Indianapolis Favorites
After many requests, I’ve finally compiled a list of all my Indy favorites- with everything from brunch to donuts to cocktails. Whether you’re visiting Indy for the weekend, or if you’re a local looking for some new spots to check out, I’ve got ya covered! Enjoy! xo
What To Eat:
Brunch
Rize [Keystone/Carmel/Fishers] - Rize is a brunch spot the girls and I hit up all the time! Not only is it an incredibly cute spot, but the food they serve is farm-to-table and you can tell with just one bite. Seriously, their food is so fresh and delicious. My favorites are the avocado toast, the chia seed pudding and of course, the cinnamon roll. They currently have a locations in the Keystone area and Fishers, but are opening one in Carmel here soon.
Patachou- Favorite breakfast / lunch spot. I go at least once a week! There's locations all over the city. I love their avocado toast, cuban breakfast, and blueberry coffee.
Milktooth [Fletcher Place]- Super hipster brunch spot in Fletcher Place. Their menu is very unique and has something new whenever I go. It’s usually packed on the weekend but worth the wait! (also very Instagrammable)
Garden Table [Downtown]- The prettiest little spot on Mass Ave that’s perfect for a Saturday morning brunch with friends. I LOVE their Garden Toast (their spin on the classic Avocado Toast) and their Acai Bowl. Be sure to try out their juice flight (favorite is Neon Nectar) and long list of yummy lattes.
Lunch + Dinner:
Anthony’s Chophouse [Carmel] - Cort and I love this place for date night. Their short rib is incredible! Cort and I both typically get that as our main dish and then finish the night off with the bread pudding! Also, their cocktail “Flora y Fumo” is what I get every time - they light it on fire, which is super fun! It’s located downtown on Main Street, so there is so much around to walk to or do before or after dinner.
Monterey Cuisine [Carmel] - Monterey is newer to the Carmel area and is quickly becoming one of Cort and I’s go-to date night locations! I’m not a huge seafood gal, but I will say that at Monterey is almost always what I order. I highly recommend their sea bass or halibut. Both are so fresh and delicious, but truthfully, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!
Modita [Downtown] - This is another fairly new restaurant on Mass Ave that is incredible. I just recently went there with a few girlfriends of mine and we all loved it! It’s an Asian-inspired restaurant so think sushi, rice and noodles, etc! One of my favorite dishes is their Bao Buns. On top of their great food, their cocktails are a must.
Savor [Carmel] - Another great spot downtown Carmel! They have a cocktail called, “A Little Smoke, A Little Heat” and it is SO good. Thinking about it now makes me want to go there for dinner tonight. They have great wood-fired pizza and pasta dishes, along with some seafood that we haven’t tried (not huge on seafood) but have heard good things about!
Provision [Keystone] - This restaurant is a great place for a celebration. It’s truly fine dining! Everything on their menu is locally sourced, making the taste incredible! The dishes are more on the smaller side, but you won’t be disappointed. Cort and I both are OBSESSED with the burger. By far the best one we have ever tasted. It’s located below the Ironworks Hotel, so if you’re staying there, it’s a MUST.
The Garage [Downtown] - Located across the street from the BottleWorks Hotel, this is a hoppin’ new spot downtown! It’s a food hall so it offers a variety of didn’t food from different vendors. Would be a greta place to go with a group who are all craving something different.
SunKing [Carmel] - They are actually located in many places all over Indy, but our favorite location is the one in Carmel. Being that it offers both indoor and outdoor seating and activities, we love coming here year-round. It’s child-friendly and like The Garage, it is a food hall that offers a variety of food from 5 different vendors. “La Margarita” is BY FAR the vendor we eat from most. They have the best tacos and nachos!
Napolese [Downtown/Broad Ripple/Keystone]- Favorite pizza in Indy- love their margarita pizza and Meridian-Kessler pizza. Usually Cort and I will split a pizza + a salad and order some wine. It makes for an affordable, yet still nice date night!
Bakersfield [Downtown]- Favorite Mexican place in the city! Their margs are 100% unrivaled and their tacos and chips and salsa are out of this world. If I’m going to dinner downtown, there’s a good chance I’ll end up here and I never ever regret it.
