For my Indianapolis dining guide review today, I have decided to describe a restaurant that nearly every single person has seen here in Indianapolis if they have gone to any of the local malls--Asian Chao.  While it is not the typical type of restaurant that I describe in my blog and restaurant guide, as I usually do some type of fine dining establishment, I felt obligated to write about it since it is one of my favorite fast food restaurants for many important reasons.  Asian Chao is a fast food chain dedicated to serving some of the best Asian style cuisine to the American public through establishments in the mall and other busy tourist areas.  You have probably seen them passing out their famous Bourbon Chicken dish in little paper cups as samples, which I love because no restaurants really do that anymore.  The interesting part of this, however, is the fact that I would recommend their Bourbon Chicken because it is my favorite dish there.  While their food is delicious and their service is quite excellent, I think it is my favorite restaurant for more personal reasons.  I had my first date with the girl of my dreams there (and it was the first time I had even eaten there) right here in downtown Indianapolis during a wonderful night at Christmas at the zoo and the other festivities.  She had me try the Bourbon Chicken, and ever since then it has been one of my favorite fast food chains because it has given me some of the best memories of my whole life.  So, don't just take my word for it, go out and make your own memories at the best Asian style fast food restaurant chain around, Asian Chao!  Take a date out to dinner and make a wonderful memory out of it!  Trust me, you won't regret it.  I know I don't!

Asian Chao
Visit:  Asian Chao

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 for 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

In early May of 2008, myself and around eleven or thirteen other teenagers were trying to decide what type of restaurant downtown we were going to eat at right before we went over to the Children's Museum for prom.  We thought of plenty of places that we considered fine dining, but most of them were far out of our price range as seniors in high school.  Then, we tried to decide what type of food we wanted, and most of the girls in the group decided they either wanted Italian cuisine or a steak restaurant that had ample room for such a large group and that had a pleasant atmosphere.  So, we looked and looked, and finally we found the place:  Palomino Restaurant and Bar.  Not only is Palomino a great lunch and dinner restaurant, but on top of that, it was decently priced, has a pleasant atmosphere and bar area, and is an excellent place to take a date, just as we did before prom that night.  Every single one of us there absolutely loved the food, with myself and my date splitting the Fettuccine Alfredo, and some other people in our group got excellent looking seafood dishes like their calamari or some very delicious steaks.  In my opinion, the second most important part of a restaurant besides the taste and presentation of its food is certainly its atmosphere, and Palomino seems to have mastered blending fine dining with an upscale bar perfectly!  Afterward, we all enjoyed the dance, but the restaurant certainly brought our night up considerably, and I would suggest visiting Palomino to everyone I know:  friends, family, business colleagues, and everyone!  By the way, while our prom group is too young to experience it, the night life of the restaurant is said to be quite outstanding as well!


Palomino
49 W Maryland Street, #189
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:  317-974-0400
Visit:  Palomino

While most of the restaurants I will include in my Indianapolis dining guide actually are located in downtown Indianapolis, sometimes a restaurant just grabs my attention enough that I feel the need to include it in my guide, even if it is located all the way out on Geist Reservoir.  Most people have heard of Geist if they are from Indianapolis, as it is a mere half-hour drive east on I-70 and north on Olio Road, but most probably haven't heard of a pretty good restaurant located on its shores, known as Eddy's Bar and Eatery.  I first heard about Eddy's through one of my friends that I went to high school with, and after the couple of times I have gone there for dinner, I sure am glad she told me about it.  Eddy's Neighborhood Bar and Grill is an indoor-outdoor sports bar, and delicious eatery that serves everything from great steaks to Italian cuisine, to local seafood, all at a very reasonable price for its prime location with a view of Geist Reservoir.  In my opinion, Eddy's is an anytime restaurant, in that one could have lunch or dinner there with colleagues, friends, relatives, business partners, families, or just about anyone else, because it has an atmosphere of what I would consider a seafood restaurant with an upscale twist.  The combination, however, makes for a delicious lunch and dinner restaurant, with a great view, and anyone who goes there is bound to have a great and memorable experience.  So, take the drive out to Eddy's Neighborhood Bar and Eatery--it is certainly worth it!

