Restaurant delivery in Indianapolis can be a challenge. Your choices are somewhat limited to the old standby selection: Pizza, chinese and sandwiches. What I was looking for is a Steak House in Indianapolis with a complete menu away from a delicatessen or sushi bar. Indianapolis nightlife can be great. What happens if you are in a hotel and become tired of the Buffet restaurants indianapolis stuff into the hotels.


Restaurant delivery in Indianapolis can be a challenge. Your choices are somewhat limited to the old standby selection: Pizza, chinese and sandwiches. What I was looking for is a Steak House in Indianapolis with a complete menu away from a delicatessen or sushi bar. Indianapolis nightlife can be great. What happens if you are in a hotel and become tired of the Buffet restaurants indianapolis stuff into the hotels. Mexican Restaurant due to open next week. Greek restuarant the following week.

I had a great thai dinner at the best thai restaurant in indianapolis. it was also a great Buffet Restuarant in Indianapolis. they had a Great Sports Bar. They even offer Sushi.

I just ate at the most incredible steakhouse in Indianapolis.  Fo Go de Chou offers thick cuts of fillet Mignon and even a salad buffet.  Buffet Restaurants in Indianapolis have nothing on this steak house.  It even beats going to sports bars or a good Greek restaurant like the one on the canal.  

Are you looking for good Mexican Restaurants, a Thai Restaurant Indianapolis, or downtown sushi spots?  If so, we have what you need!  Just check us out!

Creation Cafe
337 W. 11Th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202



If you're looking for a downtown Indianapolis restaurant - check out this restaurant.  This great little restaurant is tucked at the north end of the canal.  After spending some time walking the length of the canal, my boyfriend and I stopped at the Creation Cafe for dinner.  The location of this restaurant is perfect.  Essentially, people reach a dead end at this part of the canal.  So what's next?!  Eat!  

For starters, the sign was appealing so we decided to give it a shot.  We walked into the restaurant and the atmosphere was great.  It had the feel of a small coffee shop, yet it served delicious food!  The outside balcony overlooked the canal.  There was a 30 minute wait to sit outside, so we were asked to sit and wait near the actually "cafe" part of the restaurant (where they really did serve coffee).  There were comfy couches and chairs with numerous books to read while we waited.  Needless to say, the wait went quickly and their service was caring and prompt.

The food was absolutely delicious.  The waiter recommended the Cuban sandwich - so I ordered it.  The portions were generous and I took enough home for another meal.  The french fries were also great - some of the best fries I've ever eaten! 

Overall, the portions were generous, the food was fresh, and the menu had many options.  Creation Cafe's menu was general, but all of the food had a special twist to it.  It's a restaurant in Indianapolis that still hasn't been discovered yet. 

Thank you Megan for your wickless candles

The Oceanaire Seafood Room
30 South Meridian St. #100
Indianapolis, IN 46204

If you're looking for the best seafood restaurant Indianapolis, then The Oceanaire Seafood Room is the place for you! This fine dining restaurant is located a block south of Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, and sets the standard for seafood restaurants from coast-to-coast.

Being seafood lovers, my boyfriend, Justin, and I chose this restaurant for a date night on Thursday night.  From the moment we walked in the door, the service was wondering.  We were led up to our table on the second floor by a staircase that looked much like the one in Titanic leading us upstairs.  The atmosphere had a "seafood chic" feel.  People were there for all different occasions.  Mind you, this was the same night as the Indianapolis Colts preseason game.  So some people were there in their Colts jerseys, while others came from work in business suits.

Our waiter was great - friendly, professional, and a seafood connoisseur.  He suggested the Halibut Cheeks and King Salmon.  Justin went with the Salmon, I got the Halibut, and we shared a side order of mashed potatoes.  Everything was delicious!  The fish was very fresh and didn't have a "fishy" taste at all, and the mashed potatoes were great as well. 

The portion sizes were very generous - I ate leftovers for three days after we went!  Side orders are served "family style," so just make sure that everyone in your party can agree on something!  Definitely take a look at their extensive wine menu as well!

The Oceanaire is also known for its oyster bar, coining the phrase: 

So if you're lookig for an AMAZING dinner in downtown Indianapolis, definitely try The Oceanaire!

I give it two thumbs up... and would go as far as calling it: "The Oceanaire Extraordinarie!"

