We have talked about 96th Street Steakburgers as one of the best hamburgers Indianapolis, but did you know you could get them at the new Indianapolis International Airport?   I'm a little concerned because the restaurant is after security and it's best to eat while you wait for your flight according to the Indianapolis Star...they don't hold up well on a long flight.

I like to get to the airport at the last minute on my way out, but I do arrive back in Indy late most of the time, so I'm hoping they stay open until at least midnight.

At that time, my quest of the best burger in Indy is at it's peak.   I'll miss the double cheeseburgers of the old airport McDonalds, but....well look at this picture!  This is a great Hamburger.

This blog is about Indianapolis restaruant reviews, and perhaps my "Best Hamburger" obsesson isnt' all that appropriate, but  business travelers (you know who you are), you come home from a long two flight trip from the west, or the nightmare of LaGuardia and you just want to grab some big time junk, Hamburgers Indianapolis, 96th Street Steakburgers at the airport at certain times makes my list of the best Fast Food Indianapolis list.

So this week, it was my decision to where the Marketing Team at Compendium Blogware, would go to lunch. I chose a place that we have been talking about for a while, but we just haven't been. It is called The Educated Sandwich, which is a branch of a well known caterer, MBP Catering.

I chose this place because it was a place where I used to go with my supervisor from my internship over the summer. Upon arrival, there was a long line (luckily it moved quickly). After lunch, when I asked Chandra what she thought of it, she responded with "I feel like I smell like my sandwich". She ordered the Club Sandwich on Sourdough bread and said that she really like it. Meghan and I again happen to order the same thing, Turkey, Bacon, Ranch wrap with chips (I swear, I am not a copier... I didn't even know what she ordered until we all sat down). She mentioned that it was a lot of food and she only ate half of her wrap. It was a lot more than she expected. Meghan also mentioned that she thought it had a wide variety of foods, and very unique foods (such as split pea soup) that made it feel more like a home cooked meal. Megan ordered the side salad and chicken fiesta soup. She said that the soup was good and tasted homemade. Also, she said that there was real veggies in the soup and you could eat very healthy there. Chantelle ordered the egg salad sandwich, but wasn't too impressed. She said it was alright, but just wasn't her favorite place we had been. She also ordered the Chicken Fiesta soup and said that it had good, healthy portions of chicken. Mikey ordered the Greek Chicken wrap and the split pea soup. He mentioned after lunch that "I think I just wanted some Broccoli Chedder and that was the closest thing to it".

Overall, I think my selection was a success. It was a good place to go and grab lunch, but I think the time I go I would get take-out because while I am writing this blog, I still smell the deli on my shirt. The people there were very nice, and always are willing to talk to you. So if you are near the Capital building anytime around lunch, just pop on in to The Educated Sandwich located at 150 W. Market Street.

Ok, so I delayed blogging about last Friday's lunch. I have good reason... I got distracted. Anyway, last week the Marketing Team here at Compendium chose a place to eat downtown Indianapolis called South Bend Chocolate Cafe. Along with the usual marketing team we took newcomer, Chandra.

So for our lunch dinning experience, I believe that all of us agreed that it was a great place to go. Megan first spoke up and said that her food was excellent. She had ordered the Chicken Fajita Panini with pepperjack cheese with a Tomato Bisque soup and pretzles (or chips) and pickle that came with her meal (which no one saw coming). Megan also mentioned that it was a good place to grab a sandwich and soup. Meghan and I both ordered the Ham and Cheese Panini along with Chedder and Broccoli soup. Meghan felt that it was good food and while you are there, you can see the many desserts they have to offer. She said that "you'll be eating your lunch and craving your dessert". I would recommend it for a great restaurant in Indianapolis, if you just want a place to sit down from walking around the circle on cold winter day or a during the summer. Chantelle ordered the Grilled Cheese with Ruffles Crinkle Potato chips (which I guess is the kind of chips they use... I didn't really notice). She ordered off of the kids menu and said that the kid's meal has a lot of food for the value. Chantelle also mentioned that the next time she goes, she wants to try the "Fondue for Four". (We aren't completely sure what it is, but it sounds like a lot of fun!). Mikey ordered the "Hot Ham and Cheese with Tomatoes, Blue Cheese and it was really good!" He also ordered the Chicken and Dumpling soup. Mikey mentioned that it is a harty meal for a cold day (and it really was a cold day). Our newcomer, Chandra (who is our new Business Manager) ordered the Ham and Cheese with garden vegetable soup. She said it was very hot and "Yumo" (and I think that means it was good, or tasty, or any exclamation you might use for a appetizing food meal).

