The Bishop

Yesterday was my first experience at The Bishop and I can guarantee it will be my last due to the unfriendly bouncers that sh*t all over my time there. When I first arrived at the venue, the bouncer checked my ID and took my 5 dollars. Standard procedure. He then proceeded to talk down to me and my 19 – 20 year old friends and tell us how quickly we would be thrown out if they caught us drinking (which didn’t initially bother me too much). The show was supposed to start at 9:30 PM and there wasn’t any music until 11:00 PM. The music was literally horrendous (not exactly the fault of the venue). Here’s where I start to really get annoyed with the venue. The *sshole bouncer wouldn’t let my friends use the coat rack directly behind him because they weren’t 21. When we decided to leave this rancid place early, the bouncer and his bouncer buddy were making unsavory/​aggressive statements the whole time our party was exiting, such as «I just turned 18. Can’t wait to have my 18^th birthday party. Get the f*ck out of here». WE ARE PARTONS SUPPORTING YOUR VENUE. DON’T TRY TO TREAT ME AND MY FRIENDS LIKE 2ND RATE CUSTOMERS JUST BECAUSE WE ARE A FEW MONTHS BELOW THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE. I’M APALLED THAT I EVEN SPEND 500 CENTS ON SUPPLYING THESE F*CKERS PAYCHECKS AND I HOPE THEY ARE FIRED SOMEDAY. I will never be coming back to The Bishop, which is a shame because I love live music.

Great beer selection, decent liquor choices.
I always have mixed interactions here. The owner is great, sad I can’t say the same for the staff. The one who looks like Evan Peters is always a curmudgeon, not sure what his problem is. Maybe it’s the pathetic hipster thing he’s got going on.
I’ll keep coming back hoping things will change, but like men who choose to be boys and not progress in life I imagine this place won’t either.

My favorite beer place in B-​town in the last 4 – 5 years. As a poor graduate student I am a big fan of their $ 3/​pint Wed and $ 10/​pitcher Sunday.
So, this is why I am so sad that they stopped doing the $ 10/​pitcher on Sundays. I was told today that they only do $ 10/​pitcher for the not expensive beers, and stops doing «$ 10/​pitcher for anything on tap», as being shown on their website. It is understandable because $ 10/​pitcher is a really good deal and I used to get pretty good beers at that price. But, still sad that they stopped doing that… lost a place for good beer at a good price. Hopefully they will still do $ 3/​pint for all beers.
Btw, it is also a good idea to update your website, since it is not $ 10/​pitcher on Sunday for «anything on tap» any more… good days…

Saw Wil Butler (Arcade Fire) at this venue and it was awesome.
Extremely small place for the music hall (like 100 people?) Tip: stand to the side of the stage and there is a railing/​shelf for drinks and under neath a rack of coat hooks.
Not rated a 5 b/​c it was difficult to find, maybe this was our fault but we kept walking around with google gps and it seemed like the # was off. Parking wasn’t great, but manageable. Looks like lots of good places to eat but don’t eat at Malibu Grill as its best to leave the grilling to Malibu (CA) .
If you have a band you love, don’t miss this small venue.

The Bishop is my favorite bar in town. It’s a good, relaxed atmosphere. Strong drinks, low prices. It’s a great place to go to to see live music as well. I recommend it.

The Bishop
I have been here a few times, once very recently. If you are not a regular, then upon walking in, you will probably feel unwelcome. The people there give off this self-​entitled vibe – like you’re weird for not having an over abundance of tattoos and hipster clothing. Make yourself a home, however, and order a seasonal beer from the copper– topped bar. If the bartender seems pretentious, do not let that bother you, let yourself relax. This is a very low-​key lounge in which conversations are usually kept within the persons that are having them. There is live music, however, and even though you have to pay in order to see the live musicians in the next room, you can usually hear it anyway, if said conversations are kept at a minimum. On the other hand, it can get quite rowdy-​that is, not college kid rowdy, but adults having a good time after a long week rowdy. And if you like to smoke while you drink, then be happy in knowing that you can do both right outside the bar.
There are a good variety of drinks, but there are not any hard liquors, except I think a few whiskeys – I could be mistaken. The beers that they do have, are usually very good and different from many of the other bars that are in close proximity. I have not had one beer that I disliked.
Enjoy the local art as well.
Despite some of the stuffiness attitude, I still rate this five stars.

