I must say, what a time to be a foodie living in central Indiana! With new restaurants popping up all over the place, we thought we would highlight just a few.
Sun King Brewery – Carmel
Does a pint of Central Indiana’s premier craft brewer beer sound good to you? Well if it does, head on over to Sun King Brewery’s new location on the Monon Trail in Carmel Indiana. The 15,000-square foot spot will be home to a 250-gallon still and four foodie vendor (La Margarita, Oca, Pi, and Beast). Guests are sure to enjoy Sun King Brewery’s taproom and rooftop patio!
Beholder – Indianapolis
Eater magazine has named Beholder as one of the, “most anticipated fall restaurant openings in America.” That’s right. If you loved the wildly creative innovations of Jonathan Brooks’ Milktooth, you will certainly want to check out his next restaurant. The 70-seat restaurant for those 21-and-older will be Brook’s take on, “a fun night out.” Beholder even acquired the former acclaimed pastry chef from Cerulean, Pete Schmutte!
Mayfair Taproom – Indianapolis
In the works since 2016, Mayfair Taproom is the brainchild of the owners of Broad Ripple Brewpub. Their goal is to create a, “neighborhood pub serving contemporary comfort foods made with quality ingredients.” The physical building was formerly known as the Mayfair Tavern and Mustang Sally’s. The owners want to maintain much of the 1920-original building’s traditional touches and iconic name.
Hedge Row American Bistro – Mass Ave
Ever heard of Tesla? Yeah, I would imagine you would have heard of the famed company created by Elon Musk. Why are we talking about Tesla in an Indy food article? Well, his brother, Kimbal Musk, has recently created quite a splash in the Indy food scene. On April 3, he opened the restaurant Hedge Row American Bistro, “a relaxed American Bistro featuring rustic dishes from a wood-fired oven.”
Next Door Eatery – Indianapolis
Next Door Eatery is the second restaurant opened by Kimbal Musk in Indianapolis. This restaurant, in comparison with Hedge Row American Bistro, is a little more casual and kid-friendly. For example, the restaurant has cornhole on the porch and a plethora of games for families to play. Next Door Eatery is also known for its vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Ukiyo/Moon Rabbit – SoBro
It may be a bit confusing to see the names Ukiyo and Moon Rabbit both as the title of a restaurant. To clarify, Ukiyo is a new Japanese-inspired dinnertime restaurant and Moon Rabbit is a lunchtime ramen pop-up housed in the same building. Both were created by Neal Brown, famed creator of Pizzology, the Libertine, and Stella. Ukiyo’s goal is to merge, “Midwestern ingredients with Japanese preparation techniques.”
Black Eye – Fountain Square
Recently opened on May 1, Black Eye is also hopping on the ramen craze by providing creative ramen dishes to Fountain Square customers. With dishes like cheese ramen, and zoodles vegan ramen, this is certainly no ordinary ramen place. Black Eye was created by the owners of General American Donut Company who previously ran the Pho Mi Asian Fusion Food Truck.
Inferno Room – Fountain Square
Do you love a good tiki bar? Well this is the place for you. Ed Rudisell, creator of Rook, believes that, “no one seems to understand true tiki.” His mission is to bring a little piece of paradise to Fountain Square. While drinks and the tiki atmosphere will be the focus, the Inferno Room will still be serving what they refer to as, “Polynesian pop cuisine.” Dishes will include Moo Goo Gai Pan and Bongo Bongo soup.
The Tavern at Old Point – Mass Ave
Recently, Indianapolis lost a great restaurant, the Old Point Tavern. Known for its Chili and Nachos, this place was beloved by locals. Not to fear, Cunningham Restaurant Group has purchased the restaurant and it is scheduled to open sometime in May. Cunningham intends to keep a similar Americana menu and simply update some of the physical aspects of the restaurant.
Auberge – Zionsville
Auberge recently opened on Main Street in Zionsville within the Brick Street Inn Hotel. The word “auberge” means “inn” in French. This charming restaurant is known for its delicious French fare. Classics such as beef bourguignon, cassoulet and ratatouille are cornerstones of Auberge’s menu. They have an especially popular brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.
Common House – Anywhere
House may be the coolest restaurant on this list in that it does not have a physical location. Common House is an Indianapolis based pop-up supper club created by Alan and Audra Sternberg. Alan Sternberg was the former James Beard-nominated executive chef at Cerulean. In the future, Sternberg plans to turn Common House, the supper club, into a full brick and mortar restaurant.
After writing this article, I feel quite proud of all the ingenuity and creativity of these food entrepreneurs in Indianapolis. Grab your purses or wallets and support new Indy restaurants!