Downtown Indy is full of great little restaurants crammed into high-rise buildings. And last week, my friend Jen and I visited one. It took us a little while to find Cafe 251. After jumping in line at this cafeteria-style eatery, we knew we were in for some good grub.

The mood

There is something about waiting in a long line -- with my tray and my person being pushed along by the people behind me -- that makes me anxious. The menu was posted on chalkboards on the wall, but it's impossible to see them all at once. I usually like to take my time when I order and not choose the first thing I see because I'm afraid of being trampled. I ended up with a good choice despite the lack of such luxury.

Regardless of my personal panic attacks, the staff was extremely friendly and speedy -- echoing the mood of the place. The worker behind the salad line quickly built and boxed salads to suit. Large windows supplied a great view for people watching, and most of the tables were filled with lunching professionals.

The food

The main components of the menu are soups, salads and wraps, which you can mix and match in combo meals or a la carte. You also have the liberty of making your own salad concoction if nothing on the menu strikes your fancy.

Jen chose the special of the day: a half taco salad ($4.49) and added a cup of chicken velvet soup ($2.09). The taco salad, she said, was more than filling and the soup, fresh and creamy.

I debated picking the penne pasta salad or the Cafe 251 wrap and finally ordered the latter ($5.49). I chose a garlic herb wrap, which was filled with loads of meats, lettuce, cheeses and banana peppers. I added some onions and black olives for good measure. It was then warmed to melt the cheese and presented to me in all its Styrofoam-box glory.

Since I knew we had a little extra dough, I placed a chocolate chip cookie on my tray as well ($1.19). Yum.

The drinks

We both chose ice water. And, as with all cafeteria-style dining, if you want a refill, you have to get it yourself by heading over to the fountain.

The damage: $15.71

I'd say we had a quick, very filling meal. Based on the proximity to the office, good food and good service, I would visit again. One caveat: Bring cash or your checkbook. As I learned the hard way, plastic is not accepted.