Absolutely obessed with this place. I come here for the Chai and the freshly baked peach scones. You have to grab them in the morning, or by noon they are all gone. Great vegan and vegetarian options and I'm so glad they have everything soy, since I'm lactose-intolerant. The vibe is so relaxed and comfortable and very warm for being underground. A stairwell leads up to The Laughing Planet Cafe and in the back room you can study quietly while using the free Wi-Fi. I love that they open early and stay open late (til 11 p.m.) so if you want, you can spend the whole day in the eclectic, inviting environment. I'm not sure why some people here are put off by the decor or the underground location, but I find it really soothing and calming. Staff is always friendly, save for one or two grumpy baristas I've encountered (possibly on an off day) and I love going here for a quick coffee made with love, instead of feeding Starbucks $5 for a crappy, half-assed latte twice a week.
Review Source:Don't really care for the hipster vibe. It's very dark inside with small windows. Also, this place is definitely not for the claustrophobic.
Service was fine. I don't remember ever getting any attitude unlike some of the previous posters.
HOWEVER, the biggest reason this place gets a one star rating from me is because I tried a drink called "Zombie". It tasted like steamed water and milk. The blandest specialty coffee drink I have ever had the displeasure to drink. I think I also had to pay $5 for it, too. Geez, at least the specialty drinks at Starbucks are decent AND under $5 (for a medium size).
I also went there a few years back with friends who wanted to go. I can't remember anything I got at that time, so it must have not left any impression on me then either.
Never being tricked by this place again.
Spent a morning here... free wi-fi and lots of outlets were a definite plus. But crummy old sofas or wood benches as the only seating options... disappointing. And basement location with few windows didn't make for a very uplifting experience.
It seemed like there were a lot of regulars who all knew each other, and being the outsider was kind of awkward. That being said, if I went to school here I wouldn't avoid it.
Typical local coffee house. Â In the basement of an old building off Kirkwood (if you're not from Bloomington, that's a happening place) - lots of regulars.
Coffee was blisteringly hot, which is all I can ask!
This isn't a Starbucks experience - this is a dive-bar version of a coffee shop. Â There are tables/chairs but nothing trendy or fancy. Â
Didn't eat, so can't comment on the food.
An average coffee shop with a warm atmosphere and average coffee place foodstuffs. Â The barista was kinda cute but not enough to overcome his nonchalance. Â
More than anything I like its name (because it reminds me of home) and its back door's proximity to that funky record store, TD's CD's & LP's.
I'll probably go back.
I have to agree with the other readers' comments about Soma having an unfriendly staff. Â It's difficult for me to characterize their behavior, but the best I can do is classify them as faux-liberal. Quite a bit of hubris and closed-mindedness present in staff attitudes--- Way, way too much hubris given the average quality of their drinks. Â
I'd have a better overall experience if I bought a latte at Starbucks and then had the barista punch me in the face.
Not going to go into lengthy description of Soma's menu or decor; the previous reviews have those details covered aplenty. Â Soma pulls great espresso and their lattes are almost the best in Bloomington (in my opinion, Feast now holds that distinction - probably because several ex-Soma workers are now manning the espresso machines there). Â It's a fabled place to study, read or socialize for grad students and townspeople. Â In my mind there's truly nothing like a coffee buzz, a laptop or a good book, and the hum of Soma traffic in the background.
I feel like I should say a word about the service, in response to some of the sensationalist, grandiloquent barista-bashing in previous reviews. Â I Â have been going there for at least 5 years. I am in Soma at least 200 days out of any given year. Â Out of a thousand experiences, and I can count on one finger the number of times that anyone has been the slightest bit rude or short with me. Â
It has been my experience that fussy and annoying customers get fussy service in return.
The quality of this place has declined considerably in the last couple years. Â What used to be semi-friendly staff who at least somewhat knew how to prepare a hot latte, how to steam milk and how to pour it, has given way to relatively arrogant and careless staff.
