NORTHEAST
INCLUDES Broad Ripple, Castleton, Geist, Herron-Morton, Kennedy-King, Keystone at the Crossing, Meridian-Kessler, Nora, SoBro
317 Burger
BURGERS At this casual Broad Ripple spot, the four cheese–gilded 317, a bison burger with whiskey-glazed onions, and a kraut-topped Brat Burger headline the red-meat creations. The DIY options are here in abundance, though, with chicken gravy and apple chutney among the more outrageous burger toppings, along with wings and salads. Dinner Tues.–Sun. 915 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-251-1317, 317burger.com
Ambrosia
ITALIAN Regulars have happily returned to this storied Broad Ripple trattoria run by the Pizzi family for three decades. Antipasti are a must, especially the goat-cheese torta or grilled shrimp wrapped in prosciutto. Veal marsala (a true trattoria test) might be less than crispy, but other classics hit the mark. Dinner daily. 5903 N. College Ave., 317-255-3096, ambrosiaindy.com
Bar One Fourteen
BAR BITES Reservations are de rigueur at Martha Hoover’s late-week, midcentury throwback bar that recalls supper clubs of yore while serving up a decidedly contemporary vibe. With just 16 seats, this darkly paneled, clubby spot with a vinyl turntable and a stunning mirrored bar at the end is almost guaranteed to be crowded the three nights a week that it’s open. But it’s worth elbowing your way in for the menu of elegant nibbles. Dinner Thurs.–Sat. 114 E. 49th St., 317-946-0114
Big Lug Canteen
BREWPUB Restaurateur Eddie Sahm and brewer Scott Ellis combine their love of beer and regional eats in this spacious hangout steps from the Monon Trail. Seasonal beers and house standards include Ellis’s spins on wheats, ales, and IPAs, as well as beers inspired by pilgrimages to breweries around the country. A streamlined menu offers excellent and hearty poutine, salads, and sandwiches, none more macho than the Nashville Hot Chicken (cribbed from the original at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack). Lunch and dinner daily. 1435 E. 86th St., 317-672-3503, biglugcanteen.com
Broad Ripple Brewpub
PUB GRUB We love the mainstays at Indiana’s oldest operating microbrewery: a creamy beercheese crock, Scotch eggs, and crunchy fish and chips. And an array of meatless options—like garden tacos with veggie crumbles and tomatillo guacamole, a sloppy Joe, and two types of veggie burgers—has made the place a hit with local vegetarians. Expect a large selection of English-influenced brews (read: ESBs), a crisp Kölsch, and an aromatic “Hopsicle.” Lunch and dinner daily. 840 E. 65th St., 317-253-2739, broadripplebrewpub.com
Brugge Brasserie
GASTROGRUB Venture past the beloved mussels and paper cones of pommes frites, and you’ll be rewarded with meats cooked in Belgian beers, such as a duck confit “sandwich” with luscious cherry-and-lambic compote. For beer, order the Tripel, a brightly colored brew with a smooth finish. Lunch and dinner daily. 1011 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-255-0978, bruggebrasserie.com
BurgerFuel
The first U.S. location of a New Zealand chain, BurgerFuel brings a unique urban feel to Broad Ripple.
