When my my wife and I vistied Bloomington from out of town, we stumbled upon this unique restaurant. Great selections, including 4 vegetarian soups. We enjoyed our soup very much. Would definitely go back. Also, we accidently left a bag of shirts we purchased for our kids and did not realize it untl the next day when we got home. We called the restaurant, spoke to Nels who had the shirts. I emailed him a postage label and he promptly went out of his way to mail them back to us. So not only good food, but a caring, conscientious staff. I would highly recommend Darn Good Soup!
(5)
Kate B.
I love soup. It's true. But still, what a strange concept to have not one, but two different restaurants in town devoted to it--soup is, to me, a comfort food meant to devour at home or daintily sip upon in small quantities before a restaurant meal. Boy, did Darn Good Soup change my mind about that. With a name like Darn Good Soup, it's asking to not be taken seriously. It's a very casual place with all the choices in delicious, hearty soup you could ever want. The soup offerings change daily, and you get a choice of bread, crackers, and/or salad to accompany your big steamy bowl of deliciousness. The staff is incredibly friendly and aware of the treasure trove of flavors under their control. They'll happily pass you samples until you've found The One. I visited Darn Good Soup on a cold, rainy day. I've gotta admit that the weather greatly influenced my opinion of the place as it was exactly what I needed. And no one will judge you here when you're slurping and sniffly over your own personal vat of hot butternut squash soup.
(5)
J K.
I was slow in trying these guys out...I mean, it's soup, right? So what? WELL! I was mistaken! Since diving in, this has become a weekly go to for me and my family. I have had nothing here that wasn't reeaaaalllllyyyy good, but there are a few notables: The Chili is to die for, and the Carrot Ginger is out of this world! There are vegetarian and Vegan options as well, and they have also been excellent! Darn Good Soup INDEED! Small tweaks to make it even better? Samples! Gluten-Free listed on the menu (though the counter staff is VERY quick to confirm and answer all questions). While waiting at the counter, pay attention to the music playing overhead, these guys are Tom Waits fans.
(5)
Meagan B.
I was excited to go here to get some awesome soup in a heavy ceramic bowl with a great spoon. Instead what I got was wasteful styrofoam and plastic utensils that I felt weird about eating hot soup off of. I mean I don't want any melting plastic toxins in my soup. While all the soups I have tried have been good. The styrofoam (literally the worst for the environment. How has Bloomington not risen up against this?!) is off putting and I won't be back. I will make my own soup at home and not pollute the world.
(3)
Joel H.
Just like the name says, the soup is darn good, and prices are darn good, too. They have plenty of options every day, and I've never tried a soup here that I didn't like.
(4)
Bootleg R.
As far as homemade soup is concerned, this place does it pretty darn good. I visited a lot during the fall and tried many different soups including cream of mushroom, asparagus, and clam chowder. They are known for their cream of mushroom and it is very flavorful and has actual mushrooms in it. The asparagus was meh, pretty much a puree of asparagus and no other flavors really. The only thing I remember about the clam chowder was I split a small with my boyfriend (a soup hogging whore), therefore I did not get much of it. The pros: The soup is good, they have coffee, a soda fountain and Nantucket nectars. The service is always good, and I always have found a seat. A piece of a baguette comes with every soup with a choice of white or multi-grain. Soup is pretty much the menu, with a few packaged salad choices. No chicken fingers, French fries, hamburgers. The cons: No samples, no ceramic bowls, no silver spoons. I really have a problem eating a soup that is held at 145 degrees with a plastic spoon. I would really enjoy this place a lot more if I could eat out of an actual bowl not Styrofoam and a real spoon. I understand less dishes...but it is kind of hazardous, yum bpa. I will continue to go here, but dammit only if I can remember my spoon from home. Support the owner though, he is nice and is a hardworking chef with a dream. In addition, his music selection is stuck in the 80s and I always feel like I should be in a pink one-piece on a pastel surfboard.
(4)
Erin B.
I adore the Mushroom soup! They are so right in naming it The best cream of mushroom ever! Lots of vegetarian and vegan choices. They have a revolving menu, so best to like them on FB to watch for the daily offerings.
(5)
Anna W.
Wow. When I saw the name I expected some cutesy, stupid shop that was all about being "darn good" in a Judy Cleaver sort of way. I'm pretty glad how wrong I was. Instead, the atmosphere is a little bit soup nazi, a little bit diner, a little bit cute and a lot of good. There's not much to say, other than the soup is fantastic. They've nailed it. I had the potato leek and it was one of the best potato soups I've ever tasted. My boyfriend got the chili, which was also great, but nothing compared to mine. I felt like the soup had that certain umami to it, minus the MSG and bloat. I wish they gave bigger pieces of bread, though :)
(5)
K C.
Easy! Cheap! Healthy! Delicious! I haven't had a bad cup yet! A perfect spot to pop In for a quick lunch.
(4)
Nikki E.
I tried this great place a couple of times, and they're consistently good. Love the spinach lentil more than any soups so far.
(4)
Beth L.
This is one of my favorite places ever! For the same price and same speed as a fast food meal I can get something healthy, heart and delicious. There is great variety, great quality and great atmosphere. My only complaint is that a lot of the soups have been really heavy on the black pepper. Someone over there needs a lighter touch on the grinder :-)
(4)
Tom H.
Soup. Usually five veggie/vegan choices, maybe five more that aren't. You get a slice of baguette, white or whole wheat, free (get the butter at the counter to the side). It's darn good soup. Thick. The kind that your spoon stands straight up. Well-seasoned, but not overly so. Fresh. Tasty. Stays hot. Served in styrofoam cups, Med and Large. Their cookies are better still, altho expensive. This is my first five-star rating. I'm a paid critic in another industry for a living. I'm harsh, a skeptic, and am highly trained to cut things to ribbons, including very fine hairs. I can say, without equivocation, that it's great soup. Don't expect anything else (except drinks) here. You get soup, and after two dozen samples, it's great soup. Note that my selections have been only of the veggie/vegan type. Omnivores that have sampled with me agree with me, anecdotally.
(5)
Sally M.
I came in to get lunch a few weeks ago and to my embarrassment found that my wallet wasn't in my purse. There was a big line of people behind me and I must have turned beet red. The owner told me to just get him back later, which I did once I found my wallet! I told my coworker about this and she said the same happened to her once. Not only is their food great, this is a restaurant that views its community as just that!
(5)
M B.
I've been in 4 times now with my daughter who's 7. We both have really enjoyed our soups. 10 different kinds, they will let you try a bit of any to help decide (a big plus with kids). What else to say? Good filling flavorful stuff, great in the cold weather!
(4)
Greg J.
Cool place. Stopped by on my way back from campus in the early evening, and the first thing I noticed when I walked in was that the kitchen is about three times bigger than the seating area. This isn't a negative thing, as the disparity between the two shows in the quality of their product. They have a ridiculous amount of types of soup, and they serve about 8-10 varieties each day. I'll definitely be stopping back again.
(5)
Morgan T.
I usually go to darn good soup and love it, but it was pretty horrible this time. The girl overcharged us for 2 small soups, I found a hair in the minestrone, and the bread was burnt on the bottom. Really, darn good soup? You are not living up to your namesake.
(2)
Katie B.
Yum! Sorry but I gotta go for the obvious line here that their soup is darn good! Lots of creative soup options as well as some standbys. Vegetarian and vegan options are clearly marked which is a HUGE plus in my book. My favorite soup so far is the Potato Poblano, but I don't think you can go wrong. I do wish they would give you a little more bread but that's probably just my love of carbs speaking.
(4)
Jeremy P.
I am a soup slut. A piping hot bowl of goodness can turn any day upside down and shake its change out all over the floor. So when I saw that there was a soup spot opening (reminiscent of Soupbox that I loved so much in Chicago), I was quite excited. So far I have been to DGS five times and I feel that it is "great success". I have tried four different soups and have yet to be disappointed. There are many vegetarian and some vegan options, and there is always a variety of flavor. The lentil spinach is wonderful. The white bean has sage undertones and is a hearty meal on its own. The chicken vegetable is surprisingly complex and filling, and the chicken tortilla has interesting cumin/garlic stuff coagulating. When I told a foodie friend that I went to DGS on its opening day, he asked if I could taste the local water in the soup. You most definitely can't even though B-ton's water is quite distinct. Obviously these soups are simmering and developing the right kind of flavor. The lines are getting long and I am sure the word it spreading fast. Go to DGS for a quick, hearty, inexpensive meal. Btw, the 16 oz containers hold a lot of soup. I can put a fair amount of food away but have yet to tackle that size.
(4)
MsAnthro P.
The soup is darn good. If you want soup, go here. The selection is large and offers many vegetarian and vegan options. The Squash and Shrimp Bisque was fantastic. The borscht, amazing. The cheddar broccoli was great and I'm usually not a fan of cheddar broccoil. Cream of Mushroom? Duh. Winning! The only one I've had so far that's been a little underwhelming is the Mulligatawny, which is flavorful but contains dry chicken that looked as if it had been cut from a loaf of pre-cooked chicken rather than simmered in the soup, thus picking up the flavors and staying moist. Unfortunately, my soup cravings and those of my friends are few and far between and lessen the warmer it gets, so I hope this place is able to survive in the spring/summer months. This is a great carry-out option if you work nearby, but I agree that a sandwich or two on the menu might further entice lunchers. The service is friendly and the music playing is good, but it's not a terribly comfortable place to stay and have lunch if you happen to be tall or large (or, God forbid, both), as the booths are those hard unmovable wood types that are often too tiny for people of height and/or girth to fit in without kicking their partners repeatedly under the table or without said table digging into their guts. Note to anyone starting new food businesses: Don't alienate the fatties (who are often more likely to want to pay for your food on a regular basis) with uncomfortable unrealistic seating options. ;)
(4)
Carl G.
Quite possibly the best bowl of soup I've had! I had the chicken tortilla - the soup was well-seasoned and didn't have too much broth. With the accompanying whole-wheat baguette, the bowl of soup was enough for a meal by itself. The menu is almost exclusively soups, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It was fun to eat at a restaurant with such a specific niche, a niche they do incredibly. I'm already planning on making it a point to come back for future trips to Bloomington! Go here!
(5)
Mackenzie W.
