Just got back from a long weekend in Indy for the Final Four. My first Final Four, hopefully not my last. Cool city, Indy is. It’s a great host city because it’s easy to get around, nothing is more than a 15 minute drive, the downtown area is entirely walkable, and my understanding is the suburbs are beautiful. As a tourist in town for tourist purposes, I did mostly touristy activities. And while basketball was the focus, best believe I used any and all down time to eat and drink. Let’s recap: food, drink, coffee, stadium. And I’ll make it clear what I endorse vs. what I don’t.

Eat
St. Elmo Steakhouse - the spot to visit in Indy. In addition to the incredible accomplishment of securing a 6-person resy during the city’s biggest weekend of the year, the meal also delivered. The shrimp cocktail is as good as advertised—don’t skip it, don’t scrape the cocktail sauce off, you want the full experience. Everything else on the menu ranged from whatever (the salads) to solid (the steaks) to excellent (the onion rings). But it’s an Indy institution and one that you gotta get to at least once.

Julieta Taco Shop - one of the most pleasant surprises of my time in Indy. I’d heard about this place from a few people, which was enough for me to prioritize. I was thinking simple, street tacos so I confidently ordered three considering I wasn’t starving, but they were much bigger. I wouldn’t say taco evaluation is my strength but these pass the test for sure. As per uuuuze, the al pastor were top dog. And the pollo asado con todo was terrific as well. Put this one on your Indianapolis list.

Tinker Street - woah. I didn’t realize until we sat down how boujee it is. Small menu, rotating menu based on fresh ingredients, higher price point. But the place is a vibe, the service is outstanding, and the food and drink are excellent. Awesome option if you wanna get slightly away from downtown. Ricotta Doughnuts are a non negotiable.

Cafe Patachou - it was fine for a breakfast spot near ish the downtown area on the busiest weekend of the year. Good service. My omelette was solid. Didn’t care for the menu as a whole, however. Certainly does not need to be on your Indy hit list but you could do worse.

Ale Emporium - the Hermanaki wings are unbelievable. Think “sweet Asian BBQ” with a little extra tang.

Shapiro’s Deli - I regrettably didn’t get to go in person so this was an incomplete experience. But I got to try a pastrami sandwich that had probably been prepped an hour+ prior. No mustard on my sandwich—idk if it comes plain or if the person who ordered omitted it. Nonetheless, I’d love to go there physically for a proper meal.

Futuro - popular new(?) Detroit-style pizza spot. It’s not exactly a ringing endorsement that one of Indy’s best restaurants is inspired by a bordering state. I enjoyed it albeit it wasn’t super fresh. Hardly a must but it’s good stuff.

Mug N Bun - apparently this is a drive-in?! Another place that was picked up and I ate some while later, which had a huge affect on the Indiana famous pork tenderloin sandwich. I’d love to try one fresh. Next time. They also brew their own root beer apparently, so they’re cool in my book.

Long’s Bakery - some of the best donuts I’ve ever had. I can only imagine how high the ceiling is if they’re hot and fresh… Nonetheless, this is a must for anyone in Indy.

Pots & Pans Pie Co. - Sugar Cream Pie aka Hoosier Pie is also super famous in Indiana. Not my cup of tea. It’s so insanely dense but the flavor doesn’t ladder up. I’d be open to trying it again from somewhere else next time I’m back in town, but no loss if not.

It’s not often that I get to make content with both of my brothers, especially food content. Grateful for the chance to do so…

Drink
I normally try to visit a range of bars when in a new city. I love a cocktail bar, I yearn for a dive bar, and I feel unbelievably comfortable in a sports bar. This was almost entirely a sports bar-filled weekend, which I suppose is fair given the reason for the trip.

Sam’s Silver Circle - love it so much. Floor to ceiling, wall to wall, covered in flags, license plates, picture frames, and anything else that could be affixed to a flat surface. Open till 3am, karaoke on Fridays, but it’s the kind of place that seems to do whatever it wants. Such a cool spot.

Dugout Bar - it’s three bars in one: there’s a dive bar (my personal favorite) where an old school Coors bottle and a Surfside cost $10 total, a more modern liquor store-looking bar, and then a bigger bar in a room suited for live performances and that opens to the outdoor picnic table patio. My brothers hosted a live podcast out there—big ups to them and shouts to the Dugout Bar team for helping to arrange it all.

Kilroy’s - never in my life have I seen a shots menu like this. Not sure if I hate it or respect it more. But nonetheless, it’s memorable. Nothing else about the place is remarkable in any way.

Brother’s Bar - hard to evaluate considering I went 2 hours before Final Four tip off so the place was mobbed beyond mobbed. But I kinda liked it? Simple, lively, no complaints if I had a spot at which I could post up.

O’Reilly’s - what self respecting Irish pub serves Guinness in a plastic cup? Shameful. I’d never go back on principle alone.

Coffee
Amberson Coffee & Grocer - looks like a gas station, probably was in a former life, makes an incredible coffee, AND serves the to-go coffees in mason jars and sealed cans. Worth the splurge IMO.

Commissary Barber & Barista - a sparkling water sidecar with my cortado? Sign me tf up. Also, this is not your typical coffee shop—they’ve got specialty roasts and single origin pours. High level coffee shop. Big fan.

Tinker Coffee - solid. I do like that they sell “Tinker Tarts” aka homemade poptarts. Couldn’t not get one.

Parlor Public House - vibe and a half! The place is massive and was jam packed on a Monday at noon. I’d gladly pop my headphones on, sip on a coffee, and people watch for hours. Pretty sure they do cocktails later in the day too?

Stadium
I was determined to make Lucas Oil Stadium x Final Four happen for my Stadium Food Tour. I booked my travel with no plans, but at the eleventh hour I pulled it off. I typically like to have these well planned and organized but that was not in the cards this time given how major of an event the Final Four is. Nonetheless, your boy pulled it off. Video coming soon.

And I definitely want to get back to Lucas Oil Stadium for a Colts game as it’s my understanding that they go even harder with the concessions. But some of my favorites during Final Four weekend were Ben’s Jumbo Pretzels, Past vs. Present Nachos, and the classic, no frills Corn Dog.

I’m proud of how many different places I was able to try during my 5 days in Indianapolis. If you ever find yourself out there, know that there are plenty of strong options. I’m not saying it’s a destination for foodies, but I’ve given you a few recos and with a little research, you’ll be pleased with what’s to offer.