IndyWino (25 reviews)
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Peterson's (7690 E. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN)2
The Dry aged Ribeye is a must. The atmosphere is classy, elegant, and not as stuffy as one might suspect. Knowledgable staff that seem to swarm with their service and welcome questions about the wine list. A gem and an independant, Chef Benko is one of the best chefs in the nation. The Kobe Ribs and Bread pudding we sampled at a tasting event stole the show. One of our top five in the city. This is THE place for anniversary’s, parent’s birthdays/anniversary’s, or to impress an out of town client.
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Capital Grille (50 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN)8
This company knows how to hire or train right! The servers’ anticipate needs, offer suggestions, and go above and beyond. The food is fantastic. If you are having a special occasion, consider this place first if you have not been. I would put Capitalle Grill in the top five in Indy.
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Murphy's Steakhouse (4189 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN)3
Hey, if it’s a special occasion, and I am taking a date, then this wouldn’t be on the list of consideration. But when taking my family, child included, then this is the spot for a steak. My chid loves steak, and I love to have money left after eating out. What more can I say?
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Mr Dan's (5925 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN)1
I love the burgers, and it’s better than eating the other options available after the bars close.
But no place to wash my hands? And to be rude because I insisted on someway to wash up after having gone to the bathroom (that hadn’t been cleaned in what looked like, ever).
Guess I won’t be there again, unless I can wash up without being seen as some kind of alien life form.
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Mama's House (8867 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis, IN)4
This place serves a feast. Great spot for taking a group to dine…and converse. Remember when people actually talked at the dinner table? Momma’ House was a great name for a place that is reminiscent of eating with my family at home.
Think of Thanksgiving done Korean style.
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Locals Only (2449 E. 56th St., Indianapolis, IN)
Great little place…best kept secret in Broad Ripple area. Great music, good food, nice people (staff, and patrons) and plenty of parking.
Just wish it wasn’t so smokey. If they had better ventilation, I would be there every night!
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Italian Gardens (8336 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN)4
Don’t bother. You will not be happy unless you think that Olive Garden is too fancy. If you want cheap, Chef-boy-I-am-disgusted, wish I had skipped lunch, then this would be your place.
They don’t know basic Italian recepies ( Do you know what capers are? What Marsala is? Or any other pasta besides spaghetti, penne, and elbow macaroni? Do you know what Chianti is?).
Do you know what a dustrag looks like? Well, the walls and decor sure don’t seem to know what one looks like.
What a nightmare.
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Carrabba's Italian Grill (1235 Keystone Way, Carmel, IN)2
I hate to reccomend a chain when there are so many great independent places in Indpls. But Carrabba’s just delivers time and time again. Consistent good service, lively, clean atmosphere, open clean kitchen, and great, GREAT Italian food.
The Chicken Bryan, The Polo Rosa Maria, and The Spideno D’mare I can never decide quickly enough which I will have, so I get an appetizer everytime, due to taking too long to order. I am never rushed by the servers either.
Try a pizza or the Mozz cheese sticks for an appetizer. They have the best house bread, and spices for dipping sauce. The desserts are just “okay” though, so don’t save room if that is your concern, because the desserts are nothing to write home about.
The prices are not bad, because they are owned by Outback, so it’s in that same price range. If you must do a chain, do Carrabba’s and you will be pleased.
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96th Street Steakburgers (4715 E. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN)11
I would eat them daily if my heart would allow. If there is a heaven, then I hope I can have these burgers for lunch everyday!
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Eh! Formaggio (5510 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis, IN)13
This place knows their pies people. The owner, from what he said, is from the East Coast, and is one of the founders of the food network. He then had a chain of pizza places, and wanted to retire…? Someone please do an expose’ on this family, and see if I am right, or if they were pulling my leg. It’s hard to tell, because they love to have fun with you at this place.
From the fun menu, to the conversation while you wait for your order, plus, the “Mom” who works the counter makes the desserts and takes care of whatever you need…. they are the best, and the marinara…I would eat is like soup.
Definately the best pizza anywhere…. I wish they were in more locations, or that they delivered.
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B-Java Coffee & Tea (5510 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis, IN)6
And I know my coffee. They don’t spare quality here folks. Fresh roasted (like that day perhaps?) beans, grinded to order, made by a friendly, professional Barrista! It doesn’t get better. Found this place while having pizza in the same strip mall. I wish this place would open more locations.
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Shapiro's (808 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN)8
$15.00+ for a Rueben, a side of marinated mushrooms (obviously from a jar), and a fountain drink. If I am going to pay that much for lunch, then why would I want to stand in line cafateria style? Plus, the sandwich was cold when I finally did get to find a table (that was not cleaned in what appeard to be DAYS).
I don’t see what all the fuss is about. Just being in business a long time or serving huge food does not mean you are the best. Bigger doesn’t always been better.
How I wish I could still get a sandwich down the street at the old Cafe’@Ray.
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Scholars Inn Restaurant & Lounge (725 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN)9
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?
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Santorini Greek Kitchen (1417 E. Prospect St., Indianapolis, IN)7
Disappointing, and I hate to say it. The food was “okay” but not the best tasting in Indy, for sure. I really would like to find another spot to frequent in Fountain Square, but just didn’t really care for Santorinis. If the portions were not so huge, I don’t think this place would be as popular. There is better mediterranian food at three other nearby places. The dancer here was disgusting, I still have nightmares. She is bad, and very un-attractive. She must be the owners’ mother or something. Oh, and the man who owns this spot is a jerk, but everyone else was really nice.
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Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery (10 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN)9
Consistency is the word I would use to describe this place. I have been going for almost 10 years, and besides a little slip in food quality, the beer and service is always great. The pizza here is good, and the sandwiches always please as well.
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Ram Restaurant and Brewery (140 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN)8
Went in to grab a “growler” of brew for the weekend after a meeting nearby. Wish I had gone to Rock Bottom instead. The bartender didn’t seem to want to be bothered. She was too busy stuffing olives or something… once she filled the beer, she didn’t even rinse it off, and I was left to carry a wet, then sticky bottle that got everything it touched (and that my hands touched) sticky as well.
The beer was okay. Had the bartender been more accomodating, I may have stayed for a bite to eat… I wish I wouldn’t have tipped for the growler… I may have sent the wrong message. Thanks for nothing, here is a couple of bucks for interrupting your important work…
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Old Spaghetti Factory (210 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN)10
Skip this place. Unless your are looking for cheap food that you could have your child cook better at home. How this place has lasted this long is beyond me. I thought Buca coming in would be this places demise. That said, if you want Italian, and have a large party, go to Buca. Want nicer Italian, go to Bertolini’s.
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MacNiven's Restaurant and Bar (339 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN)13
The owners of this spot hit a nitch right on the head with a shelaly! Best beer selections brew or bottled, attentive staff, clean inviting atmosphere, and great food from Scotland. Try the Scottish Eggs, and the burger!
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Living Room Lounge (934 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN)4
Norm Reel is one of the best…and these people will be encouraging to those a little shy at singing in front of others. Great spot for a drink, or late night party with friends.
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Greek Islands Restaurant (906 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN)9
I don’t care what other say about what’s best. (Didn’t Olive Garden top the list in this city??).
This is the best independent family run restaurant for the value, and the best time you will have seeing dancing while dinning/drinking.
Saganaki (spelling error?) and the cheese filo pies are to die for.