After our meal, we decided that the Southbend Chocolate Cafe was overall very good, and the service was very friendly. Also, if you want extras on the sandwiches on the menu, you can ask for extras and they won't charge you for them. The atmosphere was amazing. You could smell the chocolate and candies in the air. Meghan also pointed out that you could purchase bags of carmel corn, chocolate covered pretzles, etc, to buy and eat for a good afternoon snack. Also, if you want to visit during the summer, there is outside seating so that you may enjoy the day as well as your delicious sandwich. However, after you leave you may find that you smell like the restaurant for the rest of the day. So if you get a free lunch break in downtown Indianapolis, check out the Southbend Chocolate Factory Cafe, located right on the circle, at 20 North Meridian(There is also a satillite location in the new Indianapolis International Airport.)

During the holiday season we are always running late in making our group reservations for department or company parties.   Usually all the best Restaurants in Indianapolis are sold out months in advance.   So I really was pleased to get this email today from McCormick&Schmick's Seafood Restaurant Downtown Indianapolis today.  Located just one block off the circle in Indy there is a ton of great parking all within a few steps to their front door.   

M & S's isn't just for Seafood but also is a great steak restaurant and the bar has one of the best great happy hours,   complete with a huge Hamburger for about a dollar.

 According to this ad, they still have room for holiday reservations...not bad for one of the Best Restaurant Indianapolis.

Today I would like to discuss Weber Grill in my Indianapolis Restaurant Review.  Weber Grill, a great restaurant in Downtown Indianapolis Restaurant features some of my favorite foods including burgers and ribs.  The video below shows some of the Weber Grill creations and how you can use their seasonings and cooking styles to create delicious meals.  If you are looking for a great dining option and steakhouse in Indianapolis I highly recommend Weber Grill!

I have always been a steak guy. Some people dowse their steak with ketchup (which always makes me cringe just thinking about) or even with a little steak sauce.. which is a little better, but for me... I have always have liked my steak plain with all its juices... cooked medium rare (is your mouth watering yet?)

Well if you are into steaks there is a great place here in Indy to try out. Moe's... A Place for Steaks is one of the best steak restaurants in Indy. It is kind of an upscale restaurant with a vast wine selection along with a lounge to enjoy a cigar and a glass of scotch (or wine and a cigar... whatever you please). If you go I would recommend the Shrimp Cocktail or the Bruschetta as your appetizer. As for the entree, you really can't go wrong with any of the steaks there. They also have alternatives such as chicken and lobster if you or anyone you are with are not a steak person. Also, make sure you save room for dessert because they have a small but delicious dessert menu that you need to check when you go!

As for the atmosphere... perfect. You can go there for almost any occasion. If you want to go out on a romantic date or a business meeting. They also have private dining available for banquets and private parties.

So if you are looking for a great steak restaurant in Indianapolis, you should check out Moe's... A Place for Steaks. It is located at 47 South Pennsylvania Street.

Hope you are getting ready for the holidays and not getting overwhelmed!  Just wanted to let you know that Carrabba's is proudly offering Mini Desserts this season.   Mini desserts are a huge trend this year, and they are a great addition to any holiday celebration that wants to sport some forward food fashion. Carrabba's "Bacino" (little kisses) are small guilt-free versions of our favorite desserts that allow guests to enjoy a few bites of something they love, or share several different flavors with friends and family. With mini portions come mini price tags - you can get any "Bacino" for only $2.25, and take home the glass for only $1 more.

