One meal in Indianapolis

We will be passing through Indianapolis on a road trip this summer. Our plan to arrive in the city is mid-day and would like to find a cool place for lunch and a little taste of the city. Any recommendations? I would prefer not to end up at a chain. Thanks

One meal in Indianapolis

If it were me and I only had a few hours, I%26#39;d go to the area by the canal and eat at one of the museum cafes for atmosphere. It%26#39;s not that hard to get to from Interstate 70.

The canal area gives you a great view of the city, and there%26#39;s usually something going on. I like the food at the Eiteljorg museum cafe for something a little unusual, and you get to walk through an interesting building to get there. (You can sometimes find free parking, but if you have to go to the parking garage, have your ticket stamped by the restaurant and you won%26#39;t have to pay for parking.)

Next door in a very different interesting building, the Indiana State museum has two places to eat. The Tea Room and more of a snack/lunch place (where the sandwhiches often come in Saran Wrap), but I really like the atmosphere on the patio. You can watch people on the canal and watch the steam clock. (The Tea Room has no view so I%26#39;ve only been there once.) Walk through the lobby and stop at the two story gift shop for unique Indiana items.

Sad to say, I don%26#39;t think I%26#39;ve ever stepped inside it, but I think there%26#39;s also a visitor%26#39;s center right by the above ground parking lot, so you can pick up brochures and things. You can walk by outdoor sculptures and people on surrey bikes to get to the zoo and conservatory. (Parking at the zoo would cost money, so you might as well park where it would be free for you.)

http://www.in.gov/whiteriver/

If you have more time, you%26#39;re not very far from downtown. The circle is always a great place to see too.

Here%26#39;s a great site for information. Be sure to watch the Jon McLaughlin video. You%26#39;ll get a nice overview of the city, and several of the scenes are by the canal.

www.indy.org

Have a wonderful trip!

Lily

One meal in Indianapolis

Any number of places along Massachusetts Ave. in the northeast part of downtown, easily accessible from 1-65 or I-70 and all locally owned: Bazbeaux Pizza (pizza, obviously, inexpensive, outdoor seating), Yatz (Cajun fast-food, cheap, outdoor seating), Aesop%26#39;s Tables (Mediterrean - gyros,, pasta, outdoor seating, moderate price), Agio (Italian, outdoor seating, more expensive), Chatham Tap (sandwiches, bar food, inexpensive, outdoor seating), Scholars Inn (most expensive of the lot, not sure if they still have outdoor seating following their renovation).

Also accessible from the interstate is Shapiro%26#39;s Deli on S. Meridian, sadwiches (great reubens), potato pancakes, and daily meal specials. Good but not cheap (considering its a deli), plan on $10-15 per person. It%26#39;s a cafeteria style place and desserts are first in the line, so you usually end up spending more than you figure.