This place is dirty, cramped and owned and operated by a surely, rude, self righteous douche.
If you throw you money in the sewer and go home, you will be better off than spending any time and money in this horrible dive.

Small. Especially if you’re looking for a seat. Not that the seat will be comfy…(Fair warning.)
Not all «bartenders» can even pull a pint. And while they stock some craft beers, selection isn’t great at any given time if you are at all particular with your beer tastes.
The backroom has crappy service; frankly, if you’re going to see a band, it’s probably better if you aren’t looking for a cold brew, because you’re not going to find it. They used to get better bookings, but these days… mostly far too local to be any good, (unfortunately). I’m not against local bookings — not at all. I just care more about supporting good, independent artists over fra-​fra local ego trips.
And if you think this place serves wine… Um…*Hey, look at that zebra!!!* I like zebras, don’t you? I mean, they’re all black and white… and…um…stripey…and…hey, look! A zebra!!!
Honestly, every time I’ve gone here in the last three years, I’ve wound up providing assistance to completely obliterated kiddos staggering out the door alone. So, well, if you feel any level of social responsibility, be aware.

Its a beer and wine only establishment which is cool. For a while, there was a large following and it was a hip pace to go. Since some other bars opened in the same area, the business has died off a bit.
This place does typically support local music, which boosted the score a star. If you’re looking for some off the trail music, this is an alright spot. Venue is huge as it used to be a movie rental place with a huge screening room. (I miss the Cinemat)
For me, this particular bar doesnt feature my normal crowd. It is «hipster» and usually dead… even on the weekends. Some people would absolutely love this total dive. I love dive bars, but this just has an off feel for me personally.
Try it for yourself!

I moved to Bloomington very recently and chose The Bishop for my first Friday night out on the town. I used Unilocal reviews to help me decide – I was looking for a casual, down-​to-​earth place where I could chat with strangers while having a couple of beers.
I was not disappointed. The place was a bit dead when I showed up around 8, and I was a bit intimidated by the row of quiet dudes watching the Simpsons on the tv – it felt like I was invading their territory. However, this did not last – I spent the remainder of the evening on the little patio making friends and having a good time.
The patio gets really crowded and loud because of the crazy traffic coming through, but it didn’t bother me because I really just went there to mingle. Most people are friendly, the bathrooms are clean, and though the music is a bit too loud for my taste I’ll definitely go there again!

I took a trip down to Bloomington to see The Last Bison at the Bishop in mid April. It was a relatively quick trip after work on a Friday night. We had dinner at a BBQ joint and then headed over to the Bishop. I haven’t been to Bloomington but maybe 3 times in my life, so I don’t know the area well. Parking seems like it’d be a pain in the ass, but we got lucky and got a spot right around back from the Bishop. It’s relatively easy to miss, so keep a sharp eye when looking for it.
This place is both a bar and a small music venue that is separated. So, you can just chill out at the bar if you don’t want to see a show or grab some beer and head into the show. This is also helpful if you’re seeing a heavier style of music and need a quick break from the intensity. The music venue part is relatively small, so chances are you’ll be packed in a bit if more than 60 – 70 people are there.
The beer selection at the bar is really good and reasonably priced. They have both local craft beers and a good selection from our friends across the country. The service was also very friendly, giving us «out of towners» some good advice for how to explore the area after the show.
The only real downside to the Bishop is that it is located right below a comedy club, so the band couldn’t play anything amplified once 1030 came around. The plus side to this, is if you want to see some stand up, its just a few steps away.
Overall, I had a great experience and I would definitely come back here to see a band if they didn’t make it to Indianapolis. I would probably be here relatively often if I lived in Bloomington.

I miss this place and have failed to find an adequate replacement for it in Indianapolis after I graduated from Indiana University. It is a great alternative to the other bars in Bloomington, with a cozy and relaxing atmosphere as well as a phenomenal rotation of craft beer at reasonable prices.
I can’t say anything bad about this place, except that it is small and is difficult to find a place to sit at times.

