Reader feedback: Indianapolis

Have your own suggestions for visiting Indianapolis? Share your tips with other readers.

I visited Indy in December '07. From all the review websites I read before going, people put St. Elmo's on lists for the best steak place in Indy, but I found it incredibly overpriced for my steak quality and the windowless dining room that had all the ambiance of an old saloon. The shrimp cocktail that everyone told me to get came out as nothing more than a $15 pile of four barely jumbo shrimp smothered with an inedible goo of horseradish and honey cocktail sauce. Our waiter was about as lively and interesting as dry toast.

If you're in Indy on a Sunday evening, head out to Sullivan's for a terrific, affordable fixed menu with wonderful choices and happy (read: younger), vibrant waiters who make you feel like your business is wanted and not like they're doing you a favor by serving you.

I also enjoyed the far more casual Kona Jacks up on far north Meridian Street. Try the lightly breaded Walleye--wonderful. Also another restaurant with pleasant waiters and generous portions for the price.

If you go to Indy, and you're parking at a meter downtown, BE CAREFUL! I was parked a few inches away from the curb, and received a $20 ticket for my troubles. Never mind the fact that this was the day after July 4th, and my car clearly had out of state plates, and I was parked in front of THE main downtown mall. Probably safer to spend the extra money and park in a garage.

I've relocated to Indy from the city not too long ago and have enjoyed living in Indy for the most part. An area that has become a favorite of mine is the Mass Ave. area. A strip on bars and shops that remind a little of Bucktown. You can find a little bit of everything...Pubs, upscale boutiques, Pizza (though not as good as home). Stay out of the tourist traps downtown and check out this area. Plenty of parking too.

The NCAA Hall of Champions is a nice venture for college sports nuts.

http://www.ncaa.org/hall_of_champions/global/...

Massachusetts Ave is the alternative to Broadripple for the thirty + crowd. Fine dining, bars and entertainment. The Rathskeller has an excellent Biergarten with great entertainment.

http://www.rathskeller.com/

I would disagree with the gentleman who picked Sullivan's over St. Elmo's.

www.stelmos.com

www.sullivansteakhouse.com

Famous Jack's Burgers 'n Brew!!! I can't say enough about this place. It's located in Fishers on 96th street. They have the best burgers I have ever tasted, hands down, and I've had many cheeseburgers. In-n-Out, Fat Burger, Whataburger, they don't measure up.

It's locally owned and operated. They've got all types beer. And I don't even drink beer. They put their burgers on sandwich-size Thomas english muffins and I swear that's what probably makes the difference.

If you are ever in Indy it is a must. http://www.famousjacks.com

Although I miss the greatest city in the world, I have come to appreciate some of the great advantages of living in Indianapolis (traffic, affordability)
Some of my suggestions...
1. Conner Prairie...an outdoor living history museum in Fishers (north of Indianapolis)...lots to do for all ages
2. Brugge Brasserie...for the beer lover...they make their own Belgian beers and serve food that compliments the beer...great atmosphere...located in Broad Ripple
3. I'd like to second the comments regarding the Rathskellar...fabulous beer & wine, fantastic food
Cheers!

Robert Salm wrote:

I visited Indy in December '07. From all the review websites I read before going, people put St. Elmo's on lists for the best steak place in Indy, but I found it incredibly overpriced for my steak quality and the windowless dining room that had all the ambiance of an old saloon. The shrimp cocktail that everyone told me to get came out as nothing more than a $15 pile of four barely jumbo shrimp smothered with an inedible goo of horseradish and honey cocktail sauce. Our waiter was about as lively and interesting as dry toast.
If you're in Indy on a Sunday evening, head out to Sullivan's for a terrific, affordable fixed menu with wonderful choices and happy (read: younger), vibrant waiters who make you feel like your business is wanted and not like they're doing you a favor by serving you.
I also enjoyed the far more casual Kona Jacks up on far north Meridian Street. Try the lightly breaded Walleye--wonderful. Also another restaurant with pleasant waiters and generous portions for the price.

Robert, Sorry about your experience at St. Elmo. I'm an Indianapolis native, and have never been terribly impressed by this restaurant. I remember once reading a local review that said St. Elmo appeared to be resting on its laurels, and unfortunately I think this still holds true.

Even though Chicago is highly renowned for its pizza, when in Indianapolis, you should really check out Bazbeaux Pizza on Mass Ave. My personal favorite is the Garden combo, on whole wheat crust (I recommend the thick crust).

Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along Mass Ave. It's artsy-fartsy Indy at its best.

I've lived and worked twice in Indy. I found it a vibrant and refreshing get away from Chicago. Not that I'd settle down there, but the change of pace was enjoyable. I do reccomend Broad Ripple and the Rathskellar. The Indy water resembles that in England, so the brewpubs English beers are worth sampling.

One of the best museums in downtown Indy, in my opinion, is the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. http://www.eiteljorg.org/ Parking is not a concern as there is a garage beneath the Eiteljorg and the Indiana State Museum, which is next door.