The Dunnkirk Library

tl;dr: We made a reservation but were then humiliated and turned away at the door because of my cousin's gay pride shirt.

I don't normally leave negative reviews anywhere but this really sucked. My cousins were coming to visit from out of town for the first time in years and I wanted to show them some really cool Bloomington spots. I told them all about the Dunnkirk Library as one of the coolest places with the best cocktails, and we made a reservation. But when we arrived and gave the name on the reservation, the doorperson (acting on the instructions of the manager) told us we couldn't enter because my cousins were both wearing shirts with graphic designs.

We weren't dressed any more casually than the people in the google review pictures, or the way I've been dressed there before. Nothing about this supposed no-graphic-shirts policy was mentioned on the phone when we made the reservation, nor did we receive an email with any instructions or dress code after making the reservation. I've even been inside wearing a graphic shirt before multiple times. You can even see a picture in the reviews of a guy wearing a hoodie with bright graphic design printed on it. Their facebook and instagram pages feature pictures *they posted themselves* including people in graphic tee shirts. We checked the dress code online, it says nothing about graphic shirts. Noticeably, it does say "at manager discretion," confirming that this choice was 100% on the manager. The unwritten rule clearly only applies to some people but not everyone.

There was no way we could have known it was going to be an issue, there was no warning anywhere. I asked other friends in town who have been there and they said that the dress code has never been enforced on them. Even the door person admitted that graphic shirts were only "sometimes" a problem. How are we supposed to predict when "sometimes" is going to be? The only significant difference I can think of is that one of my cousins' shirts featured a gay pride design and slogan. Even if it wasn't because of any discriminatory policy (once again the dress code as written doesn't actually include anything about designed shirts), the manager choosing to selectively enforce an unwritten rule only on certain patrons who happen to be wearing pride designs is a bad look.

The experience soured their impression of Bloomington. Having your clothes negatively scrutinized by a stranger and having a reservation canceled by an establishment (even though they told us they weren't busy and we wouldn't have been intruding on someone else's "experience") because they don't approve of your appearance is humiliating.

The atmosphere of the Dunnkirk Library is exceptionally pleasant, ideal for enjoying sophisticated beverages. The service is top-notch, and the drinks are simply amazing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic time and great cocktails! Bartenders were friendly and fun to chat with! We will for sure be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jake was a great host and made us his signature drinks which were delicious. The experience was meticulously crafted and atmosphere safe and relaxing. Some guests did not understand “speak easy” but they were ready to provide a warning if needed. I will absolutely be back and hope to become a regular. Thank you for making my birthday evening special.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Popcorn, Complimentary Mocktails

What can be said about a place with stellar vibes. The service is top-notch. The drinks are delicious and well made. The atmosphere is astounding. If you haven't been here yet, you are definitely missing out! The drink I had was an old fashioned. You'd be hard pressed to find a better tasting old fashioned. I love this speak easy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Such a fun experience & absolutely loved it!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Complimentary Mocktails

They do excellent job curating a classy and jovial environment each and every time we visit. Austin took great care of us on our last trip, when we had to wait a while longer than normal for our drinks he comped part of our bill without being asked. They look out for you here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

They do excellent job curating a classy and jovial environment each and every time we visit. Austin took great care of us on our last trip, when we had to wait a while longer than normal for our drinks he comped part of our bill without being asked. They look out for you here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Unquestionably the best bar in Bloomington! All the bartenders are amazing, but special shout-out to Austin and our hostess Heather :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

No food other than bar popcorn, which is still fun to snack on. Drinks are spendy, but amazing and you're paying for the chill atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Kid-friendliness: No

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Popcorn, Complimentary Mocktails

The drinks are always expertly made to order, and they are happy to make any substitutions you can think of. Prices are fair for the experience and expertise that each librarian brings to Library.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Popcorn, Complimentary Mocktails, Fall Cocktails

The Library truly transports you to a special cocktail experience! We have been to speakeasy-style cocktail centric spots like The Patterson House in Nashville, and we felt this place was on par with that level of quality. The cocktails (and mocktails) were top notch and the mixologists provide the showmanship you’d expect as you watch them mix and muddle. You would never know you were ensconced in a rowdy college bar outside the walls. Despite the time limit per reservation, we never felt rushed and nobody even nudged us about it. We just soaked it up! There were so many cocktails I want to try, so we will definitely be back. I had the complimentary mocktail (so yummy), the seasonal Winter Cosmopolitan, and the No-jito (NA) which tasted like the real thing sans buzz. Husband had two different Old Fashioneds. Loved them all.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Popcorn, Complimentary Mocktails

Amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

While the drinks are expensive, the ambience and service are excellent as is the selection. We tried six different drinks, and all were exquisite. When we exited into the noise of the upstairs pub we felt we had been transported for the last two hours.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5