A few years ago I used to be a regular, used to get a latte here 3 to 5 times a week and tipped generously. Â However, what began as poor consistency has now become atrocious and not worth my money. Â The lattes are served luke warm, the milk is not steamed properly. Â Use a thermometer, stop using your hand to judge the temperature when clearly you don't know what the right temperature feels like. Â The amount of espresso is never enough for the amount of milk they use. Â What you get is a cup of warm milk with a hint of coffee, great if you're getting ready for sleep.
A few years ago the staff even used to produce some latte art, usually the same design every time but it was a nice touch.
For some reason, by default they tend to use 2% milk for lattes and cappuccinos. Â 2% milk does not steam well and makes the drink watery. Â Sometimes you get lucky and they may use whole milk. Â You shouldn't have to ask them to make it properly by using whole milk. Â 2% milk should be optional, not default.
The fruit smoothies somewhat expensive but pretty good, that is if you can get a cup full. Â In my experience, smoothies that I've ordered have been under-filled, between 2/3 and 3/4 cup full. Â Not worth the money.
Their chai tea and coffee drink is sometimes decent, made with Oregon chai concentrate. Â It's decent if they remember to use regular chai tea and not the unsweetened kind. Â The unsweetened chai concentrate is a sorry excuse for brown water, and unfortunately they will sometimes use it.
Whereas now the coffee is at least consistently bad, so you know what to expect, the other drinks are still hit or miss.
I own an espresso machine imported from Italy. Â I can make better espresso with my eyes closed.
As for buying coffee beans here, forget it. Â I made the mistake of buying a bag once, I asked for the lightest roast they had. Â What I got was an old dark, oily and greasy roast. Â Not even worth contaminating my grinder with it.
If you're looking for a place to buy beans, use <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetropoliscoffee.com&s=54f63d726676e693ca160a5c7167becc85561f464c1c6eeba4dcd3e00322da94" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://metropoliscoffee.…</a> they ship from Chicago.  The beans will arrive literally TWO days after roasting.  The freshest and most artisan beans probably in the midwest.
There is another roaster in Bloomington: runcible spoon, not worth it. Â Disappointingly bad espressos.
Back to Soma. Â Overall, the staff is inconsistent, unfriendly and careless and it's reflected in the coffee. Â Make your own coffee so you can know it gets done right with the right ingredients.
I could easily give this GREAT coffee house a 5 star rating, but that would be like walking on water. I don't even walk on water. No seriously, first time in this awesome, funky coffee house. This is what belongs near a great university, just as it is near IU here in Bloomington. Â It is what would work even in funky Leucadia, California, where I live. The Blackbeard's drip coffee is phenomenal, as are the baked goods. I had this drip coffee, along with a toasted poppy seed bagel with butter. Perfect, as I am sure their gluten-free baked goods are.
If you are ever in Bloomington and you are avoiding those "chain-coffee" houses out there, do yourself a favor and stop here.
Oh Soma, how I was addicted to you. Â I used to get an iced mocha nearly every day there. Â They make the best mochas there in Bloomington in my opinion, and better than almost anywhere else. Â Smoothies are delicious, and not all the vegan items suck. Â I'm a fan of the peanut butter bars.
Staff was always hit-or-miss. Â The worst was (is? Â if she's still there) Abby, one of the managers. Â What an unpleasant stick-up-the-twat hipster she was. Â I applied to be the overnight baker there once. Â Upon handing her my application I expressed some self-doubt that I had as far as meeting the requirements for the position, freely pointing out that I didn't have formal baking experience and why would they thus hire me (just for the record I bake quite well regardless and could have brought killer banana bread to the joint). Â "I'm doing this on a whim," I told her. Â So really it was supposed to be one of those self-deprecating remarks made in jest, and certainly not an assertion that I wouldn't give my all if hired, but this seemed to offend her greatly and she said to me with bitchy sarcasm, "Well, I'll take your application REAL seriously, then!"
And every time after that when I came in she'd give me the iciest attitude. Â Abby, if you're reading this, I hate you. Â HATE.
On the other hand, consider another manager, her name is Carrie I believe. Â A dyke with a cool tiger eye. Â I'm gay so I can say dyke, is that ok? Â Anyway she is the most wonderful, friendly barista that I've EVER met and I wish she could be cloned to revolutionize the service industry. Â
Even though the atmosphere/decor is rather ridiculous I still kind of like it in an odd way. Â There are a lot of hipster coffeehouses which are populated with grungy folk but look just like ordinary places otherwise. Â At least Soma has some character in that regard. Â And as far as what I hate about it, I love to hate.
