Coming to Indy

[DanishColtsFan]

Hi there guys.

 

I'm a 21 year old male fan from Denmark. My brother and I will be going to Indy for the home game against New England. It will be my first trip to Indianapolis and first Colts game at stadium. I've been following the Colts since 2007, so I'm very much looking forward to watching a game at Lucas Oil, especially against the Patriots.

 

As it's my first time in Indianapolis, I was wondering which restaurants and places we should visit while being there. 

 

Also as it's my first game at Lucas Oil, I was hoping to get some tips and info on how the tailgating works We don't have anything like that in Denmark.

 

Best Regards Danish Colts Fan

[PrincetonTiger]

Have fun

[OffensivelyPC]

Indy has no shortage of great restaurants.  If money isn't an issue, St. Elmo steakhouse or Fogo de Chou.  St. Elmo's is one of the best with steaks and would measure up to any steakhouse in the continental US.  Fogo de Chou is all you can eat steak and they serve them off rotisseries.  Not as good as St. Elmo's but if I was going to get steak, this would be my second choice.  Go on an empty stomach and don't even mess with the salad bar.  Steak is too good.  Only issue with those places is that it's expensive.  Expect a check anywhere from $80 to $120.  If you don't mind parting with the money, you won't be dissappointed.

 

More affordable restaurants that are really good include BRU Burger, Scotty's Brewhouse (I didn't have a great experience at the one downtown, but they really do hvae good food), Bazbeaux's (was voted best pizza since 1986 until last year), Shapiro's (more for lunch, but awesome sandwiches and they stack the meat on them like its going out of style), Long's Bakery (best donuts.  EVER.) and Rock Bottom and the Colts Grille are also solid choices.  Also, Upland and Three Floyds are local breweries with good brew.  I don't believe they have any brew pubs downtown but would likely be sold in most down town restaurants and I would recommend trying them where they are sold downtown. 

 

Indianapolis doesn't have a ton of site seeing IMO, but perhaps that's because I have lived here most of my life.  Common places people visit are the Indy Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame if you're into racing, Indianapolis Art Museum, and the Indiana War Memorial.

 

Indianapolis is generally a friendly city, so hopefully we make a good impression.  Enjoy yourself!

[DanishColtsFan]

Indy has no shortage of great restaurants.  If money isn't an issue, St. Elmo steakhouse or Fogo de Chou.  St. Elmo's is one of the best with steaks and would measure up to any steakhouse in the continental US.  Fogo de Chou is all you can eat steak and they serve them off rotisseries.  Not as good as St. Elmo's but if I was going to get steak, this would be my second choice.  Go on an empty stomach and don't even mess with the salad bar.  Steak is too good.  Only issue with those places is that it's expensive.  Expect a check anywhere from $80 to $120.  If you don't mind parting with the money, you won't be dissappointed.

 

More affordable restaurants that are really good include BRU Burger, Scotty's Brewhouse (I didn't have a great experience at the one downtown, but they really do hvae good food), Bazbeaux's (was voted best pizza since 1986 until last year), Shapiro's (more for lunch, but awesome sandwiches and they stack the meat on them like its going out of style), Long's Bakery (best donuts.  EVER.) and Rock Bottom and the Colts Grille are also solid choices.  Also, Upland and Three Floyds are local breweries with good brew.  I don't believe they have any brew pubs downtown but would likely be sold in most down town restaurants and I would recommend trying them where they are sold downtown. 

 

Indianapolis doesn't have a ton of site seeing IMO, but perhaps that's because I have lived here most of my life.  Common places people visit are the Indy Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame if you're into racing, Indianapolis Art Museum, and the Indiana War Memorial.

 

Indianapolis is generally a friendly city, so hopefully we make a good impression.  Enjoy yourself!

Thanks a lot. We will definitely check out some of those steak houses, can't say no to a good steak We will only be in Indy for about 2-3 days before heading to Wisconsin (My brother is a cheesehead), so we have to know where the good places are ;) 

[Nadine]

I like walking on the canal,it's free and you walk past most all the museums

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g37209-d1682106-Reviews-Central_Canal-Indianapolis_Indiana.html

.

