Indianapolis has been a popular destination for sports fans for a long time, setting the "Pace" for NBA playoff basketball, top level racing, and American football lore. What comes with legions of fans drifting in and out of the big city? Food! The culinary racetrack that is downtown Indianapolis presents pit stops of amazing craft breweries, boutique coffee shops and Midwestern cuisine at its finest. Find your pole position when seeking out this list of popular dining spots you won't want to pass up!
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The Fountain Room
If you are into retro and vintage vibes, The Fountain Room is a must-try restaurant! Aside from its good interior, it serves a wide range of food, from brunch to steaks to seafood. The staff are friendly and hospitable. This place is worth a try!
Review: ... An extra star is worth how I felt being there and why it has made itself into my top 5 favorite spots. Maybe it was just what I needed in that moment, so everything hit just right but does there need to be a reason to happy?
It's located on Mass Ave, off to the left, as you are walking towards the garage. I love the decor. It's dark but full of Amber lighting and colors. It's retro and vintage. It had me at hello as soon as I walked in. We were greeted & got a seat immediately on Saturday afternoon which was wonderful! The hostess was personable, helpful and very friendly, also wonderful. We didn't know we could get hot towels at request so we took advantage of that and it really made me feel like I was treating myself! I loved that it came with lemon for a fresh clean feel and scent. Definitely get it!
The food... I got the wagyu burger and whoa was it tasty. It was very tender & lightly seasoned. It would have been even better if it had a chargrilled taste but still was juicy and the compliment of the bacon and jam... it was good. It came w/ fries but I opted for garlic truffle fries and this was the only place where the garlic was not overpowering. The French toast is loaded with all the fruit's & caramel. Which was surprising but all the fruit went perfectly. I didn't stop there, I ordered chocolate cake to go that comes with coffee ice cream but it melted before I could eat it but the cake was great too! It came with gold flakes and popcorn. It was not heavy, it was smooth and delicious.
I'm probably going to be here every other Sunday lol Please go try them for yourself!
Click here to learn more about The Fountain Room
Bluebeard
Bluebeard offers contemporary American cuisine. They use fresh farm produce, a one-of-a-kind experience that turns farm produce into delectable cuisine. They also have crafted drinks that are perfect for the food they offer.
Review: From start to finish's, everything was excellent. Our server was very friendly and professional. She gave us excellent recommendations and timed our meals perfectly. They have a temporary corridor to help keep the cold out and heat in, so although we were seated close to the entry, we were comfortable.
Highly recommend!
Click here to learn more about Bluebeard
BODHI
Craving Thai cuisine? BODHI has your back! This modern restaurant offers traditional Thai recipes. Its cocktail bar provides a Thailand vibe with a twist, crafted cocktails, beers, and a list of wines. Celebrate special occasions at BODHI, and you'll have beautiful memories.
Review: We were excited to meet our Indianapolis family here for dinner. They don't take reservations and the place relatively small. We recommend showing up before they open and either starting or get into the already building line. The food is worth waiting in line in order to guarantee a table.
There were six of us. We were seated at a table right in front of the bar. It was comfortable, even though some of our backs were to a walkway for both staff and customers. I never felt like I was in the way and I don't remember getting bumped in the back as people passed. The server was kind and helpful. We never felt rushed.
Everyone enjoyed their meals, but I can only speak to my meal and Mark's. I had the Braised Beef Massaman & Naan, or Massaman Neua Toon - silk road spices * carrot * fingerling potato * naan bread. The meal was extraordinary in every way. The spice level was perfect and the flavors were complex and well developed. The naan was the perfect dipping companion to ensure no drop of deliciousness was left behind.
Mark had Chicken Pad Thai or Pad Thai Gai - rice noodle * onions * tamarind sauce * sweet radish egg * peanut * bean sprout * red cabbage. Mark always orders Pad Thai when it's on the menu. He loved it and finished every bite.
If you're in Indianapolis and looking for a special meal, BODHI is THE place to go!
Click here to learn more about BODHI
The Eagle Mass Ave
The Eagle Mass Ave offers mac and cheese, juicy and tender fried chicken, and other Southern dishes that tick all the boxes. It's an industrial-style space with a casual vibe. It's a must-try place for all comfort food lovers. They also have a list of solid beers and spicy honey drizzle.
Review: This is a restaurant I'd visit again and again if I lived in Indianapolis. The chicken was tender and flavorful, the mac & cheese was excellent, and the spoon bread was the perfect accompaniment to the meal. Our server was very attentive and checked on us multiple times. This restaurant will be my first stop the next time I visit Indy!
