The Yummiest Comfort Food in Indianapolis

Indy's Historic Steer-In Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (548) • $$

"An Indianapolis legend - certified by G. Fieri himself! The Eastside of Indianapolis has its gems but this is for sure the best of them all. You can make a reservation or try to wait in line at some trendier places in Fountain Square or downtown but they got nothing on the Steer-In. Seat yourself after you park in the massive parking lot, better food and none of the difficulty. Value is unbeatable, you'll walk out of here thinking you beat inflation like you are J. Powell himself. Coffee is not great but it's standard diner fare, you're here for calories anyway. Breakfast is your best move but don't sleep on the later options. Best meatloaf in town and they even have pizza."

The Tasty Freeze

★★★★☆ 3.6 (22) • $

"Great home town place to eat, I personally wasn't the biggest fan of the ice cream. The food was defiantly worth going back for sometime."

Flatwater Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.3 (491) • $$

"Great service and a perfect location. I only ordered the Cobb salad but everyone cleaned their plates - no complaints! Will defiantly be returning, we loved sitting next to the water as we ate!"

Marquee at the Landing

★★★★☆ 4.3 (95)

"Marquee has been on my list for what seems like forever, and now that I finally made it in, I can say it lives up to the hype. Luckily we went on a Thursday night, so it wasn't too crowded and we were able to sit on their patio and enjoy the nice weather. Our server was so sweet and attentive, helping us decide between cocktails (arguably the most important decision of the night). I decided on the April 25th, a gin-based drink that had a fun Mexican flare that I'd highly recommend. The steak frites were cooked to our liking and the truffle fries that came with were downright addicting. The combo of goat cheese, orange, and pickled red onion on my Valencia salad was the perfect combination, and I'd recommend adding on a protein if you're making it a meal like I did. Can't wait to go back - I've got my eye on the kimchi meatloaf!"

Hitching Post Kellogg - World's Best Fried Chicken

★★★★☆ 4.1 (131) • $

"Incredible fried chicken! I live in California now but make it a point to pop in whenever I am back home in Cincinnati. Call ahead to avoid the wait if you are picking up! And get the macaroni salad."

Backroads BBQ

★★★★☆ 4.2 (124) • $$

"This is the best barbecue that I've have in Indianapolis! Unbelievably delicious and I'm kicking myself for passing by this place for so long. It is not surprising that they won the County's People's Choice 2023 award for best food.Don't let the appearance of the place fool you. The parking lot is a little muddy. The building is a little unwelcoming and the dining room is a little dark. But the aroma of the barbecue is intoxicating. They have lunch specials and daily drink specials on the menu. There is a full bar. The barbecue is prepared fresh daily. I ordered the Lunch Pulled Chicken sandwich with coleslaw side on the lunch menu. The chicken was moist and tender and so good. The slaw was fantastic...creamy. It was the best slaw I've had in Indiana. There were three barbecue sauces on the table and the Bourbon burnout sauce was incredible with a hint of bourbon and a little heat and not too sweet. Wow! So good. My husband had the Lunch Southern Pulled Pork sandwich with fries. The sandwich was filled so much pork that it was falling out of the sandwich. The tender, flavorful pork was covered with creamy Cole slaw. The fries were excellent, crispy and fresh. Lunches came with complementary biscuits and apple butter. The biscuits were hot and flaky. Very good. The hostess apologized for slow service because they were a little short staffed. We did not notice anything slow. Drinks and food came out quickly. The hostess was sweet and attentive. There is a portion of the dining room for large groups. Kids eat free on Wednesday with adult purchase. They have a nice kids menu. They are located just two blocks off 65 on SR 32. I'll be back and bringing friends."

Mill Town Market

★★★★★ 5 (8)

"First time here and it was worth it. Prices were reasonable a good food. Very small restaurant and not a lot of tables but we were able to get a table. I had the chicken parm and the wife had a turkey avocado wrap. Nice size chicken for the Parmesan which was the daily special that included garlic stick with a salad. One thing is that they don't have fountain drinks but cans and bottles. The service was okay the kitchen was close by so you had the waitress and owner talking in the back. They have daily specials so we will go back especially for the meatloaf which was huge and looked good or according to the man next to us it was petty good."

