There is much more to Indianapolis than the iconic Motor Speedway, Monument Circle, Children’s Museum and Lucas Oil Stadium. Visitors who venture northward from downtown Indianapolis will find sprawling urban life that extends as far north as Westfield. Those who have an appetite can experience the “Hoosier Hospitality” at one of the countless northside restaurants, where they certainly won’t leave hungry.
During the holiday season, it is a good idea to remember to reserve one of Sahm’s famous sour cream coffee cakes; otherwise customers might be out of luck. Thousands of these 4 lb. baked delights are sold every year, especially around the holidays. If guests can’t justify an entire cake, they can order a slice for dessert; a perfect pairing with a cup of hot coffee. There is more than dessert at this family-owned restaurant that has served the Indianapolis area since 1986. The menu features entrée salads, such as Chicken Cranberry Poppyseed, Black and Bleu Chop or Mediterranean. As an added bonus: all of these entrée salads are served with a slice of coffee cake. Diners can also pair their salad with a cup of Alaskan Clam Chowder or Chili. If diners prefer more than a salad, they can try Sahm’s Baby Back Ribs, New York Strip, Tilapia Parmesan or Steak Diane. In addition, they will have a choice of two sides and freshly-baked bread. Sahm’s is open for lunch and dinner and offers a full kid’s menu. Visitors can also head over to The Roost near the original Fishers location (116th & Allisonville Road) for an all-day breakfast menu.
Sahm’s Restaurant
2411 E. 65th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220
317-202-1577
11590 Allisonville Road
Fishers, IN 46038
317-842-1577
The Roost
7371 E. 116th Street
Fishers, IN 46038
317-842-3735
7870 E. 96th Street
Fishers, IN 46038
317-841-3014
sahms.com/index.htm
Sushi fanatics head over to Naked Tchopstix, which offers two convenient Indianapolis northside locations. The Broad Ripple location is in the heart of the main drag, right next to The Vogue Nightclub, one of the more popular nightlife venues in Indianapolis. Patrons enjoy a leisurely meal of sushi and sake, then head next door to catch a concert, making for a perfect evening on the town. Evenings often start with an Electric Lemonade (sake and lemonade) or a Fiji Apple (vodka, apple Pucker and apple sake). After cocktails, diners order one of the sushi sets or opt to order the sushi a la carte. The Chirashi Special is especially tasty, featuring thinly-sliced assortments of sashimi with mixed greens on top of sushi rice, served with spicy sashimi sauce. The Fire Roll (Masago, cream cheese, crab, unagi and avocado) and the Corona Roll (Spicy tuna, avocado, tempura chips, white tuna and lime) are among the creative sushi selections on the menu. The Crab Ragoon and Tuna Tataki are always popular starters. If sushi just is not diners' thing, Naked Tchopstix has them covered with a variety of options. The chicken teriyaki is always a reliable standby, but if diners are feeling adventurous, they can try the Bulgoki (thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce, garlic-based Korean marinade and charbroiled) or a Bento Box (served neatly in a divided box, filled with rice, vegetables, salad, choice of meat or vegetable tempura and an assortment of pot stickers, California rolls, spring rolls and crab ragoons, in addition to a cup of soup.) Both locations are open daily for lunch and dinner.
Naked TChopstix
6253 N. College Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
317-252-5555
3855 E. 96th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
317-569-6444
tchopstix.com
Colts fever is in full-force at this football-themed sports bar and grill located on the populated 96th Street corridor. You can’t miss the entrance, with the huge blue 1970 Mack fire truck parked out front in the parking lot. The smoke-free environment is perfect for people of all ages, as it is a popular place to watch the game or the race. With three 1080p high definition screens and eight TVs throughout the restaurant, guests will never be out of sight of the action. Meals often start with The “Chip” Shot, an appropriately-named appetizer (or as they call them, “Warm-Ups”) consisting of chips and salsa or Queso. The Mini Corndogs are also perfect for pairing with a tall glass of beer. There is also the Blue Crew Sampler Platter, or a plate of nachos, topped with jalapenos, salsa, chili, ground beef or chicken. The Blue Crew Sports Grill offers several tasty sandwiches as well, from the Hoosier favorite Blue Crew Tenderloin to a Blue Crew Brat. Hungrier patrons order the Surf & Turf or a full rack of BBQ ribs, which come with two sides. If guests are still up for munching after their meal, they can order a Turtle Brownie or the Chocolate Fusion Cake. There are daily drink specials as well for those who prefer a liquid meal. The Blue Crew Sports Grill offers a kid’s menu (called “Training Camp”) and is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Blue Crew Sports Grill
7035 E. 96th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46250
317-536-8282
bluecrewsportsgrill.com