Dave & Buster's
8350 Castleton Corner Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46250
317.572.2706




One of the hottest places around the Indianapolis restaurant circuit this summer would be Dave & Buster's.  Of all the Indianapolis new restaurants opening up this summer this establishment definitely sets itself apart.  Although they market themselves as a restaurant/arcade, let me assure you that this is not just another Chuck E. Cheese with a few kids games and mediocre pizza... this place is legit.

Randomly enough, I ended up at two separate Dave & Buster's over the course of five days, one in Cincinnati and the newest location just next to Castleton Square Mall in Indianapolis.  The biggest surprise to me was the menu!  The menu came complete with options to fit anyone's food cravings.  They offer everything from burgers, to salads, to chicken dishes, and quite a tempting dessert menu.

The food was also very high quality and hearty portions.  Every member of the group I was with thought the food was solid, with good flavor and generous portions.  They also have a lengthy drink menu for those who prefer to just have a drink while trying to play "whack-a-mole" and "skee-ball."

The only issue we had with the Indianapolis restaurant was the crowd.  It was easy to see that this is the "hot spot" in Indianapolis right now.  It took about 45 minutes for us to get seated and about 30 minutes for our food to come out. 

My suggestion would be to go when they have their "Eat & Play Special" (which consists of a meal & $10 game card for $15.99)  Times vary, so be sure to check the website.  Also, make sure to leave plenty of time for the games.  They have games that would fit anyone's preferences and you will definitely want to check those out!

If you're looking for a fun place to show off your competitive skills with friends, I would highly recommend checking out this restaurant in Indianapolis soon!








Alcatraz Brewing Co.
49 W. Maryland St
Indianapolis, IN 46204






Question
: What does the Alcatraz penitentiary and Alcatraz Brewing Company have in common?
Answer: Big.
 

The penitentiary held over 450 prisoners at one point, and a meal at the downtown Indianapolis restaurant could probably feed about 45 people (ok, slight exaggeration, but the meals were huge!)

The most outstanding feature of Alcatraz would be the portion sizes.  The nachos were stacked a foot high and could easily be an appetizer for 5-6 people, and nearly all of us left with an entire take home box full of left-overs.

The food was great, the atmosphere was fun, and the service was very good.  The menu listed as many beers as many other Indianapolis pubs and drink specials made many of them very reasonably priced. 

If you ever go, plan on splitting a pizza and an appetizer and make sure to show up hungry!  Alcatraz is a solid choice for anyone looking for the best restaurant in Indianapolis!
 






So the other day I was talking with Compendium's creative designer Mikey about places to grab a bite to eat in indy. He has mentioned a place that I hadn't had since I was a kid. Arnie's pizza, located up on 96th street is a great place to grab some pizza at a reasonable price.

After Mikey had mentioned Arnie's, I had to ask what he thought about it. He first said that the variety is a lot wider than he expected. Arnie's has an extensive menu including not only Pizza, but subs and salads as well (there is something there for everyone). Mikey also said that he liked that the pizza was thin crust (my favorite!!) Also, the ingredients are chopped up in smaller pieces (which allows for more toppings!) On top of the great pizza and the wide variety of food, Mikey said that there is a big bar. So it is a great place to grab a bite to eat and a few drinks before a night out.

There are several locations where you can get your fix of Arnie's pizza. The on in Indy is on 96th street (it recently moved up there from it's previous location on 86th street in the strip mall next to Wal-Mart). You can call in or order on-line and get carry out for those nights that you want to pick up something on your way home from work!




Deano's Wine Bar&RestaurantIndianapolis Downtown Restaurant, Deano's Wine Bar
1112 Shelby St

Indianapolis, IN 46203
(317) 423-3154

Indianapolis Nightlife, Wine, fine dining?   OMG thank you for Deano's Wine Bar & Restaurant!