Aggressively, in-your-face quirky...but at least it's got character? I think it's doing its job; there kind of needs to be a place like this in a small Midwest college town. Other reviewers were harping on its dirtiness. I get the feeling they don't bust out the disinfectant spray too much around here, but I also didn't feel like I was going to get pink eye, either [My litmus test for filth. If I get the PE vibe, I'm gone.]
I didn't think much of their baked goods -- quite bland.
Trivia: Soma is, in fact, not a reference to San Francisco's Soma (South of Market) neighborhood. I can't imagine why not.
Before you walk into this sweltering grimy hell hole, ask yourself, is a mediocre cup of badly prepared coffee worth contracting cholera? I wish deciding where to begin with this review was as easy a decision as deciding whether or not to return to this disgusting excuse of a coffee house.
1) The employees. I have never been greeted with such attitude when ordering a cup of coffee. If this attitude led at least to a decent cup of espresso, I would be much more willing to tolerate it. Their general inability to process a simple request is mind boggling. The employees that run this establishment embody a set of beliefs that are reminiscent of a cult. Is there a law against showering and cleanliness in this portal to a third world country?
2) Cleanliness.
a. The ice tea tasted like it had been sitting in a container that still had dishwashing  detergent on it (whether or not there's a dishwasher here remains a mystery to me).
b. The soy milk must have been sitting out for days. Pouring it into a clear glass filled with iced coffee resulted in my coffee grind infused brown cocktail turning into a beverage that loosely resembled diarrhea
c. Flies. Everywhere. Moving on.
d. The dishes, walls, counter tops, tables, floors. Filthy. Grimy. Cleaned using an old moldy sponge, covered in hipster bacon grease and then waxed using hipster dinosaur shit. Then they take their tattooed bodies and ring the lice and grease from their hair out for the extra shine.
3) The pricing. Considering walking into this joint is comparable to entering Nigeria, why am I dishing out 4 bucks for diarrhea water? If I were in Nigeria, I'd at least feel better knowing that my money is going toward supporting a hungry family or sick relative. Where is all this money going to?!? WHO IS THE OWNER?? WHAT IS HE THINKING?
While many hipsters and greasy low lifes may find it reasonable to pay almost four bucks for a cup of soapy iced tea, I would rather take my business over to Starbucks where at least I know I'll be treated respectfully and the coffee I buy will consistently taste decent. Fun fact. Every time a fly lands, it takes a dump. Think of that every time you go in here. Are you a fly? Try Soma.
This place had alot of hype, and I must say I was a bit disappointed during my first visit here. I had one of the specialty coffees, which was extremely milky and seemed to not have much flavor or coffee. My folks had the french press, and really didn't have anything good to say about it. The water in it was not hot enough and the coffee wasn't too great. To be honest I'd rather go to Starbucks...
FYI - I'm not a coffee snob, and go out for coffee maybe once every month, so my opinion is definitely biased versus those who are coffee regulars, so take my review with a grain of salt.
The coffee is good. Â You will pay more here for a cup than most anywhere else in town. Â However, the coffee is good and there are usually about 3 or 4 different drip varieties to choose from.
The shop is basically in a basement and is decorated with ironic garage sale finds and art student projects. Â The decoration livens the place up and makes you forget you are in a basement... sort of. Â Given that the shop is in a basement and is below a fairly thriving business, it definitely does not feel clean in there. Â Not the sort of dirty where you feel the need to call the health department, just a grungy overall ick.
This place is not kid friendly and seems fairly hostile to anyone over the age of 25. Â
There is wi-fi. Â Refills of drip coffee are not free. Â There is a back room that can easily be missed (ie the room you walk into is not the only space).
Alright, I guess I had some high expectations for this place, based on the reviews. And I've had coffee there a few times since moving here. The coffee itself isn't too bad (I've only had the drip) but the smell in here is something fierce. I guess since its right beneath Laughing Planet, It smells like cumin very often, which....to me smells like BO. Aside from that I Have an issue with the low ceilings. also pretty hipster, if you're into that kind of thing. I'd rather get my coffee elsewhere.
