Sometimes you want to go where everybody may (or may not) know your name. Whether you call them dives, taverns, inns, saloons, pubs, or cocktail lounges, these neighborhood bars provide a cozy sense of community and belonging to patrons.
EDITED BY JULIA SPALDING
58
GORE VALUES
During his childhood upbringing in Pendleton, Hoosier screenwriter, filmmaker, and author Joshua Hull developed a penchant for the macabre. He is now scaring up a career in the horror genre, one creepy script at a time.
BY TONY REHAGEN
Red Key Tavern bartender Steve Papesh chats with a customer.
ON THE COVER Snug photograph by Tony Valainis
25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
BLOOD AND BONE MARROW INDIANA’S
PREMIER TRANSPLANT PROGRAM
LEARN MORE OR TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
Franciscan Health IBMT is the only program in Indiana to surpass national expectations for one-year survival rates for stem cell transplants, earning a +1 rating, a rare national recognition ranked among top transplant centers in the country.
CIRCLE CITY
11 SPEED READ
A new state law could pave the way for toll roads in the Crossroads of America.
14 THE HOOSIERIST
Our Indiana expert explores the origins of a 1988 hit single by the Beach Boys.
14
UNSPOKEN RULES
A manner-festo for Parke County’s iconic Covered Bridge Festival.
16
ASK ME ANYTHING
The new president and CEO of Indiana Landmarks returns to his Hoosier roots to focus on preserving the past.
18
ARTIFACT
A personalized dog whistle from the 1880s is a symbol of presidential family life.
20 BEST BETS
Five can’t-miss events in Indy this month.
GOOD LIFE
23 WANTED
A hand-forged artisan chef’s knife by Ash Blaeds cuts a striking profile.
24 SHOP TALK
TravisMathew swings into The Fashion Mall with golfwear for every occasion.
24 MY LOOK
Nutrition and lifestyle
maven Tara Rochford shares her personal style secrets.
26 PET PROJECT
Medical Mutts gives shelter dogs a new leash on life as service animals.
28 REALTY CHECK
A revitalized 1930s estate near Newfields shines again with timeless elegance.
30 TRAVELER
The Talbott Hotel in Chicago provides a gilded getaway on the Gold Coast.
THE DISH
33
SWOON Fountain Square’s Artesanal Pasteleria Panaderia is on a roll with its lightly sweet Mexican pastries.
34 FIRST BITE
Pots & Pans Pie Co. opens a true blue spot alongside the Monon Trail, Big Hoffa’s BBQ bellies up to the bar, and a Gather 22 chef applies life skills learned in the kitchen.
36
FOODIE
Chef-owner Dennis Gurnell brings Italian influence to the menu and wine list at Diavola.
38
TASTE TEST
Sample five inventive spins on the classic tiki bar treat, crab rangoon.
40
REVIEW
Music promoter Saul Ramirez delivers bona fide Spanish fare in a surprising setting at Castleton’s Tapas Ñ.
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Play it Again, Sam?
WHEN I first read Sam Stall’s Ask The Hoosierist question this month (p. 14), I may have let out an audible groan. Hailing from Kokomo and attending high school in the late 1980s, I found it difficult to escape hearing The Beach Boys’ tribute to a fictional tropical getaway off the Florida Keys. If the song wasn’t playing in a constant rotation on local radio, it was certainly a frequent spin on the jukebox at my after-school job. My rite-of-passage teenage food service gig was working as a waitress and carhop at Ray’s Drive-In, one of many little greasy spoons that claimed to serve the biggest breaded tenderloin in Indiana (if not the world). The jukebox in the corner of the dining room held an eclectic mix of newer releases and classic rock oldies. “Kokomo” was by far the most popular choice, especially among children, but “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina” by Tone Loc also ranked high with the clientele. I not-so-secretly loved the selection of ’60s singles like “Crystal Blue Persuasion” and the original “Crimson and Clover” by Tommy James & The Shondells and often loaded up the jukebox with my tips to offset the number of times other people punched the button next to “Kokomo.” To this day, I don’t think I can bring myself to listen to the song even once more, but the mere suggestion of it conjures vivid memories from my first job—complete with the exact scent combination of fried food, coffee, and cigarette smoke that loomed in the air and embedded itself in the fabric of everything I wore to the drive-in.
Andrea Ratcliff Editor-in-Chief
TYING IN WITH OUR SPOOKY SEASON PROFILE ON HOOSIER NOVELIST AND HORROR SCREENWRITER JOSHUA HULL (P. 58), WE ASKED THE IM STAFF TO TELL US ABOUT THE TERRIFYING MOVIE SCENES THAT HAUNT THEIR DREAMS.
“I will never recover from that first shark attack in the original Jaws. There’s something so unsettling about the darkness of the sky and water and the way her body lurched violently from side to side. I think about that scene every time I go in water over my head, even if it’s just a swimming pool.”
—Julia Spalding, features editor
If you love a good jukebox, our roundup of the best neighborhood bars in Indy (p. 44) is a great place to start searching. I can’t guarantee you’ll find songs with Indiana references, but that might work to your favor.
( CONTRIBUTORS )
“When Katie is dragged from her bed in the first Paranormal Activity. I slept with my bedroom door closed and locked for longer than I can remember.”
—Clay Maxfield, digital editor
Peyton Tattersfield
Indiana University
Bloomington senior Peyton Tattersfield enjoyed his time as a summer intern at IM. He appreciated the opportunity to hone his research, writing, and fact-checking skills while contributing stories on everything from the Let’s Fest comedy festival, to changes at the Indiana School for the Deaf, to a dog whistle once owned by President Benjamin Harrison (p. 18).
Suzu Takeshi
Self-taught illustrator Suzu Takeshi was born in Yoichi, Hokkaido, Japan, but spent his childhood in São Paulo, Brazil. His art is a fusion of cultural influences, from Brazilian and American comics to Japanese manga and anime. Today, Suzu lives in Hokkaido, where he is dedicated to nonsense and surrealist art, like his bustling illustration capturing the complexity of tolling (p. 11).
Freelance writer Tony Rehagen is not a fan of horror—but his wife, Erin, is. So when Rehagen started working on his profile of Hoosier fright filmmaker and scare scribe Joshua Hull (p. 58), he had an in-house expert. “She has an IMDB-worthy background of the subject matter,” says Rehagen. “She’s also always there to laugh at me if I get scared.”
“I am obsessed with horror movies! My favorites of all time are Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and Halloween II (1981), which takes place in a hospital. The legendary John Carpenter produced it and composed the score; anything he has his hand in is extra terrifying. The scarier the better for me.”
—Amy Cecil, account executive
“Nightmare on Elm Street when the phone receiver turns into Freddy Krueger’s mouth, and he licks Nancy. I love the special effect, but the scene gives me the heebie-jeebies and makes my skin crawl.”
—Christiana Bertsch, advertising art director
Tony Rehagen
PUBLISHER Ivy Bayer
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrea Ratcliff
FEATURES EDITOR Julia Spalding
LIFESTYLE EDITOR Christina Vercelletto
FOOD & DINING EDITOR Eve Batey
MANAGING EDITOR Camille Graves
DIGITAL EDITOR Clay Maxfield
EDITORIAL INTERNS Jack Forrest, Peyton Tattersfield
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SHARPER TOOLSFORMONEYYOUR
OCTOBER
63 // TRAVEL
Get ready for fall festival season in the Midwest with this roster of seasonal celebrations in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and beyond.
73 // FALL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE
Attending an open house or scheduling a campus tour provides a great opportunity for parents to learn more than just the basics about the school their children will attend. We offer advice on what to look for at the event and questions to ask to get a good overview.
TOP DOCTOR PROFILES:
As an accompaniment to our annual Top Doctors cover story, we include extended biographical information about our featured physicians. Learn more about the doctors’ backgrounds, education, specialties, qualifications, and treatment philosophies.
HOLIDAY CHEER:
The Circle City lights up in wintertime with an array of activities suitable for all ages. We’ll list light shows, live music performances, special exhibits, theater productions, artisan markets, and more to warm your hearts this holiday season.
At Woodstock, we believe that excellence lives in the details... the way cabinet doors align, the way light falls across a room, the way a kitchen works with quiet intention. It’s not just about tools and blueprints; it’s about insight, foresight, and craftsmanship honed over time. The result? Homes that feel intuitively correct, because every detail has been thought through, and nothing is left to chance.
Come see our brand new model in Noblesville’s Sagamore neighborhood. 11293 GOLDEN BEAR WAY
Open Saturdays & Sundays 12-4. WoodstockCustomHomes.com
CIRCLE CITY
Taking a Toll
Save for one portion of a Northern Indiana highway, the Hoosier state contains no toll roads. But that may change. Thanks to a new state law, vast stretches of blacktop, from I-69 to I-465, are cleared to sprout toll readers. Does this mean we could soon be like our friends in Chicagoland, coughing up a few bucks every time we jump on a highway to go to work or run errands? Here’s a primer on tolls, past and future.
( SPEED READ CONTINUED )
TOLL ROADS GO WAY BACK. The ancient Persians, Greeks, and Romans charged for road use. In early America, private companies often built toll roads, collecting fees at gates. It was an early form of public-private partnership, enabling the quickest creation of infrastructure in what was, at the time, wilderness. A “turnpike” was originally a pivoting barrier, aka a pike, that blocked access until the traveler in question paid up. Eventually the term came to refer not just to the guardhouse but to the entire road. Some stretches of asphalt, such as the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the New Jersey Turnpike, still use the word though the pikes are long gone.
INDIANA WAS ONCE SO KEEN ON TOLL ROADS THAT IT WENT BANKRUPT. Almost as soon as it achieved statehood, Indiana dove into road building. Numerous county turnpikes—some gravel, some little more than sodden logs over swampy ground—were created in response to the aptly-named 1836 Mammoth Internal Improvement Act, a $10 million ($400 million today) statewide road, bridge, and canal program designed to upgrade Indiana’s transport network. The project was so expensive that it drove the state into default in 1841.
AS THE 19TH CENTURY WANED, SO DID INDIANA’S INFATUATION WITH TURNPIKES.
At one time, Marion County was crisscrossed with over 200 miles of them. But in the 1890s, counties began bringing them under government control. Today, our only pay-to-drive ribbon is the Indiana Toll Road, a 157mile stretch of I-80 and I-90 bisecting the northern part of the state from Ohio to Illinois that debuted in 1956. It’s a far cry from, say, California, which boasts more than 800 miles of tolled highways, express lanes, and bridges, or Florida, with over 700 miles. Even Illinois, with its suburban Chicago tollway network, manages 300 miles.
MODERN
TOLL ROADS
PAY
FOR
REPAIRS.
That’s the pitch, anyway. Supporters argue that tolls shift the cost of upkeep from all taxpayers to the people actually using the roads. In Indiana, the concept gained new attention with the 2006
Major Moves deal, which leased the Indiana Toll Road to a private operator for $3.8 billion, helping to fund hundreds of road projects.
INDIANA DOES NEED NEW WAYS TO FINANCE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE.
Traditionally, much of our state’s road construction and maintenance costs were paid for by the gas tax and vehicle registration fees. But rising fuel efficiency and the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles are (along with other factors) shrinking this revenue pool. Meanwhile, construction costs keep expanding. Indiana’s 2024 Next Level Roads report projected a multibilliondollar annual shortfall for road maintenance and upgrades over the next decade if more cash isn’t brought in.
SO TOLL ROADS ARE NOW A HOT ISSUE.
