​

Iozzo’s Garden of Italy

946 S. Meridian St.

This is the best Italian restaurant in Indy and my favorite restaurant in Indy, everything here is goodtry the meatball martini appetizer; the bleu cheese salad with bleu cheese crumbles – one of the best in Indy; the lasagna is delicious and rich and features a white sauce and a red sauce; the seasonal dishes are incredible such as the seafood risotto - OMG; they also make a great steak- it comes with a salad and polenta-OMG-delicious, and I like to add the Oscar treatment, which is lump crab meat and lobster butter poured on top of the steak-OMG-delicious; the desserts are also wonderful, try the lemon cello chiffon in a glass, or better yet have Phil the bartender serve you one of his house made lemon cello specialty drinks, like the raspberry cello or the strawberry cello or the classic lemon cello!

 

The Oceanaire

30 S. Meridian St.

Great seafood restaurant, and has one of downtown Indy’ s best happy hour bar food specials Monday-Friday 4-7 PM for $4-9, such as shrimp and grits, and fish tacos.

 

Morton’s Steakhouse

41 E. Washington St.

(great steakhouse, and has one of downtown Indy’s best happy hour bar food specials Monday-Friday 5 PM-close for $3-9, such as mini Filet sliders or crab cake BLTs)

 

Shapiro’s Deli

808 S. Meridian St.

(featured on the Food Network, this Indy landmark has often been called the best Jewish deli west of New York, serving great deli food and generous portions)

 

St. Elmo Steakhouse

127 S. Illinois St.

(great food, perhaps a little overrated, however - Indy’s most famous steakhouse for decades, known for its steaks and spicy shrimp cocktail)

 

1933 Lounge

the separate bar on the 2nd floor of St. Elmo

(quiet, cool, and classy, decorated like the living room of a mansion with a fireplace, couches, and chairs, this bar serves classic drinks and appetizers from St. Elmo’s kitchen with music from Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin, etc., try the 2 filet mignon sliders with mac and cheese for $13)

 

Harry and Izzy’s

153 S. Illinois St.

(great food- same kitchen and ownership of St. Elmo, the menu has a wider variety of options)

(insider’s secret- try the hot fudge brownie sundae- OMG)

 

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

45 S. Illinois St.

(great steakhouse and desserts)

 

McCormick & Schmick’s

110 N. Illinois St. in the Hilton hotel

(good seafood)

 

Granite City

49 W. Maryland St. at Circle Centre Mall

(this microbrewery has good beers and good food)

 

Ram Restaurant and Brewery

140 S. Illinois St.

(this microbrewery has good beers, some of the best burgers in Indy, and some great desserts, try the Santa Fe Rodeo Burger, the bread pudding, or the giant chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream)

 

Severin Bar & Grill

40 W. Jackson Pl. in the Omni hotel

(this is a very cool and well-designed bar which has been completely renovated recently - often overlooked because it is in a hotel - a great place for a drink or to watch sports, try the bacon picks appetizer6-12 strips of bacon with different sauces, the burgers are good too)

 

Weber Grill

10 N. Illinois St.

(one of the best values for the money downtown - good food, generous portions, and reasonable prices [except for the steaks - $$$], try the pretzel bread, bbq, and local beers)

 

Tastings

50 W. Washington St. in the Conrad hotel (cool and unique wine bar with automated pouring machines featuring over 100 wines by the “mini glass” or the full glass, also has appetizers)

 

The Capital Grille

40 W. Washington St. in the Conrad hotel

(serves great food in a richly appointed interior, go to Tastings for a drink first, or go to the bar for a drink before dinner – or just hang out in the bar!)