Review Source:Unique environment with music that sometimes catches me offguard in a way that makes me want to ask the barista for a mix tape. Â The coffee is probably the best in Bloomington, but not on par with other coffee shops I think it tries to measure up to. Â (ie: Stumptown, Old Crown)
One of my favorite parts about SOMA is the eclectic group of people that show up there - great for people watching and accidental eavesdropping. Â The staff is very knowledgeable and you're bound to see some of the same people working each time you visit, which is encouraging.
My only complaint is some of the seating can be uncomfortable as the environment needs a good cleaning and some of the furniture needs to be replaced/fixed. Â The back room also has some strange temperature issues in extreme heat or cold. Â All in all, the shop's quirks give it more character.
Overall, I definitely recommend visiting this coffee shop whether you're going by yourself or with a group of friends if you're downtown.
Finally, soma refers to many things, but my favorite is a drunk in Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World", which keeps everyone in the society at the same emotional level.  I love this little secret:  <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSoma&s=cb1c5c4431f785e1e5e24084f76e05e587aa4364336c6f17475c3bbe3d870a4e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/…</a>
What is not to like about Soma.
First, grab some drip coffee - it's super acidic and amazing.
Next, grab a cosmic muffin - they'll be your new reason for living.
Lastly, those two powers combined will bring you peace, happiness and coffee poopy. Â the bathroom is awesome. Â When sitting on the toilet, I feel like it could be a scene out of "Being John Malkovich"
Is the broken atari still there? Try to fix it and play frogger!
Soma has oddly unfriendly staff  in the face of better competition. I know some people just love this place but I suspect they may have masochistic tendencies or at least lowered expectations. Oddly disgruntled folk, for no obvious reason for being disgruntled, seem to migrate to Soma.
Soma is proud of it's "No Corporate Aftertaste" mantra but I suspect that lack of health care benefits for its surly staff might actually help create a "Non Corporate Aftertaste" for its patrons.
Small independent coffee places don't need to have such a negative vibe - Soma turns "alternative" into its own fascist conformity in some topsy-turvy way. It could really lighten up.
As the character Edina Monsoon of "Absolutely Fabulous" fame says: "Grind some beans for God's sake . . . Â . Would you not pull that face while you grind? I don't really want to drink a cup full of your anger!"
Cute decor, good music, nice employees.. Some background on this place for me. I have a number of friends who went to IU and really hyped for this place. It seems to be a great cafe and probably the best coffee shop in town, but compared to the variety of places in Chicago (and a couple in Madison and Milwaukee), I have to admit I was a little *disappointed*.. But I guess thats not Soma's fault- just the fault of my built up expectations.
I've gotta show love for local places pushing organics, etc, but its so small! They do the best they can with the boxy space that they've got, but its too bad it doesn't have more of it. On nice days, there's a nice outdoor seating space, which is a big plus. Also, they are laptop friendly with their free WIFI.
Plus, I'm liking this sinking orange chair that I'm currently sitting in.
If I could only find the equivalent in Chicago, I would be much happier.
Soma was one of my absolute favorite places to frequent while at IU. Â Benefits abound: excellent artisan coffees, fantastic treats, cute tchotchkies (i have a postcard collection thanks to them), and they serve your coffee in a pint glass.
I can't begin to count the number of hours I spent here studying, checking out cute guys, socializing, and figuring out life.
Love you, miss you, mean it.
Soma has delicious coffee, a great college coffee shop atmosphere, and (with the occasional exception) a very friendly and helpful group of barristas. Like the barristas of any good coffee shop the majority of them will take the time to match your face to your favorite drink or drinks, and remember your drink pet peeves.
They even carry almond milk now!
Soma was by far my absolute favorite coffee shop in Bloomington. Â When I talk about my college years, Soma inevitably falls into the conversation. Â Their baristas consistently took care of my every need. Â Studying for a test? Â Peppermint Patty with an extra shot of espresso. Â Got a cold? Â They'll whip up some magical tea with ginger root in it that instantly clears the sinuses. Â Bad day? Â Whatever you want plus some good advice to send you on your way to solve your problems.
