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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Bloomington

Unique food

A dining experience that offers something genuinely different instead of the same menu you find everywhere else.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Bullvino's Churrascaria Bloomington image 1
Bullvino's Churrascaria Bloomington image 2
Bullvino's Churrascaria Bloomington image 3
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Buffet restaurant offers authentic Brazilian style with white linen tablecloths and a large arena seating. Atmosphere stays laid-back and relaxing with Brazilian music enhancing the mood. Guests use green and red cards to signal readiness for meat service, which features skewered cuts brought directly to the table.

Food features amazing quality and exceptional taste. Service complements the overall dining experience.

Unforgettable pleasure comes from the unique food and a huge salad bar with many wonderful options. The staff adds to the experience, making it truly special.

People are saying

"The Salad Bar had a huge selection and everything was fresh."

"I loved the food here; it was amazing and great."

"The staff here is phenomenal and made the experience unique."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials run from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers a special Monday through Thursday for $39.95.

3

Couples Night is a weekly event with special pricing and menu options.

02
La Estancia Bakery image 1

Small, family-run bakery offers authentic Guatemalan pastries and artisan bread with unique, flavorful profiles. Inside, cozy warmth blends with lively music creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere. Prices remain affordable, making it a welcoming spot for fresh, traditional baked goods.

Food stands out for being consistently delicious and wonderful. Staff provide clear explanations about the menu offerings.

Artisanal bread carries a unique flavor reminiscent of Guatemalan traditions. Sweet bread and other goods offer fresh, tasty, and distinctive qualities.

People are saying

"I found the bread to be fresh and delicious."

"The bakery staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"I found the food here to be super good."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a variety of traditional Guatemalan sweet buns.

2

Prices at the bakery are affordable and reasonable.

3

The bakery is a small, family-run establishment.

03
Trader Joe's image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store with unique product selection and affordable prices offers a pleasant, inviting atmosphere with a flower section up front. The layout supports easy browsing while the energy stays lively but not overwhelming. Kids enjoy small treats, adding a family-friendly touch.

Offers a wide variety of organic foods and healthy frozen options at reasonable prices. The food tastes real and avoids many additives found in other stores.

Many products stand out for their unique flavors and exclusive selections not found elsewhere. The store offers a variety of distinctive snacks and fresh produce at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I found amazing food with great variety and quality ingredients."

"I found great healthy and organic choices at affordable prices."

"I found so many unique items and delicious snacks here."

Good to know

1

Trader Joe's offers unique products that can't be found anywhere else.

2

Expect great prices on organic and gluten-free items.

3

The parking lot can be very crowded, especially during peak times.

04
World Market image 1
Furniture store

Furniture store offers unique home accents and a wide variety of imported foods from around the world. The atmosphere feels inspiring and imaginative, with many items that can't be found elsewhere. Prices tend to be fair but on the higher side for specialty and hard-to-find products.

Imported foods from many countries fill the shelves. The selection includes unique snacks and specialty spices not found in typical stores.

Offers a wide variety of unique items from around the world. Finds include fun and distinctive products not available elsewhere.

People are saying

"I found so many unique foods from around the world here."

"I loved browsing the Market for fun little items and snacks."

"I found so many unique items I couldn't find elsewhere."

Good to know

1

World Market offers a wide variety of unique food products from around the world.

2

Expect a confusing checkout process, especially for member information.

3

Prices can be higher than average, but items are often unique.

05
Afghan Darbar Restaurant image 1
Halal restaurant

Small, unassuming space with home-style seating including cushions and chairs creates a cozy, cultural vibe. Warm, welcoming energy comes from lively conversations and genuine hospitality. Authentic Afghan atmosphere stands out with traditional decor and a sense of community.

Food here is authentic Afghani cuisine with zabiha halal preparation. Dishes are consistently high quality and flavorful.

Food offers delightfully unique flavors. Seating features a darbar style thakt with cushions for sitting.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, well-seasoned, and absolutely delicious."

"The Kabuli Pulao here has such a rich depth of flavor."

"I found the Afghani food uniquely flavorful and yummy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is 100% halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

2

There is no air conditioning, which may affect comfort during hot days.

3

The restaurant has no exterior signage, making it hard to find.

06
Nine Mile Brewing image 1

Spacious brewery with indoor and outdoor seating including a new patio featuring games and live music. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, with friendly staff and a vibe that embraces diversity and community. Frequent events and rotating food trucks add variety and keep the energy lively.

Pizza arrives hot and fresh continuously from the newly opened kitchen. The expanding menu offers vegetarian options and a variety of dishes to suit many tastes.

Unique location and cool vibe stand out here. The beer offers fun options alongside classics, and a variety of food trucks adds to the distinct experience.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great selection of beers."

"I found the beer here to be excellent, with unique and fun options."

"I loved the delicious food options here."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm with a fun atmosphere.

2

Food trucks are available until 8pm, offering a variety of options.

3

Parking is ample for both cars and bikes, making access easy.

07
Perkins American Food Co. image 1

Bright, clean space with cozy decor and an upscale diner feel creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere like coming home. Friendly energy fills the room, making it a comfortable spot for groups and families. Unique features include serving wine and beer alongside classic American dishes.

Exceptional service and delectable flavors define the food experience here. The menu offers consistently great food that pairs well with attentive staff.

Serving wine and beer stands out as a unique menu feature here. The place also shows off a unique design and offers desserts with flavors ranging from classic apple and pumpkin to banana cream.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and perfect."

"The pancakes here feel like home, thanks to Tom."

