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!

Is Indianapolis your destination this July? Whethe you are on business or leisure, food will probably top your list of attractions. And if you are into steaks, Indianapolis is a sure bet indeed. Make sure you include the Steakhouse near Conseco Fieldhouse in Downtown Indianapolis on your itinerary. Located on 34B Lincoln Street, on the 5th floor of Toggle Towers, its location is ideal whether you are in Indianapolis for the basketball tournament, on business, or to attend a cultural event. The Indiana Convention Centre is just two minutes away.

The décor is luxurious but modern, and the glass windows provide a backdrop to the city scape.

Only USDA Prime beef is served here.The salad counter is a unique experience. This Steak Restaurant in Indianapolis is famous for its choice of desserts with the Mudslide being a hot favorite.

Purchase 2010 GMC Terrains at Larsen Motors.

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.

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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.

Well.. it is... But Dagwood's is also a great place to grab a bite to eat in Broad Ripple. I have been there once or twice for lunch and I must say... it is a hidden gem.

Dagwoods is a little deli locacted right next to Q'Doba in Broad Ripple and if you are out for a Sunday lunch, I would recommend it. It has a great menu of subs from the classic BLT to the Ultimate Turkey Sandwich, loaded with everything from onions to pickles and of course turkey. They also offer wraps and salads if you aren't feeling a sub for lunch. You can even create your own sub from options listed on the menu. Along with your sub they offer a combo that includes a cookie or chips and a drink.

The price is reasonable and the subs are well worth it. The staff is always friendly and very helpful if you are feeling indecisive. You also don't have to worry about stopping by the ATM before you get there becuase they take cash or credit. So the next time you are in Broad Ripple around lunchtime... check out Dagwoods located at 6336 Guilford Avenue right next to Q'Doba and across the street from the fire station.

Bakeries, Bakeries, Bakeries!  I love desserts, cheese cake, home made cakes basically anything that has sugar in it!

Try Encore Deserts and More on 116th Street and Allisonville in Fishers. 


Encore Desserts and More is locally owned and bakes  their deserts on site!  They have been in their location for a little over a year now.    Fresh and Extremely Flavorful are a couple of ways I would describe Encore desserts! 


Check them out for your next birthday, anniversary, wedding or event!  I highly recommend them!!

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.)

Carrabba's recently launched a new line of mini-desserts and the cannoli is among them.  You can even make these delicious desserts in the comfort of your own home.

Carrabba's Mini Cannoli Recipe

Cannoli Mix

1½ cups            ricotta cheese
½ cup               powdered sugar
½ teaspoon       vanilla
¼ teaspoon       cinnamon
½ cup               mini choc chips
1 cup                Mascarpone cheese

Mix ricotta cheese and powdered sugar in a mixer with a wire whip until smooth (5 minutes)

Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula.  Add vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.  Mix on low speed until blended

Stop the mixer and add the mascarpone.  Mix by hand with a wire whip until blended.

Place mix into a piping bag to serve.

To serve mini cannoli:

Pipe cannoli mix into a tall shot glass about halfway full.

Layer a tablespoon of crumbled cannoli shells.

Pipe cannoli mix to the top of the glass.

Top the mix with a teaspoon of chopped pistachios.

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.

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.

(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...

Linnie's Pastry Shop and Deli
115 S. Harrison
Shelbyville IN 46176
Phone: 317.398.7525

Any blog focused on the topic of local restaurants Indianapolis has got to include some of the surrounding small town.  So hat's off to Linnie’s Pastry which won national fame during the most recent elections for a clever promotion where they scooped other Indianapolis Bakeries by creating and tracking sugar cookie sales in the shape of either democratic donkey’s or Republican Elephants.

Only a small town bakery could pull this off.   By the way, these cookies were good!  For $1.99 they had thick buttercream icing in blue and red. As of election day morning, Linnie’s Bakery and Deli had sold 740 donkeys and 659 elephants.  That’s a sweet $3,000 bump for clever owners Bill and Diane Moore.

Linnie's isn't just a great bakery, It's also belongs in the family restaurant Indianapolis category. it's got fast food, hamburgers and is a terrific delicatessen.  I think Shelby is one of the prettiest small towns near Indianapolis and it's really hard to find a good, old fashioned bakery anywhere any more.   You might wonder why I would include Linnie's as part of a Restaruant Reviews Indianapolis blog, well...there are just not enough Indianapolis bakeries to talk about any more and this one is worth the drive and deserves mention in my Indianapolis Dining blog.

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!

Au Bon Pain
26 Monument Circle
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-226-9300
Fax: 317-636-9128



So in the beginning I was resistant to Au Bon Pain when they first opened on the Circle in Downtown Indianapolis.   I liked the South Bend Chocolate Factory and felt bad supporting a evil national competitor opening right next door.  I also hate names that I can't pronounce very well...

