Top Ten Outdoor Dining and Drinking Spots in Indianapolis
With the advent of warmer weather in Indy, it’s the perfect time to check out restaurants around the area that offer cool breezes along with yummy eats. Here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink with a view around Indy.
Tinker Street
The illuminated, heated, and cozy patio at Tinker Street, a 21-and-over modern-American restaurant, grants access to an outdoor wonderland in the heart of the historic Herron-Morton neighborhood. The high-top bar offers an array of aged wine and beer on tap, an ideal place to stop for a quick drink after work, and the intimate, rustic booths are the perfect spot to wait for your pork belly with a fried farm egg. Just don’t forget to try the renowned desserts to complete your meal under the stars. 402 E. 16th St., 317-925-5000
Fire by the Monon
Bikers, runners, and walkers slow down to catch a glimpse—and a sniff—of the pulled-pork-topped burger at Fire by the Monon. Located right off the Monon Trail, the outdoor patio offers a look at Indy’s most-traveled path, complete with wooden pergola to shelter you from the Midwestern sun. The Dirty Mac and Cheese is great, but the best part is that your four-legged best friend can join you on the patio. 6523 Ferguson St., 317-252-5920
The Rathskellar
The 62 wooden picnic tables at the Biergarten at The Rathskeller welcome guests to come in, grab a seat, and drink a pint of beer from across the world. With two walk-up bars, a gravel bandstand with live concerts, and delicious pub-style food, it’s an experience you can’t miss and a view you can’t beat. 401 E. Michigan St., 317-636-0396
Iozzo’s Garden of Italy
Hidden behind two neighboring buildings and a wooden fence, Iozzo’s Garden of Italy creates an intimate courtyard unique to Indy. The voices of Sinatra and Buble fill the air and the long strands of lights gleam to forge a little Italy right on the cusp of Meridian Street. If you’re lucky (or you check out their website), you might be able to catch a classic movie on select weekend nights in the courtyard, while chowing down on some meatball martini. 946 S. Meridian St., 317-974-1100
Late Harvest Kitchen
Refurbished from a garden store in The Shops at River Crossing into an enchanted and luxe restaurant and patio, Late Harvest Kitchen offers a whimsical and delicious dining experience. Bulbs dangle in the trees and off the pergola to offer an illuminated plate of their famous pork chop, while the vine-covered lattice and fire pit humor the idea that maybe you’re not in Indy anymore. 8605 River Crossing Blvd., 317-663-8063
Rick’s Cafe Boatyard
Witness the sunset on Eagle Creek Reservoir while biting into crispy tempura fried shrimp out on the deck at Rick’s Cafe Boatyard. This seafood-savvy restaurant leaves you full, happy, and dazzled by the fresh Florida red grouper, Rick’s recommended Creole crab filet, and the waterfront seating. 4050 Dandy Trail, 317-290-9300
End of the Line Public House
Not many tables top the roof of Fountain Square Theatre Building at End of the Line Public House, but those who score a spot at one of them receive a desirable ticket to one of the best views of Indy’s skyline. From six stories up, you’ll have to brace the gusty wind, but a glimpse of the city from Fountain Square is worth it. Along with the all-local Indiana brews on tap, this place should be right at the top of your to-do list. The rooftop seating is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so try to get there before it’s all booked up. 1105 Shelby St., 317-687-4857
Burgerhaus
Nestled right on the edge of the canal, Burgerhaus features an outdoor patio with a view all its own. Feast on a succulent burger accompanied by Haus fries and sit back under the shade of the pergola to take in the walkers, paddle-boaters, and bikers zooming by during the day—or take a gander at the lights of the city in the evening. Day or night, eating canal-side won’t be easily forgotten. 335 W. 9th St., 317-434-4287
Black Market
Eating outside on Mass Ave is a must-do in summertime in Indy, and Black Market is just the place to try it out. Tucked away on the eastern tip of the artsy area, this 21-and-over restaurant offers a shaded deck with communal tables to create an atmosphere nurturing the picnic-style experience that chef Micah Frank is after. Sit down, enjoy the atmosphere, and dig in! 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-822-6757
Mrs. Curl
Want to step outside with the kids and treat them to some sweet ice cream? Mrs. Curl in Greenwood serves a menu complete with silly flavors like Blue Goo. After you’ve ordered, look for a place to sit at a picnic table underneath the white gazebos that surround the old-fashioned ice cream shop. For a real treat, go on a Saturday after 7 p.m., when they’ll have the karaoke machine running. 259 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, 317-882-1031