Indy has a bike share now:  http://www.nba.com/pacers/sites/pacers/files/media/Graphics/2013-14/pacers-bikeshare-map.pdf

 

You can ride a bike around the cultural trail which goes through downtown.  YOu can also rent other wheeled vehicles for the trail.

 

Mass Ave has a lot of shops and restaurants.  It's not directly downtown but it is popular:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_Avenue,_Indianapolis

 

Bru  Burger, which offensively PC mentioned is there.  I agree, food is good: http://www.bruburgerbar.com/indianapolis/

 

But there are also little old school type bars and restaurants.  It's fun 

 

If you can get together a group, this looks fun! My daughters did it.  YOu have to make reservations well in advance

http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/blog/index.php/2013/04/30/handlebar-pedal-pub-a-brew-way-to-tour-indianapolis/

 

Food trucks are popular here and down town has Food Truck Fridays on Georgia Street:  http://www.indystar.com/story/life/2014/03/06/food-truck-cluster-launches-friday-on-georgia-street-/6126043/

 

Indianapolis Zoo is fun and the new Orangutan exhibit opens this weekend:  http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/plan-your-visit/animals-exhibits/international-orangutan-center

 

Indy is fun and affordable.  Lots of young people moving downtown these days

[Nadine]

I've never tail gated but it's all around the stadium.  You can just wander about........or find someone to invite you to their tailgate

 

http://doingindy.com/2013/09/06/tailgate-this-colt/

 

There are lots of things going on around the stadium prior to kick off......music........merchandise sales etc

 

you can tour lucas oil stadium:  http://www.lucasoilstadium.com/visitors/getting-around-los-tours.aspx

 

Slippery Noodle is the most popular tourist spot:  http://www.slipperynoodle.com/

[Valpo2004]

Is this your first trip to the US or just your first trip to Indy?

[DanishColtsFan]

Is this your first trip to the US or just your first trip to Indy?

Second trip to the US, visited New York in 2009

[Valpo2004]

Second trip to the US, visited New York in 2009

 

NYC or the state?

 

If just NYC I'm glad you are likely seeing the US outside of just the major cities.  

 

And Indianapolis will probably seem small by comparison.  

[DanishColtsFan]

NYC or the state?

 

If just NYC I'm glad you are likely seeing the US outside of just the major cities.  

 

And Indianapolis will probably seem small by comparison.  

New York City ;)

[BrentMc11]

Need to 'pin' these great ideas for all fans...thanks Nadine.

 

We hop you have a great trip DanishColtsFan!!!!!!!!!!!    

[Rebelknight]

A Colts fan should try the Colts Grill...it has all sorts of Colts stuff...I am unsure of location of it though.

[PrincetonTiger]

Circle Center Mall is nice

[Bravo]

Yeah all of these locations are great!

Just so you know St.Elmos will be very pricey so be aware! But Some other good places to eat for cheap and a good time you can try the TILTED KILT (I suggest that! ) downtown or any Hooters for their wings! Scotty's Brewhouse is usually very popular on gamedays same for Colts Grill!!

The NCAA Hall of Fame is fun to go visit and the canal is great to walk around! The Mall is pretty big and has plenty to do so that could take up some of your free time. Enjoy your trip

[OffensivelyPC]

But there are also little old school type bars and restaurants.  It's fun 

The Rathskellar.  Now that place is old school.  Feels weird eating in a basement, but man...good German food.

[CroatianColtsFan21]

Hi there guys.

I'm a 21 year old male fan from Denmark. My brother and I will be going to Indy for the home game against New England. It will be my first trip to Indianapolis and first Colts game at stadium. I've been following the Colts since 2007, so I'm very much looking forward to watching a game at Lucas Oil, especially against the Patriots.

As it's my first time in Indianapolis, I was wondering which restaurants and places we should visit while being there.

Also as it's my first game at Lucas Oil, I was hoping to get some tips and info on how the tailgating works We don't have anything like that in Denmark.

Best Regards Danish Colts Fan

I'm really jealous of you

It's also weird cause my friend with whom i'm planning a visit to usa sometime in the future is a packers fan.. so we will probably follow your path

How did you get the tickets to the pats game?