The Bishop is, without a doubt, my favorite bar in town. Friends who’ve left Bloomington and moved to bigger cities have bemoaned the fact that they can’t find a sufficient local substitute for The Bishop, which probably speaks for itself. It’s cozy and laid-​back, and the bartenders are welcoming and friendly. The beer selection is always excellent, and the taps are a constant rotation of brews you’ll have a hard time finding anywhere else in town. Specials include $ 3 pints on Wednesdays, $ 10 pitchers on Sundays, and $ 2 off classic cocktails on Tuesdays (plus there’s usually a unique and tasty specialty cocktail on Tuesday nights as well). The atmosphere definitely caters more to the grad-​student/​30-​something/​local crowd, which grad students, 30-​somethings, and locals will definitely appreciate.

I enjoy The Bishop, but if you don’t get there early, it’s unlikely you’ll get a seat; people tend to camp out on those booths. The beer selection, as stated elsewhere, is very good, and the prices are also very good. I don’t really go to The Bishop for liquor; if I want a mixed drink (or a bourbon on the rocks), I’m more likely to walk a block over to Atlas, where the liquor selection is exceptionally larger and the cocktails are usually better.
They also have one of the best live venues in town, as far as sound and comfort are concerned, although the music space can get mighty crowded too, when bigger bands/​artists play.

The Bishop is Inherently Good. And now that they have a full bar I’d say they’re even better — though you need to choose your bartender carefully if you want any kind of remotely «fancy» drink. You might end up getting something rather different than what you ordered. That said, why are you coming here for fancy drinks?
Lots of good shows come here, but my favorite part is that this is one of the few places in Bloomington where one can enjoy the rare and highly-​sought after High-​backed Wooden Bar Booth. Get there early with friends and commandeer one. There’s also good people watching to be had in the little patio area.
Between the Atlas and the Bishop I see no reason to go to any other bar in Bloomington. 4 stars for the Bish as opposed to 5 for the Atlas because, unlike the Atlas, the state of the bathroom at the Bishop is abysmal.

definitely a hipster bar (seems like there are many in bloomington).
why hipster…
1) tons of beards and sideburns
2) skinny jeans and strange hats
3) overheard while watching game one of 2012 nba finals…“who you votin for?”, meaning, who do you want to win
4) small, skinny bearded man in jhorts to another man, «i feel sad today»
5) too many other examples to list
as you can imagine they serve tons of craft beers, but the bartenders tend to server more pabst than any other beer. bartenders are tattooed and sometimes attentive. they aren’t quite used to making their own change from a $ 20 and subsequent change left on the bar top, but this is a college town… most people i saw paid for each round with a credit card (and cashed out each time). bartenders will at least notice when you need a drink and may be friendly.
bar is somewhat dark with red walls and a black ceiling. the actual bar is very nice with a square rail and copper hammered bartop. black leather padded bar stools and booths, that are opposite the bar on the north wall. wood flooring. classic bar back with shelves and a single 42″ hdtv in the center, right above the indiana state flag. taps left to center, and a blackboard with specials/​beers on the far left. the infamous bishop is now stuffed up in the top right corner and has been replaced by glassware and bottles.
in general the bishop is very loud. the music in the bar varies, but the doors to the live music next door, when opened, blow away any conversation. fortunately they don’t remain open, but since the restrooms require opening at least one of the doors, it will get loud on the east side fo the bar.
decent place to grab a drink.

Best beer selection in Bloomington! Every time I’m been here, there’s a new beer on tap that I’ve never tried before. I’m so sick of Upland Wheat. There, I said it. Also, when I say there’s something new to try that something new is not an IPA! Yay for beer snobs that offer options other than IPAs! On the not a beer snob end, there’s also $ 2 PBR.
I like the concert space, and they are able to attract some good bands. They can have all ages shows here since the bar area is separate. The crowd typically includes people who dance around all giddy, which makes me feel at home. I have also been in the concert space for a Bloomington Storytelling Project event, very fun too.