 

Le Peep

301 N. Illinois St.

(only open for breakfast and lunch, serves one of the best breakfasts in Indy, try the gooey bun, French toast, pancakes, crepes, or the omelets)

 

Napolese Pizzeria

30 S. Meridian St.

(one of Indy’s best pizza joints)

 

Café Patachou & also Petite Chouseveral

locations in downtown and north side

(casual French food)

 

Palomino Restaurant & Bar

49 E. Maryland St.

(serves great food and has the most beautiful interior décor of any restaurant in the city, don’t forget to try the soups)

 

Claddagh Irish Pub

234 S. Meridian St.

(best Irish pub food in Indy, try the fish and chips, the shepherd’s pie, or the beef stew, and don’t forget the beer!)

 

Kilroy’s Bar & Grill

201 S. Meridian St.

(really good pub food, try the pepperoni breadsticks - OMG)

 

King David Dogs

135 N. Pennsylvania St.

(best gourmet hot dogs in Indy, operating since 1941)

 

Scotty’s Brewhouse

1 Virginia Ave.

(good pub food/burgers, local beers, + their own beer from Thr3e Wise Men) (several locations in Indy, +  they operate their own microbrewery – Three Wise Men in Broad Ripple)

 

Pearl Street Pizzeria & Pub

65 E. Pearl St.

(one of the best pizza joints in Indy)

 

Prime 47

47 S. Pennsylvania St.

one of the best steakhouses in Indy

 

Barcelona Tapas

201 N. Delaware St.

Spanish style tapas- small plates, good sangria

 

India Garden

207 N. Delaware St.

(Indian cuisine, good food, has a lunch buffet, try the nav rattan khorma)

 

Adobo Grill

110 E. Washington St.

(the best authentic Mexican cuisine in Indy, try the guacamole made from scratch at tableside, has multi course/paired tequila dinner once per month, live Mariachi band on Thursdays)

 

Fogo de Chao

117 E. Washington St.

(authentic Brazilian steakhouse, excellent food, but a little pricey at $50 per person for all-u-can-eat dinner buffet, insider’s secret- go for lunch, the all-u-can eat buffet is only $25!)

 

High Velocity Sports Bar

10 S. West St. in the JW Marriott hotel

(one of the best sports bars in Indy, cool décor, good food, local beer, and lots of TVs, just blocks away from all of the downtown sports facilities)

 

Indianapolis Colts Grille

110 W. Washington St.

Partnered with the NFL and the Colts, this is the best sports bar in Indy, completely decorated with Colts memorabilia, it has good bar food, and lots of big screen TVs

 

Howl at the Moon

20 E. Georgia St.

(this dueling piano bar is one of the most popular bars downtown)

 

 

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Slippery Noodle Inn

372 S. Meridian St.

World famous, in a building over 100 years old, this is the oldest blues bar in the U.S., featuring live blues 7 nights a week, good pub food, and a full bar, John Dillinger used to frequent here in the 1920s, ask your server to show you where the bullet holes in the walls still remain from his “activities”

 

Delhi Palace

901 Indiana Ave.

(Indian cuisine, good food, has a lunch buffet, try the chicken tikka masala)

 

Yats

910 W. 10th St. & 885 Massachusetts Ave.

(Cajun cuisine, one of the best dining values in Indy, the food is excellent and the entrees are all under $10, try 2 item combos featuring chili cheese etouffee, jambalaya, etc., cash only)

 

Al Basha

910 W. 10th St.

(Mediterranean/Middle East cuisine, does a good lunch buffet)

 

City Barbeque

621 W. 11th St.

(one of the best bbq joints in Indy)

 

Creation Café

337 W. 11th St.

(this popular spot has good food, and is next to the Central Canal)

 

Bazbeaux Pizza

333 Massachusetts Ave.

(Indy’s best pizza joint, everything here is delicious, insider’s secret- add ricotta cheese to whatever pizza you order)

 

Ball & Biscuit

331 Massachusetts Ave.

(trendy little bar, serves good but overpriced drinks, and appetizers)

 

MacNiven’s Restaurant & Bar

339 Massachusetts Ave.

(best Scottish pub food in Indy and one of my favorite bars, they often show soccer or rugby games on TV, have good beer and scotch selections, try the scotch egg, the haggis, the bread pudding, insider’s secret – they have the best ice cream in Indy here, the “Wee Mac Scottish Ale Ice Cream” made exclusively for them by a local ice cream company, based on the locally popular Sun King Wee