In June 2025, Indiana passed House Bill 1461, which lifted nearly all barriers to tolling existing roadways. Previously, state law prohibited tolling within 75 miles of the Indiana Toll Road and made it difficult to convert current interstates into toll roads. HB 1461 scrapped those restrictions, giving the Indiana Department of Transportation the green light to pursue tolling on I-65, I-70, I-69, and even I-465, pending Federal Highway Administration approval. The law isn’t imposing tolls as some first feared, but it did clear the way for them. “No decisions have been made, but tolling has to be considered to maintain Indiana’s current and future infrastructure,” Natalie Garrett, INDOT strategic communications director, told Indiana Public Media. “We’re exploring all potential options.”
CRITICS SEE A TAX IN WAITING. Toll roads will likely be a hard sell to the public and a nonstarter for some advocacy groups. Already, the Alliance for TollFree Interstates and NATSO (a trade group for truck stops and travel plazas) are lobbying against them as trucking firms stand to pay substantially more to move goods on tolled Indiana highways.
PUBLIC REACTION COULD KILL THE PLAN. Those who live in the doughnut counties and commute into Marion
THE LAW ISN’T IMPOSING TOLLS AS SOME FIRST FEARED, BUT IT DID CLEAR THE WAY FOR THEM.
County have been in the crosshairs of city residents and politicians for years. Since they pay taxes only to their home county, without tolling they contribute nothing toward the maintenance of roads they regularly use. A commuter income tax has been proposed more than once. Unsurprisingly, it’s the pushback from adjacent counties that has kept it at bay. Those who both live and work in Marion County, meanwhile, will surely be extra salty over tolls, since their tax dollars built the roads in the first place. This could spin out of control the way property tax furor sometimes does.
POLITICIANS KNOW TOLLS WILL BE THORNY WITH VOTERS. Secretary of state Diego Morales and lieutenant governor Micah Beckwith came out against new tolling. Some say a threat of tolling would all but guarantee a Democratic governor in the next election. “Northwest Indiana residents already shoulder a heavy burden when it comes to tolls and the gas tax, yet they see little return for the money they contribute,” state representative Mike Andrade says.
EVEN IF THE STATE MOVES AGGRESSIVELY, WE HAVE SOME TIME. Fun fact: It’s against the law to slap a toll on an already-existing federal highway, like I-465, unless the Federal Highway Administration approves a state’s request for a waiver. But even if the Indiana statehouse gets the waiver, tolling infrastructure does not spring up overnight. According to a 2017 study by INDOT, under the best conditions, it would take a minimum of four years to construct the physical framework to begin taking tolls and a couple more to fully build out a statewide program. Indeed, that study didn’t foresee completion of the entire system for 12 years, in 2029. So it could be a good long while, if ever, before we need to worry about paying tolls in our day-to-day lives. —SAM STALL
Sing Along
Q : HOW DID THE BEACH BOYS SONG “KOKOMO” GET ITS NAME?
A: This innocuous tune from the soundtrack for the Tom Cruise vehicle Cocktail ruled the airwaves in 1988. It was allegedly about an imaginary Caribbean island, and its writers thought the name “Kokomo” made it sound mysterious and lyrical. Yes, they knew about Kokomo, Indiana—birthplace of the first mechanical corn picker—but didn’t seem to care. In fact, no one did. The song became the Beach Boys’ first No. 1 single since “Good Vibrations” in spite of the fact that critics loathed it and Brian Williams, the heart and soul of the group, had almost nothing to do with the project and refused to speak of it. The city of Kokomo never piggybacked off the tune with a festival or a monument, but many in warmer climes have tried to steal the song’s thunder. Aside from Kokomo Beach on the island of Curaçao, you can find countless Kokomo beach bars in Florida. —SAM STALL
( UNSPOKEN RULES )
Covered Bridge Festival
A
MANNER-FESTO FOR PARKE COUNTY’S CLAIM TO FAME OCTOBER 10–19
Go Monday to Thursday to avoid the biggest crowds. Lace up. It’s a lot of walking. Know cell service is hit or miss in some spots. Plan ahead: Porta-potties are the rule. Stop in Rockville for crafts galore, traditional corn fritters, and a guided bus tour. Picnic in the open field next to the 200-year-old grist mill in Bridgeton. Feast on Buried Beef, a roast cooked in an underground pit, in Tangier. Snag last-call vendor and food truck deals on the final day.
cars sold in Indiana in 2024
That’s good enough to make us the 19th state for new car sales—well behind No. 1 California at 1,759,141, but far ahead of last-place Wyoming, where only 23,754 rides moved off the lot.
ask THE HOOSIERIST
Brad Ward, historic preservationist
AFTER WANDERING THE WORLD FOR YEARS GUIDING NONPROFITS, BRAD WARD HAS RETURNED HOME AS ONLY THE FOURTH PRESIDENT AND CEO IN INDIANA LANDMARKS’ 65-YEAR HISTORY. NOW HE’S RESCUING HISTORIC BUILDINGS, REVITALIZING DOWNTOWNS, AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, CONNECTING HOOSIERS WITH THEIR HERITAGE. BY SAM STALL
You were born in Jasper, Indiana, but you’ve been away a long time. Did you ever imagine you’d come back? That was always the intention. My wife, Cara, and our two children were very much interested in finding our way back home. My objective was to first get the right skills and the right experiences to be most useful to this community. And I also needed to go away and get out into the
world to see how other communities were solving some of the same opportunities and challenges that we’re facing here at home. Doing that made me aware of a whole grab bag of possibilities and approaches.
What did Indiana Landmarks see in you—and what did you see in it?
I think we both realized that at the end of the day, it’s important to connect
people with the places that matter to them. Whether we’re talking about community preservation, activation of public spaces, or community development and revitalization, the actual, physical places in each community form the starting point. We love the character and charm of old buildings, but it’s the people around them who give them meaning. I knew that Indiana Landmarks was doing a remarkable job at this. We’re the largest statewide historic preservation group in the country. We really do believe in establishing that intentional local engagement. That appealed to me right out of the gate.
Can you explain the lens you’re using in approaching your work?
These days, just saving an old building isn’t enough. You have to define its purpose, its value. How can it be reactivated in a way that benefits the community? I have to come to the table not just with an appreciation of why a particular structure mattered in the past but also what it can mean to its community now and in the future. Whether it finds a purely economic use or serves as a public gathering space, it’s important that it makes us feel connected.
You’re replacing Marsh Davis, who had a 36-year run. What’s it like to come in as the new guy? I’ve been very impressed. I think the Landmarks team is inherently open to new ways of addressing challenges. We have both a stable, tenured staff and the energy of new folks constantly coming into the fold.
What are your top goals?
I want to give communities the capacity to address their own stocks of historic buildings. I believe that just tearing buildings down creates holes in communities, both physically and mentally. A better way was to get people into those spaces, whether it be for private, public, or charitable uses. We need to have relationships with communities. You must make the effort to ensure that everyone from residents, to business owners, to community leaders understands their roles. Via our nine regional offices around the state, I want to
“WE DON’T SEEK TO SAVE BUILDINGS FOR THE SAKE OF SAVING THEM. WE DO IT FOR THE PEOPLE IN THOSE COMMUNITIES.”
ensure that we’re bringing the full extent of our state-level knowledge to each community we can help. Also, that we replicate what is working in one part of Indiana.
Where do you find workers to help restore old buildings when it’s almost impossible to find someone who can plaster a wall or glaze windows?
Any time you step into an old building, you have to really problem solve for the way things were done in previous generations and understand how to make older buildings work in a modern world with modern methods. We do have a shortfall of people who can fix old windows and maintain and update old wiring. I’ve seen examples of this issue across the country, where a disaster hits, and you can’t find craftsmen with the skillset to repair, replace, or update damaged older buildings. And as our climate continues to intensify, maintaining what we have will be pretty critical. We’re working right now on some pilot programs in South Bend and other parts of the state where we give access to our old buildings to tradesmen who want to expand their skills. And we’re working with Ivy Tech Community College to identify certification programs that would extend beyond HVAC and general electrical to give students additional preservation and historic trade skills. We’re also doing one-on-one programs so that the average citizen knows what tools they need to, say, repair their own old windows themselves. We love these historic buildings, but it can take a lot of effort and a lot of time to get them to where they need to be.
What are the biggest issues facing Indiana’s historic preservation community?
It’s a mix of two things. Rural economies have seen slower growth, and small towns have faced some “hollowing out.” Because of this, there’s less investment in their
historic structures. They just don’t have all the money necessary. On the flip side, some fast-growing areas are demolishing older buildings in favor of new construction. But the reality is that once those older buildings are gone, they’re gone forever. You will not be able to get the same level of quality and attention to detail in new construction because of the costs involved and the speed at which these projects must be developed in order to make a profit.
What do you do for a town that is shrinking so rapidly that it just doesn’t have the resources to preserve its stock of old buildings, no matter how impressive they are? This isn’t just a small-town issue. Places like Detroit and Cleveland face the same problem. In some cases, it’s a matter of trying to hold onto what you can, to buy time to properly assess and identify reuses. It can take several years before a new purpose emerges, but the stability of the community benefits from that longtime anchor building having been protected until it could be reactivated. You even see that here in Indianapolis with the Bottleworks District. How long was that building used as nothing more than a high-level storage center until a viable reuse case was finally found? And what did it bring in terms of quality of life and improving the character of downtown? Examples of this can be seen across the state. These buildings have stories to tell. They’re connected to things that made our economy strong, and they can do that again for us.
Are there particular building types that present themselves again and again?
One recurring trend is repurposing large and outdated warehouses or industrial structures. We try to identify reuses, be those social functions or entertainment, dining, or housing. We also have almost 100 churches
that have gone through our Sacred Places program, receiving our support through capital investments, feasibility studies, or fundraising campaigns.
Why did you decide to get into the historic preservation field?
Growing up in Jasper, we had a lot of pride in the character and condition of our buildings, whether it was my old schools, one of the gymnasiums, or the church I could see from my bedroom window. Everything I interacted with was, more often than not, a well-maintained historical building. That consistently impressed upon me the importance of protecting and maintaining them. I felt this from an early age, though of course I didn’t start understanding the role of community philanthropy until much later.
What is your own house like?
Just a couple of months ago, Cara and I purchased a 1946 Colonial in Meridian-Kessler. It certainly needs a lot of love to take it to where we want it to be. We’re doing a lot of window scraping right now, plus taking care of a ton of little maintenance items. The basement is being torn up as we speak. It’s quite a project. Let’s just say that I leave work, go home, and get right back to work. Cara, though, is the true craftsman. She’s a creative spirit and even does her own woodworking. I’m really lucky to have her masterminding the development of our home while I jump into my new role.
What did you miss about the Hoosier State?
Three days after I came back, I was up in Sheridan for a Main Street event, and they were serving fried chicken. I texted Cara, “You won’t believe what I’m eating on day three.” I was pretty excited for our homecooked fried chicken. It feels good to be around Butler basketball and Indiana University sports and not feel like the outsider whose favorite teams are hundreds or thousands of miles away. And, naturally, I feel very much at home being close to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This is just an exciting, happy time for me, Cara, and our kids.
Dog Whistle
VINTAGE: LATE 1880S
Resides at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
by
ONE OF the most charming artifacts in the Treasures of the Harrison Collection is the dog whistle of Benjamin Harrison McKee, grandson of President Benjamin Harrison, created toward the end of the 19th century.
Crafted in German silver (a pewter and silver alloy), the whistle is shaped like a small dog with ruby eyes and a small loop at the back for a chain. Measuring about 1 7/8 inches long and less than half an inch wide, it’s engraved with the boy’s initials. Showing subtle signs of wear, the whistle was probably used both for calling family dogs and as a toy for young McKee, who grew up spending time at the White House alongside his grandfather and siblings. The Harrisons had several pets, including a black-and-tan collie named Dash. Benjamin Harrison McKee maintained a close bond with his grandfather as he grew up. The whistle remained in the family for years, passed down to descendants before eventually entering the collection, a small object with a big connection to the playful family life of a president.
