The Dunnkirk Library

Always a marvelous experience from start to finish. Allie is incredibly sweet and such an amazing server and bartender who really goes above and beyond. The atmosphere was great, the service was outstanding, and we couldn’t have asked for a better Saturday.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

everyone was amazing but you all should definitely bring back the white cheddar popcorn :(

Really enjoyed all the staff. I’m currently sipping a “ Revolver” that Austin taught me how to make. Delicious!

Remarkable atmosphere, very kind bar tenders

Atmosphere: 5

A great little speakeasy with a superb drinks menu. The staff is excellent and can probably make you any cocktail you desire as long as they have the ingredients on hand. I ordered an off-menu drink and it was perfect. Because it runs as a speakeasy with limited admittance, it's always a cozy, low-key place to enjoy a drink and the company of your companions.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

While the decor and ambience are thoughtful and well curated, the cocktails are overpriced for the taste and quality. I've never had a consistent experience. Sometimes having a long wait despite having a reservation, with the dress code just flexible enough for arbitrary classist exceptions. The bartender spent more time bragging about his personally curated menu of mediocre cocktails than providing good service. I highly recommend FARM for a better experience, better cocktails, and delicious food. As a bonus, the bartender at Farm trained The Dunkirk Library.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Chase was very hospitable and friendly, did an amazing job with our drinks and very much intend on returning again. Charlie's Golden ticket was the best drink I've had in a long time! My only critique is that I couldn't find any information on how to get inside, which is by going through the upstairs pub.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Avoid this place – disorganized, unfair, and rude.
Just terrible. This cocktail bar is hidden inside a busy college pub that always has a long line outside. Even with a reservation, we couldn’t get in because no one tells you there are two entrances — a “secret” side door and the main pub entrance. Only some people are informed about the side door, and the rest (like us) are left waiting in the massive main line, thinking that’s the only way in.
By the time we finally reached the cocktail bar entrance, our reservation had been cancelled — even though we were in front of the main pub on time and had multiple confirmation emails. They told us we “should have just skipped the pub line,” something never mentioned in any email or online instructions. It took them 20 minutes just to explain this while we stood there confused and humiliated.
The whole setup is unfair and poorly managed. They cancel your reservation and act like it’s your fault. And not let you use the side door since you don’t seem “VIP” enough. The staff were dismissive and unhelpful, relying on the fact that this is one of the few cocktail options in town.
Save yourself the frustration — there are better, friendlier places to spend your evening.

Service: 1

Amazing atmosphere with extremely knowledgeable bartenders. The menu mainly offers alcoholic beverages, but there are a few non-alcoholic options. You have to have reservations prior due to the small size. You really feel like you are going into a speakeasy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Heather was phenomenal! Hidden little jewel in Bloomington

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of my favorite places in Bloomington. Some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Popcorn, Birds Aren't Real, We Make a Great Pear

Stopped by here as my first bar ever. I had been scouting for a good location to have my first drinks with friends.

I loved the idea of speakeasies, small, great vibes, and thematic drinks, and The Dunnkirk Library was perfectly located in downtown Bloomington.

Located in The Upstairs Pub you are given directions on how to get into The Library. Hidden behind a moving wall you are instantly swept up in the atmosphere -- books above the bar, jazzy music, and old movie clips behind the bar. A big benefit of speakeasies, as I understand it, is their intimate nature. There were only a few tables and a bar. You are likely rubbing elbows with your neighbor, but if the intent is a romantic outing or time with friends this is no bad thing. The camaraderie was instantly had between my group of friends and the other guests.

I was admittedly a bit nervous. I had never been in a bar before, but the staff were instantly warm and kind. Open to giving suggestions, giving input on what might or might not be too strong for someone who has never really drunk, and overall just making some wonderful drinks.

On the note of drinks, it is probably most important to note the quality of cocktails. While I do not have the experience to know a good cocktail from a bad cocktail what I can say is all the drinks were tasty, boozy enough to serve their purpose, and just pretty. Order to your taste and I am sure you will enjoy what you get. I personally found the sageberry smash to be a wonderful drink that was sweet and approachable.

Overall, I had a great experience. Interacted with those around me in smiles, had some good drinks, and some amazing librarians (bartenders). This is a wonderful place to celebrate an event, hang out, or even just read with some good vibes.

Thank you all for having me over and being my first bar. I had a wonderful time and couldn't be more thankful.

Great hidden speakeasy. Drinks are great and the staff is perfect.

Amazing place! Everything here is perfect.

Extensive drink menu that has something for everyone and great execution and presentation.

Service is impeccable, staff is knowledgeable and friendly without being overly hover-y. They know the drink menu throughly and are able to masterfully create. Seriously the service here is the best I have ever experienced in Indiana.

Atmosphere is also top notch. I love the intimate vibe of this place and the low lighting and decor gives it an elegant feel without approaching on tacky as many other speakeasies do.

Highly recommend visiting!

Quiet little space away from the busy Upstairs. Cool setting and really good drinks and service.
Reservation recommended.