 

Mac Scottish Ale, it has a caramel/toffee flavor and comes topped with butterscotch! - OMG)

 

Chatterbox Jazz Club435 Massachusetts Ave. (bar and jazz club, reminds me of being in New Orleans)

 

Bru Burger Bar410 Massachusetts Ave. (serving some of Indy’s best burgers, and has a cool bar)

 

 

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The Rathskeller

401 E. Michigan St.

German restaurant and bar, originally the German American club, this classic building has high ceilings perfect for a German beer hall, featuring German beers and live music, insider’s secret – if you order the pretzels and hot mustard be careful – the hot mustard IS VERY HOT!

 

Pizzology

608 Massachusetts Ave.

(one of the best pizza joints in Indy)

 

Ralston’s Draft House

635 Massachusetts Ave.

(has over 30 beers on tap, and tasty food)

 

Best Chocolate in Town

880 Massachusetts Ave.

(this is the best chocolatier in Indy)

 

R Bistro

888 Massachusetts Ave.

(features fresh, local ingredients, many people rave about this place)

 

Black Market

922 Massachusetts Ave.

(trendy, newer restaurant, many people rave about this place)

 

Bangkok Restaurant & Jazz Bar

225 E. Ohio St.

(Thai food, does a good lunch buffet, jazz on weekends)

 

Maxine’s Chicken & Waffles

132 N. East St.

(popular spot for brunch, the name says it all)

 

Dunaway’s

351 S. East St.

(often cited for good food, also has roof top dining)

 

John’s Famous Stew

1146 Kentucky Ave.

(popular lunch spot, on the outskirts of downtown)

 

Sun King Brewing Co

135 N. College Ave.

(Indy’s most successful and popular brewery, sold all over town, and in bottles and cans, try the Wee Mac Scottish Ale, Sunlight Cream Ale, tasting room open Fridays)

 

 

 

 

​

 

 

 

Fountain Square Area
Just southeast of downtown, this funky Indianapolis neighborhood has vintage and antique shops, a world of restaurants, working artists, and a vibrant arts scene, live music, and performance, and one-of-a-kind stores that sell comics, musical instruments, home décor, fresh flowers, and more.

 

Santorini Greek Kitchen

1417 E. Prospect St.

Best Greek food in Indy, try a combination plate!

 

New Day Meadery

1102 Prospect St.

Tasting room for their Indiana honey wines and ciders.

 

White Rabbit Cabaret Bar

1116 Prospect St.

This trendy little cabaret bar is quite unique!

 

Revolucion

1132 Prospect St.

Mexican restaurant and tequila bar, plus has Hawaiian tiki bar in back!

 

Radio Radio

1119 Prospect St.

Venue for live shows and performances.

 

Smokehouse on Shelby

1103 Shelby St.

Good bbq joint, try the bbq baked beans.

 

B’s Po Boy

1261 Shelby St.

Authentic Cajun cuisine - Po Boy sandwiches and Beignets!, enough said??

 

Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling

1105 Prospect St.

Duckpin bowling is a variation of bowling using smaller pins and a smaller ball that was popular in the 1900s, this retro game is trendy and cool.

 

South of Chicago Pizza & Beef619 Virginia Ave.

Chicago style pizza and Italian beef sandwiches

 

Bluebeard

653 Virginia Ave.

Trendy newer restaurant, good food, small portions, somewhat pricey, be advised that reservations are not accepted/walk-ins only.

 

Rook

719 Virginia Ave.

trendy and new, serves Vietnamese-style banh mi sandwiches

 

Siam Square

936 Virginia Ave.

Best Thai food in Indy, try the curry dishes or the drunken noodles.

 

Pure Eatery

1043 Virginia Ave. #3
Uses fresh ingredients, also has several vegetarian items.

 

Red Lion Grog House

1043 Virginia Ave. #6

British pub that is popular with many people

 

 

 

 

 

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North Side of Indianapolis

The north side is where you'll find many popular restaurants and bars, especially in the Broad Ripple area.

