A great independent, community-based restaurant; a subsidiary of Bloomingfoods Co-op (http://www.bloomingfoods.org/).

I usually just go there for a bowl of soup and bread. The french bread is the best I've ever had, and the soups are usually great, original, creative, and healthy. Their deli is extensive, but I don't really eat sandwiches at all. Their main entrees are usually ok, not as good as their soups (I think). Everything tends to be pretty inexpensive, but their desserts and sometimes entrees can be a little more pricey. A lot of their dishes are cultural or original. You can also ask to sample some things, like the soups.

The atmosphere is great. There are four-person booths for privacy and elevated open seating areas with tables neat the windows. Musicians often come in to play for both lunch and dinner. The staff is friendly. They also have a bar and a small imported foods product area.    [23 Mar 2004 18:15:24]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Soup and Bread (good and cheap, under $3)

     ­Gina   

Mellow atmosphere and great desserts
Overall, I like the easy-going ambience that the Encore Cafe has. The sunday-brunch is great, the desserts are excellent, I've never had dinner here though...it just hasn't happened yet. The service is pretty good, and there is a bottomless cup of coffee for like $1.40. Great place to study too.    [14 May 2004 00:59:39]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Any dessert

     ­ed   

Atmosphere Atmosphere
Atmosphere is the first thing that one takes notice of at Encore Cafe because it is just so warm and inviting. I love to eat and study here because it is so laidback and carefree kind of like myself. My friends and I could spend all day there just socializing and relaxing.I was drawn to this place because I am not a big meat lover and Encore offers a variety of veggie dishes to fill my appeitite. But hey if you are a meat eater they have great sandwiches to fill your cravings. Everything you eat here is so fresh and healthy that it really works wonders for a college student who has a busy life but wants to eat right. If you want a change from greasy pizza and fried chicken and want to enter the world of healthy eating with great tasting food Encore is your place. And on top of all that the prices fit my college budget just great!    [24 Feb 2005 20:19:21]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Veggie Sandwich and Soup

     ­Courtney, IU student   

love it love it love it
Encore is the perfect spot for any graduate student in Bloomington. The food is tasty, the ambiance is mellow, and the staff is great. (I really don't work there!) It is a great place to study-- lots of places to plug in your computer, free wireless connection, and an endless cup of tea/coffee. A great find in Bloomington.    [24 Mar 2005 13:30:23]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Chocolate Chip Cookies

     ­Anonymous   

great option for vegetarian or mixed group
lots of great vegetarian choices, and non-vegs also seem happy there. Good soups, sandwhiches, and baked goods as well as other hot foods and a salad bar, all cafetaria-style. Pleasant non-cafetaria-like atmosphere otherwise. Free wireless is a big plus.

I agree with earlier reviewer, perfect for grad students.    [08 Dec 2005 20:01:03]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: most of their soups

     ­mwid