—PEYTON TATTERSFIELD
Photo
TONY VALAINIS
(1) Adam Sandler: You’re My Best Friend Tour
October 6
Best known for his chaoticbut-sweet roles in Big Daddy, 50 First Dates, and The Wedding Singer, the A-lister is also an accomplished guitarist. He brings both his musical and comedic talents to Gainbridge Fieldhouse livenation.com
(2) Fox59 Presents MasterChef All-Stars Live
October 7
Get ready to bring the sizzle. Familiar faces from MasterChef host fiery cooking face-offs and share behindthe-scenes intrigue at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. mastercheflivetour.com
(3) Scottish Highlands Games & Festival
October 11
Sticky toffee pudding, anyone? Scottish culture is celebrated at the Marion County Fairgrounds by kilted bagpipers, tartanclad dancers, caber tossers, hammer throwers, and Scotch whiskey distillers with tastings at the ready. indyscotgamesandfest.com
(4) Seether & Daughtry
October 15
You may remember him as the guy who clearly should have won season five of American Idol, but Chris Daughtry is even more dynamic today. He lands at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park as half of a rockand-country double bill. everwiseamphitheater.com
(5) Woodland Way Autumn Celebration
October 21
Savor the season as you meander through Fishers Flower Farm Enjoy sweet treats from local confectioners, a floral workshop, an artisan market, live music, and a bonfire. fishersflowerfarm.com
WANTED
Blade of Glory
Whether you’re slicing whole veggies or dicing tomatoes, the Ash Blaeds chef’s knife should make the cut. Owner Aric Geesaman forges one-of-akind blades on his anvil, profiling, hardening, and sharpening steel into knives. Because each one is unique, prices vary, but the baseline for an 8-inch is around $650. Geesaman is happy to incorporate mementos into the handle—like wood from a grandparent’s farm or parts of an IndyCar—that add a personal touch. And with his handiwork? They’re sure to last. “There is no reason that a custom knife made by my hands couldn’t be passed down to another generation,” Geesaman says. ashblaeds.com —JACK
( SHOP TALK )
TravisMathew
Dressed to a Tee
A FIRST-IN-STATE GOLFWEAR LABEL SWINGS INTO THE FASHION MALL. BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
TRAVISMATHEW does not sell your grandpa’s—or even your dad’s—golf clothes. Rather, you’ll find fresh, modern women’s and men’s pieces for the fairway and beyond.
“And beyond” being the operative words. “You can go to the gym, play golf, and go to happy hour afterward in clothes that feel right and look more like your personal style,” says district manager Jason Barry. “No loose shortsleeves, long shorts, bright colors, or loud patterns.”
Mall-goers seemed to need little introduction to the brand, which showcases everything from skorts to leggings and polos to joggers in solids or understated prints and threeseason fabrics. The shop also sells a curated assortment of outerwear, shoes, and accessories. “I’m hearing that they’ve shopped us in Scottsdale, San Diego, Tampa, and they’re happy they can find us here at home now,” says store manager Kenny York. Referencing the coming entertainment complex at The Fashion Mall, he says, “This is the spot to be. We expect this to be one of our top performing stores.”
scouted
LOVE YOUR OUTFIT!
The midi-length skirt adds a feminine touch while still being practical—which I need with two young kids.
WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO STAPLES?
A button-down never goes out of style. I keep several in rotation—prints, solids, ruffled, and short- and long-sleeved. It pairs effortlessly with skirts, pants, or shorts and can be dressed up or down.
ANY FAVORITE BRANDS?
Julia Amory, Tillie by Caroline Broome, and Marea. And I’ve been loving Sézane lately—everything feels fresh, chic, and thoughtfully made. Be the Boutique in ButlerTarkington carries an amazing selection of brands. —C.V.
(1) International Duo-Tone belt, $50 (2) Modern Cup shoe in Quiet Shade, $160 (3) Skyloft Soft Echo halfzip in Chestnut, $120 (4) Bandon polarized sunglasses, $225 (5) Cloud waffle crew in
Medical Miracles
AN INDY NONPROFIT RESCUES SHELTER DOGS AND TRANSFORMS
THEM
INTO LIFE-CHANGING SERVICE ANIMALS. BY EVE
JENNIFER CATTET
trained dogs for years before she realized her calling went beyond “sit” and “stay.”
“Researchers had just started to understand that dogs could use scent to detect diseases and alert us to a medical crisis,” she says. “I wanted to explore that avenue a lot more.” To do so, she co-founded Medical Mutts (medicalmutts.org), a nonprofit that trains canines to assist people living with chronic disorders such as epilepsy, diabetes, and POTS, a blood circulation syndrome that causes dizziness.
Using positive reinforcement techniques first established at aquariums— “You can’t push an orca through a hoop; you have to show them a reward”— Cattet, husband Jack Topham, and a team of employees and volunteers work exclusively with rescue dogs, unusual in the field. “Many programs use breeders,” Cattet says. “But millions of dogs are surrendered to shelters every year. Jack and I figured that it was a numbers game, and if we looked hard enough, we could find qualified dogs.” (Pups that
BATEY
wash out of the program are offered for adoption as pets.)
Some of the unlikeliest students have become the greatest success stories. Cattet cites a dog who initially balked at any sort of training. “But I saw potential in him, even though he was on the sensitive side,” Cattet says, so she persisted. The pup was eventually placed with a person with autism who named him Tizzy, a nod to their neurological condition. “After they got Tizzy, they really thrived,” Cattet says. “They built the confidence to leave home and to do more and more. People don’t realize what an impact no independence has on your health.” Tizzy’s relationship with his new human was so affirming that the duo started attending advanced training classes together. “Tizzy won all sorts of awards,” Cattet says, “and Tizzy’s guardian gained a social life and support system.”
Now Tizzy’s parent-partner has joined the Medical Mutts team as a trainer in a lovely full circle. “Being a service dog is the best life in the world for a dog,” Cattet says. “And they help their people live their best lives, too.”
Dapper Dog
Trick or treating will be a howling good time.
COLLEEN THOMAS of Noblesville started out sewing for fun after noticing the dearth of formal accessories for boys. “I made a bow tie and suspenders for my son to wear to a wedding. I received so many requests for sets in different prints … and Dapper Gent took off.” Later, she added accessories inspired by another boy in the family: black Lab Stanley. Collars, bow ties, leashes, and bandanas in scores of snazzy designs are custom sewn to desired dimensions. Among the fallthemed fabulousness are these skull and candy corn sets. Collar with bow tie starts at $29 depending on hardware choice and size; leashes run $29–33. dappergent.etsy.com —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
pet project
( BOO! )
Magnificent Manor
A TITAN OF INDUSTRY’S 1930S RESTORED ESTATE SHINES NEAR NEWFIELDS. BY
JEANA HARRIS
IN THE early 1940s, 70 percent of companies used Elwood photographic enlargers. The inventor, Elwood C. Rogers, was the original owner of a stunning estate that sits just minutes away from Newfields.
Dubbed “Virginia Rose” by its current owners—dedicated preservationists who brought the property back to life after years of abandonment—the home is a showstopper, possessing the proud, timeless elegance of an English country manor. “It is captivating,” says listing agent Mariah Ante. “Its architecture is so unique, and the craftsmanship is just something you don’t see anymore.”
Sitting on nearly two acres with mature trees, its 8,000-plus square feet make it a commanding figure rising from the foliage beyond a gated entrance. Up close, however, its stone exterior is softened by arched doorways and casement windows.
As the owners worked their way through an extensive restoration list, “they always tried to stick to the character of the home and the era,” Ante explains. Original details were carefully preserved, like marble windowsills, floor-to-ceiling paneling in the den, and numerous built-ins. Drab (non-original) light fixtures were replaced with elegant choices befitting the period.
A Swarovski crystal chandelier in the dining room is particularly dazzling.
Lovers of vintage tile will be gobsmacked in two of the four-and-a-half bathrooms. On one bathtub wall, etched glass tile laid in a mural design depicts a swan surrounded by lily pads and cattails, while the other bathroom features an undersea scene with fish and coral.
The bones of the home also received much-needed TLC, including all new plumbing, three new HVAC units, electrical updates, and a new roof. Now, Virginia Rose awaits her next stewards to continue her story.
ADDRESS
2421 W. 39th St. PRICE
$969,900
AGENT
Match House Realty Group
REALTY CHECK
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Gold Coast Glow-Up
SHOP, AND THEN DROP, AT A NEWLY REIMAGINED ROARING ’20S–ERA HOTEL.
BY LOU HARRY
THE GOLD COAST , the posh area near the waterfront on Chicago’s north side, is a mecca of luxury retail. But every weekendshopping warrior needs a base of operation. That’s where The Talbott (thetalbottchicago.com) comes in. Just a Birkin’s toss away from Hermès, YSL, Versace, and more shops with security guards, the fully renovated landmark is more than just a convenient spot to drop your bags.
Dating back to 1927, The Talbott retains its Old World elegance but accents it with an abundance of modern amenities. In each of its 178 guest rooms, you’ll find a mix of the vintage-inspired (a Bluetooth speaker disguised as an old-time radio), the upscale (a Nespresso machine and Grown Alchemist bath goodies), and the local (a minibar stocked with treats from Chicago purveyors). Striking artwork in an array of styles, including pieces from the Art Institute of
DAY TRIP
Chicago and by local illustrator Nicole Cicak, is woven throughout the property. The hotel’s new restaurant, Laurel, has a swank yet low-key bar and seasonally inspired Mediterranean dining. Brunch highlights include Shakshuka & Scallion Labneh and a Braised Lamb Shank Shawarma wrap. Take a stroll down Walton Street to Washington Square Park, where you can peruse paintings in progress by street artists. Bordering the park is the Romanesque-style Newberry Library (newberry.org), a glorious 1893 building featuring a smartly curated bookstore, free gallery exhibits, and a collection that includes handwritten letters, poems, and prose by Jack Kerouac, Willa Cather, and Clarence Darrow, along with musical scores from the pencils of Mozart and Chopin.
The day you leave, get up early to join the line at Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter (hendrickxbakery.com). Just do your best not to finish off the flaky turnovers and awardwinning croissants before you hit I-65.
IF YOU GO
NOSH Not all Chicago pizza is 3 inches thick. For a lighter option, try the puffy-crust Margherita pie at Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna (zarella chicago.com)
GASP Imagine RuPaul producing a Cirque show with a top-notch band and vocalist to get a sense of the joyful wonders of Teatro ZinZanni (zinzanni .com/chicago)
NAB A SEAT Chicago has a half-price ticket outlet (hottix.org) for day-of-show theater, comedy, and more performances. Chicago
On October 11–12, travel back to the 18th century at the FEAST OF THE HUNTERS’ MOON . Enjoy reenactments of West Lafayette’s French and Native American history, storytelling, and food authentic to the period. “Come with an empty stomach and a willingness to learn,” says event manager Brooke Sauter. feastofthehuntersmoon.org —JACK FORREST
TRAVELER
Trending Treat
Conchas are having a moment. The Mexican bread roll is rooted in the earliest days of Central American colonization by European settlers, who brought wheat to the continent in the 1500s to replicate the breads and pastries they ate at home. Eventually, the country’s cuisines merged, and the concha—with a cushy interior and a sweet, crunchy topping—was born. Newly opened in Fountain Square, Artesanal Pasteleria Panaderia provides an excellent example of the hybrid dish, which is starting to pop up on some of the country’s swankiest menus. Try one with your morning coffee or as the foundation for your next breakfast sandwich. 1325 Shelby St., 317-641-7403
SWOON
—EVE BATEY
Photo
( NEW IN TOWN )
Barn Raising
A LOCAL PIE COMPANY TURNS TO TRAILSIDE SNACKS.
