Lunch: Value Meals

La Chinita Poblana

➼ Nestled in a yellow Broad Ripple bungalow, this standing-room-only taqueria packs exotic Asian flavors into addictive taco creations like sweet-and-sour crispy shrimp and red curry–marinated skirt steak drizzled with avocado crema, which Food Network dubbed one of the top tacos in America. The best part? For only $8.50, you can chow down on any two, plus a drink and your choice of soup or a side of chips with salsa, for a combo that’s as filling
as it is economical.
927 E. Westfield Blvd., 722-8108

Thai Paradise

➼ This bustling Market Street spot lures Statehouse employees in the door with an authentic taste of Thai cuisine and one of the most affordable lunch deals in the city. Choose any entree from the lengthy menu highlighting drunken noodles, pad Thai, and basil fried rice, and add a small bowl of tangy Thom Yum soup and a crispy spring roll for just $7.99. The aromatic red curry—with your choice of protein (we like chicken) or just veggies—is a good entry point to the smorgasbord of southeast-Asian delights represented on the bill of fare.
137 Market St., 822-8382

Pizzology Craft Pizza & Pub

➼ Downtown workers scoot over to Pizzology’s pristine Mass Ave location at high noon to sip soda and munch on individual-sized portions of the pizzeria’s famous prosciutto-and Gorgonzola–packed chopped salad and wood-fired cheese pizza—all for $11. Customizing your pie with extra toppings can add up, but don’t think twice about getting a healthy dose of truffle oil ($2) and house-cured pancetta ($1.50) sprinkled on top.
608 Massachusetts Ave., 685-2550

Caplinger’s Fresh Catch

➼ The lunch droves at this colorful seafood market prove that people are hooked on the family-owned restaurant’s hand-breaded fish sandwiches, oyster po’ boys, and generously stuffed lobster rolls. The wallet-friendly prices prompt customers to add a beverage and a side (like hush puppies, rich candied yams, or fried okra) for $2.49. Good luck cutting it off there—the checkout counter is brimming with tiny jars of the eatery’s remoulade and Aunt Gina’s homemade pies.
7460 Shadeland Ave., 288-7263

Chef Dan’s Southern Comfort

➼ Patrons crowd into Chef Daniel Carter’s vibrant Irvington storefront during noontime for flavors of the bayou and the heartiest lunch bargain around. The specials rotate weekly, but past deals have included buy-one-get-one-half-off po’ boys and catfish meals, served alongside two starch-heavy sides of your choice. Go for the fiery dirty rice and creamy, peppery mac ’n’ cheese—because you didn’t come to Chef Dan’s to count calories.
5539 E. Washington St., 737-1801

» The Complete List of Indy’s Great Spots for Lunch
» Indy’s Food Fight: A Lunch Bracket Battle
» May I Suggest: Indy Movers and Shakers Recommend Lunch

This article appeared in the September 2015 Issue.