The Steakhouse near Conseco Fieldhouse is doing brisk business by serving the one thing the Indy crowd loves having again and again - steaks. It is a classic American steakhouse which offers fine dining.This steak restaurant delivers the best in prime steaks. They are simply juicy, delicious and hot. This is a quiet place to order the steak of your choice along with your favorite cocktail and unwind with friends and family.

Warm away the recession blues with sizzling hot steaks. Order from side dishes that vary from crunchy onion rings, crispy shoestring potatoes or creamy spinach. This downtown Indianapolis steak restaurant serves more than just steak. Prolong the steak experience with a dessert of your choice or simply coffee.

Ample parking and waiting area is available and you can always book your table in advance. Walk into this steak restaurant for a special experience while you are in Indianapolis.

Test Keyphrase
 

 The Steakhouse near Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis in Indiana is the place to haunt for your favorite food. It’s fresh, fast and fabulous.

Deemed to be the best  restaurant for prime steaks, the enticing atmosphere is all about delicious meat. They have it all…Rare…medium…overdone…grilled…thick, juicy steaks.

The smell and the smoke gets to all…young and old alike.

The cosy, but elegant atmosphere makes it a great place for fine dining. Hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of Downtown Indianapolis, this steak restaurant gives value for your money too. For $10.99, the Chef's Special comes with the Steak of your chooice, with a green salad and mashed potatoes on the side. Ample portions, relaxed atmosphere, good prices make this Downtown Indianapolis Steak restaurant a must visit if you are in Indianapolis

Champps Americana
49 W Maryland St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317.951.0033




Recently my lovely girlfriend Melissa and I had a nice little date night.  After searching through the perfect selections of Indianapolis date restaurants, I landed on Champps, located in Circle Center Mall downtown.  We were both very happy with this downtown Indianapolis restaurant. 

Surprisingly, we were seated immediately at 7:30 on a Saturday evening and had very good service.  The wait staff was on top of things, and very friendly.

We were also surprised by the wide variety of selections on their menu.  This is definitely not just another restaurant in Indianapolis, Champps has pastas, burgers, wraps, ribs, pork chops and so much more!

I went with the Chicken Parmesan and could not believe how big the entree was!  I only finished less than half of it and took the rest home.  Melissa landed on the Fresca burger and was very happy with her selection as well. (Coincidentally, she asked the question "Do you put ketchup on this" which was the same question she asked on our last date night to Red Robin)

All in all, we had nothing bad to say about Champps... It was a very solid choice and definitely on the the best restaurants Indianapolis!

MacNiven's
339 Massachusetts Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317.632.7268






For the Friday lunch, Meghan landed on MacNiven's Restaurant and Bar as the selection.  MacNiven's has the feel of a Scottish pub, with the menu and atmosphere to match.   It had a similar feel to other Indianapolis pubs, with quality food and fun service.

We all agreed that the atmosphere and wait staff gives MacNiven's a very "fun" feel, especially on a beautiful afternoon when they open up the windows.  We were able to sit at a table facing Mass Ave while enjoying the fine Scottish cuisine.

Chandra and Meghan both ordered the Angus burger, which is a cheeseburger prepared in a very unusual way.  They flatten out the patty until it is very thin and the size of the plate! Both of the ladies thought the burgers were top-notch.

Megan's grilled cheese was, quite possible, the "best grilled cheese ever," and Mikey claimed that his fish & chips was golden delicious. I went for the chicken curry with fried rice and was very pleased with the great flavor!

Although the menu was varied in its selections, it still seemed fairly limited.  If you're not willing to get outside of the "norm" with food selections, this might not be your perfect fit.  However, for a quick lunch break on a nice day, or an after work drink with friends (it is known to have an ample beer selection) MacNiven's should be the perfect downtown Indianapolis restaurant for you!

 

 

Red Robin
(multiple Indianapolis locations)
13215 Harrell Parkway
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317) 773-8150

After a few hours of trying to decide which Indianapolis restaurant my lovely girlfriend, Melissa, and I should have our date night at on Monday, I landed on Red Robin.  And I don't mean to brag, but it was a solid choice.

Red Robin is known for their gourmet burgers, and they do not disappoint.  Their menu is almost overwhelming at first glance and you have to ask yourself, "How can they actually make this many variations of the cheeseburger!?" 