My boss is a hard man to please, but for the past three weeks he has continually come in to the office and raved about this place, bragging about all the soups he ate. One of my coworkers said "Don't you need a sandwich or something?" and he said "No, you don't understand. These soups are so delicious and hearty you do not need a sandwich at all." And, well, I agree with him. I was feeling under the weather today (thanks, fall, giving me a cold!) and really wanted nothing more than a warm bowl of soup. As I was begrudgingly blowing my nose and attempting to locate what I had to make a soup, I recalled what my boss said. And I thought--you know, it's a straight shot from my apartment to where it's at; I might as well run there, get some soup to take home, and try it. When I showed up, they were in the process of making a fresh batch of Chicken Tortilla and Mulligitawny -- while I had been hoping to get the chicken tortilla after checking the website, I shrugged and asked if I could taste test the Zucchini Pesto (as I have a passion for anything Zucchini). The guy at the counter grinned--apparently if there's no line, you can try any soup you want, and hey, there was no line! So I tried it and was immediately -delighted-. It was delicious. I got some soup (with a wheat baguette), some salad, a drink, and went home. The place was small and cute -- the price was good, I feel, for how much food I got (Seriously, this is a whole meal--I didn't even need the salad; like my boss said, for a good soup you do not need a sandwich) for under ten dollars. And the soup was fresh, felt like it had been lovingly made. The service was good too - -the guy behind the counter was fantastic, and the chef who talked to me too was really a good guy. I highly suggest it.
(5)
Kate W.
This good was better that darn good it was great! I had the mulligatawny soup and it was delicious (though apparently it was supposed to have tart green apples and I didn't taste any). Still amazing soup and the "Best" Cream of mushroom ever lives up to its name. Huge chunks of chicken, full slices of mushroom, YUM. This is not like some soups where you are not sure what or where the ingredients came from. If you are deciding whether to go for great soup that is the end of the post all you need to know is go! Now my concerns first of all. It is really just soup. No sandwiches and limited salads. I mean it is almost summer and it is going to be hot. The students are gone and I just hope they are prepared to make it till fall. Hopefully they have cold soup and outdoor seating for the summer but they should start advertising that now. Secondly, styrofoam, come on! If I eat in I want a bowl for the satisfying clink of eating and finishing a delicious bowl of soup. To go Styrofoam is alright but I would still rather paper. To end great soup but I stick by my above issues and really hope they can make it!
(4)
J J.
The soup is good -- no question. But it's almost all rich & high in fat. More brothy options would be nice. But my biggest gripe is that EVERYTHING is plastic, or worse, styrofoam. And *no* recycling. I don't think I can go back again. It's really too bad.
(3)
Nicole B.
I used to be a huge fan of Darn Good Soup- until the last three times I saw their daily soups posted on Facebook, drove across town for a specific soup, and then be told that they are sold out. UGH! I have traveled across town TWICE for their Lobster Bisque, which they rarely offer, and both times had to settle for something else because they were sold out. (and this isn't even a late lunch, I'm talking between the hours of 12 and 1pm!) So sad! Their chicken tortilla is decent, that's usually my "go to" when they are out of the one that I want. Stay away from the Broccoli Cheddar. It was awful.
(3)
Mark P.
went here upon recommendation and to have the curry cauliflower soup. Wow. That soup was so good--this isn't the place to go for atmosphere, this is kick ass soup.
(5)
Ally L.
A-OK at what they do! The soups are fantastic, they have vibrant "clean" tastes and the texture/ratios are well done. I've only had the chicken tortilla and butternut squash/coconut but loved both. The only thing is they need to expand their menu a little bit, my suggestion would to be add maybe 3 or 4 really well done sandwiches or maybe offer some cheesy garlic bread as an option. I don't eat here very often because while the soup is excellent, it keeps you full for about 2 hours at the most...not very cost effective.
(3)
John S.
All I can say is WOW! The variety and quality of the soups here are amazing.
(5)
Jami L.
Awesome selection of soups. Always vegan and vegetarian avail. Bread is great. Always a satisfying comforting meal. I LOVE this place.
(5)
Ross S.
Wide variety of fresh soups, large portions, good service. We went here on a cold day, and it hit the spot! Would go back here.
(5)
Jill V.
This was a delicious find in downtown Bloomington! They offer a different (and wide) selection of soups each day, half of which are vegetarian (and include one or two vegan options). You can get a filling bowl of soup and a piece of bread for less than $5 (although I recommend purchasing an extra piece of bread - it's cheap and you'll want it for dipping).
(5)
Jim O.
Great variety of tasty soups, a lot of comfort food types. My only complaint is they won't let you taste.
(4)
Kurtis B.
Great food! Owner is honest and friendly. He doesn't skimp on the ingredients. Nothing like hot tasty soup on lousy tasteless day to make you feel better. Chicken Tortilla is my favorite so far. One of my new favorite joints in Bloomington.
(5)
Meredith M.
I usually don't get excited about soup, but WOW. This place is awesome. Try the sausage and pepper. Or anything else, for that matter! It's too bad they don't have more space and seating, but we've not really had a problem getting in at lunch time. Nice portions, reasonable prices, and plenty of options for people with different culinary preferences (vegetarian, gluten free, so on). The salads and bread are ok, but not really my thing. Just go for the soup, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Tema K.
Now this a place I just keep coming back to. Good soup with a nice piece of bread for a great cost! It is perfect for all seasons and it is a lovely place to have a long chat.
(5)
Kate W.
I love this place! I've been here three times, and every soup I have had has been incredible. I especially like the Seafood Chowder, Beef Bourginon and Potato Poblano soups. This is a great place to go for a cheap but filling lunch or dinner!
(5)
Natalie J.
Soup was delicious! Music was darn good, smells were good as hell, the front clerk however was in an awful mood and was completely rude. I may have found her on a bad day, but as a server at a busy restaurant here in Bloomington, sometimes you have to put your silly mood swings aside. Good food. Horrible service.
(3)
M M.
Tried Darn Good Soup for the 1st time today...definitely made some darn good broccoli cheddar :) Will be returning for sure. My only suggestion (if the business owner even reads this!) is maybe have some reading material options available somewhere, even if just the daily newspaper. I went solo, not a big deal, but it would be nice to 'lose myself' for 10-15 while dining in and enjoying lunch if that makes sense. That being typed, it doesn't detract from the overall experience of a happy tummy!
(5)
B C.
In town to visit my 104 year old great aunt over at RedBud Hills. We were walking around the square and saw the name Darn Good Soup. We couldn't resist and glad we didn't. There were so many choices. We got a large Carrot Ginger soup to take back to the Walnut Street Inn where we were staying. It was delicious! So much so that we went back to bring some soup to my great aunt.
(5)
Ed M.
I get a different soup on each visit. Homemade, fresh and delicious with 8 or so choices that include Vegan and GF options. Always a great meal. Staff is friendly and service quick. No frills on the square downtown.
(5)
Lynn J.
You can't go wrong here as long as you do enjoy soup. Specials change and are delicious and fresh. There is plenty of choice. Flavorsome and meaty soups, not thin. Easy, affordable lunch on the square and not to be missed.
(5)
Ellen F.
I rarely seek out soup, but if ever the mood strikes DGS is the only way to go. Each soup that I have tried has been fantastic and surprisingly filling. Negative: they use styrofoam bowls even for dine-in orders
(4)
Bre R.
Ate from here for the first time today because I really wanted some soup. I looked on Facebook and saw that they had the Chicken Tortilla (their most popular) and New England Clam Chowder (one of my favorites) available. I noticed that they have had the same selection of soups for the past three days according to Facebook. I wasn't very thrilled about that because I don't even eat my own leftovers three days later. Oh well, I really wanted some soup, so I ignored this aspect and got a small Chicken Tortilla and a small Clam Chowder so I could try them both. The Chicken Tortilla was pretty good, but it didn't meet my expectations from the raving reviews of other Yelpers. The New England Clam Chowder was very disappointing. It wasn't creamy enough for my liking and there was an overwhelming herb flavor that was just about all I could taste. I will definitely stick to getting that soup from Lennie's. Oh, and the prices are steep for soup. I get that it's located on the square, but $11 for two small portions of soup? Meh. I probably won't be back. 2.5 stars
(2)
Stanley W.
Really great soup in sometimes not the best packaging. I've had soup to go here a couple times, and my girlfriend really appreciates the vegetarian options available here. My personal favorite is the potato poblano, and their NE clam chowder was spot on as well. Try everything once! You really can't go wrong here. Great portions, cheap, and tasty! Its almost perfect, but twice times I've had the bottom of the cup fall off and have the soup fall out during the walk from DSG to the IMU. I'm not ashamed to admit that licking the soup off the bag was still incredibly tasty, but I really would have preferred spooning it out of a cup. Soup: 3/5 Packaging: 0/5 Service: 3/5 Diversity: 5/5 Price: $/$$$$ Satisfaction:Price- 4/5
(4)
Charcy L.
Their soup price is very reasonable and low, but a little salty, I like their eat their soup with bread because soups are very creamy!
(3)
Stephanie G.
We love this place. Every time we are in Bloomington we stop by and eat here, then pick up some to take home with us. Our family includes 2 vegans and an omnivore, and we all find delicious choices at Darn Good Soup. Today, my son and I had the spinach lentil soup and my husband had the cream of mushroom- all yummy. We even bought a container of chicken tortilla soup to take to Granny. Always friendly staff here and they offer samples of everything to help you make up your mind.
(5)
Hunter A.
There are hardly words to explain how phenomenal this place is. I came down with a bit of a cold 3 days ago, so I figured it would be a decent time to try Darn Good Soup. I have now been 3 times in 3 days and have tried 5 different soups. There isn't much point in suggesting what to get, because it would be impossible to walk away disappointed no matter what you choose. I will say that I've always loved chowder, and the seafood chowder was the best I've had from New England to Fisherman's Wharf and anywhere in between. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm almost happy I got sick just so I could discover this place when I did. When it gets cold this winter, I may just live here. My only suggestion for this place would be to get a bigger sign and change the name to "Earth-shatteringly Fantastic Soup."
(5)
Jason D.
