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Today:
Two for $20: Apple Tree Restaurant
Posted: Apr 09, 2008 in Dining
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VENUE INFO
Off the well-beaten, pothole-riddled path that is Washington Street sits Apple Tree Restaurant. Benny and I fit right into this place for all kinds -- families out for a leisurely lunch, pairs in love, business partners, suits, skirts, cutoffs and T-shirts -- it's all A-OK at this down-home eatery.
The mood
Overwhelming? As my car creaked into the parking lot, my eyes widened and then squinted, trying to read the words splattered all over the doorways and windows. Hours of operation, Visa accepted, daily specials. Whoa.
The mishmash continued indoors with the lived-in decor. I barely noticed the worn tables and booths amid the clutter of Colts banners, framed photos of classic cars, flat-screen TVs, even a football helmet piñata.
There was something strangely comforting in the chaos, though -- as if there was no need to put on airs. As if grandma were serving it up. As if they take you as you are.
That meant I could slouch. Sweet.
The food
Variety is the spice of life. It's also occasionally annoying -- as was the case with the massive Apple Tree menu.
Whatchou want? Waffles? Gyros? Chicken parm? You can have it all. And I wanted it all -- that was the problem.
Soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks, pasta, fish. The Tree has more choices than the Factory has cheesecake!
Speaking of, yummy pies and cakes chilled in their glass case, waiting for someone with room to pack in a piece.
As per usual, I was the last to decide.
Benny had been longing for breakfast fare since the smell of someone's freshly microwaved oatmeal wafted over the cube walls at work. So, breakfast burrito it was for him ($6.98), and a chicken melt for moi ($7.99).
Our lightning-fast server had our food to the table nearly at the same time I wolfed down my last bite of side salad-in-a-bag with creamy Italian dressing.
Ben's neatly wrapped burrito came piping hot and stuffed with scrambled eggs, green peppers, cheese, jalapeños, onions and sausage (an extra buck). Sour cream and salsa on the side.
And as if a gigante burrito wasn't enough, hash browns and pancakes came with the package.
My simple-sounding sammy was delicious. Flavorful rye bread housed grilled chicken, gooey cheese, lettuce and onions. Last, but not least, crinkle fries!
Neither of us ate for the rest of the day, and that's saying something, at least for me. I shan't speak for Ben's eating habits.
The drinks
A wealth of ice water with lemon, naturally.
The damage: $17.24
Cheap, fast, filling. Just how I like my...meals. If you require candlelit ambiance and dinner music, then the Tree is not for you.
Kate, is that a double entendre in the last paragraph? 'Cheap, fast, filling. Just how I like my...' ????? 'Relations'? Dates? Beer? A Smoke? Ice Cream? Double Cheeseburger? The Star's reduced page size and large margins? Well my whole day is now shot.
Kate, Iam so glad you had a very enjoyable dinning experience at the Apple Tree. I like to think of the Apple Tree as indys little meeting place for delicious home made food on the west side. You could not have summed it up any better. Ooh yeah, no boxes or bags at this restaurant, everything is fresh and home made. Keep up the great work!! Next time you stop by say "hello", Bill.
This sounds like a great place - one I'd have never tried before but will now. Thanks! Will review afterwards!
My wife and I have eaten at Apple Tree several times and love it! The service is always fast and friendly and the food is always hot and yummy. And of course you've gotta love the decor! (Go Colts!)
Does it have an address?
Love that place, glad you guys enjoyed it.
@ Racer, it's located @ 1301 S. Highschool Rd off of Washington St. It's one or two building back from the corner of Washington and Highschool.
Their desserts are tasty too, it's one of the few places to get a Napoleon or an eclair.
PS. I think the caption for the first photo might be off, that doesn't look like a burrito. :)
Thanks for the comments!
And Jammy, we'll get the caption changed this morning. Thanks for having open eyes!
Also, Jammy did provide the correct address, but if you click on Apple Tree under "Venue Info," all of the contact information is there.
My family loves the Apple Tree. No matter what you crave they have it so everyone is happy. Their Tuesday night special of Stuffed Peppers is delicious! The burgers, sandwiches and dinner specials are all great too. We've never had a bad meal or bad service at the Apple Tree.
A co-worker suggested we go to Appletree today. Funny,how you can pass a place up hundreds of times and never think of going there. Well,that was my mistake,and one that I will never make again. I ordered a BLT club,crisp bacon.fresh lettuce and tomatoes and mayo. It was PERFECT. I also had a ice cold glass of lemonade. A wonderful meal on a wonderful day. I tasted my friend's Rueben and it was delicious! Real thick deli corned beef,not the processed stuff you find at other places. The wait staff was friendly and attentive