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SE P TE M B ER 2 0 26

$ 5. 9 5

Best Restaurants

NAVARRA & VENETIAN MEDALLIONS

09 2026 ON THE COVER

INDY’S 25 BEST RESTAURANTS

HOME OF THE MONTH

This year’s list salutes newcomers alongside beloved institutions, as well as a handful of dedicated souls who work behind the scenes to promote and support a vibrant local food culture.

With decades of combined design experience, a Fishers couple tailors their home with dramatic, high-impact finishes and furnishings that perfectly enmesh their individual tastes and styles.

BY J U L I A S PA L DI NG A N D T E R RY K I RT S

BY J E A NA H A R R I S

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GREYHUNT INTERIORS

Photo by Tony Valainis

Gold accents punctuate a powerful kitchen makeover.

Trust. Experience. Results.

Selling Indy’s Finest Homes

With over two decades of experience and more than $700 million sold, Mary Wernke is known for her strategic insight, market intuition, and reﬁned approach to real estate. Her clients beneﬁt from expert negotiation, thoughtful guidance, and a design-forward perspective that elevates every home. As a trusted leader in Indianapolis luxury real estate, Mary and her team deliver exceptional service grounded in integrity and professionalism.

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Each Oﬃce is Independently Owned and Operated.

09 2026

ISSUE 1

SPEED READ

WANTED

SWOON

Despite key loopholes, Indiana maintains its laws restricting marijuana use.

Teatime takes on a stylish new profile with this goldtone hobnail pot from The Museum & Garden Shop at Newfields.

Tuna crudo with chile oil, avocado mousse, and crispy wasabi wontons tantalizes at Carmel steakhouse Charred.

THE HOOSIERIST

Our Indiana expert digs up the dirt on manmade lakes.

SHOP TALK

ARTIFACT

Happiness abounds at Lapis Lily Market, a new trinket boutique in The Stutz.

A box of Kurt Vonnegut’s early rejection letters belies the Hoosier author’s acclaim.

MY LOOK

ASK ME ANYTHING

Former Fever standout Tamika Catchings teases her future moves as a sports ambassador and advocate.

Carmel City Center marketing director Jimia Smith blends stacked jewelry with wide-leg denim to showcase her creative style.

BODY+SOUL

MILESTONE

The Speedrome’s World Figure 8 Championship squeals into its 50th running.

The Circle City School of Burlesque develops dance skills and stage presence, as well as self-confidence.

FIRST BITE

Iozzo’s Garden of Italy sprouts a new all-day cafe offshoot on South Meridian Street, a roundup of Hawaiian platters offers a lunchtime getaway to the tropics, and the owner of Cholita Mexican Cantina serves up fresh advice on seasonal meal planning.

FOODIE

Lille Bønne Community Living Room creator Abby Reckard honors the Danish heritage of a former church in Fletcher Place.

TRAVELER

TASTE TEST

Five can’t-miss events in Indy this month.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, wins the prize for its annual art and culture festival.

A host of affogatos with accompaniments like biscotti and liqueur provide a creamy, Italian-style pick-me-up.

BEST BETS

89 4

T H E DI S H

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

104

RESTAURANT GUIDE

BACK STORY

A tour of the city’s best eats, from fine dining to favorite dives.

Longtime automotive icon Mr. Bendo goes in for a tuneup following a hit-and-run.

AMA PHOTO BY JAY GOLDZ; BACK STORY PHOTO COURTESY ALAMY; ALL OTHERS BY TONY VALAINIS

G O OD L I F E

C I RC L E C I T Y

VOLUME 50

2026 Evening of Light

FEATURING: JOHN QUIÑONES Award-winning journalist, author, creator, and host of the hiddencamera television program What Would You Do?

9 Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026; 6-9 PM 9 The Club at Holliday Farms 9 Zionsville, IN 9 Dinner, Awards & More

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E DI T OR’S NO T E

Role Call

Table Talk T H IS Y EAR, I made a nonspecific goal to dine out more often so I can stay better connected to friends while supporting the local economy. I didn’t set any metrics for the number of restaurants or the frequency, and I’m not tracking my results, but my intention to pencil in more brunches, lunches, dinners, and coffee chats on my calendar has led me to several spots on our Best Restaurants list (p. 44). Eateries like Macizo, Daisy Bar, Corridor, and Borage have provided apt backdrops and sustenance Andrea Ratcliff for creative brainstorming conversations with Editor-in-Chief colleagues and industry connections, with inspired dishes right at the center of these collaborations. In the evenings, I’ve begun to settle into a groove of regular dinner meetups with two or three friends—a tiny supper club of sorts. We catch up approximately monthly, swapping personal updates while sharing bites and sips from a table covered in all the menu items that struck our fancy, from crab puffs at Bodhi to escargot at Freeland’s. At the end of each meal, we start planning the next one, selecting from a long list of worthy candidates. This month’s cover feature gives us a full roster of 25-plus standout establishments, as well as a date to sample their dishes at Indianapolis Monthly’s Best Restaurants event Monday, September 28, at Factory Arts District. It’s a golden opportunity to eat, drink, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends and fellow foodies. To learn more about the event and purchase tickets, visit indianapolismonthly.com/bestrestaurants. Bon appétit!

WHILE PEEKING BEHIND THE CURTAIN OF THE CIRCLE CITY SCHOOL OF BURLESQUE (P.32), WE ASKED THE IM STAFF TO UNVEIL THEIR BEST STAGE NAMES.

“I’d go with Medusa Midnight, and my act would involve a lot of snake arms and prolonged eye contact with individual audience members just to be weird and creepy.” —Camille Graves, arts and culture editor

“I thought of the game where you come up with your stripper name by using your ﬁrst pet’s name and the ﬁrst street you ever lived on. Mine would be Licorice Waterworks.” —Missy Beiting, operations director

“I’ll go with Meowly Cyrus because I’m a weird cat lady. Or Kitty Litteur?”

( CONTRIBUTORS )

—Jennifer Burnham, managing editor

“Marbeth Bethgo” —Margo Wininger, design director

Sarah Ellis

Terry Kirts

Tony Valainis

Indianapolis Monthly associate art director Sarah Ellis is a new addition to the art team. When she’s not designing these pages, you can find her playing pickleball with her niece and nephew, cuddling NICU babies at a local hospital, or making ice cream in her Ninja Creami. She was tempted by the affogato at Foundry Provisions (p. 42) but has never tried coffee before.

It’s been a tumultuous year for local restaurants, with closings of local favorites like Cafe Babette and Root & Bone, but Indianapolis Monthly dining critic Terry Kirts, who’s been sizing up Indy’s culinary scene for nearly two decades, takes heart that old and new spots alike made this year’s Best Restaurants list (p. 44), offering up tasty Latin fusion, French, steaks, and world-renowned brunch.

After 35 years with Indianapolis Monthly, there’s not much awardwinning photographer Tony Valainis hasn’t seen and photographed for the magazine. From Gen Con, to festivals and sporting events, to the delicious dishes featured in IM’s Best Restaurants issue (p. 44), Valainis offers a distinctive perspective of Indy that gives readers a view of the city inside and out.

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

“Before I decided on Crystal Claire, I was toying with the name Talulah Trec, an homage to the French painter/ illustrator Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec who famously hung out at the Moulin Rouge and drew cancan dancers.” —Christiana Bertsch, advertising art director

“All I have to offer is Kitten Velour, a longstanding family joke.” —Christina Vercelletto, lifestyle editor

PUBLISHER Ivy Bayer

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrea Ratcliff EXECUTIVE EDITOR Julia Spalding MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Burnham LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Christina Vercelletto ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR

Camille Graves DIGITAL EDITOR Clay Maxfield

Art | production DESIGN DIRECTOR

Margo Wininger PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Vu Luong ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR

Christiana Bertsch ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Sarah Ellis Advertising | Business SALES DIRECTOR Holly Whitney ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

R E P R A H S OLS TO OUR Y R FO ONEY M

Sarah Anderton, Jena Jennings, Rachel Widenhofer OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Missy Beiting LEAD DIGITAL STRATEGIST

Brianna Connock Wayman Events VICE PRESIDENT OF EVENTS AND SPONSORSHIP SALES

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Abby Broderick EVENTS ASSISTANT

Charlie Jaeb PUBLISHED BY

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DIGITAL lakecitybank.com Terms, conditions and fees may apply to using products or services available within Lake City Bank Digital. SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

SEPTEMBER

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS IN THIS ISSUE

IN THE NEXT ISSUE ...

SCHOOL PROFILES:

69 // CANCER CARE We talked with area physicians to discover how a combination of early detection through screenings and genetic testing, personalized therapies and protocols, and multidisciplinary medical support have reduced rates of cancer mortality and improved patient outcomes.

79 // FALL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

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Choosing the right school begins at the front door. With open house season fast approaching, school administrators share advice to help parents get the most value out of campus tours, Q&As, and information sessions to learn about each site’s mission, academic offerings, athletics and extracurricular opportunities, and day-to-day culture.

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Weigh your child’s education options from pre-K through high school with this guide to local schools that includes stats about enrollment, tuition, graduation rates, student-faculty ratios, and more.

TR AVEL: Drink in the best craft beverages and cozy nightlife environments the Midwest has to offer with this guide to breweries, distilleries, and speakeasies throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

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ASK T H E HO OSI E RIST . . . 16

09 2026

UNSP OKE N RULES . . . . . . . . 16

C I RC L E C I T Y

ARTIFACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 ASK M E ANY T H I NG . . . . . . 20 MILESTONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 BEST BETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

SPEED READ

A Long, Strange Trip

If Indiana feels a bit out of step with the rest of the country on marijuana decriminalization, it’s because it deﬁnitely is. Over the past decade, state after state has OK’d cannabis for medical use, recreational use, or both. Indiana has done neither, despite growing support among Hoosiers for an easing of restrictions. Here’s where things stand.

Illustration by T H O M A S H E D G E R

SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

( SPEED READ CON T I NUE D ) INDIANA IS AN ISLAND SURROUNDED BY A SEA OF LEGAL WEED. We’re one of

just a handful of states that not only prohibits recreational marijuana use, but also lacks a comprehensive medical marijuana program. Meanwhile, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio all permit recreational and medical cannabis sales to adults, and Kentucky recently launched a medical cannabis program. Researchers estimate that 44 percent of Indiana residents live within 50 miles of a licensed dispensary and 96 percent live within 100 miles, meaning legalized wacky tobacky is just a short drive away for most Hoosiers. YET THERE ARE FARMS IN INDIANA THAT GROW CANNABIS. Actually, they grow hemp, a strain of cannabis with very low levels of intoxicating compounds, used in textiles, building materials, and to make CBD, a natural compound used to promote relaxation and relieve pain without causing a high. The state legalized commercial hemp production in 2019, after Congress approved the 2018 Farm Bill, hoping it might become a profitable crop for Indiana farmers. But the acres planted have remained modest. Experts say the industry has long term potential but faces challenges ranging from unstable markets to changing regulations. It doesn’t help that aspiring hemp farmers must get a background check. “They wonder why farmers don’t want to invest in it,” says Justin Swanson, chair of the cannabis practice group at the law firm Bose McKinney & Evans. “Why do they need to give up their fingerprints to the government to grow a crop?” ENTER THE HEMP LOOPHOLE. In many Indiana shops you’ll find products containing delta-8 THC, THCA, and other intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids. And it’s all legal. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress legalized hemp by defining it as cannabis containing no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC, the primary intoxicating ingredient in cannabis. Strains of the plant that produced more than this amount remained illegal under federal law. But manufacturers soon discovered they could extract or chemically convert 14

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

CRITICS ARGUE CONGRESS NEVER INTENDED TO LEGALIZE INTOXICATING CANNABIS PRODUCTS SO BROADLY. compounds from legal hemp into intoxicating cannabinoids. Because these originate from legally defined hemp, they can be sold openly, even though they can produce the same effects as marijuana. This is known as the hemp loophole. Critics argue Congress never intended to legalize intoxicating cannabis products so broadly. An ongoing debate has been sparked in Indiana over whether these products should be regulated more strictly, banned, or left on the market. POLICE ARE STILL MAKING THOUSANDS OF MARIJUANA ARRESTS. Indiana’s marijuana laws remain fully enforceable. According to a 2026 RAND study commissioned by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, Indiana law enforcement agencies recorded more than 13,000 cannabis-related arrests in 2024 alone. More than 90 percent involved possession, but three-quarters of those arrests also included at least one additional non-cannabis criminal charge. Under current Indiana law, possession of marijuana is generally a misdemeanor for a first offense. Repeat offenses, large quantities, and dealing can result in much stiffer penalties. INDIANA HAS QUIETLY CRACKED DOWN ON SMOKABLE HEMP. For several years, some Indiana gas stations and convenience stores openly sold hemp flower and even pre-rolled hemp joints. Thank the aforementioned loophole for those. That market has changed dramatically. According to Swanson, the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission has stepped up enforcement of the state’s prohibition on smokable hemp, issuing citations and making arrests. The crackdown illustrates how cannabisrelated policies continue to evolve, even without broader legalization.

bars and restaurants to Total Wine & More and Fresh Thyme Market. There have been national and local moves to ban the beverages. So far, no dice. PUBLIC OPINION HAS MOVED FASTER THAN THE LAW. Surveys have generally found

that a majority of Hoosiers support legalizing medical marijuana, with support for recreational use also growing. Researchers note that public attitudes have shifted much faster than policy. BUT THE CONVERSATION HAS CHANGED. For years, most Indiana elected officials dismissed legalization out of hand. But recently, Governor Mike Braun has acknowledged that the state’s position deserves another look. What’s inspired this change of heart? Perhaps money. RAND estimates that a regulated recreational marijuana market could eventually generate $180 million a year in state tax revenue. But the researchers caution that it won’t be pure profit. Building a regulatory system, licensing businesses, enforcing safety standards, and overseeing the market would carry significant costs. Braun, for his part, has pointed out that a steady stream of Hoosiers already cross state lines to purchase cannabis legally. His willingness to publicly discuss a change in policy marks a noticeable shift in tone. JUST DON’T EXPECT LEGALIZATION TOMORROW. OR THE DAY AFTER. Recent

legislative sessions featured bills to legalize medical marijuana, decriminalize possession of small amounts of grass, or study broader legislation, but none made it into law. Much of the General Assembly’s recent attention was spent on regulating hemp-derived THC products rather than legalizing marijuana itself. LEGALIZATION ISN’T NECESSARILY FOREVER.

DRINKABLE HEMP, HOWEVER, IS HAVING A MOMENT. FOR NOW, AT LEAST. Again, courtesy of the loophole, liquid THC is extracted from the low-grade “industrial” cannabis to become the active ingredient in the wave of canned THC cocktails. Available from brands such as Keef, Gigli, and Floral (located in Gas City), they’re sold everywhere from

Massachusetts approved recreational cannabis in 2016, but this November, voters will decide whether to repeal that law. If they do, Massachusetts would become the first state to reverse such a law, a reminder that cannabis policy remains a moving target even in states where the issue appears settled. — S A M S TA L L

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Water Works

Q: WHY DO APARTMENT AND OFFICE COMPLEXES ALWAYS HAVE MINI LAKES? A: Two words: flood control. When it rains in a natural environment, the water is absorbed into the ground or into wetland vegetation or trickles off to the nearest stream. But in, say, an office park or condo complex, much of the ground is covered with parking lots and buildings. This, of course, greatly increases the chance that the property will flood during storms. So Indiana requires builders to mitigate this effect somehow. The easiest, cheapest, and, usually, most eye-pleasing way to do that is with ponds, strategically dug to catch runoff. Keep the shoreline mowed and set up a couple of picnic tables, and you can even market them as an amenity. Provided they aren’t overrun by Canada geese, that is. — S A M S TA L L

THE STATE STAT

552

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

severe thunderstorm warnings in Indiana in 2025.

Go early on weekends. Parking fills fast. Plan to linger. Besides multiple eateries and a central bar, there are indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, volleyball courts, and seasonal activities. Check hours before you head over. Restaurant hours differ from each other and the bar. Come with a group. Everyone can order from a different eatery, accommodating different tastes. Check the upper-level space or patios for seats if the main dining area is packed. Use the QR codes at tables to order and pay from your seat. You’ll get a text when your food is ready, and you won’t have to stand in multiple lines.

Our state also heard tornado sirens go off 120 times, the most since 2011.

ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN JOHNSON; PHOTO COURTESY WESTFIELD COLLECTIVE

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ARTIFACT

Kurt Vonnegut’s Rejection Letter Box VINTAGE: LATE 1940 S

REJECTION IS PART of life for everyone, even those who reach the pinnacle of success in their fields. The proof: this box used by Kurt Vonnegut to store rejection letters. (The box originally held bonbons from West’s Fine Candies, an erstwhile confectioner that stood at 2923 Central Ave.) Kurt’s daughter, Edie Vonnegut, identified handwriting in pencil to the right of the logo as her father’s and the words in ink, visible here, as her mom’s, Kurt’s first wife Jane (Cox) Vonnegut. The letters it held, now stored separately for safekeeping, were primarily from between 1948 and 1954. An array of high-profile publishers returned Kurt’s manuscripts, including The Saturday Evening Post, The Atlantic Monthly, Good Housekeeping, Collier’s, Harper’s Magazine, and Cosmopolitan (then a literary publication). “We have 16 here. The Lilly Library in Bloomington would have more. And, of course, there could have been any number Kurt tossed,” says Christopher Lafave, curator of the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library. How discouraged Kurt felt, if at all, by these early rebuffs is pure speculation. — C H R I S T I NA V E R C E L L E T T O

MONTH 2022 2026 IM | SEPTEMBER

PHOTO BY TONY VALAINIS

Resides at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library

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It’s always been the people. I was hurt my rookie year, so I got involved in the community. They’ve always welcomed and supported me here. My family is here; the organization is here; Catch the Stars Foundation and Tea’s Me [which recently shifted focus to amplifying its university model and bottled tea line] are here. I love what we’ve built.