"The service here is truly unique; staff anticipate your needs."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers after 9:00 pm.

2

Breakfast is served all day at Perkins.

3

The restaurant accommodates large groups without prior reservations.

08
Valentinas Michoacana image 1
Ice cream shop

Colorful interior with vibrant cartoon colors and multiple photo opportunities creates a fun and inviting atmosphere. Bright, spacious seating complements homemade ice cream featuring unique Mexican flavors. Music and candy at the counter add to the family-friendly vibe.

Food includes various snack items and dishes described as delicious and good. A serious food safety issue has been noted alongside the offerings.

Flavors stand out with lime and guava among many unique and delicious options. Choices include classic, fun kids, and several distinctive tastes not found locally elsewhere.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream here was delicious and authentic."

"I loved the unique flavors like lime and guava."

"This food, the cucumber sorbet, is deliciously fresh."

Good to know

1

Bring cash or use Zelle for payments as the cashier may be down.

2

They offer over 30 unique flavors of ice cream, all made in-house.

3

The small cup of ice cream contains two large scoops, providing good value.

09
Renaissance Minneapolis Bloomington Hotel image 1

Boutique hotel with Minnesota-themed decor and modern design creates a unique, homey atmosphere. Quiet environment with spacious rooms featuring excellent blackout shades supports relaxation and work. Large indoor pool and hot tub offer lively contrast to the otherwise calm setting.

Food here stands out with quality breakfast and lunch that surpass typical hotel offerings. Both the bar and restaurant serve dishes that are well above average, supported by wonderful staff.

Modern yet rustic decor creates a unique local vibe despite being part of a big chain. Rooms feature fun, distinctive decorations and the smoked old fashioned comes with a bottle of smoke to pour on it.

People are saying

"The hotel rooms were clean and beautiful."

"The food staff was so friendly and helpful."

"The decor here is unique, modern yet rustic, and really cool."

Good to know

1

The hotel offers a complimentary cocktail service on select evenings.

2

Happy hour features an innovative cocktail menu with unique options.

3

The hotel is conveniently located near the Mall of America and the airport.

10
Nickelodeon Universe image 1

Indoor theme park with a giant glass roof creates an outdoor atmosphere protected from weather. Bright colors and Nickelodeon character theming fill the space, making it imaginative and lively for kids. Multiple thrilling roller coasters and safe play areas keep energy high and families engaged.

Plenty of food options cater to all ages, from kids to adults. The food area offers a good variety to enjoy during breaks from the many rides and activities.

A mall with an indoor amusement park creates a fun and unique experience. This setup stands out as a distinctive attraction inside a shopping center.

People are saying

"This Mall has a super fun indoor amusement park with exciting rides."

"Seeing old Nickelodeon characters brought back great memories and felt nostalgic."

"I enjoyed the food and there were many options available."

Good to know

1

Tickets are $52 for a wristband to ride all attractions.

2

Toddler Tuesday offers four hours of access for $15, with one adult free.

3

The park hosts seasonal events throughout the year.

11
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Japanese restaurant

Revolving sushi plates and a robot drink delivery system create an interactive dining experience. The space feels crammed and lively, often noisy with a Tokyo-style sushi bar vibe. Ordering happens via touchscreen monitors, adding convenience and novelty.

Food comes by on a conveyor belt, letting you pick plates as you like. Sushi and ramen show great quality and taste, with many plates offering good value for the price.

A unique conveyor belt sushi concept delivers sushi via a train and screen ordering system. The dining setup offers authentic, flavorful cuts of fish and a wide variety of sushi options.

People are saying

"The revolving sushi bar is a fun experience with robots bringing drinks."

"The food comes on a fun conveyor belt with robot drink delivery."

"The unique conveyor belt sushi experience is so fun and worth the wait."

Good to know

1

During busy times, expect a wait for a table of about 2 hours.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

Most items can be ordered via tablet and delivered on a conveyor belt.

12
IKEA image 1
Furniture store

Showrooms arranged as complete rooms create an inspiring maze that encourages exploration and creativity. The atmosphere feels serene with a Scandinavian aesthetic featuring clean lines and neutral colors. Amenities include a children's play zone and a casual food area offering affordable Swedish dishes.

Food options include affordable prices and a variety of choices. Staff across the restaurant and food court remain friendly and helpful.

Walking through the store offers a unique experience with thoughtfully arranged showrooms showcasing complete rooms for inspiration. The furniture is space-saving and distinctive, and the restaurant serves unique choices like Swedish meatballs and desserts.

People are saying

"I loved the Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce."

"I thought the food here was fantastic and quite tasty."

"It's a unique and creative experience, a fun concept."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right by the entrance, especially after 7 p.m.

2

Paying with a card is recommended to avoid long waits at the cashier.

3

IKEA offers a kid-friendly event that is fun for children.

13
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant decorated with Forrest Gump memorabilia and movie quotes creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Loud music fills the space, making conversation challenging. Unique license plate signs at tables signal servers, adding interactive fun.

Food arrives hot and tasty with large portions that are well flavored. Shrimp dishes stand out as some of the freshest around, and service is quick and attentive.

A sign-flipping system with phrases like 'Run Forest Run' and 'Stop Forest Stop' creates a fun and unique experience. They also play Forest Gump trivia alongside, adding to the distinct atmosphere.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp, is delicious."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"Gordon's service is so attentive, it's truly unique."

Good to know

1

Trivia night features Forrest Gump questions and happens during meal service.

2

Happy hour offers a selection of discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Expect a fun and interactive trivia experience with prizes for participants.

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Bloomington, Minnesota

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