The Laughing Planet is the epitome of Bloomington - local sourced foods, funky atmosphere, everyone is welcome, incredibly accommodating to all lifestyles (carnivores, vegans, vegetarians, etc). This isn't your mama's burrito, well it could be. The menu offers some classic and creative quesadillas, salads, soups, and burritos. Don't miss the special burritos featured, especially the Thanksgiving one with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce! My favorites include the Highway to Kale salad (and I hate kale), Where's the Beef, and the mushroom soup is awesome. Sit inside at the beautiful Bella Bella tables inside or enjoy the weather and downtown atmosphere at the picnic tables.
(5)
Iris T.
I love burritos and quesadillas. I pretty much love everything that Laughing Planet offers, which was why I was so reluctant to come in. We had a gift certificate and it had Laughing Planet's name on it, so we went at around 7 PM on a Tuesday. Why was I reluctant? I knew that no matter what, I probably wouldn't like my food as much as I could because though they served mostly vegetarian food, I was sure their salsas contained onion and/or garlic in some shape or form. I was also under a strong suspicion that a lot of their other ingredients were prepared with them as well. Not wrong. We ended up building our own burritos because in addition to ALL of the salsas being off limits, half of the ingredients were prepared with it too. :( At least we weren't stuck with a salad? However, even with our custom burritos, our choices were still limited. I got brown rice, cheese, spinach, olives (though I don't remember tasting any...), and Asian veggie mix. Hubby got his stuffed with brown rice, cheese, fresh jalapenos (he thought they would be pickled, haha... he regretted his decision to include them because they were the spicy jalapenos), and broccoli. It was like unseasoned steamed veggies over rice rolled up in a tortilla. We were also offered a pseudo-salsa that was essentially diced tomatoes and cilantro, which gave it a perfect amount of acidity and flavor that it was otherwise missing. Yay for a somewhat healthy dinner? :) Also, thanks much to the girl stuck taking our order. She took out this HUGE recipe binder from the back and went through every question we had on what we wanted to add (but mostly couldn't). It was also her idea to make that tomato-cilantro 'salsa' which saved the burrito. If I come back, I would definitely ask to have the 'salsa' included INSIDE the burrito. I just wish it was more stuffed because one side of it had too much tortilla. As such, although the food was lacking, which seems to be the case at most places here except for a very, VERY small handful, the service and help was great. The place was easy to find and decor was quirky and fairly clean. I just wish they didn't use so much onion and garlic in everything!
(3)
Stanley W.
Quirky, unique burrito place with a lot of options. Its nothing special, and even though everyone tells me this is the original, its missing a lot of the things that make the Portland chain great. Ingredients are much worse in comparison, have much fewer options and are even missing many categories. Most alarming, they don't have any special burritos using the best ingredients of the season. I think they only have 5-6 salsas here too. Its pretty much just a stripped down, lower quality version of the Laughing Planets in Portland while keeping the same price.
(2)
Peter N.
We ordered delivery from Laughing Planet on Labor Day and the food was absolutely wonderful. The vegan options really hit the spot.
(4)
Vam K.
My go to place when I'm in Bloomington. So many options for vegetarians/vegans and carnivores alike. And the best part is, if you don't like what they have made up, you can create your own! Bowls, wraps, burritos, salads, have what you'd like! The best part? Many of the ingredients used are locally sourced, which they let you know on a chalkboard by the register. However, be warned, the portions are huge! If your appetite is big (no judgment here) you can add ten more ounces for less than two dollars. Highly recommend this spot!
(5)
Jason D.
Laughing Planet, although not 100% vegetarian, sure makes vegetarian food delicious. Their burritos are unique, and definitely quite delicious. The staff is very friendly as well. The cafe also offers a wide variety of organic drinks which are worth a try. Probably one of the best places to go if vegetarian.
(4)
Ellen F.
The food is decent and I like that they use locally sourced ingredients. It can be reeeally slow during the lunch rush so I would not recommend it to someone with any time constraints.
(3)
Ronak S.
It's hard to go wrong with a menu as versatile as Laughin Planet's for any meal of the day, and yet it's a unique enough find that it really has no competition on Kirkwood. Yes, Chipotle is just a few doors down, but beyond wrapping hot things in tortillas, there's really very little the two share in common. The availability of Thai, Cajun, and Greek inspired fare, plus the selection of genuinely locally-sourced ingredients, makes Laughing Planet its own force in the ever-impressive Bloomington restaurant scene. That said, Laughing Planet has always been a fallback restaurant for me if I can't make up my mind, or if I'm with a group and don't want to argue. It's that sentiment that keeps them from getting five-stars. While 4th Street is filled with food that I actually crave -- yellow curry from Little Tibet or red lentil soup from Anatolia -- Laughing Planet's flavor is understated enough not to stand out. While the menu on the whole is impressive in variety, each individual item is fairly straightforward. A signature salsa or dish or ingredient, like Chipotle's cilantro-lime rice, made help make the food bounce a little more, but maybe that's besides the point. Maybe it's this very "something for everyone" menu that keeps the business going. It'll definitely keep me coming back when I need a bite and don't want to think too hard about it.
(4)
Anne J.
Got the BBQ burrito. Wasn't amazing, wasn't terrible. I had to add some Bbq sauce to it- seemed a bit lacking. The pork, however, was fresh and juicy and the slaw inside is delicious. The chips and guac are almost 5 bucks- totally not worth it. Don't be tempted! They're not that great either. The burritos are, however, relatively fairly priced. I didn't opt for the mondo and I'm happy with my decision- it's definitely still a huge burrito. I'd go here again- but the chips and guac is a scam.
As much as I like their food, my order is either always wrong or never gets brought out. Certain substitutions, like soy cheese, cost extra and I am not told that at the register. My patience with Laughing Planet has run out, as it sucks to be with friends and have the order screwed up, so we are unable to eat at the same time. Also, while the food is good, I have found some items to be overpriced. Save yourself the money and headache by buying the ingredients yourself -- you will enjoy that experience much more.
(2)
Robin K.
This cuisine isn't necessarily my favorite, but I happen to love mushrooms and they had an excellently flavored mushroom soup. Great local establishment with healthy options.
(3)
Reality C.
Crazy, fun, healthy combinations of ingredients in their monster burritos. FANTASTIC veggie chili. EXCELLENT food whether you're veg, vegan or not. GREAT place to check out when visiting B-ton.
(4)
Sarah B.
When I was in college, forever ago, I ate at Laughing Planet many times. It's not overly exciting or super amazing but it's good! I'm pleased with the vegan options for sure. It's a place where a group of people with different eating needs/wants can go. I love to get the Steamed Veggies, beans and rice bowl. I really like that they give you cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and carrots. I love that mix. They veggies are fresh and never frozen, they have a crunchy snap, just the way I like it. You have a choice of black or pinto beans, you may add meat or tofu and it's all served over brown rice with a side of salsa. I get the mild, the hot is way too hot for me! What I like about this dish as well as their others, is they don't add sauce. The veggies and rice were just steamed, I can't stand when great items on their own are overly seasoned. I like my food earthy, that's just me. Returning to Laughing Planet as a 33 year old now and a full vegan, I still like this place. They really have something for everyone! They have tons of add ons and tons of dressings. Like I said, it's not real exciting but I'm happy with this place. It's a bit dirty on the inside and sometimes hot. It's a college town and this place fits it perfectly.
(4)
Jacob W.
I have been coming here for the past 4 years. One of the best restaurants in Bloomington! Super fresh ingredients. The burritos are killer. If you have a friend visiting who likes to eat healthy, definitely the spot to take them. Also, the Holiday Burrito is worthy of its own review. One of the best food items I have ever eaten.
(5)
fred n.
Use to be my favorite place to get a quick bite the food has went down hill lately so we hardly ever eat there anymore. Too bad I really miss sitting outside in nice weather.
(2)
Lori W.
The Laughing Planet is amazing! We were in town for a volleyball tournament at IU, and were in search of good, local, healthy options for our team when we found The Laughing Planet. What a GREAT find! Michelle was incredibly helpful through the whole process, and was able to work with her team at TLP to get the entire order for 24 hungry kids ALL CORRECT, and on time! Thanks for making ME look like the rockstar to all these kids, when YOU guys are the real rockstars! We will definitely be using y'all again, when we come back into town!
(5)
Joshua C.
This is a good place for healthy options including salads, burritos, quesadillas, etc. The atmosphere is a bit like a hippie revival but for a healthy meal it's a nice option.
(3)
Kurt B.
3.5 stars. This is less a "burrito" joint than a hippy joint that's wrapping some things in a tortilla. But this isn't an insult, I like that you can get beans, rice, and greens for lunch, and in this way it does a service to Bloomington. I don't think the flavor is particularly impressive, but I like the effort. They do meats, vegetarian, gluten free, etc. A good place to take someone with diet restrictions, and I'll return. But I wont crave what they serve.
(3)
Laura B.
The Jimmy the Greek burrito was the best burrito I have eaten in my entire life. I ate it 10 minutes ago and am so passionate about it I've already texted several friends and am now writing this review. Will be back again soon.
(5)
Dalia D.
I am sad to say that after 5 years in Bloomington, I still go to this rat hole because it's just upstairs from Soma (my second home). Although the soups are pretty decent, the quesadillas, burritos, and salads are all garbage food: tasteless, oily, and very poorly conceived. The staff is cool and the space isn't too bad, but this is NOT the place to go for happiness.
(1)
Lisa H.
I was surprised to see some of the reviews on here because I loved my burrito. I got a tofu burrito and really liked it, good amount of spice and the burrito was nice and hot (definitely not microwaved like the person below asserts, I saw them preparing some of the ingredients in this little oven and also it ends up being wrapped in foil) Of course my review is only based on one meal but I will definitely be back to try more. Price was the same as chipotle/qdoba but quality so much better, definitely will not be going to the chains in town anymore. They have other stuff besides tex-mex and they have meat too, I just appreciate that they also have tofu and seitan as an option.
It is hard because I really like Laughing Planet burritos. The food is fresh and tasty, the prices are relatively reasonable, the location is prime. It is just so unfortunate that the staff, and the service, is really the WORST in Bloomington - if not the world. On the whole, staff members are rude, embittered hipsters who seem more concerned with chatting amongst each other than tending to customer service. I have seen customers treated egregiously and I have experienced terrible treatment myself. The overall attitude in that place is unbearable. It is sad because I would probably be a daily customer if not for the staff ... but the service is, indeed, SO bad that I feel more comfortable just a few steps away at Chipotle or Qdoba. I cannot support this establishment anymore and I know many others feel the same. Time for new management?
(1)
Nick P.
Very disappointed in the service. The last two times I've been there, the staff has dropped the ball big time. The first they told me the wait would be 15, but ended up taking over 30min! The second, they forgot ingredients I had added that totaled $3.50. The food is great, but I'm sorry to say I don't give third chances.
(1)
Katie B.
I have to admit: I always get the same thing. The Pestato burrito. Potatoes, pesto, beans, rice, cheese, salsa - delicious. They have nice outdoor patio seating, but I also like sitting inside at the window counter which overlooks all the happenings outside. Very veggie friendly.
(4)
Jenna C.
Delicious burritos with fresh healthy ingredients. My fav is we got the beef. The Cuban is also good too. Can get in a burrito or a bowl. Very convenient location and right in the middle of downtown. Only downside is that the parking can be hard to find, sometimes have to find parking streets away.
(5)
M B.
