Our story starts with owners Martha and David Moore, longtime Bloomington residents who have shared a lifetime of travel and adventure.
Along the way, they learned that any worthy exploration of a city or country necessarily starts in its restaurants. They also learned that all cultures are united by a common truth: food brings people together.
David and Martha launched The Elm in their hometown as a gathering place for people who crave community and culinary adventure. Here, we seek to make every meal a delicious journey for our guests. While that can begin with amazing food, it continues with remarkable hospitality. Service, we believe, is the difference between a good meal and an unforgettable experience. At The Elm, we strive tirelessly for the latter.
Our ethos is summed up by our tagline: “Drop in. Branch out.” We offer a wide range of experiences to guests. Grab a coffee at our walk-up cafe. Drop in for after-work cocktails. Get gussied up for a romantic dinner. Meanwhile, our menu is designed to serve all kinds of diners on all kinds of occasions. Looking for comfort food? Come get cozy. Seeking something unexpected? Look no further!
Above all else, we want our guests—from lifelong Bloomingtonians to visitors from far-flung places—to feel at home at The Elm. With that in mind, consider this a personal invitation: The next time you’re in the neighborhood, drop in and branch out. We can’t wait to see you.