Ferguson House Bistro & Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (44)

"Was given a recommendation to check out Ferguson House Bistro when in Nashville with my pup and it didn't disappoint! Not only was the food fantastic, they had a menu for my Enzo! He definitely enjoyed the sweet potato bites while I enjoyed the brisket tacos. The service was fantastic and had plenty of seating outdoors both on the porch and patio. When in Nashville with a four legged friend or not, it's a must visit!"

Horst's Little Bakery Haus

★★★★☆ 4.3 (48) • $

"My favorite bakery since I was a kid!!! Lots of memories of my parents and grandparents surprising me with these donuts on random Saturday mornings. They are SO GOOD!!!"

Ford's Garage Florence

★★★★☆ 4.3 (240) • $$

"Overall Experience, 4.5/5: I will definitely be back here! And will be visiting the other Ford's Garage LocationsFood/Drink, 4.3/5: The food was great! We started with nachos as the appetizer, and the BBQ sauce was fantastic, with just the right amount of toppings and not overly cheesy. Everything was well-seasoned, from the rib eye steak to the jalapeño crunch burger, brisket, and salmon.Pricing, 5/5: The pricing is good for the type and quantity of food. No complaints.Service, 4/5: Overall, it was good, but the only downside was that there were times when it took a while for them to come back to our table when we needed something.Aesthetic/Atmosphere, 4.8/5: Everything aligned perfectly with their theme. We felt immersed in Ford's Garage, with details ranging from rags and car clamps to menu puns, old school Ford cars, and tire sinks."

Gilbert Street cafe

★★★★☆ 4.2 (57)

"Went on Mother's Day with the family, all 6 of us were impressed. The parking lot was packed, wait was only maybe 15 minutes. The food was delicious, we had the hash stack, country fried steak, Cobb salad and a grilled chicken salad. Everyone loved their food and left feeling full, and with some left overs. One complaint/request from my sister is that the grilled chicken salad should be served with the chicken, peppers, and onions already be served diced (instead of sliced in huge pieces).Also, I do agree with the last review, the entry door is very hard to open, either it is too heavy or it just feels like it has a lot of resistance."

Ford's Garage Noblesville

★★★★☆ 4.2 (554) • $$

"Made a reservation for Ford's Garage, and it seemed liked a good choice since there were many people outside waiting! We were seated after about a 5 minute wait. This place is lively and the service was good. Our waitress was on top of it for drink refills and didn't bother us too often, which I appreciate. If you want to have a birthday dinner here, a team of waiters come to sing to you - if that's your thing! :)The food was honestly just OK for me. I tried my daughter's fish sticks - and the batter was heavily peppered. The fries were cooked nicely though! I feel like Ford's Garage is a place you either like a lot, or you think is just run-of-the-mill pub food. For me it's the latter."

Raquel's Restaurant and JK's Food Truck

★★★★★ 5 (6)

"Such a nice restaurant in Salem IN! The owners are so nice! My favorite menu items are --- the salmon salad, the salmon Pattie's and their pickle fries"

Homemakers Bar

★★★★★ 4.5 (66) • $$

"Fun cocktails with friendly service in a laid back but aesthetic atmosphere. They have "Spritzer Hour" from 4-7 Wednesday through Friday with deals on their Spritzer cocktails and outdoor seating that is perfect for summer sipping. They also have light bites on the menu, as well as empanadas from The Empanada's Box and you can always order Taglio's pizza to be delivered there if you get hungry."

Palette, an American Eatery

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (25)

"As guests staying at the Wyndham Warsaw, we wanted to have a nice dinner without having to leave the premises so we visited Palette on the ground floor of the hotel.The Palette is a fairly new American-style dining establishment and is worth the visit. At first glance of the menu, Palette is affordably priced and their offerings are generously portioned. Our server was courteous and outlined the specials. She timed our meals perfectly and she was always present without being intrusive. We had a relaxing dinner and took our time through the courses, never having to feel rushed to finish our dinner. The general manager was constantly visible. During dinner, their manager checked in at every table to make sure everyone was doing okay. Palette's natural perception to be attuned to customers is not something every restaurant excels at; although over here, they make it a priority. The appetizer and salads were simple yet fresh. The made-in-house bread was delivered warm and felt soft. The bread was accompanied with whipped honey butter spread and the second my buttered knife touched the bread, the butter instantly melted away. One bite and I was in heaven.My husband decided to order the Chicken Cordon Bleu (yes, that Chicken Cordeon Bleu.) Typically regarded as a has-been, banquet staple he made a daring choice. The dish turned out to be the star of the evening. With a crispy crust and a perfect balance of ham, cheese, and sauce within, it checked all of the boxes he was looking for: hot, savory, and delicious. My Prime rib was tender and robust with flavor. The Prime rib paired perfectly with the horseradish and au jus. My only regret was that I should've ordered the larger portion! The pricing is moderate for the area with most dinner entrees priced between $12-28. If you're planning a special event, there is a small private dining space which can easily accommodate 15-20 guests. If you are a hotel guest, a full breakfast buffet at the Palette is only $5 per person (excluding gratuity). The spread is pretty decent (see my pictures below) and is offered from 6:30-10am. Walk-ins are accepted but to guarantee a spot, make a reservation."

