Reader's Choice
BEST SUSHI
Ichiban Noodles, 8355 Bash St., 317-841-0484
“It has an ex-Sakura sushi master without the crowd.” —Elise LeBlanc, Carmel
BEST PIZZA
Gallagher’s Pizza Express, gallagherspizzaexpress.com, 8028 S. Emerson Ave., 317-534-4949; 2390 W. Southport Rd., 317-884-3850
“It’s called The Sink: a 14-fresh-topping, 7-lb. masterpiece. Massive pizza with massive flavor.” —Willis Mills, Indianapolis
BEST BREADED TENDERLOIN
Parky’s Smokehouse, www.parkyssmokehouse.com, 2479 N. Lebanon St., Lebanon, 765-482-1646
“Hand-breaded, huge, not a fritter.” —Tina Broach, Lebanon
BEST STEAK
Bynum’s Steakhouse, www.bynumssteakhouse.com,
3850 S. Meridian St., 317-784-9880
“Southsiders won’t tell you how great this place is. Nothing fancy, but killer bone-in steaks and prime rib.” —Jeremy Hatch, Indianapolis
BEST BURGER
Boogie Burger, www.boogieburger.com, 1904 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-255-2450
“The black-bean burger is righteous. Add the serrano peppers and you have a winner.” —Patricia Gamble-Moore, Carmel
BEST FANCY GROCERY
The Fresh Market, www.thefreshmarket.com, 5415 N. College Ave., 3317-259-9270
“Can’t go wrong with the quality of meats, seafood, and pastries. Where else can you grocery shop to classical music?” —Jan Royce, Indianapolis
BEST CAKES
Shapiro’s Deli, www.shapiros.com, 808 S. Meridian St., 317-631-4041; 918 S. Range Line Rd., Carmel, 317-573-3354
“There is nothing like their lemon cake or their chocolate marble.” —Michael Blickman, Indianapolis
BEST SUNLESS TANNING
Air-Tan, air-tan.com, 6249 N. College Ave., 317-254-8267
“They spray you by hand so you don’t turn out streaky or splotchy.” —Jean O’Laughlin, Indianapolis
BEST DAY SPA
Studio 2000, www.studio2000spa.com, 55 Monument Circle, 317-687-0010
“It is right in the heart of the city but makes you feel like you’re in another world.” —Melanie Allen, Indianapolis
BEST YOGA STUDIO
City Yoga, www.cityoga.biz, 2442 Central Ave., 317-920-9642
“Free Recovery Yoga on Saturdays!” —Tony Dale, Indianapolis
CONCERT VENUE
The Lawn at White River State Park, inwhiteriver.wrsp.in.gov/ATTRACTIONS/Attraction/AttractionID/10, 801 W. Washington St., 317-233-2434
“Just the right amount of intimacy, and yet it attracts big names. Also, the provided chairs are a perk.” —Emily Atwood, Indianapolis
BEST ART GALLERY
Harrison Center for the Arts, www.harrisoncenter.org/home.php, 1505 N. Delaware St., 317-396-3886
“First Fridays are amazingly diverse and full of great company.” —Jean O’Laughlin, Indianapolis
BEST BOUTIQUE
Niche, shopnicheboutique.com, 916 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-205-9680
“Reminds me of Topshop in the U.K.” —Rebecca Annie, Indianapolis
BEST TOY STORE
My Toy Garden, www.mytoygarden.com, 301 E. Carmel Dr., Carmel, 317-571-1234
“Janet is always looking for new things that promote creativity and foster responsible parenting. She has an entire section devoted to kids with special needs.” —Ellie Brown, Zionsville
BEST INVITATIONS
Pink Poppy Ink, www.pinkpoppyink.com, 450 E. 96th St., Ste. 500, 317-489-0774 (appointment only)
“Beautifully handcrafted and coordinated.” —Tiffany Berkson, Indianapolis
BEST SHOE REPAIR
Hakky Instant Shoe Repair, hakkyshoes.com/site, Castleton Square Mall, 317-849-3286; Greenwood Park Mall, 317-881-0672
“They can repair almost anything, and if they can’t, they will tell you as soon as you bring it in so you don’t waste your time.” —Barb Vrska, Fishers
BEST PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Bobbi & Mike, www.bobbiandmike.com/index2.php#/home/, 317-635-2265
“Check out their blog; you will quickly see why.” —Maureen Miller, Indianapolis
BEST PARK
100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, www.imamuseum.org/100acres, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Rd., 317-923-1331
“It’s hard to believe you are still in a city when you are here. It’s beautiful and peaceful.” —Megan Treida, Indianapolis
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT
Broad Ripple Brewpub, www.broadripplebrewpub.com, 840 E. 65th St., 317-253-2739
“Tuesday is Pub Quiz night, and Billy the Quizmaster dishes out 20 questions. No gimmes in the lot. Just see if you can best The Black Friars for that $25 gift card.” —Hugh Vandivier, Indianapolis
WILD CARDS
King Wok, 4150 Lafayette Rd., 317-295-8090
“There’s a little Vietnamese place on Lafayette Road that makes amazing bun (a noodle salad). Hands down my favorite lunch in the city.” —Sarah Urist Green, Indianapolis
Comic Carnival, comiccarnival.com, 7225 N. Keystone Ave., 317-253-8882
“It’s one of the oldest comic-book stores in the country.” —Bobby Bell, Indianapolis
Running in Eagle Creek Park, www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Pages/EagleCreekPark.aspx, 7840 W. 56th St., 317-327-7110
“Watching the sunrise (and the mist rise) over the reservoir.” —Rebecca Howath, Indianapolis
Holy Cow Cupcakes!, holycowcupcakes.com, Carmel City Center, 317-571-1500
“The bon bons!” —Micayla McElvain, Indianapolis
Napolese, www.cafepatachou.com, 114 E. 49th St., 317-925-0765
“Corn, goat cheese, and tomato salsa.” —Tim Mitchell, Westfield
This article appears as a web-exclusive companion piece to our Best of Indy cover package in the December 2012 issue.
