Last Friday, after catching the musical “Assassins” at Hedback Theatre, I barely made it to the new Meridian Bar and Restaurant
in time for a late dinner.
What I want to talk about now, though, isn’t the show (that review will be in the upcoming IBJ) or the restaurant (you’ll see that review in a few weeks).
Instead, I’m interested in hearing your recommendations for dining options before and after plays, concerts and gallery openings.
What’s your go-to spot after a night at Civic, a performance at Clowes Memorial Hall, or a concert at the Murat? Further, is there a great place you’ve found to eat near Brown County Playhouse or a college production at Purdue or IU?
Tell me an arts venue you’ve frequented and a nearby dining option you’d recommend.
Extra points if you don’t have to repark your car.
Your thoughts?
What I want to talk about now, though, isn’t the show (that review will be in the upcoming IBJ) or the restaurant (you’ll see that review in a few weeks).
Instead, I’m interested in hearing your recommendations for dining options before and after plays, concerts and gallery openings.
What’s your go-to spot after a night at Civic, a performance at Clowes Memorial Hall, or a concert at the Murat? Further, is there a great place you’ve found to eat near Brown County Playhouse or a college production at Purdue or IU?
Tell me an arts venue you’ve frequented and a nearby dining option you’d recommend.
Extra points if you don’t have to repark your car.
Your thoughts?
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Tomorrow before a show at the Phoenix, we are trying Barcelona on Mass Ave, a new tapas restaurant, which has been recommended by friends...
Alexa
I've also eaten at Scholar's Inn Bakery for a quick sandwich or salad (or could try just about anything in Broad Ripple) before shows at Clowes because I'm not aware of many restaurants near the theater.
I agree that more late night eating places for after shows would be a great idea for Indy, but there's always Steak n Shake or Red Eye Cafe just south of the Circle. And I guess there are a number of bars/pubs downtown, but I'm not sure how late their kitchens are open.
After the show dining can take on purposes depending on whether you are hungry or do you and your group want a place to hand out and talk about the show you have just seen. Hanging out with actor people has taught me the late night hangouts: Bourbon Street, The Old Point, The Red Key, the Melody Inn and I've seen that the Living Room has expended.
I will add that we often meet at a place that is close to work to eat and then drive to Butler or Purdue to see the show. That comes a lot from not knowing what's good in the area. Going to the Civic allows us to go to La Hacienda for Chori Queso!
More importantly the Peruvian food is YUMMY and affordable. The two times that I have been there, only the waiter and I have spoken English, which makes me think the food is authentic. Try the blue corn cola and the mashed potato appetizer.
I like to go to the Scholar's Inn for a decadent brunch before going to a Sunday afternoon show at the IRT, but that restaurant is always super busy on the weekends, so it is important to go EARLY to make a 2:00 or 2:30 show. One of these Sundays I am going to see if Cafe Patachou is open across the street (diagonally) from the IRT. I like their restaurants in Broad Ripple and Carmel.
One night at the IRT, I overheard someone from Chicago asking where he and his friends could get a good meal before they headed back north. The person sitting next to him said, St. Elmo's Steakhouse. 'Seriously good food, and they are open 'til 11:00 on weekends.
I like YATS, too, as someone else mentioned, and also the fresh salads and homemade comfort food at Henry's on East. Oh! And the coconut cake! The one time I tried it, I remembered the delicious taste for days. This coffee shop next to Outward Bound Bookstore came under new ownership this year.
The food is pretty as well as delicious, and the service is good: the servers know how to talk about the food in an inviting way, and they know how to bring it out in a timely manner.
I rarely drink, but my friend from New York spoke well of the cocktails. I think she had a special martini.
Agio's is also attractive because it is within walking distance of TOTS, ACT, the Phoenix, and the comedy place on Mass. Ave. (why can I never remember its name?)