Amazing! That's the one word for this place.We went there twice in two days and loved our meals on both days (except for 1 dish). We ordered the Pestato burrito and the Cuban burrito. They were both delicious. The pestato had the taste of fresh basil pesto and the combination of the ingredients was fantastic. it was moist, very well mixed in and a pleasant surprise to my palate. The Cuban was even better. I didn't know what to expect with plantain, sweet potato and yam in a burrito (too sweet??) but it was out of the world. Don't be scared of this one if you aren't fond of sweet food. It is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy (we got hot salsa in the burritos). We also tried the Amazing Grace quesadella and again the spices and combination of veggies was delicious! The last dish we ordered was the Asian bowl and I have to admit that wasn't great. It had no real flavor and we weren't impressed with it. Also know that they don't have regular sodas. They have cans like cream soda and cola from a small company (not pepsi or coke). Oh! and where can you beat guac(delicious!) and chips for $2.99?? This place is a must-try as it's a different twist on mexican food. Delicious vegetarian food! The servers are also really friendly in explaining any questions we had.
(5)
Marie P.
Though they're not to everyone's taste, I love their burritos. Their salsas are delicious, you can eat on the patio, and (very important) you can take it downstairs to Soma so you don't have to pack up everything to take a lunch break while studying. I usually get the Pestato, it's awesome.
(4)
Amy D.
I've been coming here since 1994. Although it has changed owners a couple times the food is still delicious, healthy, reasonably priced. GREAT for vegetarians but also serves meat. Spinach Black Bean Burrito, and Veggie Burger are my favorite. Fun artistic atmosphere with large deck to people watch and best of all...you can bring your dog! They even supply water on the deck for dogs in summer. Soma is right below LP and has pricey but good coffee drinks. Do yourself a favor and check out the downstairs bathroom. Definitely original.
(5)
F.C. B.
It is very easy to order vegan burritos at Laughing Planet. The burrito of the week can always be ordered vegan, and although cheeses are listed in almost all the pre-designed options up on the chalkboard, the staff seems to happily accept substitutions. So order whatever you want! Also, if you should for some reason decide you need more food than their standard serving sizes (which are probably reasonable for normal human beings, honestly), any of the burritos can be ordered with the "mondo" option so that you can eat even more. This tends to work out well unless the burrito in question is full of lentils, potatoes and such, in which case you might feel as though you've eaten a brick, but then, you're not forced to ask for things to be larger. So you'd have done it to yourself.
(5)
Danny B.
If instantaneous travel were possible, this is a place I would go regularly. I love that nearly everything at the restaurant is vegan, but it is so good that rather than questioning it, people come back for more of the huge cookies, moist cornbread, or the delicious Hungarian Mushroom soup (all of which are vegan). Then there are the burritos. I agree with previous assessments regarding a Californian influence. The only thing I would add is try the Smoky the Bearrito if they happen to have it. It is a little spicy, but so good. Finally, the service here is very friendly and caring. The first time I went, my burrito came out with beef instead of a meatless protein option (seitan). I mentioned it to the cashier and he took care of it, apologizing endlessly. I came back two days later with a group of eighteen and we all well taken care of without any mixups or a long wait.
(5)
Sam T.
Bloomington is weird. Like, I've never been here. I thought the demographic would be hicky. I mean, it is. But where did the cute gay boys and vegan lesbian come from? Fuck me. Please. My burrito was totally microwaved. But it was $5. I literally spent under $20 on cigarettes, lunch, coffee, and mailing a package. Wtf? That would cost at least $40 in New York.
(3)
Jon A.
An update is necessary to put the focus on two incredible aspects of this place: 1. They gave me (and everyone) a heart-shaped cookie on Valentine's Day. The kooky kids would say, "adorbs," and, thus, I will say it too... adorbs. 2. I've been here nearly 10 times, and I've ordered a different burrito every single time, and every single time it's been an incredible journey. How many places can you say that? It doesn't matter what you order here -- from seitan to chicken to the special of the day to their new pulled pork (Gunthrop!) options... every. single. item. is spot on. Extra point: don't give up on your burrito and think you should grab a fork; don't do it! Use your hands, and follow the rest of the directions on your table. Often I consider driving 38 miles each way just to have another new burrito.
(5)
Jenny W.
My husband and I went here for lunch based on the fact that they have vegan/vegetarian options. After scoping out their menu online, I was pretty excited about their quesadilla options! It was quaint & looked like a hip cafeteria on the inside. My husband ordered a bean burger with mushrooms vegan cheese. It looked pretty yummy and he gave it a 7 out of 10. I had the Amazing Grace quesadilla which had cheese, corn, salsa fresco & cilantro pesto on it. It was a nice size, and filling. The cilantro pesto was a little overpowering but still yummy. I did not enjoy their or tails chips - definitely tasted funny & were pretty heavy. Personal preference, though, bc my husband liked them. My BIGGEST pet peeve about this place was that they do not have ice for their drinks. They have water & two types of teas in plastic dispensers. They weren't super cool, and without ice I felt like I was drinking room temp water, which I just don't like. I'd go again, but I'd be sure to take a large cup of ice & my own tortilla chips! :-)
(3)
Layne P.
This place has the MOST tasty burritos. The quesadillas are awesome. Portion sizes are ample. The decor is classic Bloomington.
(5)
Sara P.
I always longed for work meetings near campus, so I could visit Laughing Planet afterwards and satisfy my burrito craving. I typically ordered the daily special burrito, which was a unique combo of ingredients you wouldn't otherwise think would mesh together (i.e. the Cajun and Spicy Curry versions, or seasonal Thanksgiving harvest, Christmas holiday, and Krampus burritos). As a fall back, I depended upon the delicious Cuban burrito with tofu, black beans, sweet potatoes, plantains & BBQ sauce. A small order of chips and salsa on the side would round out my meal. I adore the homemade salsas that accompany the burritos, especially the tropical fruit-based ones. If you are not in a burrito mood, I recommend the Asian veggie bowl with the coconut-curry peanut sauce...but the burritos reign supreme. I've not visited Laughing Planet since the remodel, so I hope it still retains some of its former hodgepodge colorful charm. Service was average, dependent on whomever was behind the counter.
(4)
KJ M.
VEGAN REVIEW Five enthusiastic stars for this, the Burrito Planet. Why yes, I would love a soup of the day. What? You say they're all vegan? But the cornbread can't be, right?... (squeak) it is? And most of these baked goods, here? And you put vegan sour cream on this burrito for me? AND I can have half tofu, half seitan? *sniff* Cheap, locally-sourced, and always a fun place to see and be seen. Try more than one thing on the menu before you give up -- sometimes the burrito of the day is SPECTACULAR, sometimes it is more puzzling, but you will definitely find something you enjoy. Plus, they deliver, foolz.
(5)
Nate S.
Hey, I used to live in Eugene, OR, so LP's hippie shtick is positively tame. Their food, well it's altogether planetary, if not quite cosmic. I ate the Cuban, and since its had both sweet potatoes and plantains I was thoroughly happy. Plus, adding some of their extremely frisky habanero salsa took me damn near nigh to Jamaica. Beware, though, since my burrito was screaming hot. The biggest knock on LP is that they have no beer, and that's no laughing matter.
(4)
MJ W.
I adore Laughing Planet. I lived in Bloomington for over ten years and I would come here often. I am glad to see not much has changed since I was here last. The pepsi machine is gone, everything else is the same. It was exactly as I remember it. I suggest the chicken burrito with pinto beans. I recommend getting a fork, pealing back the top layer of foil, taking your first bite, and eating out the top 3rd with the fork, peal back more foil, take a few bites, and so on. The last few bites are messy, but so good. I drove one all the way back to Indy and my wife agrees, the best burrito. PS Yelp, I would NOT call Laughing Planet Mexican.
(5)
Jessika G.
Love the special/rotating burritos, regular menu is good too, there are lots of non-burrito options as well like soups and quesadillas . Very veg and vegan friendly You can order your food and sit downstairs in Soma to eat it if you want
(4)
John M.
Great, innovative burritos and skinny jeans - not much more to say than that. Local ingredients and interesting ingredient combinations make for a fantastic alternative to Chipotle, etc., and you feel better knowing you're supporting an independent in town. Had a couple of the the burritos - the backyard BBQ and another I can't remember, but they were both excellent and we commented the entire time about how we'd never to to another burrito place again if we lived in Bloomington. We also got a basic quesadilla for our daughter which was really good - cheese and fresh pico, very tasty and pretty big. I want plantains, sweet potatoes, tropical salsa, and awesome pulled pork on all of my burritos from now on. People working there were very friendly, and it's a super hip, funky little joint. Like it.
(4)
Aya R.
Cheap, good food. It can't get any better than that. A very hip joint with latin fusion spilled all over. Craving some mexican food, but not the gas and indigestion? Laughing planet hits the spot! Parking is the only thing that sucks. :/
(4)
Dave F.
Had a Cuban burrito. It was unique as it had sweet potatoes and some other items you typically would not get in a burrito from say chipotle or qdoba. I enjoyed the unique taste, but it could have been warmer and better spread of the fillings. Wait time was a little longer than typical burrito places, but I can't fault them too much as they put out a decent organic product. The decor inside is a bit different, but they have plenty of outdoor seating for those who can't bear to be within the confines.
(3)
Anthony N.
Not sure why there's all the issues with the environment. It's quiet in the back, has plenty of seating inside and out, and the food is quite good and healthy. Sure, you might run into your run-the-mill hipster every once in a while, but they keep to themselves and don't bite. I agree with Annie here - their "Pestato" burrito is yummy and one of my personal favorites. A great place to take your vegetarian friends!
(4)
Sarah R.
I'm pretty fiercely loyal to Moe's, but Laughing Planet changed that. It's been on my "Bloomington Bucket List" for a while, and I'm so glad I finally went. I love how they use fresh, local ingredients--and the value is insane. I've definitely paid more at Moe's for less-than-awesome Mexican. Is it authentic Mexican? No, but that's okay. Every item on the menu has a fun twist to it, whether that be adding pesto to a quesadilla or what have you. Plus, they have a variety of fresh juices and tea on tap. The atmosphere is fun and breathes well; you can observe all of the hipsters as a plus. What's even better? Soma is right downstairs, and there's outdoor seating. I only wish I would've visited Laughing Planet sooner. Yum!!!
(5)
Elizabeth C.
I really like the thai burrito they make. It is vegan. Do the tropical salsa as advised.
(4)
Ellen G.
Good food. I like the atmosphere, too. Not the friendliest of staff, as many of this vegan/hipster places are -- but worth it for the food.
(4)
Anna W.
While I have to respectfully disagree with calling this "mexican," I think it's great. I would call it hipster American fusion before labeling it with any ethnicity. Anyway Their food is REALLY good. I had a spinach burrito and I added guac to it. I like the fact they add brown rice to their burritos. (sorry, this is a very disjointed review because I am gawking at the train wreck that is Sister Wives right now. Why do people watch this show?) Anyway Atmosphere is good, value is GREAT (2 healthy burritos, plus one I added guac to, for $14. I think that's pretty great.) Outdoor seating is great. Decorations are interesting in a polished kind of way. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Sue O.
The Laughing Planet is my go-to place. I'm especially fond of their black bean spinach burrito and yummy guacamole. I love that they use a steamer and lots of fresh veggies. Also a plus that they recycle their aluminum wraps.
(4)
Kajal S.
The burrito I got was decent but a little over priced. Maybe I didn't get the right thing. The ingredients were however very fresh and organic. The environment is really nice however the service is horrible. I'd be willing to try it again only because I've heard great things and my friends dishes were apparently great.
(2)
Katie B.