Mini desserts are also great to make at home for holiday parties. If any of your readers want to make them from scratch, I've provided our Carrabba's Mini Cannoli Recipe and details on our mini desserts (including a picture) below.

Bacino - "Little Kisses"

That's just what Carrabba's mini desserts are like; sweet, bite-sized versions of our favorite desserts, made fresh daily.

We know that many guests crave a taste of something sweet at the end of their meal. When large parties dine with us, guests like to order several full-sized desserts and share with the entire table. We discovered that guests wanted that same experience even when dining in a smaller group. Our mini desserts allow guests to enjoy a few bites of something they love, or share several different flavors with friends and family.  Either way, mini desserts are a fun way for guests to end their dinning experience on a sweet note.

Examples of mini desserts featured on the Carrabba's menu are Zabaglione, Tiramisu, Mini Cannoli, Chocolate Coconut Mousse and Chocolate Espresso Mousse. Other mini desserts will be available at varying times.  If you are doing any reader contests, I'd be happy to provide you with Mini Dessert coupons so they can try out the desserts.

Visit www.carrabbas.com to find your closest Carrabba's location.

Workingman's Friend
234 N Belmont Ave
Indianapolis IN 46222
(317) 636-2067

DO NOT FEAR Workingman's Friend.   This is a classic Indianapolis Lunch Restaurant that in spite of it's appearance serves one of the best burgers in Indy.  Close to Downtown Indianapolis Workingman's friend is full of the white collar types as well and a lot of physicians for some reason...probably because it's close to IUPUI and the Med Center.

Workingman's Friend is an old fashioned Indianapolis Pub and nothing more.  The kind of place your dad would go after the 3 to 11 shift at the plant.   Take my advice, great burger, great bar and great people is why this makes the cut in my Indianapolis Menu Guide.

McGinley's
Golden Ace Irish Bar
2533 E Washington St
Indianapolis IN 46201
(317) 632-0696

Still owned by the McGinley family makes this the oldest family owned bars Indianapolis.  Just outside of downtown Indianapolis on the East Side, you'll find this Pub just two blocks west of Rural St.

The Golden Ace is tops in Indianapolis Nightlife if you like cool pints and lots of great Irish music.  In my quest for the Best Burger in Indianapolis I was really impressed with the "Ace" burger.   A traditional hamburger that puts the FOOD in the idea of barfood.

My father-in-law loves the Braunschweiger...and like good Irish everywhere, this is a seafood restaurant on Friday's.  Finally, I recommend the bean soup.  Nothing like a pint of Smithwick's and some bean soup on a cold winter night.   This is one Indianapolis Restaurant that I'm thrilled to and to my Indianapolis restaruant reviews.

96th Street Steakburgers
4715 E 96th St
Indianapolis IN 46240
(317) 844-6351

I guess I thought that Steak &  Shake would have a trademark on the name "Steakburger" but apparently this place is using it with impunity. Whatever you call it, this is one restaurant that is deserving of the rank "best burger in Indianapolis".   I know it's not democratic, but just the opinion of one blogger who happens to write restaurant reviews Indianapolis.

In spite of the name, this is no steak restaurant.   96th St. serves only great hamburgers, fries and cookies (and grilled cheese...I'm seriously going to start a blog just on the best grilled cheese in Indianapolis)  This is a fast food Indianapolis style:  Burger, Double Burger and for those of us on Atkins...a lettuce wrap hamburger.

I'll continue my quest for the best burger in Indianapolis for my Indianapolis Restaurant Reviews. If you have any ideas, please drop me a line  chris@compenidumblogware.com

Bub's
210 W Main St
Carmel IN 46032
(317) 706-2827
website    

Located in the Art's&Design District of Carmel Indiana (about 8 miles from downtown Indianapolis) and just of the Monon Trail might just be a restaurant with the Best Hamburger in Indy.

