Two weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to go out with the MBA program and had the best time that I have had in Bloomington. Shelby took care of our entire party and Sarah was so sweet. Could not recommend this place enough. 5/5. read more

Bouncers are weird and touchy, asked to pat down my girl friends but not me... would not recommend to the female crowd

One of the best bars in Bloomington. There is pool, darts, good drink deals, and strong drinks. The bartenders are super fun and friendly! The bouncer can seem rude on your first encounter but he's hilarious. There's never cover (even last weekend for homecoming) and it's usually not very crowded. The SweetTart drink is a classic and literally tastes just like the candy. Chill vibes and super fun! read more

Video Saloon - a man playing a game of darts - Dive Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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This was the ABSOLUTE WORST experience I have EVER had at a bar in my life. My first complaint (probably my biggest) is the old gentleman/bouncer at this bar. My husband and I came to Bloomington for a visit and happened to have a family friend of ours turn 21. We took him out for his birthday and were kicked out to no fault of our own. I understand the three individuals with me were a little drunk but as the DD, I was sober. The old gentleman/bouncer kicked us out because two other drunk college (which was not apart of our group) kids tried to pick a fight with my husband and his friend and I tried to stop the arguing and fighting, things got heated and I yelled for them to stop and rather than having someone help mitigate the situation we were thrown out and the other gentleman was able to stay. The bouncer stated he knew the other gentleman and so he was able to stay even though the other gentleman started the fight and argument. That gentleman who got to stay goes by the name "boogie". On the way out as I was trying to get my husband to go down the stairs the old gentleman/bouncer swore foul language at me telling me to "get the fuck out" and I find that HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE! I am not just some college drunk kid. We were minding our own business and just trying to have a nice night out on the town. I can clearly see who this place likes to "protect". I'll NEVER recommend this place to anyone coming here because of the un-provoked fights/arguments but mostly over this old bouncer. I've literally NEVER IN MY LIFE been so disrespected!! We did nothing wrong but ask "boogie" to go away. This place needs to DO BETTER! As someone who has never been to Bloomington before I will NEVER recommend this place. Do better Video Saloon! read more

Have been going to this B-Town staple for years. Beer is always served cold on tap. The clientele is mixed making it a comfortable environment for all age groups of varying backgrounds. Cocktails are always fresh and strong. Service is outstanding even during busy hours and welcome week for IU. This dive bar certainly has more to offer than appearances would lead you to believe. read more

I'd give this a 0 if I could. I have never been more disappointed. My entire family is IU alum and my sister just graduated. We didn't even get in because my dad "stumbled" up the stairs. He's 60 years old with a back problem. We watched underage kids get in and still didn't get in. When I went up and explained this I got "he's on camera".... Shoutout to you Mike for saving this bar from the worst of the worst.... A 60 year old man trying to buy his daughter a graduation drink. Congratulations. read more

The Vid is, quite simply, the pinnacle of drinking establishments. It begins with the entry stairway, which could be likened to the stairway to the pearly gates of God's kingdom, at the top of which you are greeted by Mike, the arbiter of this fine establishment. Mike is the ultimate judge of who enters the Vid, and to be granted entry should be considered a distinguished honor at the very least. Mike, who has left an indelible mark of the ethos of Bloomington, can either be your greatest friend or your most bitter enemy. If Mike even senses the slightest hint of misconduct or malfeasance from a potential patron, be it intoxication or attempting to use a fake ID, the iron fist of Mike smites the infidel from their potential entry into this nirvana of alcohol-fueled ecstasy. But if you are fortunate enough to be granted entry, you will quickly understand the charm that the Vid possesses. Wood floors, brick walls, pool tables, dart boards, the warm glow of the neon signs, an armada of bartenders willing and able to concoct whatever libations you desire, it truly has it all. Whether you are craving a pitcher of PBR, a round of green tea shots, or a vodka cranberry, the kaleidoscope of color created by the gargantuan wall of liquor bottles spells one thing and one thing only: infinite possibility. Whether you are celebrating the win after an IU game or kicking it with your boys every week on a Wednesday, every occasion can be made better and more memorable with a visit to the Vid. So if you ever find yourself in the quaint, sometimes chaotic, but charming town of Bloomington, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to this excellent establishment. If you are a student at IU Bloomington, you should consider a visit to the Vid as an essential life goal, a Haj if I may. The Vid is the gold standard for what a bar should to be. While I have since graduated and moved away from Bloomington, the memory of my nights at the Vid still comfort my dreams during my times of trouble. While I may never find another bar like the Vid, I can rest easy knowing I have found what no one thought they ever would: the perfect bar. read more

