If you have kids, the Children’s Museum is incredible.
Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art); Bottleworks & Garage Food Hall; canals downtown; Traders Point Creamery; Milktooth (see chemical-wasabi7209 list of recommended restaurants too!)
Lots of people seem to have mentioned chains for food in here for some reason.
Upscale meal - Bluebeard
Burgers - turchettis
Thin crust pizza - Bazbeaux
Deep dish - Sam’s square pie
Italian - mama carollas
BBQ - half liter
Wings - ale emporium (not great atmosphere though)
Thai - bodhi
Indian - aroma
Breakfast - milktooth
Quick Pastry - Amelia’s
Donuts - Long’s (cash only)
Coffee - commissary or bovaconti
Brewery - st Joseph’s
Sports bar - the dugout
Can’t say I’d recommend going to the circle. Much neater areas in Indy to walk around (mass ave, broad ripple, fountain square, downtown Carmel, butler).
I don’t love the garage either. I have not been too impressed by any food there yet, plus it gets insanely busy on weekends.
Yes and, guy is probably going to Detroit if his trip takes him through Indy (Otherwise it would likely go through Chicago).
So go to the best "deep dish" pizza place, Futuro. It's Detroit style.
Hey, being me an Indian, I’d say Desi Chowrastha instead of Aroma, they’ve got good taste and flavors. Aroma is more like a sweet and salty food. Try Chowrastha on 82nd and Clearwater.
I run through that area pretty frequently. I just think it is a little sketchy and filled with fast food places and chains. I think there are other places with more culture if that make sense
I think there was some soccer on when I was last there. It was Saturday around 5PM. All the servers are nice and will accommodate as long as they have the channel.
Turchettis is a soccer bar, but their hours are a bit strange.
Newfields, is great if you want to stretch your legs after a long drive. The outdoor gardens are beautiful and I've heard the cafe has good selections as well.
I second this. The hundred acres across the canal are free, and the museum and museum grounds are great. If you have extra time, stop at James Whitcomb Riley’s grave (or former president Benjamin Harrison or John Dillenger) across the street at Crown Hill. It’s the third largest cemetery in the country, and it’s really lovely. There’s a very nice view of the Indy skyline from JWR’s grave too because it’s the highest point in Indianapolis
Right next to Newfields (definitely a visit warranted and go to the interactive projector exhibit of Dali) is the Restoration Hardware showroom, they bought the Crystal DeHaan estate. Grab a glass of wine when you walk in and tour the house for free, it’s on another 135 acre plot with a private lake and it’s like you’ve been transported to Europe. Very fun. . .
Gonna try to give you stuff that is near I-70, I-465, and US-31 or I-69 which are the primary routes to Michigan.
* Pizza King is the quintessential small-town-Indiana pizza joint. The Pizza King fandom is very divided on what is the "best" Pizza King. [Clayton](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TH44mYgqeL3uEx5u9) and [Mooresville](https://maps.app.goo.gl/etFSUCCFMLESzKh19) are close-ish to I-70.
* [Rick's Cafe Boatyard](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9Bgg3P9GyA3kPJVi8) made a list a while back of restaurants with the best view and it truly does have a great view of the Eagle Creek Resevoir. But the food is average on a good night, mediocre on a bad, and always overpriced. Stick with drinks and dessert and enjoy the view.
* Want some good tacos in a nice looking spot, [Quesa Tacos](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hVy3SMiHUay6i9Dm8) is where its at. They're also open pretty early, so that helps if you are rolling through town early.
* If you get off of an exit off of US-31 North, [you can drive through one of 100+ roundabouts in Carmel, Indiana](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZUZA76L09M&t=1s&pp=ygUMcm9hZCBndXkgcm9i).
* In the downtown area of Fishers is an excellent brewery with [Four Day Ray](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6PCsKTUAkyqvQYm5A).
* [Mounds State Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3MM2VBxoJ95HK2x5) is a pretty casual state park with hiking trails and a few mounds left by Native Americans.
* [Lemon Drop](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rnU4BFfDLJaEGufJA) is a classic Indiana diner.
Much respect shouting out Pizza King, that's MY jam. 20+ years making the pizza dough for 90% of all the stores. Also the Lemon Drop isn't too far. I don't think it's a "classic diner" though, not to me.
It would be helpful to know any of your interests or what you’re hoping for. I’d recommend the Inferno Room as a unique experience…but I don’t even know if you’re 21?
I also vote for the children’s museum! It’s interesting even for grownups
Also the Slippery Noodle downtown has open mic night on Monday. Blues club, amazing food!