Handpattied from fresh ground beef, these hamburgers are so special that the owners Matt & Rachel Frey need to have special buns supplied locally from one of our great Indianapolis Bakeries.   Although Bub's (Big Ugly Burger) is most famous for it's hamburgers, several people tell me that they compete well as a seafood restaurant Indianapolis with a Mahi Mahi filet.  Bub's is also a popular stop of Ice Cream in the summer for those traveling the Monon Trail.  

In my quest for the Best Burger in Indy I've had the chance to write a lot for this Indianapolis Menu Guide.  Mostly I focus on Downtown Indianapolis Restaurants, but Bub's Burgers now gives me a new reason to visit Carmel.

Five Guys
2902 W 86th St
Indianapolis IN 46268
(317) 876-0811

Any credible blog seeking the best restaurant Indianapolis has to have a special place for the best hamburger in Indy right?   I love burgers and am constantly soliciting recommendations.   Well this one: Five Guys is a great new addition to my Indianapolis menu guide.

Now keep in mind, Five Guys is a chain but it's also a really good burger, not your usual fast food Indianapolis joint.  The menu has only three things Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Fries.   In those catagories Five Guys streaches a little including Kosher Style, Bacon, Cheese for the Dogs,  Five Guys Style or Cajun for the fries (cooked in pure peanut oil)  The claim to fame on the hamburgers is the choice of any or all 15 toppings...all no extra charge.

If your date is a vegitarian, they do have an option of a veggie sandwich using any of the burger toppings and a grilled cheese sandwich...hmmm  Maybe I'll start a quest fo the best Grilled Cheese in Indianpolis next....

If you want to put in a restaurant review indianpolis post, just hit me with an email.  chris@compendiumblogware.com

(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...

So this week the Marketing Team here at Compendium was kind of lacking in its typical numbers. If you want to check out what Compendium Blogware has been up to, check out our website by Clicking Here.

There were only three of us that were able to go out to lunch this time. So Monica was the big decision maker of the day and took us to a place that was literally hidden unless you had heard about it. Gabriel's, located just north of the Baker&Daniel's building on meridian, was the location of our weekly lunch venture. The menu there is very extensive and I think Monica put it best when she said that there is "so much variety, its hard to decide what you want". I found myself changing my mind several times up until the time that I was forced to order because there was a line forming behind me. We all ordered the "Pick 2" meal which comes with a 1/2 of a sandwich and a soup or salad. I got the Turkey Melt with a bowl of Chili (I guess that counts as a soup). Both were very tasty and very filling. I actually had homemade chili the night before, with my roommates and Gabriel's chili was comparable. Monica ordered the Turkey Melt with a Spinach salad. She said that it was "good food at a good value" and both were delicious. Meghan ordered the Chili and the half of the Grilled Ham & Cheese sandwich. She said it was very good; the Chili was delicious and tasted homemade and gave her that "homemade feel". The portion sizes were perfect; not too much food, but filled you up and the next time she goes back she will get the homemade Mac and Cheese. She also mentioned that the bread was "perfectly toasted". She means that the bread made the sandwich better because it wasn't mushy, nor was it like a piece of burn carbon bread.

As for the atmosphere, it was almost like a cafeteria type setting. You first grab your tray and silverware. Then you place your order and go pay your bill. You go and sit down and your food is brought out to you. So I guess it is kind of like an upscale cafeteria. Meghan thought the atmosphere was really cool, with the different lights around and different colored paints on the wall. The people there are very nice and very quick with your food order. One last thing, they take both cash and credit when you go, so you don't have to worry about stopping at an ATM prior to going there. So if you are interested in a place to eat that will give you that "home cooking" feeling for your lunchbreak, go ahead and check out Gabriel's Cafeteria & Sandwich Shoppe located at 320 North Meridian, right in the heart of downtown.

Another great Nicki Laycoax's Indianapolis Restaurant Reviews.   I'm sure Nicki is working on client business with Squish Designs while she's eating all these meals...or maybe she is talking to the owners about using Squish to help them grow their business.  Who am I to not take advantage of a great reviewer...thank you Nicki!

