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

Broad Ripple Steakhouse
929 Westfield Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46220

Genre: Steakhouse
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location: Broad Ripple

Broad Ripple Steakhouse may be a small white building on a corner in Broad Ripple, but it packs in a great amount of taste and atmosphere; I would give this restaurant a 5 on presentation alone.

The menu is a great compilation of every type of meat and seafood that can be grilled, seared, or marinated.  In my first dinner at Broad Ripple Steakhouse, I chose the Tenderloin Medallions with Cognac-Peppercorn Sauce.  This dish was absolutely amazing!  The sauce was especially delicious and a great combination with the tenderloin. 

The drink menu displays some of the finest Napa Valley and Italian wines.  I would highly recommend the Chateau Thomas, Cabernet Franc red wine.

If you are in the area, stop by Broad Ripple Steakhouse for a nice steak and fabulous glass of wine!

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!

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

Genre: Seafood
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: North Indianapolis

Two summers ago I lived on the north-side of Indianapolis and I would always pass this restaurant on my way to work.  It looked like a pricey, extravagant, and overachieving anniversary type restaurant.  It wasn't until this past summer that I realized the true nature of the Bonefish Grill.

My girlfriend and I decided to make the most of the summer off and enjoy a relaxing night at Bonefish Grill.  To be honest, I was dreading the dinner because I had premonitions that I was going to spend an 'arm and a leg' for the meal.  Once inside, I didn't feel any better.  The interior was elegant and trendy with table displays of an expensive steak restaurant.  We sat down and I reluctantly opened the menu, fearing the numbers on the page.  My jaw almost hit the floor! The prices were well within my range and the dishes were promising.  I was so happy with the prices that I splurged and ordered an appetizer.  The one appetizer in particular that caught my eye was the Crab Cakes.   These large, delicious cakes hit the pallet just right!  I would highly recommend eating these “gifts from the sea” if you have the opportunity.  For the main course, I decided to try the Atlantic Salmon because I haven’t had this dish in a very long time.  I was very impressed with the dish.  It was what I remember Atlantic Salmon tasting like.  My compliments to the chef!

If I were in your shoes and have never tried this restaurant, I would immediately call my closest Bonefish Grill and reserve a table.  Not only do they offer spectacular ‘surf’ but also a wide variety of ‘turf’ dishes.  You can check out the menu here!

Ambrosia
915 E Westfield Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 255-3096

Genre: Italian
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location: Broad Ripple

"Ambrosia" has its roots in the Greek culture as meaning "immortality".  As a food, it was referred to, in mythology, as the "food of the gods".  Today, this restaurant adorns Broad Ripple with its elegance and intimate setting.  Unfortunately, I don't believe any Greek gods have eaten here recently.

Like many Italian restaurants I frequent, I look for certain criteria: A menu filled with CORRECT Italian dishes, an Italian themed setting, and at least one individual in the restaurant that is fluent in Italian.  Good news: Ambrosia had each one of these.  Once inside this establishment, it is clear that lighting, colors, seating arrangement, and table displays are conducive to an Italian restaurant.  Moreover, the menu is blessed with beautiful, authentic dishes.  Menu Advice: if you are at an ethnic restaurant and cannot pronounce the dish names, that is a good thing.  I am fortunate enough to have an Italian language background and constantly judge the accuracy of the menu in order to understand the owner's attention to detail.  Lastly, it wasn't hard to find the native Italian in the restaurant.  This older woman, who reminded me of my grandmother, was patrolling the restaurant ensuring all meals were accounted for.  Seeing this woman led me to believe that she was the individual preserving the Italian style dining experience within those walls.

I ordered the Spaghetti Tutto Mare, literally translated to "everything sea", because I needed to have my seafood fix for the week.  I trusted that the Italian Patrolwoman would deliver a beautiful dish of everything from the sea.  The dish was excellent!!  My food had no chance of survival once I smelled the aroma wafting from the kitchen.

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the mood for an authentic Italian dinner.  The reason I gave this restaurant a perfect rating is because it met all my criteria for Italian style dining AND I didn't find Fettuccine Alfredo or Spaghetti with Meatballs (Both American forms of Italian dining).  Make your reservation today!!

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!!

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.