Street Savvy: CityWay & South Street

1. Instagram
The vertical rainbow enlivening a once-bleak stretch of Delaware Street by the train trestle might once have evoked the Emergency Broadcast System’s old graphic, but Bright City now just screams “selfie.” Indy artist Shawn Causey interspersed the 171-foot-long mural with strips of stainless-steel mirrors that reflect the passing traffic, sunny skies, and city skyline. East side of Delaware Street, between South and Maryland streets
2. Nosh
If you crave an authentic New York deli–style sandwich in Indianapolis, your choices are slim. Enter Gandolfo’s, with its “world-famous” pastrami stacked tall on marble rye baked in-house. The Rockefeller Reuben is as giant as its name suggests; other standouts include the Philly Cream Cheese Steak and the Urban Cowboy, a hot chicken sandwich with pepper Jack and barbecue sauce. 309 S. Delaware St., 317-964-0700, gandolfosdeli.com
3. Browse
The CityWay complex’s boutique hotel isn’t just for tourists. Nose around The Alexander and you’ll find 14 original artworks commissioned by the IMA. The portrait of Madam C.J. Walker composed entirely of combs with broken teeth to create shading is one of the most impressive compositions in the city. Creative touches continue in the rooms—each one has a word-search puzzle on the wall. Don’t miss the closet-sized Art + Supply gift shop behind the front desk. 333 S. Delaware St., 317-624-8200, thealexander.com
4. Drink
After-work hotspot Plat 99 in The Alexander entices professionals from nearby Lilly and Rolls-Royce for artisanal charcuterie and inventive cocktails, such as the 1860s-inspired Milk Punch. The bar’s 99 handmade glass lanterns grab all the attention, but their internationally acclaimed designer, Jorge Pardo, also created the hand-carved tables and bar tops. Challenge your friends in a cocktail-making class at the monthly Pour & Play for $20. 333 S. Delaware St., 317-624-8200, thealexander.com/dining/lounge
5. Dine
Caleb France opened his second Cerulean restaurant to much fanfare, and the innovative restaurant has proved its staying power. A new executive chef, Alan Sternberg, started this summer, but lunchers can still order the beautiful $13 bento box with a choice of a main dish (wild salmon, pork belly, strip steak) and three sides (roasted Brussels sprouts, chorizo potato salad, cold noodles). Dinner continues to focus on seasonal dishes with items like scallops, duck, lamb, and risotto. Ask to sit in the wood-slat structure known as “the nest.” 339 S. Delaware St., 317-870-1320, ceruleanrestaurant.com
 

Zachary Lockett

“Gandolfo’s is my new go-to spot. You feel like you’ve walked into a corner deli in New York. Get a breakfast sandwich on a kaiser roll or an everything bagel.”
—Zachary Lockett, CityWay resident

 
6. Gorge
Made-to-order dishes with fresh produce and locally raised meats are prepared to your liking at Market Table, a sleek, all-you-can-eat restaurant that isn’t your typical buffet. Colts-game-day brunch features bottomless mimosas. 333 S. Delaware St., 317-624-8222, thealexander.com/dining/market
7. Contemplate
Brand-new, the second gallery for Fountain Square’s Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art (iMOCA for short) more than doubles the museum’s exhibit capacity. Find it facing The Alexander’s “plaza,” the greenspace on the south side of the hotel. New York–based Richard Mosse’s infrared photographs are on display through December 20. 215 E. South St., 317-634-5622, indymoca.org
8. Rise & Shine
Breakfast stars at Yolk, a cheerfully decorated Chicago import on The Alexander’s plaza—and CityWay’s most kid-friendly destination. Five-egg omelets and bacon-in-the-batter waffles are served up in big diner-style portions, and entire sections of the menu are devoted to Benedict variations and French-toast twists (the sinful red velvet is made with griddled slices of cake laced with cream-cheese frosting). Lunch fare is available for those who think breakfast is best served before noon. 220 E. South St., 317-632-9655, eatyolk.com
9. Guzzle
Come for the beer at Tow Yard Brewing Co., stay for the food—and for the view, which rivals that of its neighbor Lucas Oil, especially when the garage-door walls are open. Best accessed from Madison Avenue and Henry Street, Tow Yard offers house beers and guest taps. The Larder, an in-house, locally sourced deli, serves a better-than-pub-fare menu that includes gourmet tacos and wings. Tailgating? Grab some brats and a growler to go. 501 Madison Ave., 317-638-9273, towyardbrewing.com