[DanishColtsFan]

I'm really jealous of you

It's also weird cause my friend with whom i'm planning a visit to usa sometime in the future is a packers fan.. so we will probably follow your path

How did you get the tickets to the pats game?

We haven't bought them yet, but we will buy them from stubhub I think

[Buck Showalter]

The Year the Colts won the Super Bowl I ate at YATS before each home game, just saying...

[braveheartcolt]

Good on ye, young man. You'll have a great time. I made my first trip last season (Seahawks), and it was fantastic. I'm eyeing up the Redskins game this year, but doing a lot of traveling with work, so need to be fair to my good lady. Keep us posted. I started a thread on my trip, so please do the same!

[CroatianColtsFan21]

We haven't bought them yet, but we will buy them from stubhub I think

Hmm, i hope you get the tickets, cause that game tickets are surely going to be in high demand..

[DanishColtsFan]

Good on ye, young man. You'll have a great time. I made my first trip last season (Seahawks), and it was fantastic. I'm eyeing up the Redskins game this year, but doing a lot of traveling with work, so need to be fair to my good lady. Keep us posted. I started a thread on my trip, so please do the same!

Will do and hopefully our trip will be a success as well

[alawai]

Hope you enjoy your trip!  I've been to three Colts game in San Diego but last year was my first to the Lucas.  Great city, people are friendly and most of all you'll be in a home game.  I hope to make it to the Eagles and NE game.

[USAFHoosier]

Yeah all of these locations are great!

Just so you know St.Elmos will be very pricey so be aware! But Some other good places to eat for cheap and a good time you can try the TILTED KILT (I suggest that! ) downtown or any Hooters for their wings! Scotty's Brewhouse is usually very popular on gamedays same for Colts Grill!!

The NCAA Hall of Fame is fun to go visit and the canal is great to walk around! The Mall is pretty big and has plenty to do so that could take up some of your free time. Enjoy your trip

Everyone needs to visit the kilt!!!

[schwamm]

I might also recommend a stop at Sun King Brewery, especially if you are in town around happy hour on Friday night... free samples!

[Nadine]

Bazbeaux Pizza:  http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/40/440151/restaurant/Massachusetts-Avenue/Bazbeaux-Pizza-Indianapolis

 

And I agree wtih Schwamm, craft beer is huge here with Sun King being very popular.  

 

So many breweries opeing this year, I cannot keep track. http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-whats-on-tap-indy-breweries

http://www.brewersofindianaguild.com/breweries

 

 I think one just opened down the street from the slippery noodle, cannot remember the name, I'll ask my daughter

[NFLfan]

I like walking on the canal,it's free and you walk past most all the museums

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g37209-d1682106-Reviews-Central_Canal-Indianapolis_Indiana.html

.

Indy has a bike share now: http://www.nba.com/pacers/sites/pacers/files/media/Graphics/2013-14/pacers-bikeshare-map.pdf

You can ride a bike around the cultural trail which goes through downtown. YOu can also rent other wheeled vehicles for the trail.

Mass Ave has a lot of shops and restaurants. It's not directly downtown but it is popular: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_Avenue,_Indianapolis

Bru Burger, which offensively PC mentioned is there. I agree, food is good: http://www.bruburgerbar.com/indianapolis/

But there are also little old school type bars and restaurants. It's fun

If you can get together a group, this looks fun! My daughters did it. YOu have to make reservations well in advance

http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/blog/index.php/2013/04/30/handlebar-pedal-pub-a-brew-way-to-tour-indianapolis/

Food trucks are popular here and down town has Food Truck Fridays on Georgia Street: http://www.indystar.com/story/life/2014/03/06/food-truck-cluster-launches-friday-on-georgia-street-/6126043/

Indianapolis Zoo is fun and the new Orangutan exhibit opens this weekend: http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/plan-your-visit/animals-exhibits/international-orangutan-center

Indy is fun and affordable. Lots of young people moving downtown these days

This is great, Nadine. As Brent suggested, you should pin this or start a thread in the Misc. Section, with information about places to go to in Indianapolis.

[Nadine]

This is great, Nadine. As Brent suggested, you should pin this or start a thread in the Misc. Section, with information about places to go to in Indianapolis.

