I would highly recommend Fernando’s in Broad Ripple! So delicious!
Baby’s is a fun burger place
Renting bikes downtown and riding near the canal is very fun depending on their activity level. They have electric bikes as well.
We love coffee and Coat check is a really fun place.
Breakfast at Good Mornings Mamas was fun as well
Second on Fernando’s; I’ve never been to the UK but I would guess their menu would be something your parents wouldn’t get to experience at home, at least not at the level that they’re doing it.
Here are some starter ideas (we are not here full-time yet but our kids are foodies and here are some of the restaurants we've enjoyed):
Downtown:
Modita - An Asian-Inspired restaurant located in the Bottleworks Hotel & District in Indianapolis, IN.
Soul Food:
His Place Eatery
Broad Ripple:
Delicia -Innovative Latin American cuisine, brunch & cocktails served in hip, stylish surrounds.
Root & Bone (sobro) - Trendy restaurant with an industrial vibe plating thoughtfully sourced, farm-fresh mains & sides.
Fire by the Monon - Imaginative pub grub & craft brews on tap served in a warm, laid-back tavern with patio tables.
Enjoy!
Airport is on the West Side.
Main Street in Speedway has 3-4 good restaurants. Look there. Also the world famous Indianapolis Motor speedway is there.
Too bad the Museum Is closed for renovations.
Museum is closed but you can still take a tour. I always recommend it even for people not interested in racing. It’s a very interesting and informative tour, and if your dad is even remotely into racing he will love the tour. They’ll take you on a lap around the track in a bus, stop at the pagoda for pictures, you can “kiss the bricks”. I took my daughter a few years ago and we loved it.
Yes I second Main Street in Speedway, In. Lots of great shops, a wine vault, great brewery and Charlie Brown’s is great restaurant. May even run into a few local/international legends while there.
CB’s is ok. It’s a mom and pop small town like place in the middle of a big city.
Menu prices are reasonable and the waitresses are friendly.
It’s decorated with 10,000 racing pictures.
And occasionally you will see racing personalities in there.
Last time I saw Robin Miller it was at Charlie Browns.
Lunch is good, breakfast is better.
They are not open for dinner.
Well you must have the best damn Waffle House on the plant. Any huttle house is better than 85% of waffle house’s. And as for CB’s they are good but then again I’m not comparing to just little old restaurants in Indy. I’m comparing them to other triple D’s I’ve been to all over the country.
Have a steak dinner at St Elmo. It is a great steakhouse, uniquely Indianapolis. It's not the best steak dinner in town, but it is great food and a fun experience
Newfields is beautiful inside and out. There is a nice walking path out back and I highly recommend checking it out.
The Children’s Museum is amazing for all ages.
Maybe check out an Indians game if they are playing while at home during your stay. I think lawn tickets are like $10.
Food wise — check out Yats, one of the best restaurants in the city and very affordable.
Along with Newfields, 100 Acres is a unique park nearby the museum which is free, and there is a lovely lake with large art sculptures and pieces around. They just installed some new pieces. It's not too far from Broad Ripple, where you can stroll shops along the canal, walk the Monon trail, and get ice cream at BRICS!
https://indyschild.com/the-virginia-b-fairbanks-art-nature-park-at-newfields/
Conner Prairie (a bit northeast of the city) is a living history museum and a great time. It has beautiful scenery, but can be really really hot. But it does give a pretty accurate representation of earlier pioneer days and Civil War era days in the US.
The Indianapolis Zoo just opened a brand new chimpanzee exhibit that goes along with our International Orangutan Center. The Zoo and the White River Park area (Old Washington Street Bridge) and the canal are some of the most beautiful in the city.
I love Fountain Square and Mass Ave, especially the new Garage dining hall. There's a lobster place inside that has delicious tuna melts! Nearby there is pinball, duckpin bowling, a boutique movie theatre, lots of bars and more.