 

 

​

Saddle Up
6378 E 82nd Street

Castleton Square Mall
A popular nightclub for dancing!

 

Saloon & Dancehall

6378 E. 82nd St.

by Castleton Square Mall. In addition, there are over 50 restaurants and bars in the Broad Ripple area.

 

Bar-B-Q Heaven2

515 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.,

& 877 E. 30th St.

(good bbq joint, a locals favorite, neither location is in such a good area, basically does carry out orders anyway)

 

Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place

1831 N. College

(some of the best soul food in Indy, not such a good area)

 

Murphy’s Steakhouse

5198 Allisonville Rd.

(good food, good prices/value since 1977)

 

Mississippi Belle

2170 E. 54th St.

(some of the best soul food in Indy, cash only)

 

Recess

4907 N. College Ave.

(considered one of the best restaurants in Indy, menu changes daily)

 

Aristocrat Pub

5212 N. College Ave.

(a neighborhood favorite, good food, has over 60 beers on tap)

 

Melody Inn

3826 N. Illinois St.

(historic bar, punk/hard rock music and live shows since the 1970s)

 

 

​

Jazz Kitchen

5377 N. College Ave.

Indy’s best Jazz club, features live music, full bar, outstanding food, try the eggplant tower or the daily specials in the summer time, such as the paella or the shrimp boil.

 

Sam’s Gyros

5404 N. College

Mediterranean/Middle East cuisine, good food

 

Yats

5363 N. College Ave.

Cajun cuisine, one of the best dining values in Indy, the food is excellent and the entrees are all under $10, try 2 item combos featuring chili cheese etouffee, jambalaya, etc., cash only.

 

Bazbeaux Pizza

811 E. Westfield Blvd. (Indy’s best pizza joint, everything here is delicious, insider’s secret- add ricotta cheese to whatever pizza you order)

 

Café Patachou & also Petite Chouseveral
locations in downtown and north side (casual French food)

 

Napolese Pizzeria

114 E. 49th St. & at The Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing

one of Indy’s best pizza joints)

 

Naked Tchopsticks

6255 N. College Ave.

Asian food, sushi, sashimi... good food!

 

HopCat

6280 N. College Ave.

They also offer food and have over 100 beers on tap!

 

​

Brugge Brasserie

1011 E. Westfield Blvd.

Indy’s best microbrewery, and my personal favorite, serves Belgian style beers, try the pooka, and serves Belgian and French food, try the Belgian pommes frites [French fries] with multiple dipping sauces, or the crepes, or the bucket of mussels in a French white wine sauce - OMG!

 

Broad Ripple Brewpub

840 E. 65th St.

microbrewery, has good beer and good food.

 

Thr3e Wise Men

1021 Broad Ripple Ave.

(microbrewery, has good beer and good food, owner of Scotty’s BH)

 

BRICS (Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station)

901 E. 64th St.

(some of the best ice cream in Indy )

 

Kilroy’s Bar & Grill

831 Broad Ripple Ave.

(really good pub food, try the pepperoni breadsticks - OMG)

 

Mama Carolla’s

1031 E. 54th St.

(one of the best Italian restaurants in Indy, has good ambiance/décor)

 

Just Pop In

6302 N. Guilford Ave.

(features dozens of flavors of gourmet popcorn)

 

Shalimar

1043 Broad Ripple Ave.

(Indian cuisine, good food, has a lunch buffet, try the chicken tikka masala)

 

Capri Ristorante

2602 Ruth Dr.

(by 75th & Keystone)

One of the best Italian restaurants in Indy.

 

Illinois Street Food Emporium

5550 N. Illinois St.

Classic Indy breakfast/lunch spot, I grew up eating here, one of my all-time personal favorites, has really good bakery items such as Danishes and croissants.

 

Graeter’s Ice Cream

5560 N. Illinois St.

Some of the best ice cream in Indy – from the famed Cincinnati icon.