Tamika Catchings, sports ambassador WHETHER AS A KEY PLAYER IN THE 2012 WNBA CHAMPIONSHIP, FOUNDER OF THE CATCH THE STARS FOUNDATION SUPPORTING YOUTH LITERACY AND FITNESS, OR OWNER OF TEA’S ME CAFE, THE HALL OF FAMER HAS BEEN PART OF THE FABRIC OF INDIANAPOLIS. NOW, AS PACERS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AMBASSADOR, HER IMPACT ON THE CITY CONTINUES. B Y C L AY M A X F I E L D Can you share your feelings on becoming the Pacers Sports & Entertainment ambassador and being back in the limelight in an official capacity? One of the blessings that I’ve had after retiring is I became the director of player programs and franchise development. I spent time with the Fever, the Pacers, and the Mad Ants and became full-time underneath the Fever from 2019 to 2022. I was able to work with all our entities, represent 20

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

each brand, be a part of the business partnership. … I’m fortunate to be a part of this community. That’s what my life has been about, and I wanted to continue focusing on that and continuing to show how basketball unites people.

You were born in New Jersey and moved around a lot as a kid, but since you retired from pro basketball, you’ve called Indiana home. What made you stay?

You’ve won a championship. You’re an Olympic gold medalist. You’re a Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer. When you’re formally introduced, which do you like mentioned? The thing that I’m most proud of is our foundation, being able to impact as many youths as we have. We serve over 1,500 kids a year. We’ve given out over $1 million in scholarships since 2001. … So when someone introduces me, I would like it to be about that. Many of those kids we serve don’t even know I played basketball. But if I had to look at winning and accolades, they’re all amazing. With the Olympics, you’ve got the best in the world on one team; you’re expected to win. So I would go with our 2012 championship, because no one expected us to win. We had injuries impact our best shooters, and so then it was next man up.

PHOTO BY JAY GOLDZ

ASK ME ANYTHING

Last season, the Fever and the Pacers both came a game short of making history. As someone who made it to the ﬁnals three times in your career and brought a title to Indy, describe how hard it is to make deep runs like that. They’re all unique in so many ways. For us, we got to the WNBA Finals in 2009, and our nemesis was the Detroit Shock. We lost to them three years straight, and we knew if we could beat them, anything could happen. After that, it took us three years until we were able to win a championship. It’s hard to get there, but when you do, it’s about every moment that goes into it. In 2012, we had the opportunity to come back before our finals game against Minnesota or travel immediately there. We went straight there, and in that four-day layover, that team bonding and talking about what it takes to win were crucial. Nobody expected us to get there, and that’s the beauty of the Pacers’ and Fever’s recent runs. No one expected them to get that far.

We showed the true characteristics of team basketball.

Your coaches had a lot of inﬂuence on you, especially University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers coach Pat Summitt. When I think of Pat and her influence on my life, it’s about living every moment and going 100 percent. Those who know me know the way I played is the way I do business. It’s the person I am. Every single situation, I’ll be 100 percent there. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned since you retired? The value of community and showing up. In this world, we’ve become so money-driven that it feels like we’ve lost touch with the things that matter. With basketball, I basically got paid to go to gym class every single day. Now on this side of the game, I’ve learned how much work goes into all of this. As a player, you don’t think about all the things that go into the business side. For example, the first time I did an expense sheet was interesting, but it’s cool to look back on the last 10 years and see how much I’ve grown.

Being a television announcer and general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the Fever, you learn so much. One role that served me, but that I was hesitant to accept, was as a part of the committee that picked the USA Basketball U16 Team. That taught me how to put together a draft board, evaluate talent, and create a team.

Has commentating and working with Team USA and the Fever given you any new perspectives? It’s a running joke! I say if I watched as much film then as I do now, who knows how good I could have been? What stands out to you in terms of how the game is played differently now? It’s the talent and the opportunities. The WNBA is going into its 30th year. The young players now watch the game, meet the pro players, dream about it. They’re starting younger in every facet. You have an opportunity to show them that the only difference with the WNBA is the gender. There are so many opportunities available now when you look at girls’ sports, and the growth has been exciting to watch.

What do you think you and others have passed down to the league today? Every player wouldn’t have had the opportunity without Title IX. And each brought something unique. I was watching comparisons of Caitlin Clark’s game to Diana Taurasi’s knowing that Maya Moore is Caitlin’s favorite player. You see moves and traits. Aliyah Boston had A’ja Wilson to practice against in college and now faces her in the league. It’s cool to see the WNBA and NBA come together in the fabric of the game. You and others laid the foundation for the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) the WNBA signed this past offseason. How do you feel about being a part of something so monumental? This is going to go in the history books. When you see comparisons of the CBA from then until now, it’s night and day. Before, it was comparing what the NBA had and what the WNBA needed. Now, in the last two CBAs, it’s transitioned into what do we need as women? Family planning, having an extra room for nannies during road trips ... there’s so much more involvement around families and our sport.

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ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

APR 4 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

JAN 28 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM OVER AND OUT A FAREWELL TOUR MAR 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM LIVE AND LET DIE: THE MUSIC JAN 30 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

MAVIS STAPLES OCT 8 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM NOV 12 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM FEB 5 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS: INDIGO PARK TOUR

LESLIE ODOM, JR.

AN EVENING WITH BERNADETTE PETERS

NOV 13 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE MONTEVERDI CHOIR AND ORCHESTRAS PERFORM BACH’S ST MATTHEW PASSION WITH MASAAKI SUZUKI

OCT 11 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM PUNCH BROTHERS THE WAR AND TREATY NOV 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM OCT 13 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND:

FEB 14 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

OCT 16 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS WITH CONRAD TAO

MARCUS MILLER

INVINCIBLE: A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON

LEDBETTER HEIGHTS 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

FEB 26 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DANIEL EMMET: THIS THING CALLED LOVE

LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS TOUR 2026

MAR 5 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

NOV 21 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE MUSIC OF THE BEACH BOYS FEATURING PET SOUNDS LIVE MICHAEL FEINSTEIN IN COMING OCT 20 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM HOME: THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION MAR 5 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON DEC 4 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM JOHN MALKOVICH BLKBOK AND THE VIENNA OCT 29 AT 7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS: ACADEMY ORCHESTRA: RYAN AHLWARDT: CRYING IN THE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS DEC 11 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN CANYON RELEASE PARTY MAR 18 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM OCT 30 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS KRUGER BROTHERS THE FOUR PHANTOMS IN CONCERT CHRISTMAS TOUR OCT 17 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

HASTA LA MUERTE

NOV 5 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DEC 3 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DEC 12 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

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MAR 20 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRAVITY

STRAY CATS’ LEE ROCKER

BEN FOLDS

ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL

APR 8 AT 7:30PM| PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

YASMIN WILLIAMS

APR 11 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

THE BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTET REIMAGINES DAVE DIGS DISNEY

APR 25 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

TAIKOPROJECT

APR 28 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN

ALAN CUMMING

APR 29 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BEN FOLDS WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

MAY 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AND MORE! OVER 70 EVENTS!

SEASON SPONSOR

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DIONNE WARWICK Activities are made possible in part by Noblesville Creates, a regional partner, Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

( MILESTONE )

Hot Wheels THE TINY INDIANAPOLIS SPEEDROME HOSTS THE 50TH RUNNING OF THE WORLD FIGURE 8 CHAMPIONSHIP.

T H E I NDIANAP OLIS Motor Speedway may have the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, but race fans (and also crash fans) from around the state and country will descend on the east side’s Indianapolis Speedrome on Saturday, September 12, for the 50th annual World Figure 8 Championship. Figure 8 racing offers just what the name implies: a racecourse shaped like an “8” that forces drivers to cut in front of each other twice every lap. That creates, as one would expect, a contest that serves up more T-bones than St. Elmo Steak House. That will be especially true during this golden anniversary competition, which lasts for three hours. “We’re excited for it,” says Jackson Mears, the Speedrome’s director of sponsorships and community engagement (and a distant relative of Indy 500 champ Rick Mears). “It’s a lot of labor and a lot of cleanup after the event, but it’s worth it to see the joy and the smiles on everybody’s faces.” No doubt the happiest soul on race day will be the driver who snags first place and earns $50,000 in prize mon-

ey. Which, for this relatively obscure racing subspecialty, is an absolutely massive payday. The Speedrome is the sport’s unofficial mecca. The 1/5-mile racecourse opened at 802 S. Kitley Ave. in 1941 on a swath of blacktop roughly the size of a Denny’s parking lot (the staff refers to it as “the bull ring”). In the late 1940s, the track started hosting figure 8 events, making it arguably the first track to force drivers to cross paths instead of being able to avoid each other via an overpass. The first championship took place in 1977. While Mears is “99.9 percent sure” that no championship competitor has ever died on the track, there are dozens (and dozens) of collisions during this grueling test of participants’ reflexes, physical endurance, and peripheral vision. Interestingly, if one of the starters is knocked out of the race or has to tag

The Speedrome track lives up to its reputation as The World’s Most Dangerous Intersection, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Above: Jeffrey Shackelford is ready to rumble in the No. 28 Outlaw Figure 8 car. 22

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

out for a lap or two for repairs, a replacement car is pulled from a pool of eager standbys. When and if the first driver returns to the race, the replacement doesn’t have to stop. That unique rule is why last year’s race started with 28 drivers and ended with 36. “It’s the only automotive race in America, and probably the world, where you don’t have to start the race to win it,” Mears says. If this sounds like your kind of night and you want to ... ahem ... crash the party, there’s bad news and good news. The Speedrome’s grandstands are just as small as the track itself; all 1,420 seats available for reservation for the championship are long gone. However, first-come, first-served general admission tickets are sold at the gate. Last year, about 7,500 people squeezed in for the 49th running. “It’s not nearly as many as for the Indianapolis 500, but it’s pretty damn cool to see so many people over here off Brookville and Kitley,” Mears observes. Can’t make it? The Speedrome has racing events from March through October, some even crazier than the Figure 8 Championship. Consider heading down on Saturday, September 19 (just enough time for them to sweep up all the broken glass and cart off the fenders detached during the championship) to take in a full slate of races. Among those are ones specifically for school buses and cars hauling trailers. “The World’s Most Dangerous Intersection,” as the Speedrome track is called, never sleeps.

PHOTOS COURTESY K4 CREATIVE

B Y S A M S TA L L

BEST BETS

PHOTOS COURTESY: (1) JOE SKIBINSKI; (2) ADOBE; (3) TC ELMONT; (4) LAUREN COLBERT; (5) ANTONIO CHAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

THIS MONTH’S CAN’T–MISS EVENTS

(1) Little Stranger

with Tropidelic

September 4 The Hi-Fi Annex, a mainstay outdoor concert venue since the Covid era, will soon pump up the volume in Fountain Square for the last time. Catch a show as the summer wraps up. hifiindy.com 24

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

(2) Unidos 5K Run/Walk

September 12 This race starting at the Indiana War Memorial welcomes walkers and family groups, as well as runners. Celebrate Latino cultural pride and community unity through a healthy activity. chingonlegacy.org

(3) Tim McGraw: Pawn Shop Guitar Tour 2026

September 18 The three-time Grammy Award winner lands at Ruoff Music Center with 49 Winchester. The “Live Like You Were Dying” singer is known for his high stage energy, so it should be quite a show. livenation.com

(4) Circle City Irish

(5) Stepping Out

September 18–19 Holy Rosary Church With Irish bands, fare, and whiskey, this annual fest is always a party. Devin Blankenship teaches Irish Gaelic and talks on why we need to preserve Irish heritage in Indy. circlecityirishfestival.com

September 25 Strut your stuff at the 24th annual event at the JW Marriott. This highfashion happening helps Dress for Success outfit women with professional attire and career coaching. indydfs.org/ stepping-out-in-style

Festival

in Style

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BRAIN BOLT 5K TO SUPPORT

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SHOP TALK......................... 28

09 2026

G O OD L I F E

MY LO OK ............................ 28 B ODY+SOUL ....................... 32 T RAV ELER ......................... 34

WANTED

Steeped in Elegance

Elevate teatime with this black-and-gold, textured hobnail teapot. Equal parts functional and beautiful, the teapot is crafted with cast iron in Japan. It’ll keep about two mugs or three teacups worth of brew warm while pulling double duty as a striking centerpiece for your table or on your tea cart. Every pour will feel like a special occasion, whether you’re sharing time with a friend or just savoring your usual morning routine. $135. The Museum & Garden Shop at Newﬁelds, 4000 Michigan Rd. — C H R I S T I NA V E R C E L L E T T O

P h o t o b y T O N Y VA L A I N I S

SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

MY LOOK

Lapis Lily Market ADDRESS

1060 N. Capitol Ave., Ste. 4-104 HOU RS

Wed–Fri 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

( SHOP TALK )

Tiny Treasures

Jimia Smith

marketing director

FOR THIS STUTZ BOUTIQUE OWNER, HAPPINESS IS IN THE LITTLE THINGS. BY A M Y LY N C H home studio or at Lapis Lily Market, she is always busy making trinkets. “I guess I just like to play,” she laughs. “I’m doing it for the 5-year-old inner child in all of us.” A student of fashion design originally from northwestern Indiana, Snyder grew up visiting flea markets with her dad, forever on the lookout for fun stuff—the smaller and cuter the better. She opened a pop-up in a Stutz Building incubator space with support from Ground Floor Indy, a competitive program that gives startups a boost. But she’s been plying her often retro, upcycled bibelots to wholesale clients for nine years now. Lapis Lily Market just relocated to a permanent retail spot across the hall, where Snyder hosts bauble swaps and crafting events every few weeks. Her eclectic, ever-changing inventory may include a framed magnet depicting ghosts on vacation, eyeball-themed earrings and bracelets, or DIY dress-a-rat-plushie kits. (“Rats are in!” insists Snyder. “My rat-themed crafting classes always sell out.”) A take-one, leave-one box by the counter acts as a sort of free little library for tchotchkes. It’s a big hit, says Snyder. “After all, who doesn’t love discovering little surprises?” 28

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

my jewelry! I love a good necklace and wrist stack. It’s my way of showcasing an additional layer of creativity.

FUNDAMENTAL WARDROBE TIPS? Start by curating

scouted (1) Miniature brass insect

ﬁgurines, $8 each (2) You are a Star resin earrings, $22/pair (3) Shrimp hair clip, $10 (4) Silly Goose brooch, $12

staples that you can mix and match—a blazer, tees, tanks, quality denim, great trousers, collared tops. Once you have a solid foundation of pieces, then you can gradually add in the fun items. A good basic top with a statement jean is an easy go-to. And don’t forget the one-and-dones: jumpsuits and dresses. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR HIGH-SCHOOL SELF? Girl, put away the

jeggings! Jeans are still my vibe, but today they’re wideleg, barrel, relaxed. –C.V.

PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS

AM BE R SN YDE R just can’t stop. Whether in her

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL MOST AUTHENTIC? Deﬁnitely

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JEW EL RY D ESIGN ER

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Katherine & Josephine Local designer specializing in antique-inspired ﬁne jewelry

1030 S. Rangeline Rd., Ste. 280, Carmel katherineandjosephine.com katherineandjosephine

Little Tulip Tree A Beaufort Bonnet Company Signature Store oﬀering clothing for babies and children with a reﬁned sense of style 840 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel |

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IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

theonlyfacial.com

Candle shop featuring a custom “pour your own” fragrance experience Locations in Indianapolis, Carmel & Fishers pennandbeech.com | pennandbeech

PHOTO & VIDEO BOOTH EXPERIENCE

Indy Photo Fun A customizable photo and video booth experience to elevate any event indyphotofun.com |

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Chamber Member

SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

School of Tease IN LOCAL BURLESQUE CLASSES, CONFIDENCE TAKES CENTER STAGE. BY D E VO N D E A N

‘learn a little routine’ dance class,” she recalls. Bertsch was immediately hooked. “It was more than a fitness class,” she says. “This means something. My dance has meaning behind it.” The curriculum goes far beyond choreography, De Carlo says. Classes cover the history of the art, storytelling, character development, costume design, and the practical side of producing an act. Burlesque rose to popularity in the United States in the late 19th century, blending striptease with vaudevillestyle entertainment, sometimes as satire. “It started as political,” says Bertsch. “A middle finger to the bourgeoisie and the upper class. It was all to make fun of the aristocracy.” The art form experienced a resurgence in the 1990s. Bertsch says classes provide the positive environment she craved. “When you’re backstage getting ready, they have the rule of ‘no negative self-talk’ because it has a ripple effect,” she says. “It’s unabashed self-positivity, even if you’re nervous.” 713 E. 52nd St., circlecitysb.wixsite.com/ccsb

( C R E AT I V I T Y )

Making Scents Become your own perfumer at Bottleworks. GET A whiff of this. At The Aroma Labs in the Bottleworks District—equal parts sleek boutique and modern science lab—guests get to blend their own signature scents. Staff walk customers through the process, mixing and matching from a palette of more than 40 seasonal, floral, gourmand, citrus, and nature-inspired scents. (Coffee beans are on hand for overwhelmed noses to sniff.) “Cocoa butter cashmere is hot, and sandalwood and vanilla are always popular,” says Indy Aromatender Tate Clapp. “The sweet spot is usually a combination of two to six scents. But some people go crazy and use up to 12.” Once a guest has a formulation exactly the way they want it, the shop can infuse their custom blend into perfumes, candles, linen sprays, body oils—even car air fresheners. The tinkering is free. Reservations are recommended. 850 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 120; thearomalabs.com —A M Y LYNCH

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

GROUP PHOTO BY RACHEL SCHWEBACH

DANCE class used to mean tutus or tap BODY+ shoes. These days, local SOUL options have expanded to include the art of the tease. The Circle City School of Burlesque was the idea of Indianapolis-based burlesque troupe Rocket Doll Revue members. The concept blossomed in 2023 when fitness studio Nexxus Movement invited revue member Desiree De Carlo to teach a burlesque workshop after a few students saw a show and wanted to learn. “Other major cities with thriving burlesque scenes had established schools. So why not us?” recalls De Carlo, who became Circle City’s co-director. After Nexxus was sold, classes moved to their current Broad Ripple home at She Shop Fitness, and the school officially launched last September. For student (and Indianapolis Monthly advertising art director) Christiana “Crystal Claire” Bertsch, the classes became a way to rebuild her confidence after a breakup. “I started with a basic

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Painted Bold GRAND RAPIDS BELONGS ON EVERY ART LOVER’S FALL CALENDAR. BY L O U H A R RY

JUST AB OUT every city has an art fair. But no city has one like Grand Rapids, TRAVELER home of ArtPrize (artprize .org), happening September 18 to October 3. It’s not just special for the $600,000 purse (which Indianapolis’ Anila Agha, a large-scale sculptor, won in 2014) or even for the fact that anyone can enter. What’s most remarkable about it is that the art is everywhere: in business foyers and hotel lobbies, in coffee shops and on street corners, in bars, and, of course, in the city’s abundance of galleries. Last year, the vibrant western Michigan city showed off more than 900 works during ArtPrize. Visitors aren’t only traditional art gallery patrons. You are as likely to see groups of teens and parents pushing strollers as you are art connoisseurs jotting notes. And everyone gets an equal vote. Many entries are displayed downtown on either side of the Grand River, where you’ll

DAY TRIP 34

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

also find the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum (fordlibrarymuseum.gov) filled with the 38th president’s memorabilia, including items from the 1976 Bicentennial he presided over. More ArtPrize projects sit in the southern part of the city, where families with children flock to the Giggles & Gourmets Play Cafe & Bakery (gigglesand gourmets.com) for a romp and a treat. The 158-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (meijergardens.com) is home to the beloved Japanese Garden and worldclass art from Louise Nevelson, Chakaia Booker, Henry Moore, and Auguste Rodin. A magnificent, campus-spanning Dale Chihuly show runs through November 1. Tip: Newfields members can take advantage of a reciprocal admissions program. This summer also saw the grand opening of the Acrisure Amphitheater (acrisure amphitheater.com) downtown. September headliners include John Mulaney, Mumford & Sons, and Billy Idol.