A great restaurant concept that has been quite successful over the years. Recommended even when it is warm outside! There are both hot and cold soups, and the menu changes frequently, encouraging customers to return to try different items. One thing that many people dislike is the fact that they do not allow samples of the soups before ordering. After asking the owner why, they ended samples to eliminate wait time, and move the line faster, along with preventing people from simply trying soups and leaving. Don't stress over the taste, it is worth the surprise. The staff is friendly, and knowledgeable about every ingredient as well.
(5)
Haley T.
Two words: Beef Bourguignon. It was DIVINE. My tummy is so happy and full and I can actually say the same about my wallet. Came here with friends for lunch this afternoon, we sat and chatted and soup'd for a good 45 min. I had the BB and a salad with their house balsamic mustard vinaigrette - also quite delicious, but their salad is typical, nothing to write home about - and my friends had the chicken tortilla soup and enjoyed it immensely. Will be back soon, perfect weather for soup now.
(5)
Christina V.
First time here tonight. I had the seafood soup. Yum-- with scallops and shrimp in abundance. Very filling and delicious. No tasting here, but I asked the waiter's fav soup, and he guided me right!
(5)
Ed M.
You just can't go wrong with any daily selection. Vegan & GF options available daily and the ingredients are openly posted online. The only place I'd consider going out for a bowl of soup.
(5)
Jennifer C.
I love this place. Their Italian Wedding soup is amazing. Just had the broccoli cheddar yesterday and they did not disappoint. If you haven't tried this place it is a must!
(5)
Danny G.
This place has some "darn good" soup fitting the name properly. Their daily soups change everyday for the most part, giving each experience a possibiltity to discover your new favorite flavor. The only darn problem is that they won't let you sample the soup. I know the used to , and I don't know the real reason why they stopped.It just seems risky to try new flavors 'blindly'. This is the only reason DGS doesn't get 5 stars.
(4)
Nicholas L.
Really, really solid with an array of soups of all kinds. Some are definitely stronger than others, but there's an excitement to trying something new.
(4)
Jamie S.
Ever since I moved to Bloomington I've heard a lot of hype about their soup. Now that I've finally tried it, it definitely lived up to the expectations! I had the chicken pot pie soup and HIGHLY recommend it. I was pleased with the variety of their menu, but felt the prices were a little high. The interior is also nothing special and although I had originally planned to dine in, there weren't even any seats available to make that an option. But the tasty soup makes up for these setbacks and I'll definitely be going back in the future!
(4)
Jennifer G.
This place should be called fucking good soup. Every soup I have tried has been delicious.
(5)
Erin G.
I love this place and so will YOU if you give it a try! Locally owned and operated. Situated in DownTown Bloomington IN on the South West Side of the Square. They always have such Darn Good Soup! (yeah sorry about that lame puniness thing!) There are so many yummy choices and they always have at least one or two Gluten Free, two or three Vegetarian, and one or two Vegan at a minimum, as well as their delicious "Normal" soup choices too! The soup is made fresh daily and with fresh wholesome ingredients. You don't have to worry about BPA's or GMO's if you eat here! They identify ingredients clearly so if you, your friends, or family deal with food allergies this is a great place to visit as well! They have short waits, the food is super yummy, a friendly staff, and you can eat in or get it to go!
(5)
Regina W.
I had the Red Beans and Rice (vegan) and it was pretty tasty. I did think $6.75 was kind of a lot for a large cup of soup--but I guess that might be an average price nowadays. I also do like that this place has a large selection of vegan and vegetarian soups as well and is also locally owned. However, a star was knocked down because it's a deal breaker for me that even if you order to eat at the restaurant, you still get your soup in a styrofoam container with a plastic spoon. I would of much preferred a real bowl and soup spoon for dining at the restaurant.
(3)
Melissa S.
Every soup I've had is delicious. Service is friendly and the price is right. The last two times I've been in the restaurant it's been really hot. Like, take off your sweater hot. So maybe better for takeout.
(4)
Caroline K.
Had the cheesy tomatillo today. Slight tangy, spicy, and potatoey. Yum! $6 is a bit pricey for 16oz, IMO, but the service was fast. The multigrain bread was a bit dense, though.
(4)
Robin K.
Awesome group of people & homemade soups. Got the last of the Lobster Chowder today! The server was super friendly & personable. Soups will fill your belly with goodness!
(5)
Luke P.
Gotta try the gumbo here. Great local place and cool environment. Servers are super friendly and all soups are made in house. They rotate their menu every day so there's always a surprise! Check their Twitter for updates. Loved it and I'm not a soup guy. They changed me.
(5)
Christiana R.
There is nothing better than your mom's chicken noodle soup or three bean chili on a cold, rainy day...except for soup from Darn Good Soup! I have tried a variety of the soups and have never been disappointed. Some of the flavors have even inspired me to try to recreate them at home. My favorite is the classic chicken tortilla soup. I do wish they would give you a ceramic bowl for dine-in orders. Even with dine-in you get a disposable Styrofoam bowl. It would be environmentally friendly and a little classier!
(4)
Jon A.
I've tried two different soups here and both have been excellent. The only complaint I have is that they do not allow tasting, and many of their offerings are unique enough that I'd prefer to taste before ordering. A large order of soup is definitely enough to fill me up for lunch.
(4)
Chris K.
Soup: good but maybe not darn good. I had the chicken tortilla. I wouldn't say there's anything special about it, but it was just right. Satisfying and flavorful soup and they don't shortchange you on the chicken like they could. Prices: darn high. I was visiting Bloomington from L.A. and this was the only place I visited where the prices reminded me of home. It's reasonable but for what this place is, the soup should be a buck or two lower. Interior: darn crappy. If you're going to charge high-ish prices for soup, you should make the place feel the same way. Those old beat-up booths are not old enough to be endearing. They're just run-down and that's what makes 6 bucks feel like too much. Carbon footprint: darn crazy. I hate styrofoam and it's everywhere here. I picture the owner to be like someone who bought a Hummer just to spite environmentalists. Vegetarians/vegans: darn accommodated. Verdict: Overall not quite darn good. I'd call it "Decent Enough Soup."
(4)
Krista R.
You think you're a decisive person? Eat at DGS and guess again. I promise you, whatever soups du jour are being offered, you will hesitate. You will stumble. Even after you decide, you may find yourself changing your mind at least once. Daily offerings include choices like cream of mushroom, spicy jambalaya, chicken tortilla, vegan lentil spinach, west African chicken peanut, butternut squash, lobster chowder, beef paprikash... Go with a friend so you can at least try two!! Check out the daily offerings at their website: darngoodsoup.com
(5)
Dina D.
Darn Good Soup is a great local soup joint, perfect for filling up on a cold day. They have salads and ice cream too, for those not into soup. They always have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as soups with meat. Check their web site for what's offered that day, or come in and roll the dice on a delicious soup. They usually have some unusual choices, but sadly they don't allow samples before you buy, so it's a bit of a gamble. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it's a bit weird. The Sweet and Sour Pork soup was one that didn't pay off and fell into the odd category, but we figured that when we ordered it, so it wasn't a huge disappointment. The Nate's Beef and Tomatillo was good, but surprisingly thicker and more sour than I was expecting. The Jambalaya is on the mild side, but good. The Chicken Tortilla is always a safe choice, and surprisingly a bit spicier than the Jambalaya. Their soups tend towards stew thickness, I keep hoping for a brothy soup but haven't found one yet. Regardless of whether you eat in or take out, your soup will come in a styrofoam cup, filled to the brim. I've had a lot of soups that I like here, and have gone out of my way to try different styles of soups. However, after trying about 12 or so soups I haven't found one the I LOVE yet. Overall, Darn Good Soup is a good choice, quick and filling. It's not necessarily cheap, but it's worth it.
(3)
Chathura K.
Worlds best soup; without any argument. When I traveled to USA for the very first time, I wasn't the biggest fan of US food. But even then, this soup was just amazingly tasty for me, I think that they have designed their recipes having done lot of studies and covered almost everyone's preferences in tastes. A cup of soup is very thick and heavy, and that is more than enough for a person. Extra bread can also be ordered; and I love their very fresh multi-grained bread. The variety of soup also very much impressive. Specifically in the outlet I experienced/visited in Bloomington Indiana, the Staff is very friendly, and of course very quick; especially, they are very very honest people that you could have your faith on. One of my friend has taken his change money USD 20 less without noticing. But an employee who work there, visited us handed over that USD 20 note to my friend. So, if you ever see any 'Darn Good Soup' place; just do not think twice to have a cup of soup.
(5)
Joshua C.
I ate here only on one occasion and was completely satisfied. I took my order to go so I can't comment much about the experience at the restaurant except to say the staff was friendly while ordering, etc. The soup I ordered (some sausage something...can't remember exactly) was very good. I plan on eating here again and at this point would recommend it to others.
(4)
Paige M.
The soup is delicious. Wonderfully spiced and fresh ingredients. The service is quick and the staff is friendly and helpful. You can't go wrong with Darn Good Soup.
(5)
Jennifer H.
So delicious! I love this place. I'm actually sort of addicted. I check their menu regularly and have tried a wide variety of their soups. Their gumbo and hoppin' john soups are particularly awesome! I also find it really helpful that they list all of their ingredients, for each soup, online.
(5)
Dennis B.
Ok, every time I go there, I find a new favorite. Today was the Beef Bourguinon...simply incredible!!! last week was the Lamb and Barley Stew. Fantastic!
(5)
Kate D.
So with all these food options in the square this is where I go for a cheap and delicious meal for two! We have had four different soups now. One vegan, the potato pablano. Nice mellow heat! Goes great with the multi grain bread. Last week I had the loaded potato with bacon it was good to, great to take home and thin out actually. The ginger pork was delightful as all the veggies were stewed soft and melded together great! The chicken tortilla was killer last week. It's hearty got some heat. I love taking these to go cause the large is more than enough for two meals! Highly recommend this place for passer byes looking for soup. It's simple and scrumptious!
(5)
Gregory C.
This is probably the fourth time that I have eaten here and I have not had a bad soup yet. Today I had the beef Paprikash and it was outstanding! It does seem to be a bit pricey but for the quality of the soup it is a bargain. Went here for lunch again today and I still have to say that this place is fantastic! We have been here at least six times and I have not had a bad soup yet.