 

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

3316 E. 86th St.

(one of Indy’s best steak houses and a personal favorite of mine -JV

 

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

8487 Union Chapel Rd. #120

(by 82nd & Keystone across from Keystone at the Crossing)

(great steak house, and has one of  Indy’ s best happy hour bar food specials Sunday-Friday 5-7 PM for $6, such as the prime cheeseburger, salt and pepper shrimp, etc.

 

Blend

3981 E. 82nd St.

(ultra-hip lounge & cigar bar)

 

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

2727 E. 86th St.

(great steakhouse and desserts)

 

Le Peepseveral locations including

2258 W. 86th St.,
by Keystone at the Crossing Fashion Mall, and in Carmel,

and by Castleton Square Mall

(only open for breakfast and lunch, serves one of the best breakfasts in Indy, try the gooey bun, French toast, pancakes, crepes, or the omelets)

 

Tulip Noir

1224 W. 86th St.

(popular breakfast/lunch spot, small portions, somewhat pricey)

 

The Original Pancake House

1518 W. 86th St. & in Noblesville & Fishers

(one of Indy’s best breakfast spots)

 

Ted’s Montana Grill

5910 W. 86th St.

(good burgers, steaks, and bison, all from Ted Turner’s ranches)

 

 

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Squealers

5515 W. 86th St.

(Indy’s best bbq joint, everything here is delicious, try the combo plates, the bbq burger, Jan’s spud [giant baked potato with pulled pork], and the bbq nachos with pulled pork [best nachos in Indy] – OMG)

 

Schakolad

6010 W. 86th St. #136

(one of the best chocolate shops

in town)

 

Traders Point Creamery

9101 Moore Rd. Zionsville

(working farm that has its own restaurant, good food)

 

Ale Emporium

8617 Allisonville Rd.

(bar/sports bar with excellent food, try the pizza and the wings)

 

Granite City

150 W. 96th St. in Carmel

(this microbrewery has good beers and good food)

 

Daddy Jack’s & Kona Jack’s

9419 N. Meridian St.

(good food, seafood, and Après Jack’s bar)

 

Jersey’s Cafe

13710 N. Meridian St. Carmel

 (featured on the Food Network, has east coast style sandwiches)

 

The Pint Room

110 W. Main St. Carmel

(has over 100 beers on tap, try the burgers and the onion rings)

 

Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream

210 W. Main St. Carmel & in Zionsville

(one of Indy’s best burger joints)

 

Sichuan

11588 Westfield Blvd. Carmel (best Chinese food in Indy, the lunch buffet is also good, insider’s secret - they have 2 menus, one in English and one in Chinese, try the Chinese menu)

 

Pizzology

13190 Hazel Dell Parkway Carmel

(one of the best pizza joints in Indy)

 

Scotty’s Brewhouse

110 W. Main St. Carmel

(good pub food/burgers local beers, + their own beer from Thr3e Wise Men)

 

Ciao

40 S. Main St. Zionsville

formerly IL Villaggio, still one of the best Italian restaurants in Indy.

 

 

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Peterson’s

7690 E. 96th St. Fishers

This is the best restaurant in Indy in my opinion, has excellent food and impeccable service, wide ranging menu and wine list, including fantastic seafood… if you only visit one restaurant in Indy then this should be the one, everything here is delicious.

 

Indy Stout House

9454 Haver Way

by 96th and Keystone

has food and features many dark beers

 

Eddie Merlot’s

3645 E. 96th St.

Serves excellent food and has one of the most beautiful interior décors of any restaurant in the city, also try just hanging out in the bar.

 

Claddagh Irish Pub

3835 E. 96th St.

(best Irish pub food in Indy, try the fish and chips, the shepherd’s pie, or the beef stew, and don’t forget the beer!)