___________________________________________________________________

Dick's Bodacious BBQ
http://www.dicksbbq.com
50 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:(317)916-9600
Fax:  (317)916-9605


What a fun title. On Monday, November 3, 2008 my partner and
I ate at Dick's Bodacious BBQ. I was really excited to eat
at the Downtown Indianapolis restaurant  location because I had eaten it before at
the Verizon Wireless Center in Noblesville, and it was SOOOO
delicious.

I didn't realize, until I started writing this blog post, that
Dicks' is not a nationwide chain, but rather a local restaurant!
They used to have locations open in Avon and at the Verizon
Wireless Center in Noblesville, but the only location that remains open is the one
at the corner of Market and Pennsylvania Streets in Downtown Indy.

The staff was so amazingly helpful, and made the decision making process almost like fast food for new patrons of the restaurant. Of course everything
sounded good, but I was encouraged to try the special of the day-Smoked
Salmon. It was the best salmon that I have had! We also had wings,
a Pulled Pork BBQ sandwich, green beans, sweet potatoes, and a
large drink. All of it was delicious!

Price for 2 meals with sides was approximately $23.

Do I recommend as part of my Indianapolis dining guide? You betcha!

Unique thing at the restaurant? BBQ sauce served in motor oil looking
bottles to top your BBQ that is served sans sauce, for your saucing
preference!

Once again my good friend Nicki Laycoax of Squish Designs has come up with a fantastic review of another place to go under the category: best restaurant Indianapolis.

14 West Restaurant at 14 West Maryland
www.14westindy.com

14 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204
Telephone: (317) 636-1414
Email:     customerservice@14westindy.com

A colleague of mine that I met as a result of blogging, treated me to a nice lunch at 14 West Restaurant. It was my first visit, but had heard great things about the restaurant and the suites that are  above this downtown Indianapolis restaurant, from multiple people.

The restaurant has a great wine list, exciting menu, and very able catering
staff. (I thought I saw a full bar, but I can't confirm from the website)
Ashley Sorenson, the very sweet and professional Hotel and
Banquet Manager made certain that our dining experience was great!

In the picture, you are looking at the Caesar Salad topped with
Seared Tuna as well as the Crab Cakes. We also had the Red Garnet
Yam Soup and the Lobster Brie Macaroni&Cheese.

This restaurant is recommended for those on a professional lunch or
dinner meeting and would also be a nice spot for a romantic Indianapolis date restaurant. At lunch, the music playing in the background was modern adult contemporary.  It was a nice change from what I normally hear in restaurants.

Summary: Food was absolutely excellent. Prices were moderate. Service was perfect.

Reserve your table now!

Buggs Temple
337 W 11th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
317.955.2389

So how do I evaluate a downtown Indianapolis restaurant? Especially for Lunch?  Ambiance, convenience and food.   To me, to get a designation as one of the best lunch restaurants in Indianapolis you have to start with how it feels.   Most of the time you want a place you can have a conversation, a restaurant that’s attractive and friendly….a place that’s cool so you glow in how cool it is to your guest.

Buggs Temple at the north end of the Downtown Indy Canal meets that criteria.  I never even heard of Buggs Temple before 11am this morning, but Kyle Saylers of Clarian Health Ventures treated me today and it was fantastic.  It’s a great old church located right on the tip of the Canal.  It was a little bit of a hike from my office on the downtown Indianapolis Circle and I saw there was plenty of parking. Inside were huge windows looking over the canal…it was a little chilly for the outside deck, but it looked beautiful.  The waiters were fantastic, fun, knew the menu and were wearing June Cleaver aprons,  Our guy knew the menu, was friendly and attentive while giving us plenty of space to have our conversation.

I've not been to this Indianapolis downtown restaurant  at night, but imagine it's a great place for a date.   Supposedly there is an upstairs that has terrific views and is one of the top spots for Indianapolis fine dining.  The menu did include Steak and Seafood along with great grilled sandwiches.  I had a Cuban, which came with a fresh mixed salad.  I'm not sure about breakfast, and their website is one of the worst I've ever seen.

