encounter. This kind of behavior from staff is unacceptable, and management needs to take serious action to ensure the safety and fair treatment of all patrons. I would not recommend this place to anyone who values respect and professionalism. Have fun explaining this to the police. I know there's was CCTV along with plenty of witnesses. Buncha bully's. read more

Fun experience but when we went to pay our tab the girl that was our 3rd server of the night (didn't serve us at all, just happened to be the person to check us out) on our same tab, harassed us about the tip we gave her, very unprofessional and she needs to change jobs if she can't handle the tip she gets. read more

Wow stopped in and got three beers and popcorn, on a Tuesday. There was a rep from white claw that gave away free mini drinks. Good night read more

Upstairs Pub - My bar tab - Pubs Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Upstairs pub has the best deals, possibly in all of btown. Love the vibes here, this place is where we came on Tuesdays for a $2 drink of nearly any kind and a night of card games. They also have darts here and have recently expanded their area to absorb what used to be Stacks or Recess. Some may even find the speakeasy located inside! Another plus, the delicious free popcorn offered at the bar. Sad they took away the hanging decor from the ceiling, maybe time to start it up again read more

Upstairs Pub - a drink in a plastic cup on a wooden table - Pubs Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Gave me a lime when I didn't ask for one. SMH should be a war crime. This is everything wrong with society and I can't believe this would happen to me. Was a great water long though just can't believe I got a little weasel little lime added to my drink -Riley hurst read more

Upstairs Pub - Bar - Pubs Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

I was visiting from Ohio and the bartender looked me in the eyes and skipped me not once, not twice, but thrice! Terrible weekend in Bloomington, Indiana. read more

Upstairs Pub - I was visiting from Ohio and the bartender skipped me, as well as other minorities, not once, not twice, but thrice! Very disappointed. - Pubs Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

The best deals in all of Bloomington. $2 Tuesday is unbeatable. Some of the best views as well. Love this place, many good memories, best of the big college bars to me. read more

First, I'm from out of town and have zero history or knowledge of this place. I have no idea what the night life is, we needed food and we beat the crowd. The good: The food outperformed our expectations significantly. The sandwiches and wraps we had (3 different meals) were all tasty. The chips probably came out of a bag. The fries looked fine, I did not partake. I also had a nice local beer (peanut butter porter brewed in Bloomington). The bad: The whole bar smelled like a dishrag. Perhaps that is appealing to some, but I'm glad I'd mostly gotten used to it before our food arrived. My initial response upon walking in was that we should turn around. We toughed it out and I had a nice sandwich and good micro-brew. read more

LOVE upstairs, easily my favorite bar in Bloom. GREAT deals, great atmosphere, even the food is decent. Pretty decent beer options, and of course try the AMF. Good luck getting darts, haven't had the easiest time getting ahold of them. If you're in bloom for the weekend or an IU student, go to upstairs! read more

One of the best bars in Bloomington! The recent expansion of the patio has made such a difference in terms of space. I also love that they have put heaters on the patio so you can enjoy being out there in the summer and the winter. I feel like the drink deals here are also some of the best in town read more

I write this review with such mixed feelings. I'm so thankful for all they're operating and thriving during Covid, as I can imagine social distancing and ensuring college students are wearing masks is no easy feat. However, the situation that I experienced last night was truly beyond me and I'm so disappointed with how management handled the situation. My two best girlfriends and I were back in Bloom for a weekend to relive our glory days. Of course we go to Upstairs because we love this place! While we were seated, two guys that we don't come and sit with us and order a couple of drinks. They end up getting kicked out. As this is happening, I proactively approach the busser and the door man (he's an awesome dude- give him a raise) to inform them these guys have drinks on our tab and ask if they can cash out their part. They say no, and 30 minutes later when we get our check, we are expected to pay for their drinks. Absolutely not. The bar did end up taking off two of the drinks which I'm appreciative for. But why not comp it all? Or have the customer who ordered their drinks pay for their drinks? The only reason they got pinned on us is because they approached us and randomly sat at our table. Moral of the story- if you want free drinks just get yourself kicked out so random patrons can pay for your drinks. Works flawlessly! So, so disappointed with you, Upstairs. read more

Ok so this is thorough the eyes of an adult / parent as we drop our new grad student daughter. Place is great been here a few times, great vibe feel young(er) again .. but the food is also really good. Order pub food and get pub food and really good pub food ... don't go to a Chinese and order a burger sort of thing. I had a burger which reminded me of all of my good memories of great night club food (not always an oxymoron) my wife had nachos (decent kick) and $3 16 oz mich ultra bullets , 70 degree evening .. what's not to like !! read more