Holy Macaroni Batman I love this place. Reasons why this place rules in 3…2…1…
The bar is awesome. Not a giant place but tons of local micro brews and awesome leather buttoned booths to sit and hold down the fort with a buddy or a fine lady before you seal the deal. And baby, I know you wanna seal the deal. The environment is just too cool.
Then you step inside a magical perfectly sized room that can hold 200 at max and is oozing being part of the best show you have ever seen. Before the show however, you have to take a leak. The mens room is blue and the ladies is pink. Simple enough. However the show begins, and is the greatest rock n roll band on earth Nobunny and everyone and their mother begins to bop and twist like their life depends on it. So much so that if you are not sweating when you leave you clearly where a loser and refused to have a good time and instead had your arms across your chest like you where Joesph Stalin or something. Seriously, one of the best things about this place is the people who go there. I have yet to be part of a show that didn’t have everyone ready to dance and just flat out not care about feelings anymore. Love the place. Also, they bring Nobunny in about once a year. Need I say more

After an evening here I saw that the concert stage was visible from the street with windows and I asked myself, «would I still have paid the cover and went in?» Would I ride a mechanical bull in the middle of Times Square if it meant being able to have a beer summit with President Obama?
Yes, indeed. It didn’t take seeing a band from Portland here to remind me of a well designed live music bar in Portland, the Doug Fir — where the bar is separate from the stage hall creating a casual repreive from soon to be earringing.
Wide ranging beer choices. Was there wine or liquor? Hmmm… well it doesn’t matter because beer from $ 2 PBR to $ 4 Dogfish Head on tap is where we come together to cozy up and have spirited collegetown conversation.
Seems their booking manager is on it when it comes to getting lowkey acts, where Indy usually never finds itself getting.
I embraced the vicarious live concert camera feed on the bar screen but I could see someone deeming it too kitsch-​y. Something to ponder!
O, the profundity!
I’d make a weeknight trip from Indy again for this venue, and they’re on my concert radar searching.
The sound mix was crisp. SRO and cozy. Get near he front or the sides if you don’t Chatterboxes over the shoulder.
The kind of venue where you’re having a beer next to the headlining leadsinger.
Bathrooms: no signs! Blue for Boys & Pink for Girls.

The Bishop is fast becoming THE local place for indie rock shows, both for local bands and national touring acts. The bar (which only serves beer, BTW) is a decent size and features five or six ample booths, a large banquette/​bench and about 10 or so bar stools at the bar. There are two TVs but it’s thankfully rare to see sports on the screens. Instead they tend to feature closed-​captioned shows of the obsessive nerd variety, a la Lost. Stephen, the owner and usually main bartender, is quite possibly the nicest most down-​to-​earth dude you could meet and you can tell he genuinely cares about providing customers old and new with great customer service.
As for the beer selection, it is outstanding. Beers on tap include but are not limited to Maudite (my personal favorite), Dogfish Head, Pride and Joy, Bell’s Two-​Hearted, Fat Tire, Upland Wheat, etc. and run about $ 4 a pint, although there’s also the standard PBR for $ 2. (And every Wednesday is $ 3 pint night.) Likewise, bottled beers are numerous and varied: La Fin du Monde, Duvel, Gumballhead, Red Stripe, Bell’s Oberon are a few I can name off the top of my head, but there are far more. And yes, you can use a card and run a tab.
The room that hosts the events (bands, DJ nights, local film screenings, occasional karaōke, etc.) is definitely on the small side, offers no seating options and features a very low stage, which means if the show’s packed and you’re not up front, the visibility is quite low. Still, if you’re there to hear the music and dance, that’s still a possibility. And with increasing frequency, at decent-​sized shows they’ll both play the music from the event space over the speakers in the bar and show a video feed on the TV screen above the bar. That way if you’re not in the mood to be in the thick of things or are running into the bar for another beer, you can still hear and see the show.
Also good to know is that the bar area is always cover-​free if you just want to chill there (provided that whatever show is there that night isn’t sold out).
Another plus for those who aren’t yet 21 is that a fair amount of the shows are 18+. Patrons under 21 are ushered directly into the event space and not allowed in the bar. Although I’m well over 21 and often annoyed by a few of the more obnoxious younger contingent at shows, for the most part the kids are cool and I still think it’s great that, in a college town, there’s finally an alternative to Rhino’s for kids who are 18 – 20 and want to see cool bands and/​or have somewhere to dance.