Nick Matio Celebrates Third Consecutive “Best Cocktails in Bloomington” Win at C3

Bloomington, IN - April 8, 2026

The exciting results of the third annual Bloomington Restaurant Survey, conducted by Bloom Magazine, were released Tuesday, April 7 2026, and once again recognized C3 Bloomington as home to the Best Cocktails in Bloomington.

For the third year in a row, this distinction has been awarded to C3, with the bar program fully led by Mixed By Matio’s Nick Matio, Bar Manager and sole mixologist behind the restaurant’s historical standout cocktail experience.

This continued recognition reflects not only the strength of C3’s bar program as a whole, but also the intentional creativity and craftsmanship that define its menu. Nick personally researches, designs, and develops each seasonal cocktail offering, balancing innovation with approachability to create drinks that resonate with both casual guests and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Nick Matio (dubbed the cocktail “wizard” by Jordan Davis and the No Dishes Podcast) and C3 continued their success in this year’s survey with yet another first place trophy in the cocktail arena, with winning Best Place to Go For A Drink After Work as well:

From concept to execution, every element of the menu is thoughtfully built to complement C3’s elevated dining experience . The result is a cocktail program that feels both distinctive and cohesive, one that has consistently set the standard in Bloomington’s hospitality scene.

“Winning once is exciting. Winning three years in a row is a testament to the team, the guests who continue to support us, and the space C3 has created to allow creativity to thrive,” said Matio. Matio and the C3 team celebrated yet another accomplishment this year as well, with winning second place in this year’s Best Overall Restaurant in Bloomington additionally:

While this recognition is first and foremost a win for C3 Bloomington, it also underscores the philosophy behind Mixed By Matio: Nick’s personal consulting company focused on helping bars and restaurants throughout the Indiana area build, perfect, and execute thoughtful, high-performing cocktail programs. The same approach that has shaped C3’s award-winning menu (intentional development, seasonal creativity, and a strong understanding of guest experience) continues to guide his work beyond the bar.

As Bloomington’s cocktail scene continues to grow, this third consecutive win reinforces C3’s place at the forefront, and highlights the impact of a well-crafted, carefully executed beverage program.

For those who haven’t experienced it yet, the invitation remains simple: pull up a seat at C3 and see what Bloomington’s best cocktails are all about. In fact it’s perfect timing - Nick just released his much-anticipated Spring cocktail menu at C3 last week.

For those looking to elevate an existing bar program or build a successful new one, from menu development to bar design and vendor strategy, Mixed By Matio offers thoughtful, experience-driven consulting, from award winning mixologist Nick Matio.

Submit an inquiry through the contact page at www.mixedbymatio.com or reach out directly via email (mixedbymatio@gmail.com) to start the conversation.