Some offered their inaugural feasts. Others served their last meal. Here’s a rundown of just some of the transitions on the Indy dining scene this year:
In with the new: With all the lamenting over the economy, some restaurateurs had the guts to enter the high-risk dining world. Among them were Broad Ripple’s Northside Social and the trail-side Monon Food Co. (MoFoCo to those in the know). Newcomer Flatwater Restaurant took a much-transitioned spot on the Central Canal. And Broad Ripple Steakhouse transitioned into The Ripple Inn.
South of the main drag, the Café Patachou folks birthed upscale pizza joint Napolese while Greg Hardesty and company created the gourmet Recess, where options are limited but there is creativity to spare.
Massachusetts Avenue saw some changes, too. Ball & Biscuit got its drink on, while Scholars Inn exited, making room for Mesh. Urban Element II opened behind the giant head sculpture in the space that used to be Elements. Over on Pennsylvania Street, the original Urban Element closed, along with Urban Element II. Now the Penn street spot has reopened under new management. No, we’re not sure we understand all of that, either.
On Pennsylvania, we didn’t get the promoted Bar Yatz, but we did get The Bar at the Ambassador. Farther west, Left Bank Café opened on the canal.
In downtown proper, Pearl Street Pizza found a home on the small street conveniently located behind IBJ’s office. Across the street from our building, Taste of Tango danced its final dance, soon to be replaced by Hue. Nearby Buffalo Wings & Rings closed, as did the restaurant at the Canterbury (aka Danelli’s). But the latter space reopened as Turner’s Restaurant.
Scotty’s Brewhouse—now a downtown staple—expanded to Geist with Scotty’s Lakehouse. The south side added All-American Clubhouse. And Fountain Square became home to Red Lion Grog House. (OK, that was late 2009, but we liked all these houses coming together.)
Fountain Square now also is home to Square Rootz Deli and, after a fire, a rebuilt Santorini Greek Kitchen.
Farther south, you can now find Teddy’s Burger Joint and a new Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza. On the north side, Stanley’s New York Deli left, paving the way for Hotcakes Emporium. Loon Lake Lodge flew the coop, but there’s now Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant flying in just down the road.
We don’t know about you, but we’re hungry.•
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