Today’s “48 Hours In…” is a city near and dear to my heart – Indianapolis, Indiana. I had a chance to visit a few years ago, and was just so thrilled with the food, drink, and wonderful community that it will be one of my favorites for years to come. (You can check out the rest of our “48 Hours In…” series here.)
Ok… now turn left! And another left! And another left!
This round was penned by my dear friend, Erin Edds. A fellow entrepreneur, Erin is the creator of the wildly popular Hoosier Momma Bloody Mary mixer line – a favorite at Colts games, the Indianapolis 500, and Kentucky Derby. She is actively involved in the food and drink scene, and not only do I trust her with recommendations, she’s my Circle City partner in crime.
Long’s Bakery
1453 North Tremont Street
Three words: HOT YEAST DONUTS! Get there early, as there will be a line out the door, and they will run out. This is an institution in Indianapolis, and one of Martha Stewart’s favorite places to hit when she’s in town. There is plenty of variety, but trust me – the fresh hot glazed yeast donuts are a life changing experience!
3 Sisters Cafe
6360 Guilford Avenue
Located on a lovely tree lined street in charming Broad Ripple Village is 3 Sisters Cafe. They have incredible vegetarian and vegan options, which is definitely a plus in meat-loving Indy. Don’t miss the lemon corn cakes with fresh seasonal berries and a lemon curd or berry sauce! One of the more “granola” choices in town.
Flatwater
832 East Westfield Boulevard
If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Indy on a Sunday, head to the canal in Broad Ripple and get yourself to Flatwater. You don’t want to miss their Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar featuring local favorites, Indiana Vodka and Hoosier Momma Bloody Mary Maker. They also serve a rotating brunch menu, and have the perfect patio for a little hair of the dog!
Rook
719 Virginia Avenue
The brainchild of restaurateur, Ed Rudisell, and Chef Carlos Salazar this is straight up Asian fusion street food smack dab in the heart of Indy in the Fletcher Place/Fountain Square neighborhood. Think bahn mi, dumplings, and steamed buns, pho and this brilliant dish called Pig Face Hash. It’s counter service, and casual, but the food is refined, balanced, and sophisticated. A great local spin on classic street market dishes.
Goose The Market
2503 North Delaware Street
Open since 2008, Goose is part deli, part salumeria, part specialty food store. Order your Batali (the best sandwich in Indy) at the counter, and then browse their deli case (a vegetarian’s nightmare, according to the website), and check out their extensive beer and wine selection in the basement, where they also operate an evening Enoteca. It’s located in the Mapleton Fall Creek neighborhood, and should not be missed!
Plum’s Upper Room
112 South Main Street
Spend the evening checking out the great galleries and shops along the brick Main Street in Zionsville, and then head to dinner at Plum’s Upper Room! It’s a gorgeous space serving seasonal “slow cooked” comfort food along with a great selection of local beer, wine, and spirits. They often have live music to compliment the homey atmosphere.
Brugge Brasserie
1011 Westfield Boulevard
The Belgian Brewhouse in Broad Ripple is not only known for their amazing beers, but their food is also out of this world! Do not pass up one of the 12 varieties of Moules Frites (Two pounds of Prince Edward Island Mussels with a cone of pommes frites and warm french bread). My favorite has red curry, coconut milk, and basil. Their Nutella crepe for dessert is absolutely to die for!
Thunderbird
1127 Shelby Street
This new kid on the block is the latest addition to the fantastic Fountain Square neighborhood. Josh Gonzales mans the helm as the operating partner of this Southern-inspired gastropub with cocktails deserving of the word “craft” without the pretension. Most of the reviews you’ll read are all about the food, which really speaks to the guys rocking the kitchen. And Vegas bartender Roger Gross, formerly of Vesper Bar, just joined the bar staff. Great for late night drinks and snacks.
1933 Lounge
127 South Illinois Street
Located above the world famous St. Elmo Steak House, the atmosphere and the history of 1933 are just as important as the cocktails, and their bar menu features St. Elmo favorites like Filet Mignon sliders and their signature shrimp cocktail! Their house specialty, an Elmo Cola, is Maker’s Mark infused with Luxardo maraschino cherries and Madagascar vanilla beans served with a glass bottle of Coke – and a classic!
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Erin Edds has been a fixture in the Indianapolis area food and beverage community since 2008 when she and her sister, Katy, started Country Mouse City Mouse, an artisan food brand. They carved a niche for themselves in farmer’s markets and specialty stores across the city. In 2010, Erin created Hoosier Momma Bloody Mary Maker, a vegan, gluten-free mix with no HFCS or GMO’s. She lives in Indianapolis with her unbelievably supportive husband, Stephen, and their incredible son, Levi.
*Photo credit: Erin Edds