Breakfast spot: Hoaglin's To Go (on Mass Ave)
...you MUST get the Red Velvet Pancakes, but they are only a special every few months. But, if you hear they are having them, GO! And go fast because they are fabulous and they will spoil you with pancakes because you will never want plain ones again. They're phenomenal!
(this is a pic taken by ME after indulging in 1/2 of the pancakes...I had to stop there, and believe me, I felt guilty leaving such amazing-ness for the trash can.)...they specialize in terrific-ness but specifically, the Red Velvet Elvis is their claim to fame, and my personal fave. I can't seem to venture from it! I got a dozen of these for a Bachelorette Party last year and they were definitely a huge hit! They have all kinds, but I'm starting to notice a trend with Red Velvet in my life...
(the bottom right is my baby, Elvis...red velvet with chocolate chips and cream cheese icing!)...I've been told, though, that there is some pizza that is better. However, my Bazbeaux's treats me right. I get green olives, bacon, and mushroom and have enough for lunch the next day, too! But I've seen that Ale Emporium deep dish pizza and it looks PRETTTTTTY amazing. I'm willing to test it out...for this contest of my faves, of course.
Outdoor bar: Rathskeller (for the Biergarten) and Monkey's Tale
...we all know the Rathskeller is awesome for outdoor drinking and music, but the Monkey's Tale is a close 2nd because it's a nice deck area, low key, not pretentious, and the bands they book are pretty fab for being locals or small. Also, MT has good bucket prices!
(old pic, but it shows you a little of the biergarten!)...what's better than being downtown Indy, but not feeling like you are downtown, and being given a lawnchair (that sits close to the ground) as you enter the venue, in addition to no service fees on your ticket costs during certain times of the year?? It's grand, folks...GRAND. And I'm awaiting Needtobreathe in just over a month. Pure awesome-ness.
Beer: Anything Leinenkugel's
...but...it seems no one carries the nectar of the gods in this town (that is, a bar doesn't carry it). Huge disappointment. I love Leine's and I can't findy. :)
Neighborhood: Village of West Clay (for dreamers)
...have you seen Pleasantville in Indianapolis? It has arrived. It's amazing, too. I love driving through this area because it's a little unbelievable. The houses remind me of modern-day Charleston, SC with the colors and the architecture. I love it...it makes me happy to drive around and just SEE.
Mexican Food: Qdoba, and I'm serious.
...nothing else to say but CHICKEN NACHOS, chips on the side, black beans, hot salsa, sour cream, cheese, add guac....all on a rich puddle of queso! AND...get the rewards card or whatever the Qdoba card is; it totally pays off! Like every 10th meal or so is FREE!
Scallops: Peterson's
...these little lovelies are served on apple and mushroom risotto and are unbeatable! Oceanaire? No. Agio? No. Anywhere? NO! Plus, you can get a great deal at restaurant.com and get a huge discount. Do it.
Cozy Bar: Chatham Tap (on Mass Ave)
...it just has a nice touch. Yes, it's tiny, but that also adds to the coziness. I've liked this place since my first visit, and even visited it during the World Cup. It's just quaint and cute, and the food is good, too! (And the Smithwick's!)
Local Artist: Gayla Hodson
...she is also a really awesome person. She gave me some advice when I was starting out, but that was only because I became such a fan of her's and so she met with me to discuss how to start my business. She is great, and her art is so fun!! I'm trying to save up to buy one. Check her out, y'all!
Movie Place: IMA "Summer Nights" or Movie on the Lawn
...it's awesome, baby! You take a picnic and beverages of choice (although, alcoholic bevs aren't allowed any more, but the security guys told us they'd allow it in b/c if they don't, people will stop coming and their alcohol is expensive!), and lay on a blanket...sprawled out on the grass! It's like an amphitheater with tiers of grass. And they show oldies but goodies like Ghostbusters (and had people in costumes and a band performing pre-show), and Dazed and Confused.
Table with a View: Shelby Street Cafe--Rooftop.
...this dining experience was superb. My mom and I went there last summer on a perfect night! We watched the sun set and felt the summer breeze as we drank some wine and shared dinners. Very cool place...VERY cool.
I hope you get to come to Indianapolis and experience some of the complete greatness we have here. YUM!
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