BY EVE BATEY
POTS & PANS Pie Co. co-owner Clarissa Morley felt the urge to branch out beyond her company’s sweet and savory treats, so when she learned that the little blue barn last occupied by Lick ice cream was available, she took a walk down the Monon. “I saw a great place to engage the community,” she says of the trailside cottage on 54th Street. “A place where people can make memories with their kids or friends and just have some simple fun.” Her new business, a year-round spot called The Clubhouse, will serve the kinds of foods you may associate with a concession stand or roadside stop, but with Pots & Pans’ level of excellence. That means ice cream in the summer, caramel apples or dumplings in the fall, and hot cocoa and gingerbread in the winter. “But the real shining star is being with community and with your family,” Morley says. And what can taste sweeter than that? 1049 E. 54th St.
PINCH OF WISDOM
“The skills you learn in the kitchen can be taken anywhere in life. Selfregulation, time management, and hard work are things that will help you no matter what you decide to do.”
( CHEERS )
Spirit Squad
Big Hoffa’s BBQ launches a cocktail spinoff WESTFIELD smokehouse Big Hoffa’s has never struggled to line patrons up for its menu of tender smoked meats, but an adjacent building proved a trickier proposition. First, owner Adam Hoffman tried to turn the building (which was the original Big Hoffa’s location “some 20 years ago”) into an ice cream shop called Big Hoffa’s Freezery, but when a special liquor permit was granted to it by the city, he decided to transform it into Big Hoffa’s Tavern, a “really cozy, cool atmosphere for locals and people coming after the games at Grand Park to have a drink.” The bar will serve the full Big Hoffa’s food menu, with some special after-hours dishes for bar patrons only. “It’s another way to tell the Big Hoffa’s story,” Hoffman says. “We’re excited to bring our customers something new.” 802 E. Main St., Westfield —E.B.
RETIREMENT PARTY After 18 years, brother-and-sister restaurant owners Sang and Ha Nguyen have retired, shuttering their popular Sandra Rice & Noodles in Lawrence. FRIENDLY EXPANSION Local favorite Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine is growing, with a new location in Noblesville currently under construction. When it opens, it’ll join outposts in Carmel and Zionsville. —E.B.
— Everett Lehr, chef at Gather 22
Vespas and Vicenza
DENNIS GURNELL’S UPBRINGING IN ITALY GIVES DIAVOLA A SPECIAL EDGE.
BY BRIAN GARRIDO
FOND CHILDHOOD
memories are one of the biggest motivating factors for chefs, with some restaurant owners turning a desire to share glorious dining moments from simpler times into their life’s work. For Dennis Gurnell, the chef-owner of SoBro Italian restaurant Diavola, the challenge is how to translate his earliest years in the ancient city of Vicenza, Italy, to the Hoosier state.
“Food and being together were a daily part of living,” he says of his time in Italy. Foraging was a way of life. “We always went up into the mountains, gathering chestnuts and mushrooms.”
For Diavola, which he and longtime partner Laurie Welch took over in 2016, Gurnell has cultivated his own garden at the couple’s nearly 3-acre property. There, he grows many of the toppings you’ll find on the restaurant’s wood-fired pizzas.
Wine was another way of life, a priority you can see on Diavola’s wine list. Gurnell is also a certified sommelier, choosing Italian wines
including Prosecco, whites from the Veneto, and complex reds to pair with the menu’s seasonal pastas and charred pies. “We studied for years to get that dough right,” he says of the pizzas.
A new outdoor dining area also offers Italian flair, with a pergola-covered patio that provides much-needed shade. “We built the awning this year,” Gurnell says. “It finally feels like a real
extension of the restaurant.”
The new patio coincides with another shift that feels distinctly European: Diavola is now open for weekday lunch, the first time it’s served daytime meals in nearly a decade.
“We’re not doing a separate menu,” Gurnell says of the all-day roster of dishes. “If you want pasta, salad, or pizza at 1 p.m., we’ve got you.”
(1) Vintage Vespas: “We have two that we ride.”
(2) Homegrown basil: “I grow many of the herbs we use at the restaurant.”
(3) Picasso: “I love collecting art.” (4) Hubbard & Cravens: “My go-to coffee shop.” (5) Riedel’s red wine decanters: “They’re the best.”
FAVORITE THINGS
FOODIE
Beyond Rangoon
A TIKI BAR FAVORITE, CRAB RANGOON IS ONE OF THE RARE DISHES THAT’S BOTH KITSCHY AND DELICIOUS. HERE ARE SOME OF INDY’S MOST INVENTIVE VERSIONS. BY AMY LYNCH
Beholder
Leave it to Jonathan Brooks to dream up a crab rangoon elephant ear, fried to order and topped with white soy-seasoned cream cheese mayo, colossal crab meat, sweet chili sauce, and a scattering of scallions. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com
Big Lug Canteen
Tortilla chips are the perfect foil for a dip made with blue crab claw meat, cream cheese, and fresh herbs and spices. Sprinkled with mozzarella and baked to a bubbly, golden brown, it’s a deconstructed treat. 1435 E. 86th St., 317-6723503, biglugcanteen.com
Sidedoor Bagel
Inspired by a crab rangoon schmear he discovered during a New York bagel recon trip, owner Josh Greeson took the concept one step further. The resulting Mr. Krabs Rangoon sandwich assembles lump crab, cream cheese, scallions, garlic, a fried egg, wonton crisps, and chili sauce on the bagel of your choice. 1103 E. 10th St., sidedoorbagel.com
Thai District Restaurant
These handcrafted bites boast a generous amount of secret-recipe crab meat, Philadelphia cream cheese, and onion filling tucked into a wonton wrapper and fried to piping hot perfection. Insiders know to ask for extra sweet-andsour dipping sauce to drizzle on your fried rice. 5724 N. Green St., Brownsburg, 317-939-2112, thaidistrictbrownsburg.com
Wisanggeni Pawon
This northside Indonesian spot plates up five airy triangles of crispy fried wonton dough stuffed with crab and Philly cream cheese. A ramekin of house-made chili dipping sauce hits all the right spicy-sweet notes. 2450 E. 71st St., 317-7569477, wpawon.com
Tapping In
MUSIC PROMOTER SAUL RAMIREZ CHANNELS HIS LOVE OF TAPAS AT A SURPRISING NORTHSIDE SPOT. BY
TERRY KIRTS
LOCAL FANS of tapas, not just any small plates but cocktail-worthy bites spiked with garlic, sherry, and pimentón, have been searching for the genuine article since downtown’s Barcelona Tapas closed its doors in 2017. They probably didn’t expect to find it again inside a former liquor store in a Castleton parking lot, but if 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that expectations are made to be broken.
Step through the nondescript facade of Tapas Ñ, and you’ll find a cozy dining room with a retro feel. Crushed, light-blue velvet
seat covers, woodgrain tabletops, and plentiful brass fill the former home of Epic Ultra Lounge and neighboring Victory Liquors, evoking the supper clubs of the ’90s. Contemporary lighting and colorful tile appropriate for a plaza in Catalonia complete the eclectic appeal.
“We get at least a couple of people every night who think they’re at the wrong address,” owner Saul Ramirez says. “When they open the door, they’re surprised it looks nothing like the outside.”
That Ramirez is the champion of Indy’s first bona fide Spanish restaurant in nearly a decade may be a bit unexpected. He grew
TAPAS Ñ
8215 Center Run Dr. 317-516-4729
HOURS
Wed–Fri 4–10 p.m.; Sat 4–12 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
VIBE
Old-school tapas bar
TASTING NOTES
Classic Barcelonastyle hot and cold tapas such as Tortilla Española, Jamon Serrano, and croquettes, as well as paella, heartier entrees, and a full selection of sweets
NEIGHBORHOOD
Castleton
MUST-ORDER
Smoky grilled octopus with sliced potatoes and a pine nut vinaigrette, nicely charred lamb chops with red wine sauce, rich and flavorful beef and mushroom empanadas, and a warm, comforting churro cake soaked in caramel and chocolate sauces
3-STAR RATING
Valenciana paella (below), the Tapas Ñ dining room (right)
up in a Mexican family in Chicago and relocated to Indy’s north side as an HR executive for McDonald’s Corporation, but in his heart he preferred the food of the Iberian Peninsula over Big Macs and McNuggets. A regular at the raucous Cafe Iberico in Chicago’s River North, he’d travel to Spain yearly for tapas and Spanish cuisine, particularly the rich Catalan dishes of Barcelona, his favorite city.
A second career as a music promoter pushed Ramirez closer to the food and beverage industry. He owns Estereo Nightclub, which features DJs and acts from across Latin America, and recently purchased the iconic Emerson Theater on Indy’s near east side, with plans to renovate it into a music and private events space.
After consulting with chefs and experimenting in the kitchen, Ramirez developed a menu that hews to the type of classic tapas you might have enjoyed a few decades back, with occasional modern twists. A generous platter of Tortilla Española comes with zucchini and sweet peppers, for example.
Among hot plates, chicken croquettes are respectable, if a bit dry, but empanadas plump with ground beef tenderloin and wild mushrooms are especially flavorful, bathed as they are in a rich tomato sauce. Standout tapas offerings include smoky, succulent bites of grilled eggplant on sliced potatoes with a zesty pine nut vinaigrette, as well as sauteed tiger shrimp lavished with a garlicky olive oil and roasted almonds.
More filling fare includes a knockout plate of grilled lamb chops with yet more potatoes, asparagus, and tangy red wine sauce. A bit more out of the ordinary is the Pipirianna a la Salamanca, a nod to Northwest Spain that tosses strips of skirt steak with sweet onions and potatoes (yes!) in a deeply savory creamy goat cheese sauce.
Paella comes in three versions, all that can take upwards of 40 minutes to prepare. They’re worth the wait. When we had it, the Valenciana paella came with a deep perfume of saffron and just the right socarrat, or crusty edge, nicely studded with bits of chicken and shellfish, though
our mussels weren’t the freshest. Some lighter, couscous-based dishes are also in the works, Ramirez says.
While ordering more savory bites is always an option, sweets are equally tempting, especially the silky creme brulee–like Crema Ñ and a moist, richly flavored churro-style cake soaked in caramel and chocolate sauces then served with ice cream and fruit.
Liquor license issues delayed Ramirez’s plans for spirits, though a solid list of lively Spanish reds is already flowing. Local bar star Kendall Lockwood is already consulting with mixology ideas, with an eye to concoctions that set off the flavorful mains. Eventually, patrons can also expect in-house music and special wine-pairing dinners. Until then, the menu, and the spirit of this unexpected address, are big enough that you’ll want to come back and enjoy it again and again.
Clockwise from top left: Costillas de Cordero; sangría; Saul Ramirez (left) and chef Saul García (right); Pulpo a la Gallega; Croquetas
Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael
Tuesday, October 21
Join Indianapolis Monthly at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael for dinner and a show! Enjoy passed appetizers and two drink tickets during cocktail hour, then enter the luxurious Feinstein’s for dinner and an evening of entertainment featuring Casey Abrams and Friends.
featuring Casey Abrams
With five studio albums, two EPs, and an American Idol finalist finish under his belt, Casey Abrams is a distinguished upright bass player and singer who takes his audiences through 60 years of iconic music, blending jazz, blues, pop, Americana, and more, along with friends, guitarist Dylan Chambers and soulful vocalist Hunter
Neighborhood Bars RAISE A GLASS
written by
CAMILLE GRAVES, AMY LYNCH, CLAY MAXFIELD, CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
A tribute to the bars that give Indy’s neighborhoods a sense of home
JULIA SPALDING
TONY VALAINIS
edited by
photos by
Some of them proudly call themselves dives. Others take a more upscale approach to day drinking and last call. But all of these cherished institutions provide community for their patrons, and everybody knows their names.