So I was wrong.  I probably frequent Au Bon Pain more that any other restaurant on the circle.  An they are not evil.   If you look at the Au Bon Pain website, you will find that they are front and center with all of their nutrition information for every menu item.  Health Magazine has named them one of the healthiest restaurants.   The food is really good and has a wide variety.  Every day they have an assortment of soups, and as you can see from the video, they encourage sampleing.   (I'm sure you could sneak in a lunch just on the samples)  The also have lots of portion appropriate salds already made up, along with fresh wraps and half sandwiches.   I wouldn't call this a dinner restaurant,  it's more like a delicatessen with great lunch food that's fast.  They also have really good breakfast foods and for cookies&muffins it's one of the best bakeries in Indianapolis.

The people are friendly and I'm happy to write a positive review of this great downtown Indianapolis restaurant. 

Shapiro's Delicatessen
http://www.shapiros.com
808 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
 317.631.4041

 6:45am to 8:00pm
Everyday
 


Today we are happy to post a review from guest blogger  Nicki Laycoax of Squish Designs:
 
I was craving a big healthy salad for lunch today. Not certain where
to find the best salad downtown, I chose a delicatessen that I had
eaten at before-Shapiro's. Shapiro's is an ala carte dining option.
 
The line starts with desserts ranging from fresh fruit flan and cheesecake
to cakes, pies, and fresh fruit. I chose the Devil's Food Cake that had a layer of
cheesecake between two layers of cake. It was topped with shavings of
white chocolate, chocolate icing, and fudge drizzling.
 
The next option I was presented with were the salads. Though I really
wanted a salad today, I opted out of the large salad and instead, got my
fresh veggie fix by selecting the broccoli, bacon, and grape salad. (Waldorf maybe?)
 
Then it was on to the main course selection. Tuna Salad on Freshly Baked Rye
Bread... While it was the most expensive tuna salad sandwich I've purchased
in the area, $8.15, it was definitely in the top 2 best that I have had (it's a toss-up
between Jimmy John's and Shapiro's)
 
Total for lunch: $17.05=Sandwich, salad, cake, and iced water. It was quick, delicious, but on
the upper end of what I like to pay for lunch...
 
One big bonus-They use PatronPath! If downtown you can order online and have your food ready when you arrive!

In Carmel Indiana, use this link for Shapiro's Online
 
4/5 stars
 
Nicki Laycoax
Squish Designs, LLC
317.627.8860
www.squishdesigns.com <www.squishdesigns.com>
www.nickilaycoaxofsquishdesigns.blogspot.com <www.nickilaycoaxofsquishdesigns.blogspot.com>

This past weekend, I had the privilege of dining at one of my favorite Italian restaurants, Mama Carollas Old Italian Restaurant.  I’ve lived in Broad Ripple for over a year, but never taken the time to eat there.  After eating there once … I won’t over look it again – that’s for sure!

I was promptly seated upon arrive in a nice, quiet area. Our waiter – Kevin was delightful!! He was very funny and he made our dining experience that much better.
I ordered a glass of Melot which went perfect with the atmosphere. After drinks were served, we received the bread and dipping sauce.  The bread was fresh and hot, and it appeared that it was never ending – we always had a fresh basket. 
We started with the bruschetta appetizer which was a nice starter - fresh tomatoes and smoky cheese gave it good flavor. For dinner, I decided on the pasta primavera. It had some good fresh veggies and a garlic oil dressing. Unfortunately, I was not able to try any of the dessert because my meal was so filling (I usually don’t make it to dessert thought).
Mama Carollas Old Italian Restaurant definitely gives a whole different take on Italian food. I was great food and it was reasonability priced.

What more could I ask for ….

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.

While I was talking with colleague, Jenni Edwards, she started telling me about a place she had eaten at recently, and I felt I needed to share it with you. To check out Jenni Edwards' business blog Click Here.

Up on 82nd street there is a steak and sushi place called Sapporo.  It is a hibachi grill, where the cooks make your food right in front of you, which is always entertaining. Jenni told me the food was very good…the Miso soup is good because of the small portions that don’t overwhelm your meal. Their sushi is delicious as well, but what is phenomenal there is the Tempura Ice Cream! It’s a deep fried ice cream that is both hot and cold. If you do go there, I would highly recommend saving room for that dessert! As for the price, it is a little more than she expected. The atmosphere is great for almost any occasion, whether you are going with your family or just out to get a bit to eat and might even be a great place for a date. It was highly recommended overall and I am sure that anyone that goes would feel the same way. So if you’re in the mood for some Japanese cuisine here in Indianapolis…check out Sapporo!