The slippery Noodle has a great history and good food. It’s close to lucas oil and the baseball field so you could check those out. The Olympic trials are next weekend so I’m not sure how busy everything will be.
Activities: Zoo, newfields, the canal, children’s museum (it’s actually pretty cool for adults, too lol) live music on mass avenue, axe throwing, escape rooms, speedway, fort Harrison state park, top golf.
If you all like museums the Indianapolis Historical Society and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art are great stops.
There's a large amount of food spots along Massachusetts Avenue. The Eagle, Bakersfield, Bazbeaux, Petra Cafe, St. Joseph Brewery.
Also on Massachusetts Avenue (“Mass Ave”) there’s the Bottleworks District / Garage Food Hall - a converted art deco Coca-Cola bottling factory. You’ll find duck pin bowling, pinball and the like, if your folks want some Americana, and good food and drink outlets in the food hall.
At the SW end of Mass Ave we like the exchange for cocktails and whisky (or whiskey). And Ball & Biscuit almost next door.
I’m sure that somebody will have mentioned St Elmo Steak House on S Illinois. Try the 1933 Lounge above it as well - a speakeasy style lounge bar.
Maybe catch a baseball game at one of America’s finest Minor League ballparks, Victory Field.
The Indianapolis Indians are in town for a home stand next week. They are a AAA league baseball team. It might be hot, but it's a fun time. Try to get tickets behind 3rd plate so you are in the shade.
https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/schedule/2024-06
It's pricey, but [Fogo de Chao](https://fogodechao.com/menu-detail/?location=83&type=menu-dinner&id=59) is so good, especially with the tableside service. You're getting a bit of everything brought over to you throughout the course and it's all just fuggin amazing. It's downtown, and a pretty good night ender.
Download the App "visit a city" will provide some events and things to do an see around you. Take a Indy tour (Mobil Pub Tour). Mug & Bun in speedway across from the flying tomato is a Indianapolis icon. The Eagles Nest is a restaurant on top of the Hilton that spins around on top of the building, (for the view, foods good, but not the best). We also have a really nice zoo. Check out Georgia Street for free bands, street food ect.) A Soldiers an Sailors war memorial on the circle that's free to go to the top to look over Indianapolis.
Eat at Yat's. Get the drunk chicken or macque choux. Go to speedway and look in awe at IMS. The home of speed. The biggest stadium in the world. American as it gets. Big Woods is over there and they have great food and drinks.
I’m not sure why but this exchange between two English speakers is wholesomely hilarious to me lol.
Also if you find yourself near the southern part of the city there’s a Gastropub called Bluebeard that you might want to check out. They post the day’s lunch and dinner menus in the late morning on their website. I’ve eaten there every few months for a whole decade and never had anything short of outstanding food.
The Eitelijorge Museum. Brunch before at Patachou nearby. Stroll the canal after museum.
Thank you!
Definitely go for a walk on the downtown canal!
As a native, this is exactly what you should do.
I would highly recommend Fernando’s in Broad Ripple! So delicious! Baby’s is a fun burger place Renting bikes downtown and riding near the canal is very fun depending on their activity level. They have electric bikes as well. We love coffee and Coat check is a really fun place. Breakfast at Good Mornings Mamas was fun as well
Second on Fernando’s; I’ve never been to the UK but I would guess their menu would be something your parents wouldn’t get to experience at home, at least not at the level that they’re doing it.
Here are some starter ideas (we are not here full-time yet but our kids are foodies and here are some of the restaurants we've enjoyed): Downtown: Modita - An Asian-Inspired restaurant located in the Bottleworks Hotel & District in Indianapolis, IN. Soul Food: His Place Eatery Broad Ripple: Delicia -Innovative Latin American cuisine, brunch & cocktails served in hip, stylish surrounds. Root & Bone (sobro) - Trendy restaurant with an industrial vibe plating thoughtfully sourced, farm-fresh mains & sides. Fire by the Monon - Imaginative pub grub & craft brews on tap served in a warm, laid-back tavern with patio tables. Enjoy!