Dugout Bar
SIT, STAY, CHEER
With a self-serve beer wall and spirited crowd, the Bulldog provides comfortable headquarters for game-day festivities.
The Bulldog Bar and Lounge
The Alchemist
NEIGHBORHOOD: Kennedy-King
1 The same industrial minimalist building that once housed West Fork Whiskey’s Indy tasting room got a glow-up in 2024 when Nicole and Cody Neville (who also run Red Lion Grog House in Fountain Square) introduced their hybrid coffee-and-cocktail shop to the mostly residential neighborhood. To lead the cocktail program, they brought on Julian Acosta, a skilled mixologist who concocts gorgeous spicy margaritas with chili agave, bacon fat–washed old fashioneds, and his own version of the Spanish coffee cocktail carajillo. The drinks come out in elegantly precise glassware, each vessel as pretty as it is well-calibrated for the drink it contains. Customers sunk into comfy furniture sip amaro sours and Hemingways while listening to live performers set up in front of garage doors that open onto the sidewalk, so patrons’ sightlines might also include neighbors out walking dogs or pedaling by on bicycles. In the event someone needs a morning-after boost, The Alchemist offers a cafe menu with espresso drinks and pastries by day. 1660 Bellefontaine St., 317-683-0957, thealchemistindy.com
OPEN SINCE: 2024
THE USUAL: Espresso martini
The Bulldog Bar and Lounge
NEIGHBORHOOD: Meridian-Kessler
2 When it comes to neighborhood sports bars, The Bulldog is one you’ll want to be at from the tip. As one patron describes, the atmosphere is “very relaxed, except on game days when everyone is there dressed in spirit wear.” This South Broad Ripple establishment is the perfect place to grab a slice of Pizza King pizza and watch your favorite team. Its self-pour beer wall houses more than 60 taps, and there are 50-plus TVs positioned throughout the bar and grill, ensuring you’ll never miss a play from your favorite team. 5380 N. College Ave., 317-377-4735, bulldogbr.com
OPEN SINCE: 1974
THE USUAL: A beer flight
Loom
NEIGHBORHOOD: 46th Street
3 Loom welcomes with a sight you might find stupefying for a bar: a woman in athleisure with a miniature poodle bundling bedsheets into a washer. The snug taproom that shares a business strip with GoldLeaf Savory and Sweet doubles as a laundromat. “It’s a great concept,” says bartender Arin Nevins. “Usually, the first time, it’s just laundry. Then I see them the next week for laundry and a drink.” The game room, a nod to owner Jesse Rice’s old-school soul, holds pinball machines, a two-person Pac-Man table, and a Nintendo 64. A VHS rental rack and Jell-O shots add to the throwback energy. Ocher and fuchsia pendant lights bathe the bar in moody warmth, the vibe shifting with the playlist: alt-rock, metal, country, or pop, depending on who’s pouring. Nevins points to the Cilantro Ginger Gibson, a gin, cilantro-infused dry vermouth, and pickled ginger elixir, as the must-try. But the go-to for regulars is the 46th Street High Five: PBR Light with a hit of Underberg, the herbal, bitter German digestif. “Jägermeister without sugar—and 44-percent alcohol,” explains one regular. Tuesdays host fiber arts circles; Thursdays, bring-your-own vinyl. First Fridays feature DJ Tarsis spinning ’80s and ’90s hits or live acoustic sets and a food truck. (The crispy duck-fat frites and beignets go fast.) A new brewer is on board, promising more house-made options. But it seems sure High Fives will still be Loom’s unofficial handshake. No one bergs alone. 1901 E. 46th St., blackcirclebrewing.com/loom OPEN SINCE: 2020
THE USUAL: The 46th Street High Five (a PBR Light with an Underberg digestive)
Melody Inn
NEIGHBORHOOD: Butler-Tarkington
4 Small, gritty, and often packed, the Mel is more than a bar. It’s a part of our town’s musical identity. Among the city’s oldest bars, it has deep roots in the local underground punk and rock scene, bringing in local and touring acts as well as a loyal crowd. They come (and pay the cover) for the opportunity to sip cheap beer, perhaps in a vinyl booth transplanted from Indy’s long-gone Tee Pee Restaurant, and soak up the fiercely independent vibe, especially on Saturday’s famous Punk Rock Nights. 3826 N. Illinois St., 317-923-4707, melodyindy.com
OPEN SINCE: 1935
THE USUAL: PBR Tall Boy and a cigarette in the Smokers Garden
Red Key Tavern
NEIGHBORHOOD: Meridian-Kessler
5 With plentiful mirrors, soft lighting, and red leather banquette seating, Red Key retains the easy postwar glamour of a place beatniks and authors would have frequented back in the day. Unsurprisingly, the late Dan Wakefield, who passed away in 2024, was a regular. His image hangs on the wall, along with those of the former owner, Russel Settle, who bought the place in 1951 and whose family still runs it. “We keep everything the way Grandpa wanted it to be,” says granddaughter Leslie Settle, which is why every table is supplied with a laminated list of “Rules,” the first of which is, “Never question Russ.” For decades, the cash-only spot has been known for its martinis and Manhattans, homemade burgers, and impromptu schedule of live music. A front terrace on College Avenue provides excellent Meridian-Kessler people-watching opportunity while you sip, and especially cool are the model airplanes hanging from the ceiling and bucolic murals along one wall, believed to have been painted in the 1930s around the time the original bar at the location was established. 5170 N. College Ave., 317-283-4601, redkeytavern.com
OPEN SINCE: 1933
THE USUAL: A classic Manhattan
Shadow Lounge & Restaurant
NEIGHBORHOOD: Canterbury-Chatard
6 Locals might remember the crowds of regulars this spot drew when, as Marco’s Restaurant and Lounge, it was known for its steakhouse-defying Cheap Meat Night. Now with a new name and new ownership, the northside bar is gaining a loyal following of its own. Revitalized under manager and music promoter Fred “Dookie” Leachman with former Chicken Scratch owner Tia Wilson overseeing the menu, the new concept blends entertainment (DJs, live music, comedy) with good food in a way that makes everyone feel like a VIP—whether or not they spring for the $425 Clase Azul bottle service. These days, folks get just as excited about the weekend brunch (which includes a Mad Libs variety of protein and grits dishes) as they do the list of signature cocktails. 2380 E. 54th St., 317-974-9288, shadowloungeindy.com
OPEN SINCE: 2024
THE USUAL: Margarita
INDY CALLING
Melody Inn’s neon sign marks the spot for punk rock and other crowdpleasing sets.
Red Key Tavern
THE BURBS
The Grill Bar
NEIGHBORHOOD: Franklin
1 The oldest bar in the college town of Franklin wears its historic grit like a badge of honor. If you sit right at the bar, its battered top a patchwork of pocketknife graffiti, you get a front-row view of the crew in action. The servers deftly grab cans of beer out of a refrigerated display case and deliver trays of shots to the rowdy people at the end of the bar who brought their own drink koozies. Meanwhile, the cook assembles what is rightfully billed as a “world-famous cheeseburger” on a flat-top grill seasoned to perfection— the dive-bar version of an open kitchen. 138 E. Jefferson St., Franklin, 317-738-9936
OPEN SINCE: 1947
THE USUAL: A pitcher of Budweiser
The Kickstand Bar & Grill
NEIGHBORHOOD: Danville
GOOD COMPANY
At Syd’s, shuffleboard is serious business, but the dive-bar charm makes everyone feel like they’re winning at life.
2 Housed in a squat building just off The Square that once served as a local Moose Lodge, this popular small-town hangout appeals to both HarleyDavidson enthusiasts and Kelly Clarkson fans during Friday night’s karaoke full houses. On Tuesdays, regulars show up with their ink daubers in hand for Radio Bingo, while Saturday night is reserved for live bands. But any summer evening is perfect for swigging under the string lights draped over the street-side patio—which, in classic neighborhood bar fashion, also serves as the smoking section. If you get hungry, order the Flippin’ Awesome Burger Special that includes a fully loaded cheeseburger with onion rings, tots, or fries for $10. Add a bucket of domestic beers for $8. 81 N. Washington St., Danville, 317-386-3299, thekickstandbarandgrill.com
OPEN SINCE: 2020
THE USUAL: Jack & Jim (as in Daniels & Beam)
Syd’s Fine Food & Spirits
NEIGHBORHOOD: Noblesville
3 Walter Carey and Sid Gill opened their beloved bar and grill in 1945, but the J.L Evans Building the Noblesville town square spot calls home has actually operated as a tavern since the late 1800s (apart from a short stint as a furniture store during the Prohibition era). Running parallel to the long bar top, a functional shuffleboard in the main dining room acts as a quirky centerpiece of sorts. The cozy Howdy Bub Lounge on the second floor makes whiskey sippers feel right at home with classic and creative cocktails, but the most popular drink order is usually a cold beer to wash down homemade breaded tenderloins, ribeye steak sandwiches, or hearty fish and chips. 808 Logan St., Noblesville, 317-773-6132, sydsfinefoods.com
OPEN SINCE: 1945
THE USUAL: Miller Lite on draft
Syd’s Fine Food & Spirits
SOUTH
Barringers Tavern
NEIGHBORHOOD: South Village
1 For 140 years, Barringers has been an anchor on South Meridian Street, located on a corner that was once the last stop on one of the streetcar lines heading south from downtown. During Prohibition, it survived by dishing out meals, sweets, and—legend has it—bootlegged booze passed through a back window slot that still exists. It’s the sort of joint where parking on the grass is perfectly acceptable and the screen door slaps behind you as you walk in. The original bar remains, along with a tarnished bell that once clanged for last call. Patrons nurse sweating bottles of Miller Lite, order $3 Jim Beam Red Stags, play solitaire, and swap barstool stories.
Above the hulking radiators hang snapshots of 1950s Indy 500s and yesteryear Barringers. One undated photo shows men in hats posing with serious bartenders in white bow ties. A sign behind them reads, “Plate Lunch 10¢.” You can imagine that scene recreating itself on a Friday afternoon as a good-sized crowd fills the place— some perched at the bar, most in the adjacent room tucking into tenderloins and sloppy double burgers, dabbing their mouths with paper towels pulled from rolls on each table. These days, a life-size Spuds MacKenzie keeps watch over the pinball machines, vintage cigarette machine (now selling candy smokes), and local bands on Saturday night. Barringers is a cozy, freewheeling haunt where folks come to shrug off the day—or summon ghosts from the past. 2535 S. Meridian St., 317-384-1027, barringertavern.com
OPEN SINCE: 1879
THE USUAL: Busch Light on draft
Dugout Bar
Bowhaus Tap
NEIGHBORHOOD: Bates-Hendricks
2 Like much of its character-rich environs, the storied structure that houses this local lair is more than a century old, with a beautiful wood backbar that the owners suspect predates Prohibition. (The flooring, exterior, and men’s restroom all received updates during the pandemic.) Regulars who live nearby pack the place for karaoke on the weekends, and dogs are welcome on the patio, where there’s a firepit. There’s no kitchen on-site, but food can be delivered. Celebrating a birthday? Expect to partake in the house tradition of downing a shot served in a tiny porcelain toilet bowl. 1729 S. East St., 317-634-4072
OPEN SINCE : 2017
THE USUAL: Scooby Snack (coconut rum, pineapple juice, melon liqueur, and whipped cream)
AFTER HOURS
Located along one of Indy’s hottest restaurant rows, Dugout Bar is where chefs, servers, and bartenders go after they clock out.