THE hipster eatery in town. The Hungarian mushroom soup is heaven.
(5)
Nicole J.
I had the thai-me-up bowl and the East Indian burrito (a daily special) The thai-me-up bowl had zero flavor. The only thing that saved it was the side salsa and my own spices at home I added. The burrito was okay, nothing to rave about. The prices are very high for the quality. There are much better places in Btown to grab a healthy lunch.
(3)
Leila V.
This is my go to lunch spot.. It is really good, but I would call it more California influenced Mexican than Tex influenced. The quality is good, but there can be inconsistency. The Zapitista salad and Nacho Mama are good, but get the new beef burrito for a real treat! My only wish? BREAKFAST TACOS!!!
(4)
Tom H.
The food, when it's packed correctly, is pretty good, but more highly priced than other burrito joints. About half the time, the order is wrong, even if it's a small order. Check your stuff politely. There's a tax for paying for the "local" content of the food. Hot is not hot enough for those that want an epithelial layer removed with their salsas, but it's good enough. The flavor and content of the food is pretty good. This is not Taco Hell. What's not good enough is the hygiene of the cooks. They don't wash frequently enough, or long enough. Handling money, then cooking without donning gloves or washing thoroughly, is a no-no. I've seen this happen. Headzup: management-- reinforce sanitary habits. I return now and then, but I'm not sure why when I see or experience the same problems.
(2)
Suphie W.
Hey!!! Well, I must say that, the location of this place, being next to a jewelry boutique, and, like previous authors/authoress's, have said, a cafe, this place is awesome. With a multitude of fresh-producing plants, plentiful seating, and good company (i.e., your friends) this place has the potential to create wonderful memories!!! :) Also, I agree that if my memory serves me right, :), which it, most usually does, this place is not strictly "Mexican" I don't remember anything Mexican about it!!! Suphie
(3)
Matthew N.
I heard Laughing Planet is all organic, so me being a health nut, I wanted to check it out. It was definitely not over nor under-hyped. You first notice the hipster atmosphere. Although hipster, it is a very warm, inviting hipster. Not those cigarette smoking, judgmental hipsters. And this hipster serves some damn good burritos. I got something along the lines of a green chili burrito. It was vegetarian, and it was probably the first time I had opted for a vegetarian entree in the presence of meat. It sure was a great choice. It tasted delicious, but unfortunately this ended up being a very fiber-filled burrito.. Oh and they have Frank Zappa art up in that bitch! I love Frank Zappa. They have this sick display of a 10-piece collection with each one of Frank interwoven into a letter spelling out "F-R-A-N-K Z-A-P-P-A" with psychedelic and abstract paintings. I wish I could buy one, or all of them.
(4)
Phillip W.
Disclaimer: I'm not a vegetarian. Were I dietarily restricted to a dozen restaurants in Bloomington, I might feel better about this place. I went for the spinach and black bean burrito, which came with a side of pleasantly hot salsa. Salsa labeled "hot" is too often "medium" in practice. The burrito came with no sides, but even if it had, I wouldn't have eaten them. Steamed spinach is quite filling, turns out. No beer or alcohol available, but they have a nice selection of sodas not made by Coca-Cola or Pepsi. The papaya juice is labeled with a photo of MLK, which prompted a chuckle. Atmosphere is a bit pretentious, but I had shielded for it.
(3)
Bridget F.
With so many vegan options and local produce selection, plus their enticing specials and location right above the favorite coffee house (Soma), I frequent Laughing Planet quite a bit. Servings are large. There's ample seating. Overall, it's usually* fantastic! (*I say usually, because I once got sick after eating there and a friend who also have LP lunch also felt sick, so I had a bad taste in my mouth regarding LP for a bit after that.)
(4)
Drew D.
Five or six bucks will get you a burrito with a healthy bent. Filled with brown rice, beans and your choice of fillings, with a few standards (Cuban, Veggie, etc.) and a rotating special. Vegetarian/vegan options abound, usually served by tattooed Bloomingtonians. I don't get the comments about rude service; this is essentially fast food in the busiest off-campus stretch of shops. If you're friendly, they're generally friendly back. Unless you're really square, in which case, what are you doing here? I kid. Burritos are served foil-wrapped and piping hot with a side of salsa, and you won't need any chips to fill up on, though a bowl and a side of the hottest salsa isn't a bad idea to split amongst friends. Dine on the picnic tables outside and take part in Bloomington's best spectator sport, people-watching. Oh, and the restroom has a bathtub. I always think about turning the knobs, but fail to act---a Bloomingtonian I am not.
(3)
Meagan B.
Laughing Planet is the a great place for a fresh lunch in Bloomington. All the burritos have fresh, colorful ingredients which makes it a pleasure to unwrap and know you are getting nutrients! I love any of the seasonal burritos particularly in fall when they have pumpkin involved. OOH the tastes of fall. I recommend the Thai Me Up. You can add on any thing tofu, seitan, or chicken, I've had it every way and it is really great. It comes with a light, tasty fruit salsa. The Chips are good too. Honestly. NO COMPLAINTS!
(5)
Frank T.
I was torn between giving this funky place either 4 or 5 stars. I settled on 5 for one reason: the vast array vegetarian options. For those of us who don't eat meat, its tough to find a good burrito joint with lots of options. When going to most burrito fast-casual chain restaurants, one is generally left with a single option: black bean (warning: most pintos are cooked in beef broth) burrito with some veggies thrown on as an after thought. Not at the Laughing Planet. They have numerous options for vegetarians and vegans alike: seitan, tofu, vegan cheeses, homemade veggie burgers, and a number of not-cooked-in-meat-broth beans are a common theme throughout their menu. For the carnivores among us, you will still be happy, as they have plenty of meat options. Oh yeah, while waxing about their food I forgot to mention all this: nice portion size, cheap prices, a hip ambiance, large (non-alcoholic) drink options, patient staff, and quasi-quick service.
(5)
Lauren Y.
This is a solidly nice burrito place. The soups are very good too. They have a heavy hand with the black beans. The salsa selection is nice and it is served on the side. If it's November the thanksgiving burrito shouldn't be missed. Love that burrito. Usually the specialty burrito is very good. They do not have fountain soda, but a nice selection of not so corporate fizzy drinks. The portions are much smaller than approximately four years ago but the prices are now lower than about two or three years ago. I realize that may sound confusing, but I think you get my drift. The staff is snotty and if they give you a smile consider yourself lucky. On a nice day, it is nice to sit out on the deck and eat.
(4)
Aubrey R.
I am lactose intolerant enough that I can't eat cheese...but they have this Pesto Feta Quesadilla that knocks my socks off, so I have to eat it anyway. Also, there's a bad-ass coffee shop downstairs so it really just doesn't get any better than that for me. Considering what the food is though, it is definitely over priced which is why it gets four stars.
(4)
Carly C.
The food is so-so. The environment is awful and uncomfortable. That is, of course, unless you're a stuck-up hipster like every member of the staff. They are very intimidating and aloof, which is cool in movies but in real life if I'm going to pay $8 for a burrito and $3 for an apple spritzer, I want my server to not be a douche. No thanks.
(2)
Matthew W.
Guh. Laughing planet blows. They don't put any salt on their food. It's like hipster wannabe central. Even though I have a preference against burritos of any kind, these are especially bad.
(1)
Christine A.
Incredible burritos and the decor cracks me up. It's funky, supports locally grown ingredients and has way more variety than Chipotle or Qdoba. It's great!
(4)
Jessica T.
Unique twist on Latino dishes. Was a little lacking in salt but I guess the ingredients were able to shine more without. Pretty good.
(4)
Sarah G.
I love Laughing Planet. They make eating out as a vegan so much easier. The staff are very nice and always helpful - they even informed me there was honey in the medium salsa, which was helpful because most people would not have thought of it. Their burritos as well as their soups are fabulous and the prices are very reasonable.
(5)
Wink B.
Great coffee, but something about Laughing Planet makes me want to punch myself in the face with kitten gloves. See for yourself.
(3)
Kara F.
I LOVE Laughing Planet and also love introducing people to it. While a lot of commenters hated the service, I personally think it is fine and have never had a bad experience. Besides, people who refer to the place's clientele and staff as "stuck-up emo ass clowns" and "hipster wannabes" CLEARLY don't get the atmosphere and probably never will. Go to Kilroy's for a hamburger or something. Anyway, Laughing Planet's burritos are amazing, with really unique mixes of ingredients, flavors and vegetables. I almost always get the special - I always look forward to the fall one, which just tastes like autumn goodness. The Cuban burrito is incredible - it's usually what I recommend for people who have never been to Laughing Planet before. They always love it! The Hungarian mushroom soup is also a favorite. The prices are great, and you gotta love the funky decor!
(5)
MsAnthro P.
I can handle the sometimes standoffish vegan hipsters at the counter. I prefer my food unsalted (that's what salt shakers are for). If I find something particularly bland, I add more salsa or ask for extra pesto or whatever. I enjoy knowing there are places downtown I can go for a filling, healthful meal. This said, the main problem I have with Laughing Planet is the distribution (or lack thereof) of the contents within the burritos. They really need to figure out a way to get as many of the ingredients together in one bite. As it stands, nearly every burrito I get has a rice section, a bean section, a cheese section, and so on. If they could get more of the quality ingredients together, I think the blandness everyone mentions would be a little less noticeable.
(3)
Maracatu B.
Freshest ingredients in Bloomington. Always leave the place feeling great.
(5)
Chloe D.
Maybe this place is decent if you haven't visited OTHER Laughing Planets. Our food was bland, parts of the order were forgotten, and we got about half the portion of the typical Laughing Planet. Wasn't terrible, no one got sick, but was less than meh.
(3)
Claire V.
Pros: Service wasn't bad when I was there. Very affordable. Great for vegetarians and probably vegans. My friends love the food. Cons: I think the food is utterly bland, and borderline inedible.
(2)
Josh B.
This place is a little slice of healthy mex heaven. I make it a point hit it up every time I'm back in Bloomington. Any of the burritos are great, AND HEALTHY! The food is all fresh and either organic or as close as it can come to it. The BBQ chicken quesadilla is right up on the top of my list along with the black bean humus. On top of everything it is also priced right. Healthier food than Qdoba and Chipotle and in the same price range.
(5)
Meghan L.
everyone shits their pants over laughing planet and i'm not quite sure why. unless they are literally shitting their pants, which is entirely possible. there's something in all of their burritos that gives me violent diarrhea. i would give them two stars if it weren't for three things: 1) pretty good mushroom soup 2) pretty good salads 3) the fact that it is by soma, cactus flower, and td's. mostly that last one. if your friend is a vegan (and if you live in bloomington, he probably is) he is probably sitting at laughing planet. because he won't return your calls. because he figures you'll just "run into each other at the show." because he's high. but the food's not like, blow your mind great, you know?
(3)
Jason H.
I'm consistently underwhelmed. The ingredients seem fresh, and the flavours and combinations on paper/menu look great. But for some reason I end up leaving thinking, "I can make this. I just need to buy the ingredients." So ... yeah, it's a hipster joint, mostly affordable, lots of veggie options (and meats). But I keep wanting to like it more.
(2)
Nicey J.