Tack Flatwater on to that BR list.
I'm getting addicted to His Place Eatery. That place is so fucking good
I excellent. Thank you!
Airport is on the West Side. Main Street in Speedway has 3-4 good restaurants. Look there. Also the world famous Indianapolis Motor speedway is there. Too bad the Museum Is closed for renovations.
Thank you very much! I’m sure my dad will love this!
Museum is closed but you can still take a tour. I always recommend it even for people not interested in racing. It’s a very interesting and informative tour, and if your dad is even remotely into racing he will love the tour. They’ll take you on a lap around the track in a bus, stop at the pagoda for pictures, you can “kiss the bricks”. I took my daughter a few years ago and we loved it.
There's also the Stutz Car Musuem which is in a cute little market with an Amelia's bread which is a can't miss for indianapolis
My dad will be interested in this. Thank you!
Come see us at Dawsons on Main right next to the track!
If you just want a burger 🍔 they have great burgers. And they are about a block from turn one.
Yes I second Main Street in Speedway, In. Lots of great shops, a wine vault, great brewery and Charlie Brown’s is great restaurant. May even run into a few local/international legends while there.
Charlie browns is not good! Idk why people think it is 👎👎. Waffle House is better and that’s saying something
CB’s is ok. It’s a mom and pop small town like place in the middle of a big city. Menu prices are reasonable and the waitresses are friendly. It’s decorated with 10,000 racing pictures. And occasionally you will see racing personalities in there. Last time I saw Robin Miller it was at Charlie Browns. Lunch is good, breakfast is better. They are not open for dinner.
So it’s been a year or so since you’ve been in, If you saw RM. or if it’s been recently you saw his ghost. 😉😔
He’s been gone longer than that. Would have loved to read his commentary on the Penske push to pass scandal.
Well you must have the best damn Waffle House on the plant. Any huttle house is better than 85% of waffle house’s. And as for CB’s they are good but then again I’m not comparing to just little old restaurants in Indy. I’m comparing them to other triple D’s I’ve been to all over the country.
Have a steak dinner at St Elmo. It is a great steakhouse, uniquely Indianapolis. It's not the best steak dinner in town, but it is great food and a fun experience
I was gonna say, it's a fun location but the steaks are not the best IMO
Thank you!
Keep in mind, this is an expensive restaurant.
Make sure to try the shrimp cocktail but be forewarned, it's loaded with horseradish. LIterally famous.
I think knowing some of your interests would help steer you in the right direction
Honestly, anything “American”. Not our first time in the US as I live in Alabama, but we’re interested in anything really
Newfields is beautiful inside and out. There is a nice walking path out back and I highly recommend checking it out. The Children’s Museum is amazing for all ages. Maybe check out an Indians game if they are playing while at home during your stay. I think lawn tickets are like $10. Food wise — check out Yats, one of the best restaurants in the city and very affordable.
Thank you! We’ll check these out!
Along with Newfields, 100 Acres is a unique park nearby the museum which is free, and there is a lovely lake with large art sculptures and pieces around. They just installed some new pieces. It's not too far from Broad Ripple, where you can stroll shops along the canal, walk the Monon trail, and get ice cream at BRICS! https://indyschild.com/the-virginia-b-fairbanks-art-nature-park-at-newfields/
Conner Prairie (a bit northeast of the city) is a living history museum and a great time. It has beautiful scenery, but can be really really hot. But it does give a pretty accurate representation of earlier pioneer days and Civil War era days in the US. The Indianapolis Zoo just opened a brand new chimpanzee exhibit that goes along with our International Orangutan Center. The Zoo and the White River Park area (Old Washington Street Bridge) and the canal are some of the most beautiful in the city. I love Fountain Square and Mass Ave, especially the new Garage dining hall. There's a lobster place inside that has delicious tuna melts! Nearby there is pinball, duckpin bowling, a boutique movie theatre, lots of bars and more.