(5)
Jimmy M.
If you are looking for something simple and delicious than this is a good fit. Just on of the square in the heart of Hoosier country, this is the perfect place if you don't want a full blown meal but are looking for something quick, yet full of great flavor. Seating is limited, but there are some great spots outside, or at the beer bar just two doors down where you can sit with a slightly larger group. I am a huge fan of mushrooms, and I have found that a lot of cream of mushroom soup puts too much emphasis on the "cream of" and not the "mushroom". Darn Good Soup's cream of mushroom soup is the best I have ever had. The worst part about it was that I didn't have enough money to buy more. Reaching the bottom of the soup cup was the worst part of my day. Their other soups are phenomenal as well. I have never heard a bad word from anyone and the prices are more than reasonable for the quality of the soup.
(5)
Mister M.
I would put them more in the stew category not really a soup kind of place. There is really isn't any broth kind of soups, mostly thick mushy stews. They are pretty good, at least a few I tried.
(4)
Stella W.
one of the better soup places i have been to! well, we have soupbox and other soup places in chicago, but man....i wish we have DGS here!! unlike the chicago places, their soup are not salty and super thick!!! i had the white bean with andouille sausage and then came back the next day and had their lentil and spinach...both are like stew-ish..who doesn't like thick soup that fills and warms you up in the winter :)
(4)
Bernard F.
Soup is excellent, service is quick, staff is friendly. Can't really ask for much more. Vegetarian/Vegan soups are about a dollar cheaper than soups with meat. If you dine in, they give you slightly more soup than if you carry out. They also have Ice Cream from Hartzell's, though I haven't tried it yet.
(5)
J G.
A good selection of soups - I wish they had some kind of sampler flight like a brewery. We had a chicken stew (Calabacitas) and the Italian wedding soup. The chicken was a tasty melange of flavors & ingedients, primarily chicken & squash. The wedding soup was loaded with meatballs. Great lunch on a rainy day.
(4)
Rubious K.
I like Darn Good Soup (which I sometimes think of as That $%&%$^& Soup!) in most ways. It's a great alternative for lunch downtown. The soups are tasty and very filling (if anything, they can be on the over-rich side) and the prices are very reasonable. (I especially like the chicken tortilla soup.) I really only have one complaint. Guys, please figure out a way to make the restaurant a bit more sustainable! In 2013 I almost cannot believe that everything is (a) served in styrofoam (b) which is then thrown out. The styrofoam is terrible to begin with, but then there isn't even any way to recycle the stuff??? This is basically totally unacceptable... I almost feel compelled the boycott the place until they sort this out. I won't, because I like the soup, but it feels terrible to toss my bowl into the garbage can to go straight to a landfill. Check out Laughing Planet to see the right way to do it. Yes, it's work to wash out bowls, but that's what needs to be done... or at the very least figure out some kind of recyclable disposable bowls.
(4)
Sky S.
Darn Good Soup is my favorite restaurant in Bloomington. DGS is fast and delicious. They are efficient. They serve 10-12 soups a day that are always hot and ready, including vegetarian and vegan options. Chicken Tortilla is their most popular soup, rightfully so, it is amazing. Bowls of soup run from $5-7. Go once, I promise you'll go again.
(5)
Aaron W.
When I seen the Soup Nazi on a certain TV show a long while ago, I thought to myself that it would be cool to have a place that specialized in soup. Soup so good that it warranted strict protocol and impeccable etiquette. This place has come along in my life and fits the bill! While not quite run by Soup Nazis, I wouldn't shy away even if it were because the soup is awwwwwwwwwesome. They are pretty strict about NO SAMPLES at ANY TIME (which sucks, because they have around 10 soups on at any time and it can be hard to choose!) So, I just say "Show me this one or show me that one." They open the lid and lift a brimming ladle. I then imagine it as I slurp it from the styrofoam container with a buttered chunk of multi grain bread in hand. Every soup I have tried here has been great. Some favorites: Split pea and ham. (Just like the mushy peas served alongside fish and chips in Ireland/England but with thick cut bacon added.) Cream of asparagus. Shrimp bisque. Chicken and sausage. Gumbo. Always have had great service from the hip(ster) staff and enjoy chatting with them.
(5)
Bruce S.
If you want soup this is the place to go. Everything I have tried is darn good.
Love it! They have a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian soups. They tweet and post online what the soups are of the day so you can check before you go. When you are there, you can also ask to see what the soup looks like before you choose. You get bread or crackers with your soup and I would suggest getting a large because its only $1 more and you can always eat more later! I love it for a day where I am either sick or hungover.
(5)
Celeste M.
Came here wanting the potato and leak soup and they were out! I was so mad. Got the minestrone instead, it was pretty good. Husband had the chicken tortilla soup and absolutely loved it. I really want to try the lentil spinach soup and will be returning for it.
(4)
Erica O.
The name of the restaurant says it all! That was some DARN GOOD SOUP. My daughter will be attending IU in the fall, so we are in Bloomington for a Spring Experience event, after a 3 hour drive we were hungry, wanted something light on the stomach but heavy on taste! We hit the jackpot with this place. I had the best seller, the chicken tortilla soup with the grain bread. The small would have been perfect for 2, but I decided to just indulge and eat it all by myself (minus a teaspoonful that I let my daughter sample). My daughter decided on chili with the white bread and it was a delicious dish as well! We were full and completely satisfied when we left Darn Good Soup. It's a little pricey for soup, but it was well worth it and will definitely go back every chance I get.
(5)
Cecilio P.
As far as soup places go, this is one of the best I've ever had. Quick service, clean eating area and delicious soups. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Sierra S.
I had the vegan tomato and cashew soup. IT WAS FANTASTIC! With just a little spicy kick. Other offerings sounded good enough for me to return soon. Staff was pleasant. Not much seating but I took it to go and enjoyed back at my downtown office.
(5)
Praveen D.
Awesome soups. Great place. good pricing. And decent settings and music. they have good variety of soups for vegetarians
(5)
Shaun K.
I cannot count the number of times I've driven by Darn Good Soup and wondered to myself if it was worth a stop. Finally my culinary partner in crime and I decided to venture into the unknown. As I walked toward the front door I was a bit nervous, as I noticed older booth-style seating, and not much of it. The place was packed with people, and as if the universe had known we were coming in, there was one table open. I ordered the Italian wedding soup, which I've had several times in other manifestations, but it had always been made with noodles as opposed to the traditional method of using bread. It was very good. The broth was light, but full bodied and the meatballs had a nice sear on them which helped to deepen the flavor of the soup. I'll have to admit the bread floating around in the soup was far from beautiful, but once I ate that first spoonful it became a non-issue. I was also able to sample the mulligatawny, chicken tortilla, and butternut squash soups thanks to my culinary counterpart. All three were good and you could tell they were definitely made in-house and not dumped into a warmer from a bag like some of the soup and sandwich chains we all know and love. I would definitely recommend this place to someone looking for a quick bite that doesn't involve a drive-thru. I think I recall reading the back of an employee's shirt that said something about it being healthy and quick, which is so very true. Their website is updated daily with their soup selections, making it even easier to decide whether to stop by.
(4)
Bridget K.
How have I never been here before today! So close to my house and so good! I'm a sampler, so I got 4 different kinds to bring home. Chicken tortilla, mulligatawny, Italian Wedding, and Butternut Squash. My favorites were the chicken tortilla and the mulligatawny. I hate mushrooms, but in the mulligatawny they weren't even noticeable. Great flavors in both. The Italian Wedding was delicious and light, just wasn't my fave because I was in the mood for a heartier soup. The butternut squash was two carroty and needed salt. I've made this soup a lot at home and I prefer it without carrots at all much less a carroty flavor. I wouldn't get this one again. They have such a great variety and the people that work there are really nice and quick. Definitely recommend.
(4)
Joshua G.
Ammaaaazing soup. I got the shrimp gumbo chowder and it was inspiring. I savored every bite and lifted the bowl to the mouth to get every last drop down the hatch. There is very limited menu. Just soup white or wheat bread and salads. But if you come here you're only coming here for one thing only and that's soup. They interchange the menu daily and i'm pretty sure they keep their website updated as to what is special that day so make sure to check that out. Every time i'm in Btown this will be on the top of my list for lunch joints for sure. Thank you Darn Good Soup.
(5)
Jessika G.
I haven't had a soup here that I didn't like. They always have vegetarian and vegan soups which is great. They lose a star for using so much styrofoam. I'd go here much more often if it didn't feel like I was ruining the planet every time (it's where I keep all my stuff!)
(4)
Danielle G.
Delicious! Darn Good Soup is a great addition to the local eateries in Bloomington. The soup is filling (you don't need a sandwich), the service/seating area is unpretentious, and there are a few additional options if you want a little more than "just soup" (salad, cookies). I felt like my soup could have been poured out of the styrofoam cup into a nice glass bowl, served at a classy restaurant, and nobody would have known any better. Who needs a fancy bowl, anyway? I'll keep the change and eat my soup. :)
(5)
Nikki P.
I've not had a soup I dislike there, and thus would be willing to try anything on the menu. I stick to the vegetarian soups, but luckily the ever-present spinach lentil is DELICIOUS and NUTRITIOUS. And filling. That's the stigma with just eating soup, right? That you'll be hungry before long. Not so with this selection. Soup nazi vibe another reviewer mentioned -- a little bit at first glance. But the guy running the place is actually super nice. Just don't ask for a sample, then it's all NO SOUP FOR YOU. Boo for all the styrofoam and plastic. It's wasteful and detracts from the dining experience (this is probably why I don't get salads anymore -- too hard to pierce/cut raw veggies with plastic utensils). Also, would love to see something on the menu like a flight of soup. Can you imagine? I'd have to eat it from heaven, because I would die. Happy hour promo, perhaps?
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Jamey K.
When my my wife and I vistied Bloomington from out of town, we stumbled upon this unique restaurant. Great selections, including 4 vegetarian soups. We enjoyed our soup very much. Would definitely go back. Also, we accidently left a bag of shirts we purchased for our kids and did not realize it untl the next day when we got home. We called the restaurant, spoke to Nels who had the shirts. I emailed him a postage label and he promptly went out of his way to mail them back to us. So not only good food, but a caring, conscientious staff. I would highly recommend Darn Good Soup!