Located just off Fountain Square this is sincerely one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis.   Just about a mile from downtown, owners Dean Wilson and Jody Bryant have created something that is truly unique.   With a motto of "Good food, good wine and good friends"  these guys have really come through in creating a great Indianapolis date restaurant.

Oh...did I mention they have music on weekends?  How's that for those of you looking for some Indianapolis Nightlife that's for adults?

The dinner menu has lots of seafood like a smoked salmon platter appetizer or a "more crab than cake" Crab Cake.  What Indianapolis fine dining restaurant review would be complete without a shrimp cocktail?  (Shrimp Cocktail is to Indianapolis Restaurants like wings are in Buffalo...available everywhere)

The appetizer menu even includes an Italian restaurant touch with four different Pizza's and a portabella & pistachio salad.    Entrees cover seafood to chicken to beef.  As an Atkins eater who is trying to eat more locally produced food, I was thrilled to see Indiana Bison Steaks on the menu...pared with a suggested Petite Sirah......perfect.

Writing this Indiana Dining Guide is makeing me hungry...







Actually, Giorgio's is not only the best pizza in Indianapolis for lunch, it's also the perfect Pizza for meetings and in office events.  If I were writing and Indianapolis dining guide, this would be at the top of my list as among the best fast food Indianapolis. 

Located just off the circle on East Market street, what you will love about Giorgio's (other than Giorgio himself who always makes you feel special) is the urban feel...unusual for and Indianapolis Restaurant.   I've tried to capture the essence in the video here, but there is a great process for ordering with all the pizza, pastas, salads&sandwiches on display.   The place is always full but never so crowded that you want to turn away.  Even if you see a line out the door, it moves fast.   Inside there is plenty of seating and a really nice din that you won't feel at any of the other Indianapolis Lunch Restaurants I frequent.  I wouldn't call this a date restaurant and not a dinner type Italian Restaurant but of restaurant's I review in Indianapolis, this is one of my favorites.








Ah Barista Cafe - http://www.ahbarista.com
Location: 201 S. Capitol Ave.

DLG Rating: 8/10

Ah Barista Cafe is a little less-known place on the ground floor of the Pan Am Building.  It features a variety of sandwiches and salads, good for a quick lunch.  The sandwiches are a fairly good size, come with chips and usually fill the appetite with a solid light lunch.  If you are a big eater, this is not your place.
 

Some of the specials include: Taco Salad, Pizza Pretzel Paninis, Loaded Baked Potatoes and some other very unique choices.  The cafe serves all Boar's Head meats, so the sandwiches are quality.

Another plus to the cafe is a plethora of drink options - every type of coffee, Italian cream sodas and much, much more.

The most enjoyable part of grabbing lunch at Ah Barista is the staff.  Always very cordial and helpful with great recommendations.





Goodfella's Old World Brick Oven Pizza
Location:
9641 Olio Road
McCordsville, Indiana
317-336-6666
http://goodfellas.com/


My husband and I are from a small town Northeast of Indianapolis.  Our town has very few good restaurants. What our town does have are 1,000 pizza restaurants to choose from and they just keep on coming. (Seriously we can get any kind of pizza within a 15 mile radius. Ok, maybe not 1,000, but at least 15.)
One of the best restaurants of Indianapolis is Goodfella’s Restaurant Old World Brick Oven Pizza.  It has become our favorite Italian restaurant. It just opened last year and it is absolutely wonderful! I just crave the wonderful Italian cuisine.
It was voted World’s Best Pizza Restaurant in 2007. Goodfella's is real NEW YORK ITALIAN!!