Romano's Macaroni Grill
Carmel Indiana
2375 116th East
Carmel, IN 46032
317-582-1637



Today I had a great lunch up in Carmel Indiana with Patty Bender of Compendium Blogware client Sheetz Century 21.  

I've never been to a Macaroni Grill before and usually try and avoid the big box eateries on Indy's north side.  If I'm looking for the best Italian food in Indianapolis, I'm not sure this would be my first choice.  

Until now that is.   Every time I have this experience, I have to just say:  "Chris Baggott: Get over yourself"   Romano's Macaroni Grill  is awesome.  I can't say for dinner, but for a lunch restaurant it was fantastic.  The environment is high end Italian cusine. I love an Italian Restaurant that has bread and olive oil on the table....just sets the quality meter up right from the start.

I had the Grilled Halibut Seasoned halibut topped with a tomato basil relish and served with pesto Parmesan risotto for $16.99.  Clever marketers that they are, each item on the menu was accompanied by the Chef's Recommended Wine.  In this case a Chardonnay by Mezzacorona (Italy).  

I'm guessing that this place packs them in at night, but the bar is huge and looks like a lot of fun.   Patty and I kept it to business and didn't indulge in any wine or cocktails, but for a lunch meeting is was one of the best restaurant experiences I've had in Indianapolis.

One last great thing about Romano’s Macaroni Grill is their Curbside to Go program.  Call or order Indianapolis Best Italian food online and pick it up at the curb.   They have great to-go family style food too!

oh..and they teach you Italian in the bathroom and on the site:

Impress Mom and Pop with anniversary wishes spoken in Italian. Or learn how to celebrate the evening - Italian style.

Sample: English - "Happy Anniversary!" Italian - "Felice anniversario!

Listen to It in Italian here....

So today I wanted to mention a place that I hold near and dear to my heart. It is probably one of the best places to go to grab a bite to eat in Broad Ripple. The place is called Ripple Bagel and Deli and is located on the main strip of Broad Ripple.

If you haven't been, I would suggest going as soon as you can. It has an extensive menu, divided up by different types of meats that you might be feeling for your lunch time meal. The names of the foods are definitely unique, with names such as "Tape Your Ankles" and "The Hoosier Daddy". You really can't go wrong with a place like this. Everyone is going to find something that they like there, even if you are a vegetarian. All the sandwiches are put on a bagel of your choice (Everything, Poppy Seed, Blueberry and more) and they are all "Steamed to Perfection". The people behind the counter are ALWAYS friendly and are there to please. Also, if you are interested in making your own, you can ask for the "Lottery" and you get your choice of any toppings. And if you really want to design your own sandwich, they will give you a piece of paper and a bag of crayons to write down what you want on it, and add your little touch of creativity to the whole scene. They will even make it if you order it!

The atmosphere is laid back, relaxed and a good place to just hang out with your friends. They are even open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights! So definitely try out this one of a kind place located in the heart of Broad Ripple at 850 Broad Ripple Avenue, right across from Cardinal Fitness.

Usual Suspects, located above well known basement bar in Broad Ripple, The Casba, is an upscale, yet casual Indianapolis restaurant/bar featuring great food and drinks.  Enjoy a great dinner in a quiet atmosphere in the evening and then hang around as things get a bit louder into the night as this place is a favorite of the "late 20's and up" crowd in the neighborhood.

As a former ethnic Indianapolis restaurant, Greek to be exact, the menu features great hummus and pita appetizers and Gyro entrees.  Stuffed quesadillas, unique salads, mini burgers, and traditional entrees round out the menu.  I reccomend the shrimp or caprese quesadilla and the hummus and pita appetizer. 

Usual Suspects also features a great bar.  Fresh sqeezed juice cocktails are a house specialty, the martini list has all the traditional faves, and the bartenders are always ready to make a good drink suggestion.  Although not a true sports bar, the are several flat screen tv's around and it is a good place to watch a game if you're not in the mood for the traditional sports bar Indianapolis atmosphere.

Usual Suspects is located at