The Vid is my favorite bar in Bloomington! It's super chill hang out spot with a fairly diverse crowd. There students and locals there every night but it's not a typical "college bar." Jeremy is the owner/bartender and does an amazing job at keeping the place clean and running smoothly. The Vid takes care of its people! Shoutout to Mike, the best bouncer in Bloomington read more

Honestly the bartenders here are super grumpy and rude, like I understand being a bartender sucks but why take that out on customers who are being friendly? Bad service, bad music, wouldn't come back. read more

The Vid might be the single greatest bar on the planet. Ok, that's a little too far, but it is my favorite bar in Bloomington and that's impressive enough. It's a place to go where you can feel comfortable, at ease, and relaxed. No one is being overly obnoxious or doing anything crazy. Everyone just wants to drink some cheap beer, throw darts, play pool, or listen to music and talk. It's a great place to spend the evening without breaking the bank while having a great time. All the staff is nice and just wants the place to be the best it can be for everyone. It's a big space which is nice because you can usually find a place to sit and talk. When I go back to Bloomington, this is always on my list. The Vid, Taco Bell, then home. It's magic. read more

In the wise words of Toby Keith, I love this bar. It's my kinda place. Just walking up that steep flight of stairs, puts a big smile on my face. It ain't too far. No cover chaaaaaaarge. Mmmmmm, mmmmm, mmm. I love this bar. Stiff drinks. Darts. Pool. One of the best places in Bloomington. No one goes too hard or over the top. Great if you are a college kid or a normal adult. It's huge and never gets too crowded. The bouncer is iconic and a true Bloomington legend. read more

The bouncer, Mike, put his hands on and yelled in my face as I was trying to leave. I was waiting for my friend and he began to tell me I needed to get out and I told him I'm waiting for a friend who is coming right behind me and he proceeded to tell me that if I didn't move, then he would make me move and he pushed me. We were standing at the top of the stairs and there was a chance he could've pushed me down the stairs. The owner did not handle it well at all and got an attitude with me. Mike threatened to call the cops on me and told me they would take me away and breathalyze me. All I was trying to do was wait on my friend so we could leave and he felt it was okay to yell at me and put his hands on me. I would not recommend this bar. read more

The vid is an amazing bar. I love the atmosphere, the drinks, and the servers. What I DO NOT like is the bouncer at the door who screams at you the minute you walk through the door no matter the situation. This was occurring before Covid, during Covid, and I'm sure AFTER Covid. It makes me not want to even bother standing in line. Get better, Mike. read more

I went here with my family and i wanted to try a lowkey new place yet i was met with such unexpected terrible experience. We were sat and didn't see our server until 20 minutes later this went on for the rest of the night. The food and drinks were one of the worst i've had in this town and almost seemed personal. Please if you want to have a good night just go to a different location. read more

I had heard this was a Bloomington institution, but for years I never went in. From the outside, it looks like some dirty biker bar that a guy like me would never enter. However, that was before I found Yelp and read the reviews. After reading a couple, the Vid seemed like the perfect joint for me. Rock music (no Katy Perry!), cheap draft beer, no frat guys (for the most part) with their collars popped, and best of all, dart boards (real bristle boards, not electronic). So I packed up my darts and headed for the unassuming door, walked upstairs and found exactly what I was looking for. I highly recommend the Vid if you just want a chill place to have a brew and avoid "the scene" crowd. read more

It really depends on the night. I love going during the week when it is an off night. The weekends here get super busy with a young college kid crowd that you can barely talk. The Vid is the last place in Bloomington that you can go and have multiple pool tables. The price is still in quarters or you can rent by the hour. They do have free darts if you leave your ID. Thats always a plus for free entertainment. They also have MegaTouch, a basketball hoop game, and Pac Man. Not short of options. Drinks are extremely cheap, and so are the drunks! Watch your stuff.... read more

the staff was so rude and disrespectful every time i've been there. the third time i was there the bouncer denied me with my family. i'm 23 and wanted to have a good experience with my family. the bouncer said to me, "do you want to go to jail tonight"? id recommend across the street at bluebird. read more

I've met so many wonderful people here, and this used to be my favorite bar. However, their bouncer (Mike) cannot tell a real ID from a fake one. I've been working in Texas for a year during COVID and thus, got my Texas ID. MIKE CAN NOT DISTINGUISH A REAL ID FROM A FAKE ONE. He threaten to cut my ID but decided otherwise when he saw how much I resisted. I literally am 23 years old and have been coming here for years #getabetterbouncer #heneedsglasses read more

