The Alley

They only serve 5 beers on a revolving tap in a few different sizes.  Get the 32 oz. stein though for around $6.  Other then that you can get peanuts (throw your shells on the ground cause if you don't they will) or a bottle of beer.  You can also play yahtzee for $1 and a chance to win their running pot.  If you get 4 of a kind you get a free pint or chance to roll again.  If you do win though you tip 20% and buy a round for the bar.  Its a hole in the wall that professors frequent.

I never preferred the "hip" bars in Bloomington during my eight years living there (well, aside from maybe Nick's...sorry). The Alley was my jam for two straight summers ('05, '06). It's away from all the hubbub of the Kirkwood strip and Walnut Street, yet right off the square and within walking distance of most downtown locations.

I enjoyed the quiet, relaxed nature of this place, learning to play bar dice oh so many years ago, the decent selection of taps and bottles, and the regular clientele I got to know over two wonderful summers walking from work to Alley to home. The Alley is a small place, dark wood, few tables -- you can maybe fit 20-25 people (comfortably) inside, which is fine by me. I don't need a loud, crazy atmosphere to enjoy an adult beverage. I enjoyed the fact their lone TV (at the time anyway) allowed me to watch the NBA playoffs at a time when I didn't have cable or TV of my own!

This is a hidden secret of Bloomington and I'm delighted to know it's still around. I'll definitely make a point to stop in on my next visit to B-Town.

Great little beer bar, friendly staff and cute atmosphere.