Dugout Bar
NEIGHBORHOOD: Fletcher Place
3 The first impression you get of the Dugout depends on which entrance you go into, because, though it isn’t evident from Virginia Avenue, where it takes up half a block of its Fletcher Place home, it’s actually three connected bars in one. A substantial beer garden and large, glossy indoor party spot host live bands and the boisterous crowd, while a minimalist, light-filled, modern tavern in the middle caters to families and those looking for a typical bar bite. But on the northern corner of the building is the old, comfy pub that’s been there since 1954, loaded with sports memorabilia and signs, a jukebox, and an old lottery vending machine. The drink specials are a bargain, and the food is the same that’s on offer just through the unassuming sliding barn doors. No matter which part you stop in, friendly servers and bartenders are happy to share recommendations and chat with regulars and newcomers alike. 621 Virginia Ave., 317-916-1514, thedugoutindy.com
OPEN SINCE: 1954
THE USUAL: Sun King Sunlight Cream Ale
Sam’s Silver Circle
NEIGHBORHOOD: Fountain Square
4 It lacks a theme and a collection of trendy cocktails. And for that, it’s loved all the more. “Follow me to Sam’s,” has been a Fountain Square catchphrase (bonus points for wearing the tee) for decades. Take up the offer to find an unpretentious, character-drenched nucleus of the community. Trays of beer—at prices defying inflation—glide to tables crowded with neighbors and friends. Neon signs and sports memorabilia cover the walls, and regulars are always down for a friendly game of darts. Sam’s calling card is tavern-style pizza with a crispy thin crust and pepperoni nestled under the cheese. (On Saturday and Sunday, breakfast is served.) “The staff is incredibly friendly,” says Christiana Bertsch (a regular and IM staffer), who lives nearby. “It just has a warm, welcoming vibe.” Sit inside or on the heated covered patio, where Sammy the house cat presides. In a city with rotating hot spots, Sam’s stays cool by not trying to be. 1102 Fletcher Ave., 317-636-6288, samssilvercircle.com
OPEN SINCE: 1938
THE USUAL: Domestic draft lager in a plastic cup
Sam’s Silver Circle
Dorman Street SaloonJ. Clyde’s Pub
NEIGHBORHOOD: Cottage Home
1 Stippled, happy hour sunlight spills across wooden floors and worn chairs as a woman, still in her tailored work dress, sits barefoot at the bar chatting with friends and a gaggle of bros loudly plays pool in the back. Built in 1871, the yellow building tucked away on its namesake street has been a watering hole since approximately 1908 and is rumored to have hosted John Dillinger. A vibrant back patio and quirky decor like a warthog bust wearing a birthday hat and a bathroom entrance painted like a Tardis give cozy appeal, but it’s also “a hop and a skip” from downtown, says bartender Ray, making it a popular off-the-beaten-path destination for tourists. This is the type of spot where “you can get a shitty beer or a fancy cocktail,” Ray adds, with everything from supermarket brands and local brews to sophisticated mixed drinks created by the staff on offer. Bar food includes a house-made mac and cheese and spinach artichoke dip, as well as addictive pickles that pack a sinus-clearing punch 901 Dorman St., 317-237-9008, dormanstreet.com
OPEN SINCE: 1908
THE USUAL: Pickle Martini
NEIGHBORHOOD: Little Flower
2 Original owner Jo Ann Able patterned her bar after a legendary Washington, D.C., haunt she admired, right down to the name. The wellknown former Scecina Memorial High School nurse still stops by now and then to make sure everything’s up to snuff. In the summer, tables and benches spill out onto the sidewalk under the red neon sign. Inside, the LGBTQ-safe space boasts a checkerboard floor, faded dollar bills framing the mirror behind the bar, and $3 Miller High Life drafts on tap. It’s also the unofficial home bar of Indy Eleven fans who pregame and hang out here after matches. 1008 N. Bosart Ave., 317-875-1804
OPEN SINCE: 1987
THE USUAL: Shley Bomb (vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and Red Bull)
Snug
Mayfair Taproom
NEIGHBORHOOD: Near Eastside
3 All the residential blocks that surround this cozy corner bar would like to lay claim to it. Geographically, it sits within the boundaries of Windsor Park—but it’s right on the border of St. Clair Place and only a block from Woodruff Place and Springdale. A lot of the clientele walks in from one of those close-knit communities or another, ordering their pear ciders and vegan sloppy Joes at the counter and grabbing a chair next to a window dressed with lacy cafe curtains. The place, owned by Hilary Powers and Alec Hill, is a direct descendent of Broad Ripple’s English tavern–inspired Broad Ripple Brew Pub, which is owned by Hill’s parents. Tables fill up quickly in the tight quarters or on the semi-covered patio built during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic for added space. But for pure pint-fueled enjoyment, nothing beats a seat at the bar, where greyhounds, Cape Codders, and other classic Grandpa drinks slide across the varnish. The memento-filled mirrored backbar is a collage of Gen X nostalgia— with a Mr. Potato Head, Ed Grimley doll, and rows of VHS tapes among its treasures. 2032 E. 10th St., 317-419-2393, mayfairtaproom.com
OPEN SINCE: 2018
THE USUAL: A pint of local Ash & Elm cider
EAST MODE
Shi-Kay Lounge offers cold beer, familiar faces, and a neighborhood welcome that never runs dry.
Shi-Kay Lounge
NEIGHBORHOOD: Little Flower
4 Look for the bold black and yellow signage and catch a cold one at this eastside landmark founded by Joe Shikane and his father back in the early 1970s. Through the years, the dark little lounge has become a required stop on St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls thanks to its traditional Irish Catholic neighborhood setting, although the regulars use Pacer games, karaoke, and pretty much any other excuse to party as well. If your friends aren’t up for participating in a four-person “shotski” toast, you’ll probably find willing recruits at the bar—if you can tear them away from their free popcorn and pull tabs, that is. 1514 N. Emerson Ave., 317-357-7622
OPEN SINCE: 1971
THE USUAL: Captain Morgan
Snug
NEIGHBORHOOD: Irvington
5 From the jump, the owners of Snug sought for it to be a traditional Irish bar with a chatty atmosphere, and one of them, Jim Arnoldt, thinks it accomplishes just that. “We wanted to create a space that we would want to go to,” he says. Located in Irvington, Snug has served what Arnoldt hopes is “the best Guinness you can get on this side of Ireland” since New Year’s Eve of 2023. Whether it’s the expansive Irish whiskey selection (168 varieties, to be exact) or the grazing board with house-made soda bread, there’s a little something for everyone who steps foot inside this cozy pub. 210 S. Audubon Rd., 317-308-8553, snugin.us
OPEN SINCE: 2023
THE USUAL: Guinness
Dorman Street Saloon
The AVG Pub
NEIGHBORHOOD: Speedway
1 When Tito Gomez took ownership of this cozy Speedway hangout 10 years ago, his first orders of business were to update the decades-old interior and to revive the defunct kitchen for food service. These days, he turns out a very respectable collection of eats that includes secret-sauced smashburgers, fried-to-order nacho chips, and a reimagined Cuban sandwich made with house-made pulled pork, provolone, and parmesan butter. The beer menu also contains a few surprises—namely, craft entries like 3 Floyds Gumballhead and Zombie Dust on tap. Westside Outcasts rugby players pop in sometimes after practices; the previous owner is a former team member. 3520 W. 16th St., 317-916-2814, theavgpub.com
OPEN SINCE: Mid-1960s
THE USUAL: Tito’s Sunrise (Tito’s vodka, Razzmatazz raspberry cordial, and sour mix)
Checkered Flag Tavern
NEIGHBORHOOD: Stout Field
2 Friendly bartenders have been making guests here feel like part of this westside family since it opened in 1947. Full of swag straight out of pit row, the place is a monument to all things Indianapolis Motor Speedway; you’ll probably catch glimpses of drivers, team owners, and crew members when the big races roll around. The tavern bills itself as a five-star dive bar, and with foodstuffs like pit-smoked wings, pork belly burnt ends, firecracker shrimp, a whiskey melt burger, and frog legs on the menu, it’s easy to see why. Live music, darts leagues, pool tables, and daily beer specials round out the offerings. 5725 W. Morris St., 317-247-6209, checkeredflagtavernindy.com
OPEN SINCE: 1947
THE USUAL: PBR tallboy
AMERICAN GRAFFITI
It’s hard to argue with these pithy bits of bathroom-stall wisdom that seem truer after two beers.
Red Key Tavern
Accept love from a silver spoon. Don’t lick it from a knife!
“I wish I was where I was when I was wishing I was here.”
“Put your pantspositiveon.”
“Have
“Let’s start a revolution. You are safe here.”
NEIGHBORHOOD: Eagledale
3 If you grew up on the west side of Indianapolis and had fun parents, they might have visited this place when it was called Bud’s Tavern. These days, it’s regarded as one of the area’s hidden gems—a place people might stumble upon in search of some post-track bar food or on the way home from a Marian University basketball game. There’s nothing fancy about Fat Cat’s U-shaped counter or pool-and-darts decor, but by the time you finish your first bottle of Coors, you’ll feel like a regular. 3015 Lafayette Rd., 317-926-2837
OPEN SINCE: 2016
THE USUAL: Rum and Coke
Checkered Flag Tavern
Mike’s Speedway Lounge
NEIGHBORHOOD: Speedway
4 Just two blocks east of the track, this decadesold Speedway mainstay honors its turf with a brick exterior, a black-and-white checkered ceiling, and racing memorabilia as far as the eye can see. As you’d expect, the place tends to get a little crazy during Indy 500 weekend (the only time of year it goes cash-only). But with karaoke Wednesdays, motorcycle cruise-ins, darts, billiards, live music a couple times a month, and a big St. Patrick’s Day bash, the party never fully winds down. Amid a fairly extensive selection of pub grub, the spicy Mike’s Famous Spanish Burger and a hand-cut and breaded tenderloin that overhangs the bun—just as it should—are time-tested house favorites. 3701 W. 16th St., 317-969-6710, mikesspeedwaylounge.com
OPEN SINCE: 1965
THE USUAL: Crown Royal shots
PIT STOP
The
The Workingman’s Friend
NEIGHBORHOOD: Stringtown
5 The squat brick building off Belmont Avenue on the city’s near–west side looks as if it is trying hard to be a hidden gem. But everyone knows about Workingman’s Friend and its magical ability to attract both blue- and white-collar patrons. They come with cash, packing the tiny parking lot and filling the dining room’s scattering of stiff-backed red chairs. Rarely do they need to glance at the letterboard menu behind the bar—because they already know their order by heart: a thin, sizzled double cheeseburger with an extra bottom bun separating the lacy patties; a bowl of chili garnished with shredded cheese, onions, and crumbled saltines; or the hot hamand-Swiss Big John Special with chips and slaw. More than likely, lunch will be washed down with a chilled schooner of beer at this Indianapolis institution that comes by its name honestly. It was founded more than 100 years ago by a young Macedonian immigrant, Louis Stamatkin, famous for feeding striking railroad workers on I.O.U.s. 234 N. Belmont Ave., 317-636-2067
OPEN SINCE: 1918
THE USUAL: A cold schooner of beer
Fat Cat Bar
roar of the nearby Indianapolis Motor Speedway seems to linger all year long at Mike’s Speedway Lounge.