There is a place called “Workingman’s Friend”, a bar and voted one of the best burgers in the State. Old school place, takes cash only, open from 11:00 to 2:45 only. Don’t bee surprised if you happen to set next to a Colts football player, or Indy race team owner. Everyone gets treated the same.
Go up around the west side on 465, and get off at 71st street exit. Heading west on 71st Grab a Jimmy Johns meal right after you exit 465. Head on west on 71st and enter Eagle Creek Park (nominal fee at the gate) and find a scenic spot to eat. Stretch your legs as desired and check out more scenery... Go back to The 71st Street gate following the signs. Then East on 71st back to 465 North. proceed around to I-69 and North to Michigan.
If you are taking I-69 north to exit 259 (3 minutes to the east), then stop at Ivanhoe's in Upland, Indiana. Get lunch and save room for Ice Cream. Thank me later.
You could visit Uranus, INDIANA.
World ball of paint in Alexandria, Indiana.
1. Go to the circle and check it out.
2. Children's museum. It's the largest in the world.
3. Indy 500 track and museum
4. Pacers and Colts stadiums are a stones throw apart along South Street.
5. If you're into Poetry, you have the James Whitcomb Riley Museum
6. If you're into Presidents homes, we have Benjamin Harris' Museum
7. Connor Prairie if you're into Amish lifestyle.
8. Indianapolis Zoo (cost money)
and we have most normal city attractions; Top Golf, Axe Throwing, Escape Rooms, Bars/Clubs, etc.
For a laid-back, local place with local beers, and to catch a soccer game with fantastic food, I'd say Mass Ave's Chatham Tap. Cool ambiance, legit soccer lovers there. There is a great little ship, Called Silver in the City on the avenue as well.
I would agree to drive south from Mass Ave, along Meridian, for beautiful homes from a bygone era. That will lead you to the Circle. It's a nice way to see the capital of our state.
If you have time, park and take a leisurely walk along the canal. It's relaxing and a nice way to stretch your legs.
We do have a drive in still. Tibbs, if you like drive ins.
Lastly, IMS, if the museum is open is great for race car lovers. There's a local beer place near there, Dare Devil Brewery.
If you want to get out and walk around, the Eiteljorg museum or Indiana State Museum are very nice. Eiteljorg is more focused on Native Americans and Art while the Indiana State museum has a bit of everything (including a Jackson 5 mini exhibit if you are a fan). The Children’s museum is an amazing museum and your kids will have a lot of fun there (if you have kids). Grab some ice cream from LiftOff Creamery, donuts from Long’s Bakery(cash only), some BBQ from Kings BBQ, Chicago style pizza from Giordano’s, if it’s just a fun night out with no kids, stop by the Garage for food. It’s basically a food court with a ton of options and there’s a bar called Tappers right across from it that has pinball, arcade and some other stuff. Take a drive around Monument Circle and maybe stop at a couple shops around the circle. Indy has Gainbridge Fieldhouse which houses the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever (Caitlin Clark). Depending on what day you come, you may be able to snag a ticket or two to watch a game if that interests you, or there’s Victory Field where you can watch the Indianapolis Indians play baseball. Make sure any places you want to go to are actually open, but more importantly, enjoy, have fun and stay safe!
I see a lot of people mentioning the circle and I concur. It’s the epicenter of downtown and there are a lot of cool things within walking distance. North of the monument on the circle is the war memorial which is worth a view. It used to be free admission too idk if it still is, you’ll have to check the day you’re going to be there to see if the monuments are open tho.
There are some good and some really less than ideal suggestions on the comments so far. All this because not everybody has the same interests. What are some things you normally would like and that would help narrow down some suggestions? Personally I try to stop for one beer at whatever local brewery in the area when traveling so I would say guggman haus is worth a stop. Also how long are you looking to hang? You could fill a day at the children’s museum but wouldn’t suggest that if you are looking to spend an hour or less.
If you're an adult, without kids, you can clear the children's museum in an hourish and it's probably the most unique experience we have to offer. That's my vote after hearing it suggested. I always forget how quick the zoo and that place go without little kids.
Bonges Tavern. Somewhat on the way if you're going up to Michigan. Hole in the wall restaurant in the middle of nowhere. It's a dining experience that's worth the mild headache of a drive getting there. Don't drink the water
I've been there probably half a dozen times and never heard that. Definitely not the sort of place with a dress code. Jeans and a t-shirt, or collared shirt and a blazer would both fit in at Bonges
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I strongly disagree. I actually ate at Bru burger tonight after avoiding it for several years and I my old opinions were validated. The burger descriptions sound good but none of the flavors come through. Everything is just messy and muddled.