Eddy's Neighborhood Bar and Eatery
11693 Fall Creek Road
Indianapolis, IN 46256
Phone:  317-849-0925
Visit:  Eddy's Neighborhood Bar and Eatery

    Although it has been quite a few years since I have visited Shula's Steakhouse in downtown Indianapolis, I will never forget the experiences, nor the food, that I enjoyed there.  The first time I walked into Shula's, probably around the age of eight years old, I clearly remember trying to decide in my head whether it was some type of sports bar or fine dining restaurant, but never really figuring out which.  It isn't until right now that I have realized that it cannot be placed into some type of category as I had been trying to do, because it is a very interesting mixture of restaurants.  Not only is it a fine dining restaurant that serves probably the best steaks in Indianapolis, but it is also an elegant sports bar (the menus are actually footballs!), as one would expect coming from the coach of the Miami Dolphins' perfect season Don Shula.  In fact, Shula's Steakhouse could be included in many other categories in my opinion, because it is not so fine that children aren't completely welcome, making it an incredible family restaurant, but it is elegant enough to take a date on a special occasion or to hold a very professional meeting.  Shula's is an all-in-one dining experience, bringing together sports, fine dining, families, romance, elegance, and great steaks!  So, visit Shula's Steakhouse for any occasion and see why I consider it the best restaurant in downtown Indianapolis, by far.

Shula's Steakhouse
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
50 South Capitol Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:  317-231-3900
Visit:  Shula's Steakhouse

The Rathskeller
401 East Michigan St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 636-0396

Genre: German Restaurant, German Bar
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location: Downtown Indianapolis

The Rathskeller is a German restaurant/beer hall that offers more than schnitzel.  The establishment can accommodate banquet parties, large dinner parties, and offers a biergarten for happy hour specials. Personally, I have enjoyed the biergarten on many occasions and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a after work to pre-dinner hangout.

The dinner menu offers some of the best traditional German foods you can find.  I have been to this restaurant many different times and have tried every type of schnitzel that is offered.  Personal favorite: Jaegerschnitzel.  Though the menu offers something for everyone.  Vegetarians can enjoy dishes from the vegetarian section, seafood lovers can 'dive' into the seafood list, and chicken lovers have a poultry section to peek at. 

The beer menu is my go to list.  I could try to explain and review each beer but that would take too much time.  The menu offers the standard U.S and Europe based brewers but offers much more than that.  The German beer section is by far the best in Indianapolis; sure as heck the best i've seen in the region.  Not sure which German beer is the best? No problem.  Ask for the sampler!  The wait staff will bring out a six-sampler of beer of different colors, textures, and styles.  From there, choose which you like and enjoy!

The possibilities are endless with establishment.  Good food, good company, and good entertainment are what this place offers.  If you live in the area or will be, chalk The Rathskeller into you itinerary!

Palomino Restaurant
49 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:(317) 974-0400

Genre: American cuisine, seafood, bar
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: Downtown Indianapolis

Palomino is a restaurant/bar establishment that sits no more than two block south of Monument Circle.  It sports a great store front with the signature jumping Palomino on a burgundy overhang.

I have eaten at this restaurant close to five times over the last four years.  Each time, however, the food seems to get better and the drinks get stronger!  The dinner menu seems to be the best choice as the selection is finer.  Naturally, I am a sucker for the Chicken Parmesan.  It tastes exactly how this dish should: chicken is not too tough and the breaded crust is just crispy.

One recommendation I will make is that you try the coffee and tea.  These two menu items are a great end-of-meal treat!!  I give this restaurant 4 stars and a thumbs up!!

14 West Restaurant
14 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 636 - 1414

Genre: Mixed (French, Asian, Italian)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: Downtown Indianapolis

I was fortunate enough to muster up enough cash to enjoy this restaurant last summer.  I chose this restaurant with the mind-set that I wanted a urbanite feel while also maintaining the integrity of my wallet.

I was impressed from the get-go.  I ordered the 14 West Crab Cake and found myself in a complete trance.  The crab cakes were phenomenal!  Just the perfect size for two people.  The butter sauce was a great compliment to the cakes.

For the main dish, I ordered the Lobster Ravioli.  I was impressed by the presentation of the dish and the timeliness of the service.  The ravioli was a pleasant compliment to the Jack Daniels and Coke I was enjoying.  The lobster filling was the perfect consistency and the confit sauce was delicious.  

The reason for my rating is that I thought that it was a little pricey for the food and drinks.  One of my biggest peeves is ordering a drink and getting a splash of liquor.  Other than that, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an intimate feel and amazing crab cakes in Indianapolis!