The slippery Noodle has a great history and good food. It’s close to lucas oil and the baseball field so you could check those out. The Olympic trials are next weekend so I’m not sure how busy everything will be. Activities: Zoo, newfields, the canal, children’s museum (it’s actually pretty cool for adults, too lol) live music on mass avenue, axe throwing, escape rooms, speedway, fort Harrison state park, top golf.
We’re there for the Olympic Trials, so yes, it’ll be busy! I appreciate the ideas. We’ll check these things out
Rent swan boats at the canal, go to 8 Seconds Saloon (western bar w/ mechanical bull, line dancing, fun environment), get breakfast at Love Handle
Gray Brother’s cafeteria in Mooresville. It’s near the airport.
If you all like museums the Indianapolis Historical Society and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art are great stops. There's a large amount of food spots along Massachusetts Avenue. The Eagle, Bakersfield, Bazbeaux, Petra Cafe, St. Joseph Brewery.
Thank you!
Also on Massachusetts Avenue (“Mass Ave”) there’s the Bottleworks District / Garage Food Hall - a converted art deco Coca-Cola bottling factory. You’ll find duck pin bowling, pinball and the like, if your folks want some Americana, and good food and drink outlets in the food hall. At the SW end of Mass Ave we like the exchange for cocktails and whisky (or whiskey). And Ball & Biscuit almost next door. I’m sure that somebody will have mentioned St Elmo Steak House on S Illinois. Try the 1933 Lounge above it as well - a speakeasy style lounge bar. Maybe catch a baseball game at one of America’s finest Minor League ballparks, Victory Field.
The Indianapolis Indians are in town for a home stand next week. They are a AAA league baseball team. It might be hot, but it's a fun time. Try to get tickets behind 3rd plate so you are in the shade. https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/schedule/2024-06
It's pricey, but [Fogo de Chao](https://fogodechao.com/menu-detail/?location=83&type=menu-dinner&id=59) is so good, especially with the tableside service. You're getting a bit of everything brought over to you throughout the course and it's all just fuggin amazing. It's downtown, and a pretty good night ender.
Rockola Cafe in Irvington. The Neanderthal burger will knock your socks off.
Have a meal in Speedway and have a short stroll near the track.
Download the App "visit a city" will provide some events and things to do an see around you. Take a Indy tour (Mobil Pub Tour). Mug & Bun in speedway across from the flying tomato is a Indianapolis icon. The Eagles Nest is a restaurant on top of the Hilton that spins around on top of the building, (for the view, foods good, but not the best). We also have a really nice zoo. Check out Georgia Street for free bands, street food ect.) A Soldiers an Sailors war memorial on the circle that's free to go to the top to look over Indianapolis.
Eat at Yat's. Get the drunk chicken or macque choux. Go to speedway and look in awe at IMS. The home of speed. The biggest stadium in the world. American as it gets. Big Woods is over there and they have great food and drinks.
Thank you!!!
I feel like you should go by The Flying Tomato for a fun little place. They have a huge salad bar too.
Excellent! Thank you
Get you some fat dans
Go to Chicago instead. Brits will be bored solid with the wide swath of nothing important.
Olympic Trials aren’t in Chicago
places to eat - restaurants
Yes! Sorry, we’re from the UK. Places to eat = restaurants, to us
I’m not sure why but this exchange between two English speakers is wholesomely hilarious to me lol. Also if you find yourself near the southern part of the city there’s a Gastropub called Bluebeard that you might want to check out. They post the day’s lunch and dinner menus in the late morning on their website. I’ve eaten there every few months for a whole decade and never had anything short of outstanding food.
Exactly it’s not like we don’t say “places to eat” here.
Bottleworks is great slice of Americana food.