Eat Like a Local on Game Day in Indiana’s College Towns

Where to eat before, grab some local tailgate food, and head to after the big game!

On crisp fall Saturdays across Indiana, college towns come alive with the roar of the crowd, the rumble of marching bands, and the hum of campus pride. Whether you are donning crimson and cream in Bloomington, chanting “Boiler Up” in West Lafayette, or “shaking down the echoes” in South Bend, there is one play you are going to want to make well before kickoff: finding the perfect place to eat.

From legendary college joints to fine dining, these college towns are full of spots that are worth arriving early for—and staying late!

Bloomington

At IU, football has always been an event with an energetic tailgate scene full of tradition. In our eyes, it’s not just the conference games that make Bloomington special. The town has boasted one of the state’s best food scenes for years. Chefs and local growers have long been a part of the community’s culture making it a fantastic food destination.

To have the best foodie experience on an IU game day you are going to want to start early. That means fueling up caffeine at Inkwell and bagels from super popular Gables Bagels. However, if you need an early morning tailgate spread, look no further than Bloomington Bagel Company’s Hoosier Huddle Tailgate package.

After a little tailgating, you may be in need of lunch and a spot to catch the game. Nick’s English Hut is a classic college-town dive bar with cheap drinks and really great food. Fat Dan’s is the place for a Chicago style dog, sandwiches, and wings (you might already be familiar with their SoBro location). And, speaking of wings: Buffalouie’s is a longtime Bloomington tradition and often a must visit for alumni. But, if you want something away from the crowds, Bloomington insiders share that people sleep on Wings Xtreme, but it is a great sports bar. (Not to mention, they do catering orders of upwards of 400 wings if you are planning a big tailgate!)

After a Hoosier win on a cool fall day it is time to get cozy at one of the area’s many finer dining spots that lean into the sustainable and local food culture of the region. For years, FARM Bloomington has been locally famous and serves up elevated classics with a seasonal influence. The Elm is new on the scene and was named one of USA Today’s Best Restaurants of 2024. If you are after some upscale comfort foods and specialty craft cocktails, New Orleans influenced Uptown is where you are going to want to make your reservation.

South Bend

Waking up on game day in South Bend, you may be groggy because actual game day starts at midnight the night before with the Drummers’ Circle, a home game tradition at the Main Building on campus. 

So, in the morning, head out to caffeinate at California cool Java Cafe in South Bend before heading back to campus for a game day experience that is deeply rooted in tradition and pride.

If you are traveling in for the game, Notre Dame makes tailgating a cinch with packages from Game Day Your Way. From all-inclusive game day parties to catering options and equipment rentals for your own party, they have you covered. Cheer, Cheer for not having to pack up your own cooler!

Maybe you don’t want to be anchored to a tailgate and want to take in the history and campus? We don’t blame you. There is so much to see! On your path to visit the bookstore, the grotto, or to mass, your options for food will be many. Organizations and dorms often are grilling burgers for fundraisers. Even the dining halls offer guest passes for brunch and dinners on game days. (Note: These won’t be on offer until October 1, 2025 due to renovations at the South Dining Hall.) And, the Wind Family Terrace at Morris Inn is a great place to settle around a fire pit on a cool fall day with a drink.

If you are not headed into the stadium after the players walk-about to yell “Go Irish!” Legends just by the stadium, Fiddler’s Hearth, or O’Rourkes Public House on Eddy Street is where you want to go for some rowdy Irish pub vibes and the game on the TV.

After many stadium push ups, you will be hungry again. If you are keeping it casual and close to campus, historic Rocco’s or Bruno’s for pizza is where you are going to want to go. If you want to be a little fancier—and have the luck of the Irish— try for reservations at Rohrs at Morris Inn or Corndance further out in Mishawaka for a really great meal.

West Lafayette

Game Day starts early in West Lafayette with campus bars opening at dawn for throes of college students dressed like its Halloween for the decades old campus tradition, “Breakfast Club.” 

Assuming you are not planning to start your day dressed as an M&M, but wouldn’t say “no thanks” to a mimosa (or a really great matcha), The Lobby just over the river in Lafayette is the place to start your day. They also have a great brunch menu. However, If you are sticking closer to campus and want to jumpstart the “Boilermaker” spirit, visit the Union and conjoining Union Hotel for its subdued Purdue pageantry while grabbing a coffee at Leaps just inside.

If you are headed out to Slayter Hill to tailgate or catch the All-American Marching band pregame performance, swing into the Boilermaker Butcher Block for your brats and burgers. This is a storefront on campus selling products raised and butchered by Purdue Animal Science students. Or, if tailgating isn’t your thing, try to get in line at Harry’s Chocolate Shop as it opens at 11a.m. It will be crowded; but, it is iconic at Purdue and will be a great place to grab some wings and catch the end of the Breakfast Club scene.

If you don’t have tickets to Ross Ade but want to catch the game, DT Kirby’s downtown is a great sports bar away from the campus crowds and perfect for a Chicago dog. (Just know they will also be playing the Cubs if the games happen to overlap.)

As the setting fall sun paints Lafayette’s sky in oranges and pinks, freshen up for a fantastic night out at one of West Lafayette’s fine dining restaurants. We love 8Eleven Modern Bistro right in the Union for its subtle homage to the space program and new menu items. Boilerhouse Prime is new to town in 2025, providing a high-end, true destination steakhouse to campus. Reservations are likely needed at both on game day, but try to see if you can get a drink and a bite at either restaurant’s bar. Both are show stoppers.

If you are looking to get off campus after a big game day, Main Street in Lafayette will keep any food fanatic satiated. We love elevated casual East End Grill and the barbecue at Ripple and Co. Cap off the day with something sweet from legendary old school soda fountain McCords Candies or grab a scoop at Every’s.

Win or lose, great food is part of the game day experience. So cheer loud, soak up the game day energy, and give these a try when traveling this fall.