Upstairs Pub - Summer vibe - Pubs Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Ah yes - the Upstairs Pub. I've been there precisely once, and I never left. The first and only time I came here was because I am a sucker for roof decks, and this is the only place in Bloomington that has anything close to that. Anyway, I mosey on in on a Tuesday and am told that all drinks were $2. Damn. Blacked out underneath the eponymous stairs on an old cot some kindly doorman deposited me on, and next thing I know it's Wednesday. So I decided I'd head back up the stairs to the Upstairs Pub. Was promptly informed that Jello shots are a mere $2 each. So, rinse, repeat, understairs cot (cheap rent) and sleep and--voila--it is Thursday it is Upstairs Pub o'clock and now they are telling me the whole menu is $3. I think you know what happened. When I woke up Friday they told me that Coronas are only $2 any day of the week, and I'm free to sit on the porch and pretend I'm at the beach, even though I'm in the middle of Indiana, and the closest beach is a fetid lake and lakes don't have beaches they have shores. So I made the Pub my beach and I stayed the weekend and woke up on Monday and now they are telling me anything in a can is $3--including Sun King Osiris Pale Ale. This all happened a year ago. 11/10 close all the other bars. Only downside of the Pub is that a guy cannot survive subsisting on popcorn alone. read more

Upstairs is definitely my favorite bar in all of Bloomington! They have amazing drinks and have a lot of really good deals (not just $2 Tuesday). Every time I've been there I've had the best time because it has a college bar feel but is still very relaxed and laid back. I personally have been to the majority of bars in Bloomington, but keep coming back to upstairs for the atmosphere and affordability - let alone the friendly and helpful staff! read more

So this is a frat bar. Overall 4 out of 5 stars. I've been coming here for years. But I've graduated, and now it's been years that I've been here. They have touch tunes. I try to play crazy frog with my roommates as a last hoo ra. I get a notification on touch tunes saying they won't play it anymore. 1 star out of 5. Are you kidding me upstairs? You have a pay to play music here. And I pay $6 to play the songs. This place is insane. Not worth it. Go somewhere else. read more

Upstairs Pub - Pubs Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Came to visit my lil cuzin at IU here for a Hoosiers vs Number nine Penn State Sunday showdown at Assembly Hall and this is where we started the Saturday night festivities. It happened to be "Moms weekend" too.. as you can imagine, this night was awesome. The last time I got experience a night like this was when I was in college and that was 20 years ago! This place is fun and cool and keeps going (much bigger than you think at first) great people and great prices on drinks! I miss my college days and this place brought me right back! read more

Soooo drunk right now. Might be exaggerating, but this is probably the best place I've ever been... ever.

If you get here early enough, the line isn't too bad and you can get a good table before everyone starts to show up. The drink selection is good and the staff is awesome, but I do wish they had more food selections. Overall a good spot to have some drinks and hangout, but the line is hell after 9:30. read more

If you're looking for a cheap dive bar, here you go! We went here are the IU vs. Michigan game. It certainly was a fun atmosphere post game.

Great location and vibe, however service can be horrible on even a slightly busy day. Long straight bar with a couple seats at each end. Several high top tables opposite the front bar in the main room, that also has a great balcony that overlooks kirkwood. If you turn right, or south, into the back rooms, first one has dartboards then pool tables, there's another small bar and another rooms with booths. The bar is the star here. Wood bar with large wood rail, but the bar top is wood recycled from the IU basketball floor. Mix of stools. Nothing special about the bar back, but lots of HDTVs over the bar. It's a college bar so you can guess the crowd and atmosphere but it can be chill. It's a great place to watch the game, especially on fall days when the patio doors can be opened. Open late so come here after nicks closes. As for the AMF, if it's $2, why not. read more

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Unexpectedly, the literal best wraps in bloomington! I can't stress this enough. Wish I had a photo to share but I devoured the wrap within 2 minutes. read more

Upstairs Pub is where I really perfected my pub-style (drink in hand) dart throwing skills. With several dart boards and three pool tables, there is plenty to keep you occupied. They don't have much space though, so it can get packed in a hurry. Back when I frequented Upstairs, it was big with the law school crowd, but don't let that scare you away. Upstairs Pub's specialty, the "Adios Mother Fucker" (4 shots of gin, 4 shots of vodka, Sprite, sweet and sour, and a splash of blue Curacao), is on par with a Pat O'Brien's Hurricane for addictive sweetness and sheer kick. read more

Iu beats purdue and they don't play IUs song bs, instead they play Taylor swift. Don't know how to vibe

Since they have remodeled, Upstairs is so much better. They have an awesome balcony that overlooks Kirkwood, and the inside has been updated and improved a lot. They are most famous for their drink, the AMF, which I love. It's basically a Long Island. Overall, I like the atmosphere, and the service is good. Definitely a Kirkwood favorite! read more