Old World Cafe

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"I just recently moved to Columbia City and was looking for local restaurants to try with a friend for a lunch date and we decided to try this place first. I didn't take any pictures but I'll go over the positives. The staff was super friendly, the food was quite good. I tried the bacon, turkey, and apple grilled cheese, I can't remember what sandwich my friend had. Both came with a bag of chips and she had coffee. And we enjoyed the cozy, quiet atmosphere. We also decided to take one 1 bar of fudge each. I choose a birthday cake one and she took home a peanut butter one. As for the negatives I would say this. The limited operating hours doesn't help alot of people. They are closed after 3 so dinner is out. The menu is very limited. Basically a soup and sandwiches type of place. And since it's connected to a used furniture and antique the decor and atmosphere might not be for everyone. And some might scoff at the price tag of $10 for just a sandwich and bag of chips. But all in all, I like having a quiet time with a good friend and some simple food in a cozy place. I'd like a little more food, but it's not a deal breaker. We'll be back sometime."

Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 (301) • $$

"First timers. We walked in and the bar was right in front of us so we went ahead and cozied up there. I didn't get the bartenders name but he was quick, kind and had a great attitude. Actually seemed like all employees did. We had a couple really cold beers and then decided to order some food. We started with a side of sweet potato fries and they were hands down our favorite we've ever tried. My husband went with the soy glazed salmon and he devoured it. I did the "trio" which was soup/salad/half a club. French onion was hot and oh so cheesy but the salad took the award for me (double nickel salad). Their house dressing pairs sooo nicely with the bleu cheese and bacon. It was so good. Took home the sandwich but ate it last night and it was also very good. Nice bar, nice little restaurant. I think they will see us a lot more."

The Food Florist

★★★★★ 4.8 (15)

"We've been satisfied customers of The Food Florist for several months now. Their conveniently-located, frozen take and bake business model was just the gem Fishers needed! And, all their offerings are made with local, organic and all natural ingredients; perfect pre-made meals for you and your family and/or for gifting to those in need of easy meals.We've tried many of the menu items -- both savory and sweet -- and all have been flavorful and tasty. The instructions provided on each frozen item are straight forward and very easy to follow. And, the owner and staff members are so friendly and helpful!!Tip: Do yourself a favor and pick up a Quadberry Crumb Pie, or maybe two. It's the closest recipe to your grandmother's you'll find anywhere and your home will smell amazing as it bakes!"

Nash's Restaurant

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Food was fantastic. Service was excellent. We had the deviled eggs which were to die for."

Kitchen 1883

★★★★☆ 4.2 (153) • $$

"I've been here for lunch before but never at a time to order off of the brunch menu until now. Their chicken and waffles were top notch, the chicken was so crispy! The cheddar grits were also super good, they would be even better if the cheese was more melted on top! Great for a family outing- will definitely be back!"

Grumpy's Diner

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"Best potato skins in the area! Great service and it's always great to have a place who cares about its food in this area."

Boonedocks Pub & Grub

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (49) • $$

"We were at the Blue Licks State Park campsite nearby for a weekend. One evening we felt lazy and didn't want to make dinner at the campsite, so we came here. It was a little loud and flashy inside (lots of televisions and we had our kid with us), so we choose to eat outside on the patio. Although Boondedocks is basically a sports bar, we were impressed with the food we ordered. All our meals were delicious and filling -- just the right amount of food for each of us! We were happy with our drinks too.If we camp in the area again, we'll grab another meal here!"

Pensive Distilling

★★★★☆ 4.4 (207) • $$

"Dry rub wings with buffalo sauce on the side. The food and service were great. We'll be back again for sure."

