Bistro — Restaurant in Bloomington

I am Queer & non binary. As an active member in my community I felt welcomed here from my own personal connections. I am constantly misgendered as being a Cis hetero gay when I'm openly non binary (they/them) There is a sense of community at the Bistro but it's difficult to feel a real sense of family and belonging if you are new to the community, neurodivergant, or just aren't too social in this environment. I will say just being part of Bloomington small businesses is amazing but still has a capitalist agenda on our local economy to make a dollar from drunk queer youth. Really hoped for a more inclusive accepting establishment and maybe more honest Queer, Trans folks in this area can stand up and make change. We need more spaces like the Bistro but the Bistro...

Only been here a handful of times and I try to give it a chance but every single time it's a mood killer. The exact same regulars make up 75% of the crowd, there's just no variety, the majority of college kids that just got into town seem to avoid it all together, and it is very cliquey to the point that if you're trying to be friendly and socialize with the regulars you see every time they will give you side eye and not even try to have a legit conversation with you. It feels like you have to know someone they are friends with in order for them to want to talk to you. I've never had this be an issue anywhere else downtown except this place. Service is decent for the most part but you would probably have a better and friendlier experience elsewhere for...

Worst bar ever. So unfriendly, bar tender rude. Kicked my friend out for no reason. They have a sign in there that they should take down. It’s says “gay bars are where those who have lost their religion…religion lost them… no family” etc. my friend has lost so much this year and this is the one place we thought he would actually be treated with kindness and respect and it was the exact opposite! Don’t go here. Not one person said hi, bar tender served me a drink and not my friend. It was like she was racist. NOT AS WELCOMING AS THEY SHOULD BE. Our first experience in a gay bar, and it will...