(5)Kate B.
I love soup. It's true. But still, what a strange concept to have not one, but two different restaurants in town devoted to it--soup is, to me, a comfort food meant to devour at home or daintily sip upon in small quantities before a restaurant meal. Boy, did Darn Good Soup change my mind about that. With a name like Darn Good Soup, it's asking to not be taken seriously. It's a very casual place with all the choices in delicious, hearty soup you could ever want. The soup offerings change daily, and you get a choice of bread, crackers, and/or salad to accompany your big steamy bowl of deliciousness. The staff is incredibly friendly and aware of the treasure trove of flavors under their control. They'll happily pass you samples until you've found The One. I visited Darn Good Soup on a cold, rainy day. I've gotta admit that the weather greatly influenced my opinion of the place as it was exactly what I needed. And no one will judge you here when you're slurping and sniffly over your own personal vat of hot butternut squash soup.
(5)J K.
I was slow in trying these guys out...I mean, it's soup, right? So what? WELL! I was mistaken! Since diving in, this has become a weekly go to for me and my family. I have had nothing here that wasn't reeaaaalllllyyyy good, but there are a few notables: The Chili is to die for, and the Carrot Ginger is out of this world! There are vegetarian and Vegan options as well, and they have also been excellent! Darn Good Soup INDEED! Small tweaks to make it even better? Samples! Gluten-Free listed on the menu (though the counter staff is VERY quick to confirm and answer all questions). While waiting at the counter, pay attention to the music playing overhead, these guys are Tom Waits fans.
(5)Meagan B.
I was excited to go here to get some awesome soup in a heavy ceramic bowl with a great spoon. Instead what I got was wasteful styrofoam and plastic utensils that I felt weird about eating hot soup off of. I mean I don't want any melting plastic toxins in my soup. While all the soups I have tried have been good. The styrofoam (literally the worst for the environment. How has Bloomington not risen up against this?!) is off putting and I won't be back. I will make my own soup at home and not pollute the world.
(3)Joel H.
Just like the name says, the soup is darn good, and prices are darn good, too. They have plenty of options every day, and I've never tried a soup here that I didn't like.
(4)Bootleg R.
As far as homemade soup is concerned, this place does it pretty darn good. I visited a lot during the fall and tried many different soups including cream of mushroom, asparagus, and clam chowder. They are known for their cream of mushroom and it is very flavorful and has actual mushrooms in it. The asparagus was meh, pretty much a puree of asparagus and no other flavors really. The only thing I remember about the clam chowder was I split a small with my boyfriend (a soup hogging whore), therefore I did not get much of it. The pros: The soup is good, they have coffee, a soda fountain and Nantucket nectars. The service is always good, and I always have found a seat. A piece of a baguette comes with every soup with a choice of white or multi-grain. Soup is pretty much the menu, with a few packaged salad choices. No chicken fingers, French fries, hamburgers. The cons: No samples, no ceramic bowls, no silver spoons. I really have a problem eating a soup that is held at 145 degrees with a plastic spoon. I would really enjoy this place a lot more if I could eat out of an actual bowl not Styrofoam and a real spoon. I understand less dishes...but it is kind of hazardous, yum bpa. I will continue to go here, but dammit only if I can remember my spoon from home. Support the owner though, he is nice and is a hardworking chef with a dream. In addition, his music selection is stuck in the 80s and I always feel like I should be in a pink one-piece on a pastel surfboard.
(4)Erin B.
I adore the Mushroom soup! They are so right in naming it The best cream of mushroom ever! Lots of vegetarian and vegan choices. They have a revolving menu, so best to like them on FB to watch for the daily offerings.
(5)Anna W.
Wow. When I saw the name I expected some cutesy, stupid shop that was all about being "darn good" in a Judy Cleaver sort of way. I'm pretty glad how wrong I was. Instead, the atmosphere is a little bit soup nazi, a little bit diner, a little bit cute and a lot of good. There's not much to say, other than the soup is fantastic. They've nailed it. I had the potato leek and it was one of the best potato soups I've ever tasted. My boyfriend got the chili, which was also great, but nothing compared to mine. I felt like the soup had that certain umami to it, minus the MSG and bloat. I wish they gave bigger pieces of bread, though :)
(5)K C.
Easy! Cheap! Healthy! Delicious! I haven't had a bad cup yet! A perfect spot to pop In for a quick lunch.
(4)Nikki E.
I tried this great place a couple of times, and they're consistently good. Love the spinach lentil more than any soups so far.
(4)Beth L.
This is one of my favorite places ever! For the same price and same speed as a fast food meal I can get something healthy, heart and delicious. There is great variety, great quality and great atmosphere. My only complaint is that a lot of the soups have been really heavy on the black pepper. Someone over there needs a lighter touch on the grinder :-)
(4)Tom H.
Soup. Usually five veggie/vegan choices, maybe five more that aren't. You get a slice of baguette, white or whole wheat, free (get the butter at the counter to the side). It's darn good soup. Thick. The kind that your spoon stands straight up. Well-seasoned, but not overly so. Fresh. Tasty. Stays hot. Served in styrofoam cups, Med and Large. Their cookies are better still, altho expensive. This is my first five-star rating. I'm a paid critic in another industry for a living. I'm harsh, a skeptic, and am highly trained to cut things to ribbons, including very fine hairs. I can say, without equivocation, that it's great soup. Don't expect anything else (except drinks) here. You get soup, and after two dozen samples, it's great soup. Note that my selections have been only of the veggie/vegan type. Omnivores that have sampled with me agree with me, anecdotally.
(5)Sally M.
I came in to get lunch a few weeks ago and to my embarrassment found that my wallet wasn't in my purse. There was a big line of people behind me and I must have turned beet red. The owner told me to just get him back later, which I did once I found my wallet! I told my coworker about this and she said the same happened to her once. Not only is their food great, this is a restaurant that views its community as just that!
(5)M B.
I've been in 4 times now with my daughter who's 7. We both have really enjoyed our soups. 10 different kinds, they will let you try a bit of any to help decide (a big plus with kids). What else to say? Good filling flavorful stuff, great in the cold weather!
(4)Greg J.
Cool place. Stopped by on my way back from campus in the early evening, and the first thing I noticed when I walked in was that the kitchen is about three times bigger than the seating area. This isn't a negative thing, as the disparity between the two shows in the quality of their product. They have a ridiculous amount of types of soup, and they serve about 8-10 varieties each day. I'll definitely be stopping back again.
(5)Morgan T.
I usually go to darn good soup and love it, but it was pretty horrible this time. The girl overcharged us for 2 small soups, I found a hair in the minestrone, and the bread was burnt on the bottom. Really, darn good soup? You are not living up to your namesake.
(2)Katie B.
Yum! Sorry but I gotta go for the obvious line here that their soup is darn good! Lots of creative soup options as well as some standbys. Vegetarian and vegan options are clearly marked which is a HUGE plus in my book. My favorite soup so far is the Potato Poblano, but I don't think you can go wrong. I do wish they would give you a little more bread but that's probably just my love of carbs speaking.
(4)Jeremy P.
I am a soup slut. A piping hot bowl of goodness can turn any day upside down and shake its change out all over the floor. So when I saw that there was a soup spot opening (reminiscent of Soupbox that I loved so much in Chicago), I was quite excited. So far I have been to DGS five times and I feel that it is "great success". I have tried four different soups and have yet to be disappointed. There are many vegetarian and some vegan options, and there is always a variety of flavor. The lentil spinach is wonderful. The white bean has sage undertones and is a hearty meal on its own. The chicken vegetable is surprisingly complex and filling, and the chicken tortilla has interesting cumin/garlic stuff coagulating. When I told a foodie friend that I went to DGS on its opening day, he asked if I could taste the local water in the soup. You most definitely can't even though B-ton's water is quite distinct. Obviously these soups are simmering and developing the right kind of flavor. The lines are getting long and I am sure the word it spreading fast. Go to DGS for a quick, hearty, inexpensive meal. Btw, the 16 oz containers hold a lot of soup. I can put a fair amount of food away but have yet to tackle that size.
(4)MsAnthro P.
The soup is darn good. If you want soup, go here. The selection is large and offers many vegetarian and vegan options. The Squash and Shrimp Bisque was fantastic. The borscht, amazing. The cheddar broccoli was great and I'm usually not a fan of cheddar broccoil. Cream of Mushroom? Duh. Winning! The only one I've had so far that's been a little underwhelming is the Mulligatawny, which is flavorful but contains dry chicken that looked as if it had been cut from a loaf of pre-cooked chicken rather than simmered in the soup, thus picking up the flavors and staying moist. Unfortunately, my soup cravings and those of my friends are few and far between and lessen the warmer it gets, so I hope this place is able to survive in the spring/summer months. This is a great carry-out option if you work nearby, but I agree that a sandwich or two on the menu might further entice lunchers. The service is friendly and the music playing is good, but it's not a terribly comfortable place to stay and have lunch if you happen to be tall or large (or, God forbid, both), as the booths are those hard unmovable wood types that are often too tiny for people of height and/or girth to fit in without kicking their partners repeatedly under the table or without said table digging into their guts. Note to anyone starting new food businesses: Don't alienate the fatties (who are often more likely to want to pay for your food on a regular basis) with uncomfortable unrealistic seating options. ;)
(4)Carl G.
Quite possibly the best bowl of soup I've had! I had the chicken tortilla - the soup was well-seasoned and didn't have too much broth. With the accompanying whole-wheat baguette, the bowl of soup was enough for a meal by itself. The menu is almost exclusively soups, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It was fun to eat at a restaurant with such a specific niche, a niche they do incredibly. I'm already planning on making it a point to come back for future trips to Bloomington! Go here!
(5)Mackenzie W.