 

we had one like this that was pinned but after a while it was auto archived.  So, nobody could respond to it

[buccolts]

As it's my first time in Indianapolis, I was wondering which restaurants and places we should visit while being there. 

 

I have to thank you so much for starting this thread.

 

We're moving to the area in a little over a month, and though I've been to Indy a few times, the locals can certainly offer good insight on things to do, places to eat, etc.

 

As Nadine suggested, there was a similar thread pinned in the misc section, but I was unable to locate it (now know why).

 

I'm now compiling my list of places to go, to take the kids (in many cases) when we get to town, and beyond.

 

Oh, and have a good trip. It's a great place. LOS, and Indy are awesome.

[BlueShoe]

Hi there guys.

I'm a 21 year old male fan from Denmark. My brother and I will be going to Indy for the home game against New England. It will be my first trip to Indianapolis and first Colts game at stadium. I've been following the Colts since 2007, so I'm very much looking forward to watching a game at Lucas Oil, especially against the Patriots.

As it's my first time in Indianapolis, I was wondering which restaurants and places we should visit while being there.

Also as it's my first game at Lucas Oil, I was hoping to get some tips and info on how the tailgating works We don't have anything like that in Denmark.

Best Regards Danish Colts Fan

That's awesome man! You are in for a treat. The first time you see the field; it will be a moment you will remember forever.

A must watch before you come, if you haven't already seen it is Coming to America.

Enjoy.

[DanishColtsFan]

I have to thank you so much for starting this thread.

 

We're moving to the area in a little over a month, and though I've been to Indy a few times, the locals can certainly offer good insight on things to do, places to eat, etc.

 

As Nadine suggested, there was a similar thread pinned in the misc section, but I was unable to locate it (now know why).

 

I'm now compiling my list of places to go, to take the kids (in many cases) when we get to town, and beyond.

 

Oh, and have a good trip. It's a great place. LOS, and Indy are awesome.

You're very welcome

 

And I'm very much looking forward to going

That's awesome man! You are in for a treat. The first time you see the field; it will be a moment you will remember forever.

A must watch before you come, if you haven't already seen it is Coming to America.

Enjoy.

Yeah, I can't wait to see the stadium and feel the atmosphere around the place It surely will be something to remember

[RomanianColtsFan]

Is Ram brewery still in downtown or is it considered low class since it hasn't been mentioned?

[buccolts]

Is Ram brewery still in downtown or is it considered low class since it hasn't been mentioned?

 

If it IS still there, it may not have been mentioned because it wouldn't be special to the area.

It's a chain, so it'd be like mentioning McDonalds.

[braveheartcolt]

Don't forget McNivens on Mass. Ave.

Look at me sounding like a local!

[Nadine]

I have to thank you so much for starting this thread.

 

We're moving to the area in a little over a month, and though I've been to Indy a few times, the locals can certainly offer good insight on things to do, places to eat, etc.

 

As Nadine suggested, there was a similar thread pinned in the misc section, but I was unable to locate it (now know why).

 

I'm now compiling my list of places to go, to take the kids (in many cases) when we get to town, and beyond.

 

Oh, and have a good trip. It's a great place. LOS, and Indy are awesome.

 

You will love it here.  I think you should take the kids to the zoo!  As I said, I really want to see the Orangutans!  At christmas time they deck the whole zoo out in lights.  I go every year.  Hot chocolat and activities for kids.  Not many animals to see that time of year but surprisingly you can see the flamingos......they'll even be outside their little house if its not too cold.

 

Get up close and personal with orangutans as they use interactive technology in groundbreaking ways! #IndyOrangutans pic.twitter.com/jHUYcv4gUo

— Indianapolis Zoo (@IndianapolisZoo)

May 21, 2014

 

 

If your kids are a bit older, I love the Indiana State Museum (free admission on MLK day)

https://twitter.com/IndianaMuseum

 

They've got the history of the area there back to the prehistoric sharks that used to be here when this place was underwater.

