The Dunnkirk Library

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

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.

Best cocktails bar in Bloomington

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