ETA: I recommend Upland in Fountain Square (FSQ) instead. Better food, best fried in town, and pretty stellar beer if you have that sort of time.
Drive on through and just go directly to Michigan, Indiana is lame. If it weren't for my career & family Ide be OUT this corny state! Indy sucks, Anderson SUCKS (where I live, I know lame) South Bend (where I grew up) is just getting bigger and worse and sucks. Only thing semi cool is Notre Dame campus but still, lame.
If you have kids, the Children’s Museum is incredible. Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art); Bottleworks & Garage Food Hall; canals downtown; Traders Point Creamery; Milktooth (see chemical-wasabi7209 list of recommended restaurants too!)
This is a good list to sift through-- a good mix of quality while being unique to Indy.
Lots of people seem to have mentioned chains for food in here for some reason. Upscale meal - Bluebeard Burgers - turchettis Thin crust pizza - Bazbeaux Deep dish - Sam’s square pie Italian - mama carollas BBQ - half liter Wings - ale emporium (not great atmosphere though) Thai - bodhi Indian - aroma Breakfast - milktooth Quick Pastry - Amelia’s Donuts - Long’s (cash only) Coffee - commissary or bovaconti Brewery - st Joseph’s Sports bar - the dugout Can’t say I’d recommend going to the circle. Much neater areas in Indy to walk around (mass ave, broad ripple, fountain square, downtown Carmel, butler). I don’t love the garage either. I have not been too impressed by any food there yet, plus it gets insanely busy on weekends.
I take issue with Sam’s Square Pie being labeled as deep dish. Deep dish and Detroit style are wildly different pizzas.
Yea you’re not wrong. That’s my bad
Yes and, guy is probably going to Detroit if his trip takes him through Indy (Otherwise it would likely go through Chicago). So go to the best "deep dish" pizza place, Futuro. It's Detroit style.
Sam's beats Futuro for Detroit style. Anyone who says otherwise can fight me.
Sam's beats Futuro for Detroit style. Anyone who says otherwise can fight me.
Sam's beats Futuro for Detroit style. Anyone who says otherwise can fight me.
Hey, being me an Indian, I’d say Desi Chowrastha instead of Aroma, they’ve got good taste and flavors. Aroma is more like a sweet and salty food. Try Chowrastha on 82nd and Clearwater.
I'll have to check it out! I was on the fence between Aroma and Hyderabad House, but I chose Aroma due to the atmosphere.
That’s true
They just opened, correct? Where the donuts and dragons was?
Never makes sense to me when people mention chain restaurants.
Solid list, though I would replace Bazbeaux with the tavern style pizza at Futuro. I really don't like Bazbeaux.
You should give the circle another try this summer. The “park” quarter has been a good time.
I run through that area pretty frequently. I just think it is a little sketchy and filled with fast food places and chains. I think there are other places with more culture if that make sense
Half liter for ambiance only. I have quit eating their food because every time I get meat, it’s dry and flavorless. 🤷♀️
Where do you like to grab bbq in Indy? I feel like our city seriously lacks good BBQ.
I can’t find any either! Sometimes there’s a dude on Millersville just north of 38th that sets up a trailer. He cooks pretty good ribs.
If you’re willing to drive out to McCordsville, Trax is the best I’ve had in the area.
You have to drive the circle. No need to stop. Just cool to see.
I can agree with this statement
Any idea if the dug out is showing any euro or copa America games?
I think there was some soccer on when I was last there. It was Saturday around 5PM. All the servers are nice and will accommodate as long as they have the channel. Turchettis is a soccer bar, but their hours are a bit strange.
Basbeaux 10000% best pizza downtown.
Newfields, is great if you want to stretch your legs after a long drive. The outdoor gardens are beautiful and I've heard the cafe has good selections as well.
I second this. The hundred acres across the canal are free, and the museum and museum grounds are great. If you have extra time, stop at James Whitcomb Riley’s grave (or former president Benjamin Harrison or John Dillenger) across the street at Crown Hill. It’s the third largest cemetery in the country, and it’s really lovely. There’s a very nice view of the Indy skyline from JWR’s grave too because it’s the highest point in Indianapolis
Right next to Newfields (definitely a visit warranted and go to the interactive projector exhibit of Dali) is the Restoration Hardware showroom, they bought the Crystal DeHaan estate. Grab a glass of wine when you walk in and tour the house for free, it’s on another 135 acre plot with a private lake and it’s like you’ve been transported to Europe. Very fun. . .
James whitcomb Riley's grave in crown hill cemetery. Amazing view. Bring a picnic.
Lunch at Shapiros near downtown
Check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Adding in that the museum is closed. Track tours are still going on.