My husband and I start off with their chopped salad and house balsamic vinaigrette dressing, which we split. Then on to the main course, the pizza. We order the Old World Brick Oven Pizza, which is a thin crust type of pizza.   We order the works with pepperoni, sausage, extra cheese, meatballs and prosciutto. YUMMO!
Check out the menu guide to see all the wonderful choices they have to offer.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the hot Italian bread with dipping sauce is scrumptious, but be careful not to fill-up on the bread. Side note: they do not serve bread before 5:00.
They also have wonderful pasta. My kids love their spaghetti and meatballs. The sauce on the pizza and spaghetti is so fresh. It is like eating fresh squeezed tomatoes.
The service is wonderful. The waitresses and waiters are always friendly and helpful in ordering. They also have full bar and their Cosmos are my fave!  I would highly recommend this wonderful Northeast Indianapolis Italian restaurant!





Tucked away in the northeast side of Indianapolis on the Geist Reservoir lays one of my favorite sports bars and restaurants that I have ever been to.  One of the reasons for my preference of this excellent Indianapolis restaurant is the fact that lots of my friends work there, and I love getting to see people I know when I go out to eat, but the main reason is the fact that it serves delicious food in a restaurant known for its night life and family restaurant style during the day.  While I am not old enough to have much of an opinion when it comes to Indianapolis bars, or any bars Visit Casler's Kitchen and Bar's menu and dining guidefor that matter, I would have to say that it seems to be quite an enjoyable place at night when I pass by it at night while driving to friends' houses.  However, I can comment on the delicious food that Casler's serves to me each and every time that I have been there!   If you are looking for a great burger, steak, pizza, or french fries (which I would assume just about everyone eats) then Casler's is the place for you.  My personal favorite at this restaurant would have to be either its cheese fries appetizer or its meaty pizza, as I usually end up eating the entire thing to myself when I go there for lunch or dinner with my family!  They also have a very nice atmosphere that mixes the sports bar and pub with the outside edges being booths for family enjoyment (not saying that the sports theme doesn't come across in the family section however!).  Casler's is a great place to visit, and I would suggest to anyone who is tired of the downtown traffic to head up to Geist Reservoir at Olio Road and 116th Street and check it out!





Casler's Kitchen and Bar
11501 Geist Pavillion Drive
Fishers, IN 46038
Phone:  (317) 596-9810
Visit:  Casler's Kitchen and Bar



Despite the fact that I have only visited Journey's seafood and buffet twice, and on special occasions, I have already found it to be one of the best buffet-style restaurants I have ever been to!  Simply put, Journey is an Asian seafood, steak, pizza, and dessert buffet, along with just about 100 other types of food from all across the globe.  For example, I recently visited Journey for my girlfriend's birthday, and ended up with pizza, green beans, steak, crab legs, and dessert all on one plate!  While it is somewhat of an unusual combination, it makes for a restaurant where a whole family can visit on a special occasion or just about any time and every person can eat (even if they are very picky).  Although I have only mentioned visiting Journey on specialClick here to see the menu of a great seafood buffet, including everything from steak to sushi occasions, I would have to say that it would make a good location for a business lunch, a date with that special someone, or just a nice dinner with the family or friends.  Journey is a great place for everyone because it has all types of food and a very modern atmosphere, making for an amazing and memorable experience.  I tend to stay away from buffet-style restaurants, but after visiting Journey, I had to include it in my dining guide as one of the best buffet restaurants in Indianapolis by far!  By the way, don't miss the chocolate fountains near the buffet, as they are very good!  Enjoy!




The Journey
7155 E. 96th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone:  317-578-9933
Visit:  The Journey




Maggiano's Little Italy
3550 East 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN, 46240-2424

Genre: Italian-American
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location: North Indianapolis

"...when the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, that's amore..."  Everytime I walk into this restaurant, that song plays in my head at least once.  This restaurant gives you the feel of a traditional Italian-American establishment, as if you were in little Italy.  Ive been here on many occasions (family visits, couples night, friends, etc.) and the food is just as delicious as when I ate there that time before. 

I can't really put my finger on a specific plate that I like the most because Ive enjoyed all of the meals that Ive had here.  Maggiano's features signature plates in the menu that are cooked house-style.  I would recommend eating here, at least once, and experience for yourself the taste of little Italy!

