Scholar’s Inn used to be THE place to be. The food was delicious, the decor was fun and you couldn’t beat half-price martini Thursdays or their Bloody Marys on a Sunday. I could sit here and speculate on why and where they went wrong but I’m an animal lover and not going to beat a dead horse here.

Last night, some blondes and I decided to stop in for some appetizers and drinks. Scholar’s Inn (now known as SI) reopened early last year after remodeling the entire restaurant and implementing a brand new menu. I’ve been in a number of times since and had some great and not-so good experiences.

The owners are personal family friends and I know their dedication to the restaurant. So as I sat there looking around the uncomfortably empty bar I couldn’t help but feel sad. They truly have done a great job with the new decor but they’re still missing the right crowd – or any crowd for that matter. I understand the economy is bad and people aren’t spending money like they used to but I would hate to see Indy lose a place with so much potential. People complain that Indy is so far behind the times or not as cool as other cities but then there’s a place like this and no one goes. SI is just as nice as any upscale Chicago lounge or club, certainly any place in Indy.

Perhaps SI should consider ditching the restaurant thing and maybe hiring a promoter and a DJ. Hopefully something can turn SI around and it will live up to all that it is meant to be…before its too late.