The atmosphere is fun and very family oriented (for example, at 9:00pm on a Monday night, Nickelodeon was on half of the TV's, ESPN on the others).  If you want to bring the whole family, they have plenty of seating for you, as well as a bar area if you're trying to avoid the occasional screaming 2-year-old.

The food itself would easily compare with some of the best restaurants Indianapolis.  For myself, I went with the Whiskey River BBQ Burger, a massive burger topped with BBQ sauce and onion fries (and if you need your bacon fix like me, you add that too). It was a very... very good burger.

Melissa had the Banzai Burger, marinated in teriyaki and topped with grilled pineapple and cheese.  She thoroughly enjoyed it and was very happy with her choice.  The Banzai Burger did leave us both stumped at the question: "Do you put ketchup on a burger with pineapple on it?" (she decided not to...)

All in all, Red Robin was great.  There's no denying that it is a little pricey as far as burger's go, but when you're paying for a gourmet burger, they provide gourmet quality.  (Also, the waitress told me that adding bacon was an additional $.99 and threw a curve ball at me when it was actually $1.29!) But besides the bacon incident, I have no problem claiming that Red Robin will provide some of the best hamburgers Indianapolis. 

Bourbon Street Distillery
361 Indiana Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 636-3316



The Bourbon Street Distillery put up quite a fight today to be considered one of the best Indianapolis restaurants.

With quick service, a fun atmosphere, and a wide selection on the menu, this Indianapolis restaurant left myself and all of the members of the Compendium marketing team very satisfied. 

The menu had a wide range of selections, with everything from spicy Cajun seafood dishes to club sandwiches eight inches tall and then finish it all off with cheesecake for dessert.

Overall, we agreed the atmosphere and service were both very favorable qualities.  The wait staff was fun and there was plenty of seating, both indoor and outside.  The restaurant is prime for a quick lunch break or an after work drink.

All five of us were in shock as our food came out not even ten minutes after we put our orders in!  I, personally, have never seen service so fast. And, in the words of Megan, the quick service makes it perfect for a speedy business lunch.

Mikey and Megan went the seafood route and were both very satisfied with their spicy dishes, Mikey had the craw fish etoufee and Megan tried the tilapia salad.

Meghan, Chandra, and I went the route of American cuisine... with Chandra ordering a HUGE club sandwich, Meghan having the Bourbon Burger (we're talking massive here folks) and I went with the old fashioned country fried steak with gravy.  We were all very happy with our selections.

Megan pointed out one of the only flaws we could find in this fine Indianapolis restaurant: The lack of a website or menu online.  I don't believe this was a breaking point for any of us, but with so many "blog-minded" individuals, we could easily see how the world of blogging could really help this restaurant.  

This being my first Indianapolis restaurant review, I'm feeling pretty generous in giving this restaurant such a high score, but I must say... I'd give Bourbon Street Distillery a 9/10.

And Bourbon Street (yes I'm talking to you)... if you want that last point to get a perfect score, contact Compendium today and we'll help you get better connected to the Indianapolis community.

This past weekend on Valentine's Day, I had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful dinner at an amazing locally owned restaurant on the north side of Indianapolis, Peterson's.
Locally owned and operated, Peterson's restaurant is a dream come true for successful business owner Joe Peterson and his family. Joe's desire is to provide an unmatchable ambiance serving only the best to patrons.

While on the pricey side, it was an amazing dinner and worth every penny.  As an appetizer, we had stuffed shrimp, had a lobster bisque soup and then for our meals, we enjoyed a New York Strip and Lamb.  Everything was to die for.  Our server was very knowledgeable and attentive, which only added to the experience!

Without a doubt, I would recommend Peterson's both for special evening or just a great dinner!

If you are finding this post because you typed steakhouse indianapolis into a search engine, let me tell you about Mo's.   Suprisingly, (to some) we have a lot of great steak restaurants in Indianapolis. 

Anyone looking for a steakhouse in Indianapolis can choose from lots of national chains like Ruth's Chris or Sullivans Steakhouse, or even local favorite St. Elmo's Steakhouse.  

Mo's however offers a different steak indianapolis experience.  As steakhouses in Indianapolis go, Mo's is my favorite environment.  Even full it never feels crowded, the food is great and includes some terrific seafood options.  The service is first class and the bar is terrific.

If you really want to satisfy your search for the best steakhouses in Indianapolis, try Mo's located at 47 South Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204

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.

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.

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.

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