We drove all the way out here from terre haute to get a burrito. A place that boasts tons of vegan/ vegg fare .. especially BURRITOS! is a place for me.. I was severely disappointed. I had the spinach burrito.. It was ridiculously under seasoned. Like where was the flavor? WHERE! I waited more than an hour to eat you and you LEFT ME HANGING! it took all of like 15 minutes to get food @ a place where you " bus your own tables" and that would not have been so terrible if the establishment had an air conditioner, because it was steamy hot like, annoying hot there. They forgot to put my guac.. blech, they like hide the ice, or something they have a filtered water thing, and cups, and straws, all out for you to get but the ice is behind the counter! WTF? how does that make sense.. maybe I would have liked it better had I not ordered a burrito that I love so much @ another establishment. I should have tried something more unique to them, I just don't see how you can mess up a spinach burrito. SMH
(2)
B C.
For most people this place appears to be love - hate. For me it is just okay. It's nice to have this sort of hippie food place around, but yes the food is a little bland. Yes it is a little over priced. And yes the staff are sometimes ironically unfriendly. But going to a hipster joint and complaining like the reviewers on here have is like going to a sports bar and complaining about an overweight drunk blowing smoke in your face. So just take in the skinny jeans, tattoos, 50's bangs, and all else interesting and enjoy your burrito. On the other hand you could go eat ground up spine at chipotle.
(3)
Brian H.
Great Burritos! Lighter, healthier alternative to places like Chipotle. They have a special burrito that changes frequently, and is usually pretty amazing. Jerk Chicken, Homegrown, and Holiday were my favorite specials. (The holiday was a burrito made of turkey, mashed potatoes, peas, cranberries, corn, with gravy 'salsa'. So good.) The chicken that they use for their burritos is pretty terrible, but I don't really go here for meat in my burrito.
(4)
Nan M.
Once you get tired of bland Chipotle burritos, you may want to check out Laughing Planet. They have lots of unique and tasty burritos, as well as some soups and sandwiches I haven't tried. The specials are always fun to eat, with offerings such as the "Holiday" burrito that is composed of gravy, cranberry sauce, potatoes, stuffing, etc. The pestato burrito is my favorite! The atmosphere is casual and fun. I've heard people hating on it as a "hipster" place to eat, but you're just missing out if you let that stop you. I've seen lots of older people with kids too. It's a great place to eat reasonably-priced burritos. Yum!
(5)
Jessica H.
I am a journalist and I recently brought a group of eight musician friends here while they were on tour, on the recommendation of friends in Bloomington, after our event. It was 9:35 pm, we had called ahead and they said they they were open til 10. At about 9:50 a woman started slamming the chairs down around us and we said "don't worry, we are almost done"-- and at 10 exactly, we started packing our stuff up, a few people were finishing up and throwing stuff away, and we look up and the entire staff is standing there glaring, and the cook comes out and stands there with her arms crossed--and it's 10:02. Not 10:15. They have been closed for two minutes. Some of us work and have worked in the service industry--we get it, but seriously, they had been closed--by their own clock FOR TWO MINUTES. As I made it to the door, I could see the reflection of one of the servers, in the other dining room giving us the finger and making obscene gestures, for the delight of her co-workers, and assumed we couldn't see. I was stunned. We had tipped someone minutes earlier who was no flipping us off. The women I was with had just driven 16 hours from Canada to play a show for children in Bloomington, and thats what they got. Thanks Laughing Planet, sorry we delayed you from whatever important other things you had to do for those FOUR ENTIRE MINUTES. You should just stop serving at 9:30, or tell people when they call that you are open until 10, but if you should be expected to be treated with outright hostility if you stay past 9:50 pm.
(1)
Alysse G.
The burritos were definitely unique. I think we has the Cuban with sweet potatoes and BBQ sauce. It was great. They charge extra for chips which is a bummer especially since they weren't very good.
(4)
Z K.
I was looking for a quick fix and I ran into this place right above Soma coffee. The place has good people that work there and it is pretty clean. The burrito I ordered was a simple veggie burrito and it was SUPER hot. Pretty filling and not as heavy as chipotle. The price was good also.l
(3)
Ally L.
I normally love vegetarian food, but I have never been a fan of Laughing Planet.....everything I have tried there has been generally bland and mushy. The vegetables always seem overcooked, but then again I like crisp vegetables in a burrito. Once in awhile I'll get the urge for one of their burritos, but that doesn't happen too often. As for the staff, the reviewer who said this place is run by a bunch of "stuck-up emo ass clowns" is pretty accurate. If you want a tasty vegetarian burrito, go to Qboba and get one with the grilled squash mixture.
(2)
Brett G.
Laughing Planet - How I miss you so.... You provided me with the most delicious meals of my college experience as well as a fun and delightful atmosphere. I would look forward to visiting each and every chance I got. Every burrito was a dream and dangerously good, and the salsa was extraordinary and a tasty treat. As far as those who say it is pricey, wait until you hit the "real world" outside of the college town. Start saving your pennies now. I would not hesitate to support a local business which the most amazing food of my college experience. Laughing Planet, I still think about you quite a bit and miss you terribly :)
(5)
Becky R.
I've just never liked this place. The employees are rude and the food is bland. I don't understand why anyone goes here.
(2)
Mae S.
We only ate in one place in Bloomington. Luckily this was it. The salad with chips and green salsa, lettuce, tomato, black beans, and sour cream was just right.
(4)
Merrill N.
Food, atmosphere, and service are always fantastic. There are a lot of wonderful places to eat in Bloomington, but this is by far my favorite. Actually my favorite restaurant period. The food is fresh and delicious, and the atmosphere is eclectic and cozy. If you don't like Laughing Planet, you're probably boring, and I feel sorry for you.
(5)
Marc K.
If you're not ready for burrito enlightenment, don't go to the laughing planet. Since the burritos have been pretty covered: My all-time favorite dang-quesodilla comes from here including mild-salsa sour cream and roasted potatoes. I don't know how they do it, but the tortilla was always perfectly browned and crispy. They have the coolest tables by a local artist, and the pin-ups of the digestive system in the bathroom is classic. Definitely a stand-out. Even my white-bread parents are big fans of the Laughing Planet.
(5)
Adam S.
Laughing planet is one of my favorite places to eat in Bloomington. They have good burritos ans naked burritos that are somewhat different from the standard Mexican ones like Qdoba or Chipotle which always taste so dry. They also have lots of stuff for vegetarians and vegans which I find really nice since its always hard to find that kind of food. It is also pretty pricey if you get anything other than the standard burrito.
(5)
Melissa K.
Wow an establishment that actually believes in the power of flavor in Bloomington! This place reminded me of home with all the hippies inside! Good food, I didn't feel like I was eating a bunch of crap. Went there several times--great salads with interesting spinach/yogurt dressing. One thing though, they charged me for extra dressing even though I didn't ask. It's a mere 35 cents more but it's more of a principle so make sure they don't pull that. Whole lot of interesting crap all over the walls. You bus your own table which is fine. Didn't try there burritos but people around me that were munching them down seemed pretty happy!
(4)
lauren p.
Yum! We came to town for a friend's wedding, and tried this place out thanks to another friend (and IU alum). Great food! Both my husband and I are vegan, and were blown away by the number of options. He got a cuban burrito and I got a pestato burrito, combining two of my favorite foods: pesto and potatoes. This place even has vegan sour cream. Yum! We got great vegan cookies for dessert, too. This was a great place to grab a lunch, and I hope to go back.
(5)
Aaron B.
I really enjoy Laughing Planet. I go there several times a month. My favorite is the spinach and bean burrito. The chicken burrito is good and their weekly special burrito's are almost always delicious and unique. Laughing Planet is a must try. As others mentioned, a great option for vegetarian folks.
(4)
Stephanie K.
After following Phish and the Dead around for several summers, the first thing I thought of this place was that it was strikingly similar to a Phish parking lot--veggie burritos, quesadillas, and the like. It's a great place for vegetarians and for nostalgic Phish heads, but don't expect anything fancy.
(3)
Daniel C.
Good, healthy burritos in a bohemian atmosphere. There's a nice outdoor deck for the warmer months. Great location; it's right on Kirkwood.
(4)
Courtney L.
best burritos in bloomington, hands down. sorry folks, but unless you are drowning it in delicious enchilada sauce, burritos should be served wrapped in foil! it is much easier to eat and the whole fork/knife thing is just plain silly. laughing planet uses fresh ingredients and is a much better decision then walking down the street to chipotle. just say no to white rice with cilantro mixed in! cough up the extra 2 dollars and go to laughing planet.
(4)
Becca S.
Laughing Planet is one of my favorite hometown/college lunch locales. While I am particularly fond of black bean/spinach/mushroom burritos with hot salsa (their hot salsa is divine), their Hungarian mushroom soup is so rich you'd swear it wasn't vegan (it is.) Special burritos, ranging from Thanksgiving themed to Tibetan-esque, give you flavor combinations you might never have assembled yourself. As a vegetarian, a quick lunch place with as much variety in products, depth in flavor, and general fulfillment as Laughing Planet is rare to find. Laughing Planet burritos are also extremely portable. They're great if you buy one before class and eat it after (they). You can throw them into a plastic bag (for protection!) and toss them into a carry on or into a suitcase and you'll still have delicious, wholesome food when you get to your destination. They do not sog, drip or squish on their commute with me to DC. Yes, I do bring Laughing Planet burritos all the way back to DC with me.
(5)
Adam S.
Even though chipotle opened a few doors down, i still go to this place for a burrito when i'm in town. Why? Because chipotle, while admittedly tasty, is also f'ing huge and makes you feel like crap after you walk out vs. laughing planet which tastes fresh, and won't add 5 lbs to your waist because of all the oil and grease used. Also, I just went on graduation weekend to laughing planet and while fairly busy, everyone behind the counter was very cool and it took less than 5 minutes to get my food delivered outside. Cool vibe throughout, this place is great and very cheap if you get the "classic"
(4)
Matt D.
The holiday buritto is heaven... Please make it all year long!
(3)
Abby L.
LOVE Laughing Planet. I miss it a lot now that I've moved away. Very healthy food. I always ordered the special burrito's: Cuban, Indiana Home Grown, etc. They were ALWAYS tasty. I also really miss the Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies, and I'm not even vegan. This place is healthy and cheap, and has a great vibe. I love sitting outside during nice weather.
(5)
Kyle V.
the food here really doesn't taste good to me. i never understood the obsession some people have with it...
(2)
John G.
Good food and value; lots of vegetarian items.
(4)
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Address :322 E Kirkwood Ave
Bloomington, IN, 47408
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No
Trish S.
The Laughing Planet is the epitome of Bloomington - local sourced foods, funky atmosphere, everyone is welcome, incredibly accommodating to all lifestyles (carnivores, vegans, vegetarians, etc). This isn't your mama's burrito, well it could be. The menu offers some classic and creative quesadillas, salads, soups, and burritos. Don't miss the special burritos featured, especially the Thanksgiving one with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce! My favorites include the Highway to Kale salad (and I hate kale), Where's the Beef, and the mushroom soup is awesome. Sit inside at the beautiful Bella Bella tables inside or enjoy the weather and downtown atmosphere at the picnic tables.
(5)Iris T.