I gave this restaurant a perfect score because of the menu.  It does contain such dishes as Fettucine Alfredo and Spaghetti with Meatballs, two non-authentic Italian dishes.  We must realize, however, that Maggiano's represents a "Little Italy" style of dining, not a purely home-land Italian style.  It is this that allows Maggiano's to represent Italian-American dining.





Bella Pizzeria
New York Style Eatery
Clay Terrace Blvd & 3855 E. 96th St.
317-569-8911   or   317-569-9211

So maybe you are on a lunch date, are on the north side and are looking for what might be the best pizza in Indianapolis.  Bella Pizzeria might be just the place.   I visited the location in Clay Terrace  (which always freaks me out).  As an area that tries to mimic what a town might look like Bella Pizzeria actually does a nice job of preparing excellent pizza by the slice and other traditional New York dishes.

Try Bella as you continue your search for the best pizza in Indianapolis





Dugout best pizza Indianapolis IndyDugout  (Map)
621 Virginia Ave
Indianapolis, IN  46203
317-916-1514

You know…..Indianapolis has some great restaurants.  But because we are so chain-heavy often it all has sort of a polished…almost Disney feel.   Sometimes you just want to find a place that’s (cliché alert) real.

Dugout is just such a place…it’s a barRemember them?  Like your dad used to go to when he blew the family paycheck.

It’s close to downtown Indianapolis and Fountain Square, it’s friendly and it has some of the best pizza in Indy.  Oh, and it has drinks too…great stop for that low pressure, after work date.   Trust me, She’ll either think you’re cool….or never speak to you again. 





Stefano's one of the best pizza restaurants in IndianapolisStefano’s Ristorante and Pizzeria   
11680 Commercial Dr
Fishers, IN  46038  (across from Super Target)
317-577-9800
Map

Ok, I know I talked about Bazbeaux because of it’s Seafood and other new age Pizza’s.  I like the neighborhood vibe of the restaurants etc….

But y’know…sometimes (most of the time) you just long for an old fashioned taste of Brooklyn.   Now I’m on a mission to find that pizzia here in Indianapolis, and we have a contender with STEFANO’S Ristorante.

To begin, Stefano’s is owned by a guy actually named Stefano,  so there is some legitimate street cred right from the start.  Indy Men’s Magazine named Cio’s Indianapolis’ Best Pizza in 2003 and Stefano’s has that recepie.  The focus is on the traditional toppings including a terrific Italian Sausage and all the Pizza’s are available by the slice…as a true pizzeria should do.  Stefano’s also offers excellent Itialian fare including Spaghetti, Lasagna, Ravioli and a restaurant favorite Baked Ziti.

Carmella…How’s that sound?





But just because Chicago's isn't the best pizza restaurant in Indiana doesn't mean it's not worth the trip once in a while....

Located in small towns all over Indianapolis like Greenfield, Ellettsville, Bargersville, Terre haute, Hanover, Cloverdale Clermont, Franklin and a few others.

Pizza Restaurant IndianapolisOk I’ll admit it.  I love Chicago’s.  It’s perfect for a date (If you are in high school), so for grown up’s it’s fun to go and watch the high schooler’s on dates….(yes I live in a small town….we have to get our fun where we can lol)

The menu is to be expected with Excellent Pizza and what I think is the best salad bar of any Indianapolis pizza restaurant. 

Chicago’s has nothing to do with Chicago of course…they don’t sell the Chicago style pizza you would find at Edwardo’s, but it’s good, cheap, easy and fun.




Bazbeaux PizzaIndianapolis Pizza Restaurant Bazbeaux
Broad Ripple
811 E. Westfield Blvd.
317-255-5711

Downtown
334 Mass Ave
317-636-7662

I think for location, ambiance and a hang loose vibe, Bazbeaux’s is the best pizza restaurant in Indianapolis.   The whole thing has a college feel that is decidedly un-chain…something that is getting very hard to find in Indianapolis Restaurants.

