Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Indianapolis, United States
1. Sugar Cream Pie (Mug 'n' Muffin)
A classic Indiana dessert with a creamy vanilla filling and crumbly crust. This pie is unique for its simple yet delightful flavor.
- Local Flavor: Originates from Indiana, making it a must-try for understanding local culinary heritage.
- Delicious Simplicity: Its simplicity highlights the quality of ingredients used in the dessert.
- Limited Availability: Mug 'n' Muffin is one of the few places that still serves this traditional pie.
2. Fried Tenderloin Sandwich (Sarah's on the Near Eastside)
Giant breaded pork loin sandwich, a Midwest staple that Indiana does exceptionally well.
- Iconic Midwest Dish: Represents the Midwest culinary identity and is worth trying in Indiana.
- Generous Portion Size: The size of the sandwich makes it a filling meal for lunch or dinner.
- Local Favorite Spot: Sarah's on the Near Eastside is known for its delicious tenderloin sandwiches.
3. Shrimp 'n Grits (St. Elmo Steak House)
Creamy grits topped with succulent shrimp and spicy cocktail sauce, a Southern classic served at St. Elmo.
- Southern Influence: Represents the Southern culinary influence on Indiana's food scene.
- Spicy Flavor Profile: The spicy cocktail sauce adds a unique twist to the traditional dish.
- Historic Restaurant: St. Elmo Steak House is a historic restaurant in Indianapolis, adding to its charm and appeal.
4. Biscuits & Gravy (Milktooth)
Flaky homemade biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy. Milktooth offers a modern twist on this comfort food.
- Modern Take: Milktooth's innovative approach to biscuits and gravy sets it apart from traditional diners.
- Comfort Food: A perfect choice for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
- Critically Acclaimed Spot: Milktooth has been praised by food critics, making it a popular destination for dining in Indianapolis.
5. Mile-High Pie (Amelia's Bakery & Cafe)
A towering slice of pie with a mile-high meringue topping. Amelia's serves a variety of flavors for this signature dessert.
- Visually Stunning: The tall, beautiful meringue makes the pie an Instagram-worthy dessert.
- Flavorful Variety: Amelia's offers a range of flavors, allowing for personal preference.
- Hometown Bakery: Amelia's is a hometown favorite and adds to the charm of Indianapolis' local dining scene.
6. Indian Taco (Rhodes Food Mart & Tacos)
A fusion of Navajo frybread topped with taco-style ingredients, served at Rhodes Food Mart.
- Cultural Fusion: Represents the blending of Native American and Mexican cuisines.
- Unique Preparation: The use of frybread instead of a tortilla sets this dish apart from traditional tacos.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Spot: Rhodes Food Mart is located in an unassuming gas station, adding to its charm and local appeal.
7. Fried Fish (Scotty's Brewhouse)
Crispy battered fish served with coleslaw, hush puppies, and a tartar sauce. Scotty's offers generous portions.
- Classic Comfort Food: Fried fish is a comfort food staple in the Midwest.
- Ample Portion Sizes: Scotty's serves generous portions, making it perfect for sharing or as a meal.
- Brewery Atmosphere: Scotty's is also a brewery, offering a unique dining experience with craft beers.
8. Pork Tenderloin Sandwich (Triple XXX Family Restaurant)
Thinly sliced pork loin served on a soft bun with mustard and pickles. Triple XXX offers the classic Indiana sandwich.
- Iconic Indiana Dish: Represents Indiana's culinary identity and is a must-try for visitors.
- Authentic Experience: Triple XXX has been serving pork tenderloin sandwiches since 1928, offering an authentic Indiana dining experience.
- Hometown Spot: Triple XXX Family Restaurant is a beloved hometown restaurant in Indianapolis.
9. Uptown Tavern Burger (Uptown Tavern)
A juicy, hand-formed burger topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Uptown Tavern offers a delicious twist on the classic.
- Hand-Formed Patty: The burger is hand-formed, ensuring each one is fresh and unique.
- Local Brews: Uptown Tavern offers a variety of local brews to pair with your meal.
- Casual Atmosphere: Uptown Tavern offers a casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
10. Italian Beef Sandwich (Mike's Deli & Subs)
Thinly sliced roast beef served on a long roll with au jus dipping sauce. Mike's offers a taste of the Midwest's Italian influence.
- Midwest Italian Influence: Represents the Italian influence in Midwestern cuisine.
- Dip-able Sandwich: The sandwich is meant to be dipped in au jus, adding extra flavor.
- Local Deli Spot: Mike's Deli & Subs is a beloved local deli in Indianapolis.
11. Scallion Pancakes (Asia House Restaurant)
Crispy pancakes made with scallions and served with soy sauce. Asia House offers a taste of Asian cuisine in Indianapolis.
- Authentic Asian Cuisine: Represents the Asian influence in Indianapolis' dining scene.
- Crispy Texture: The pancakes have a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
- Wide Variety of Dishes: Asia House offers a wide variety of dishes, making it perfect for groups or those who want to try multiple dishes.
12. Bratwurst (Indianapolis City Market)
German-style sausage served on a roll with sauerkraut and mustard. The City Market offers fresh, locally sourced bratwursts.
- Local Ingredients: The bratwurst is made with local ingredients, ensuring freshness.
- Authentic German Flavor: Represents the German influence in Indianapolis' culinary scene.
- Historic Marketplace: Indianapolis City Market is a historic marketplace, adding to its charm and appeal.
13. Farm-to-Table Cuisine (Recess)
Seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Recess offers a farm-to-table dining experience in Indianapolis.
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: The restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients to create their dishes.
- Seasonal Menus: The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring freshness and variety.
- Creative Cuisine: Recess offers creative dishes that showcase Indiana's agricultural bounty.
14. Mushroom Melt (Yats Restaurant & Deli)
Grilled cheese sandwich with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Yats offers a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese.
- Unique Grilled Cheese: The addition of sautéed mushrooms makes this grilled cheese unique.
- Louisiana-Inspired Cuisine: Represents the Louisiana influence in Indianapolis' culinary scene.
- New Orleans Atmosphere: Yats offers a taste of New Orleans with its atmosphere and cuisine.
15. Greek Salad (Taverna Krysafis)
Classic Greek salad made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a tangy dressing. Taverna Krysafis offers an authentic taste of Greece in Indianapolis.
- Authentic Greek Cuisine: Represents the Greek influence in Indianapolis' dining scene.
- Fresh Ingredients: The salad is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Casual Atmosphere: Taverna Krysafis offers a casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.