I love burritos and quesadillas. I pretty much love everything that Laughing Planet offers, which was why I was so reluctant to come in. We had a gift certificate and it had Laughing Planet's name on it, so we went at around 7 PM on a Tuesday. Why was I reluctant? I knew that no matter what, I probably wouldn't like my food as much as I could because though they served mostly vegetarian food, I was sure their salsas contained onion and/or garlic in some shape or form. I was also under a strong suspicion that a lot of their other ingredients were prepared with them as well. Not wrong. We ended up building our own burritos because in addition to ALL of the salsas being off limits, half of the ingredients were prepared with it too. :( At least we weren't stuck with a salad? However, even with our custom burritos, our choices were still limited. I got brown rice, cheese, spinach, olives (though I don't remember tasting any...), and Asian veggie mix. Hubby got his stuffed with brown rice, cheese, fresh jalapenos (he thought they would be pickled, haha... he regretted his decision to include them because they were the spicy jalapenos), and broccoli. It was like unseasoned steamed veggies over rice rolled up in a tortilla. We were also offered a pseudo-salsa that was essentially diced tomatoes and cilantro, which gave it a perfect amount of acidity and flavor that it was otherwise missing. Yay for a somewhat healthy dinner? :) Also, thanks much to the girl stuck taking our order. She took out this HUGE recipe binder from the back and went through every question we had on what we wanted to add (but mostly couldn't). It was also her idea to make that tomato-cilantro 'salsa' which saved the burrito. If I come back, I would definitely ask to have the 'salsa' included INSIDE the burrito. I just wish it was more stuffed because one side of it had too much tortilla. As such, although the food was lacking, which seems to be the case at most places here except for a very, VERY small handful, the service and help was great. The place was easy to find and decor was quirky and fairly clean. I just wish they didn't use so much onion and garlic in everything!
(3)Stanley W.
Quirky, unique burrito place with a lot of options. Its nothing special, and even though everyone tells me this is the original, its missing a lot of the things that make the Portland chain great. Ingredients are much worse in comparison, have much fewer options and are even missing many categories. Most alarming, they don't have any special burritos using the best ingredients of the season. I think they only have 5-6 salsas here too. Its pretty much just a stripped down, lower quality version of the Laughing Planets in Portland while keeping the same price.
(2)Peter N.
We ordered delivery from Laughing Planet on Labor Day and the food was absolutely wonderful. The vegan options really hit the spot.
(4)Vam K.
My go to place when I'm in Bloomington. So many options for vegetarians/vegans and carnivores alike. And the best part is, if you don't like what they have made up, you can create your own! Bowls, wraps, burritos, salads, have what you'd like! The best part? Many of the ingredients used are locally sourced, which they let you know on a chalkboard by the register. However, be warned, the portions are huge! If your appetite is big (no judgment here) you can add ten more ounces for less than two dollars. Highly recommend this spot!
(5)Jason D.
Laughing Planet, although not 100% vegetarian, sure makes vegetarian food delicious. Their burritos are unique, and definitely quite delicious. The staff is very friendly as well. The cafe also offers a wide variety of organic drinks which are worth a try. Probably one of the best places to go if vegetarian.
(4)Ellen F.
The food is decent and I like that they use locally sourced ingredients. It can be reeeally slow during the lunch rush so I would not recommend it to someone with any time constraints.
(3)Ronak S.
It's hard to go wrong with a menu as versatile as Laughin Planet's for any meal of the day, and yet it's a unique enough find that it really has no competition on Kirkwood. Yes, Chipotle is just a few doors down, but beyond wrapping hot things in tortillas, there's really very little the two share in common. The availability of Thai, Cajun, and Greek inspired fare, plus the selection of genuinely locally-sourced ingredients, makes Laughing Planet its own force in the ever-impressive Bloomington restaurant scene. That said, Laughing Planet has always been a fallback restaurant for me if I can't make up my mind, or if I'm with a group and don't want to argue. It's that sentiment that keeps them from getting five-stars. While 4th Street is filled with food that I actually crave -- yellow curry from Little Tibet or red lentil soup from Anatolia -- Laughing Planet's flavor is understated enough not to stand out. While the menu on the whole is impressive in variety, each individual item is fairly straightforward. A signature salsa or dish or ingredient, like Chipotle's cilantro-lime rice, made help make the food bounce a little more, but maybe that's besides the point. Maybe it's this very "something for everyone" menu that keeps the business going. It'll definitely keep me coming back when I need a bite and don't want to think too hard about it.
(4)Anne J.
Got the BBQ burrito. Wasn't amazing, wasn't terrible. I had to add some Bbq sauce to it- seemed a bit lacking. The pork, however, was fresh and juicy and the slaw inside is delicious. The chips and guac are almost 5 bucks- totally not worth it. Don't be tempted! They're not that great either. The burritos are, however, relatively fairly priced. I didn't opt for the mondo and I'm happy with my decision- it's definitely still a huge burrito. I'd go here again- but the chips and guac is a scam.
(3)Andrew L.
The Laughing Planet Café offers a unique experience. This past weekend was the second time I had the opportunity of eating at Laughing Planet, and both times I had a hard time classifying the restaurant. Laughing Planet offers a fusion style cuisine, primarily using locally produced, organic ingredients. When you walk into Laughing Planet, you feel an instant vibe that differentiates it from its competitors. It has a lively, hipster feel that really embraces the artistic culture of Bloomington. When I surveyed the menu, it seemed to me that burritos were the go-to item. The selection was fairly extensive, and the variety of flavors was surprising. I'm an adventurous eater, but when it comes to burritos, I generally like to keep things simple. On this occasion, I decided to go with the "We Got the Beef" burrito - cooked with organic brown rice, Fischer Farms braised beef, avocado, sour cream, salsa fresca, and your choice of either black or pinto beans. You can also choose between mild, medium (verde), hot, or tropical fruit salsa on the side. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, Laughing Planet offers a number of burritos that I would consider to be more of a fusion style. The Cuban, Jimmy the Greek, and Thai-Me-Up burritos are all innovative, combing a variety of international flavors into burrito form. With 11 burritos to choose from (plus the option to build-your-own-burrito) there is a burrito for anyone who finds themselves at Laughing Planet. Personally, I really enjoyed the We Got the Beef Burrito. It's a full, and well-flavored burrito, yet not too overwhelming. If you are looking for volume, Laughing Planet's burritos aren't the biggest around, but they are good (and certainly original). During my visit to Laughing Planet, my friend ordered the Zappatista Salad. In her words it was, "One of the best salads" she had ever had. It was a mix of corn chips, black beans, jack cheese, mixed greens, salsa fresca, sour cream, and your choice of salsa. In addition to good flavors, the salad was quite aesthetically pleasing (see picture below). It was especially flavorful because it contained a mix of Mexican flavors and was prepared with fresh ingredients. Other options on the menu include quesadillas, veggie burgers, and soups. If I were to go back, I would definitely continue to try new things. Most of the selections looked pretty good, and I would imagine they are on par with the burritos and salads. Overall, I enjoyed my experience at The Laughing Planet Café. The ingredients were fresh, the food was reasonably priced, and the atmosphere was unique (in a good way). If you're looking for a casual lunch or an adventurous dining experience, check out it out. I guarantee you'll find a burrito flavor you never thought existed.
(4)Heurtebise K.
As much as I like their food, my order is either always wrong or never gets brought out. Certain substitutions, like soy cheese, cost extra and I am not told that at the register. My patience with Laughing Planet has run out, as it sucks to be with friends and have the order screwed up, so we are unable to eat at the same time. Also, while the food is good, I have found some items to be overpriced. Save yourself the money and headache by buying the ingredients yourself -- you will enjoy that experience much more.
(2)Robin K.
This cuisine isn't necessarily my favorite, but I happen to love mushrooms and they had an excellently flavored mushroom soup. Great local establishment with healthy options.
(3)Reality C.
Crazy, fun, healthy combinations of ingredients in their monster burritos. FANTASTIC veggie chili. EXCELLENT food whether you're veg, vegan or not. GREAT place to check out when visiting B-ton.
(4)Sarah B.
When I was in college, forever ago, I ate at Laughing Planet many times. It's not overly exciting or super amazing but it's good! I'm pleased with the vegan options for sure. It's a place where a group of people with different eating needs/wants can go. I love to get the Steamed Veggies, beans and rice bowl. I really like that they give you cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and carrots. I love that mix. They veggies are fresh and never frozen, they have a crunchy snap, just the way I like it. You have a choice of black or pinto beans, you may add meat or tofu and it's all served over brown rice with a side of salsa. I get the mild, the hot is way too hot for me! What I like about this dish as well as their others, is they don't add sauce. The veggies and rice were just steamed, I can't stand when great items on their own are overly seasoned. I like my food earthy, that's just me. Returning to Laughing Planet as a 33 year old now and a full vegan, I still like this place. They really have something for everyone! They have tons of add ons and tons of dressings. Like I said, it's not real exciting but I'm happy with this place. It's a bit dirty on the inside and sometimes hot. It's a college town and this place fits it perfectly.
(4)Jacob W.
I have been coming here for the past 4 years. One of the best restaurants in Bloomington! Super fresh ingredients. The burritos are killer. If you have a friend visiting who likes to eat healthy, definitely the spot to take them. Also, the Holiday Burrito is worthy of its own review. One of the best food items I have ever eaten.
(5)fred n.
Use to be my favorite place to get a quick bite the food has went down hill lately so we hardly ever eat there anymore. Too bad I really miss sitting outside in nice weather.
(2)Lori W.
The Laughing Planet is amazing! We were in town for a volleyball tournament at IU, and were in search of good, local, healthy options for our team when we found The Laughing Planet. What a GREAT find! Michelle was incredibly helpful through the whole process, and was able to work with her team at TLP to get the entire order for 24 hungry kids ALL CORRECT, and on time! Thanks for making ME look like the rockstar to all these kids, when YOU guys are the real rockstars! We will definitely be using y'all again, when we come back into town!
(5)Joshua C.
This is a good place for healthy options including salads, burritos, quesadillas, etc. The atmosphere is a bit like a hippie revival but for a healthy meal it's a nice option.
(3)Kurt B.
3.5 stars. This is less a "burrito" joint than a hippy joint that's wrapping some things in a tortilla. But this isn't an insult, I like that you can get beans, rice, and greens for lunch, and in this way it does a service to Bloomington. I don't think the flavor is particularly impressive, but I like the effort. They do meats, vegetarian, gluten free, etc. A good place to take someone with diet restrictions, and I'll return. But I wont crave what they serve.
(3)Laura B.
The Jimmy the Greek burrito was the best burrito I have eaten in my entire life. I ate it 10 minutes ago and am so passionate about it I've already texted several friends and am now writing this review. Will be back again soon.
(5)Dalia D.
I am sad to say that after 5 years in Bloomington, I still go to this rat hole because it's just upstairs from Soma (my second home). Although the soups are pretty decent, the quesadillas, burritos, and salads are all garbage food: tasteless, oily, and very poorly conceived. The staff is cool and the space isn't too bad, but this is NOT the place to go for happiness.
(1)Lisa H.
I was surprised to see some of the reviews on here because I loved my burrito. I got a tofu burrito and really liked it, good amount of spice and the burrito was nice and hot (definitely not microwaved like the person below asserts, I saw them preparing some of the ingredients in this little oven and also it ends up being wrapped in foil) Of course my review is only based on one meal but I will definitely be back to try more. Price was the same as chipotle/qdoba but quality so much better, definitely will not be going to the chains in town anymore. They have other stuff besides tex-mex and they have meat too, I just appreciate that they also have tofu and seitan as an option.
(4)Melinda S.
Though we may be the oldest people in this place, my husband and I visit the Laughing Planet Café fairly regularly. I prefer the burrito bowl, while he prefers the regular tortilla version. There are so many options and usually a great special, that I don't usually stick with the same one each time, but the Southwest Green chili is a favorite as is the Jimmy the Greek. Everything is made fresh to order and the kids that work there are always super polite and quick to take your order and serve your meal. I don't know why, but we always feel like we've eaten fairly healthy after we've left here and possibly done something good for the environment.... It's a great little treasure and when it's warm enough to eat on the limestone patio is an added bonus!
(5)B D.