Seriously, if I ever move back to Bloomington, Soma will continue to stay at the top of my list for places to be. Â LOVE this place. Â Five stars, plus a little extra love for making my stay in B'town way more memorable.
The first and last place I almost always go to when visiting friends in good ol' bton! Â Love Soma. Â Although I live in Brooklyn, there's no place that compares to Soma. Â It's the only coffee place I've EVER gone to that understands what I mean when I say "Foamy Au Lait with VERY little milk". Â I think the last time I was in town I spent more time here than anywhere else. Â Not really, but close enough.
Review Source:When I lived in Bloomington, I used to come to this place to...grab a cup of coffee and read. Â Duh...what else do you do in a coffee shop.
Anyways, I always liked the atmosphere in this place, even if it did get a bit crowded at times and you would do the awkward look for a seat dance with the short ceiling and all.
The wall art, furniture, and music were all very comforting. Â And the free wi-fi was very much appreciated.
Pretty low key and has excellent selection of coffee/specialty drinks. Â Everyone here is kindda geeky or yuppy like...pretty chill. Â If you bring a mac, I think you get a 10% discount and if you wear patagonia jackets...you get a free coffee...and if you bring a sigg bottle with you while wearing patagonia and holding a macbook...you get a blow job.
Review Source:Just in side the front door, there is an old TV. Â Inside the TV is a fish tank. Inside the fish tank is King Kong.
As other's have said, make sure you give the bathroom a peek, you won't be disappointed.
Soma is my favorite coffee shop in Bloomington. Â It's right on Kirkwood, the whipped cream is amazing, and their espresso beverages are consistently tasty. Â Combined with the free WiFi, the grungy-artsy atmosphere, and the comfy spots in the back near the board games, this place rules. Reminds me of rock-and-roll dive bar if they sold coffee instead of booze.
I was in Bloomington and just needed to find wifi (IU required permission!), and a local had said the day earlier that they had good coffee. So we went, sat on some silly 70s orange chairs, and hopped on the wifi. When I had a mental block, I stared at the old TV-turned-fish tank.
So, yes, it does reek of college-town overly hipness (the restroom needs to be seen to believe) and the walls are painted in the way that my mom wouldn't let me do my room in 7th grade (so I ended up just doing my nails that way-- each one a different color). But that's how non-corporate coffee houses should be: showing with such venom that they're not following the corporate rules that they basically follow a whole new set of them. But whatever. It's what to expect. As long as people aren't smoking next to me and the stench of patchouli isn't making me want to toss my breakfast, I'm cool.
I found the staff quick, friendly (not at all surly!) and my latte was stiff but delicious. This is the kind of place every good college town needs. Even crappy college towns (I'm looking at you, Tallahassee).
I didn't try any of the baked goods, but overheard a customer asking what they use in the vegan muffins to make them work, and I heard something about very ripe bananas and egg substitute. Â
I have a new favorite coffee house, but sadly, it's nowhere near my home.
Oh, how I miss this place. Surly staff, but that's part of the charm, right?
They make their soy lattes with plain soy milk as opposed to vanilla, and that's enough to keep them permanently in the depths of my heart. From the decor to the Cosmic Muffins, this was my second home, and I miss it so.
The BEST coffee in Bloomington!! If I really need a jolt, I go for the Blackbeard's Blend (one of the house coffees). Their other blends are equally fabulous, if you want a gentler pick-me-up.
Don't forget to ask for whipped cream. Their homemade whip is heady  and decadent, with vanilla and cinnamon in it. It's definitely worth the $0.40 extra!
My only complaint is that I'm sometimes not fond of the music. It can be very...energetic...and sometimes not conducive to talking or studying (in my opinion).
I could live on their smoothies. Â I think I had my best cup of coffee ever there once too. Â You might have to wade through 'fippies*' AND hippies but most are A-ok. Â They have wireless internet too, which is rockin. Â
(*fake hippies; people who find it beneficial to be part of the collegiate hippie subculture for a limited amount of time)
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