Indianapolis Colts Grille

Great weekly deals at: Tex-Mex, Slippery Noodle Inn, Colts Grille and more.

First up: Ale Emporium. This 30-year-old icon across the street from the mall bustle of Castleton serves a lively crowd of first- and even second-generation regulars.

Admittedly, the Indianapolis Colts Grille (110 W. Washington St., 317-631-2007)—a new NFL-themed restaurant in the shell of the former Claypool Courts off-track betting location—seemed like the kind of eatery that would have a “kick me” sign on its back. How could any foodie take this place seriously—with its out-of-state ownership, cookie-cutter sports-bar menu, and more flat-screen TVs than a Best Buy?