It was kind of an ok bar experience. I didn't see how it's the favorite of many people and I do love a hole in the wall bar. I didn't have any drinks that were worth mentioning and none of the video games I tried worked. I should try pool, that seemed to be operable. I am open to trying it again sounds like PBR pitchers with darts and pool is where it's at, so I'll give that a whirl and hopefully update! read more

Talk about my second home. More than anything, I miss Mike Shiflet, the inimitable bouncer. He checked my ID once and always remembered me after that. For four years. Cheap pool, cheap PBR, free darts, best bartenders ever, usually good music on rotation, and none of that ass-grabbing ambiance that permeates Sports, Kilroy's, etc. If you look on the wall above the bar, near the dart board, you'll see a hole. I put it there, drunkenly, with a dart and nearly killed Andy in the process. Oh, the Vid. I miss you more than you'll ever know. read more

Ah, The Vid. You've changed, my dear one. But only in good ways. On a recent trip to Bloomington, three years after my last visit, I was taken aback by the new portion of the bar downstairs from the original. The addition of the space for a music venue actually worked out quite nicely, though I will warn those of my generation-- the view from the street will throw you off. I was sure, looking at the facade, that my dear sweet Vid had changed from its dingy glory to a cleaned up operation. All one needs do is head up the usual staircase, and bingo-- you're right at home again. Man, drinking in Bloomington sure is cheap. Pitchers here were $6.50! That's amaze-balls! So good to see you again, old friend. read more

Really? This place has 4 stars? Here's my review.... Eh -Shelly its for townies ..not for IU students...enough said read more

The vid is the best bar in town. No doubt about it. If you dont know what a coach purse looks like and you think UGGs are hideous then this is the place for you. It is not a townie bar but a place for people who are individuals looking for a night with friends. The vid is the type of place you can go to relax, have a beer, and meet up with old friends. Im not a fan of the attachments and atmosphere to the place but it still has that sketchy, homey feel to it. And the bouncer, MIke just adds to the quirky wonderful feel of hte vid. So unless you looking for a blonde bimbo or a football jock to discuss the life style of Kim Kardashian, then this is the place for you!! read more

I don't have a lot to add that other people haven't covered. 60 oz. (or maybe 48) pitchers of PBR for $5.75 is what I usually drink. Great for people watching, too. Yes, many are hipsteresque but there are worse things. People generally don't look as identical as at Sports or Brothers. Usually, a few standouts are floating around who are following the Portland or Williamsburg stereotype dress code to an extreme but that just adds to the amusement of the night. Fun place to hang out. Oh, and bring cash - they don't take cards. read more

Dear Vid, I love you. The later afternoon is largely for townies, and that's legit--it's a huge space, obviously an amalgamation of former establishments in a friendly, dingy setting. The bar tenders are on point and the staff overall pretty damned friendly. $3 whiskeys + darts = one of the best ways to start an evening ever. By a late Saturday evening, the place is packed...but dont' let that deter you. They've got a billion dart spots. All worth playing....until you've had one or four too many $3 whiskeys. I'm not speaking from experience, or anything :) read more

The biggest thing to know about the Vid is that in the last few years since it's remodel it's gone from local/grad bar to a younger/undergrad vibe. If you wonder where all the local hipsters went, walk on over to the Bishop or the Atlas. read more

Visited the Vid for the first time in 25 years. It is much bigger, and much nicer than I remember. I'm just glad it's still around! That stairway and I have had some good times. But what has stayed the same is the mix of clientele is a nice change of pace from the kiddie crowd at most bars in Bloomington. (Including the bar next door). A 40 year old can feel comfortable here. And it's great for pool and darts. read more

I always feel right at home whenever I'm at The Vid. Maybe because I'm coming from Austin and The Vid feels like it would fit right in there. I suck at the 1972 basketball game in the corner, but I've been known to sink a few balls in the pocket on the pool table (literally, a few. In all my games there). Maybe I should start talking up my dart playing abilities now... they do have lots of dart boards. Love the bar, love the cheap PBR on the nights I say no to Stella. You will find me here most nights this summer, FYI. read more

I don't get the hype behind the video saloon, The clientele is varied with the majority being hipsters, so I found the whole place to have that cooler-than-thou vibe. The Vid is always packed on the weekends which wouldn't be bad but the layout sucks.. It is impossible to get near the bar is is tucked away in a tiny little room and then find a place to stand where people won't be constantly bumping in to you or poking you with the back of pool sticks. The whole atmosphere reminds me of a undergrad house party. The scene on the the street outside the Vid is a good time though. On the pro side the drinks are cheap and the bouncer has a good memory. It might of been great before it was 'discovered' but I usually skip it. EDIT: The Vid is so much more enjoyable since the renovations. There is more space so people are not sitting on top of each other anymore. The downstairs has a great window, so you can people watch as you have a drink. They hired friendlier bartenders and the crowd is more diverse instead of being solidly hipster. read more