 

Scotty’s Brewhouse

3905 E. 96th St.

(good pub food/burgers, local beers, + their own beer from Thr3e Wise Men)

 

The Journey

7155 E. 96th St.

(Asian food, does a buffet, and has a beautiful interior)

 

GT South’s Rib House

5711 E. 71st St.

(one of the best bbq joints in Indy)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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South Side of Indianapolis

 

Pipers Restaurant

2130 W. Southport Rd.

at Southport Rd. & State Rd. 37.

Not as well-known as it should be, perhaps due to its being located on the south side of town, this is one of the best restaurants in Indy, it has excellent food, including great sea food, and a wide ranging menu, dine here once and you will be a regular, and their sizable banquet room is a great place for a special event.

 

Hal’s Fabulous Vegas Bar & Grille

1133 N. State Rd. 135 Greenwood

Decorated like the inside of a casino, this is a cool and unique place to eat, featuring an ultra-hip bar that is a great place to hang out.

 

Bynum’s Steakhouse

3850 S. Meridian St.

One of Indy’s best and least known steakhouses.

 

Shallo’s Antique Restaurant & Brewhouse

8811 Hardegan St.

Over 40 beers on tap, over 500 total beers.

 

China Bistro

7327 S. US 31

One of the better Chinese restaurants in Indy.

 

Clay Oven

7415 S. US 31

Some of Indy’s best Indian cuisine, has a lunch buffet.

 

City Barbeque

7863 S. US 31

One of the best bbq joints in Indy.

 

Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza

401 Market Plaza Greenwood

One of the best pizza joints in Indy, absolutely delicious.

 

Yiayia’s House of Pancakes

1694 W. Main St. Greenwood

One of the best breakfast spots in Indy, and has generous portions.

 

 

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Oaken Barrel Brewing Co

50 Airport Parkway Greenwood

One of Indy’s first microbreweries and a personal favorite of mine, it has good beers and good food, try the pork tenderloin sandwich or the pizza.

 

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

1251 N. US 31 Greenwood

at the Greenwood Park Mall

This microbrewery has good beers, good food, and a wide ranging menu, try the house made sodas.

 

8 Lucky Buffet

5010 S. East St.

Chinese food, has decent food, does a lunch buffet, good lunch spot.

 

Gray Brothers Cafeteria

555 S. Indiana St. Mooresville

Featured on the Food Network and an Indy area landmark, this is a classic cafeteria with great food, great desserts, and generous portions.

 

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Squealers

390 E. High St. Mooresville

(original location – other location is on the north side of Indy)  Indy’s best bbq joint, everything here is delicious, try the combo plates, the bbq burger, Jan’s spud [giant baked potato with pulled pork], and the bbq nachos with pulled pork [best nachos in Indy] – OMG!

 

 

 

 

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East Side of Indianapolis

 

Papa Roux

8950 E. 10th St.

Cajun cuisine, one of Indy’s best, has a very loyal following.

 

Manley’s Irish Mutt

7041 E. 10th St.

Irish pub, a locals favorite, often cited for good food.

 

Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza

5646 E. Washington St.

one of the best pizza joints in Indy, absolutely delicious.

 

Bando Restaurant

8015 Pendleton Pike

Korean cuisine, seldom found in Indy, try something different!.

 

Mama’s House Korean Restaurant

8867 Pendleton Pike

Korean cuisine, try the Bul GoGi [Korean bbq beef].

 

Steer-In

5130 E. 10th St.

featured on the Food Network, a locals favorite, old school diner/drive in.

 

Edwards Drive-In

2126 S. Sherman Dr.

1950s style drive in, a locals favorite, try the pork tenderloin sandwich, and the handmade root beer.

 

Rock-Cola Cafe

5730 Brookville Rd.

1950s style diner, a locals favorite.

 

 

Eduardo’s
(and Charley Biggs chicken)

2412 E. Raymond St. #B

Indy’s only Philippino cuisine, and it is really good, not easy to find this place, don’t be fooled by the location. It started as a Charley Biggs chicken spot, which is like a KFC or Church’s Chicken style chicken joint. This is one of the best dining values in Indy, you can easily do lunch or dinner here for under $10. Try the pork menudo, longanisa (little sausages), taron (like a banana eggroll), and many more options on Saturdays. Great lunch or dinner spot, great value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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West Side of Indianapolis

 

The west side of town is home to most of the international grocery stores, and many ethnic restaurants serving authentic cuisine. This area is quickly gaining popularity and is becoming known as the International Corridor.