My boss is a hard man to please, but for the past three weeks he has continually come in to the office and raved about this place, bragging about all the soups he ate. One of my coworkers said "Don't you need a sandwich or something?" and he said "No, you don't understand. These soups are so delicious and hearty you do not need a sandwich at all." And, well, I agree with him. I was feeling under the weather today (thanks, fall, giving me a cold!) and really wanted nothing more than a warm bowl of soup. As I was begrudgingly blowing my nose and attempting to locate what I had to make a soup, I recalled what my boss said. And I thought--you know, it's a straight shot from my apartment to where it's at; I might as well run there, get some soup to take home, and try it. When I showed up, they were in the process of making a fresh batch of Chicken Tortilla and Mulligitawny -- while I had been hoping to get the chicken tortilla after checking the website, I shrugged and asked if I could taste test the Zucchini Pesto (as I have a passion for anything Zucchini). The guy at the counter grinned--apparently if there's no line, you can try any soup you want, and hey, there was no line! So I tried it and was immediately -delighted-. It was delicious. I got some soup (with a wheat baguette), some salad, a drink, and went home. The place was small and cute -- the price was good, I feel, for how much food I got (Seriously, this is a whole meal--I didn't even need the salad; like my boss said, for a good soup you do not need a sandwich) for under ten dollars. And the soup was fresh, felt like it had been lovingly made. The service was good too - -the guy behind the counter was fantastic, and the chef who talked to me too was really a good guy. I highly suggest it.
(5)Kate W.
This good was better that darn good it was great! I had the mulligatawny soup and it was delicious (though apparently it was supposed to have tart green apples and I didn't taste any). Still amazing soup and the "Best" Cream of mushroom ever lives up to its name. Huge chunks of chicken, full slices of mushroom, YUM. This is not like some soups where you are not sure what or where the ingredients came from. If you are deciding whether to go for great soup that is the end of the post all you need to know is go! Now my concerns first of all. It is really just soup. No sandwiches and limited salads. I mean it is almost summer and it is going to be hot. The students are gone and I just hope they are prepared to make it till fall. Hopefully they have cold soup and outdoor seating for the summer but they should start advertising that now. Secondly, styrofoam, come on! If I eat in I want a bowl for the satisfying clink of eating and finishing a delicious bowl of soup. To go Styrofoam is alright but I would still rather paper. To end great soup but I stick by my above issues and really hope they can make it!
(4)J J.
The soup is good -- no question. But it's almost all rich & high in fat. More brothy options would be nice. But my biggest gripe is that EVERYTHING is plastic, or worse, styrofoam. And *no* recycling. I don't think I can go back again. It's really too bad.
(3)Nicole B.
I used to be a huge fan of Darn Good Soup- until the last three times I saw their daily soups posted on Facebook, drove across town for a specific soup, and then be told that they are sold out. UGH! I have traveled across town TWICE for their Lobster Bisque, which they rarely offer, and both times had to settle for something else because they were sold out. (and this isn't even a late lunch, I'm talking between the hours of 12 and 1pm!) So sad! Their chicken tortilla is decent, that's usually my "go to" when they are out of the one that I want. Stay away from the Broccoli Cheddar. It was awful.
(3)Mark P.
went here upon recommendation and to have the curry cauliflower soup. Wow. That soup was so good--this isn't the place to go for atmosphere, this is kick ass soup.
(5)Ally L.
A-OK at what they do! The soups are fantastic, they have vibrant "clean" tastes and the texture/ratios are well done. I've only had the chicken tortilla and butternut squash/coconut but loved both. The only thing is they need to expand their menu a little bit, my suggestion would to be add maybe 3 or 4 really well done sandwiches or maybe offer some cheesy garlic bread as an option. I don't eat here very often because while the soup is excellent, it keeps you full for about 2 hours at the most...not very cost effective.
(3)John S.
All I can say is WOW! The variety and quality of the soups here are amazing.
(5)Jami L.
Awesome selection of soups. Always vegan and vegetarian avail. Bread is great. Always a satisfying comforting meal. I LOVE this place.
(5)Ross S.
Wide variety of fresh soups, large portions, good service. We went here on a cold day, and it hit the spot! Would go back here.
(5)Jill V.
This was a delicious find in downtown Bloomington! They offer a different (and wide) selection of soups each day, half of which are vegetarian (and include one or two vegan options). You can get a filling bowl of soup and a piece of bread for less than $5 (although I recommend purchasing an extra piece of bread - it's cheap and you'll want it for dipping).
(5)Jim O.
Great variety of tasty soups, a lot of comfort food types. My only complaint is they won't let you taste.
(4)Kurtis B.
Great food! Owner is honest and friendly. He doesn't skimp on the ingredients. Nothing like hot tasty soup on lousy tasteless day to make you feel better. Chicken Tortilla is my favorite so far. One of my new favorite joints in Bloomington.
(5)Meredith M.
I usually don't get excited about soup, but WOW. This place is awesome. Try the sausage and pepper. Or anything else, for that matter! It's too bad they don't have more space and seating, but we've not really had a problem getting in at lunch time. Nice portions, reasonable prices, and plenty of options for people with different culinary preferences (vegetarian, gluten free, so on). The salads and bread are ok, but not really my thing. Just go for the soup, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Tema K.
Now this a place I just keep coming back to. Good soup with a nice piece of bread for a great cost! It is perfect for all seasons and it is a lovely place to have a long chat.
(5)Kate W.
I love this place! I've been here three times, and every soup I have had has been incredible. I especially like the Seafood Chowder, Beef Bourginon and Potato Poblano soups. This is a great place to go for a cheap but filling lunch or dinner!
(5)Natalie J.
Soup was delicious! Music was darn good, smells were good as hell, the front clerk however was in an awful mood and was completely rude. I may have found her on a bad day, but as a server at a busy restaurant here in Bloomington, sometimes you have to put your silly mood swings aside. Good food. Horrible service.
(3)M M.
Tried Darn Good Soup for the 1st time today...definitely made some darn good broccoli cheddar :) Will be returning for sure. My only suggestion (if the business owner even reads this!) is maybe have some reading material options available somewhere, even if just the daily newspaper. I went solo, not a big deal, but it would be nice to 'lose myself' for 10-15 while dining in and enjoying lunch if that makes sense. That being typed, it doesn't detract from the overall experience of a happy tummy!
(5)B C.
In town to visit my 104 year old great aunt over at RedBud Hills. We were walking around the square and saw the name Darn Good Soup. We couldn't resist and glad we didn't. There were so many choices. We got a large Carrot Ginger soup to take back to the Walnut Street Inn where we were staying. It was delicious! So much so that we went back to bring some soup to my great aunt.
(5)Ed M.
I get a different soup on each visit. Homemade, fresh and delicious with 8 or so choices that include Vegan and GF options. Always a great meal. Staff is friendly and service quick. No frills on the square downtown.
(5)Lynn J.
You can't go wrong here as long as you do enjoy soup. Specials change and are delicious and fresh. There is plenty of choice. Flavorsome and meaty soups, not thin. Easy, affordable lunch on the square and not to be missed.
(5)Ellen F.
I rarely seek out soup, but if ever the mood strikes DGS is the only way to go. Each soup that I have tried has been fantastic and surprisingly filling. Negative: they use styrofoam bowls even for dine-in orders
(4)Bre R.
Ate from here for the first time today because I really wanted some soup. I looked on Facebook and saw that they had the Chicken Tortilla (their most popular) and New England Clam Chowder (one of my favorites) available. I noticed that they have had the same selection of soups for the past three days according to Facebook. I wasn't very thrilled about that because I don't even eat my own leftovers three days later. Oh well, I really wanted some soup, so I ignored this aspect and got a small Chicken Tortilla and a small Clam Chowder so I could try them both. The Chicken Tortilla was pretty good, but it didn't meet my expectations from the raving reviews of other Yelpers. The New England Clam Chowder was very disappointing. It wasn't creamy enough for my liking and there was an overwhelming herb flavor that was just about all I could taste. I will definitely stick to getting that soup from Lennie's. Oh, and the prices are steep for soup. I get that it's located on the square, but $11 for two small portions of soup? Meh. I probably won't be back. 2.5 stars
(2)Stanley W.
Really great soup in sometimes not the best packaging. I've had soup to go here a couple times, and my girlfriend really appreciates the vegetarian options available here. My personal favorite is the potato poblano, and their NE clam chowder was spot on as well. Try everything once! You really can't go wrong here. Great portions, cheap, and tasty! Its almost perfect, but twice times I've had the bottom of the cup fall off and have the soup fall out during the walk from DSG to the IMU. I'm not ashamed to admit that licking the soup off the bag was still incredibly tasty, but I really would have preferred spooning it out of a cup. Soup: 3/5 Packaging: 0/5 Service: 3/5 Diversity: 5/5 Price: $/$$$$ Satisfaction:Price- 4/5
(4)Charcy L.
Their soup price is very reasonable and low, but a little salty, I like their eat their soup with bread because soups are very creamy!
(3)Stephanie G.
We love this place. Every time we are in Bloomington we stop by and eat here, then pick up some to take home with us. Our family includes 2 vegans and an omnivore, and we all find delicious choices at Darn Good Soup. Today, my son and I had the spinach lentil soup and my husband had the cream of mushroom- all yummy. We even bought a container of chicken tortilla soup to take to Granny. Always friendly staff here and they offer samples of everything to help you make up your mind.
(5)Hunter A.
There are hardly words to explain how phenomenal this place is. I came down with a bit of a cold 3 days ago, so I figured it would be a decent time to try Darn Good Soup. I have now been 3 times in 3 days and have tried 5 different soups. There isn't much point in suggesting what to get, because it would be impossible to walk away disappointed no matter what you choose. I will say that I've always loved chowder, and the seafood chowder was the best I've had from New England to Fisherman's Wharf and anywhere in between. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm almost happy I got sick just so I could discover this place when I did. When it gets cold this winter, I may just live here. My only suggestion for this place would be to get a bigger sign and change the name to "Earth-shatteringly Fantastic Soup."
(5)Jason D.
A great restaurant concept that has been quite successful over the years. Recommended even when it is warm outside! There are both hot and cold soups, and the menu changes frequently, encouraging customers to return to try different items. One thing that many people dislike is the fact that they do not allow samples of the soups before ordering. After asking the owner why, they ended samples to eliminate wait time, and move the line faster, along with preventing people from simply trying soups and leaving. Don't stress over the taste, it is worth the surprise. The staff is friendly, and knowledgeable about every ingredient as well.
(5)Haley T.