Complimentary Bread with a nice thick Italian crust is served, and is accompanied by a wonderful Garlic Pesto Butter. The parmesan on the table seemed to be of good quality as well. Many  items have small or large portions to choose between. The small portions are anything but, and the large portions are enormous. Larger portions also include your choice of fresh tossed salad, Caesar salad, or homemade soup.

 I would not call myself a sushi connoisseur by any means, but I have been to enough sushi restaurants in the country to have an opinion on which are the best.  I would have to say that out of all the sushi restaurants in this great country, my favorite would have to be one that I found in the Indianapolis Dining Guide.  It is an upscale place called Kristen's Sushi Palace.  It is a spin off of another restaurant by the name of Yummy Chopsticks.  Kristen's Sushi Palace is by far the best downtown Indianapolis restaurant there is.

    It has a unique blend of modern decor with a touch of traditional Japan.  There are many menu items to choose from.  You can order anything from chicken teriyaki to seaweed salad.   They have the most exciting selection of rolls as well.  I suggest trying either the spicy tuna roll or the volcano roll.  Everything is prepared extremely well and fresh.  Of course, lunch is lovely too, and that's when I was here. The menu is extensive, offering a la carte sushi, Korean and Japanese dishes, and sandwiches and salads with an Asian bent.

    Amazing. Just… amazing. That’s the only way I know how to describe this roll (okay, so not the only way, but definitely one of the best ways!) This has been added to my list of my favorite sushi rolls. The Srirachia sauce adds a pleasant kick, but it’s mellowed out by the mayonnaise so it’s perfect for those of us who don’t like super spicy foods. The tobiko adds a wonderful crunch to the sushi, and the green onion brightens it up a little. Overall, it’s a delicious roll!

I would not call myself a sushi connoisseur by any means, but I have been to enough sushi restaurants in the country to have an opinion on which are the best.  I would have to say that out of all the sushi restaurants in this great country, my favorite would have to be one that I found in the Indianapolis Dining Guide.  It is an upscale place called Kristen's Sushi Palace.  It is a spin off of another restaurant by the name of Yummy Chopsticks.  Kristen's Sushi Palace is by far the best downtown Indianapolis restaurant there is.
    It has a unique blend of modern decor with a touch of traditional Japan.  There are many menu items to choose from.  You can order anything from chicken teriyaki to seaweed salad.   They have the most exciting selection of rolls as well.  I suggest trying either the spicy tuna roll or the volcano roll.  Amazing. Just… amazing. That’s the only way I know how to describe this roll!  This has been added to my list of my favorite sushi rolls. The special sauce adds a pleasant kick, but it’s mellowed out by the mayonnaise so it’s perfect for those of us who don’t like super spicy foods. The tobiko adds a wonderful crunch to the sushi, and the green onion brightens it up a little. Overall, it’s a delicious roll!  Everything is prepared extremely well and extraordinarily fresh.  Of course, lunch is lovely too, and that's when I was here. The menu is extensive, offering a la carte sushi, Korean and Japanese dishes, and sandwiches and salads with an Asian bent.

As I stated before, by no means am I the expert in restaurant critiquing.  But I must say that my new favorite place to go is Indianapolis' very own Alculpolco Joe's.  Staying true to its name, it is everything the name makes it out to be.  If you like Mexican food, you will like this place.
   
There is so much to try here, your mouth will be watering once you take a look at their extensive menu.  We started off with the chicken avocado soup.  This soup is perfect for chilly winter weather when you just want to curl up next to a fireplace with a comforting, warm meal. Each bite holds a variety of textures and flavors such as chewy, shredded chicken and smooth chunks of avocado. Additional tastes of garlic and onion add flavor to this delicious soup.
   
They have green chile rellenos have a wonderful warm flavor when roasted, which is perfect for a chilly evening. They are stuffed with cheese, dipped in an egg batter and fried.  The flavors and textures blend perfectly together. Queso fresco (fresh Mexican cheese) is a traditional choice for this wonderful dish.
   
I ended the evening with the sopapillas.  It's a classic Mexican snack made with a little sugar to sweeten it. Usually "sopes" as they are sometimes called are topped with meats and veggies, but these sweet versions are topped with fruit.
   
Another fine Indianapolis Menu Guide find.  This wonderful little downtown Indianapolis restaurant is the cat's meow!
   
