The Best American Food In Indianapolis: A Comprehensive Guide

Indianapolis may be known for its famous Indy 500 race, but it’s also home to some of the best American food in the country. Whether you’re looking for classic comfort food, innovative cuisine, or something in between, Indianapolis has plenty to offer. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best American food options in Indianapolis, so you can indulge in some of the city’s most delicious dishes.

🍔 Burgers

When it comes to burgers, Indianapolis has no shortage of options. Some of the must-try spots include:

1. Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream

Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream is a local favorite, known for its massive burgers and delicious milkshakes. If you’re feeling daring, try the Big Ugly Challenge – a 1-pound burger with all the fixings. If you finish it, you’ll get your picture on the wall!

2. Bru Burger Bar

Bru Burger Bar offers a modern take on the classic burger, with options like the Farmstead (topped with goat cheese, bacon jam, and arugula) and the Bourbon Burger (topped with bourbon-glazed onions and blue cheese).

3. Workingman’s Friend

If you’re looking for a no-frills, classic burger joint, Workingman’s Friend is the place to go. The burgers are simple and delicious, served on white bread with onions and pickles.

🐔 Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a Southern classic, and Indianapolis has some of the best around. Here are a few places to get your fix:

1. The Eagle

The Eagle serves up Nashville-style hot chicken, with a range of heat levels to choose from. The sides are just as delicious as the chicken, with options like mac and cheese and cornbread.

2. Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place

Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place is a local institution, serving up classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. The portions are generous, and the prices are affordable.

3. Hollyhock Hill

Hollyhock Hill is known for its family-style fried chicken dinners, complete with all the fixings (including their famous creamed corn). The restaurant has been around since 1928 and has a charming, old-school atmosphere.

🍩 Doughnuts

There’s nothing quite like a fresh, hot doughnut. Here are a few places in Indianapolis to satisfy your sweet tooth:

1. Long’s Bakery

Long’s Bakery has been a local favorite since 1955, serving up classic doughnuts that are always fresh and delicious. The glazed yeast doughnuts are a must-try.

2. General American Donut Company

General American Donut Company offers a range of unique doughnut flavors, like maple bacon and key lime pie. They also have vegan and gluten-free options.

3. Rocket 88 Doughnuts

Rocket 88 Doughnuts is a newer addition to the doughnut scene in Indianapolis, but they’ve quickly gained a following for their creative flavors and delicious coffee.

🍕 Pizza

Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, and these spots in Indianapolis are some of the best:

1. Napolese

Napolese serves up Neapolitan-style pizza, with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a crispy, thin crust. The Funghi pizza (topped with mushrooms, fontina, and truffle oil) is a favorite.

2. Bazbeaux Pizza

Bazbeaux Pizza has been a staple in Indianapolis since 1986, and for good reason. The pizza is delicious, with a variety of toppings to choose from. Bonus points for the cozy, casual atmosphere.

3. Pizzology

Pizzology focuses on using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients in their pizzas. The crust is crispy and flavorful, and the toppings range from classic (like pepperoni) to creative (like roasted brussels sprouts).

🌮 Tacos

Tacos are a perfect option for a quick and delicious meal, and there are some great spots in Indianapolis to get them:

1. Festiva

Festiva serves up Mexican-inspired cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The tacos are small but packed with flavor – try the al pastor or the fish tacos.

2. Bakersfield

Bakersfield offers a range of tacos (and tequila) in a fun, lively atmosphere. The tacos are simple but delicious, with options like carne asada and fried fish.

3. La Margarita

La Margarita has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine in Indianapolis since 1984. The tacos are a standout – try the carnitas or the chorizo.

🥩 Steak

If you’re looking for a fancy night out or just a really good steak, these restaurants in Indianapolis have got you covered:

1. St. Elmo Steak House

St. Elmo Steak House is a classic Indianapolis institution, known for its famous shrimp cocktail and delicious steaks. The atmosphere is upscale and sophisticated.

2. Prime 47

Prime 47 is a modern steakhouse with a chic, contemporary atmosphere. The steaks are top-notch, and the sides (like truffle mac and cheese and creamed spinach) are just as good.

3. Harry & Izzy’s

Harry & Izzy’s is owned by the same group as St. Elmo, but with a more laid-back vibe. The steaks are still excellent, and the shrimp cocktail is just as famous.

🍻 Craft Beer

Indianapolis is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with plenty of breweries and taprooms to choose from. Here are a few to check out:

1. Sun King Brewery

Sun King Brewery is one of the largest breweries in Indianapolis, but it still maintains a friendly, neighborhood vibe. The beers range from classic styles (like their Sunlight Cream Ale) to more experimental brews.

2. Indiana City Brewing Co.

Indiana City Brewing Co. is a smaller brewery with a cozy taproom and a rotating selection of beers. They often collaborate with other local businesses to create unique brews.

3. Taxman Brewing Company

Taxman Brewing Company has two locations – one in Indianapolis and one in Bargersville. The focus is on Belgian-style beers, with a range of delicious options to choose from.

FAQs

1. What is the best burger in Indianapolis?

While everyone’s tastes are different, Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream is a local favorite for its massive burgers and delicious milkshakes.

2. Where can I find the best fried chicken in Indianapolis?

Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place is a local institution, serving up classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. The portions are generous, and the prices are affordable.

3. What is the best doughnut shop in Indianapolis?

Long’s Bakery has been a local favorite since 1955, serving up classic doughnuts that are always fresh and delicious.

4. What is the best pizza in Indianapolis?

Napolese serves up Neapolitan-style pizza, with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a crispy, thin crust. The Funghi pizza (topped with mushrooms, fontina, and truffle oil) is a favorite.

5. Where can I find the best tacos in Indianapolis?

Festiva serves up Mexican-inspired cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The tacos are small but packed with flavor – try the al pastor or the fish tacos.

6. What is the best steakhouse in Indianapolis?

St. Elmo Steak House is a classic Indianapolis institution, known for its famous shrimp cocktail and delicious steaks.

7. What is the best craft brewery in Indianapolis?

Sun King Brewery is one of the largest breweries in Indianapolis, but it still maintains a friendly, neighborhood vibe. The beers range from classic styles to more experimental brews.

Conclusion

Indianapolis may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of American food, but it’s definitely worth a visit for its delicious burgers, fried chicken, doughnuts, pizza, tacos, steak, and craft beer. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to check out some of these top spots for some of the best American food in Indianapolis.