laurayumyum's Profile
Indianapolis Area Cajun
I usually don't think of the Indianapolis area when it comes to Cajun food, but IMHO Mudbugs Cajun Cafe in downtown Carmel is really excellent. The atmosphere is a little strip mall, but the price point is decent, the service is fantastic, and the food is fairly authentic and consistently delicous.
The dirty rice, shrimp etouffe, pork po boy and crawfish casserole are among my favorites. If it's your first time, make sure you tell them. They'll give you a free sampler platter--a little bit of a taste of about seven items from their menu.
If you have kids who won't eat cajun food, they offer a chicken finger meal (but I think you have to ask for it--it's not on the menu).
Carmel's downtown has developed into a really cute area with shops and a really nice vibe, so you can walk around after/before you eat. Mudbugs also has outdoor seating--although again, not the greatest atmosphere, but some pretty good people watching.
They also serve bottled beers. Carmel's about thirty minutes from downtown Indy--I never thought I'd say it, but if you want Cajun in Indianapolis, Mudbugs is worth your drive.
best mexican food in indianapolis?
I also like Adobo Grill. I realize it's a chain, but the atmosphere is really good and I love hte food. I just with they were still up on the north side so I don't have to drive downtown...
Indianapolis BBQ
I recently ate at the "Smokehouse on Shelby," in Fountain Square. I was looking for the old Fountain Square Diner (I hadn't been there in years), and was so dissapointed to find it had partially been replaced by a barbecue place. (I've never been very impressed with Indianapolis barbecue.)
The atmosphere isn't terrific, and the service was pretty laid back (but not horrible). So I was anticipating the worst, and feeling truly sorry I hadn't gone somewhere else.
I was SHOCKED. I travel all over the South for work and have the 50 Best Barbecue Places in the US programmed into my GPS, and I honestly very rarely have had better barbecue. It's fantastic. The ribs are delicious, the pulled pork is to die for, the brisket is amazing. Even the onion rings and fried biscuits were out of this world.
They have a kids menu, so it's great for families. Prices are good. And you can go duckpin bowling upstairs if you want to make an afternoon/evening of it.
It's some of the best food I've ever had in Indianapolis, hands-down. It was truly a pleasant surprise.
You can find their menu at www.fountainsquareindy.com
traders point creamery in indianapolis
They DO serve brunch in the summer months, on Sundays. Their crepes are fantastic, their eggs are to die for (and I'm not really a big egg eater). Waffles are good--but I'd recommend getting something with eggs or milk or something that comes fresh from their farm.
They have a pizza night on Wednesdays--fresh cheese, herbs and meats.
Even for those who aren't so into the organic thing or Slow Food, it's FANTASTIC.
The cheese plate is wonderful. Really unique, fresh cheeses with fabulous crackers. I know this sounds ridiculous, but they have the BEST cottage cheese!!!
Of course, you won't want to miss the milkshakes. (My favorite is the caramel--they can make it with white milk or chocolate--so yummy.)
If you have kids (and even if you don't), you can walk around the farm afterwards. They often have calves to pet and roosters that will crow at you. They have really beautiful areas to sit and drink a milkshake and enjoy the scenery.
I haven't been to the farmer's market, but I hear it has great offerings.
I'd check their website for details--reservations are often available, but I've found you don't really need one most of the time. www.traderspointcreamery.com