It is hard because I really like Laughing Planet burritos. The food is fresh and tasty, the prices are relatively reasonable, the location is prime. It is just so unfortunate that the staff, and the service, is really the WORST in Bloomington - if not the world. On the whole, staff members are rude, embittered hipsters who seem more concerned with chatting amongst each other than tending to customer service. I have seen customers treated egregiously and I have experienced terrible treatment myself. The overall attitude in that place is unbearable. It is sad because I would probably be a daily customer if not for the staff ... but the service is, indeed, SO bad that I feel more comfortable just a few steps away at Chipotle or Qdoba. I cannot support this establishment anymore and I know many others feel the same. Time for new management?
(1)Nick P.
Very disappointed in the service. The last two times I've been there, the staff has dropped the ball big time. The first they told me the wait would be 15, but ended up taking over 30min! The second, they forgot ingredients I had added that totaled $3.50. The food is great, but I'm sorry to say I don't give third chances.
(1)Katie B.
I have to admit: I always get the same thing. The Pestato burrito. Potatoes, pesto, beans, rice, cheese, salsa - delicious. They have nice outdoor patio seating, but I also like sitting inside at the window counter which overlooks all the happenings outside. Very veggie friendly.
(4)Jenna C.
Delicious burritos with fresh healthy ingredients. My fav is we got the beef. The Cuban is also good too. Can get in a burrito or a bowl. Very convenient location and right in the middle of downtown. Only downside is that the parking can be hard to find, sometimes have to find parking streets away.
(5)M B.
Amazing! That's the one word for this place.We went there twice in two days and loved our meals on both days (except for 1 dish). We ordered the Pestato burrito and the Cuban burrito. They were both delicious. The pestato had the taste of fresh basil pesto and the combination of the ingredients was fantastic. it was moist, very well mixed in and a pleasant surprise to my palate. The Cuban was even better. I didn't know what to expect with plantain, sweet potato and yam in a burrito (too sweet??) but it was out of the world. Don't be scared of this one if you aren't fond of sweet food. It is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy (we got hot salsa in the burritos). We also tried the Amazing Grace quesadella and again the spices and combination of veggies was delicious! The last dish we ordered was the Asian bowl and I have to admit that wasn't great. It had no real flavor and we weren't impressed with it. Also know that they don't have regular sodas. They have cans like cream soda and cola from a small company (not pepsi or coke). Oh! and where can you beat guac(delicious!) and chips for $2.99?? This place is a must-try as it's a different twist on mexican food. Delicious vegetarian food! The servers are also really friendly in explaining any questions we had.
(5)Marie P.
Though they're not to everyone's taste, I love their burritos. Their salsas are delicious, you can eat on the patio, and (very important) you can take it downstairs to Soma so you don't have to pack up everything to take a lunch break while studying. I usually get the Pestato, it's awesome.
(4)Amy D.
I've been coming here since 1994. Although it has changed owners a couple times the food is still delicious, healthy, reasonably priced. GREAT for vegetarians but also serves meat. Spinach Black Bean Burrito, and Veggie Burger are my favorite. Fun artistic atmosphere with large deck to people watch and best of all...you can bring your dog! They even supply water on the deck for dogs in summer. Soma is right below LP and has pricey but good coffee drinks. Do yourself a favor and check out the downstairs bathroom. Definitely original.
(5)F.C. B.
It is very easy to order vegan burritos at Laughing Planet. The burrito of the week can always be ordered vegan, and although cheeses are listed in almost all the pre-designed options up on the chalkboard, the staff seems to happily accept substitutions. So order whatever you want! Also, if you should for some reason decide you need more food than their standard serving sizes (which are probably reasonable for normal human beings, honestly), any of the burritos can be ordered with the "mondo" option so that you can eat even more. This tends to work out well unless the burrito in question is full of lentils, potatoes and such, in which case you might feel as though you've eaten a brick, but then, you're not forced to ask for things to be larger. So you'd have done it to yourself.
(5)Danny B.
If instantaneous travel were possible, this is a place I would go regularly. I love that nearly everything at the restaurant is vegan, but it is so good that rather than questioning it, people come back for more of the huge cookies, moist cornbread, or the delicious Hungarian Mushroom soup (all of which are vegan). Then there are the burritos. I agree with previous assessments regarding a Californian influence. The only thing I would add is try the Smoky the Bearrito if they happen to have it. It is a little spicy, but so good. Finally, the service here is very friendly and caring. The first time I went, my burrito came out with beef instead of a meatless protein option (seitan). I mentioned it to the cashier and he took care of it, apologizing endlessly. I came back two days later with a group of eighteen and we all well taken care of without any mixups or a long wait.
(5)Sam T.
Bloomington is weird. Like, I've never been here. I thought the demographic would be hicky. I mean, it is. But where did the cute gay boys and vegan lesbian come from? Fuck me. Please. My burrito was totally microwaved. But it was $5. I literally spent under $20 on cigarettes, lunch, coffee, and mailing a package. Wtf? That would cost at least $40 in New York.
(3)Jon A.
An update is necessary to put the focus on two incredible aspects of this place: 1. They gave me (and everyone) a heart-shaped cookie on Valentine's Day. The kooky kids would say, "adorbs," and, thus, I will say it too... adorbs. 2. I've been here nearly 10 times, and I've ordered a different burrito every single time, and every single time it's been an incredible journey. How many places can you say that? It doesn't matter what you order here -- from seitan to chicken to the special of the day to their new pulled pork (Gunthrop!) options... every. single. item. is spot on. Extra point: don't give up on your burrito and think you should grab a fork; don't do it! Use your hands, and follow the rest of the directions on your table. Often I consider driving 38 miles each way just to have another new burrito.
(5)Jenny W.
My husband and I went here for lunch based on the fact that they have vegan/vegetarian options. After scoping out their menu online, I was pretty excited about their quesadilla options! It was quaint & looked like a hip cafeteria on the inside. My husband ordered a bean burger with mushrooms vegan cheese. It looked pretty yummy and he gave it a 7 out of 10. I had the Amazing Grace quesadilla which had cheese, corn, salsa fresco & cilantro pesto on it. It was a nice size, and filling. The cilantro pesto was a little overpowering but still yummy. I did not enjoy their or tails chips - definitely tasted funny & were pretty heavy. Personal preference, though, bc my husband liked them. My BIGGEST pet peeve about this place was that they do not have ice for their drinks. They have water & two types of teas in plastic dispensers. They weren't super cool, and without ice I felt like I was drinking room temp water, which I just don't like. I'd go again, but I'd be sure to take a large cup of ice & my own tortilla chips! :-)
(3)Layne P.
This place has the MOST tasty burritos. The quesadillas are awesome. Portion sizes are ample. The decor is classic Bloomington.
(5)Sara P.
I always longed for work meetings near campus, so I could visit Laughing Planet afterwards and satisfy my burrito craving. I typically ordered the daily special burrito, which was a unique combo of ingredients you wouldn't otherwise think would mesh together (i.e. the Cajun and Spicy Curry versions, or seasonal Thanksgiving harvest, Christmas holiday, and Krampus burritos). As a fall back, I depended upon the delicious Cuban burrito with tofu, black beans, sweet potatoes, plantains & BBQ sauce. A small order of chips and salsa on the side would round out my meal. I adore the homemade salsas that accompany the burritos, especially the tropical fruit-based ones. If you are not in a burrito mood, I recommend the Asian veggie bowl with the coconut-curry peanut sauce...but the burritos reign supreme. I've not visited Laughing Planet since the remodel, so I hope it still retains some of its former hodgepodge colorful charm. Service was average, dependent on whomever was behind the counter.
(4)KJ M.
VEGAN REVIEW Five enthusiastic stars for this, the Burrito Planet. Why yes, I would love a soup of the day. What? You say they're all vegan? But the cornbread can't be, right?... (squeak) it is? And most of these baked goods, here? And you put vegan sour cream on this burrito for me? AND I can have half tofu, half seitan? *sniff* Cheap, locally-sourced, and always a fun place to see and be seen. Try more than one thing on the menu before you give up -- sometimes the burrito of the day is SPECTACULAR, sometimes it is more puzzling, but you will definitely find something you enjoy. Plus, they deliver, foolz.
(5)Nate S.
Hey, I used to live in Eugene, OR, so LP's hippie shtick is positively tame. Their food, well it's altogether planetary, if not quite cosmic. I ate the Cuban, and since its had both sweet potatoes and plantains I was thoroughly happy. Plus, adding some of their extremely frisky habanero salsa took me damn near nigh to Jamaica. Beware, though, since my burrito was screaming hot. The biggest knock on LP is that they have no beer, and that's no laughing matter.
(4)MJ W.
I adore Laughing Planet. I lived in Bloomington for over ten years and I would come here often. I am glad to see not much has changed since I was here last. The pepsi machine is gone, everything else is the same. It was exactly as I remember it. I suggest the chicken burrito with pinto beans. I recommend getting a fork, pealing back the top layer of foil, taking your first bite, and eating out the top 3rd with the fork, peal back more foil, take a few bites, and so on. The last few bites are messy, but so good. I drove one all the way back to Indy and my wife agrees, the best burrito. PS Yelp, I would NOT call Laughing Planet Mexican.
(5)Jessika G.
Love the special/rotating burritos, regular menu is good too, there are lots of non-burrito options as well like soups and quesadillas . Very veg and vegan friendly You can order your food and sit downstairs in Soma to eat it if you want
(4)John M.
Great, innovative burritos and skinny jeans - not much more to say than that. Local ingredients and interesting ingredient combinations make for a fantastic alternative to Chipotle, etc., and you feel better knowing you're supporting an independent in town. Had a couple of the the burritos - the backyard BBQ and another I can't remember, but they were both excellent and we commented the entire time about how we'd never to to another burrito place again if we lived in Bloomington. We also got a basic quesadilla for our daughter which was really good - cheese and fresh pico, very tasty and pretty big. I want plantains, sweet potatoes, tropical salsa, and awesome pulled pork on all of my burritos from now on. People working there were very friendly, and it's a super hip, funky little joint. Like it.
(4)Aya R.
Cheap, good food. It can't get any better than that. A very hip joint with latin fusion spilled all over. Craving some mexican food, but not the gas and indigestion? Laughing planet hits the spot! Parking is the only thing that sucks. :/
(4)Dave F.
Had a Cuban burrito. It was unique as it had sweet potatoes and some other items you typically would not get in a burrito from say chipotle or qdoba. I enjoyed the unique taste, but it could have been warmer and better spread of the fillings. Wait time was a little longer than typical burrito places, but I can't fault them too much as they put out a decent organic product. The decor inside is a bit different, but they have plenty of outdoor seating for those who can't bear to be within the confines.
(3)Anthony N.
Not sure why there's all the issues with the environment. It's quiet in the back, has plenty of seating inside and out, and the food is quite good and healthy. Sure, you might run into your run-the-mill hipster every once in a while, but they keep to themselves and don't bite. I agree with Annie here - their "Pestato" burrito is yummy and one of my personal favorites. A great place to take your vegetarian friends!
(4)Sarah R.
I'm pretty fiercely loyal to Moe's, but Laughing Planet changed that. It's been on my "Bloomington Bucket List" for a while, and I'm so glad I finally went. I love how they use fresh, local ingredients--and the value is insane. I've definitely paid more at Moe's for less-than-awesome Mexican. Is it authentic Mexican? No, but that's okay. Every item on the menu has a fun twist to it, whether that be adding pesto to a quesadilla or what have you. Plus, they have a variety of fresh juices and tea on tap. The atmosphere is fun and breathes well; you can observe all of the hipsters as a plus. What's even better? Soma is right downstairs, and there's outdoor seating. I only wish I would've visited Laughing Planet sooner. Yum!!!