IF YOU GO STAY After a set of

rooftop pickleball at the Amway Grand Plaza (amwaygrand .com), ask for the code to the historic hotel’s secret speakeasy. SHOP Browse the

boutiques on Wealthy and Cherry streets, including Gemini Handmade (gemini handmade.com) for leather goods. DINE Good luck

choosing from the extensive Spaincentric menu at MDRD (amwaygrand.com/ dining/mdrd) while being distracted by the 27th-ﬂoor view.

The INDIANA PAWPAW FESTIVAL happens September 12-13 at Bluff Park in Merom. The free event will have food trucks, live music, activities for kids, and, of course, Indiana banana-based treats. Bring the biggest pawpaw you find in the wild to enter in the contest. The view from the scenic overlook is a bonus. 2008 Second St., Merom, indianapawpawfestival.com – C .V.

JAPANESE GARDEN PHOTO COURTESY FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK; AMPHITHEATER PHOTO BY STEVE J BARAN; DALE CHIHULY PHOTO © 2016 CHIHULY STUDIO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PHOTO BY NATHANIEL WILLSON; DAY TRIP PHOTO COURTESY INDIANA PAWPAW FESTIVAL

4 ¼ hours

# THE ART OF DINING In a city celebrated for its creativity, each meal deserves to be a work of art. Located right off the Monon Trail in the vibrant heart of Carmel's Arts & Design District, Vivante unites seasonal cuisine, carefully selected wines, and artisanal cocktails within an ambiance that is both welcoming and sophisticated.

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N E W I N T O W N . . . . . . . . . . 38

09 2026

R OU N DU P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

T H E DI S H

T H E F E E D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 P I NC H OF W I S D O M . . . . 38 F O OD I E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 TA S T E T E S T . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

SWOON

Surf Report

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHARRED

Charred, a 21-and-over steakhouse that opened over the summer in Carmel City Center, pairs a whiskey program featuring rare and limited-edition bourbons with a menu of rotating cuts sourced from local farmers. But this standout tuna crudo starter arranges sliced ﬁsh with chile oil, avocado mousse, and crispy wasabi wontons, a perfect showcase of the restaurant’s lighter, more playful side. Executive chef Raffaele D’Eusebio, who has a background in running Italian restaurants, says Charred has brought a nice change of pace. “With a steakhouse,” he says, “People are open to new inspirations.” 61 City Center Dr., Carmel, 317-564-4840, charred-indy.com — J U L I A S PA L D I N G

SEPTEMBER MONTH 2022 2026 | IM

PINCH OF WISDOM “Let the market determine what you eat. If you begin with something that’s in season, you’re already off to a good start.” –Greg Howe, owner of Broad Ripple’s recently rebranded Cholita Mexican Cantina

Dolce Deli DOWNTOWN ITALIAN MAINSTAY IOZZO’S ADDS A NEW ALL-DAY CAFE WITH SANDWICHES, BAKERY TREATS, AND A WELL-STOCKED MARKET PANTRY. BY T E R RY K I RT S IOZZO’S GARDE N of Italy owner Katie Harris has operated one of downtown’s most popular Italian spots for more than 17 years, but she has long dreamed of an all-day cafe like the ones she’s lingered in on trips to Tuscany and Sicily. This spring, she finally realized her dream at Pronto by Iozzo’s, a stylish deli counter, aperitif bar, and sweets shop in the Rise on Meridian building opposite her original spot. Breakfast fare and espresso drinks, lunchtime sandwiches on house focaccia, and charcuterie platters paired with well-selected wines and cocktails mean there’s something special whenever you visit. Pastries crafted by baker Kendra Clay (especially the light-as-air, cream-filled brioche maritozzi) will make this your new go-to bakery. A small but vibrant selection of Italian ingredients and readymade dishes is also available. “I wanted my own version of Eataly,” Harris says, “a true Italian experience where you can meet friends for coffee or snacks and stick around for lunch or dinner.” 915 S. Meridian St., 317-974-0711, prontobyiozzos.com

THE FEED

( R O U N DU P )

Plate It Up

Hawaiian plate lunch spots bring comfort food from the Aloha State to Indy. THOSE WHO HAVE visited the Hawaiian Islands are familiar with the popularity—and soulful appeal—of the plate lunch. This humble compartmentalized platter combines a choice of protein with tidy piles of white rice and mayo-based macaroni salad. Indianapolis has recently been invited to the luau with options such as Speedway’s KauKau Hawaiian BBQ, Southport’s L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, and Fishers-based Aloha Hawaiian BBQ, which anchors its plate lunches with combinations of chicken, beef, shrimp, and fried ﬁsh. Hawaiian Bros Island Grill serves up a similar vibe with savory chicken, pork, and vegetables alongside the scoops of carbs. Riding the wave, Mo’Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food plans to open a local spot by year’s end. —A M Y LYNCH

APPLES TO APPLES Ash & Elm Cider Company will close its East Washington Street taproom at the end of this year. Its near-eastside production facility and Carmel restaurant will remain open. GET YOLKED Brunch-focused Egg Republic is now open in Zionsville. VERY SIMULATING The Parkside Bar & Grill has replaced Mash House inside the new Stick & Hack golf and racing sports club in Westfield. —JU LIA S PA LD ING

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

NEW IN TOWN AND PINCH PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS; ROUNDUP PHOTO COURTESY ALL POINTS PR

( N E W I N T OW N )

BâŐıŉǛ śƮŒĊǅ н śŸĊŻâƌĊǅϩ a staple on Massachusetts Avenue since 2012! Ralston’s is a neighborhood sports bar featuring 15 large televisions, 34 draft options, 75+ bottled and canned beers, ciders, and seltzers, and a full pub menu with elevated classics and unique house favorites. With 5 `>ÀÌ L >À`Ã] > Ã Õvy iL >À`] L>À }> iÃ > ` a sizeable, roofed patio, it's a great place for casual dining, a big gameday experience, or a place for community and decompression.

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Thurs: 11am - 12am

Mon - Wed: 11am - 11pm

Fri- Sat: 11am - 1am

635 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis 317.493.1143 | www.ralstonsdraft.house

Space Maker FORMER TECH MARKETER ABBY RECKARD CREATES AN INCLUSIVE SPACE FOR SIPPING AND LINGERING IN A ONETIME DANISH CHURCH. BY T E R RY K I RT S FOR YEARS while she worked in marketing and communiFOODIE cations, Abby Reckard longed to open a European-style cafe where customers could meet friends for a cup of coffee or linger over a refreshing aperitif later in the day. She just didn’t know she’d do it in the hallowed former home of America’s first Danish Lutheran church on McCarty Street, where she launched her radically inclusive “community living room,” Lille Bønne, in June. An avid traveler, Reckard spent a semester in Italy and continued to nurture her idea of a more varied, all-day space like the ones she spent hours in abroad. It wasn’t until 2023, when the mother of two hosted a party for her daughter’s second birthday, that a friend said, “Did you know there’s a church for sale on your street?” Within a week, Reckard had a business plan in hand and applied for a zoning variance.

to Denmark, she’s included a lot of colorful and whimsical Danish touches. Open-faced smørrebrød and Danish mead are signature offerings. And while laptops and business meetups are welcome all day, events such as weekly kids’ music classes, second Sunday Danish-inspired dinners, and yoga classes make the place more than just a coffeehouse or bar.

She loved the big colorful windows, light fixtures, and wooden pews, some of which she kept for seating. When she announced the concept, she never expected so many people with connections to the Holy Rosary neighborhood to contact her with information about the history of the Danish community in Indianapolis. And while Reckard has never been

5 FAVORITE THINGS

for the brief time they’re in season in the spring, they’re so delicate and special.” (3) Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company. “They’ve long been my go-to for Americanos.” (4) Aperitifs and amaris. “Chambéryzette and Cappelletti are my favorites. They’re so refreshing with a pleasing bitter note.” (5) Chicago’s neighborhood restaurants. “My husband and I really enjoy exploring the food scene in Logan Square and Wicker Park.” 40

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2 3

PHOTO BY ANGELA JACKSON

(1) Bluebeard. “The outdoor courtyard makes me feel like I’m in Europe.” (2) Fiddlehead ferns. “If you can get them

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Foundry Provisions

Herron-Morton’s popular java spot demonstrates a traditional affogato technique— dousing a 3-ounce scoop of small-batch ice cream with a Tinker Coffee double espresso to achieve hot/cold perfection. The majority of customers go for vanilla. Dark chocolate and amaretto cherry tie for second. 236 E. 16th St., 317-543-7357

TASTE TEST

Affogato A-Go-Go COFFEE OR ICE CREAM AFTER DINNER? TRANSLATING TO “DROWNED” IN ITALIAN, THE AFFOGATO IS THE ANSWER, MARRYING TWO DISPARATE INGREDIENTS WITH SATISFYING BITTERSWEET RESULTS. B Y A M Y LY N C H

A menu mainstay since 2017, this photogenic affogato pours piping hot Caffè Umbria Italian espresso with a beautiful crema over your choice of house-made gelato. We like the milky stracciatella with thin chocolate ﬂakes. 834 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-740-0113, staccohouse.com

MONTH 2022 2026 IM | SEPTEMBER

9th Street Bistro

Customers pour their own Lavazza espresso over scoops of gelato and fennel-seed biscotti made in-house by pastry chef Ingrid Pickett. Pro tip: Spike the whole thing with a shot of amaro or coffee liqueur. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5065, 9thstbistro.com

Mansion Society

This coffee shop housed in the well-preserved lobby area of the historic Central State Mansion assembles a parfait-style affogato beﬁtting its funky-meets-elegant setting. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is layered with espresso, Biscoff butter syrup, and a Biscoff cookie. 202 Steeples Blvd., 317-737-2560

Goose the Market

Goose staff pulls shots made from freshly ground Bee Coffee Roasters beans to play nice with Villa Dolce gelato. You can’t go wrong with classic vanilla, hazelnut, or pistachio ﬂavors, but don’t sleep on offbeat choices like cookie butter, apple bourbon vanilla, and Sicilian blood orange sorbetto. 2503 N. Delaware St., 317-924-4944, goosethemarket.com

PHOTO BY TONY VALAINIS

Stacco House by Mammamia

Best Restaurants This year’s guide to the places that set the standard for eating well in Indianapolis. Every September, our list of Indy’s top dining spots changes, shifts, and introduces some fun surprises—which is the whole point of our annual Best Restaurants feature. It’s also why we love doing it. Indianapolis never stops cooking and creating. Neither should we. This year’s collection welcomes a fresh batch of newcomers that earned a place alongside so many beloved institutions, as well as a salute to a handful of dedicated people—The Innovators—who work behind the scenes to promote and support a local food culture that is vibrant enough to require an extensive update every year. We hope this list inspires you to add some new restaurants to your rotation and, of course, continue to show your love to some of our city’s well-deserved favorites. By julia spalding and terry kirts

WITH photos by tony valainis

SNAPSHOTS FROM A GREAT YEAR IN DINING

Top row: Beholder, Commission Row, Daisy Bar. Middle row: Late Harvest Kitchen, Milktooth, Okonori. Bottom row: Vida, Corridor, Borage.

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9th Street Bistro Owners Rachel Firestone and chef Samir Mohammad returned from a summer trip to Iceland with fresh inspiration for their cozy Noblesville nook. “We got to visit and tour Hiddenfjord, which is the company that raises the salmon we sometimes serve in the restaurant, and we were completely blown away,” says Firestone, who runs the front of the bistro while husband Mohammad oversees the kitchen. His Icelandic additions—a fish stew inspired by the one they ate in a Faroe Island fish house but enriched with Full Hand Farm carrots, along with salmon seared crispyskinned and served with celery ribbons—fit in nicely with 9th Street’s scratch-kitchen approach to fine dining. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-7745065, 9thstbistro.com

CLOUD NINE

Clockwise from top: cherry almond cheesecake, beef empanada, blackened pork tomahawk, and crispy-skinned salmon.

Beholder

From the moment it launched in 2018, Beholder made itself known as a restaurant for diners willing to put their trust in the imagination of a skilled chef. Speciﬁcally, the imagination of Jonathan Brooks—one of the city’s most celebrated

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creators recognized by Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and the James Beard Foundation. The Beholder menu constantly changes at this alluringly dim space that you would never guess once housed an auto shop on the edge of historic Woodruff Place (though Windsor Park loyalists will rightly remind you it belongs to their neighborhood). One night might bring braised lamb manicotti, another a bright bowl of Ora King donburi, and another scallops with jicama puree, sour orange, asparagus, and mezcal brown butter. You never know! 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com

Bluebeard

Since its debut in 2012, Tom and Ed Battista’s multi-time James Beard Award semifinalist has felt like one of the defining restaurants of Indianapolis, embracing the city’s quirky spirit in every detail. For starters, it takes its name from a novel by native son Kurt Vonnegut, the fiercest defender of Midwestern idiosyncrasies. The decor, a wabi-sabi assemblage of machinery bits, vintage typewriters, old hardback books, and other rustic-industrial knickknacks arranged against exposed brick, gives the place a wonderfully gritty vibe. The farm-to-table menu pulls in Hoosier references that have included heirloom melon and ham with whipped ricotta, grilled carrot salad, Miller Amish chicken and masa dumplings, and a seasonal farmer crudité. And even with its red-hot streak of local hype and national mentions—including inclusion on this year’s USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year list—Bluebeard doesn’t really chase trends. Executive chef Alan Sternberg concentrates on his housemade pastas, seafood skills, and of-the-moment ingredients that keep the menu on a constant swivel. New tasting menus and guest chef takeovers (including July’s Cerulean reunion featuring Esteban Rosas of Julieta Taco Shop and Pete Schmutte of Leviathan Bakehouse cooking alongside their old kitchen mate Sternberg) mean that even Bluebeard’s loyal regulars keep discovering something new. 653 Virginia Ave., 317-686-1580, bluebeardindy.com

Bodhi Even with last year’s welcomed addition of reservations, a table at this bustling little oasis at the top of Mass Ave remains one of Indy’s most sought-after experiences. And for good reasons. The owners have built Bodhi’s menu around traditional dishes alluringly presented alongside clever cocktails that spare no garnish. Green curry fried rice is topped with slices of pork WORTH THE WAIT jowl. A laab ped bowl includes Bodhi’s snug minced Maple Leaf Farms Mass Ave duck. Crunchy papaya salad dining room, gets crowned with a tempurafamily-run crisped soft-shell crab. And the kitchen, and beautiful bar (under new beverage direcplating keep tor Angie Gordon) intoxicates fans coming with seasonal spectacles like a back for more. caipirinha–Mai Tai hybrid that contains cachaça, Thai rum, pistachio orgeat, and passionfruit rock candy. A newly upgraded kitchen allows the restaurant to continue to evolve and introduce even more ambitious dishes, from whole branzino with Three Flavor sauce to steamed chili-basil bao buns. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-941-6595, bodhi-indy.com SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

Commission Row

Steps from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, this glossy downtown showpiece matches all the Pacers and Fever excitement with its handsome high drama. Tall ceilings dotted with glowing orb lights and walls of windows overlooking the streetside action set the scene for dinner. Start with oysters, lobster bisque enriched with sherry cream and tarragon oil, or a towering arrangement of seafood on ice. Then, lean in with Australian wagyu, a dry-aged ribeye, or the 32-ounce tomahawk. Add lobster risotto, creme fraiche mashed potatoes, or French onion mac and cheese—restraint isn’t the point here. After dinner, descend to the lower-level Mel’s Speakeasy, with its ebony-stained walls and glowing stone back bar, for a bone-dry martini in a deep swivel chair. It’s the next best thing to courtside seating. 110 S. Delaware St., 317-550-2500, commissionrow.com

Borage Located in Speedway at the semi-residential corner of 16th Street and Lynhurst Drive, Borage seems almost deliberately off the beaten path—an unlikely landing spot for chefs with the credentials of owners Josh Kline and Zoë Taylor. Their ambitious L-shaped market and restaurant that sits kittycornered to St. Christopher Parish has certainly made this intersection more exciting and interesting—more like a neighborhood. The menu items share some DNA with classic diner fare, but with a clever twist—like a recent Hash Brown Wake Up Stack of potato rösti smothered in bourbon bacon jam and an heirloom tomato mayo sandwich bookended with sourdough Japanese milk bread. Both the all-brisket burger and the spicy chicken sandwich made with fried Becker Farms thigh meat doused in Buffalo sauce and blue cheese practically require a napkin tucked into your collar. Taylor’s cinnamon rolls (which you can watch get scooped out of the pan inside the market side’s fishbowl bakery) are similarly oversized and precariously gooey but well worth sticky hands. As with its botanical namesake, Borage has taken root and made things thrive. 1609 N. Lynhurst Dr., 317-7343958, borageeats.com 48

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GAME CHANGERS

Clockwise from top: a trio of cocktails, Chilean seabass with corn succotash, Colorado lamb chops, and the ﬁlet.