This commercial for Best Tex Mex says it all:

 
I would not call myself a sushi connoisseur by any means, but I have been to enough sushi restaurants in the country to have an opinion on which are the best.  I would have to say that out of all the sushi restaurants in this great country, my favorite would have to be one that I found in the Indianapolis Dining Guide.  It is an upscale place called Sushi on the Rocks.  It is a spin off of another restaurant by the name of Yummy Chopsticks.  Sushi on the Rocks is by far the best downtown Indianapolis restaurant there is.

It has a unique blend of modern decor with a touch of traditional Japan.  There are many menu items to choose from.  You can order anything from chicken teriyaki to seaweed salad.   They have the most exciting selection of rolls as well.  I suggest trying either the spicy tuna roll or the volcano roll.  They have over 40 to choose from, so there is one for everybody.  Everything is prepared extremely well and fresh.  Of course, lunch is lovely too, and that's when I was here. The menu is extensive, offering a la carte sushi, Korean and Japanese dishes, and sandwiches and salads with an Asian bento box.
      
Next time you are in the mood for sushi, try this place and enjoy!  You can find this lovely place at 235 South Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46225.

Indianapolis is known for its beautiful downtown area, nice mid-western people, and of course, the food!  This city has some of the most fantastic restaurants in all the region.  I do have to say that out of all the steak houses and rib places in the city, the best one is by far Flemings Steak House.
 
I originally found this place in the Indianapolis Menu Guide and have to say that it was worth every penny.  It is a bit on the pricey side, so if you are looking for Burger King pricing, stay away from here.  Known, for its excellent service and fine wines, Flemings Steak House was everything it was even better than I could have imagined.  My company and I arrived and were promptly greeted by one of the hostesses.  She knew that we had a reservation and seated us right away.  Once we sat down we were blown away by their wine selection.  The waiter came quickly and went over it with us in detail along with the evenings specials and appetizers.
   
I started off with a salad, and my friend began with the lobster bisque.  We Flemings Steak House followed these up by two of the most incredible steaks.  We ordered a fillet  mignon with mashed potatoes and a porter house with the vegetable medley.
   
Of course dessert was offered, and quickly accepted on our end.  We were so full after the meal that we decided to split one of these succulent desserts.  We went with a tradition cheesecake, but there was nothing traditional about it.  It was nothing short of fantastic.  It came with three different kinds of sauces that you could tell were prepared by one of the best chefs in the business.
   
So next time you are looking for steak in Indianapolis, look no further.  Stop at Flemings Steak House and you will not be disappointed.

Are you looking for a great night in our capitol city of Indianapolis. Well St Elmo’s Steak House might be  the place for you. With a menu that tops the charts this restaurant is simply fantastic.

Although it might be a little pricey, it is definitely worth it. Located in Downtown Indianapolis on Illinois Street, their steaks can’t be beat. Started in 1902, it is the oldest steakhouse in Indianapolis.  But not only does it have great steak it also has a magnificent selection of seafood. I enjoy it very much and I highly recommend it.

Dugout  (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 bar.  Remember 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. 

Bazbeaux Pizza
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.

Palomino
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 waiver on which sushi restaurant in Indianapolis truly is the best; and have come to the conclusion that H20 Sushi (1912 Broad Ripple Avenue).  With a great selection of specialty rolls (I recommend the Crunch and Instant Karma) and a mastery of the traditional sushi rolls it really is the best sushi restaurant I have found in Indianapolis.  Honorable mentions would have to go to Sapporo and Sushi on the Rocks. 

Sapporo has been around for a long time and has the sushi mastered; but lacks the cool atmosphere that Sushi on the Rocks and H20 Sushi provides.  Sushi on the Rocks is newer and the services was only so-so; but did have a great location (downtown) and a fun atmosphere.  So check out H20, but give the others a shot --- all great sushi restaurants in Indianapolis!

My brother was in town, and he's a big breakfast eater. Myself, I have a small something and rarely treat myself to the full spread available at local eateries. Breakfast downtown was his plan, and I followed along. We found a fine parking spot in front of Barry's Downtown Eatery and brunch was being served until noon so we had plenty of time to try out the offering.

I chose the cherry delight pancakes, and my brother chose the scrambled eggs and biscuits with sausage gravy. After I had a taste of his sausage gravy, I had to ask for another plate so I could help my brother with his breakfast - much to his dismay. Barry's is a fine place, highly recommend.