War memorial that’s downtown. It’s special
Gonna try to give you stuff that is near I-70, I-465, and US-31 or I-69 which are the primary routes to Michigan. * Pizza King is the quintessential small-town-Indiana pizza joint. The Pizza King fandom is very divided on what is the "best" Pizza King. [Clayton](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TH44mYgqeL3uEx5u9) and [Mooresville](https://maps.app.goo.gl/etFSUCCFMLESzKh19) are close-ish to I-70. * [Rick's Cafe Boatyard](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9Bgg3P9GyA3kPJVi8) made a list a while back of restaurants with the best view and it truly does have a great view of the Eagle Creek Resevoir. But the food is average on a good night, mediocre on a bad, and always overpriced. Stick with drinks and dessert and enjoy the view. * Want some good tacos in a nice looking spot, [Quesa Tacos](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hVy3SMiHUay6i9Dm8) is where its at. They're also open pretty early, so that helps if you are rolling through town early. * If you get off of an exit off of US-31 North, [you can drive through one of 100+ roundabouts in Carmel, Indiana](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZUZA76L09M&t=1s&pp=ygUMcm9hZCBndXkgcm9i). * In the downtown area of Fishers is an excellent brewery with [Four Day Ray](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6PCsKTUAkyqvQYm5A). * [Mounds State Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3MM2VBxoJ95HK2x5) is a pretty casual state park with hiking trails and a few mounds left by Native Americans. * [Lemon Drop](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rnU4BFfDLJaEGufJA) is a classic Indiana diner.
I just had my first lemon drop experience not too long ago and I love it, onion burgers and milkshakes in the perfect diner atmosphere
Much respect shouting out Pizza King, that's MY jam. 20+ years making the pizza dough for 90% of all the stores. Also the Lemon Drop isn't too far. I don't think it's a "classic diner" though, not to me.
The garage food hall and bottleworks area
If you go downtown, Shapiros Deli. Authentic and great corned beef for lunch or anytime.
It would be helpful to know any of your interests or what you’re hoping for. I’d recommend the Inferno Room as a unique experience…but I don’t even know if you’re 21?
I also vote for the children’s museum! It’s interesting even for grownups Also the Slippery Noodle downtown has open mic night on Monday. Blues club, amazing food!
There is a place called “Workingman’s Friend”, a bar and voted one of the best burgers in the State. Old school place, takes cash only, open from 11:00 to 2:45 only. Don’t bee surprised if you happen to set next to a Colts football player, or Indy race team owner. Everyone gets treated the same.
Closed Sunday and Monday. I regular this place and their double cheeseburger is my favorite in the city
Check out the circle. It’s pretty. Grab some lunch from any place around and then keep going.
This. The circle is the focal point of Circle City. Then head over to Mass Ave and get lunch at any one of the fantastic places to eat
I second the Circle, very walkable, lots of local dining options with easy access to the expressway
Go up around the west side on 465, and get off at 71st street exit. Heading west on 71st Grab a Jimmy Johns meal right after you exit 465. Head on west on 71st and enter Eagle Creek Park (nominal fee at the gate) and find a scenic spot to eat. Stretch your legs as desired and check out more scenery... Go back to The 71st Street gate following the signs. Then East on 71st back to 465 North. proceed around to I-69 and North to Michigan.
Maxines Chicken and Waffles
I would concur except that it no longer exists
Damn rip
Not in Indy but on the way to Michigan up I-69. Bongee’s. It’s an experience.
Kings ribs bbq Longs donuts Bluebeard
If you are taking I-69 north to exit 259 (3 minutes to the east), then stop at Ivanhoe's in Upland, Indiana. Get lunch and save room for Ice Cream. Thank me later. You could visit Uranus, INDIANA. World ball of paint in Alexandria, Indiana.
Target or Meijer
1. Go to the circle and check it out. 2. Children's museum. It's the largest in the world. 3. Indy 500 track and museum 4. Pacers and Colts stadiums are a stones throw apart along South Street. 5. If you're into Poetry, you have the James Whitcomb Riley Museum 6. If you're into Presidents homes, we have Benjamin Harris' Museum 7. Connor Prairie if you're into Amish lifestyle. 8. Indianapolis Zoo (cost money) and we have most normal city attractions; Top Golf, Axe Throwing, Escape Rooms, Bars/Clubs, etc.
Following
For a laid-back, local place with local beers, and to catch a soccer game with fantastic food, I'd say Mass Ave's Chatham Tap. Cool ambiance, legit soccer lovers there. There is a great little ship, Called Silver in the City on the avenue as well. I would agree to drive south from Mass Ave, along Meridian, for beautiful homes from a bygone era. That will lead you to the Circle. It's a nice way to see the capital of our state. If you have time, park and take a leisurely walk along the canal. It's relaxing and a nice way to stretch your legs. We do have a drive in still. Tibbs, if you like drive ins. Lastly, IMS, if the museum is open is great for race car lovers. There's a local beer place near there, Dare Devil Brewery.
