Bazbeaux

In the summer, there’s nothing better than pizza and people-watching, and at Bazbeaux in Carmel, you get both. So grab a beer and a seat with a view of the Monon Trail and watch the world stroll by. With delicious starters, fresh salads, hearty sandwiches and a long list of specialty pies, it’s obvious why they are a local favorite and recently named the best pizza joint in the state. Owner Jeff Berman and his dedicated team have created a welcoming atmosphere at Bazbeaux that keeps customers coming back again and again, some since the original shop opened in Broad Ripple almost 40 years ago.

With scratch-made dough, slow-simmered tomato sauce and an abundance of daring toppings, Bazbeaux serves up memorable slices all year, but summer is a great time to try something new. Order the Hawaiian with ham, pineapple, green pepper and red onion for a taste of the tropics, or go for spicy, southern flavors with the Bayou Chicken--loaded with Cajun chicken, houseroasted red pepper, red onion and garlic. Or try the Tchoupitoulas--also with Cajun shrimp, along with house-roasted red pepper, green pepper, red onion, andouille sausage and fresh garlic. With all the veggies fresh and in season, now is a great time to try the Garden pizza topped with artichoke hearts, avocado, spinach, green pepper, red onion, black olive and ricotta. And check out the Get Fresh, a sauce-less pie served with fresh mozzarella, house-roasted tomatoes, heaped with fresh arugula, then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Bazbeaux Pizza locations can be found in Broad Ripple, downtown Indianapolis and at 111 W. Main Street in Carmel, right along the Monon Trail. For the menu and more information, visit bazbeaux.com and follow @bazbeaux on Instagram.