La Bodega

Made our first trip to La Bodega since it switched from its former 'Chop House' status. We weren't 100% sure what to expect but were VERY happy with the results! They were able to maintain the original feeling, upgraded the service, and had our favorites from the old menu with some additions and a complete taco menu.We had eaten Mexican food the night before, and while the tacos sounded great, we opted for something a bit different. Wife ordered the smoked pork chops with broccoli and the salad bar. She loved the chops and the admittedly small bite she allowed me to taste was great. I had the breaded tenderloin sandwich with fries plus the salad bar add-on. The additional bar is like $6. That included the full salad bar with three different soup options, baked potatoes on the bar and biscuits. It was the same quality bar as before, and the tri-tip chili is amazing. Sandwich and fries were great too.I forgot to get a picture of the cheese balls appetizer - think fried cheese sticks but in ball form - it was a huge order and great.The biggest win was the enhanced service. The Chop House always seemed to be turning over the servers and they were short staffed and slow. Not the case here, and we had good service and great food. We will return for sure. Keeping viable dinner options on the south side of Bloomington is important, and we also want to try the breakfast menu soon.

I am a person of Latin descent, and I can say with all certainty that this place makes tacos that rival my mothers. They start with homemade corn tortillas, made to order, piled highwith whatever meat you choose. I purchased three and it came to $19 but it was worth every single penny. If you haven't checked them out, do yourself a favor and go. They have many Latin groceries as well. Fresh baked goods made in-house daily. This store is going to give all the other Latin stores in town a run for their money.

Quite good tenderloins and fries. Friendly service, plenty of free parking and a spacious meal environment with a good variety of tasteful music. They also had an extensive breakfast, lunch/dinner menus. Look forward to trying a few other dishes.

This business took an online order with me through a website they work with. When I went to pickup my food they said they never got my order. They said the name of the Place I had ordered from changed yesterday and they were now a new company despite being run by the same employees and offering the same dishes. They would not help me get a refund or honor the value of the order that had basically disappeared. They told me the pending charge would disappear in a few days. What really happened was the charge went through and now I'm having to appeal through my credit card company. I would not trust these guys or spend a cent here if I knew what I know now.

Food is well prepared and ample amount. Staff is exceptional, provided good service, friendly, attentive and helpful when asked for recommendation (order pancakes). Building is clean, lots of open space. Easy parking.

I wouldn't suggest going here for dinner, they are generally understaffed and inexperienced. The grocery store and the meat market is great but I wouldn't suggest dining in. The food was served cold and the steak came out at the wrong internal temp.Wouldn't go for dinner but would definitely go to the bakery and butcher shop.

Uneven. The salmon was cooked very nicely- but the sides not great- Potato wedges nicely seasoned, but undercooked inside. Ceasar salad -way too much dressing, but a redo with dressing on the side- kinda wilted romaine. Food came fast - great. Food served on a wooden cutting board- terrible - I expect nice sanitary dishes that were cleaned in a proper dishwasher thank you. My friend liked her Apple Salad a lot, but husband's fried shrimp- just OK. I agree with comment on lack of staff- had to wait around to get seated- get service and even to check out at the Bodega Market - which is pretty good with lots of good Mexican brands. This place still suffers from the same kind of "missing person" feeling - I am afraid they will stumble along for a year or so before the restaurant gets re-branded again. It's missing a manager who understands that the sides are as important as the main, and that the empty feeling of the place because most of the time you don't see/can't find staff/servers is not inviting to return. I could see on the faces of the two couples who came in while I was seated were as disappointed at the lack of greeting and "presence" as I was. They could do well here if they pay attention to making the place feel lived in and welcoming instead of letting it continue to feel vacant Good luck!