Indy's Best Bites - My Favorite, Must-Go Eatery's In and Around Indianapolis, Indiana
Home is where the best food is- period. No matter where you’re from I can guarantee you’d swear a few spots from home have the best bites you’ve ever had. I’m sharing some of my favorites in and around Indianapolis! Whether you’re local, visiting or just wanting to see if you could visit with food options - I’ve got you! As a vegetarian, a majority of these places had extensive vegetarian options (typically vegan, gluten free as well!) but I have included locations I’ve eaten at before becoming vegetarian!
I’ve been going here since before I can remember from hot summers as a little kid to grabbing lunch with my parents before catching flights back to university. Their menu has changed over the years but you can always count on amazing options for all dietary needs, delicious bites and if you’re in to it, a good selection of local beers! My personal favorite: Vegetarian Sloppy Joe OR Drunken Ravioli
Some Guys Pizza / Bazbeaux /Puccini’s
If you’re a local to Broad Ripple you might know a bit about this local pizza rivalry. If not, a quick summation is that Bazbeaux is the first, Some Guys came next with Puccini’s being the newest - all from original Bazbeaux staff. Sometimes it’s drama - in fact, I worked at Some Guys Pizza in high school (seriously, the best job & people ever) and it was a tricky subject on occasion - but at the end of it, I encourage pizza lovers to give them all a try and just enjoy it for all it is - three delicious takes on pizza and other Italian foods. Each has special bits unique to them and I can guarantee you will love every bite, no matter where you go! My personal favorites: House Salad with homemade Ranch & Santa Fe Pizza (Some Guys Pizza) Bazbeaux Special (Bazbeaux Pizza) Scamorza Appetizer & Humble Pie
A simple & straightforward place I make sure to visit every.single.time. I come home! Each location offers up 7 - 10 different options of stew (or something similar) every day, served over rice with bread (get extra - its only a few cents extra!) Whether you like spice or not, there’s something for you! Note: certain locations only take cash - so be sure to check before you go what the situation is there! My personal favorite: Vegetarian Spinach and Mushroom Etouffee.
One of my absolute favorite local Italian restaurants- Mama Corolla’s is delicious and a truly beautiful little spot for a meal! Whether its with friends, family or your SO - the food & atmosphere are perfect. My personal favorites: Brushetta & Fettuccini Alfredo.
If you’re in or near Broad Ripple looking for a breakfast bite - you gotta go here! There’s something for everyone and is SO GOOD. There will probably be a wait because it’s no secret & somewhere tons of locals & visitors stop by! My personal favorites: Mama’s Breakfast Meal, Java French Toast, Mimosas!
I’ve been coming here since High School and let me tell you - any restaurant by Martha Hoover I’ve been to so far is GREAT! She saw a need for farm to table food far before many and the freshness in still there plus some new twists and turns that make dining in any of the foundations restaurants amazing. Here, my personal favorites are: The California Dreamer Omelette, Our Toast #ToastLove, Egg Salad Sandwich and Green Goddess Salad.
Twenty Tap
If you’re stopping in to try some of their amazing beers you MUST have their cheese curds. Like seriously - even go there JUST for the cheese curds. They will not disappoint - I promise. My personal favorites: Cheese Curds (duh)
Not only is this one of my favorite places to take gorgeous photos, every single thing on the menu here is delicious. Now, the prices may scare you a bit - I totally was a little put off at first too - but once you take that first bite (and every single one after) you will understand every cent is worth it. I’ve tried a lot of different bites here and have never NOT been thrilled. This is a great place to go with others, have everyone get something different and share so you can try multiple things without spending $100. My personal favorites: Raspberry Champagne Cake, Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter Mouse Pie (this is heavenly).
This is one of those staple places to check out in Indianapolis. It’s an upscale, steakhouse dining situation but it’s been around since 1902 for a reason. I’ll never forget when the Super Bowl was in Indy hearing about how every celebrity in town had reservations - or didn’t, but got a seat anyways, because- well, its St. Elmos. As a vegetarian I can’t say much about their steaks other than from friends & family who have gone and loved every bite. Their world famous shrimp cocktail, delicious salads and veggie sides are absolutely yum and is a great place for a special night out downtown.
Whether you want to try them all, snag something as a gift or (truthfully) something for yourself, Just Pop In is THE BEST. If I’m in town or my mom comes out to see me, I always get popcorn one way or another! My personal favorite is their Indy Mix (a take on what is typically called Chicago Mix - Cheddar Cheese Popcorn and Caramel Popcorn). I’ve recently tried a few more I love: Cherry Flavor, Bazbeaux Tomato & Basil Pizza.
The Rathskeller
Growing up I’ve attended lunches, weddings and dinners here and they’ve been great! If you’re over 21 - especially in the summer - the Biergarten is especially fun with beautiful weather and many, many drinks. With traditional takes on Bavarian food you really can’t go wrong. I will say as a vegetarian things are a bit more tricky but if you’re ok with sides, even these are delicious! Worse comes to worse, you can have a drink (or two).
There are SO many other bites that are AMAZING in and around Indy - I know I couldn’t possibly know them all! I’d love to know your thoughts on other Indianapolis restaurants that you love and what your personal favorites are!