The aptly named Scenic View Restaurant in Bloomington has an ample and varied menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, pastas, brunch items, drinks and desserts. But that’s not the only reason folks flock there. A major draw for this eatery just 10 minutes from the Indiana University campus is its location overlooking Lake Monroe which translates into a “scenic view.”

Scenic View offers both indoor and outdoor patio outdoor seating. If the weather’s nice, opt to be outside. And, as restaurant regulars note, if your favorite canine happens be a dinner companion, all’s good. Pups are welcome on Scenic View’s patio!

The restaurant touts its menu as “upscale traditional American.” Customer favorites include the View Burger (served atop a Pretzel Bun) and the Fish Tacos served with sides of black beans and pineapple salsa. Four versions of the brunch favorite, Eggs Benedict, highlight the weekend-only brunch menu: Traditional (with ham and Hollandaise Sauce), Crab Cake Benedict (with two crab cakes and capers), Eggs Florentine (with spinach and grilled tomato) and Country Benny (an innovative take on the classic featuring a biscuit base, bacon and sausage gravy). Nothing goes better with brunch than a Bloody Mary. Scenic View’s spicy cocktail gets rave reviews. And, on Sundays, the popular cocktail is half price!

Besides the restaurant, the property includes a 4,000 square foot, eight bedroom lodge; the two-bedroom Hoosier Hideaway; a campground; and Trailhead Pizzeria which offers gourmet pizza, salads, calzones and a full bar. Scenic View and Trailhead Pizzeria host musical acts throughout the year. Check their website for the schedule. 

If you go

Scenic View Restaurant
4600 S. State Road 446
Bloomington, IN 47401
812-837-9496

Open year round. Seasonal hours.

scenicviewbloomington.com