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

Corner Wine Bar
6331 Guilford Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 255-5159

Genre: Bar/Restaurant
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: Broad Ripple

The Corner Wine Bar (CWB) situated on the corner next to Broad Ripple Qdoba is a perfect place for couples and old friends to meet.  On top of that, CWB features weekly events and specials that will bring out the 'wine-o' in you.

I enjoyed CWB this past Sunday with my girlfriend around lunch time.  The restaurant was empty when we got there because it was pretty early in the afternoon but it slowly began to fill in after an hour.  The interior was very intimate, even in the early afternoon, and the atmosphere was promising.  To begin, we ordered the Cheese Crock.  Now I was a little hesitant to order this dish because I am not a fan of sourdough bowls.  To my surprise this appetizer was phenomenal! It was a fondue for two.  Needless to say, I ate the majority of it.  For my main course, I ordered the Prosciutto Panini.  Originally, I wasn't aware of the exact makings of this Italian sandwich but knew that I loved prosciutto.  The meal came and I was pleasantly surprised.  It was a mixture of asparagus, prosciutto and chevre cheese.  The chevre was a great compliment to the prosciutto.

I have no real complaints about this restaurant.  I hope to frequent CWB at a later date to enjoy the wine tastings and other events.  Overall, I recommend this place to everyone!

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

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

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

Bonefish Grill
(317) 863-3474
4501 East 82nd. Street
Indianapolis IN 46250

Bonefish Grill is a chain restaurant with a theme they call “polished casual”.  As the name says, this is a Seafood Restaurant in Indianapolis.  The food is excellent as is the service.  Bonefish Grill is one of the best of the Indianapolis Seafood Restaurants in explaining what it is you are eating, which makes it a great place to take a date.   Because your servers are so proactive in explaining the menu it takes all the pressure off you.

Bonefish Grill is one of my favorite seafood restaurants in Indianapolis

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Webber Grill
10 N. Illinois Street
Indianapolis IN 46204

Contact Info
Tel: 317-636-7600

What could be better than to take your date out to some terrific grilled meat? I’m not talking barbeque, but actual home grilled dinner…just like if you were doing it in your backyard…only better.

The Webber Grill is a great date restaurant in Indianapolis. In fact it is the best grill restaurant in Indianapolis. It’s fun, there is lot’s going on to talk about…the environment is kind of like Benihana’s without all the pressure.

If you are going on a first date and not sure what you will be talking about, this is the place for you. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in Indianapolis serving steaks, seafood and of course great burgers.

Location: Mozzi's Pizza Greenfield

Address: 2221 W. Main Street Greenfield, IN 46140

Phone Number: (317)462-2999

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

Website: www.mozzispizza.com

Rating: 5 stars

 

I love good jazz music... almost as much as I love to eat!  The Jazz Kitchen serves up the best of both worlds.  Not only does the Jazz Kitchen have some of the best food around but guests are able to listen to some of the best local, regional, and national jazz musicians live, my favorite is the Frank Glover Quartet.  I highly recommend the Paella, which is a delicate blend of shrimp, scallops, calamari, fish, mussels, pork & chicken in a savory saffron rice.  It serves two and is one of my favorite seafood dishes of all time.  It is a great place to bring a date.  The Jazz Kitchen is located off of N College Ave in Indy, very close to Butler University.

I was craving mexican food one night and decided to try out the Adobo Grill on 82nd street.  I with my roommate, Nick, at about 7:00pm and, after a short wait, was seated at a comfortable booth.  Our server was nice and friendly and after taking our drink orders suggested the guacamole as a starter.  Nick and I both like to eat and were quite hungry at the time so we decided to take her advice.  The guacamole was so good that I'm not sure it lasted five minutes on the table.  We both loved our entrees and even saved room for dessert, the plantain crepes.  Nick and I both loved our experience at Adobo Grill and plan on bringing our girlfriends back soon for a double date!