Excellent Food
DESCRIPTION: The chicken kiev is the best I have ever had. They make some really good authentic food. The stews are amazing. It's one of my favorite places to eat in Bloomington, and we have some great food here.
DATE: 2004-10-05
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Chicken kiev

Fantastic Food and Atmosphere!
DESCRIPTION: The Irish Lion is one in a million! Wonderful, authentic Irish cuisine and atmosphere! You can't visit Bloomington without visiting this fantastic establishment!
DATE: 2005-03-01
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Oysters Rockefeller, Salmon, and Mussels

Always delighted
DESCRIPTION: I've been dining at Irish Lion about once or twice per month for the last few years. I've had only fantastic and memorable dining experiences. With regard to dinner entrees: the seafood, meats, stews and soups are consistently fresh and well prepared, even when the restaurant is packed and the cooks have been slaving for hours. The salads are divine. When my appetite is lighter, the "pub grub" selections (i.e., sandwiches, burgers, fries, etc.) are equally satisfying and much better than what one might find at Applebee's or any similar chain restaurant. The appetizers are unparalleled (try the fresh mussels with drawn butter when they are in season). The full bar and its selection of scotches, imported beers, and wines is delightful. The atmosphere is the icing on the cake. The staff is always pushed to the limit during dinner on weekends, but they have always remained as courteous and efficient as possible. Less courteous servers seem to disappear quickly.
DATE: 2005-08-20
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Steaks, prime rib, fish, Connemara Shrimp, appetizers, etc.

mellow bar
DESCRIPTION: A great bar/restaurant scene if you want to actually TALK to your friends. Mellow, Irish music in the background, and a really upscale while still being fun atmosphere. Stay downstairs if you have a small group - it's nicer. Upstairs there are very large tables for big group. I don't usually have dinner there, but I have had appetizers and the Irish stew - all of which have been great. The service is friendly and attentive - without being intrusive.
DATE: 2006-03-03
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Irish stew, puffballs