I spent three weekends chasing fresh spots around Indianapolis. I kept notes in my phone. Grease spots too, if I’m honest. I’m picky about service, sound, and sides. But I’m also easy if the fries are hot. So, here’s what actually hit—and what didn’t—for me. If you want the blow-by-blow version, my full notes made it into an ALCO dispatch right here.
You know what? Indy’s got range. Fancy steak night, loud diner plates, and a patio where kids run laps while you eat fried chicken. Let me explain.
Before plotting this sprint, I skimmed ALCO’s directory to see which neighborhoods were heating up.
Commission Row — Big Game Energy, Bigger Steaks
I went before a Pacers game, which felt right since it’s near the arena. The room is gorgeous. Dark wood. Big booths. A little “close your deal” vibe, but fun.
What I ate:
- Shrimp cocktail with that famous fire-breath sauce. It cleared my sinuses in one bite. I laughed, then cried, then dipped again. Worth it.
- Wedge salad with bacon. Cold and crisp. They didn’t drown it, which I respect.
- Bone-in strip, medium. Sear was sharp. The middle was warm pink, not gray. My fork slid through like butter.
- Sides: Brussels with bacon (sticky-sweet, a bit heavy) and whipped potatoes (silky, no lumps).
Service ran like a tight front-of-house. Our server knew cuts and temps, and paced dishes so we didn’t rush. Ticket times were clean; steaks hit hot.
One miss? The room gets loud when folks pre-game. My mom had to lean in to hear me. Also, prices are up there. Save it for a big night or a client who likes bourbon.
Would I go back? Yeah. I’d split a steak, order the shrimp, and spend the rest on sides and a classic old fashioned. For menus, reservations, and upcoming specials, take a peek at Commission Row’s official site.
Easy Rider Diner — Vinyl, Night Owls, and a Monster Biscuit
Fountain Square. I slid in for Saturday brunch and again after a show at Hi-Fi. Same playlist energy both times: guitars, a little twang, a little grit.
Brunch plate:
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey. Crunchy crust, juicy meat, and a waffle with deep pockets. It held the syrup like a champ.
- The biscuit is huge. Flaky, not gummy. I ripped it apart with my hands like a raccoon. No shame.
- Hash browns? Shredded, crisp edges, soft middle. Salted right.
Late night plate:
- Smash burger with American cheese. Two patties, lacey edges. The bun held shape, which matters.
- Chocolate shake. Thick enough to stand a spoon. I sat there, happy and tired.
Heads up: There can be a wait. The floor hums when it’s full—plates clank, folks laugh—and the coffee keeps coming. It’s diner food, not kale spa food. But it’s cooked with care.
I’d edit one thing: the gravy leaned salty on my first visit. Second time it was perfect. Maybe the back-of-house was slammed. It happens. If you’re wondering what the crew behind Easy Rider is cooking up next, check the update from Hi-Fi’s blog right here.
Natural State Provisions — Picnic Vibes, Holy Cross Sunshine
This one feels like summer, even when the wind bites. Big patio, games, picnic tables, dogs under benches. Kids ran circles while I ate fried chicken, and somehow it worked.
What I tried:
- Hot honey fried chicken. Crisp shell, sweet heat. Didn’t shred my mouth. Clean fry oil, too.
- Pimento cheese with warm bread. Spread it thick. I don’t mind a mess.
- Hushpuppies. Outside crunch, soft inside. A little corn sweet.
- Soft serve with sprinkles. Simple joy after spicy food.
Beer list is chill, nothing fussy. Staff is quick with refills and extra napkins, which is basically love.
Note: The line gets long when the sun’s out. Also, if wind picks up, your napkins will fly. Bring a hat. Bring patience. Bring friends who don’t judge when you lick your fingers.
Bodhi — Calm Room, Big Thai Flavor
Mass Ave night. I parked too far, and my hair did that Indiana wind thing. Worth it.
My table shared:
- Khao soi. Creamy curry broth with noodles and crunchy bits on top. I kept tilting the bowl to get the last sip.
- Thai fried chicken. Sticky, sweet, a little heat. The crunch held even in sauce.
- Pad see ew. Wide noodles, smoky char, tender beef. Classic, done right.
Cocktails leaned bright and herbal. Lemongrass and lime, not too sweet. Server guided us without being pushy—nice balance.
Only gripe: portions feel modest if you’re starving. We added rice and were fine. It’s a share-and-savor spot, not a “pile it high” place.
Quick notes I’d tell a friend
- Book big nights. Commission Row gets packed before games. Apps and sides can be a meal if you can’t snag a steak.
- Bring layers. Patio at Natural State is dreamy until the breeze flips your napkin.
- Expect music. Easy Rider is not a whisper zone. Fun vibe though, even with kids in tow.
- Share plates. At Bodhi, three dishes for two people felt right. Add rice if you’re hungry.
Looking to turn one of these spots into a spontaneous date night? Indy’s social calendar is wide open, and PlanCul can match you with someone nearby who also thinks hot honey chicken counts as romance, making it easy to upgrade solo snacking to shared plates in just a few swipes. Heading west on a road trip instead? If you find yourself near California’s Central Coast and want company for carne asada tacos, the primer at Doublelist Hollister lays out how to use the local personals board safely, quickly, and with better odds of turning online chat into an actual meet-up.
So, what stuck with me?
Shrimp that made me tear up. A waffle that soaked up hot honey like it was born for it. Fried chicken under a blue sky. Curry broth I wanted to drink like soup. That’s a good month.
I’ll be back out next week. I’ve got a running list in my notes app, with stains to prove it. Indy keeps adding places that feel fresh but still us. And honestly, isn’t that what we want—new, but still home? And if a noodle mood strikes, I’ll revisit the crawl where I ate my way through Chinese food in Indianapolis to keep my chopstick skills sharp.