SAVED YOU A SEAT

Chef and co-owner Logan McMahan prepares for one of Corridor’s custom Chef’s Table dinners.

Corridor

Corridor does things on its own terms, and that confidence is part of its charm. Lunch is served only for a few hours each day, while most evenings are reserved for its coveted Chef’s Table experiences. Owned by chefs Erin Kem and Logan McMahan, Corridor explores swaths of the Mediterranean—a falafel sandwich with beet slaw and lemon tahini, a blond puttanesca of capers, tuna and anchovy—while celebrating great local ingredients. Fresh pasta is a cornerstone of the menu, and packaged versions are on offer in the market that fronts the building, along with a heavenscape of imported Italian treats. But the real magic happens around the butcher block Chef’s Table, where diners watch one-off meals come together mere feet away. 1134 E. 54th St., 317257-7374, corridorindy.com

Daisy Bar A year after opening in the Factory Arts District complex, Jon Carlos Rangel’s trendsetting all-day diner already has ardent fans of its deeply golden and crunchy thrice-cooked fries, its Koreaninflected bulgogi chopped cheese kicked up with candied chiles, and its delicate mandu dumplings stuffed with slow-braised birria and bathed in consommé. Equally admired are the bar’s complex pours, such as the refreshing Daisy cocktail and the earthy Windsor Sling, a nod to the restaurant’s Windsor Park neighborhood. Daytime chef Kirk Engledow and dinner toque Andrew Herrin continue to add more vegan and vegetarian items and specials, such as a knockout cauliflower curry and a Margski tofu sando that is a riff on the viral katsu sando. Even if you’re not an eastside local, a visit on First Friday or a short stroll from Mass Ave’s flashier spots will win you over to what Rangel and his team have going on. 1011 Massachusetts Ave., 317-390-4002, daisybarindy.com

Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine Fans of this Latin American gem in Broad Ripple and on Mass Ave may have spent the summer awaiting updates about when a larger location would open. Those who have filled the festive patio at the original since it opened in early 2024 know that wherever Fernando’s brings its caipirinha flights, bowls of guacamole and ceviche, and stunning fajitas and enchiladas, a happy crowd is sure to follow. What earns this fusion restaurant its stars are the homey stews and comforting seafood dishes that challenge more theatrical churrascarias for what Brazilian cuisine really is. Feijoda with fall-apart pork belly will soothe you to the bones, and a fish-and-shrimp moqueca enriched with coconut will have you booking your next flight to Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paolo. 888 Massachusetts Ave., 317-771-6653; 834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779; 6320 Ferguson St., 317-377-4779; fernandosindy.com SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

Freeland’s First-time visitors to restaurateur Tom Main’s ﬁne-dining outpost often mistake it—located inside a stately 185-year-old Carmel mansion—for the neighborhood clubhouse. Its bones are so stately and grand, with tall white columns lining its dramatic front porch. Plus, it sits right next to the North End Apartments swimming pool. But once diners step through the door, they discover one of the north side’s most charming dining rooms. The sister restaurant to Tinker Street shares both a James Beard-nominated owner and the same commitment to fresh local ingredients—just with a slightly more buttoned-up approach. Chef Braedon Kellner’s menu changes constantly, but signature dishes include his shrimp and Jimmy Red Corn grits ﬁnished with brandied bisque and green tomato chow-chow, his escargot vol au vent, and a beautiful heirloom tomato salad when summer produce is at its best. 875 Freeland Wy., Carmel, 317-316-9875, freelandsrestaurant.com

His Place Eatery

Chef-owner James Jones traded a career in radio sales for culinary school and ended up opening (alongside his wife, Shawn) one of Indy’s most beloved soul food restaurants. The original eastside spot, of which he took ownership 17 years ago, set the tone for a signature brand of warm hospitality and chef-caliber comfort food that drifts from golden fried chicken, to rib tips smoked over hickory wood, to classic sides like bourbon creamed corn and collard greens slow cooked with smoked turkey. But Jones is never content to stop with the standards. At the chef’s second His Place Eatery, which took its place among all the quick business lunch options along West 86th Street in July of 2024, Jones continues FROM THE HEART to, as he explains it, “reimagine what soul Dishes like fried chicken wings with food could be.” In this case, that might take red-velvet waffles the form of peach cobbler chicken and wafshow chef James fles, a buffalo catfish po’ boy, a collard green Jones’s love of grilled cheese, or a deconstructed chicken both the classics and innovation. pot pie. 6916 E. 30th St., 317-545-4890; 1411 W. 86th St., 317-790-3406; hisplaceeatery.com 50

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Late Harvest Kitchen

HARVEST OF HITS

Chef Ryan Nelson’s menu includes a boquerones-topped grilled cabbage salad and Icelandic cod with local chanterelles.

Late Harvest Kitchen has spent the last 15 years making casual fine dining look easy. During that impressive run, chef-owner Ryan Nelson got us hooked on craveable dishes like fancy Kennebec Fries doused in bone marrow butter and chicken schnitzel with a beurre blanc upgrade. Nelson was an early adopter of both bacon jam and shaved Brussels sprouts salad (served here under a light snow of parmesan and boiled egg grated through a sieve). The menu is a celebration of the kind of solid technique required to butcher a whole salmon or halibut or consistently deliver a masterful potatoes Minneapolis, which is basically a jumbo hash brown cooked in butter. Nelson doesn’t take all of the credit. “A lot of my guys have been with me for more than 10 years,” he says. “It’s not cliche to say that it’s like family, because when you’re together that long, it kind of is.” 8605 River Crossing Blvd., 317-6638063, lateharvestkitchen.com

Lone Pine Carmel diners may have taken some time and some menu adjustments to cozy up to Josh Mazanowski’s steakhouse-inspired “dining retreat” in the Carmel City Center, but nearly two years into the Beholder partner’s solo enterprise, and the stylish two-story spot seems like it’s been a part of the local dining scene for years. Verdant starters such as dressed-up roasted carrots and the funky “pizza” mushrooms, as well as excellent house focaccia and a bright “Bloody Mary” wedge salad are still mainstays of smaller offerings. But an evolution that jettisoned brunch and added “the happiest hour in all of Carmel” with a knife-and-fork steak au poivre burger, oysters, and truffle fries means snagging a bar or terrace seat is a little trickier these days. And occasional tasting menus with such ingenious dishes as a tuna belly handroll and Alaskan sableﬁsh with compressed watermelon and gazpacho, as well as top-notch wine pairings, means Lone Pine is becoming a foodie destination of its own right outside of the Marion County dining community. 710 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-907-0177, lonepinecarmel.com SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

The Innovators

Great restaurant cities aren’t built by chefs alone. Behind every thriving dining scene are people who champion it, connect diners with discoveries, and create the momentum that keeps it growing. THE INFLUENCER

Amanda Gibson, Amanda in Indy The ﬁrst thing Amanda Gibson does when she sits down to a restaurant meal is order a glass of water. Then, she props her phone against it and presses record. There are no ring lights or crews— just a woman enjoying a meal and inviting thousands of followers to pull up a chair beside her. Better known as Amanda in Indy, Gibson has become one of the city’s most trusted food content creators by doing the opposite of what most inﬂuencers do. “I’m just going in and trying the food,” she says. “If I like it, then I get to post it.” THE NETWORKER

Youssef Boudarine, Epicurean Youssef Boudarine believes the best stories in food are often told by the people no one sees. A pastry chef at Bluebeard and founder of the nonproﬁt Epicurean, he has become one of Indy’s top promoters of the chefs, bakers, and servers who work behind the scenes—especially women and immigrants. Since launching Epicurean in 2024, Boudarine has built a series of collaborative dinners, festivals, and community events that celebrate the people behind the plates. 52

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DINNER PARTY

Clockwise from top: Chef Craig Baker at his home base, Serliana, Cindy Hawkins, Bob Koch, Youssef Boudarine, and Amanda Gibson.

The Innovators THE COMPETITION

Craig Baker and Cindy Hawkins, Team Indiana As president and cofounder of Team Indiana, Cindy Hawkins of Circle City Sweets helps chefs prepare for competitions and represent the state at events such as the World Food Championships. What began in 2015 as an informal effort alongside fellow chef Craig Baker to support a few competitors has grown into a nonproﬁt network of roughly 30 chefs. “You really do want to see that next generation succeed and offer opportunities,” Hawkins says. Beyond competition, Team Indiana mentors culinary students, supports professional development, and is working toward a Hoosier Hospitality House for classes and industry events. THE PROVIDER

Bob Koch, Second Helpings

The Innovators Meet five trailblazers who help Indy’s restaurant community connect and get more exciting with every meal.

When Bob Koch and two fellow chefs founded Second Helpings in 1998, they saw three problems that could solve one another: restaurants and events were wasting good food, Indianapolis residents were going hungry, and local kitchens needed trained workers. Their solution was a nonproﬁt that rescues surplus food from local restaurants, hotels, caterers, and retailers; turns it into meals; and teaches unemployed and underemployed adults the culinary skills needed to enter the restaurant industry. Today, the organization produces and delivers roughly 6,000 meals each day, including hot dishes, sandwiches, and grab-and-go family meals. “Our volunteers are indispensable,” says Koch. “They’re the engine that runs this machine.” SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

Love Handle

If you’ve slept on the loaded biscuits and gravy, pork belly breakfast sandos, and dolledup cheesecake slices at Chris and Ally Benedyk’s lovably kitschy gourmand’s dive they’ve operated for the last decade in two different locations in Indy, there’s no workday excuse to not stop in now. The dinner menu they’ve recently added on Fridays and Saturdays doesn’t have quite the throwback Spamand-headcheese appeal of their quirky brunch offerings. However, the spiffedup ambiance and front-ofhouse polish that Dominic

Macizo

It took camera-ready and utterly craveable fusion food, as well as perhaps the warmest front-of-house treatment around, to gain an enthusiastic following from Indy’s foodie community for a restaurant in an out-of-the-way office park on the northwest side. Yet if anyone could do it, Omar and Luz Gonza, the MexicanPeruvian couple who opened their cheery homage to their homelands’ cuisines in late 2024, were more than up to the challenge. Little did they know that not even two years

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into business, their takes on hearty pastas, enchiladas, tamales, and tortas on housemade bread would earn them a semiﬁnalist distinction for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region from the James Beard Foundation. Anyone who’s stopped in wouldn’t be surprised. From Omar’s chewy, crusty loaves of house-baked sourdough, to the jars of piquant, smoky salsa macha at the table, to the thick slice of pound cake studded with pears and showered with pistachios that you can’t leave without trying, Macizo charms on all fronts. An open-faced taco norteño with a deeply aromatic pork, potato, and chile stew Omar came up with on a whim is reason enough to make a trip, as are Luz’s knowledge of the food and stories of home, which will let you know how committed the pair is to bringing their personal histories to the table. 6335 Intech Commons Dr., 463-202-2853, macizorestaurant.com

DOUBLE DUTY

Omar and Luz Gonza combine their Mexican and Peruvian roots in a menu full of heartfelt dishes.

Senibaldi, who came on as an operating partner in 2025, has brought to the enterprise will have you putting on a clean shirt for your plate of steak frites with chimichurri and horseradish aioli. Other highlights include a bleu cheese iceberg salad on a raft of pork belly that beats any steakhouse wedge and arguably the best fish-and-chips basket in the city. It all goes to show the Benedyks’ willingness to grow and change from that first late-night spot they opened in Milwaukee in 2013 to the more grownup bistro they’re taking into the future. 877 Massachusetts Ave., 317-384-1102, love handleindy.com

Milktooth

BRUNCH IS BACK

Milktooth’s daytime menu returns with hits like a smore’s Dutch baby and beignets with lemon curd.

Whether you were a fan of Jonathan Brooks’ short-lived foray into Southern-style lunch plates, Arlene’s Meat & 3, this past May, you have to give the iconoclastic restaurateur props for attempting a concept change a little over a dozen years into what has perhaps been the most triedand-true brunch formula in the city. If you missed it, you can pray the blackened walleye and BLT salad make a comeback. But things have returned to what passes as “normal” at the local restaurant. That means daytime offerings of savory and sweet Dutch baby pancakes, latkes with apple butter, waffles with crystallized peanuts, and the best French toast in town. Such offerings will still satisfy your ongoing brunch urges and dazzle your outof-town tagalongs. No sour grapes, lunch lovers. You can yet have your main and three in the form of the darkest, crunchiest fried chicken in town. Plus, the restaurant is now open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.—which means there’s more Milktooth to love. 534 Virginia Ave., 317-986-5131, milktoothindy.com

Magdalena

Months of construction at its front door in the heart of Fountain Square haven’t daunted Magdalena owner Nick Detrich and his staff from slowly becoming a true culinary anchor on the fringe of downtown. Among all of the Instagram posts about detours are announcements of some of the most innovative and fun special dining events, such as a fried chicken and champagne night, burgers with Burgundy, and wine-pairing meals, not to mention “No Menu Monday” specials where diners can sit back and let the kitchen call the shots. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t order one of Indy’s most affordable and varied seafood towers. Nor should you forgo a simple bowl of pimiento cheese with fried saltines alongside the perfect sazerac. And you should always ask to split a hearty plate of cast-iron ham with grits in lush “redder”-eye gravy among your tablemates, unless you’re hungry enough for this gut-busting standard. That’s the beauty of a standout restaurant nearing its second anniversary. You get to dine on your favorites and try out every delicious new thing that no amount of orange cones or bumps in the road could keep you from. 1127 Shelby St., 317-691-8021, magdalena.bar SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

Monti Aperitivo & Cucina Since arriving in Indianapolis in the late 2010s, Francesco Settanni, the native of Puglia, Italy, and longtime front-of-house man at some of New York City’s most celebrated trattorias, has been searching for the perfect vehicle for showcasing the dishes of his homeland. He’s finally hit on that at Monti, the polished-from-the-start spot he opened with Bovaconti Coffee owner Minda Balcius in Fountain Square in February. Squares of fluff y focaccia with bright marinated vegetable relishes, richly stuffed arancini, burrata salads that change with the season, and regional pastas such as tagliatelle alla nerano with fried zucchini and aged pecorino make this a rare local find for Italian food aficionados. And simply prepared but delectable lamb chops and an impressive wild-caught branzino served whole make dinner at Monti a celebration. A big part of Settanni’s success has been corralling a talented staff that includes chef de cuisine Trey Christianson as well as sous chef Nate Miller and well-traveled bar manager Zoë Hayes, whose list of spritzes, aperitivos, and Italian vintages mean this is as much a sipping place as one for weeknight and special occasion dinners. 1110 Shelby St., 317-602-2037, monti.us

Okonori

Every detail was executed with almost obsessive care by husband-and-wife owners Alex Tong and Kimmie Chang inside this chic addition to one of Carmel’s new restaurant corridors. Along with partners Hui and Kevin Zheng, the restaurateurs established a destination for Japaneseand Chinese-inspired dining, crafting a menu of showstoppers like buttery miso black cod with expertly caramelized edges, ROLLING deep-fried shrimp wrapped IN STYLE in a potato noodle hive called A silken miso potato ebi furai, prized Hokkaicod, above, do’s uni imported from Japan, and a seafood kanpachi crudo, and a bright tower loaded with chilled parade of high-end sashimi delights and nigiri. The dark ambient are among interior, designed by Chang Okonori’s highherself, includes plush clamend offerings. shell booths, towering light fixtures, and a floating fish sculpture—all of which would not look out of place in a Vegas suite. “It’s a total experience, not just the food,” Tong says of his “Japanese high kitchen” that opened last November. “We believe that it’s the ambiance, the feeling, the vibes. It all adds up.” 1685 E. 116th St., Carmel, 317-671-8888, okonori.com 56

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Serliana Serlia Opening as it did in the midst of a Pacers NBA finals run in 2025, which brought with it celebrities and teams clamoring for rooms and in-house catering at the InterContinental Indianapolis that houses it, Serliana started out a bit more as a stopgap to feed guests in the stylish second-floor lobby. Yet, hotel owner Ersal Ozdemir had tagged chef Craig Baker as his kitchen head. When the dust cleared, and Baker could get his new French menu in order, those without a reservation could finally try out one of the most welcome additions to the downtown dining scene in over a decade. An impressive, modern take on boeuf bourguignon, cassoulet that would rival any from Toulouse, sophisticated beef tartare, and steaks and chops all conspire for the kind of oldschool hotel dining Indy has long missed at its heart. Ever the regionalist, Baker puts his bistro and chophouse dishes alongside local fare such as fried walleye, breakfast biscuits and gravy, an Indiana ribeye French dip, and a clever nod to Ozdemir’s Turkish heritage with cilbir, poached eggs in spiced yogurt with grilled flatbread. All this with the most panoramic views of Monument Circle? Locals, take note. 17 W. Market St., 463-303-0380, serlianaindy.com

ROOM WITH A VIEW

Clockwise from top: a brunchfriendly cocktail with salmon carpaccio, pan-seared halibut, and an 8-ounce ﬁlet.