Bazbeaux [Carmel, Broad Ripple, Downtown]- This is a pizza joint that you can find in almost any area of Indianapolis. Their pizza is amazing! Cort and I love their barbecue chicken pizza and their pizza alla quattro formaggio.
Union Fifty [Downtown]- Industrial/chic upscale restaurant in downtown Indy with an innovative take on an American menu. Perfect for a nice date night but also great to grab a cocktail / beer and appetizer during happy hour. I love their hand-cut truffle fries with a garlic truffle aioli. If you’re going on a Saturday night, try to get a reservation as their wait can be outrageous! They also have occasional live music which makes for a fun time.
Livery [Downtown]- Absolutely love this spot on College. Livery is super close to everything but just off the beaten path and in the summer time their rooftop patio cannot be beat. The ambiance inside and outside is on point and their menu has a super unique Latin American spin!
Delicia [Broad Ripple]- One of the most underrated Indy restaurants if you ask me. Delicia is perfect for a date night dinner and drinks. If you go you HAVE to get the Tamal Corncakes… I’m drooling just thinking about them.
Bru Burger [Downtown/Carmel/Noblesville+]- A good crowd pleaser with a large menu and awesome burgers. Love their Bourbon burger + chopped salad.
The Eagle [Downtown]- Comfort food at it’s finest. Their fried chicken is unmatched in the Indy area. You can’t go wrong with the chicken sandwich and ALL of the their appetizers are drool-worthy. We’re talking fries with aioli, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and corn bread. Their atmosphere is great and in the summer their patio is the perfect mass ave hangout spot.
The Tap [Downtown]- A more upscale sports bar with a solid menu. Their tap fries and pretzels are AMAZING and they have a ton of craft beers on tap. As far as meals, I love their Southwest Salad, Beer Cheese Burger, and 6 Cheese Pizza- and I’ve heard the Firecracker Shrimp Tacos are amazing as well (even though I don’t like shrimp) ;).
Dessert
Cake Bake [Carmel/Broad Ripple]- Super girly dessert spot- perfect for a mother / daughter date or bridesmaid brunch. If you haven’t been there, I HIGHLY suggest a visit. The decor alone is worth going. Since it’s a very popular spot, I would recommend making a reservation prior's, Love their lemon bars and chai tea latte!
Nicey Treat [Broad Ripple]- Nicey Treat is a place that Cort and I go when we want a light dessert, as they make the best homemade popsicles! My favorite is cookie butter. They also started making pies that look just as amazing!
Gallery Pastry Shop [Broad Ripple/Downtown]- A little hidden gem or a pastry shop tucked off the road in Broad Ripple. Gallery Pastry Shop is a perfect place for a coffee date and has amazing desserts. I love their macaroons!
Graeters Ice Cream [Meridian-Kessler, Carmel, Noblesville]- Ohmygosh best ice cream in all of Indy. I’m ashamed to admit how often I frequent this place. My favorites are Cotton Candy (don’t knock it til ya try it), Peanut Butter Chip, Salted Caramel Chip, and Banana. SO GOOD.
What To Drink:
Coffee
Javahouse [Carmel]- This place is fairly new and we are obsessed. It has a great atmosphere and most importantly, great coffee. I always get their cold brew, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about everything they serve! They have two locations in Carmel, but look to be opening one in Broad Ripple soon!
Rivet Coffee Bar and Roastery [Westfield] - This coffee shop opened about a year ago (2021) and it’s been one of our favorites ever since! They brew such quality drinks! I love their chai tea latte with oat milk.
Bovaconti Coffee [Fountain Square] If you’re looking for a cute, picture-ready coffee place, this is your spot! The owners took the historic building in fountain square and vamped up the decor, while staying true to its 1850s architecture. Not only do they have coffee, but they also have juices and kombucha.
Commissary Coffee [Downtown]- This is actually the place Cort gets his hair done! It’s half barbershop, half coffee shop. We love their coffee! I, personally, get their ginger chai!
Indie Coffee Roasters [Carmel]- Best coffee spot in Carmel, IMO. I love going here to get work done because it has a bright, clean environment and upbeat vibe. Staff is super friendly too.