Round The Corner Grill

★★★★☆ 3.5 (69) • $$

"Great place, literally around the corner from New Pal High School and just off the main drag! Stopped in for a late supper after the Westfield at New Pal Football game! Food & service were great and the live entertainment was top notch too! We had wings, a salad, and the Chicken BLT! And a couple of cold draft beers! Got in and out efficiently but definitely not rushed! Was a great find and really hit the spot! Highly recommend if you are out this way!"

Cedar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (259) • $$

"Absolutely Delicious! Sitting at the bar for brunch - it was perfect! Service was amazing!"

Libby’s Southern Comfort

★★★★☆ 4.2 (383) • $$

"We had a lunch reservation for a Saturday and were seated right away after checking in. Wait staff was truly friendly and accommodating, bringing us menus and a high chair first thing. We ordered the fried green tomatoes to start, and they were phenomenal. Thick sliced, crisp, juicy, and topped with chunks of bacon and a large scoop of pickly pimento cheese spread. We loved these, so did our baby! For entrees we ordered the 2-piece fried chicken with a leg and thigh, along with Mac and cheese and the green beans. Everything was hot and well-made, just like I was eating at home. We also had the shrimp and grits, another excellent dish. The shrimp were covered in blackening and they were unbelievable. Perfect meal!"

Grandma's Pancake House

★★★★☆ 3.5 (100) • $

"Oh my goodness ! When I came to this place while visiting Shelbyville I loved it. It's cute and cozy inside and feels like home despite me visiting from way out of state. The service was so nice and quick and made me feel so welcomed. The food was delicious and I enjoyed every bite. When I come back to Shelbyville I'll be sure to come again!"

Hive

★★★★☆ 4 (133) • $$

"We have been visiting Hive at 10th and the Bypass since their opening. One World has a great tradition of good food at Lennie's and the we have been so happy to have this option on the East side.Lots of parkingPies so many delicious piesIndoor/outdoor seatingSome fun menu offerings that make it a little more distinctLove the velvet soup, roast chicken, the bahn mi (so delish), and the Hive out of course. The grab and go pickup is wonderful. I love sending in an order and having my husband just run in on his way home and it is ready to go on the shelf with no waiting in line."

WildFyre Tap

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (6)

"Allegedly, this place had the same menu items as Turchetti's, which is sorely missed. We tried it today and it's unfortunately not even close. I wanted to like it, but the ambiance is off, the food is okay, but it's lackluster. The menu is all over the place, and there are more wraps than anything which is weird. Not a fan."

Monrovia Family Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.4 (14)

"When a traditional family restaurant closes, it is great when another restaurant steps in to continue providing tasty comfort food in a familiar setting. When the new owners took over this space on the corner, they did a lot of renovation but kept the feel of the restaurant before.There is free street parking and a small lot in the back of the restaurant. There is a main entrance along Main St and a side entrance for those who park in the rear.Inside, the paneled walls have been painted to take away some of the dated look, replacing it with a more rustic feel along with the tin stamped ceiling.The tables and booths run the length of this shotgun style restaurant. There are a few pinch points between them, especially if patrons are seated back from their table while chatting, so just watch your step as you make your way through. I've been twice this month, once for lunch and once for breakfast. I usually stand near the door to catch the waitress' attention before grabbing a spot though they've told me to sit wherever I choose each time. (It can get busy and I want to be noticed before grabbing a spot.)On both occasions, the food was affordable, tasty, and generously portioned. You may find something cheaper elsewhere, but if that's all your take away from here is, you are probably just cheap. The prices are really fair for the portions.On my lunch visit with my wife and son, I ordered the Turkey Club which comes sliced, stacked, and speared so that you have two long kabobs of sandwich. Multiple layers of toppings and generous servings of sliced turkey were really good. I got the fries and they were crisp and thin.My wife got the Giant Breaded Tenderloin and she really liked it too. Although there may be larger tenderloins somewhere, these are hand cut by the chef and will fill most patrons.On my second visit, I ordered the Country Benedict which comes with a split English Muffin; each half topped sausage patties and eggs (your choice of style), and covered with gravy. Crisped hash browns are served alongside on this 15" oval plate! I noted that the hash browns were already seasoned before reaching my plate, so if you are one of those folks who add salt to everything, try them first. They are really good especially with the gravy and warm egg yolk from the rest of the dish.Service has been prompt and friendly just like you would hope a small town diner would be. Good food, good prices, good servings and good service. This is a place to stop for breakfast/brunch/lunch.Review #3462"

Sahm's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.9 (174) • $$

"We ordered the take out holiday meal for 8 offered this past week and were extremely pleased at the overall package of sliced ham, green been casserole, turkey ball dressing, roasted broccoli, walnut salad with creamy dressing , cranberry sauce and powdered shortcake! The pre-scheduled pickup times and locations were very efficient and convenient, the trays and instructions made for quick and easy reheat, the food amounts were plentiful and it was all very delicious!! The price was great and we continue to enjoy the leftovers. Happy Holidays!!!"