(5)Elizabeth C.
I really like the thai burrito they make. It is vegan. Do the tropical salsa as advised.
(4)Ellen G.
Good food. I like the atmosphere, too. Not the friendliest of staff, as many of this vegan/hipster places are -- but worth it for the food.
(4)Anna W.
While I have to respectfully disagree with calling this "mexican," I think it's great. I would call it hipster American fusion before labeling it with any ethnicity. Anyway Their food is REALLY good. I had a spinach burrito and I added guac to it. I like the fact they add brown rice to their burritos. (sorry, this is a very disjointed review because I am gawking at the train wreck that is Sister Wives right now. Why do people watch this show?) Anyway Atmosphere is good, value is GREAT (2 healthy burritos, plus one I added guac to, for $14. I think that's pretty great.) Outdoor seating is great. Decorations are interesting in a polished kind of way. I will definitely be back.
(5)Sue O.
The Laughing Planet is my go-to place. I'm especially fond of their black bean spinach burrito and yummy guacamole. I love that they use a steamer and lots of fresh veggies. Also a plus that they recycle their aluminum wraps.
(4)Kajal S.
The burrito I got was decent but a little over priced. Maybe I didn't get the right thing. The ingredients were however very fresh and organic. The environment is really nice however the service is horrible. I'd be willing to try it again only because I've heard great things and my friends dishes were apparently great.
(2)Katie B.
THE hipster eatery in town. The Hungarian mushroom soup is heaven.
(5)Nicole J.
I had the thai-me-up bowl and the East Indian burrito (a daily special) The thai-me-up bowl had zero flavor. The only thing that saved it was the side salsa and my own spices at home I added. The burrito was okay, nothing to rave about. The prices are very high for the quality. There are much better places in Btown to grab a healthy lunch.
(3)Leila V.
This is my go to lunch spot.. It is really good, but I would call it more California influenced Mexican than Tex influenced. The quality is good, but there can be inconsistency. The Zapitista salad and Nacho Mama are good, but get the new beef burrito for a real treat! My only wish? BREAKFAST TACOS!!!
(4)Tom H.
The food, when it's packed correctly, is pretty good, but more highly priced than other burrito joints. About half the time, the order is wrong, even if it's a small order. Check your stuff politely. There's a tax for paying for the "local" content of the food. Hot is not hot enough for those that want an epithelial layer removed with their salsas, but it's good enough. The flavor and content of the food is pretty good. This is not Taco Hell. What's not good enough is the hygiene of the cooks. They don't wash frequently enough, or long enough. Handling money, then cooking without donning gloves or washing thoroughly, is a no-no. I've seen this happen. Headzup: management-- reinforce sanitary habits. I return now and then, but I'm not sure why when I see or experience the same problems.
(2)Suphie W.
Hey!!! Well, I must say that, the location of this place, being next to a jewelry boutique, and, like previous authors/authoress's, have said, a cafe, this place is awesome. With a multitude of fresh-producing plants, plentiful seating, and good company (i.e., your friends) this place has the potential to create wonderful memories!!! :) Also, I agree that if my memory serves me right, :), which it, most usually does, this place is not strictly "Mexican" I don't remember anything Mexican about it!!! Suphie
(3)Matthew N.
I heard Laughing Planet is all organic, so me being a health nut, I wanted to check it out. It was definitely not over nor under-hyped. You first notice the hipster atmosphere. Although hipster, it is a very warm, inviting hipster. Not those cigarette smoking, judgmental hipsters. And this hipster serves some damn good burritos. I got something along the lines of a green chili burrito. It was vegetarian, and it was probably the first time I had opted for a vegetarian entree in the presence of meat. It sure was a great choice. It tasted delicious, but unfortunately this ended up being a very fiber-filled burrito.. Oh and they have Frank Zappa art up in that bitch! I love Frank Zappa. They have this sick display of a 10-piece collection with each one of Frank interwoven into a letter spelling out "F-R-A-N-K Z-A-P-P-A" with psychedelic and abstract paintings. I wish I could buy one, or all of them.
(4)Phillip W.
Disclaimer: I'm not a vegetarian. Were I dietarily restricted to a dozen restaurants in Bloomington, I might feel better about this place. I went for the spinach and black bean burrito, which came with a side of pleasantly hot salsa. Salsa labeled "hot" is too often "medium" in practice. The burrito came with no sides, but even if it had, I wouldn't have eaten them. Steamed spinach is quite filling, turns out. No beer or alcohol available, but they have a nice selection of sodas not made by Coca-Cola or Pepsi. The papaya juice is labeled with a photo of MLK, which prompted a chuckle. Atmosphere is a bit pretentious, but I had shielded for it.
(3)Bridget F.
With so many vegan options and local produce selection, plus their enticing specials and location right above the favorite coffee house (Soma), I frequent Laughing Planet quite a bit. Servings are large. There's ample seating. Overall, it's usually* fantastic! (*I say usually, because I once got sick after eating there and a friend who also have LP lunch also felt sick, so I had a bad taste in my mouth regarding LP for a bit after that.)
(4)Drew D.
Five or six bucks will get you a burrito with a healthy bent. Filled with brown rice, beans and your choice of fillings, with a few standards (Cuban, Veggie, etc.) and a rotating special. Vegetarian/vegan options abound, usually served by tattooed Bloomingtonians. I don't get the comments about rude service; this is essentially fast food in the busiest off-campus stretch of shops. If you're friendly, they're generally friendly back. Unless you're really square, in which case, what are you doing here? I kid. Burritos are served foil-wrapped and piping hot with a side of salsa, and you won't need any chips to fill up on, though a bowl and a side of the hottest salsa isn't a bad idea to split amongst friends. Dine on the picnic tables outside and take part in Bloomington's best spectator sport, people-watching. Oh, and the restroom has a bathtub. I always think about turning the knobs, but fail to act---a Bloomingtonian I am not.
(3)Meagan B.
Laughing Planet is the a great place for a fresh lunch in Bloomington. All the burritos have fresh, colorful ingredients which makes it a pleasure to unwrap and know you are getting nutrients! I love any of the seasonal burritos particularly in fall when they have pumpkin involved. OOH the tastes of fall. I recommend the Thai Me Up. You can add on any thing tofu, seitan, or chicken, I've had it every way and it is really great. It comes with a light, tasty fruit salsa. The Chips are good too. Honestly. NO COMPLAINTS!
(5)Frank T.
I was torn between giving this funky place either 4 or 5 stars. I settled on 5 for one reason: the vast array vegetarian options. For those of us who don't eat meat, its tough to find a good burrito joint with lots of options. When going to most burrito fast-casual chain restaurants, one is generally left with a single option: black bean (warning: most pintos are cooked in beef broth) burrito with some veggies thrown on as an after thought. Not at the Laughing Planet. They have numerous options for vegetarians and vegans alike: seitan, tofu, vegan cheeses, homemade veggie burgers, and a number of not-cooked-in-meat-broth beans are a common theme throughout their menu. For the carnivores among us, you will still be happy, as they have plenty of meat options. Oh yeah, while waxing about their food I forgot to mention all this: nice portion size, cheap prices, a hip ambiance, large (non-alcoholic) drink options, patient staff, and quasi-quick service.
(5)Lauren Y.
This is a solidly nice burrito place. The soups are very good too. They have a heavy hand with the black beans. The salsa selection is nice and it is served on the side. If it's November the thanksgiving burrito shouldn't be missed. Love that burrito. Usually the specialty burrito is very good. They do not have fountain soda, but a nice selection of not so corporate fizzy drinks. The portions are much smaller than approximately four years ago but the prices are now lower than about two or three years ago. I realize that may sound confusing, but I think you get my drift. The staff is snotty and if they give you a smile consider yourself lucky. On a nice day, it is nice to sit out on the deck and eat.
(4)Aubrey R.
I am lactose intolerant enough that I can't eat cheese...but they have this Pesto Feta Quesadilla that knocks my socks off, so I have to eat it anyway. Also, there's a bad-ass coffee shop downstairs so it really just doesn't get any better than that for me. Considering what the food is though, it is definitely over priced which is why it gets four stars.
(4)Carly C.
The food is so-so. The environment is awful and uncomfortable. That is, of course, unless you're a stuck-up hipster like every member of the staff. They are very intimidating and aloof, which is cool in movies but in real life if I'm going to pay $8 for a burrito and $3 for an apple spritzer, I want my server to not be a douche. No thanks.
(2)Matthew W.
Guh. Laughing planet blows. They don't put any salt on their food. It's like hipster wannabe central. Even though I have a preference against burritos of any kind, these are especially bad.
(1)Christine A.
Incredible burritos and the decor cracks me up. It's funky, supports locally grown ingredients and has way more variety than Chipotle or Qdoba. It's great!
(4)Jessica T.
Unique twist on Latino dishes. Was a little lacking in salt but I guess the ingredients were able to shine more without. Pretty good.
(4)Sarah G.
I love Laughing Planet. They make eating out as a vegan so much easier. The staff are very nice and always helpful - they even informed me there was honey in the medium salsa, which was helpful because most people would not have thought of it. Their burritos as well as their soups are fabulous and the prices are very reasonable.
(5)Wink B.
Great coffee, but something about Laughing Planet makes me want to punch myself in the face with kitten gloves. See for yourself.
(3)Kara F.
I LOVE Laughing Planet and also love introducing people to it. While a lot of commenters hated the service, I personally think it is fine and have never had a bad experience. Besides, people who refer to the place's clientele and staff as "stuck-up emo ass clowns" and "hipster wannabes" CLEARLY don't get the atmosphere and probably never will. Go to Kilroy's for a hamburger or something. Anyway, Laughing Planet's burritos are amazing, with really unique mixes of ingredients, flavors and vegetables. I almost always get the special - I always look forward to the fall one, which just tastes like autumn goodness. The Cuban burrito is incredible - it's usually what I recommend for people who have never been to Laughing Planet before. They always love it! The Hungarian mushroom soup is also a favorite. The prices are great, and you gotta love the funky decor!
(5)MsAnthro P.
I can handle the sometimes standoffish vegan hipsters at the counter. I prefer my food unsalted (that's what salt shakers are for). If I find something particularly bland, I add more salsa or ask for extra pesto or whatever. I enjoy knowing there are places downtown I can go for a filling, healthful meal. This said, the main problem I have with Laughing Planet is the distribution (or lack thereof) of the contents within the burritos. They really need to figure out a way to get as many of the ingredients together in one bite. As it stands, nearly every burrito I get has a rice section, a bean section, a cheese section, and so on. If they could get more of the quality ingredients together, I think the blandness everyone mentions would be a little less noticeable.
(3)Maracatu B.
Freshest ingredients in Bloomington. Always leave the place feeling great.
(5)Chloe D.
Maybe this place is decent if you haven't visited OTHER Laughing Planets. Our food was bland, parts of the order were forgotten, and we got about half the portion of the typical Laughing Planet. Wasn't terrible, no one got sick, but was less than meh.
(3)Claire V.
Pros: Service wasn't bad when I was there. Very affordable. Great for vegetarians and probably vegans. My friends love the food. Cons: I think the food is utterly bland, and borderline inedible.
(2)Josh B.
This place is a little slice of healthy mex heaven. I make it a point hit it up every time I'm back in Bloomington. Any of the burritos are great, AND HEALTHY! The food is all fresh and either organic or as close as it can come to it. The BBQ chicken quesadilla is right up on the top of my list along with the black bean humus. On top of everything it is also priced right. Healthier food than Qdoba and Chipotle and in the same price range.