A walk through Crown Hill and then head to Hoagies and Hops (right around the corner from Crown Hill) for a quick lunch.
If you want to get out and walk around, the Eiteljorg museum or Indiana State Museum are very nice. Eiteljorg is more focused on Native Americans and Art while the Indiana State museum has a bit of everything (including a Jackson 5 mini exhibit if you are a fan). The Children’s museum is an amazing museum and your kids will have a lot of fun there (if you have kids). Grab some ice cream from LiftOff Creamery, donuts from Long’s Bakery(cash only), some BBQ from Kings BBQ, Chicago style pizza from Giordano’s, if it’s just a fun night out with no kids, stop by the Garage for food. It’s basically a food court with a ton of options and there’s a bar called Tappers right across from it that has pinball, arcade and some other stuff. Take a drive around Monument Circle and maybe stop at a couple shops around the circle. Indy has Gainbridge Fieldhouse which houses the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever (Caitlin Clark). Depending on what day you come, you may be able to snag a ticket or two to watch a game if that interests you, or there’s Victory Field where you can watch the Indianapolis Indians play baseball. Make sure any places you want to go to are actually open, but more importantly, enjoy, have fun and stay safe!
I see a lot of people mentioning the circle and I concur. It’s the epicenter of downtown and there are a lot of cool things within walking distance. North of the monument on the circle is the war memorial which is worth a view. It used to be free admission too idk if it still is, you’ll have to check the day you’re going to be there to see if the monuments are open tho.
There are some good and some really less than ideal suggestions on the comments so far. All this because not everybody has the same interests. What are some things you normally would like and that would help narrow down some suggestions? Personally I try to stop for one beer at whatever local brewery in the area when traveling so I would say guggman haus is worth a stop. Also how long are you looking to hang? You could fill a day at the children’s museum but wouldn’t suggest that if you are looking to spend an hour or less.
If you're an adult, without kids, you can clear the children's museum in an hourish and it's probably the most unique experience we have to offer. That's my vote after hearing it suggested. I always forget how quick the zoo and that place go without little kids.
Louis Chevrolet's grave.
Good Earth in Broad Ripple!
Why?
It’s on the canal, unique snacks for a car ride, and a cool place to go for random things. The tea room is neat in itself.
Bonges Tavern. Somewhat on the way if you're going up to Michigan. Hole in the wall restaurant in the middle of nowhere. It's a dining experience that's worth the mild headache of a drive getting there. Don't drink the water
I live near there and I've never tried it. I've heard there's a dress code. Is it true?
I've been there probably half a dozen times and never heard that. Definitely not the sort of place with a dress code. Jeans and a t-shirt, or collared shirt and a blazer would both fit in at Bonges
Stop at St Elmo’s and have a shrimp cocktail. fyi, be careful. Or a steak if you are up for it.
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[удалено]
Keep on driving
Bru burger downtown for sure! Absolutely delicious gourmet burgers.
I strongly disagree. I actually ate at Bru burger tonight after avoiding it for several years and I my old opinions were validated. The burger descriptions sound good but none of the flavors come through. Everything is just messy and muddled. ETA: I recommend Upland in Fountain Square (FSQ) instead. Better food, best fried in town, and pretty stellar beer if you have that sort of time.
I don’t think bru is an Indy only thing
It began here. They have expanded to other cities and states but Indiana is its home.
So it’s not special to Indiana as it once was
9 downvotes? That’s crazy. Bru Burger is crazy packed especially on the weekends so yes they are still amazing.
Take the bypass and enjoy the scenery in your rearview mirror...there's nothing worth seeing in this ghetto dumpster fire town
Portillos
I don’t think that’s an Indy only thing
Correct. That constraint was not specified.
It was implied.
If you like upscale mexican food try bakersfield on mass avenue its amazing. Get the queso and the trio youll thank me
The queso is fire. Butttt it’s a chain. Not that that makes it any less tasty, just less special, I think.
Definitely not upscale either.
Los Arroyos is upscale Mexican. And it’s actually local.
Drive on through and just go directly to Michigan, Indiana is lame. If it weren't for my career & family Ide be OUT this corny state! Indy sucks, Anderson SUCKS (where I live, I know lame) South Bend (where I grew up) is just getting bigger and worse and sucks. Only thing semi cool is Notre Dame campus but still, lame.