I graduated from IU in Spring 2009 and during my senior year (when I finally hit 21 years old), the Upstairs was a staple in my final year of school. After that, I moved to New York City (where you can surprising find AMFs at IU themed bars) and then to Tel Aviv. With my boyfriend, who is not a US citizen (actually from the Holy Land), decided to take a vacation in Bloomington (since we met here when I was student), among two other states. When we decided on Upstairs, we were met with a bouncer unlike any other I have ever met named Chris. He took my boyfriends passport and tried pealing his photo away to see if it would come off (which is actually considered a felony because it's considered government property) and then told my boyfriend he would need to show a state ID, which he doesn't have since he isn't an American, only a visitor. When I tried to assure the bouncer that it was real and showed him my passport (as I am a duel citizen), he called me an asshole. Is this how you treat your guests? Honestly, I really had nothing against the bar and still don't. I've had awesome memories at this bar, but my friends who were hosting me this weekend are super embarrassed this happened. I feel like there should be some apology, particularly almost destroying my boyfriends passport and potentially causing legal issues for him when trying to leave. read more

I owe this place a debt of sincere gratitude for the AMF. Everyday that I remeber that I am not in college anymore I cry a little. Everyday I am not basking in the B-town sun or cover of night without and AMF in my hand, I die a little bit more. This is a true love story of lovers torn apart. However, i will reuinte with u twice in the next month alone. I'll just have to cherish the time we have oh tasty AMF read more

Upstairs Pub - Pubs Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Scored a spot up front at the bar and had a great time watching people enjoy their AMF's. Row after row of shots were going out to girls who probably didn't even bring a wallet with them. Spent a hell of a lot of time worrying about what music was playing, and what was coming on next. Some squadron of probably sorority sisters had a lock on the jukebox... they even let me pick a song, wewp! I chose Cee Lo Green (FU!) and when they got too drunk they tried to get me to assist with the AMF's they were drinking all night. Place was packed with people milling around, playing darts & pool, etc. Smoking takes place outside on the patio. Mens room, not even sure why it had a door on it. Loud, messy, crowded, long waits for drinks,.... super fun! ProTip: Leave the worries about your social status and who is/isn't in business school or in a fraternity at home. Go down early, stay late, meet someone different than you, maximize the fun. read more

Eh. I've been here a few times. While it's a super convenient location for me, I just don't get the hype. So you have tits on the wall and bras on the ceiling? There's usually a fight that breaks out when I go there too.... Don't get me wrong, I like tits and bras and fights and I get the appeal of non classy college bars. But, I somehow feel less dirty when I just go to Sports instead. It also always smells like pee when I'm there. read more

Here is the secret to the Upstairs Pub, "AMF no blue". The bartender will try and tell you that you're just getting less alcohol but the blue Curacao is what makes the AMF taste like a bucket of liquid sweet-tarts. And honestly, you're ordering a drink with almost 6 shots of alcohol in it, do you really need that little bit of blue dye? Ordering no blue makes it taste pretty close to lemonade, something you could drink all night. The dirtiness is part of the appeal to the Upstairs Pub. It's just clean enough that you'd bring your mom but you'd divert her eyes from the hundreds of bras and underwear hanging from the ceiling and tell her not to sit down in the bathroom. I've never heard anyone say they don't like this bar. read more

An honest rating is 3 stars, but the extra star comes from a Key to having an affordable Bloomington Nightlife- On the weekends it's so packed and crazy, and everyone orders the same drink - AMF... While the smokers are forced to step outside to smoke, you should step over to the ledge by the door and help yourself to the array of almost full AMF's. It's not the most sanitary, but neither is the bathroom and you still have 7 dollars in your pocket for Jimmy Johns downstairs after you're drunk from the free AMF. read more

Upstairs is a fun and intimate bar different than other bars in Bloomington. For starters, it is smaller than almost all Bloomington bars. They have dart boards and pool tables but not many. They do have their own custom "college bar" touch- girls' underwear hanging from the ceiling! Different but a harmless way for them to differentiate themselves. They have a small porch to enjoy on pretty days- my favorite place to be! They do have deals every day of the week- check on the bar for a flyer with deals each day! read more

Joshua the bartender was amazing he was willing to accommodate my needs and willing to give the best experience. Literally, the best bartender I have ever had in Bloomington. He deserves the best and utmost respect!!! Amazing!! Had a great experience!!! read more

The summer drink specials make you want to go back to college. It was unbearable hot there, so the only thing I was drinking was water. I would go back when the AC is fixed or when fall begins. Quick Tip: Try the AMF! read more