Scholars Inn Restaurant & Lounge 9

Earlier this year, the Scholars Inn on Mass Ave. loosened its bookish bow tie and underwent an extreme makeover. After closing to the public in …

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I have to disagree with the naysayers…..I love the new SI. While there are fewer entree choices, I’ve tried most of them and enjoyed them all. The filet and pork are particularly delicious, and all the entrees have well chosen sides that really make the meal. The new decor is probably not everyone’s taste, but the layout of the restuarant is much improved so that there’s not really a bad seat in the house. The longue menu is also very good. Not sure about the post that missed the “old” Scholars…the food, service, and atmosphere are all much better now. One of my favorite downtwon restaurants for sure!

I went to the “new” Scholar’s Inn for dinner recently and I must say that I was disappointed. The decor has changed quite a bit, which is okay…but the atmosphere when entering the restaurant is somber and almost depressing. The host seemed not at all happy to see us – which was surprising since the restaurant was unbelievably empty. There are not a lot of choices on the menu, so I ordered the filet (market price $36). The actual steak was cooked perfectly, but the reduction sauce overpowered the whole dish. I would not order it again. The caesar salad was very average. We opted for espresso martinis for dessert..an excellent choice and the best part of the meal! Overall, the service was slow, the food average, and the atmosphere too dark. Note to the owner: bring back the “old” Scholar’s Inn..great food, great times!

My husband and I went to the new Scholars Inn Restaurant & Lounge. We were slightly skeptical, given that we enjoyed the old Scholars. Wow were we impressed. The food from the new chef is the best we’ve ever tasted. I had the duck and my husband the braised short ribs. The flavors were beyond description. And the decor… this restaurant is by far the prettiest in Indy. It really is an awesome place and we had a great time. Our server was knowledgable and friendly. We even had a cocktail in the lounge after dinner. It was a very memorable evening. Great job SI. WE LOVE THE CHANGES!!!

We visited this restaurant for our anniversary. The service was o.k. We had a reservation and arrived ontime but the hostess seemed to be caught “off guard” at our arrival. Our server admitted to only working there for a couple weeks but was knowledgeable on the entire menu. Our food was EXCELLENT. For the price, the main courses were generously portioned. We were told the menu may change monthly to keep fresh, seasonal ingredients. If that is the case I hope they keep the Mushroom Pastry on the starter menu. It is to die for. The pork tenderloin was very tender and delicious. The sea bass and mussels was perfect.
The decor makes you feel like you’re dining in an underground art gallery. It was pleasant. TALL booths provide privacy while dining and can seat 5-6 comfortably. Extensive wine list. The current executive chef will definitely keep us coming back.

I’ve had some very good meals and plenty of delicious martinis (can’t beat Half-Priced Martini Night!). However, the service staff is hit or miss. I’ve had servers and bartenders that practically ignore you, have bad attitudes (trying to hide it or not), couldn’t be bothered, annoyed by the world, etc. And worked in the food industry for a decade, so I’m forgiving. But I’ve had a couple experiences that were simply unforgivable.

However, I’ve also had a couple of experiences and meals that were quite delightful. But since the bad ones, I tend to only go for the bar these days. It’s not worth my hard-earned money anymore. Unfortunately.

The staff at the door couldn’t have stuck their noses higher with a ladder. Guess I just don’t seem their type. Guess I am not cool enough. Will I ever get to sit with the cool kids?

With a contemporary yet cozy atmostphere, Scholars Inn on Mass Ave is a fabulous take on the Bloomington native. Knowledgable staff, fabulous seasonal dishes, and a killer wine list make Scholars Inn a winner every time.

Call it a rut, formulaic, whatever … I know what I like, and while one could be much more adventurous at Scholars, I stick to my usual: bottle of cab (at sommelier’s recommendation), skip the appetizer (they bring you bread anyway), Rocket salad, filet (medium) with blue cheese crumbles and the creme brulee sampler … good stuff, and it’s never done me wrong. Trendy atmosphere is great for out-of-towners, too … they can ooh and ahh at the Alice-in-Wonderland-style furnishings.