Grossinger Motors Arena – Bar Crawl

There’s a reason Grossinger Motors Arena was built in Downtown Bloomington, Illinois. This thriving city is the county seat and is home to restaurants, shopping, and more. Nearby cities like St. Louis, Chicago, and Indianapolis might overshadow Bloomington, but don’t be mistaken. This city has a lot to offer too. If you’re attending an event at Grossinger Motors Arena, you’re visiting a town that Buzzfeed named one of the “Best Small College Towns in America.”

Between its college town atmosphere and Midwestern hospitality, Downtown Bloomington is the perfect place to have a bar crawl. Whether you’re in the area for an extended weekend or want something to do after visiting Grossing Motors Arena, the following five bars are a great introduction to Downtown Bloomington.

Elroy’s

Start your night at Elroy’s, a classic sports bar featuring plenty of televisions and satisfying pub food. It’s the perfect gathering spot for your group and is located less than a five-minute walk from Grossinger Motors Arena.

Elroy’s prides themselves on being a simple, straightforward sports bar. The walls are covered with neon signs, sports jerseys, and other memorabilia. The bar fills up during game time, but they’re prepared with a spacious viewing area and great views of the onscreen action no matter where you sit.

Enjoy cheap drinks along with classic bar fare as you relax in the casual atmosphere. Food served at Elroy’s includes nachos, Buffalo shrimp, burgers, and, of course, chicken wings.

Elroy’s has drink specials every day, so you likely won’t be spending too much. For example, one of their most popular promotions is the “Keeper Cup” special, where guests get to take home their pint glasses. All are welcome at Elroy’s, a no-frills establishment that promises a great time.

Jazz UpFront

Two minutes down the street from both Elroy’s and Grossinger Motors Arena is Jazz UpFront. This unique destination is the perfect place for fans of live music, as they hold performances Wednesday through Saturday.

This cozy venue celebrates local musicians who demonstrate their craft to enthusiastic audiences. You can find out who’s playing each night at Jazz UpFront by simply sending them a text.

Jazz UpFront offers a low-key environment for those who simply want to enjoy a drink and some respite from the rowdy college crowds. Celebrate Bloomington’s thriving music scene at Jazz UpFront before moving on to your next stop.

Rosie’s Pub

Bloomington is best known for being the former residence of Abraham Lincoln. The sixteenth president practiced law in Bloomington, and his former office has been transformed into Rosie’s Pub.

This landmark locale is a bit more high-end than previous stops, since it has historical significance. The front section of Rosie’s Pub provides a somewhat upscale pub experience, with its large wood bar, string lights, and intricate tin ceiling. It’s the perfect place to grab a delicious yet casual meal while out on your bar crawl.

While the front section is perfect for a few drinks, the back of Rosie’s Pub offers a more refined experience. In this seating area there is a fireplace and tables with white tablecloths, making it ideal for a sit-down meal.

As you can see, Rosie’s Pub is a great place to stop by, even just to admire the significance of the location. Who knew such a historic building would be walking distance from Grossinger Motors Arena?

Diggers

Two minutes from Rosie’s Pub is an entirely different bar experience. Diggers is a cash-only dive bar beloved by locals, and will be a funky stop along your bar crawl. Quirky, retro decorations cover its exposed brick walls, giving Diggers a distinctly ‘80s vibe.

Diggers serves drinks in frosted mugs for only $3. After getting your cheap drink, play some bar games or try your luck at the miniature slot machine. Diggers features live music on Wednesday, and even has a ping-pong table for some friendly competition.

8 Bit Arcade Bar

Right next door to Diggers, and a six-minute walk from Grossinger Motors Arena, is 8 Bit Arcade Bar. A growing trend among bars, this popular “beercade” is packed full of retro games. It’s the perfect place for groups, as everyone can find a game they’d like to play.

Games at 8 Bit include Pac-Man, Superman, Super Mario Bros., G.I. Joe, and Mortal Kombat. In addition to these entertaining games, 8 Bit features a huge variety of drinks. They’re especially proud of their craft beer selection, and are always adding options to their menu. We put this beercade at the end of our bar crawl itinerary because you can easily spend hours in this fantastic Bloomington establishment.

As you can see, bars and a thriving nightlife scene surround Grossinger Motors Arena. Each one of these bars has a different atmosphere, so you’re sure to find a new favorite in Bloomington.