The Well [Fishers]- Cute little coffee shop a with mission to make a difference in both local and global communities.
Provider [Downtown]- One of Indy’s newest and trendiest coffee spots. Provider has a wonderful atmosphere to sit and get work done or meet with a friend. Their lattes are out of this world and they even serve signature cocktails throughout the day and stay open well into the night.
Cocktails
3UP Rooftop Bar [Carmel]- A swanky new bar in downtown Carmel with an awesome rooftop patio. Definitely one of my most frequented spots.
Hotel Tango Distillery [Downtown]- Super unique spot in Fletcher Place near Fountain Square. They have an impressive list of craft cocktails, offer free popcorn, and are even pet friendly. That makes up ultimate chill hang out spot if you ask me.
Ball and Biscuit [Downtown]- One of my favorite places to grab drinks in the summer. Ball and Biscuit is located in the middle of the action on Mass Ave and has a super moody feel at night with an AMAZING patio space right off the sidewalk.
The Oakmont [Downtown]- This is a newer spot downtown! It’s definitely a scene and a fun places with shareable plates for you and your friends!
Where To Stay:
Conrad Hotel [Downtown]- Gorgeous hotel in Downtown Indy within walking distance or a quick Uber ride to all of my downtown favorites. I’ve stayed in their Pop Suite which is insanely decorated and complete with a cozy fireplace. Also be sure to check out the Evan Todd salon & spa for a massage or mani!
Ironworks [Keystone]- If you’re looking to stay on the North Side, Ironworks is the clear choice in my book. The inside has a super rustic and cozy feel unlike your traditional hotel and they boast an amazing selection of restaurants located right there inside their space. Walk downstairs in the morning to have breakfast at Rize, schedule a massage for afterwards, and then fill up on Sushi for lunch, all within feet of each other!
Bottleworks Hotel [Downtown]- What used to be the old Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Indianapolis, is now Bottleworks hotel! This is the new “in” place to stay. They did an amazing job of combining the building’s history with their modern luxury decor. It’s located on Mass Ave, which is known for all of its restaurants. The Garage Food Hall is just across the street, which you can find information on it the “lunch/dinner” section above! Cort and I have plans to do a staycation here soon!
Hotel Carmichael [Carmel]- Carmel just got its first boutique hotel! Located in City Center just steps away from the Cake Bake Shop, Hotel Carmichael becomes the place to stay in northern Indianapolis. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, but it also has three restaurants that have great reviews. I haven’t been to any of them yet, but I've been dying to try their French restaurant “Vivante.” The hotel is Marriott affiliated, so if you have points, I highly recommend using them here!
Other Faves:
Penn & Beech [Carmel/Downtown]- Looking for a fun date night or girls night out? Penn & Beech is a company where you and your friends can come in and customize your own fragrance. Not only do they have so many scents to choose from, they also give you the choice of making it into a candle or a diffuser! And if you’re looking for a work team-building event or a place to host your bridal shower, they can rent out private rooms!
Topgolf [Fishers]- It goes without saying that Topgolf is a fun spot for any group of people. Whether you are good at golf or not, it doesn’t matter! They have great food and drinks while you enjoy a day/night catching up with friends. It does fill up pretty regularly, so I recommend making a reservation prior!
Drybar [Keystone]- Get yourself a beautiful blowout that will leave you feeling like a KWEEN!
8 Fifteen [Broad Ripple]- 8Fifteen is located in Broad Ripple and they have an amazing, curated selection designer pieces that no other stores in Indy offer.
Reveal by Polish [Broad Ripple]- Reveal is a new home decor and gift shop in Broad Ripple and their space is gorgeous. Perfect place to pick up a decorative piece for your home or some art by local creatives.
Fashion Mall [Keystone]- Best mall in Indy to hit up. They’ve go Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, Madewell, Lesley Jane, Free People, Sephora, and lots more.
Silver in the City [Downtown / Carmel ]- Fun little souvenir / gift shop located in Downtown Indy and Downtown Carmel. Perfect place to grab a quirky gift or unique piece of art- they’ve got everything from jewelry to Indy gear.