Black Leaf Vegan

★★★★☆ 4.2 (103) • $$

"Great food! I had the guac burger, which I believe was a beyond patty on a pretzel style bun. My friend got the loaded nachos. Both were absolutely fantastic. Service was great with the nice lady behind the counter explaining the options clearly. I also had a Lovely Lemonade and my friend had a cider. This would be a nice place to just get a coffee and work, too, if you were so inclined."

Chris Fried Chicken

★★★★★ 4.6 (20)

"If you love fried chicken, you're going to want to try Chris Fried Chicken. The place is a family owned and operated neighborhood greasy spoon that's been serving fried chicken and fish for ten years. The aging strip mall has seen better days. The parking lot is a mess and the sidewalks are crumbling. Chris is a small hole in the wall place, not fancy or upscale, but the food is amazing and Chris' family is welcoming and genuine. The menu hangs above cases of fried chicken, fish and potato wedges. Gizzards are a popular menu item. Chris takes your order. My husband wants a 3-piece chicken meal with cole slaw. I select a Buffalo chicken wrap that comes with fries. Ricardo, Chris' son, comes out and asks how spicy hot I want my chicken and I ask for mild. Wow, what great service!They tell us to grab some drinks and have a seat. The dining area is small with three or four tables that seat two. Most people come in for carry out. Chris laughs and jokes with a customer in Spanish as he cooks. I sip mango nectar. My husband's 3-piece meal has four pieces of fried chicken with a cup of cole slaw. The chicken is hot, crispy and moist, not too salty, perfect. The fried batter is thick and flavorful. This is great fried chicken. The slaw is finely chopped and creamy. My wrap with fries comes out on a beautiful white platter. The wrap is huge, and the chicken fresh, hot and moist with lots of crispy lettuce. The fries are batter fried and fresh. The portions are generous. My meal was delicious. Ricardo and his sister checked on us a couple times, thanked us for coming and told us their story. I felt like family. The food is easy 5 stars, as is the service. I'll be back. I want to try the fish next."

Duke's Indy

★★★★☆ 4.4 (87) • $$

"This is a gem! I've passed this establishment for years going to and fro and only knew they used to have great tenderloins. Under new ownership they also have great vegan and vegetarian food options plus the usual pub/bar fare. And fun music!We went for a folk and bluegrass concert and were treated to a 2 hour fest of amazing music and original songs. The group playing first was local and the main act was from North Carolina. Amazing! The interior is dark but clean and sort of cozy feeling. It is mostly wood with one wall a large stage, a bar along the other wall and then tables and chairs which obviously get moved for line dancing and two step nights. They also have a section for under 21 so you can come with your family and enjoy the offerings.We got a house made chickpea fritter which was pretty good (a bit overly fried for my taste). It came with a house made sauce and house made pickles that were amazing. And a side of coleslaw which I proceeded to put on top of my fritter (way better together). It has house curly fries as well and a generous portion. All in all some good food and a lot of drink options - ginger beer, all kinds of regular beer and my favorite some hard cider from a local spot (Ash & Elm).We loved our experience and found it to be a fun night out with good food and live music. It was quirky and definitely hunky tonk and perfect. No frills but plain good fun!"

The Den by FoxGardin

★★★★☆ 4.4 (34)

"I gotta admit that when you come here, and you see this place...your expectations drop through the floor. However, after you get and taste your food it all changes. For a small little hole in the wall the size of a food truck, they actually make really good food! It is quick, it is tasty, and you get a lot for what you paid for. If only the other food vendors at Sun King were this good, the variety would be awesome, but right now this is my only go-to when going to Sun King.Highly recommend the Pulled Pork Poutine Fries. While the pulled pork is perfectly fine but not amazing, the fries are stellar..and when you combine everything else together...they are phenomenal...and you get a metric ton of it. Share!"