Two words: Beef Bourguignon. It was DIVINE. My tummy is so happy and full and I can actually say the same about my wallet. Came here with friends for lunch this afternoon, we sat and chatted and soup'd for a good 45 min. I had the BB and a salad with their house balsamic mustard vinaigrette - also quite delicious, but their salad is typical, nothing to write home about - and my friends had the chicken tortilla soup and enjoyed it immensely. Will be back soon, perfect weather for soup now.
(5)Christina V.
First time here tonight. I had the seafood soup. Yum-- with scallops and shrimp in abundance. Very filling and delicious. No tasting here, but I asked the waiter's fav soup, and he guided me right!
(5)Ed M.
You just can't go wrong with any daily selection. Vegan & GF options available daily and the ingredients are openly posted online. The only place I'd consider going out for a bowl of soup.
(5)Jennifer C.
I love this place. Their Italian Wedding soup is amazing. Just had the broccoli cheddar yesterday and they did not disappoint. If you haven't tried this place it is a must!
(5)Danny G.
This place has some "darn good" soup fitting the name properly. Their daily soups change everyday for the most part, giving each experience a possibiltity to discover your new favorite flavor. The only darn problem is that they won't let you sample the soup. I know the used to , and I don't know the real reason why they stopped.It just seems risky to try new flavors 'blindly'. This is the only reason DGS doesn't get 5 stars.
(4)Nicholas L.
Really, really solid with an array of soups of all kinds. Some are definitely stronger than others, but there's an excitement to trying something new.
(4)Jamie S.
Ever since I moved to Bloomington I've heard a lot of hype about their soup. Now that I've finally tried it, it definitely lived up to the expectations! I had the chicken pot pie soup and HIGHLY recommend it. I was pleased with the variety of their menu, but felt the prices were a little high. The interior is also nothing special and although I had originally planned to dine in, there weren't even any seats available to make that an option. But the tasty soup makes up for these setbacks and I'll definitely be going back in the future!
(4)Jennifer G.
This place should be called fucking good soup. Every soup I have tried has been delicious.
(5)Erin G.
I love this place and so will YOU if you give it a try! Locally owned and operated. Situated in DownTown Bloomington IN on the South West Side of the Square. They always have such Darn Good Soup! (yeah sorry about that lame puniness thing!) There are so many yummy choices and they always have at least one or two Gluten Free, two or three Vegetarian, and one or two Vegan at a minimum, as well as their delicious "Normal" soup choices too! The soup is made fresh daily and with fresh wholesome ingredients. You don't have to worry about BPA's or GMO's if you eat here! They identify ingredients clearly so if you, your friends, or family deal with food allergies this is a great place to visit as well! They have short waits, the food is super yummy, a friendly staff, and you can eat in or get it to go!
(5)Regina W.
I had the Red Beans and Rice (vegan) and it was pretty tasty. I did think $6.75 was kind of a lot for a large cup of soup--but I guess that might be an average price nowadays. I also do like that this place has a large selection of vegan and vegetarian soups as well and is also locally owned. However, a star was knocked down because it's a deal breaker for me that even if you order to eat at the restaurant, you still get your soup in a styrofoam container with a plastic spoon. I would of much preferred a real bowl and soup spoon for dining at the restaurant.
(3)Melissa S.
Every soup I've had is delicious. Service is friendly and the price is right. The last two times I've been in the restaurant it's been really hot. Like, take off your sweater hot. So maybe better for takeout.
(4)Caroline K.
Had the cheesy tomatillo today. Slight tangy, spicy, and potatoey. Yum! $6 is a bit pricey for 16oz, IMO, but the service was fast. The multigrain bread was a bit dense, though.
(4)Robin K.
Awesome group of people & homemade soups. Got the last of the Lobster Chowder today! The server was super friendly & personable. Soups will fill your belly with goodness!
(5)Luke P.
Gotta try the gumbo here. Great local place and cool environment. Servers are super friendly and all soups are made in house. They rotate their menu every day so there's always a surprise! Check their Twitter for updates. Loved it and I'm not a soup guy. They changed me.
(5)Christiana R.
There is nothing better than your mom's chicken noodle soup or three bean chili on a cold, rainy day...except for soup from Darn Good Soup! I have tried a variety of the soups and have never been disappointed. Some of the flavors have even inspired me to try to recreate them at home. My favorite is the classic chicken tortilla soup. I do wish they would give you a ceramic bowl for dine-in orders. Even with dine-in you get a disposable Styrofoam bowl. It would be environmentally friendly and a little classier!
(4)Jon A.
I've tried two different soups here and both have been excellent. The only complaint I have is that they do not allow tasting, and many of their offerings are unique enough that I'd prefer to taste before ordering. A large order of soup is definitely enough to fill me up for lunch.
(4)Chris K.
Soup: good but maybe not darn good. I had the chicken tortilla. I wouldn't say there's anything special about it, but it was just right. Satisfying and flavorful soup and they don't shortchange you on the chicken like they could. Prices: darn high. I was visiting Bloomington from L.A. and this was the only place I visited where the prices reminded me of home. It's reasonable but for what this place is, the soup should be a buck or two lower. Interior: darn crappy. If you're going to charge high-ish prices for soup, you should make the place feel the same way. Those old beat-up booths are not old enough to be endearing. They're just run-down and that's what makes 6 bucks feel like too much. Carbon footprint: darn crazy. I hate styrofoam and it's everywhere here. I picture the owner to be like someone who bought a Hummer just to spite environmentalists. Vegetarians/vegans: darn accommodated. Verdict: Overall not quite darn good. I'd call it "Decent Enough Soup."
(4)Krista R.
You think you're a decisive person? Eat at DGS and guess again. I promise you, whatever soups du jour are being offered, you will hesitate. You will stumble. Even after you decide, you may find yourself changing your mind at least once. Daily offerings include choices like cream of mushroom, spicy jambalaya, chicken tortilla, vegan lentil spinach, west African chicken peanut, butternut squash, lobster chowder, beef paprikash... Go with a friend so you can at least try two!! Check out the daily offerings at their website: darngoodsoup.com
(5)Dina D.
Darn Good Soup is a great local soup joint, perfect for filling up on a cold day. They have salads and ice cream too, for those not into soup. They always have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as soups with meat. Check their web site for what's offered that day, or come in and roll the dice on a delicious soup. They usually have some unusual choices, but sadly they don't allow samples before you buy, so it's a bit of a gamble. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it's a bit weird. The Sweet and Sour Pork soup was one that didn't pay off and fell into the odd category, but we figured that when we ordered it, so it wasn't a huge disappointment. The Nate's Beef and Tomatillo was good, but surprisingly thicker and more sour than I was expecting. The Jambalaya is on the mild side, but good. The Chicken Tortilla is always a safe choice, and surprisingly a bit spicier than the Jambalaya. Their soups tend towards stew thickness, I keep hoping for a brothy soup but haven't found one yet. Regardless of whether you eat in or take out, your soup will come in a styrofoam cup, filled to the brim. I've had a lot of soups that I like here, and have gone out of my way to try different styles of soups. However, after trying about 12 or so soups I haven't found one the I LOVE yet. Overall, Darn Good Soup is a good choice, quick and filling. It's not necessarily cheap, but it's worth it.
(3)Chathura K.
Worlds best soup; without any argument. When I traveled to USA for the very first time, I wasn't the biggest fan of US food. But even then, this soup was just amazingly tasty for me, I think that they have designed their recipes having done lot of studies and covered almost everyone's preferences in tastes. A cup of soup is very thick and heavy, and that is more than enough for a person. Extra bread can also be ordered; and I love their very fresh multi-grained bread. The variety of soup also very much impressive. Specifically in the outlet I experienced/visited in Bloomington Indiana, the Staff is very friendly, and of course very quick; especially, they are very very honest people that you could have your faith on. One of my friend has taken his change money USD 20 less without noticing. But an employee who work there, visited us handed over that USD 20 note to my friend. So, if you ever see any 'Darn Good Soup' place; just do not think twice to have a cup of soup.
(5)Joshua C.
I ate here only on one occasion and was completely satisfied. I took my order to go so I can't comment much about the experience at the restaurant except to say the staff was friendly while ordering, etc. The soup I ordered (some sausage something...can't remember exactly) was very good. I plan on eating here again and at this point would recommend it to others.
(4)Paige M.
The soup is delicious. Wonderfully spiced and fresh ingredients. The service is quick and the staff is friendly and helpful. You can't go wrong with Darn Good Soup.
(5)Jennifer H.
So delicious! I love this place. I'm actually sort of addicted. I check their menu regularly and have tried a wide variety of their soups. Their gumbo and hoppin' john soups are particularly awesome! I also find it really helpful that they list all of their ingredients, for each soup, online.
(5)Dennis B.
Ok, every time I go there, I find a new favorite. Today was the Beef Bourguinon...simply incredible!!! last week was the Lamb and Barley Stew. Fantastic!
(5)Kate D.
So with all these food options in the square this is where I go for a cheap and delicious meal for two! We have had four different soups now. One vegan, the potato pablano. Nice mellow heat! Goes great with the multi grain bread. Last week I had the loaded potato with bacon it was good to, great to take home and thin out actually. The ginger pork was delightful as all the veggies were stewed soft and melded together great! The chicken tortilla was killer last week. It's hearty got some heat. I love taking these to go cause the large is more than enough for two meals! Highly recommend this place for passer byes looking for soup. It's simple and scrumptious!
(5)Gregory C.
This is probably the fourth time that I have eaten here and I have not had a bad soup yet. Today I had the beef Paprikash and it was outstanding! It does seem to be a bit pricey but for the quality of the soup it is a bargain. Went here for lunch again today and I still have to say that this place is fantastic! We have been here at least six times and I have not had a bad soup yet.
(5)Jimmy M.
If you are looking for something simple and delicious than this is a good fit. Just on of the square in the heart of Hoosier country, this is the perfect place if you don't want a full blown meal but are looking for something quick, yet full of great flavor. Seating is limited, but there are some great spots outside, or at the beer bar just two doors down where you can sit with a slightly larger group. I am a huge fan of mushrooms, and I have found that a lot of cream of mushroom soup puts too much emphasis on the "cream of" and not the "mushroom". Darn Good Soup's cream of mushroom soup is the best I have ever had. The worst part about it was that I didn't have enough money to buy more. Reaching the bottom of the soup cup was the worst part of my day. Their other soups are phenomenal as well. I have never heard a bad word from anyone and the prices are more than reasonable for the quality of the soup.