Click here to learn more about The Eagle Mass Ave
Tinker Street
Are you looking for an intimate, charming place to dine, relax, or redefine the evening? Tinker Street might be the place you are looking for. Every plate is packed with amazing flavors. Their menu leans upscale with globally inspired small plates, small but mighty. They also have impressive vegetarian options and a curated wine list to complement the dishes they offer.
Review: Everything about Tinker Street is perfect. It's a hidden gem outside of downtown & they greet you with a shot of champagne, who doesn't love that. The service was great, consistently checking if you need water or anything. And don't even get me started on the food, it was soooooooo delicious!!
Click here to learn more about Tinker Street
Juniper on Main
Juniper on Main is an excellent place to taste the South in coastal style at a breezy spot in Carmel, north of Indy. They offer hushpuppies, shrimp and grits, and other classics from the South with a light, modern touch. They have charming porch seating that is perfect during the golden hour.
Review: This might just be my favorite restaurant in Ham Co!!! I've been here a handful of times and have never had a bad meal! The staff is always friendly, and I love that they take reservations over the phone.
The ambiance is quaint--it's literally a house that's been converted into a restaurant, making it super cozy. My only minor complaint is that it can get a little loud, but they do have panels on the walls to help soften the sound.
The food is absolutely to die for. I've ordered the braised short ribs the past few times, and they've always been incredible, so I was hesitant to branch out. But I'm so glad I did because my fried chicken platter was unreal! I was a little nervous that the hot honey would be too spicy, so I got it on the side instead. It turned out to be the perfect balance of sweet and heat! I even enjoyed it on the cornbread appetizer we ordered (which was also fabulous, btw).
I will absolutely be back--again and again and again!
Click here to learn more about Juniper on Main
Rosemary & Olive
Get cozy at Rosemary & Olive, a place on Mass Ave loved for its warm ambiance. They offer Italian-inspired dishes that match their stylish interior. It's a great place to enjoy pasta and wine on a relaxed evening. This spot is a must-try and definitely a stop to watch. The menu of Rosemary & Olive is continuously building buzz!
Review: We visited Rosemary and Olive for the first time with a group and loved it. We tried the gnocchi, spaghetti, ravioli, and creste di gallo, and everyone was very happy with their meal choice. We also shared the baked ricotta and loved it so much that we had to order a second round. The service and atmosphere matched the quality of the food, and we all plan to return soon!
Click here to learn more about Rosemary & Olive
Root & Bone Indianapolis
Feel the nostalgia and a new beginning through comforting food with a redefined twist on Southern classics. Root & Bone Indianapolis has a casual vibe with elegance. It is a go-to place for hearty and comforting meals with great hospitality from the staff. You can try dishes loved by the locals like brisket, meatloaf, fried chicken, and peach tea cocktails.
Review: Root & Bone is everything you want on a cold winter night--warm, inviting, and downright delicious. From the moment you step inside, the cozy decor sets the mood, and the friendly staff makes you feel right at home.
I'm a sucker for a cocktail with egg white, and Root & Bone never disappoints!
One of our favorite Indy spots!
Click here to learn more about Root & Bone Indianapolis
Livery-Indianapolis
Livery is a two-story restaurant with a vibrant feel. It offers Latin-inspired dishes, but the menu is dominated by tacos, tapas, and empanadas, with cocktails to complement each dish. They have rooftop seating you can enjoy in good weather. These seats add a festive and fun vibe, which is excellent when hanging out.
Review: I've dined at Livery twice now and on each occasion I found the food to be fairly tasty, the ambiance to be nice and the service to be mostly adequate. I think I would stop in again in the future for a quick bite, but when I think about places that excite me, this isn't making my list. There is just a little something missing from each experience, though I can't pinpoint exactly what.
My favorite of the five dishes I tried was the cauliflower, which really is delicious. Mocktails are pretty yummy and the churros are a really solid choice for dessert.
Valet parking was excellent.
Click here to know more about Livery-Indianapolis
The Vault Indy
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience by having a night out at a bank vault. The Vault Indy serves entrees and impressive, crafted cocktails in a historic setting that will set the mood! IT feels luxurious and yet not beyond your reach—an experience exploring history with a mix of flavor and style in one unforgettable night.
Review: Amazing one of a kind cocktails, ambience, and some history! Always amazing. The Charcuterie board and the "pop's" grilled cheese are both must try's. Don't forget to bring a good cigar for the spacious open air back deck.
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