 

 Rick’s Café Boatyard

4050 Dandy Trail

right on the water at Eagle Creek reservoir, has good food, a cool bar, sit inside or outside with a view of the water, best place to be in Indy when the weather is nice, especially on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

 

India Palace

4213 Lafayette Rd.

Indy’s best Indian cuisine, good food, has a complete lunch buffet, try the chicken tikka masala, the vegetable dishes, and the carrot halwa [carrot pudding] - OMG.

 

Carniceria Guanajuato

5210 W. Pike Plaza Rd.

this is a Mexican grocery store, on the inside there is a restaurant, a bar, a tamale stand, a bakery, and an ice cream stand, this restaurant has some of Indy’s best Mexican food, everything here is delicious except the tamales, don’t forget to try a molcajete and the gourmet ice cream.

 

Spice Nation

4225 Lafayette Rd.

Southern Indian vegetarian cuisine, good food, inside an Indian market.

 

Machu Picchu

5356 W. 38th St.

Peruvian cuisine, try the Papa a la Huancaina, and the Aji de Gallina.

 

King Wok

4150 Lafayette Rd.

Vietnamese cuisine, try the Pho giant bowls of soup, several types available.

 

Jiallo’s

4202 W. 56th St. #B2

African/Caribbean cuisine, excellent food and generous portions.

 

Nick’s Chili Parlor

2621 Lafayette Rd.

a locals favorite, try the chili.

 

Dawson’s

1464 Main St., & 773 E. Main St. Brownsburg

excellent food, a west side gem, everything here is good, try the pork chops and the daily specials, insider’s secret – their smoked wings might be the best in Indy.

 

Lino’s Coffee

1201 Main St.

Three blocks from the IMS

inside the Dallara Indy Car Factory, this is the only Lino’s in the U.S., featuring Italian coffees, espressos, sodas, beers, Panini sandwiches, and gelato.

 

Mug-N-Bun

5211 W. 10th St.

1950s style drive in, around for decades, an Indy landmark, try the pork tenderloin sandwich, the deep fried mushrooms or cauliflower, and the handmade root beer.

 

Boulder Creek

1551 N. Green St. Brownsburg

excellent food, a locals favorite, their steaks are aged for 30 days, has some of the best steaks in Indy, generous portions, and a great value for the money.

 

Scotty’s Brewhouse

251 W. Northfield Dr. Brownsburg

good pub food/burgers, local beers, + their own beer from Thr3e Wise Men.

 

Rock Star Pizza

922 E. Main St. Brownsburg, & 2365 E. Main St. Plainfield

one of Indy’s best pizza joints.

 

City Barbeque

9116 Rockville Rd. in Avon

one of the best bbq joints in Indy.

 

Papa Joe’s Jr

8100 E. US Highway 36 Avon

excellent Italian food, a west side gem.

 

Judge’s Tip of the Rib

2104 W. Michigan St.

one of the best bbq joints in Indy, limited hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dining & Nightlife

Don’t forget to try Indiana specialties like the pork tenderloin sandwich and the sugar cream pie! The best pork tenderloin sandwich in Indy might be at Grindstone Charley’s. (several locations)

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Downtown area

Most options are on Massachusetts/Pennsylvania/Meridian/Illinois

 

Most of the trendy bars and dance clubs downtown are on South Meridian Street. Including  Taps and Dolls, Cadillac Ranch, Bartini’s, Blu, Sensu, and Ike & Jonesy’s.

 

Another popular spot for dancing is Talbott Street Nightclub at 2145 N. Talbott St., which is a gay club but straight people are welcome there too, they have good DJs and they do a drag show on Saturday nights.