VENUE INFO

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• Ah Barista Cafe

An interior look at Ah Barista Cafe. (James Yee / The Indianapolis Star)

Teriyaki Roast Beef Portabello at Ah Barista Cafe, 201 S. Capital Avenue. (James Yee / The Indianapolis Star)

Ah Barista Cafe's Twisted Turkey Berry. (James Yee / The Indianapolis Star)

Cafe has convenience-store looks, but eats are tasty

Ah Barista Cafe's scenery is changing. It's in a prime location -- right across the street from what's left of the RCA Dome and within sight of the convention center. But the huge windows will soon frame an empty construction site.

The mood

Once we found the dang place -- it really is directly across from the Dome ..... or what used to be the Dome -- we stepped inside the high-rise lobby. From our vantage point, it looked more like a convenience store than a cafe.

The bags of chips at the doorway, and the Colts decor made for an interesting first impression.

But exploring this four-year old cafe, we found a long bar, perfect for taking advantage of free Wi-Fi, flavored syrups and friendly staff.

There's barely space to move indoors, but the brick outdoor patio has elbow room.

The food

It's the same old story: soups, salads, sandwiches, croissants, baked yummies. So, my boy Hayden and I attempted to choose creatively.

I ordered the Twisted Turkey Berry ($6.95), made with a goopy cranberry-mayo mixture, cheddar and shaved-thin turkey, served on a pretzel roll. I can't get enough pretzels. The owner said some customers order just the roll, grilled.

Hayden chose a teriyaki roast beef panini with portobello mushrooms and provolone ($7.95). Served on wheat bread, it was too slimy for my taste, but slid right down his trap at astonishing speed.

Both of our sandwiches came with chips and a crisp pickle spear.

The drinks

Hayden went dry. I ordered a small skim Almond Roca Mocha -- delicious and the highlight of my meal ($3.25).

The damage: $19.78.

Ah Barista Cafe

Address: 201 S. Capitol Ave.

Telephone: (317) 638-2233.

Parking: Street.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.