Dining Out in Indianapolis
Downtown Indianapolis is so dense with restaurants, more than 200, you'll wonder how Indy became known for sports instead of food. Many more of these great Indianapolis restaurants are a short cab ride away and with restaurants ranging from world-famous steak houses to sushi restaurants and sports bars, we've got something for every taste!
New Choices
The economy hasn't stopped the growth of Indy's restaurant scene as you will notice by the number of great, new restaurants in Indianapolis.
Black Market brings upscale comfort food in a community environment and is an example of what a gastropub should be: a place to get amazing food and drinks and a relaxing atmosphere to match.
Ultralounge Sensu presents pan-Asian standouts and Cristal bottle service in view of three wall-sized movie screens. Grab some chopsticks, a sushi roll and your dancing shoes, and head to this spot to see and be seen.
A century-old storefront took on new life as a gastropub when Tavern on South opened with a menu featuring seafood, prime rib and a large selection of regional craft beers. Not only is the food delicious, but the handcrafted cocktails are hard to beat and the patio view that overlooks downtown Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium is fantastic.
Respected local chef Greg Hardesty builds on the success of his recent venture, Recess, with Room 4 opening right next door. While Recess is slightly more adventurous and upscale, this more casual offering puts a fresh, gourmet twist on burgers, noodles and other tasty dishes.
Blending innovative menu choices with a casual charm, Mesh on Mass will make you comfortable whether it's a dress-down or dress-to-the-nines occasion. This casual, yet elegant spot on Mass Ave should not be overlooked.
For a culinary experience in the great outdoors, visit Chef JJ's Back Yard and learn Big Green Egg grilling techniques or just enjoy the fresh, local food in an atmosphere that is both educational and entertaining.
With dishes as artistically pleasing as they are palate provoking, the Ripple Inn promises a meal to remember along the Monon Trail in Broad Ripple.
Wine and Dine
You could feast at a different steakhouse and have a different bottle of wine every day of the week here, choosing from national powerhouse brands, locally owned steakhouses and even a Brazilian churrascaria. You can also toast your success over seafood, sushi, Mediterranean cuisine and much more.
Too Hot to Handle?
The signature dish in Indianapolis is the shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo Steak House, such a foregone conclusion at the renowned 1902 restaurant that it's the only appetizer on the menu. You can bet that many of the pro athletes and celebrities who have come through Indianapolis met their match in the hair-raisingly hot cocktail sauce. In 2009, the Travel Channel even named it the spiciest dish on the planet over red chilies in Honduras, currywurst in Germany and spiced sardines and chicken curry in India. This famous shrimp cocktail is even served at Indianapolis International Airport at St. Elmo's sister restaurant, Harry & Izzy's.
Casual Fare
The Indianapolis dining scene also has plenty to offer those with a limited budget or only a short time to grab a bite.
Delicious Delis. Everyone who devours a reuben at famed Shapiro's Delicatessen (featured in Midwest Living magazine as a "Best of the Midwest" choice) feels like they've just had a lunch to remember.
A Slice of Indy. Have one slice of pizza from Bazbeaux and you will see why this spot, both downtown and in Broad Ripple, has been an Indianapolis institution for years.
Tasty Burgers. The Mug-n-Bun takes you back to the days of carhops and root beer (homemade for nearly 50 years, by the way) served in frosty mugs alongside coney dogs and giant tenderloin sandwiches.
Workingman's Friend caters to the working crowd, as the name implies, with some of the best burgers in the city and drinks served in mason jars.
Soup and Sandwiches. Ralph's Great Divide (featured in Bon Appetit as a "great neighborhood restaurant") is a true hole-in-the-wall making top-notch sandwiches and potato soup to die for.
Using a recipe from the 1800s, John's Famous Stew will warm you from head to toe with mild, medium and hot varieties served plain in a bowl, stuffed inside a green pepper or poured over a pork tenderloin.
Downtown Dogs. King David Dogs tops their signature beef dogs, a family recipe dating to 1941, with anything you like and then serves them in a steamed poppy seed bun. Don't leave without some tater tots!
Cajun Cuisine. Is your mouth watering yet? For a true touch of New Orleans cajun/creole cuisine, stop by any of the Yat's locations. Owner Joe Vuskovich is a NOLA original himself and his rotating menu ensures you're getting a fresh, hearty meal.