Very different from any other bar in Bloomington. Good deals on PBR pitchers and never a cover to get in the door. A good scene for a more low-key night. Dart boards and pool tables. The price of the pool tables can vary based on how busy it is. Sometimes you can pay by the game but sometimes you have to pay by the hour. The guy who cards at the front door is very strict and takes his job very seriously. He will get upset if you spill a drink, hit your pool stick, play drinking games, or make too much noise. He is known to kick while groups out if you upset him too many times. Some see this as a good thing though- the bar stays very true to itself. Its goal is to be a hang out bar, not a place to go for wild dancing or games. It does it very well! I like this bar for its uniqueness! read more

Video Saloon - Pool tables! - Dive Bars Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

I love the Vid. Seriously -- it's a great dive bar and the people watching is fantastic. The vid is really a great place to hang out and chill. On this particular night, I played darts and enjoyed the ridiculousness of everyone at the bar. The guy at the door isn't too keen on conversation, but he is salty -- just the way I like 'em :) I didn't explore the vid too much as I was on a 2nd date and we really just stuck to the darts/pool area. Darts are free if you leave your ID, but just remember to return them (which I totally forgot to do) read more

Rock and Roll Bar. This is a Bloomington mainstay. If you don't like or even appreciate the Vid, you really ought to leave Bloomington. There is always plenty of room to hang out with a group of friends at this place. Great selection of games ranging from video cards to darts to pinball to hoops. This is another "real" bar. read more

There is only one Video Saloon. The best damn dive bar ever. I really miss this little upstairs pub in Bloomington, and all the drunken fun. The Vid is the best for getting away form the geeky greeks, and getting so drunken that you can't find your way home. read more

It's a large space with a variety of bar games to keep you entertained. Drink prices are standard. I like coming here with a solid group. The local crowd can be a little sketch but you're okay if you're surrounded by your friends. read more

The Vid is a great place to go and socialize, play pool or darts and have a beer. Now that they have expanded the bar, there is ample room to move around and there are plenty of places to sit or stand to hang out with your crew. You can call it a hipster or townie bar, but really it's just a pretty chill place. I can't say that I'm a fan of the fact that it's cash only but I'm guessing if I owned a bar it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep a lot of business off the books. PBR is always on special if you enjoy drinking beer that tastes like pure fat. read more

This is basically the only bar in Bloomington...haha. So many good (and fuzzy) memories. Haven't been there much since they remodeled, and I can't say I'm a fan of the new room, but I'm sure it will bounce back to being as cool as it once was. I (like many others, I'm sure) marched into this bar exactly at midnight on my 21st birthday...and was never carded again, because Mike remembers everyone. There's really something to be said for that I think...it's one of the things I miss most about being in such a small, distinctive town. I heart the Vid. read more

I love the Vid. The bartenders are fantastic. They are really what makes the place so special. They consistently serve the best bourbon with a splash of water and a wedge of lemon anywhere, ever. And, Mike Shiflitz/Shiffletz serves as the perfect bookend to any Vid visit. Tip well, please. read more

The Vid is a very decent option for grabbing a drink in downtown Bloomington. Right off the square, and with bar games and a newly added video game arcade featuring old school everything, it's perfect for a bit of fun after dinner at Grazie or pregaming a show at the BlueBird or Comedy Attic! Wish they had some good food, but they aren't gonna go out of business anyway. read more

I normally avoid the bar scene like the plague but the vid has been one of the only bars I can stand. The employees are fabulous (ask Mike about the band he used to be in) and the prices are great. Granted PBR is my beer of choice (shut up) so it's almost always cheap, but the vid has it for $5 a pitcher you can't fucking beat that. I don't like crowds so I usually go during off times and can sometimes have the place to myself and maybe one or two lushes. There isn't any smoking inside since Bloomington hates smokers but hell the walk up and down the stairs to get a smoke is good for you anyway. read more

The vid offers a great alternative to the typical over crowded student bar scene. If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere with cheap (and strong) drinks, the vid is the place. They have plenty of pool tables to post up on, and in my experience, there is always a couple open when I get there. Be aware that they only take cash, which is a bit of an inconvenience, however there is a generic ATM inside. Overall, great bar. I haven't had a bad time yet. -Paige A. read more