 

They also have an imax there and show some fun stuff

https://www.imax.com/oo/imax-indiana-state-museum/

 

 

Best way to find out what's going on in indy is to start following Indy accounts on twitter

 

https://twitter.com/WhiteRiverStPrk

https://twitter.com/historicindiana

https://twitter.com/IndyMonthly

https://twitter.com/VisitIndy

https://twitter.com/VisitHamiltonCo

 

There's a lot more but once you start following, twitter will give you suggestions

 

There's a lot here for kids.  One thing I saw coming up is a little musical production of shrek and a little community theater.  There are more expensive options but I like less expensive stuff.  It's in a cute neighborhood on the near north side

http://www.footlite.org/

 

Farmers markets are a standard saturday am summer activity here.  I love carmel farmers market.  Lots of food vendors so you can do breakfast and then sit and watch the entertainment.

https://twitter.com/CarmelFarmMrkt

 

There are a lot of others so you can rotate where you go on Saturday am

 

Welcome in advance!

[Nadine]

Don't forget McNivens on Mass. Ave.

Look at me sounding like a local!

I like Chatham Tap on mass ave

http://chathamtap.com/

[Nadine]

As far as creating a thread........I will.  I unpinned the other because it was archived and nobody could respond to it

 

I think though that to keep it current we need people to post about upcoming events as well as food and drink........downtown and the surrounding area.

 

There is a lot to do here.........more than you can do in a weekend visit.

 

But I think that a general Places to go, things to do......food and drink around Indy would be interesting and maybe not die the way the other thread did

 

Also be good for people who are here and might not know about some places and events

[Danfish98]

In addition to Sun King, check out Flat 12 if you're looking for a great brewery. Sun King gets all the publicity in Indy, but Flat 12 has better beer IMO.

[buccolts]

You will love it here.  I think you should take the kids to the zoo!  As I said, I really want to see the Orangutans!  At christmas time they deck the whole zoo out in lights.  I go every year.  Hot chocolat and activities for kids.  Not many animals to see that time of year but surprisingly you can see the flamingos......they'll even be outside their little house if its not too cold.

 

Get up close and personal with orangutans as they use interactive technology in groundbreaking ways! #IndyOrangutans pic.twitter.com/jHUYcv4gUo

— Indianapolis Zoo (@IndianapolisZoo)

May 21, 2014

 

 

If your kids are a bit older, I love the Indiana State Museum (free admission on MLK day)

https://twitter.com/IndianaMuseum

 

They've got the history of the area there back to the prehistoric sharks that used to be here when this place was underwater.

 

They also have an imax there and show some fun stuff

https://www.imax.com/oo/imax-indiana-state-museum/

 

 

Best way to find out what's going on in indy is to start following Indy accounts on twitter

 

https://twitter.com/WhiteRiverStPrk

https://twitter.com/historicindiana

https://twitter.com/IndyMonthly

https://twitter.com/VisitIndy

https://twitter.com/VisitHamiltonCo

 

There's a lot more but once you start following, twitter will give you suggestions

 

There's a lot here for kids.  One thing I saw coming up is a little musical production of shrek and a little community theater.  There are more expensive options but I like less expensive stuff.  It's in a cute neighborhood on the near north side

http://www.footlite.org/

 

Farmers markets are a standard saturday am summer activity here.  I love carmel farmers market.  Lots of food vendors so you can do breakfast and then sit and watch the entertainment.

https://twitter.com/CarmelFarmMrkt

 

There are a lot of others so you can rotate where you go on Saturday am

 

Welcome in advance!

 

Thank you for the welcome, Nadine, and thanks for passing along all of that information.

 

Prior to our home search this spring, the last time we were in town was a year ago this past November. My son & I took in the Colts/Dolphins game (his first Colts game, and my first view of LOS), and went to the zoo. It was very slow at that time of year, cool, and a little rainy, but they want to go back, and my son wants to race the Cheetah (he's very ambitious).

 

From what I understand, the Children's Museum also has a Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit this summer. We're looking forward to that, as both my children are from China, and my son barely remembers it. They're both teens now, but still want to see it.

 

Never been to Broad Ripple, or Mass Ave, or Conner Prairie, but there'll be plenty of time to check things out. With my work, I get little chance to take time off, so I'm hoping to take the week off after the move, and get around town with the family.

 

Thanks again.

[Nadine]

Thank you for the welcome, Nadine, and thanks for passing along all of that information.

