Scenic View Restaurant — Restaurant in Bloomington

The Scenic View Restaurant just south of Bloomington is all in the name, perched on a hill with a wonderful view of Lake Monroe. There is inside and outside seating, and I have been going there for years--but maybe not any more.

I arrived with a total of eight extended family members for Sunday brunch. It was a magnificent southern Indiana autumn day--deep azure cloudless sky, air crisp and dry to the inhalation and the touch, just warm enough to sit outside in the sun.

We were ushered to the patio and offered a spot to sit under a large tent at two picnic tables. The tables were away from the eponymous scenic view, and chilled by the umbral covering. There were several empty tables perched in the bright sunshine, and there were even four tables pushed together that would have easily accommodated us. I, foolishly unaware of Schmuckinsky Code, asked the waitress if we could sit there. No, she declared, it is forbidden to move tables together. And yet, I replied, those tables have in fact already been moved together. Yes, she avered, but that was done by the previous guests against specific orders not to do so! Well, I pleaded, it is a beautiful day, I have brought a party of eight family members to enjoy a lovely brunch in the sun, I assure you we are not hooligans and shall not misbehave and, after all, we are the customers asking politely for a reasonable accommodation. I will have to speak with the manager, she replied, had hied away.

Just at that moment I espied another employee separating the tables. Please, I entreated, I have just asked this young women to inquire of the management as to waiving the no moving table edict to accommodate my hungry family. No, he said, that is the rule. Out of curiosity, I asked, what is the rationale for this policy? He muttered something about damaging the tables--the black wrought-iron tables, such as one might purchase at the Wall Mart.

Unfortunately, the rather mediocre fare did not improve the mood of the clan. My dear sister in law and I sat out in the sunshine at one table, the remainder shivered in the shadows. We made the best of things, but such seemingly Teutonic rigidity is quite out of place in the affable terrain of the Hoosier State.

As a long time customer who has enjoyed this spot for years, my recommendation to the management is to seek help in removing the obstruction which prevents you from enjoying a big more bewegunsfreiheit. Might I suggest a...

I must start this review with the truth, that I am not critical of restaurants and service unless influenced otherwise. Arriving to this spot for the first time, I was excited. My small family and I finished camping and were looking for something new to try. We chose to sit outside, where most of the service was happening, though most tables had already been helped. We waited nearly 10 minutes to be greeted and for our drink order to be taken. Another 6 minutes roughly for the handful of drinks. Our server was nice but not the most attentive to us yet a bit more to other tables. She took plenty of stops to visit her boyfriend as we waited for refills that she did not bring. Again, I am not normally critical but all of this waiting and watching began to frustrate me. In total, we waited over an hour for fish tacos, tempura tenderloin, and two kids meals. The boyfriend got his food long before we did but came in after us. Some of the "fresh" food was not fresh (mandarins, slaw). I am just not pleased, should have spoke to a manager but was so ready to leave and now it is too early in the day to call. Hopefully no one else has...

This place has been one of my favorites for years, I can't believe that I haven't reviewed it yet. It's enough off the beaten path to be quiet and peaceful but, still only a short drive to Bloomington or the lake. I couldn't help but ordering Crab Cakes Benedict. The addition of provolone to a classic dish is perfect. The crab cake is Tempura battered which adds a crispy, crunchy texture which can stand on its own. The egg was poached medium which still let some yolk run but, not totally liquid. My milk was served cold and with the food. George's tenderloin sandwich was also Tempura battered and fried perfectly. Served with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion. The fries are big, thick portions like a potato cut in half longways, then the halves sliced about 1/4" wide, with coarse pepper and sea salt. The mens room was very clean and well stocked. It did seem that the AC wasn't working when we visited as it was warm and humid outside and they had all the doors propped open. Fortunately, there was seating...