(5)Meghan L.
everyone shits their pants over laughing planet and i'm not quite sure why. unless they are literally shitting their pants, which is entirely possible. there's something in all of their burritos that gives me violent diarrhea. i would give them two stars if it weren't for three things: 1) pretty good mushroom soup 2) pretty good salads 3) the fact that it is by soma, cactus flower, and td's. mostly that last one. if your friend is a vegan (and if you live in bloomington, he probably is) he is probably sitting at laughing planet. because he won't return your calls. because he figures you'll just "run into each other at the show." because he's high. but the food's not like, blow your mind great, you know?
(3)Jason H.
I'm consistently underwhelmed. The ingredients seem fresh, and the flavours and combinations on paper/menu look great. But for some reason I end up leaving thinking, "I can make this. I just need to buy the ingredients." So ... yeah, it's a hipster joint, mostly affordable, lots of veggie options (and meats). But I keep wanting to like it more.
(2)Nicey J.
We drove all the way out here from terre haute to get a burrito. A place that boasts tons of vegan/ vegg fare .. especially BURRITOS! is a place for me.. I was severely disappointed. I had the spinach burrito.. It was ridiculously under seasoned. Like where was the flavor? WHERE! I waited more than an hour to eat you and you LEFT ME HANGING! it took all of like 15 minutes to get food @ a place where you " bus your own tables" and that would not have been so terrible if the establishment had an air conditioner, because it was steamy hot like, annoying hot there. They forgot to put my guac.. blech, they like hide the ice, or something they have a filtered water thing, and cups, and straws, all out for you to get but the ice is behind the counter! WTF? how does that make sense.. maybe I would have liked it better had I not ordered a burrito that I love so much @ another establishment. I should have tried something more unique to them, I just don't see how you can mess up a spinach burrito. SMH
(2)B C.
For most people this place appears to be love - hate. For me it is just okay. It's nice to have this sort of hippie food place around, but yes the food is a little bland. Yes it is a little over priced. And yes the staff are sometimes ironically unfriendly. But going to a hipster joint and complaining like the reviewers on here have is like going to a sports bar and complaining about an overweight drunk blowing smoke in your face. So just take in the skinny jeans, tattoos, 50's bangs, and all else interesting and enjoy your burrito. On the other hand you could go eat ground up spine at chipotle.
(3)Brian H.
Great Burritos! Lighter, healthier alternative to places like Chipotle. They have a special burrito that changes frequently, and is usually pretty amazing. Jerk Chicken, Homegrown, and Holiday were my favorite specials. (The holiday was a burrito made of turkey, mashed potatoes, peas, cranberries, corn, with gravy 'salsa'. So good.) The chicken that they use for their burritos is pretty terrible, but I don't really go here for meat in my burrito.
(4)Nan M.
Once you get tired of bland Chipotle burritos, you may want to check out Laughing Planet. They have lots of unique and tasty burritos, as well as some soups and sandwiches I haven't tried. The specials are always fun to eat, with offerings such as the "Holiday" burrito that is composed of gravy, cranberry sauce, potatoes, stuffing, etc. The pestato burrito is my favorite! The atmosphere is casual and fun. I've heard people hating on it as a "hipster" place to eat, but you're just missing out if you let that stop you. I've seen lots of older people with kids too. It's a great place to eat reasonably-priced burritos. Yum!
(5)Jessica H.
I am a journalist and I recently brought a group of eight musician friends here while they were on tour, on the recommendation of friends in Bloomington, after our event. It was 9:35 pm, we had called ahead and they said they they were open til 10. At about 9:50 a woman started slamming the chairs down around us and we said "don't worry, we are almost done"-- and at 10 exactly, we started packing our stuff up, a few people were finishing up and throwing stuff away, and we look up and the entire staff is standing there glaring, and the cook comes out and stands there with her arms crossed--and it's 10:02. Not 10:15. They have been closed for two minutes. Some of us work and have worked in the service industry--we get it, but seriously, they had been closed--by their own clock FOR TWO MINUTES. As I made it to the door, I could see the reflection of one of the servers, in the other dining room giving us the finger and making obscene gestures, for the delight of her co-workers, and assumed we couldn't see. I was stunned. We had tipped someone minutes earlier who was no flipping us off. The women I was with had just driven 16 hours from Canada to play a show for children in Bloomington, and thats what they got. Thanks Laughing Planet, sorry we delayed you from whatever important other things you had to do for those FOUR ENTIRE MINUTES. You should just stop serving at 9:30, or tell people when they call that you are open until 10, but if you should be expected to be treated with outright hostility if you stay past 9:50 pm.
(1)Alysse G.
The burritos were definitely unique. I think we has the Cuban with sweet potatoes and BBQ sauce. It was great. They charge extra for chips which is a bummer especially since they weren't very good.
(4)Z K.
I was looking for a quick fix and I ran into this place right above Soma coffee. The place has good people that work there and it is pretty clean. The burrito I ordered was a simple veggie burrito and it was SUPER hot. Pretty filling and not as heavy as chipotle. The price was good also.l
(3)Ally L.
I normally love vegetarian food, but I have never been a fan of Laughing Planet.....everything I have tried there has been generally bland and mushy. The vegetables always seem overcooked, but then again I like crisp vegetables in a burrito. Once in awhile I'll get the urge for one of their burritos, but that doesn't happen too often. As for the staff, the reviewer who said this place is run by a bunch of "stuck-up emo ass clowns" is pretty accurate. If you want a tasty vegetarian burrito, go to Qboba and get one with the grilled squash mixture.
(2)Brett G.
Laughing Planet - How I miss you so.... You provided me with the most delicious meals of my college experience as well as a fun and delightful atmosphere. I would look forward to visiting each and every chance I got. Every burrito was a dream and dangerously good, and the salsa was extraordinary and a tasty treat. As far as those who say it is pricey, wait until you hit the "real world" outside of the college town. Start saving your pennies now. I would not hesitate to support a local business which the most amazing food of my college experience. Laughing Planet, I still think about you quite a bit and miss you terribly :)
(5)Becky R.
I've just never liked this place. The employees are rude and the food is bland. I don't understand why anyone goes here.
(2)Mae S.
We only ate in one place in Bloomington. Luckily this was it. The salad with chips and green salsa, lettuce, tomato, black beans, and sour cream was just right.
(4)Merrill N.
Food, atmosphere, and service are always fantastic. There are a lot of wonderful places to eat in Bloomington, but this is by far my favorite. Actually my favorite restaurant period. The food is fresh and delicious, and the atmosphere is eclectic and cozy. If you don't like Laughing Planet, you're probably boring, and I feel sorry for you.
(5)Marc K.
If you're not ready for burrito enlightenment, don't go to the laughing planet. Since the burritos have been pretty covered: My all-time favorite dang-quesodilla comes from here including mild-salsa sour cream and roasted potatoes. I don't know how they do it, but the tortilla was always perfectly browned and crispy. They have the coolest tables by a local artist, and the pin-ups of the digestive system in the bathroom is classic. Definitely a stand-out. Even my white-bread parents are big fans of the Laughing Planet.
(5)Adam S.
Laughing planet is one of my favorite places to eat in Bloomington. They have good burritos ans naked burritos that are somewhat different from the standard Mexican ones like Qdoba or Chipotle which always taste so dry. They also have lots of stuff for vegetarians and vegans which I find really nice since its always hard to find that kind of food. It is also pretty pricey if you get anything other than the standard burrito.
(5)Melissa K.
Wow an establishment that actually believes in the power of flavor in Bloomington! This place reminded me of home with all the hippies inside! Good food, I didn't feel like I was eating a bunch of crap. Went there several times--great salads with interesting spinach/yogurt dressing. One thing though, they charged me for extra dressing even though I didn't ask. It's a mere 35 cents more but it's more of a principle so make sure they don't pull that. Whole lot of interesting crap all over the walls. You bus your own table which is fine. Didn't try there burritos but people around me that were munching them down seemed pretty happy!
(4)lauren p.
Yum! We came to town for a friend's wedding, and tried this place out thanks to another friend (and IU alum). Great food! Both my husband and I are vegan, and were blown away by the number of options. He got a cuban burrito and I got a pestato burrito, combining two of my favorite foods: pesto and potatoes. This place even has vegan sour cream. Yum! We got great vegan cookies for dessert, too. This was a great place to grab a lunch, and I hope to go back.
(5)Aaron B.
I really enjoy Laughing Planet. I go there several times a month. My favorite is the spinach and bean burrito. The chicken burrito is good and their weekly special burrito's are almost always delicious and unique. Laughing Planet is a must try. As others mentioned, a great option for vegetarian folks.
(4)Stephanie K.
After following Phish and the Dead around for several summers, the first thing I thought of this place was that it was strikingly similar to a Phish parking lot--veggie burritos, quesadillas, and the like. It's a great place for vegetarians and for nostalgic Phish heads, but don't expect anything fancy.
(3)Daniel C.
Good, healthy burritos in a bohemian atmosphere. There's a nice outdoor deck for the warmer months. Great location; it's right on Kirkwood.
(4)Courtney L.
best burritos in bloomington, hands down. sorry folks, but unless you are drowning it in delicious enchilada sauce, burritos should be served wrapped in foil! it is much easier to eat and the whole fork/knife thing is just plain silly. laughing planet uses fresh ingredients and is a much better decision then walking down the street to chipotle. just say no to white rice with cilantro mixed in! cough up the extra 2 dollars and go to laughing planet.
(4)Becca S.
Laughing Planet is one of my favorite hometown/college lunch locales. While I am particularly fond of black bean/spinach/mushroom burritos with hot salsa (their hot salsa is divine), their Hungarian mushroom soup is so rich you'd swear it wasn't vegan (it is.) Special burritos, ranging from Thanksgiving themed to Tibetan-esque, give you flavor combinations you might never have assembled yourself. As a vegetarian, a quick lunch place with as much variety in products, depth in flavor, and general fulfillment as Laughing Planet is rare to find. Laughing Planet burritos are also extremely portable. They're great if you buy one before class and eat it after (they). You can throw them into a plastic bag (for protection!) and toss them into a carry on or into a suitcase and you'll still have delicious, wholesome food when you get to your destination. They do not sog, drip or squish on their commute with me to DC. Yes, I do bring Laughing Planet burritos all the way back to DC with me.
(5)Adam S.
Even though chipotle opened a few doors down, i still go to this place for a burrito when i'm in town. Why? Because chipotle, while admittedly tasty, is also f'ing huge and makes you feel like crap after you walk out vs. laughing planet which tastes fresh, and won't add 5 lbs to your waist because of all the oil and grease used. Also, I just went on graduation weekend to laughing planet and while fairly busy, everyone behind the counter was very cool and it took less than 5 minutes to get my food delivered outside. Cool vibe throughout, this place is great and very cheap if you get the "classic"
(4)Matt D.
The holiday buritto is heaven... Please make it all year long!
(3)Abby L.
LOVE Laughing Planet. I miss it a lot now that I've moved away. Very healthy food. I always ordered the special burrito's: Cuban, Indiana Home Grown, etc. They were ALWAYS tasty. I also really miss the Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies, and I'm not even vegan. This place is healthy and cheap, and has a great vibe. I love sitting outside during nice weather.
(5)Kyle V.
the food here really doesn't taste good to me. i never understood the obsession some people have with it...
(2)John G.
Good food and value; lots of vegetarian items.
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