Mike’s Speedway Lounge
Downtown Olly’s
NEIGHBORHOOD: Upper Canal
1 In between the Stutz and the Scottish Rite Cathedral, this vibrant neighborhood sanctuary stays open from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily, keeping the kitchen staffed 24/7 for indoor/outdoor dining and food delivery service. Vestiges of the original sports bar now share space with sparkling lights and rainbow Pride flags—Olly’s evolved soon after opening to accommodate a more diverse audience, earning a “Best LGBTQ Bar in the Country” nod from the Bar & Restaurant Expo in 2022. Biscuits and gravy, fried green tomatoes, and double-breaded chicken fingers stand out among the food lineup, and the live entertainment schedule includes piano bar singalongs, trivia nights, burlesque shows, and “Ollywood” karaoke. 822 N. Illinois St., 317-636-5597, downtownollys.net
OPEN SINCE: 1995
THE USUAL: Mimosas and bloody marys during the weekly Glam Slam Drag Brunch
English Ivy’s
NEIGHBORHOOD: Saint Joseph
2 A central gathering place in the historic Saint Joseph district, English Ivy’s is the kind of inviting neighborhood haunt where you can wander in and spot a friend already posted up at the bar with a bloody mary and a pile of pull tabs or slide into one of the brown pleather booths for a quiet catch-up over margaritas and Boom Boom Shrimp. The menu is surprisingly long and involved, blending pub grub with proper steaks and comfort classics such as Wednesday night’s fried chicken dinner and Friday’s prime rib. Long known as an iconic gay bar in the heart of Indianapolis, the Ivy has been a safe, central hub for the city’s LGBTQ+ community for decades—equal parts welcoming, unpretentious, and a fabulously good time. 944 N. Alabama St., 317-822-5070, englishivys.com
OPEN SINCE: 1999
THE USUAL: The Ivy’s Ass (1800 tequila, beer, ginger beer, simple syrup, and lime)
TRIVIAL PURSUITS
Nearly every night of the week, some bar in the Indianapolis area hosts a trivia night, where friends and competitors gather to answer the big, important questions.
FORMER attorney Matt Hammond started Hambone’s Entertainment (hambonestrivia.com) in 2007 on a small scale, creating custom trivia questions for friends. Eventually, he took the concept to the bar world, hosting Hambone’s Trivia Nights at locations such as Chatham Tap, Hotel Tango, Kismetic Beer Company, Sam’s Silver Circle, and Guggman Haus. The general rules are the same in each setting: Teams collaborate on answers and compete in multiple rounds, with the winning group walking away with a small prize (but mostly bragging rights). The questions change weekly, so teams may only compete in one session per week. Luckily, Indianapolis has no shortage of bars that host trivia nights led by professional quizmasters such as Nerdy Talk Trivia (nerdytalktrivia .com), The Quizzler (facebook.com/ thequizzler), and Indy’s Live Trivia (indyslivetrivia.com). In a world where meeting people, fitting in, and finding your group has become one of the great challenges of adulthood, the group trivia concept has struck a chord. “The key is to have a diverse team, age-wise and interests-wise,” says one trivia night regular.
English Ivy’s
The Living Room LoungeThe Whistle Stop Inn
NEIGHBORHOOD: Chatham Arch
3 Connecting to a familiar 1920s-era building that’s functioned as a roller-skating rink, a car dealership, and now The Cabaret, this inclusive neighborhood dive serves a loyal community of regulars and the occasional visiting celebrity. With a name like The Living Room, patrons know this is going to be a comfortable spot to just kick back and chill. Although with pool tables, darts, live music, and DJs spinning tunes beneath the disco ball, guests can also be as lively as they want. You’ll hear everything from Elvis and Prince to Glorilla on karaoke nights, and the kitchen stays open late cooking up wings, fried cauliflower bites, and hand-breaded tenderloins. 934 N. Pennsylvania St., 317-635-0361, living-room-lounge.com
OPEN SINCE: Early 1980s
THE USUAL: Monkey Punch, a boozy fruit punch concoction
NEIGHBORHOOD: Wholesale District
3 On March 14, 2024, Governor Eric Holcomb signed HB 1086 on this very bar top to bring happy hour back to Indiana. Spitting distance from Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center, and the Indiana Statehouse, The Whistle Stop’s a popular hang for politicians, out-of-towners, football players, and Colts fans. The beer-friendly menu details brisket-topped fries; wings by the pound with eight different sauces; deep-fried pizza rolls; and exotic meats such as elk, venison, and camel burgers. House cocktails cover all the whiskey, rum, vodka, and tequila bases, while boozy housemade ice cream makes a sweet finale. 375 S. Illinois St., 317-602-6334, thewhistlestopin.com
OPEN SINCE: At least the mid-1970s
THE USUAL: OMH Margarita (with the traditional ingredients plus mango habanero whiskey and Sprite)
ALWAYS ON
The party never clocks out at Downtown Olly’s, where food and drink are served 24/7, along with weekly drag brunch.
Downtown Olly’s
G O
† Joshua Hull is scaring up a career in the horror genre, one creepy story at a time.
†
BY TONY REHAGEN
‡ IT WAS MARCH
2020, the early days of Covid lockdown, when Joshua Hull spotted a Facebook post from Hollywood horror screenwriter and producer Jason Scott Goldberg: “Day 8 of quarantine: Alright, I’ll read your script.”
For Hull, an independent writer and director with a day job brewing beer, the developing pandemic was just the latest in a series of career jump scares that left him leery to look around the next corner. After the encouraging micro-budget debut of a zombie comedy he wrote and directed in 2010 titled Beverly Lane, his 2014 slapstick sophomore effort, The Impersonators, had failed to generate any interest from distributors—a near guarantee that it would languish in limited-screening obscurity. And then, the creative compromises he had to make due to last-minute financial constraints on his next film, 2016’s screwball slasher Chopping Block, brought him to the brink of quitting filmmaking altogether.
It seemed every place he went, from his own movie sets to the brewhouse at Indy’s terror-themed Scarlet Lane Brewing Company, where he had worked his way up from brewer to partowner, became the backdrop for a real-life survival horror. Complications stalked him like a dark figure with a face mask and a machete. Meanwhile, Hull was helplessly social distancing in his Pendleton, Indiana, home.
So, when he saw Goldberg’s open offer to consider
The Haunting of
†new projects, Hull figured he had little to lose. He emailed the producer a script he’d been working on, a fictional behindthe-scenes work titled Once Upon a Time in Morristown about the making of the iconic supernatural gore-fest The Evil Dead. Goldberg, who had just written a horror flick distributed by AMC’s studio Shudder on its streaming service, quickly replied that while he liked the idea, it was too big in scope to make.
Did Hull have anything else? Hull’s reply: “I have this screenplay about a Lovecraftian glory hole?”
That screenplay—about a man who finds himself locked in a rest stop bathroom talking to a mysterious cosmic creature through a hole in the bathroom stall—became 2022’s Glorious, a film produced by Shudder. It starred Ryan Kwanten (of True Blood fame) and the voice of Oscar winner J.K. Simmons. The movie helped establish Hull as a name to know, an emerging mad scientist in the wild and quirky realm of dark comedy and horror.
“All of a sudden, everything is happening. Filmmakers I love are reaching out and asking, ‘What else do you have?’” says Hull. “This is the life I’ve been dreaming about since sixth grade.”
Hull’s connection to the world of slashers and the supernatural stretches back further than middle school. In fact, it’s in his genes.
Hull grew up with six siblings in a tucked-away clapboard farmhouse situated on 8 acres just outside of Pendleton. His mother, Val, ran a daycare out of the home, and that provided most of the entertainment for her own children. “We didn’t have cable or gaming systems,” says Hull. “She was big on storytelling and teaching us how to use our imaginations.”
Val’s own imagination was a little twisted. She loved all things spooky,
made a big to-do of Halloween, and introduced the kids to great horror films like Jaws and Halloween at an early age. But Val took it a little further: When the boys invited friends for a sleepover, they’d camp out on the property in a 12-person tent. Val would wait until 2 a.m., don a mask, and sneak around the tent, poking holes in the shelter with a pitchfork and sometimes even pulling kids from their sleeping bags into the darkness.
“I think that house had a lot of influence on her as well as the kids,” says Sophia Spiegel, Hull’s girlfriend. “The kids saw a lot of crazy stuff. Josh took me out there, now this haunted, abandoned place, and I had night terrors for weeks.” Spiegel says a woman visited her in those dreams, crawling up the side of her bed, bringing a feeling of dread. “I mentioned it to Val once, and she immediately asked, ‘Does the woman have long black hair?’ The same woman had been visiting her dreams, too.”
Val also shared urban legends from her own Hoosier childhood. One story, about a place called Screaming Road and a mysterious lurker who killed passersby with a bow and arrow, made its way into one of Hull’s school writing assignments, complete with gory illustrations of human bodies pinned to trees. “I got in trouble for that one,” says Hull. “The teacher called my mom, who stuck up for me.”
In fact, Val always supported Hull’s early writing ambitions. He wrote stacks of screenplays in middle school and high school and even recruited a circle of friends to help stage and film them, though the shoots never quite came together. Upon graduation, he flirted with going to film school but decided to stay and work in the restaurant industry. The birth of his daughter, Phoenix, in 2005 solidified the notion that his path to filmmaking would have to go through Indiana.
Becoming a father forced Hull to get serious about his work. While humping 60-hour weeks as a manager at a Texas Roadhouse, he pieced together a screenplay about an office worker at his boss’s circus-themed retirement party who has to fight off
Hull House Hull returns to what’s left of his childhood home, inspiration for his most terrifying and personal work.
zombies, unhelpful coworkers, and even the clowns, mimes, and magicians hired for the festivities. He finished the script, titled Beverly Lane, and came up with a $1,200 budget with co-producer Jim Dougherty. They shot the whole thing in four days in Anderson and premiered the finished work in Noblesville two days before Halloween in 2010. “It was not a great movie,” Hull says. “It wasn’t even a B-movie—more like a Z-movie—but I was proud of it. More importantly, we did the thing we’d been talking about for 10 years. And we were doing it on our terms.”
Hull went bigger with his follow-up, The Impersonators, a comedy about a group of birthday party superhero impersonators hired by a town, in the vein of Seven Samurai, to fight real criminals. He teamed with comedian Josh Arnold of The Bob & Tom Show, who co-wrote and starred in the picture. The cast, shooting schedule, and budget were considerably bigger than Beverly Lane. So was the disappointment when the film failed to get any distribution offers.
Hull took the blow and pressed on, returning to horror a few years later with Chopping Block, about a group of laid-off coworkers who kidnap their former boss’s daughter only to find that she’s the Final Girl for a killer still out for blood. It’s a smartly chilling premise. Hull was also set to direct, with a promise from a local investor and producer that he would have a budget big enough to afford a Screen Actors Guild cast and other resources—only to have the funds slashed so drastically he was forced to rewrite the script to accommodate a much smaller production. Crestfallen, he went ahead with filming to avoid letting down the cast and crew of 25 people, many of them friends he felt beholden to. The shoot was a grueling marathon of long days with several 24-hour shoots.
Sometimes he regrets his decision to go ahead with the movie, given the unsatisfying final product. You can still find Chopping Block on a few streaming platforms, and you can read the Letterboxd reviews that call it both “surprisingly well-written” and “half-hearted.”
“When I watch that movie now,” Hull says, “it’s a lot of terrible memories and sadness for what it could have been.” Dejected, Hull returned to the solitude of his home office in Pendleton.
He started a screenplay adaptation of a book called M’rth: A Psychological Nightmare by Todd Rigney, a sort of Nightmare on Elm Street meets Trainspotting story about a miracle pill that transports people to the happiest moment of their lives—thereby ruining every other remaining day. Hull insisted he was going to direct it only to realize it was too big for him to bring to the screen. He reached out to Rigney and asked if the author had anything smaller in scale.
“Well,” said Rigney, “I do have this idea about a Lovecraftian glory hole. ...”
