Indy.com
Today:
Two for $20: Creation Cafe
Posted: Jun 04, 2008 in Dining
Tags:
VENUE INFO
You regular readers have probably noticed that most of the cheap-ass places we visit are 50/50. There's usually a pleasant atmosphere or a tasty menu.
But, the Downtown Indy Creation Cafe is a wonderful combo of both; neither is half-assed.
Ben and I visited on a recent warm day, and the only complaint I can scrounge up is that I didn't have enough change for the parking meter.
The mood
The cafe is on the main floor of Buggs Temple, which had been used as a church, beginning in 1918.
The building has been renovated -- and its beautiful architecture maintained -- to hold the cafe as well as the restaurant Tavern at the Temple (for those of you with more than $20 burning a hole in your pocket).
Creation overfloweth here. One open room was adorned in all colors of the rainbow. Flatware and ornate paper cutouts hung from antique chandeliers. Coffee mugs, wired across one of the enormous windows, made for a fanciful "curtain."
A lounge area -- outfitted better than most designer living rooms -- provided a comfy spot for a morning java. You can even sign your autograph on one customer-graffitied wall.
We meandered past vibrant tables on our way to a booth and noticed the sprawling patio outdoors. With a beautiful view of the Downtown skyline, it would be a great place to celebrate the cafe's newly obtained liquor license. Wink wink.
The food
The menu was that of a cafe: soups, sandwiches, salads. But fear not -- nothing was run-of-the-mill.
Our server started us off with garlic chips, which were basically croutons. We ordered our drinks and dove into the imaginative menu.
Benny ordered a gobbler with fries ($8). It could've just been a normal turkey sammy, but this glorious piece of work also included lettuce, bacon, cheese, and avocado mayo.
The fries were just crisp enough, with big chunks of salt -- good for sticking.
My steak sandwich, served on ciabatta bread, must have been an entire steak ($10). The cooked-to-order meat (medium for me, please) was topped with tomato, lettuce, onion and a tangy caper horseradish.
Thanks to my cow craving, we didn't have enough money left for any mint chocolate gelato or margarita sorbet.
The drinks
Free water. We did get lemons, though.
The damage: $19.62
Creation Cafe
Address: 337 W. 11th St.
Telephone: (317) 735-7960.
Parking: On the street.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7.a.m.-9.p.m.; Friday-Saturday 7.a.m.-10 p.m.
I had the opportunity to linger about the terrace - celebrating the Cafe's licquor license myself a few weeks ago - great views, fantastic service - pleasant all the way around!