If the Crossroads of America is where you are meeting up with your date for a bite to eat, you’re in good company. Indianapolis, Indiana, is one of the largest cities in the Midwest and is home to many universities and of course, the Indy 500.
It’s a great place to visit, live, and date… whether you’re here long-term or just for a night out. If it’s food you and your date are after, check out our top restaurants to take a date in Indianapolis:
Tinker Street
402 E 16th St
tinkerstreetindy.com
For an added bit of fun, this restaurant offers many menu options as Share Plates, with dishes such as oysters, salmon tartare, and more. (The menu changes seasonlly so be sure to check the current menu on the website.) For dinner try the Tinker Burger, sirloin, and even fried pickles. And if their dessert menu doesn’t tempt you, we don’t know what will! Tinker Street is for those 21 and over only. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Livery
720 N College Ave
www.livery-restaurant.com
This Latin American joint is fun and spicy, perfect for a first date. Check out the menu, which includes Yucca fries, ceviche, gazpacho, and an array of empanadas. When you’re done with dinner, you and your date can share some tres leches cake or one of their homemade ice creams (or both!).
Festiva
1217 East 16th St
www.festivaindy.com
If you love Mexican food, but want something a little out of the ordinary (and perhaps have a dietary requirement such as gluten free), try Festiva. Of course it has carne asada and pozole, but it also has braised ribs and tinga. We’re certain your date will be impressed.
The Eagle
310 Massachusetts Ave
theeagleotr.com
If you’re looking for soul food, drinks, and some good music, pick up your date and head to The Eagle. It’s famous in Indy and for good reason. Cage free chickens cooked to breaded, fried perfection? Yes, please. Also all the sides you’d expect to go with fried chicken, made in house every day. It just feels good all the way around.
Black Market
922 Massachusetts Ave
blackmarketindy.net
Sometimes you just feel like brunch. You can always do dinner, but if your date is up for brunch, definitely check out this place. Charred corn on the cob, curried lamb meatballs, pork ribs, sweet potato salad, plantains… you probably won’t be able to narrow down your choice, so strike a deal with your date and get different dishes so you can share and experience the best of all the foods.
Rook
501 Virginia Ave, Ste 101
www.rookindy.com
This Asian fusion restaurant definitely exceeds expectations. The menu is divided by small, medium, or large plates, bowls, or for the table. Inspired by street food, but with a contemporary twist, you and your date might want to make a second date just to come back for more ramen, octopus, kare kare dumplings, and much more.
Pioneer
1110 Shelby St
www.pioneerindy.com
I little bit of American and a little bit of Italian is one of the best combinations. Here they offer many meats and cheeses along with some mouth-watering dishes like beer-brined chicken and spaghetti pomadoro. This is also another great brunch destination with eggs bennedict, crespelle, and much more.
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