For an old fashioned Italian Pizza, this might not be the best restaurant…although they do make great traditional pizza.  What Bazbeaux’s is known for however are their unusual Gourmet Pizza.  They have a great Seafood Pizza with Shrimp & Crab and a Barbeque Chicken Pizza that features owner Deb Berman’s own recipe barbeque sauce.  For those with a more Mexican taste,  there is the Tchoupitoulas pizza who’s toppings include Cajun shrimp, a ridiculous andouille sausage (kind of Mexican/French I guess) and roasted red peppers.  There is even a vegetarian Pizza that will thrill the most ardent PETA supporter.

If you are looking for the Best Pizza Restaurant in Indianapolis, Bazbeaux might make an excellent choice.



PalominoPalomino Best Restaurant In Indianapolis
49 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, In 46204
317-974-0400

Every time I think of the best restaurant in Indianapolis for a date, Palomino enters my mind. This restaurant is the essence of a tasteful yet cool downtown restaurant.

The key to a successful date here is to try the custom mixed margaritas served Martini Style. The other key is to avoid a regular table and sit in the bar. As you know, a big part of a successful date is seeing and being seen. Getting a table in the bar is worth waiting for and if you can score a window seat, well let’s just say you have really scored…

You won't find Pizza slices or breakfast, but you will find great seafood, steak, Italian dining in an excellent environment. Take my advice and take your date downtown to one of my favorite and best restaurants in Indianapolis…Palomino.





I love to bring a group of friends to Chumley's in Broadripple to get a pizza, a pitcher, and shoot some pool.  Many nights have been spent at Chumley's joking and laughing between enjoying a pizza slice and missing easy pool shots.  Chumley's has become my favorite bar and my pool game has improved as a result!



Location: Mozzi's Pizza Greenfield

Address: 2221 W. Main Street Greenfield, IN 46140

Phone Number: (317)462-2999

So, you are hungry and need to find food within half an hour of Indianapolis, Indiana. You've had enough of all the traffic and congestion of downtown, and you want some good, homecooked food in a much less congested area. Well, if this is truly what you are looking for, then Mozzi's Pizza in Greenfield, Indiana (about 20 miles east of Indianapolis on US 40) is the place for you. First of all, Mozzi's pizza is one of the best, if not THE best, pizzeria that I have been too (and I have been to a LOT of pizzerias). It is somewhat of a sports restaurant, as the walls are lined with autographed pictures of famous sports heroes, and make sure not to miss the autographed basketballs lining the ceiling in the main area! The floor itself resembles a basketball court, yet despite its focus on basketball, it seems to have a feel of home to it for me. I go to Mozzi's at least 1-2 times per week, mostly because it's menu is large, and it is relatively low-priced. Also, Mozzi's is good for just about any occassion, and I can definitely voucher for that statement. I have held birthday parties, team parties, get-togethers, dates, family dining experiences, and even after-school lunches or brunches. The pizza itself is excellent, and of all the items on the menu, I would recommend the Chicago crust pepperoni and bacon pizza, and for starters, I would also recommend the buffet-style breadsticks. Overall, I would give this place 6 stars on a five star scale, as it is my favorite restaurant that I have been to in my entire life

Website: www.mozzispizza.com

Rating: 5 stars

 





My favorite place to get a pizza with my buddies is Bazbeau Pizza in Broadripple.  I always knew that their pizza was very good and extremely popular with my friends but I recently learned just how popular Bazbeau's is.  I was flying back to Indy and picked up a magazine that was ranking the best places to get a pizza in large cities and Bazbeau Pizza was first on the list!  I highly recommend the BBQ or the Hawaiian, those two are my favorites but I'm sure you can't go wrong.  You have a ton of different choices since their menu is so big.  Bazbeau Pizza is the best restaurant for pizza in Indy, bar-none.


 

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