Indiana University staff, faculty and students and Bloomington campus visitors have a new place to socialize, view Hoosier sporting events and listen to live music while enjoying food and beverages.

The Vault Pub in the Indiana Memorial Union. Photo by Division of Student Affairs marketingThe Vault Pub opened Sept. 1 in the former Dunn Meadow Café space in the Indiana Memorial Union. It will feature local craft beers, wine and pub food, plus entertainment on an indoor stage and its outdoor patio.

The project was in development for about three years. While the patio has been the site of live music for many years, now performances will be associated with The Vault Pub.

“We are thrilled to see this amazing space come to life; so many wonderful people have worked to make this vision a reality,” said Lukas D. Leftwich, assistant vice provost for campus auxiliaries. “We have been very intentional about creating the perfect space for the staff, faculty, students and hotel guests to be able to enjoy a traditional pub experience within the historic beauty of the IMU.”

Items on the menu include chicken wings, nachos, chili, salads, breaded tenderloins, hamburgers, desserts such as sugar cream pie and a Sugar and Spice cookie plate. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

“We at IU Dining really wanted to focus on sustainability when creating these menus, so we have been working closely with local companies in Bloomington and surrounding counties,” said Drew Smith, IU Dining’s director of retail dining. “Almost all food items you will see on the menu are locally sourced — the burgers coming straight from Fischer Farms, the kernels for our popcorn coming from Jasper, Indiana. We even partnered with several local breweries to have a variety of options on tap and bottles.”

The Vault Pub will begin with afternoon and evening hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

“I can’t wait to be able to gather and unwind with friends over good food and drink, and what better place is there to do that than in a pub in the union or on the patio overlooking Dunn Meadow and the Campus River,” said Hank Walter, IMU executive director.

Kirk Johannesen is a communications consultant in the Office of the Vice President of Communications and Marketing.