St. Elmo Steak House This list is filled with places where we send out-of-town guests to show off Indianapolis at its best. You could argue that this tradition began with St. Elmo Steak House. With its bow-tied career servers, its maze of dark-paneled rooms, and its occasional visiting celebrities, it feels like a special occasion before the first steak reaches the table. And then it does: beautifully aged USDA Prime beef, expertly broiled with a deeply caramelized crust. Pair it with the legendary shrimp cocktail and a pour from one of the city’s finest bourbon collections, and you’ve experienced an Indianapolis rite of passage. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636, stelmos.com SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

Strange Bird

Irvington’s whimsical neighborhood hideaway is equal parts tiki bar and serious ramen destination, with thatched walls, bamboo accents, hand-painted tropical leaf murals inspired by the Golden Girls wallpaper, and a colorful illustrated cocktail menu that looks like it came from a midcentury cartoonist’s sketchbook. Chef Kyle Humphreys trained in Japan before bringing his acclaimed Shoyu Shop concept here, and every bowl reﬂects an almost obsessive attention to detail. House-made noodles provide the perfect springy bite for deeply ﬂavored broths like his rich pork-and-chicken paitan or Jiro-style ramen piled with braised pork belly and wok-fried vegetables. The menu also ventures beyond noodles with sticky wings, fresh oysters, and pillowy pork bao buns. The rumforward tiki cocktails are as playful as the space itself, poured over crushed ice into decorative barware and elaborately garnished—but strong. On weekends, expect a wait for one of the cozy tables. Grab a seat beneath the mounted boar’s head at the bar (maybe you will hear the story behind the beast’s demise) or settle onto the planter-enclosed outdoor dining area to feel like you’re on a staycation. 128 S. Audubon Rd., strangebirdindy.com

Tinker Street Tinker Street proves that big, impressive flavors can come in the smallest packages. The intimate layout makes chef Tyler Shortt’s open kitchen feel like a front-row seat to all the action, and diners sit close enough that it feels perfectly natural to ask what they ordered at the next table. Chances are you’ll be tempted by the likes of miso-broiled oysters with mango puree and crystallized habanero or Korean fried FULL PLATES mu sh ro o ms . Clockwise from E v e r y d i s h top: ceviche, shares the scallops over same balance sweet corn of creativity maque choux, and approachtender ribeye, cocktails, and ability that has the Chilean made this one sea bass. of the city ’s most consistently satisfying restaurants. Owner Tom Main was named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, a fitting honor for someone who has built restaurants that feel as welcoming as they are ambitious. Every meal begins with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, a gesture that perfectly captures the restaurant’s philosophy: make guests feel at home, then surprise them with a memorable meal. 402 E. 16th St., 317-925-5000, tinkerstreetrestaurant.com 58

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Vida

CRAFTED WITH CARE

Chef Thomas Melvin oversees every detail of Vida’s menu, including sourcing for dishes such as this baby green salad.

Immaculately sleek and clean-lined inside a reimagined Lockerbie Square landmark (the storied Amici’s Italian Restaurant), Vida is the kind of spot diners save for special milestone celebrations. But it would be a shame to limit your visits here to birthdays and anniversaries. Under award-winning chef Thomas Melvin, the place is a fiercely local restaurant, working closely with nearby producers and harvesting ingredients from parent company Cunningham Restaurant Group’s hydroponic greenhouse on the south side as well as their garden a few blocks away on College Avenue. That’s how seasonal treasures like sweet white avalanche beets, rare radishes, heirloom red corn, and a full range of brassicas find their way to Vida’s vibrant, hyperseasonal menus. In addition, Heritage-breed Kentucky lamb and carefully sourced pork often appear in various forms, and past Vida guests have been treated to precious slivers of Haku Hiramasa decorated with purple daikon radish, persimmon, and fermented strawberry kosho. Meanwhile a slow-cooked onion and parmesan soup has become an unexpected guest favorite—all of this accompanied by one of the city’s most accomplished wine programs, supported by four sommeliers. If all of this sounds a bit intimidating, keep an eye out for Vida’s occasional pop-in bar nights that offer up pours of rare wines alongside playful dishes in a more relaxed format. 601 E. New York St., 317- 420-2323, vida-restaurant.com

Wisanggeni Pawon The evolution of a downtown takeout to a humble storefront eatery to a bona fide international restaurant that should be on any out-of-town diner’s radar has been one of the joys of following Aji and Putri Wisanggeni’s eponymous Indonesian and pan-Asian spot for the last few years. Coconut-rich beef randang, smoky grilled chicken, and lamb satay may yet be the mainstays on the menu, along with a colorful assortment of street food-inspired small plates that always make scanning the menu an adventure. But the Wisanggenis have continued to add new offerings, including teas and sodas, whole grilled fish and meats, stir fries, and a growing assortment of Indonesian pantry items available in a little corner store. Perhaps most inviting has been the introduction of occasional prasmanan dinners with all-you-can-eat street food snacks and a generous assortment of menu favorites and special recipes, such as wagyu satay, lamb curry, and fried cod in a sweet-and-sour sauce. Coffee lovers will want to end a meal with a dainty but stout affogato with Indonesian espresso and vanilla bean ice cream. Take home a jar of fiery house sambal if you dare. 2450 E. 71st St., 317-756-9477, wpawon.com SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

The expansive living room coffee table displays a collection of design books (many of them signed) alongside precious family heirlooms encased in acrylic boxes.

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HOME of the

MONTH

Meeting MINDS of the

Armed with decades of design experience, a Fishers couple tailors their home with dramatic, high-impact finishes and furnishings that perfectly enmesh their individual tastes and styles.

BY JEANA HARRIS PHOTOS BY CHRISTY KOSNIC

SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

“I pack a lot into this life.

The homeowner’s favorite palette applies to both the interior and exterior. “Black and white are twins to me, so I can’t decide between the two. They do different things for me—black is moody, and white is your stimulant,” she says. 62

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I only get one, so I’m trying to live 12 in one,” says Sallie Lord, founder of GreyHunt Interiors. Her very full plate includes running two offices for her design business—one in Northern Virginia and one in Carmel (which recently moved into a new, larger space inside the Indiana Design Center)—serving on the board for the St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild Decorators’ Show House & Gardens, and juggling numerous brand collaborations, all while being a mother and wife. She puts a cat’s nine lives to shame. If that weren’t enough, she’s spent years managing extensive renovations to her home in Geist. Tucked on a quiet street, the home’s evolution into full-blown “Sallie Style” happened gradually over the last four years, transforming a tired 1990s interior into a bold showstopper. The Virginia native found her way to Indiana via New York—SoHo, to be exact—where she first met her Hoosier husband, Judd. Their worlds collided in the home design sphere. Hers, creating posh interiors in the D.C. area,

TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY EMILY SMITH

and his as the senior director of industrial design for Delta Faucet and Brizo. They maintained a long-distance relationship for more than seven years until Sallie’s oldest son graduated from high school. During this time, she oversaw smallerscale updates to the house (which Judd has owned since 2013). But once Sallie and her boys moved from Virginia, it was time to plunge into major projects, like adding a deck and gutting the kitchen. The Lords’ initial priority was reworking the main level before moving on to the upstairs and the basement. “I wanted to make this house ours and really put my signature look on this house, and what our signature look is,” Sallie explains. That sounds simple enough on paper, but she and her husband differ on style preferences. “Judd is way more modern than I am, and I love antiques, so this is our middle ground,” she says. That shared aesthetic is what she calls “casual luxe,” which Sallie defines as “an approachable design that can be really beautiful and formal, yet still feels welcoming.” Through years of traveling back and forth, the kitchen was one area that kept Sallie’s wheels turning. Though functional, its rust-colored walls and clunky, pink-toned cabinets (“Not the cute pink!” she clarifies) felt heavy and outdated. She set to work on designing every facet of the new kitchen, modernizing it with high-end finishes. White cabinets are punctuated by gold hardware, while large swaths of black swirl through the

marble countertops, backsplash, and waterfall island. Warmth enters the space via the rich woodgrain tones of a contemporary built-in china cabinet. In a creative twist of form and function, the range hood opens to display storage for spices, baking supplies, and more. When closed, it’s undetectable and simply looks like strapping. Sallie’s design challenged contractors, requiring more than one attempt before it was seamless. Other surprises include toe-kick storage and a hidden door that leads to the scullery. Opening it reveals a hardworking space that could’ve gone the boring, utilitarian route, but instead, Sallie brought pizzazz. The scullery is dressed to the nines in glamorous finishes. Laundry is housed on one end of the room, with the

Top right: Judd and Sallie Lord stand next to a stunning Visual Comfort “Talia” chandelier in their dining room. Right: Accents of ballet pink and gold appear in the glossy laundry room cabinets, as well as the seating area in front of the reimagined ﬁreplace. SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

machines built into a wall of ballet slipper pink cabinets. Their delicate color provides a soft backdrop that balances livelier patterns elsewhere, from the wallpapered ceiling to the black and white flooring that’s zhuzhed up with gold veining. The room offers plenty of storage and even a small workspace for Sallie. The kitchen’s redesign emphasizes togetherness, which was sorely lacking before. Now, multiple seating areas create hangout zones, from stools at the island to an informal dining space with a charming window seat. Arguably the most eye-catching feature, however, is a cozy, two-seat setup in front of the striking fireplace. This is no average hearth. Floorto-ceiling in height and double sided in design, it’s clad in fluted black marble. Initially, Sallie toyed with the idea of keeping it conventional, with a classic mantle and stacked logs. “But then I thought, no, Judd loves modern and clean, and I have some traditional elements going on in here, so this is a good balance,” she explains. Curved armchairs add textural variation, offering a touch of velvet against the cool marble. Ceramic fireplace balls replace predictable logs— their roundness creates a pleasant contrast alongside the monolithic facade. Striking a balance between uniquely different styles of two design-driven individuals is never an easy task, let alone when the two are married. “This [house] is our compromise that we don’t feel like we’re compromising on at all,” she says. The couple’s interests appear in fun, inventive ways throughout the home. A gallery wall in Judd’s office showcases some of his career-defining faucet designs across more than three decades with Delta. “These were pivotal for him. They changed the profit margin for Delta and did very well,” Sallie explains. The simplicity of his drawings is dramatized by geometric wallpaper, making the wall a point of visual interest. Sleek, simple sconces and minimalist furniture further enhance the effect. Judd’s not the only family member who enjoys the office, though. Their cockapoo, Jedi, spends every morning there with Judd, where the two share a banana before Jedi returns to his favorite post at the window. Around the corner from Judd’s office, a hallway leads to the primary bedroom. Statement art celebrates one of Sallie’s Never one to waste wallpaper scraps, Lord employed a “Sallie Style” trick by framing leftover sections of Gucci heron-print paper as artwork in both the dining room (above right) and hallway (opposite page). 64

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Above: Sallie’s favorite pattern, cheetah, makes a bold appearance in custom dining room window treatments made by Drapery Street. Right: Cockapoo pal Jedi was named for the Star Wars ﬁlm franchise, which tops the list of Judd’s favorite movies. SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

High-impact visual elements blend seamlessly with accessibility features in the primary bathroom.

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favorite birds. “I particularly love herons. Where I lived before, there was a little pond in front, and we had two herons. We called the first one Harry and named the other Harriet,” she recalls with a laugh. The “art” is actually Gucci wallpaper in a print Sallie adored, so she enlisted her custom framer in Virginia to bring the vision to life. With vibrant hues of bright pink, black, and white, the art’s color story serves as a precursor of the room that awaits at the end of the hall. “We love our bedroom,” Sallie says. A wall of windows sends sunshine cascading into the room, while also affording forest views. “This was the prettiest fall ever. It was glowing gold. We love going to bed and waking up to something pretty,” she says. Opposite the windows, large black doors with gold hardware slide open to their bathroom. It’s a masterclass in the power of high-impact details. While black and white are the predominant color selections, a subtly gorgeous slab of pink marble on the double vanity steals the show. Sallie admits it was one of only a few must-have items on her design wish list—and also a splurge, along with the bathroom’s white marble flooring. But cutting corners just wasn’t an option. “It had to be that, because anything else wouldn’t line up properly with the other finishes,” she explains, “It would take away, so it had to be simple, but it had to be high-end.” Though they certainly wanted to transform the bathroom into a beautiful space, that wasn’t the Lords’ only objective. The

couple also “wanted to design a space that we could grow with and age with,” Sallie explains, citing details like a zero-entry shower, grab bars, and a soaking tub with safe, spacious ledge for easier accessibility. “This is where the new standard must be—designing for where life is taking you,” she says. While there are still some projects left on their remodel list, Sallie and Judd adore how far their home has come, and what it feels like now. For Sallie, it mirrors the theme in their wedding song, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” which stresses the importance of gratitude and taking nothing for granted. “We’re very lucky and blessed to have what we have,” she says, “This house makes us very happy and we’re very grateful for it. It just feels so good here.” She recalls times where they’re in separate rooms of the house, and Judd randomly calls out, “I love our house!”

When it comes to sourcing decor, furniture, art, and accessories throughout her home, Sallie balances brand-new and custom items with long-loved favorites. “I love to mix old pieces with new. I love some fun things,” she says.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

Circle of kindness.

Janillia J., patient

Advanced cancer care focused on you. Discover some of the latest cancer treatments, right here in Indiana. We follow the same protocols and standards as MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. You’ll find the guidance and support you need, every step of the way. So you can simply focus on getting better. eCommunity.com/Cancer

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HEALTH WATCH:

CA NC E R C ARE Early detection of disease, personalized therapies and protocols, and multidisciplinary support have improved patient outcomes. BY NIKO VERCELLETTO

SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

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CANCER IS A WORD that holds a lot of weight. It is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. behind heart disease, representing a fifth of fatalities. However, thanks to persistent innovation and a dedication to improving patient outcomes surrounding cancer care through the years, there continues to be hope for those diagnosed with the disease. In Central Indiana, healthcare organizations and individual practitioners focus on early detection of disease, personalized therapies and protocols, and multidisciplinary support, as well as prevention strategies to stop cancer before symptoms appear. This dedication has improved the prognosis of a cancer diagnosis. The overall cancer mortality rate in people younger than 50 in this country has decreased by 44 percent since 1990. These advances continue to transform cancer care, enabling patients to have confidence that they’re moving toward their best possible outcomes. We interviewed several leading local experts to learn about the 70

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current options afforded to patients, from new diagnostic tools that catch cancer early to support services after treatment, to everything in between.

EARLIER DETECTION The sooner that a cancer is diagnosed, the better the rate of survival. For example, almost everyone who is diagnosed with breast cancer at the earliest stage survives. This makes accessible screening, advanced diagnostic tools, and early-detection services for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers so critical. Traditional screening methods, such as mammography, colonoscopies, and low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer, all continue to be important for early detection. And while these have drastically improved survival rates, more advanced diagnostic tools are now being used. “From their first visit, our priority is to help the patient understand their diagnosis. The clinical team reviews the patient’s medical

FIGHTING CANCER WITH EXTRAORDINARY STRENGTH It starts with a name, handshake or a tearful conversation. Because it’s not just about treating cancer – we’re caring for the person behind the diagnosis. Every appointment is an opportunity for us to listen, connect and encourage you during the fight. And every milestone is celebrated together.

WE’VE GOT THIS FranciscanHealth.org/CancerCare

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history, pathology, imaging tests, and much more to provide as accurate a picture as possible of their disease,” says DeAnna Wesley, LSW, hematology/oncology clinical manager with Eskenazi Health. Breast MRIs detect breast cancer, robotic bronchoscopies make it easier to biopsy hard-to-reach lung nodules, and endobronchial ultrasounds help find lung cancer. These technologies, and many more, help identify concerning findings, improve follow-up, and get patients the support they need earlier so they can start receiving treatment faster. Screenings are also becoming more personalized, taking into account individual risk factors to determine the best frequency for preventative checks. These can include age, race, and smoking history, as well as other factors. Family history is one of the most important components, with many health networks now providing genetic testing to help inform someone of their cancer risk. The chance of developing the disease may increase based upon family history. “Genetic testing and high-risk cancer clinics are able to help patients understand their individual risk and then take that information and work with their oncologist to develop personalized screening, prevention, and risk-reduction plans,” says Julia Compton, MD, radiation oncologist with Hancock Health. 72

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Your genetics, simply put, are coded messages that tell your cells how to behave. All cancers occur because something has gone wrong with a gene in a cell. Once it stops working properly, the cell can become cancerous and grow uncontrollably. Some of these genes are inherited from a parent; if one has a gene change then the child has 50 percent odds of receiving it. While cancers caused from inherited gene changes are much less common than changes caused by aging or other factors, up to 12 percent of

At the top of the patient care funnel is prevention and screening. MARCI JONES, COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK

cancer cases are estimated to be linked to an inherited gene change. “At the top of the patient care funnel is prevention and screening. It’s important for us as doctors to keep a pulse on what we’re doing with screening activity,” says Marci Jones, VP oncology product line/chief nurse executive with Community Health Network. “It’s our job to make sure that patients have all the information they can about personalized medicine, genetic counseling, and other screening options.”

DETECT CANCER EARLY. World-Class Cancer Treatment, Close To Home. Find cancer care support at hancockhealth.org/cancer

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CUSTOMIZED INNOVATIONS We’ve seen shift in recent years from a standardized approach to an individual treatment plan. Chemotherapy and radiation still have their place in cancer outcomes, but more targeted therapies, such as certain types of immunotherapies, are now being tailored down to the patient’s cellular level. Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight against and destroy cancer cells. While it’s an individual process, it’s a fairly broad category with many options. “The more we started to understand about the immune system, we realized how important it was to activate a patient’s own immune system against their tumor cells,” says Adam Riker, MD, general surgeon and melanoma specialist with Community Health Network. One highly personalized form of cellular immunotherapy is called Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy. During this procedure, 74

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In many health networks, patients are able to be part of clinical trials with new and emerging therapies. ANGIE BOLINGER, RIVERVIEW HEALTH

a surgeon removes one or more tumors from the patient to identify their own T-cells (immune cells) that are already attempting to attack the cancer. These cells are then brought into a laboratory and expanded into billions of cancerfighting cells over a few weeks. Chemotherapy is given to the patient to clear out competing immune cells before the expanded T-cells are infused back into the patient. This generally one-time treatment provides a durable response for some patients and is approved for those with advanced melanoma or whose disease has spread after standard immunotherapy. “Using the patient’s own cells allows this therapy to be a one-time process.

