BLOOMINGTON – The Monroe County History Center will open the “Order up! Restaurants of Monroe County” exhibit on August 2 at its location at 202 East Sixth Street through November 5, 2022.
The exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday – Friday and cost $2 for adults, $1 for students, and free for members and ages under 5 years old.
The exhibition catalogs years of history and memories from nearly 60 restaurants throughout Monroe County including Nick’s English Hut, Pancho’s Villa, Boxman’s Restaurant, Ladyman’s Cafe, the Chocolate Moose, Groves Restaurant, Bruce’s Cafe, Book Nook, Tao, and The Hole.
Collections of historical photographs, former menus, and T-shirts will be displayed throughout the exhibit, various vintage seating elements that they’ve received a 1920s booth from Nick’s Pub, the 10-foot-long “Liars Bench” from the Village Inn in Ellettsville, as well as other antique, interactive seating for guests.
Exhibit curator Hilary Fleck, people often gather in restaurants and around food to celebrate happy occasions or comfort one another during sad moments. It strengthens friendships and forms new ones over a meal in restaurants. The places we love and share meals with one another can hold a deep place in our lives and Order Up! strives to honor those places.
“The exhibit will remember those beloved places that have gone from our community, such as Ladyman’s and Pancho’s Villa. As well as celebrate those long-standing establishments that have become synonymous with Bloomington, such as Nick’s English Hut and Trojan Horse,” added Fleck.
While it was nearly impossible to feature every restaurant that’s been a part of Monroe County history, Fleck said she hopes guests learn about new favorites.