 

Prior to our home search this spring, the last time we were in town was a year ago this past November. My son & I took in the Colts/Dolphins game (his first Colts game, and my first view of LOS), and went to the zoo. It was very slow at that time of year, cool, and a little rainy, but they want to go back, and my son wants to race the Cheetah (he's very ambitious).

 

From what I understand, the Children's Museum also has a Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit this summer. We're looking forward to that, as both my children are from China, and my son barely remembers it. They're both teens now, but still want to see it.

 

Never been to Broad Ripple, or Mass Ave, or Conner Prairie, but there'll be plenty of time to check things out. With my work, I get little chance to take time off, so I'm hoping to take the week off after the move, and get around town with the family.

 

Thanks again.

Oh the Terra Cotta warriors exhibit! I've been meaning to find out how much that costs.  I believe this is it's only stop in the states.

 

Indianapolis Indians baseball is fun in the summer:  http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20140317&content_id=69496034&sid=t484&vkey=tickets

 

you can get lawn seats for pretty cheap and they run promotions

 

Broadripple is cute and there's some nice restaurants there.  Parking is a pain and since broadripple ave (aka 62nd street) is the main drag through there........traffic can be obnoxious

The monon runs right through it and crosses broadripple ave.........which is nice but I just saw a bycyclist hit by a car there a couple of weeks ago..........so, be careful crossing that street

 

Broadripple has kind of a vacation town/college/ hippie vibe..........small shops and restaurants.  In fact I believe the area used to be a vacation place and the Broadripple park was a theme park. I like that park and go there because the dog park is there......but I think it's gets a bit sketchy in the evening.

 

There are a lot of casual style restaurants there.  Broadripple is all about independent busnesses and the area is currently up in arms over a whole foods locating there and ruining the small & locally owned vibe

 

Food/locations I like there:  Union Jacks, Bazbeaux, Broadripple Brew Pub,and Brugge Brasserie (in particular the 'frites' which is what they call their fries.....and you can get different sauces with them (yum) http://www.bruggebrasserie.com/frites.html#frites

 

Congrats on your relocations! I understand the market was super competitive this spring with houses having multiple offers and selling above list price. Hope you found the perfect home!

[buccolts]

Oh the Terra Cotta warriors exhibit! I've been meaning to find out how much that costs.  I believe this is it's only stop in the states.

 

Indianapolis Indians baseball is fun in the summer:  http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20140317&content_id=69496034&sid=t484&vkey=tickets

 

you can get lawn seats for pretty cheap and they run promotions

 

Broadripple is cute and there's some nice restaurants there.  Parking is a pain and since broadripple ave (aka 62nd street) is the main drag through there........traffic can be obnoxious

The monon runs right through it and crosses broadripple ave.........which is nice but I just saw a bycyclist hit by a car there a couple of weeks ago..........so, be careful crossing that street

 

Broadripple has kind of a vacation town/college/ hippie vibe..........small shops and restaurants.  In fact I believe the area used to be a vacation place and the Broadripple park was a theme park. I like that park and go there because the dog park is there......but I think it's gets a bit sketchy in the evening.

 

There are a lot of casual style restaurants there.  Broadripple is all about independent busnesses and the area is currently up in arms over a whole foods locating there and ruining the small & locally owned vibe

 

Food/locations I like there:  Union Jacks, Bazbeaux, Broadripple Brew Pub,and Brugge Brasserie (in particular the 'frites' which is what they call their fries.....and you can get different sauces with them (yum) http://www.bruggebrasserie.com/frites.html#frites

 

Congrats on your relocations! I understand the market was super competitive this spring with houses having multiple offers and selling above list price. Hope you found the perfect home!

 

Thanks again Nadine.

 

Oddly, I'm a Pirate fan also, so going to an Indian's game will be a must for me at some point. I hear it's a really nice place to catch a game also.

 

We'll have to check out Broad Ripple. Maybe take my son for a swim.  

 

Yes, the market has become quite competitive.

Got to the point where we'd drive down every Saturday morning (leave around 5am), see whatever new homes got on the market, then drove back (Far NW Chicagoland) that evening. My son got tired of the drive. My daughter thinks any/every trip is an adventure.

The home we bought went on the market late the previous day, and we paid the asking price. Very satisfied though.