As long as these cells continue to work, there is no need for other treatments after,” says Mohammad Abu Zaid, MD, stem cell transplant and cellular therapy physician with Community Health Network. Clinical trials are also part of that innovation. These are careful research studies that test new ways to prevent, find, and treat cancer using human volunteers. “In many health networks, patients are able to be part of clinical trials with new and emerging therapies. At Riverview Health, we’re doing some DNA studies to fully understand the genetic component to cancer, for example,” says Angie Bolinger, associate chief nursing officer with Riverview Health.

Cancer treatment is hard. Where you receive it matters.

Courtney Cox Cole Infusion Center Room

The Courtney Cox Cole Infusion Center at Riverview Health combines expert infusion therapy with a comfortable, patient-centered environment designed to support healing, hope and peace of mind.

When you’re facing cancer treatment, comfort matters. At the Courtney Cox Cole Infusion Center, patients receive infusion therapy in a welcoming setting with natural light, garden views and flexible treatment spaces designed to fit individual needs. Seven days a week, Riverview Health provides outpatient infusion and injection therapy close to home, allowing patients to receive treatment and return to their daily lives.

Why patients choose Riverview Health’s Infusion Center • Comfortable, healing environment with natural light and garden views • Private rooms, semi-private suites and open infusion pods open seven days a week • Personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs

Learn more at riverview.org/infusion or call 317.776.7444.

Compassionate care. For life.

riverview.org

MULTIDISCIPLINARY COMMITMENT To provide the best possible outcomes for cancer patients, health networks are now providing a full spectrum of care. Multidisciplinary teams deliver coordinated care across specialties, from oncological surgeons and nurse navigators to professionals who until recently were rarely involved in cancer care. Treatment for patients now involves psychologists to alleviate the stress from treatment, chaplains to address challenges of faith, and even financial specialists to help allow the patient’s focus to stay on their health and wellbeing. One such example is Eskenazi’s Embrace program, which reaches out to newly diagnosed patients to offer supportive services and address potential financial or logistical barriers to care. Palliative care programs focus on services like nutritional support, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other care that manages patients’ overall quality of life. “The philosophy of many health 76

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networks, including Franciscan Alliance, is rooted in not just treating cancer, but also helping support patients’ physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs,” says Patrick Heckman, DO, cancer care specialist with Franciscan Alliance. And when multiple doctors and systems work together, patient care becomes exponentially more efficient. At Riverview Health, tumor boards—a team of different cancer experts in pathology, radiology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, and other specialties—gather in person at least once a month to review complex individual patient cases and put together the best possible treatment plans. “Our doctors at Riverview Health are able to get a woman from mammogram to ultrasound to biopsy, and then provide those results within two days,” says Phil Partlan, director of radiation oncology with Riverview Health. “Patients expect that level of speed now, as they should. It’s their lives on the line.” At Hancock Health, registered nurse navigators act as personal advocates, guiding patients by

coordinating care, screening test results, and more support services. Having a single point of contact to turn to during what can be a confusing and overwhelming time often proves invaluable. “One of the wonderful aspects of nurse navigation … at a network like ours is that we’re small and nimble enough to get you very quickly into all the places you need to be for different procedures,” says Dr. Compton. “Our goal is to make it so that the patient can focus entirely on getting better and not worry about details like where to go and when.” The landscape of cancer care in Central Indiana continues to evolve and improve at a fast pace. From prevention and early detection to innovative treatments and comprehensive support, patients now have more tools and resources close to home that will help them on their journey. Through continued collaboration and advances in personalized care, Indianapolis-area healthcare professionals are enabling more patients to achieve the best possible outcomes as they tackle cancer head on—but never alone.

PHOTOS COURTESY RIVERVIEW HEALTH

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FALL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Indy schools open their doors to help families ﬁnd the right academic ﬁt.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | IM

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The International School of Indiana provides enrichment opportunities through sports and extracurricular programs, as well as in the classroom.

Building Connections CHOOSING THE RIGHT school is one of the most important decisions that a family can make, and the first step in making that decision is attending an open house. An open house is an opportunity to learn more about a school’s mission, its academic offerings, athletic and extracurricular programs, and to experience the campus community firsthand. While not an exhaustive look into the school’s culture and climate, an open house offers a quick snapshot of a school’s amenities and gives families the chance to ask as many questions as they like. They also help prospective students answer a fundamental question: “Can I see myself here?” 80

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BE PREPARED OPEN HOUSES take many forms and, while many take place in the fall, they can occur at all times of the year. They may be designed for incoming students and their parents only or encourage the participation of the larger scholastic community. They may include formal presentations, building tours, and Q&A sessions, while others may be more self-directed. To the uninitiated, a school open house may seem like an overwhelming experience, but experts say if you

PHOTOS COURTESY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF INDIANA, CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL, AND THE ORCHARD SCHOOL

School open houses help families find the perfect fit. BY JULIE YOUNG

An Evening at The Orchard School OCTOBER 22 6:30 - 8:30 PM Join us for The Orchard School’s ﬁrst major open house of the year, an evening designed just for parents and guardians. Learn more about Progressive education at Orchard, explore our unique learning spaces, and discover how Orchard has been inspiring students from age 3 through eighth grade for more than a century. Enjoy delicious refreshments, wine, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages while you connect with current parents, alumni, faculty/staff, and school leadership. Whether you’re just beginning your school search or simply curious about what makes Orchard unique, we hope you’ll join us for an evening of great conversation, new connections, and a closer look at life at Orchard. This event is for parents/guardians only.

THE ORCHARD SCHOOL’S MISSION IS TO DEVELOP AND EDUCATE THE WHOLE CHILD

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

HANDS-ON EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

DIGNITY, DIVERSITY, AND BELONGING

SOCIALEMOTIONAL LEARNING

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Students at The Orchard School learn through hands-on experiences, which reinforce their commitment that nature is the best teacher.

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day and opportunities for leadership, as well as the school’s support services and wellness resources. Altemeyer says families should review the open house schedule in advance so that they can make sure to target the teachers, counselors, and coaches who are of particular interest. By exploring the programs and services that align most with a student’s interests, strengths, and future goals, they can determine how a school compares to other options and whether it is a good fit for the child. “Rather than trying to see everything, focus on the opportunities your student is most likely to participate in,” she says. “These programs often become the foundation for engagement, belonging, and, ultimately, student success.”

SEE WHAT SETS THEM APART PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS and their families can expect a celebration of excellence and Holy Cross Core Values at Cathedral High School’s annual fall open house. In addition to touring the 40-acre campus, families have the opportunity to meet students, educators, and parents of current students, along with learning more about the Cathedral family.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE ORCHARD SCHOOL

come prepared, you can make the most of your time. Jessica Aiyasami, director of admissions at The Orchard School, says that before attending an open house, it’s important for parents to spend a little time on a school’s website to get a sense of the school’s mission, grade levels, class sizes, and teaching style. This allows parents to spend less time on the basics and more time focusing on how the school feels, whether it’s the right environment for their child, and whether you can picture your family as part of the scholastic community. “It’s also helpful to think beyond your child’s current stage and ask how students do after they graduate. Hearing about both the day-to-day experience and the long-term outcomes can give you a more complete picture of the school.” While Orchard offers several open house opportunities throughout the year, other schools opt to focus on the fall when families are preparing for the year ahead. Dana Altemeyer, director of communications for MSD Lawrence Township, says that families attending an open house should come ready to explore, ask questions, and discover the opportunities a district has for their students. With fall open houses across two middle schools, two high schools, and the McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology, families can learn about a typical

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The student experience is highlighted through teacher meet-and-greets and a showcase of student activities, athletic teams, service projects, and more. Grace Trahan Rodecap, director of marketing at Cathedral, says the energy and genuine school spirit that is on display during Cathedral’s open house is electric, and there is an all-hands-ondeck mentality throughout the event. Every classroom and non-classroom educator is present, as well as administrators, coaches, current families, and alumni. Parents are encouraged to come with plenty of questions. “It’s a reunion of sorts and a celebration of our Cathedral family,” she says. “Everyone is excited to share their love for Cathedral High School, and it is always a pleasure to welcome new friends to the Hill.” With many good educational choices in our area, an open house allows institutions the chance to show what sets them apart. As the only Episcopalian school in the state, St. Richard’s Episcopal School 84

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is modeled on the day schools of Great Britain and welcomes students age 3 through grade 8. St. Richard’s hosts one open house in the fall during the school day. According to Kim Napier, director of admissions and enrollment management, it is a wonderful way for prospective parents to learn more about the community. The event consists of an informal Q&A session followed by a presentation by admissions office staff and building tours. While the open house is well received by attendees, families who can’t make it always have the opportunity to schedule a personalized tour at a later date. In fact, most schools are happy to arrange tours when classes are in session to give families the chance to see the day-to-day operations of an institution. “The real magic is in seeing our students interacting with their teachers in the classroom setting,” Napier says. “We have a beautiful community here at St. Richard’s, and we love to show how we are preparing our students for high school and beyond.”

PHOTOS COURTESY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF INDIANA AND MSD LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP

Students at The International School of Indiana celebrate their cultures during the International Week Parade (above) and conduct challenging hands-on experiments (above left). Lifelong friendships begin at MSD Lawrence Township (left).

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Open House Rundown

TAKE A DEEPER LOOK AS A SCHOOL with a focus on small class size and personal attention, the International School of Indiana does not offer a large group open house, but rather a choice of personalized tours and small-group information sessions to give families a deeper look into the ISI experience. According to ISI director of admissions Kim Jacobson, it is these events, coupled with student shadow days, that give prospective students and their families the chance to explore the school’s globally recognized International Baccalaureate curriculum, language learning program, robust student life opportunities, and the dynamic learning environment that distinguish ISI. Whether attending an upcoming open house or scheduling a campus tour, Jacobson recommends that families first take some time to evaluate what’s important to them. Key considerations may be the school’s commitment to safety and security, academic rigor, language offerings, the quality of its college counseling program, and the opportunities provided through athletics and the arts. “The right school for your family will have goals that align with your own,” she says. “And it will know how to challenge and support your child in their academic and social journey.”

Cathedral High School: October 1, 5:30–8 p.m.

optional Mass offered at 5 p.m.

Lawrence Central High School: October 6, 6–7:30 p.m.

Lawrence North High School: October 8, 6–7:30 p.m.

McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology: October 8, 6–7:30 p.m. Belzer Middle School: October 13, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Fall Creek Valley Middle School: October 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Orchard School:

October 22, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; November 18, 8:30–10 a.m.; January 24, 1–3 p.m.

Sycamore School: October 25, 12–2 p.m.

St. Richard’s Episcopal School: November 4, 9–10:30 a.m.

The Oaks Academy: February 11, 4–6:30 p.m.

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R E S TAU R A N T S

P h o t o b y T O N Y VA L A I N I S

new and updated CHASKA ......................................... 92 V MARKET & RESTAURANT ......... 92 LOV E HANDLE ............................... 96 STELLA’S ICE CREAM ................... 96 T EM PEST ART ISAN COFFEE BAR .................................. 98

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2026 2026 | IM IM

89 89

key

BR 2026

Named one of IM’s Best Restaurants in 2026

Kid friendly Solo dining Cocktails

NEW New addition to the guide

$$$$ $50 and up $$$ $30–$40 $$ $20–$30 $ Under $20

Restaurants included in this guide are selected at the discretion of the Indianapolis Monthly editorial staff based on food quality, innovation, atmosphere, service, value, and consistency. IM does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for dining coverage. Price symbols indicate the average cost of a meal per person (without tax, tip, or alcohol). Due to limited space, this list does not cover every evaluated restaurant. For a more comprehensive guide to Indianapolis dining, visit IndianapolisMonthly.com/Dining. Feedback? Please email jspalding@IndianapolisMonthly.com.

9th Street Bistro CONTEMPORARY Samir and Rachel Firestone Mohammad’s tiny seasonal innovator continues to delight diners who secure a coveted reservation. A standby at collaborative wine dinners and dining festivals, its take on globally inspired Midwestern flavors has served as an influence for a number of other restaurants on this list. A community dinner series focused on local farmstead ingredients continues to sell out. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5065, 9thstbistro.com $$$$ BR 2026

1933 Lounge STEAKHOUSE This St. Elmo spinoff serves a

similar core menu of steaks and seafood to its sister spot, then widens its scope to encompass sushi, sandwiches, and sliders. It also boasts a slightly more contemporary and glitzy style to its dining room, making it a place to see and be seen. An ambitious cocktail menu lends a speakeasy vibe, and well-portioned desserts lend themselves to sharing. Multiple locations, $$$$ 1933lounge.com

The Alchemist COFFEE AND COCKTAILS Red Lion Grog House owners Nicole and Cody Neville also own a coffee equipment company called Espresso Enterprises, which makes their Mononadjacent cocktail bar and coffee shop a marriage of passions. Take a morning stroll with one of its caffeinated drinks, made with beans from Chicago-based Philosophy Coffee, or a twilight Monon Trail walk capped off with a boozy craft drink such as the Blood & Sugar, made with bacon fat–washed High West Double Rye, maple syrup, three types of bitters, and a quick puff of smoke. 1660 Bellefontaine St., 317-683-0957, thealchemistindy.com $

Anthony’s Chophouse STEAKHOUSE The interior of this swanky

heavy hitter has the polished gleam of a Vegas hotel, with an upper-level lounge containing the salvaged mahogany bar from The Glass Chimney, another fine dining legend. The food has equal flourish. Lobster bisque with a hunk of tempura-fried meat 90

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begins a meal that might include a cowgirl ribeye, a flight of filets, or a domestic wagyu burger. Take note—the steak menu also lists a spinalis. You may never eat another steak this perfect. 201 W. Main St., Carmel, 317740-0900, anthonyschophouse.com $$$$

Antilogy BRUNCH This snug corner spot divides its

energy between the morning meal and evening libations. Early birds can choose from thoughtful combinations of fat biscuits, sunny eggs, bourbon-candied bacon, and Belgian waffles, with plenty of Bovaconti Coffee–based lattes and mochas to kick-start the day. In the evening, the menu shifts to shareable plates, such as a panko-crusted crispy burrata, parmesan truffle fries, and a molten spinach-Gruyere dip. 5867 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, 317-530-5312, antilogycg.com $$

seasonal food offerings, and its cocktail lineup is witty and strong. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, $$$$ beholderindy.com

The Bestie’s Table BRUNCH Scratch-made shrimp and grits,

chicken and waffles, and a sweet French toast flight are among the daytime options at chef Tyler Williams’s bright and cozy southside restaurant. 4022 Shelby St., 317-492-9615, tcbesties.com $$

Blé French Bistro FRENCH In an art-filled dining room designed to

look like a sweet brasserie, French classics such as steak au poivre, lemony chicken paillard, and escargot bathed in butter combine French technique with the comforts of Hoosier home cooking. 16771 Clover Rd., Noblesville, 317-7642219, blebistro.com $$

Asaka Japanese Restaurant

Bluebeard

SUSHI Don’t ask for pan-Asian dishes at Asaka,

CONTEMPORARY A fine dining lunch isn’t easy to find in Indy, making Bluebeard a go-to for a power midday meal. Chef Alan Sternberg brings as much attention to his noontime dishes as he does to a daily afternoon snack menu and a seven-days-aweek dinner. Favorites like the house-made chips and dips are always on deck, while entrees, salads, and desserts are switched up based on what’s in season. 653 Virginia Ave., $$$$ 317-686-1580, bluebeardindy.com

a tradition-drenched sushi house that Japanese food aficionados trek to on the regular. The tiny spot, funkily divided into multiple small rooms, has one of the cuisine’s few female master sushi chefs behind the bar—Nina Takamure, the Kumamoto-born daughter of founder Tsutomu Takamure. Hand rolls, sashimi, and even an omakase menu are on offer, as are poke bowls, katsu, and ramen. 6414 E. 82nd St., 317-576-0556 $$$

BR 2026

Astrea Rooftop Bar

Bodhi

DRINKS WITH A VIEW Hollywood has taught us

THAI This family-owned restaurant bills itself first as a “craft cocktail bar,” and for good reason: Its drinks are some of the prettiest in town. Its vaunted menu also shines, with prettily-plated takes on Thai and pan-Asian classics. 922 Massachusetts Ave., $$$$ 317-941-6595, bodhi-indy.com

that hotel bars are made for drinking (often alone), but with a notable small-plates menu, this view-laden spot is also a local-appropriate dinner destination. But the view—a rare vantage of Monument Circle from an unusual angle—is the true star of the show. 17 W. Market $$$ St., 463-303-0400, astrearooftop.com

BR 2026

Borage Baan Thai Bistro THAI Roxanna Williams and her mother,

Jhanya, are behind some of Indy’s most reliable Thai restaurants, but the restaurateurs have hit their stride with Baan Thai. Their converted Wanamaker cottage bustles with diners lured in by Jhanya’s decades-old family recipes but inspired to stay thanks to Roxanna’s flair with aesthetics, service, and quality. Som thum, for example, arrives on a wooden platter arrayed with lettuce leaves, turning the traditional papaya salad into a kicky wrap. Every plate exhibits similar élan, but the flavors prove there’s much more to Baan Thai than the ’Gram. 8705 Southeastern Ave., 317-759-8424, baanthaibistro.com $$$

ONE-STOP SHOP Josh Kline and Zoë Taylor’s expansive Speedway spot hits all the craveable notes: One side is all coffee and pastries, while another is a specialty market with fresh food, rare condiments, and gorgeous little things. Its other wing is for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfy chairs and table service. It can be a lot to get your head around—especially when you’re trying to figure out what menu to order from—but that’s also part of the fun. While a dish you’re attracted to might not be on offer during one visit, it gives you a built-in reason to come back. Dishes pull from the owners’ backgrounds at some of the region’s most popular spots but are played out with their specific vision. 1609 N. Lynhurst Dr., $$$ 317-734-3958, borageeats.com BR 2026