(5)Mister M.
I would put them more in the stew category not really a soup kind of place. There is really isn't any broth kind of soups, mostly thick mushy stews. They are pretty good, at least a few I tried.
(4)Stella W.
one of the better soup places i have been to! well, we have soupbox and other soup places in chicago, but man....i wish we have DGS here!! unlike the chicago places, their soup are not salty and super thick!!! i had the white bean with andouille sausage and then came back the next day and had their lentil and spinach...both are like stew-ish..who doesn't like thick soup that fills and warms you up in the winter :)
(4)Bernard F.
Soup is excellent, service is quick, staff is friendly. Can't really ask for much more. Vegetarian/Vegan soups are about a dollar cheaper than soups with meat. If you dine in, they give you slightly more soup than if you carry out. They also have Ice Cream from Hartzell's, though I haven't tried it yet.
(5)J G.
A good selection of soups - I wish they had some kind of sampler flight like a brewery. We had a chicken stew (Calabacitas) and the Italian wedding soup. The chicken was a tasty melange of flavors & ingedients, primarily chicken & squash. The wedding soup was loaded with meatballs. Great lunch on a rainy day.
(4)Rubious K.
I like Darn Good Soup (which I sometimes think of as That $%&%$^& Soup!) in most ways. It's a great alternative for lunch downtown. The soups are tasty and very filling (if anything, they can be on the over-rich side) and the prices are very reasonable. (I especially like the chicken tortilla soup.) I really only have one complaint. Guys, please figure out a way to make the restaurant a bit more sustainable! In 2013 I almost cannot believe that everything is (a) served in styrofoam (b) which is then thrown out. The styrofoam is terrible to begin with, but then there isn't even any way to recycle the stuff??? This is basically totally unacceptable... I almost feel compelled the boycott the place until they sort this out. I won't, because I like the soup, but it feels terrible to toss my bowl into the garbage can to go straight to a landfill. Check out Laughing Planet to see the right way to do it. Yes, it's work to wash out bowls, but that's what needs to be done... or at the very least figure out some kind of recyclable disposable bowls.
(4)Sky S.
Darn Good Soup is my favorite restaurant in Bloomington. DGS is fast and delicious. They are efficient. They serve 10-12 soups a day that are always hot and ready, including vegetarian and vegan options. Chicken Tortilla is their most popular soup, rightfully so, it is amazing. Bowls of soup run from $5-7. Go once, I promise you'll go again.
(5)Aaron W.
When I seen the Soup Nazi on a certain TV show a long while ago, I thought to myself that it would be cool to have a place that specialized in soup. Soup so good that it warranted strict protocol and impeccable etiquette. This place has come along in my life and fits the bill! While not quite run by Soup Nazis, I wouldn't shy away even if it were because the soup is awwwwwwwwwesome. They are pretty strict about NO SAMPLES at ANY TIME (which sucks, because they have around 10 soups on at any time and it can be hard to choose!) So, I just say "Show me this one or show me that one." They open the lid and lift a brimming ladle. I then imagine it as I slurp it from the styrofoam container with a buttered chunk of multi grain bread in hand. Every soup I have tried here has been great. Some favorites: Split pea and ham. (Just like the mushy peas served alongside fish and chips in Ireland/England but with thick cut bacon added.) Cream of asparagus. Shrimp bisque. Chicken and sausage. Gumbo. Always have had great service from the hip(ster) staff and enjoy chatting with them.
(5)Bruce S.
If you want soup this is the place to go. Everything I have tried is darn good.
(5)Myranda F.
This place is within walking distance of the Hilton. Food: I got a small broccoli and cheddar soup($5.99). It came with a baguette. The bread was about 2 1/2 inches long and about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The small was about 16 oz. I was expecting about 8 oz. I would compare it to a "bowl" in the bowl vs. cup category. The broccoli and cheddar had a very flavorful aroma; very potent. I was hoping for chunk of broccoli, but it is puréed in. It wasn't the best i have Ever had but it was good. It was very filling; I could only eat half. This is a cream base soup; as to be expected. This soup IS vegetarian. I also got a large soda (24 oz) for 1.75 which is cheap in my opinion. My meal all together was $6 and some change. Service: I went at 12:30 on a Wednesday and it was pretty busy. No place to sit down as the store was very small. I got my food to-go and they put it in a sealed container and wrapped it in seran wrap. The guys were pretty helpful and moved fast and I got a few smiles and "thank you"s. I will likely go back before I have to leave to try the chicken tortilla soup, but as far as satisfying a broccoli and cheddar soup craving, I wouldn't chose this as my first choice.
(3)Christina T.
Love it! They have a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian soups. They tweet and post online what the soups are of the day so you can check before you go. When you are there, you can also ask to see what the soup looks like before you choose. You get bread or crackers with your soup and I would suggest getting a large because its only $1 more and you can always eat more later! I love it for a day where I am either sick or hungover.
(5)Celeste M.
Came here wanting the potato and leak soup and they were out! I was so mad. Got the minestrone instead, it was pretty good. Husband had the chicken tortilla soup and absolutely loved it. I really want to try the lentil spinach soup and will be returning for it.
(4)Erica O.
The name of the restaurant says it all! That was some DARN GOOD SOUP. My daughter will be attending IU in the fall, so we are in Bloomington for a Spring Experience event, after a 3 hour drive we were hungry, wanted something light on the stomach but heavy on taste! We hit the jackpot with this place. I had the best seller, the chicken tortilla soup with the grain bread. The small would have been perfect for 2, but I decided to just indulge and eat it all by myself (minus a teaspoonful that I let my daughter sample). My daughter decided on chili with the white bread and it was a delicious dish as well! We were full and completely satisfied when we left Darn Good Soup. It's a little pricey for soup, but it was well worth it and will definitely go back every chance I get.
(5)Cecilio P.
As far as soup places go, this is one of the best I've ever had. Quick service, clean eating area and delicious soups. What more could you ask for?
(5)Sierra S.
I had the vegan tomato and cashew soup. IT WAS FANTASTIC! With just a little spicy kick. Other offerings sounded good enough for me to return soon. Staff was pleasant. Not much seating but I took it to go and enjoyed back at my downtown office.
(5)Praveen D.
Awesome soups. Great place. good pricing. And decent settings and music. they have good variety of soups for vegetarians
(5)Shaun K.
I cannot count the number of times I've driven by Darn Good Soup and wondered to myself if it was worth a stop. Finally my culinary partner in crime and I decided to venture into the unknown. As I walked toward the front door I was a bit nervous, as I noticed older booth-style seating, and not much of it. The place was packed with people, and as if the universe had known we were coming in, there was one table open. I ordered the Italian wedding soup, which I've had several times in other manifestations, but it had always been made with noodles as opposed to the traditional method of using bread. It was very good. The broth was light, but full bodied and the meatballs had a nice sear on them which helped to deepen the flavor of the soup. I'll have to admit the bread floating around in the soup was far from beautiful, but once I ate that first spoonful it became a non-issue. I was also able to sample the mulligatawny, chicken tortilla, and butternut squash soups thanks to my culinary counterpart. All three were good and you could tell they were definitely made in-house and not dumped into a warmer from a bag like some of the soup and sandwich chains we all know and love. I would definitely recommend this place to someone looking for a quick bite that doesn't involve a drive-thru. I think I recall reading the back of an employee's shirt that said something about it being healthy and quick, which is so very true. Their website is updated daily with their soup selections, making it even easier to decide whether to stop by.
(4)Bridget K.
How have I never been here before today! So close to my house and so good! I'm a sampler, so I got 4 different kinds to bring home. Chicken tortilla, mulligatawny, Italian Wedding, and Butternut Squash. My favorites were the chicken tortilla and the mulligatawny. I hate mushrooms, but in the mulligatawny they weren't even noticeable. Great flavors in both. The Italian Wedding was delicious and light, just wasn't my fave because I was in the mood for a heartier soup. The butternut squash was two carroty and needed salt. I've made this soup a lot at home and I prefer it without carrots at all much less a carroty flavor. I wouldn't get this one again. They have such a great variety and the people that work there are really nice and quick. Definitely recommend.
(4)Joshua G.
Ammaaaazing soup. I got the shrimp gumbo chowder and it was inspiring. I savored every bite and lifted the bowl to the mouth to get every last drop down the hatch. There is very limited menu. Just soup white or wheat bread and salads. But if you come here you're only coming here for one thing only and that's soup. They interchange the menu daily and i'm pretty sure they keep their website updated as to what is special that day so make sure to check that out. Every time i'm in Btown this will be on the top of my list for lunch joints for sure. Thank you Darn Good Soup.
(5)Jessika G.
I haven't had a soup here that I didn't like. They always have vegetarian and vegan soups which is great. They lose a star for using so much styrofoam. I'd go here much more often if it didn't feel like I was ruining the planet every time (it's where I keep all my stuff!)
(4)Danielle G.
Delicious! Darn Good Soup is a great addition to the local eateries in Bloomington. The soup is filling (you don't need a sandwich), the service/seating area is unpretentious, and there are a few additional options if you want a little more than "just soup" (salad, cookies). I felt like my soup could have been poured out of the styrofoam cup into a nice glass bowl, served at a classy restaurant, and nobody would have known any better. Who needs a fancy bowl, anyway? I'll keep the change and eat my soup. :)
(5)Nikki P.
I've not had a soup I dislike there, and thus would be willing to try anything on the menu. I stick to the vegetarian soups, but luckily the ever-present spinach lentil is DELICIOUS and NUTRITIOUS. And filling. That's the stigma with just eating soup, right? That you'll be hungry before long. Not so with this selection. Soup nazi vibe another reviewer mentioned -- a little bit at first glance. But the guy running the place is actually super nice. Just don't ask for a sample, then it's all NO SOUP FOR YOU. Boo for all the styrofoam and plastic. It's wasteful and detracts from the dining experience (this is probably why I don't get salads anymore -- too hard to pierce/cut raw veggies with plastic utensils). Also, would love to see something on the menu like a flight of soup. Can you imagine? I'd have to eat it from heaven, because I would die. Happy hour promo, perhaps?
(4)