Beholder CUTTING EDGE Jonathan Brooks patterns himself as a renegade, but the consistent excellence of his restaurant, Beholder, suggests the chef/owner is becoming Indy’s fine dining standard-bearer, not its outsider. Between the urban chic dining room and the two glossy bars (one by the mixologist, the other at the kitchen), there’s a rock-star gloss to the restaurant that makes you feel cool just for showing up. And when you do, the always-changing fixed-price menu is a great place to start, though the a la carte dish list offers intriguing surprises daily. Its awardwinning wine list is calculated to pair with the BR 2026

The Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe TURKISH This cozy, colorful cafe in the Holy

Rosary neighborhood celebrates the cuisine of the Middle East, Greece, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Silky, tahini-rich hummus is a must, alongside exemplary falafel, creamy eggplant salsa, and borek—buttery phyllo stuffed with feta and parsley. 935 S. East St., 317-974-1770, thebosphoruscafe.com $$$

Bowdie’s Chophouse STEAK Part of a small collection of upscale

steakhouses, Bowdie’s Chophouse in Zionsville stands out for its location on the Graham Rahal

motorsports campus. Its glasswalled dining room looks out at a collection of rare cars, pairing high-performance eye candy with a menu of prime steaks, from a nicely crusted filet to a massive porterhouse—simply seasoned and served in a pool of butter. Rich sides like a potato pavé–style bricks of au gratin potatoes, as well as polished cocktails, complete this luxe dining experience. 10814 Creek Way, Zionsville, 317-680-8230, bowdieschophouse.com $$$$

Brooklyn Char

SMALL BITE

SHOPPING LIST

V Market & Restaurant has moved into the former Chill’n Camp location in the Castleton area, offering a taste of Vietnam. The business is a combination convenience store stocked with snacks, drinks, and wellness products and restaurant serving heaping bowls of pho and bun. 5919 E. 82nd St., 317-797-5775

PIZZA Benjamin Butterworth’s Zionsville pie and slice shop was born out of a desire for legitimate New York–style pizza in Indy, a pursuit that sent the Camby native to Brooklyn and beyond. His studies have resulted in light yet substantial pies with just the right amount of leoparding and heft. He also serves up glistening garlic knots made with a special compound butter and TikTokworthy stuffed breadsticks ripe for the cheese-pulling. Nostalgic candies and shakes made with Crystal Springs Creamery ice cream offer a sweet ending to the meal. 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing, Noblesville, 317-564-0660, brooklynchar.com $$$

Bru Burger Bar BURGERS The standard-issue beef patties at this burger chain are a mix of sirloin, chuck, and brisket, but lamb, turkey, bison, and two different plant-based versions are also on offer. (Gluten-free buns are available, too.) Appetizers are so generous that your biggest worry might be filling up before your meal arrives. Multiple $$$ locations, bruburgerbar.com

Cafe Patachou CAFE The so-called “student union for adults” continues to draw in the morning crowds and has inspired citywide offshoots. The wait for a weekend table can be brutal (but is worth it), as the cinnamon toast remains as thick as a brick, the produce is still locally sourced, the massive omelets continue to have cheeky names, and the broken-yolk sandwiches are a perennial lunch favorite. Multiple locations, cafepatachou.com $$

and specialty Argentinian shortbread cookies. And don’t overlook the cook-at-home sausages, from Spanish-style chorizo to Argentinean black sausage. 3124 W. 16th St., 317-737-2012, chechori.com $$

Cheeky Bastards BRITISH With crumpets, scones, and a jaw-dropping breakfast fry-up, not to mention afternoon teas and plenty of benedicts and bacon and egg baps, Hope Lane and Robert Carmack’s homage to all things British has long been a daytime destination. In recent years, it’s also evolved into a place for a rib-sticking, mid-evening supper. Golden, lightly fried halloumi with an especially smooth and refined aioli, as well as a house salad with black currant vinaigrette and a lesshefty-than-expected Scotch egg are all reasons to stop in any time to practice your Cockney or Geordie over a pint. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739, cbindy $$$ .com

Commission Row UPSCALE This glossy fine dining spot positioned to benefit from crowds headed to or from Gainbridge Fieldhouse makes game nights quite a scene. The baller-level restaurant gilds the lily with caviar service or foie gras and lobster tail for your steak. The wine list is heavy on the bubbles, apt for celebrating a big win at work or play. A three-figure seafood tower is a showy special occasion order. 110 S. Delaware St., 317-550-2500, commissionrow.com $$$$ BR 2026

Convivio ITALIAN With a menu that traces the geographical regions in Italy, this is not your average red-sauce joint. The pasta is all made inhouse, and its Neapolitan-style pizzas are served blistered and hot from an imported Italian pizza oven. An accessible and Italian-heavy wine list makes picking a bottle for the table a pleasure. 11529 Spring Mill Rd., Carmel, 317-564-4670, convivioindy.com $$$

Cooper & Cow SPEAKEASY Louisville-based Endeavor

Chaska beautiful inlaid tables and ornate lighting, Chaska brings an elegant presentation of North Indian cuisine to a Greenfield strip mall. The menu ranges from stuffed flatbreads, to meticulously prepared lamb biryani and gobi Manchurian, to an Indian Sizzler section of entrees cooked and served on hot metal plates. 2796 N. 600 W, Greenfield, 317-477-9090, chaska96.com $$

Restaurant Group is behind this Fishers steakhouse, which seeks to reinvent the popular format as a Prohibition era dining experience. That means a mix of rustic touches and bourbon-infused accents set off by USDA Prime cuts larded with add-ons like crab and truffle wagyu tallow. Decadent desserts stick with the bourbon theme, with bananas, cake, and ice cream all laden with the restaurant’s hometown spirit. 8626 E. 116th St., Fishers, 317-288-2801, cooperandcow.com $$$$

Che Chori

Corridor

ARGENTINEAN Marcos Perera-Blasco’s colorful

LUNCH At the end of 2024, Erin Kem and Logan McMahan briefly shuttered SoBro favorite Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta + Market + Backroom Eatery, which they had purchased a few years before. After a remodel, they reopened the space as Corridor, a

INDIAN With a polished dining room of NEW

restaurant offers a selection of traditional butterflied-sausage sandwiches and warm empanadas filled with seasoned meats. Make sure to pick up the house-made dulce de leche, which is sold by the jar, as well as its churros 92

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BR 2026

lunchtime restaurant dedicated to the flavors of the Mediterranean, North African, and Arab worlds. The handmade pasta Nicole-Taylor’s built its fame on remains, as does a tightly edited market of specialty goods. Also intact is the restaurant’s chef’s table, a four-figure group reservation that’s one of the hottest dining tickets in town. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-257-7374, $$$ corridorindy.com

Daisy Bar AMERICANA Owner Jon Carlos Rangel describes this food and drinks endeavor on the west end of the Factory Arts District as a modern take on the great American diner. It’s open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, offering breakfast options as well as small plates and family-style dining in the evening. Sturdy yet fluffy savory churros come mingled with flaked Verlasso salmon and a cooling, oniony creme fraiche. “Birria” mandu, Korean-style dumplings in a bold soy consommé, are filled with ground pork, not the expected beef or lamb. Options for vegetarians include heirloom carrots alchemized into tasty “pastrami.” 1125 Massachusetts Ave., 317-390$$ 4002, daisybarindy.com BR 2026

Diavola PIZZA Pies emerge expertly bubbled and charred from a centerpiece brick oven at this well-established SoBro pizzeria. Ingredients are simple but top-shelf, with herbs and produce grown in the owner’s nearby garden. Gluten-free pizzas, made with a house blend of flours, are spectacular. Pasta dishes, including an especially homey pappardelle Bolognese, also shine. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-820-5100, diavola.net $$

Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine MEXICAN AND BRAZILIAN This restaurant built a loyal following in Broad Ripple, then in 2025 expanded to Mass Ave, allowing the business—known for sharp, upscale takes on standards—to come into its own. An order of Sinaloa Tacos at the bar remains one of the city’s greatest treats, and the Crawfish Quesadilla is a brilliant marriage of Midwestern and Latin flavors. Multiple locations, $$$ fernandosindy.com BR 2026

Fire by the Monon PATIO DINING A restaurant that shines during the summer months, Fire by the Monon is the perfect spot to let the kids run around outside while the adults quaff a craft brew. The food menu spans flatbreads, variations on mac and cheese, and salads; affordable mains are also on offer for those with a heartier appetite. 6523 Ferguson St., 317-252-5920, firebythemonontrail .com $$

The Foundry Gastropub AMERICANA A refurbished 1868 building in downtown Franklin sets the mood for a solid, chef-driven menu that includes an elevated prime rib French dip and a hearty Paccheri Alla Vodka—giant rigatoni tossed with crispy pancetta and hunks of Italian sausage. Chef Josh Fields also cooks up a weekly rotation of limitedrun dishes with his Chef’s Playground menu. Meanwhile, bartenders assemble cocktails both dark (like the Blacksmith, a Four Roses old fashioned with notes of burnt orange and

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EVENTS

PLE

YO U

R W AY A R O U N D T

Tickets include tastings from this year’s top restaurants, plus cocktails.

Join Indianapolis Monthly as we celebrate the outstanding restaurants, past winners, and local favorites featured in our Best Restaurants 2026 cover story. Sample your way around Central Indiana’s most exciting dining spots during an evening that caters to all who love good food, fantastic drinks, and a great time.

IM | MONTH 2024

Get early entrance and extra drinks when you upgrade to VIP.

NEW LOCATION! Factory Arts District

September 28, 2026 at Factory Arts District VIP: 5:30 - 8 PM GA: 6 - 8 PM Get your tickets today at

indianapolismonthly.com/bestrestaurants Scan For Tickets! MONTH 2024 | IM

black walnut) and bright (like the Redsmith, a refreshing combination of tequila and strawberry shrub). 90 E. Jefferson St., Franklin, 317-868-8041, thefoundrygastropub.com $$

Futuro PIZZA Fans of this downtown-ish charmer crave

Futuro’s thick Detroit-style slabs characterized by a cheesy exoskeleton and sauce spooned over the toppings. Followers quickly learned to make a play for the corners for maximum crispy-crust payoff, though the single-sided squares are hardly a compromise thanks to house-made ingredients, like ground pepperoni and chickenand-ranch fixings. The thinner tavern-style and gluten-free pizzas are just as impressive and generously loaded. 19 Cruse St., 317-360-4725, futuroindy.com $$

Gather 22 BREEZY VIBES Indoor/outdoor living is the name of the game at Gather 22, which marries co-owner Pablo Gonzalez’s California roots with life and business partner Adam Reinstrom’s Hoosier upbringing. A stylish dining room makes way for a sweeping bar, backed by a huge outdoor (and dog-friendly) area. The menu is equally vibey, with a global menu of dishes backstopped by a list of Byrne’s grilled pizzas (Adam Reinstrom’s parents own that MeridianKessler spot). True to its name, the restaurant was conceived by its owners as a social center for the neighborhood, with public events and gatherings multiple times a month. 22 E. 22nd $$$ St., 317-258-2222, gather22.com

Harrison’s ITALIAN After a multimillion-dollar renovation, the former Regions Bank on Delaware Street has been transformed into a sit-down restaurant by owner Bill Pritt, whose FortyFive Degrees sushi bar and Metro nightclub are mainstays of Mass Ave’s dining and dancing scene. Pritt took menu inspiration from shuttered North Keystone restaurant Marco’s, beloved for its homey pasta recipes and “cheap meat” night; that spot’s signature lasagna and ham-andcheese-stuffed Chicken a la Marco can be found here. Original offerings lean toward steakhouse fare. Portions are generous, parking is plentiful, and the brunch menu is festive—all reasons to give Harrison’s a try. 555 N. Delaware St., 317-826-7361, harrisonsindy.com $$

His Place Eatery SOUL FOOD The packed tables at both locations of His Place Eatery tell you everything you need to know about this soul food institution. Married co-owners James and Shawn Jones ensure their business runs like a well-oiled machine, with orders of comfort food standards moving from kitchen to table in lightning speed. That said, you can also taste the care put into every dish; spices and seasonings are calibrated in a way you’ll rarely find in Indianapolis. Smart diners ask their server what they recommend on any given day—with a staff this dialed-in, they’ll always steer you in the right direction. 6916 E. 30th St., 317-545-4890; 1411 W. 86th St., 317-790-3406; $$ hisplaceeatery.com BR 2026

The Inferno Room TIKI The menu at this bar goes well beyond

the typical snacks, and its roster of tropically inspired cocktails is truly next level. All the 96

IM | SEPTEMBER 2026

classics are there, as is a long list of inventive original concoctions. 902 Virginia Ave., 317-4262343, theinfernoroom.com $$

oysters. Fully loaded potatoes Minneapolis is the essential side dish, as is the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. 8605 River Crossing Blvd., 317-663-8063, lateharvestkitchen.com $$$

Josephine

CONTEMPORARY FRENCH Ambrosia Hospitality The Lawrence AMERICAN FARMSTEAD Housed in a relocated Group might be best known for its Italian historic barn, this captivating restaurant near ventures, but for this one, Dan Cage and Anna the Purdue University campus specializes Pizzi Cage looked back to their newlywed days in polished-up Hoosier fare, including sweet spent in France. The result is Josephine— potato Parker House rolls, beef and noodles named after Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte’s with yakisoba and pulled short rib, and a lightly first wife—a modern take on bistro fare. Chef sweet olive oil cake with orange-scented whipped Andrew Popp has built a menu that balances cream. 150 McCutcheon Dr., West Lafayette, out classics of the genre (yes, escargot and steak 765-690-1020, thelawrencerestaurant.com $$$ tartare are on the list) with twists on French onion soup—lightened here The Loft Restaurant with chicken broth and sherry— FINE DINING With its pastoral and a citrus and fennel salad. setting on the grounds of an Standout desserts include pot SMALL artisanal dairy farm, Traders de crème topped with amaretto BITE Point Creamery’s farmstead cream and an individual goat restaurant (housed in one of cheesecake topped with syrupseveral restored historic barns) soaked cherries. For a breezier feels like a working model for experience, ask for a seat at the Idaho-based Stella’s farm-to-table dining. Some of bar, soundtracked with French Ice Cream added a the ingredients on the menu jazz and dotted by quirky pendant downtown Westfield are grown on-site, and grass-fed lighting. 110 W. Main St., Carmel, location over the Niman Ranch steaks, seasonal 317-548-3589, josephinecarmel summer and plans fish and seafood, and house.com $$$$ to put down roots made yeast rolls are always in Carmel soon. The Juniper on Main solid choices, as is the burger company’s roster LOWCOUNTRY This Southern made with 100-percent grass-fed coastal charmer’s lunch and beef. For dessert, grab a scoop of flavors includes dinner menu offers the standard of ice cream, perfect if you just traditional, seasonal, seafood, salads, and boils—then want to go a la mode. 9101 Moore and dairy-free surprises us all with a lineup of Rd., Zionsville, 317-733-1700, options that might tacos that are a lot of fun. High traderspointcreamery.com $$$ be served by the chairs and booster seats are in cone, atop a cookie Lone Pine abundance, and a kids menu bowl sundae, or STEAKHOUSE The first moves well beyond the standard inside a brownie BR solo effort of Beholder grilled cheese and nuggets. 110 E. 2026 sandwich. 170 partner and awardMain St., Carmel, 317-591-9254, Jersey St., Westfield, winning sommelier Josh juniperonmain.com $$$ 317-659-0162, Mazanowski is a culinary stellasicecream.com Kanoon Smoked Meat innovator that promises to take & Steakhouse Carmel’s dining scene in a new MIDDLE EASTERN SMOKEHOUSE direction. Beef is sourced from Smoked meats ranging from beef short ribs, to nearby farms, and its dining spaces are dotted bone-in lamb shoulder, to stuffed chickens are with edgy art. Fun starters present vegetables sold by the pound at this house of hearty plates. with as much care as their meatier First-timers should go for a family-style dinner counterparts. This isn’t your average upscale starting with an assortment of cold spreads like pleaser; this is a longtime restaurateur finally thick and garlicky baba ghanoush and vibrant expressing his full culinary viewpoint. tabbouleh salad. Empanada-like sambousek 710 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-907-0177, pastries filled with spiced ground beef are lonepinecarmel.com $$$$ standouts among hot starters. For dessert, a Love Handle wedge of baklava with a welcome undertone SANDWICHES PLUS One of Indy’s of rosewater and a scoop of vanilla ice cream is BR UPDATED great counter-service surprises, the best bet, especially alongside a demitasse of 2026 Chris and Ally Benedyk’s Mass stout Turkish coffee. 8594 E. 116th St., Fishers Ave restaurant turns breakfast, lunch, and now 317- 567-4021, kanoon-indiana.com $$$ weekend dinner into something wildly creative. Kountry Kitchen Consult the chalkboard menu, which changes SOUL FOOD This cozy soul food spot hits all the daily, to order anything from pork belly classics, including greens, mac and cheese, and sandwiches, to over-the-top fish and chips, to a deep-fried mains. Its engaging servers, who surf-and-turf combo consisting of beef tongue are happy to linger and chat, are what keep us and cod spread. 877 Massachusetts Ave., coming back. 1831 N. College Ave., 317-635-6000, 317-384-1102, lovehandleindy.com $$ $$$ kountrykitchenindy.com

SWEET SPOT

Late Harvest Kitchen BR 2026

CONTEMPORARY A luscious comfort food

menu delivers top-shelf versions of dishes such as mushroom-stuffed half chicken under-a-brick, tagliatelle pasta loaded with pork Bolognese, and crispy chicken-fried

Macizo LATIN If there were an award for the cheeriest eatery by first-time restaurateurs, this Peruvian-Mexican charmer would win hands down. Owners Luz and Omar Gonza have created an atmosphere of bright colors and hip beats that align BR 2026

ELEVEN EXCLU S I VE RESIDENCES IN THE HEART OF CARMEL

Single-level living defined by expansive 10-foot ceilings and a light-filled, open design Solid concrete-and-steel construction offering exceptional quiet and private, covered parking

PALL AD IUM HOTEL CARMICHAE L

CITY CENTE R

MULTI- FAMIL Y M I D T O W N F L AT S

Gourmet kitchens appointed with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and custom cabinetry Resort-style amenities including a private fitness center, club lounge, and curated outdoor spaces

ElevenAtMonon.com

perfectly with the fruit-forward beer and wine cocktails at the cozy bar. The vibrantly plated food completes the scene: Tiradito, luscious slices of tuna with citrusy leche de tigre, is a must for fresh seafood fans, and Sopa Criolla with beef and a runny egg, along with creamy Pasta Huancaina with hearty lomo saltado sauce are perfect Peruvian comfort foods. 6335 Intech Commons Dr., 463-202-2853, macizorestaurant.com $$$

Magdalena NEW ORLEANS This funky New Orleans– inflected bar and bistro from spirits enthusiast and restaurateur Nick Detrich reflects his experience running spots in the Big Easy, with expertly mixed elixirs, including perhaps the best Sazerac in town, and dazzling seafood towers, ultra-fresh oysters from the Alabama Gulf, and a tidy menu of mains with Lowcountry influences. 1127 Shelby $$$$ St., 317-691-8021, magdalena.bar BR 2026

Maialina Italian Kitchen + Bar

house-made soft serve. A solid mixed crowd of families, hipsters, kids, and pups (which must remain outdoors) makes for a fun and welcoming environment. 414 Dorman St., $$ 317-492-9887, naturalstateprovisions.com

Nesso ITALIAN Highly stylized seafood and meats paired with small pasta courses and shared a la carte sides add up to a sumptuous dining experience inside The Alexander hotel. Pass around a plate of prosciutto-wrapped prunes or crab arancini, but keep the tortelloni and sea bass all to yourself. 339 S. Delaware St., 317-643-7400, nesso-italia.com $$$

CONTEMPORARY This Old Greenwood

bistro inside an 1800s-era drugstore offers approachable fine dining, with a more casual bar on the historic building’s back end. Small plates have included beets with whipped goat cheese and wasabi, while entrees are seasonal and skew toward seafood, with lobster, halibut, and mussels on recent menus. Whiskey drinks get priority on the cocktail menu, and their old fashioned feels fresh and new. 299 W. Main St., Greenwood, 317-215-4164, reveryrestaurantgroup .com $$$

CONTEMPORARY Steven Oakley’s meticulously

Rick’s Cafe Boatyard

plated fare hails from a culinary era when sprigs of herbs and puddles of purees provided the flavor, and every single element on the plate served a purpose. The presentations are wild, with menu descriptions giving little more than clues as to what might arrive at the table. Heads-up on anything that appears in quotes, such as a creative “Coq au Vin.” 1464 W. 86th St., 317-824-1231, oakleysbistro.com $$$$

SEAFOOD You don’t have to be a Parrothead

GROUND CONTROL

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Revery

Oakleys Bistro

ITALIAN Straw-wrapped chianti bottles, wooden cross-back chairs, and family photos give a throwback trattoria feel to this addition to the city’s SMALL Italian scene. Meatballs from BITE Our Table a family recipe with a solid CONTEMPORARY Chef Joe Miller house marinara are always a focuses on gorgeous, rustic good choice. Pastas range from a plates of steak, seafood, and straightforward toss of rigatoni Old World lasagna made with with sausage and broccoli rabe fresh pasta and generous layers to a rich, three-meat Bolognese Tempest Artisan of beef Bolognese, mozzarella, lavished atop plump gnocchi. Coffee Bar is now and creamy ricotta. The brioche 1103 Prospect St., 317-982-7676, open in one of the sliders (containing buttermilk maialinaindy.com $$$$ storefront spots fried chicken or beef tenderloin inside Brownsburg’s Monti Apertivo & Cucina with crispy onions and mixed-use Arbuckle ITALIAN Inspired by horseradish creme fraiche) are BR building. The owner Francesco little bites of heaven. 5080 State 2026 family-owned Settanni’s Pugliese roots, Rd. 135, Bargersville, 317-847coffeehouse proudly this stylish restaurant brings a 4920, ourtablerestaurant.com $$$ specializes in farmrefreshingly authentic taste of sourced beans Petite Chou regional Italy to Fountain Square. from independent FRENCH A bit of Paris in Indy, this Hand-rolled pastas, airy focaccia, roasters, pourbistro and Champagne bar offers saffron-scented arancini, whole overs, and espresso all the casual French classics branzino, and succulent lamb craftsmanship. 7249 you’d like, from Croque Monsieur chops are among the menu Arbuckle Commons, to crepes. Les enfants get their highlights. 1110 Shelby St., Brownsburg, own lineup, which includes a 317-602-2037, monti.us $$$ very grown-up brioche French 317-565-4952, Mr. Patakon toast. 823 E. Westfield Blvd., 317tempest.coffee COLOMBIAN The name of Diana 259-0765, petitechoubistro.com $$$ Moreno and Brenda Sánchez’s cheerful, authentic southside Pisco Mar Colombian eatery comes from the popular Latin PERUVIAN Vibrant music and a spacious dining and South American dish patacones—flattened, room provide a bustling backdrop for a hearty fried plantains filled with everything from cuisine that pulls from both land and sea. shredded barbecue chicken criollo to cheese, Tangy, citrusy ceviche is a good starting point corn, and shredded beef. Or try the Super Perro and comes in different versions, including hot dog, which is topped with every meat in the Leche de Tigre or Vuelve a la Vida. Both pair kitchen, quail eggs, and a special house sauce. beautifully with Causita de Pollo, a mound Mazorcada (heaps of sweet corn topped with of creamy mashed potatoes layered with meats, cheeses, and potato sticks) is a delectable avocado and topped with a creamy chickenside dish. Fruit drinks and desserts, especially based sauce. Shredded chicken with a lush obleas (wafer cookies filled with dulce de leche yellow pepper sauce and a wine-enriched, and cheese), offer a flavor experience like no vegetable-laden beef stew are the most classic other in the city. 7415 U.S. 31, 317-692-9829, main dishes for those getting a first taste of the mrpatakon.com $$ cuisine. Big appetites will appreciate meaty Natural State Provisions dishes such as Lomo Saltado, sauteed strips of DOG FRIENDLY A hybrid dive bar, restaurant, beef with onions and tomatoes, or a so-called and dog park, Natural State is a fun and funky “poor man’s plate” that pairs two generous neighborhood spot for wings, sandwiches, and strips of Angus steak with french fries, rice,

plantains, and eggs. 9546 Allisonville Rd., 317537-2025, piscomarindy.com $$$

to appreciate the pontoon-life allure of Eagle Creek’s waterside restaurant with its breezy dining room on stilts over the Dandy Trail boat slips. The menu gets creative with all the casual dining tropes, mixing smoked salmon nachos and chicken cordon bleu fingers in with the jumbo shrimp martinis. With a full menu of mules, tropical cocktails, and nonalcoholic concoctions, this is also a great spot for a couple of snacks and a drink or two at sunset. 4050 Dandy Trail, 317-290-9300, ricksboatyard.com $$$

Sahm’s Tavern & Sports Bar SPORTS BAR Plastered with pennants and

posters of locals’ favorite sports teams, this bar also serves familiar Sahm’s fare, such as hearty app baskets and piled-high sandwiches, as well as a short list of well-seared Pittsburgh-style steaks. A full roster of Big Lug Brewing Co. beers gets good company from top-notch mixed drinks, including Sahm’s signature Coffee Cake White Russian, which is smooth, creamy, and full of spice and sweetness. 5632 E. Washington St., 317-388-5228, sahmstavernirvington.com $$

Sam’s Square Pie PIZZA With its limited hours and three-day baking schedule, Jeff Miner’s pizza passion project still feels like an insider score when you can get it. And get it you should, given that the NFL camera operator boasts a second-place ranking at the International Pizza Expo for his painstaking Detroit pie, with a crust that’s deeply browned around the edge yet chewy and pillowy in the middle generously loaded with tangy sauce, meats, and dollops of ricotta. Takeout is always an option, but eating in the slender dining room dressed with funky outsider art allows Miner’s fans to catch him in his element. 2829 E. 10th St., samssquarepie.com $$$

Serliana FRENCH-INSPIRED STEAKHOUSE Located inside the InterContinental hotel on Monument Circle, this posh, Frenchinspired restaurant with chef Craig Baker at its helm features continental standards with modern, local upgrades such as an Indiana ribeye French dip, brunch biscuits and gravy, and a sorghum-glazed pork chop. 17 W. Market St., 463-303-0380, serlianaindy.com $$$$ BR 2026

Shadow Lounge SOUL FOOD After a major renovation, the former

Marco’s Restaurant and Lounge has been

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transformed into a rollicking dining destination. Chef Tia Wilson, formerly of wing spot Chicken Scratch, is in the kitchen, serving Southern and soul-infused dishes such as lamb lollipops, Cajun penne, and garlic-parmesan wings. The cocktails are strong, the music is loud, and while dinner is delightful, brunch is the real scene. 2380 E. 54th St., 317-974-9288, shadowloungeindy.com $$$

veggies—play strictly by the book. The same goes for the fresh shrimp-and-chicken spring rolls packed inside a filament of rice paper, as well as the refreshing Som Tum salad, which is big enough for two. Made with crisp papaya and peanuts then funkified with a generous pour of fish sauce, it’s the ideal start to any meal. 936 Virginia Ave., 317-636-8424, siamsquareindy .com $$

Shapiro’s Delicatessen DELI Slide your tray along and take your pick of

St. Elmo Steak House

East Coast–style comfort foods at this familyowned downtown institution. Hot pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on rye have drawn long lines for more than a century. The Reuben is a contender for the city’s best, and heartier fare such as potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, and matzo ball soup are perennially satisfying standbys. If you don’t load up on a massive slice of cheesecake or pie, you haven’t really had the proper Shapiro’s experience. 808 S. Meridian St., 317-631-4041, shapiros.com $$

CLASSIC In a city so rich in steakhouses, can a familiar favorite like St. Elmo still hold its own? Yes, absolutely—though the restaurant is one of the city’s longeststanding, it’s never taken its foot off the gas. Shrimp cocktails, giant slabs of beef, and martinis remain the stars of the show and are prepared just as excellently now as they were the first time you visited (for a birthday, graduation, or prom, perhaps). It’s been hitting it hard since 1902 and shows no signs of slowing down. If only we could all be as lucky. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636, stelmos.com $$$$

Shin Dig NOSTALGIC This pizza and wings spot serves Willy Wonka–level decor, including tables built over gnomes and dinosaurs that greet you at the door. The menu skews toward the midway, with a “drive through” section of dogs and burgers in addition to its headline fare. 1351 Roosevelt Ave., 317-907-6100; 2498 Perry Crossing Way, Plainfield, 317-203-9107; $$ shindigindy.com

Siam Square THAI Soothing red and green curries—redolent of coconut milk, Thai chili paste, and fresh

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dishes are available as vegetarian or vegan preparations, making this a secret gem for the plant-based set. 128 S. Audubon Rd., 317-5504115, strangebirdindy.com $$$

Tapas Ñ SPANISH A former liquor store in a Castleton

parking lot may be an unlikely location for some of Indy’s best Spanish food, but past the nondescript facade, you’ll find a cozy dining room with a retro feel that evokes the supper clubs of the ’90s. Owner Saul Ramirez has been a fan of Iberian Peninsula cuisine since his youth, and with his first restaurant, he hopes to share that passion, serving up the type of classic tapas you might have enjoyed a few decades back, with occasional modern twists. The restaurant’s paella offerings are especially confident, but plan ahead, as those require 40 minutes to prepare. The menu of desserts— made in-house—is especially tempting, as is a solid list of beer and Spanish reds. 8215 Center Run Dr., 317-516-4729 $$$

Tinker Street Strange Bird BR 2026

RAMEN Trained in Japan, chef Kyle

Humphreys came to Indianapolis to eventually open his Shoyu Shop inside Irvington tiki bar Strange Bird. It’s a glorious pairing, as the thatched and 1970s-leaning interior lends itself equally as well to fun, rum-heavy drinks as it does to big bowls of hand-cut noodles. Broths are layered and umami-laden, while additions like pork belly and scallops are of peerless quality. And while it’s not apparent on the menu, many of the

CONTEMPORARY The Pedro Pascal of Indy, Tinker Street makes excellence look loose and easy, even when your brain tells you its staff must be working as hard as hell. From the sip of bubbles you’re offered when you walk in to the pitch for ricotta doughnuts you get at the end, it’s a breezy dining affair with food of the highest possible caliber. You can feel the kitchen staff having fun with the menu, which changes on the regular—and that fun translates into one of the warmest, most generous dining BR 2026

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experiences around. 402 E. 16th St., 317-9255000, tinkerstreetrestaurant.com $$$$

and a nicely edited menu offers familiar classics with a few twists. 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-798-2492, vicinoindy.com $$$

Tlaolli MEXICAN There’s a reason the Food Network

Vida

keeps featuring this taco shop on its programs: Owner and chef Carlos Hutchinson, who is often behind the register, might be one of Indy’s nicest residents. And that kindness extends to animals, as Tlaolli’s menu has an abundance of vegan offerings. 2830 E. Washington St., 317-4109507, tlaolli.org $$

PRIX FIXE Don’t be intimidated by the menu. Though diners are restricted to a six-course tasting affair or a four-course dinner, even within that structure, options abound—there are fully vegetarian menus for both choices, and allergies and dietary restrictions are thoughtfully accommodated. Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible. Its wine list might be Indy’s finest, as the restaurant uses a special Coravin extraction system to open rare and unexpected bottles for a single glass. 601 E. New York St., 317-420-2323, vida-restaurant.com $$$$

Trax BBQ BARBECUE Owner Andrew Klein, who has a background in high-end steakhouses, oversees the tender headliners at this no-frills barbecue joint in McCordsville. You can taste his expertise in the essential meats: brisket hacked into fatty hunks, pulled pork that melts in the mouth, and ribs by the rack, all prepared in a smoker that customers walk past before they hit the front door. Fans of smoked meats order off a menu that covers traditional carnivore territory as well as some creative upgrades, including pulled pork nachos and The Willie brisket sandwich topped with hot liquid cheese and slaw on a brioche bun. 7724 Depot St., McCordsville, 317-335-7675, traxbbq.com $$

WildFyre Tap

ITALIAN More than filling Mass Ave’s pasta

needs, this modern, colorful trattoria from the owners of The Oakmont measures up to some of the best Italian spots anywhere in the city. New seating and light fixtures add a brighter palette to the sleek former Hedge Row location,

Yokohama SUSHI In this restored arts and crafts–style

home, sushi rolls run the gamut from the traditional to the eclectic (the Las Vegas roll mingles unagi with sweet potato and lotus chips). Don’t miss the Fire Dragon roll made with tuna and avocado topped with more tuna, mango, eel, and tempura crunch, a sprawling concoction that balances the spicy, sweet, tangy, and unexpected. Purists will be pleased by its sashimi and nigiri menus. There’s also a separate vegetarian menu of udon and tempura dishes. 67 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood, 317-8591888, yokohamagreenwood.com $$$

DELI When the owners of Turchetti’s Deli

pivoted the business to wholesale meatpacking, WildEye Cannabis stepped in to take the business over. Now the spot weaves Turchetti’s favorites in with offerings like a broccoli cheese soup studded with deep-fried broccoli bites. 1106 Prospect St., 317-492-9874 $$

Wisanggeni Pawon INDONESIAN Aji Wisanggeni and Putri Pratiwi’s Indonesian knockout has quickly evolved into a fixture of Indy’s food community. An ever-expanding menu offers spice-forward dishes such as beef rendang simmered in coconut milk or fried duck with rice and nose-clearing homemade sambal, as well as one of the tastiest fried rice BR 2026

Vicino

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plates in the city. Those eager to try it all should opt for street food–style small plates such as martabak, vegetable fritters, and dumplings. 2450 E. 71st St., 317-756-9477, wpawon.com $$

INDIANAPOLIS MONTHLY (ISSN 0899-0328) is published monthly ($24 for 12 issues) at 8909 Purdue Rd., Ste. 130, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Copyright © 2026 Cincinnati Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Hour Media, LLC, 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098. The Indianapolis Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent management views. The magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. For subscription orders, address changes or renewals, write to INDIANAPOLIS MONTHLY, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071, or call 1-888-660-6847. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send forms 3579 to INDIANAPOLIS MONTHLY, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

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Mr. Bendo CAN THE NEAR WEST SIDE’S BIGGEST SPOKESMAN BOUNCE BACK FROM A HIT-AND-RUN INJURY? FOR SI X DE CADES , the most interesting visual landmark along the gritty, industrial stretch of 16th Street between Methodist Hospital and Stadium Lofts has been Mr. Bendo, a roughly 20-foottall fiberglass statue of a smiling (or perhaps grimacing?) bearded man standing outside Ralph’s Muffler & Brake Service. The big guy, whose outstretched left arm seems to offer a jaunty fist pump to passersby, recently made the news. Only the news wasn’t good. In the middle of the night, a hit-and-run driver collided with the burly icon, taking out his left shoe, mangling his internal metal framework, and most humiliating, damaging his pants. The Ralph’s folks shored him up with emergency repairs before shipping him to Tennessee, where he’s being fitted with a new pair of trousers before being returned to his place of honor in front of the shop. Why make such an effort to save a rickety, dated advertising gimmick? Because Mr. Bendo (named after a metal-bending machine in Ralph’s shop) is a heaping helping of nostalgia. Like the mighty buffalo, giant fiberglass advertising statues, known as muffler men, were once found all over the United States. The first, which resembled Paul Bunyan, was manufactured in the 1960s in California. Some buyers replaced his ax with an item more germane to their line of roadside business, such as a tire or hot dog. Mr. Bendo is a prime example. Originally, he held an iron bar in his right hand to represent a custom tailpipe. When and how that bar disappeared is lost to time. Mr. Bendo made his way to Indianapolis in 1965 when Ralph Potter bought the statue from a Texas business for $1,600. He’s been hanging around outside Ralph’s ever since. Indeed, his trip to Tennessee amounts to his first paid vacation. 104

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PHOTO BY RICHARD BROWN / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

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