“All of a sudden, everything is happening. Filmmakers I love are reaching out and asking, ‘What else do you have?’” † †
Goldberg loved Hull’s screenplay for Glorious, adapted from Rigney’s original idea. And with most of the action centered on a solitary actor in one room talking to a disembodied voice, it was a project tailor-made for the days of social distancing.
Initially, Hull asked to direct, but Goldberg passed the script on to Rebekah McKendry, a more seasoned horror director, who brought in another writer to go over the script. Hull, she said, would be kept in the loop. “I knew he had a unique, fun voice that I loved,” says McKendry. “I love Joshua’s writing style and how it blends absurdist humor and situations with characters based in our own reality. They all feel down-to-earth and relatable but forced to contend with these weird situations.”
Hull didn’t protest giving up the director’s chair; writing alone was the
‡
fulfillment of a surreal dream that went beyond the movies. In 2021, he wrote a nonfiction book, Underexposed!: The 50 Greatest Movies Never Made. And in 2024, he published his first novel, Mouth, about a hungry, tooth-filled hole in the ground. “Writing didn’t take the bad taste out of my mouth from my directing experience,” says Hull. “But that was OK. I was a writer—officially. No one was coming to me to direct movies. They were coming to me to write movies.”
Hull currently has several film projects in the works including a second collaboration with McKendry, a potential TV adaptation of Mouth. He has also has a contract to direct a script he wrote in 2022 based on a novel by Michael J. Seidlinger, a home-invasion movie from the perspective of the home invader called Anybody Home? He’ll travel to Atlanta for the shoot. But he’ll almost certainly return to Pendleton as he continues his roller-coaster career in horror, pulled back by his connection to his mysterious home and the supernatural stories of his youth.
Hull released his second novel this past August, a story about Paul, a podcaster who learns that an old friend died by suicide in the ruins of his childhood home. Paul returns to the scene to interview friends and other neighbors, hoping to understand the underlying causes. Instead, he unlocks a barrage of chilling memories from his childhood— including encounters with a mysterious woman with long black hair. The title of the book is 8114, the address of the Pendleton farmhouse Hull grew up in, now empty and dilapidated on the edge of a rural strip mall.
In the book’s afterword, Hull confesses that while writing, he started having nightmares about moving back into his boyhood home in Pendleton—and not being able to escape. But if this is a dark metaphor for Hull being trapped in the town and state he’s lived in all his life, then it is only half of the story. While his growing reputation in horror films and fiction may increase the pull of Hollywood or New York (locales that Hull hasn’t ruled out as places to settle in the future), he’s acutely aware that Indiana is more than just his home—it’s the wellspring of his inspiration.
After all, a horror writer’s nightmares are also often their source material. Their demons become their muses.
Always in Season?
Shores & Islands Ohio is a year-round destination that has something for everyone! Hike and bike miles of natural trails, explore quaint downtowns and museums, witness fall bird migration, and enjoy the beauty of changing colors throughout our region.
Visit an orchard to pick a peck of apples or sample other fresh-from-the-farm produce at a farmer’s market. Take a tour of a local winery at the peak of harvest season and taste craft beverages at a brewery or distillery on the free Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail . Sign up, check in, and collect points for prizes!
Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com
Enjoy the beauty of the season and quirky hometown favorites at these 19 regional celebrations.
FALL IN LOVE WITH DANVILLE Miniature Magic in Danville
Step into a world of miniature marvels at the Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville. See over 200 exquisitely detailed dollhouses, roomboxes and scenes, from historical timelines to whimsical fantasy realms. Fascinating for all ages, this tiny-scale museum brings community, craftsmanship and storytelling to life — just a short drive from Lexington and Louisville.
Known as the Horse Capital of the World and the epicenter of Bourbon Country, the Bluegrass State is also a land of immense natural beauty. Sip centuries of tradition in the birthplace of bourbon. Stroll through rolling horse farms and catch a race at the track. Explore waters, caves and trails, offering endless adventure. With so much to see and do, the Bluegrass State is the perfect place for your next vacation. Come see our new Kentucky home!
kentuckytourism.com
BOUNDLESS ADVENTURES AWAIT
Discover Kentucky’s State Parks, All Year Long
From rolling hills and scenic lakes to majestic waterfalls and underground wonders, Kentucky’s 44 state parks offer nature escapes, each with its own charm. Explore over 300 miles of maintained trails or dig into farm-to-table fare and local favorites like Kentucky Hot Browns and bourbon-infused dishes at a park
in summer, vibrant foliage in fall or cozy cabin getaways in winter — there’s always a reason to visit.
parks.ky.gov
October
Fridays & Saturdays in October |
Metamora Haunted Village • Metamora, IN
Held in the historic town of Metamora, the Haunted Village was started by locals as a way to raise funds. Every year, store owners and residents collectively transform their shops and homes into a spooky scene. Take ghost tours at the canal and learn about the dark past Metamora has to offer, from mysterious murders to grisly accidents along the canal. Hayrides, trick-or-treating, and plenty of monsters await you this Halloween season. metamoraindiana.com
October 2–5 | Riley Festival •
is one massive birthday party in honor
features live music, community contests, a citywide parade, and the traditional rileyfestival.com
October 3 & 4 | A Taste of Serbia! • McKeesport, PA
Dobro nam Došli, or welcome, to Pennsylvania celebration of Serbian culture, which is entering its sixth year. Located at the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, the event features an abundance of Serbian food, wine, and beer. Live entertainment will introduce visitors to Serbian music with a performance by Pittsburgh band Orkestar Pobeda, and visitors will have the opportunity to enter a lottery ticket
event are entirely free. stsavapa.org/atasteofserbia
October 3–5 | Kentucky Wool Festival • Falmouth, KY
celebrates the local community, its sheep, and the wool they produce. On
fest features a wide variety of wool products, unique art, and custom goods from vendors. Visitors can enjoy local foods like barbecue, hot fudge, and walking tacos, along with live entertainment and
how to knit or crochet among other hands-on
participating artisans offer special handmade items from jewelry to wooden decor. kywoolfest.org
October 4 | Hendricks County International Festival •
The sixth annual Hendricks County
community members and town leaders in
food vendors to demonstrations, dances, live music, traditional clothing, and more, Hendricks County International members to better understand and appreciate the cultures around them. hcinternationalfestival.com
October 4–5 | Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience • Dayton, OH
If the outdoors have been calling your
with activities to connect with your adventurous side with activities like
HENDRICKS COUNTY INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
MOONSHINER’S BALL
WAGNER SUBARU OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
Located just one hour northwest of Indianapolis, along I-65.
Purdue University • Vibrant Downtown • Wolf Park
Prophetstown State Park • The Farm at Prophetstown
Public Art Trail • Art Galleries & Museums
Theater & Nightlife • Agritourism Adventures
Seasonal Ice-Skating Rink • Hiking and Biking Trails
Breweries, NA Taproom, Winery and Wine Bars
Tippecanoe Battlefield & Museum
GO BOILERS!
Attend a Purdue home football game. Howl with wolves at Wolf Park. Experience a wagon ride through the pumpkin patch and orchard at Wea Creek Orchard. Conquer the corn maze at Exploration Acres and enjoy all the fun seasonal activities there. Visit a Farmers Market for pumpkins, pies & more.
While shopping can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. Make it easy—and fun—with a trip to Greater Lafayette! Explore charming boutiques, unique specialty stores, antique treasures and a mall. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts and soak up the festive spirit all around town. HOLIDAY
paddling, slacklining, and more. See demonstrations from the Chris Clark Bicycle Stunt Show and watch the World’s Premier Canine Aquatics Competition. Relax and recharge at the end of the day while enjoying live music with drinks from Great Lakes and Fifty West Brewing Companies and food from an array of food trucks. outdoorx.metroparks.org
October 5 | Woollybear Festival • Vermilion, OH
This popular one-day festival celebrates the woollybear caterpillar, the orange and black critter sporting the iconic colors of Halloween. The bug’s fur is believed to predict the upcoming winter, with its patterns changing each year. Started by a weatherman, this event honors the caterpillar’s forecast. Kids and pets participate in a costume contest dedicated to the furry insect. Watch the annual Woollybear 500, a heated race between caterpillars, or the parade full
vendors, and other family-friendly activities, the event has something for everyone in the family. vermilionohio.com/ woollybear-festival
October 9–12 |
Moonshiner’s Ball • Livingston, KY
Hosted annually since 2014, the Moonshiner’s Ball is a music festival suited for fans of all genres. Everything from bluegrass to electronica is on the bill in a secluded area of the Daniel Boone National Forest. And there are plenty of non-music amenities as well: a range of children’s activities; opportunities for camping, kayaking, and canoeing; and food and craft vendors will all be on-site. The organizers are proud of the small, tightknit crowd of annual attendees—they believe this event allows visitors to not only connect with music but also to “commune with nature.” themoonshinersball.com
October 10–12 |
licensed by the Elvis Presley Enterprise
Elvis tribute artist contest. Outside of its centerpiece, visitors can enjoy the festival’s on-site vendors, food, and live gospel music. And it’s all for a great cause—the Elvis Fantasy Fest donates net proceeds to the Special Olympics, and the event concludes with a march of Porter County’s Special Olympians. elvisfantasyfest.com
October 10–19 |
Parke County Covered Bridge Festival • Parke County, IN
As Indiana’s largest festival, the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival celebrates the 31 historic bridges located in Parke County, the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World.” Food, drinks, arts and crafts, and other fall festivities engage crowds in each of the festival’s nine locations: Rockville, Billie Creek Village, Village, Mecca, Montezuma, Rosedale, and Tangier. coveredbridges.com/ covered-bridge-festival
October 11 |
Louisville Book Festival • Louisville, KY
organization that aims to ensure that all children have access to books. Though it works toward this goal year-round, the annual festival is a special event that gives all attending children at least one free book of their choosing, reinforces a love for reading, and spreads the word about childhood literacy. This event isn’t just for kids, though—all book lovers are welcome to meet authors, attend writing and industry workshops, enter giveaways, and share their appreciation for reading. louisvillebookfestival.com
October 11–12 |
Grass Lake Crane Fest • Bellevue, MI
During their fall migration, sandhill
Elvis Fantasy Fest • Portage, IN
The Elvis Fantasy Fest is exactly as branded. Hosted in the state where The King of Rock and Roll played his
journey south. The Grass Lake CraneFest is a once-a-year opportunity to experience the majestic display of nature. Just before dusk, you can watch the cranes Big Marsh Lake. Before that, take a guided
LOUISVILLE BOOK FESTIVAL
GRASS LAKE CRANEFEST
nature walk and shop booths set up by local artists and vendors. The festival celebrates its 30th annual installment this year thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek, Michigan. k00153.site.kiwanis.org/ kiwanis-youth-conservation-area
October 15–18 |
Circleville Pumpkin Show • Circleville, OH
The free Circleville Pumpkin Show features more than 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, gourds, and squash; roughly 30 amusement park rides; “Miss Pumpkin” and “Little Miss Pumpkin” shows; and thousands of pumpkin pies and doughnuts for purchase.
home arts and baked goods competitions. The Circleville Pumpkin Show dates back to 1903 when the then-mayor set up a fall display in front of his house. It is now regarded as the nation’s sixth largest festival and operates under the slogan “The Greatest Free Show on Earth.” pumpkinshow.com
October 17 & 18 | Zimmerman Glasstoberfest • Corydon, IN Glasstoberfest is a two-day celebration of the art of glass-blowing with more than 20 demonstrating artists. You can purchase unique art glass creations crafted before your eyes, such as mini pumpkins. Enjoy German cuisine while you peruse handmade goods from local
artisans, or relax in the beer garden with live music. With kids’ activities, food trucks, and more, the artsy event honors the city’s dedication to craftsmanship. mainstreetcorydon .org/events/ glasstoberfest
October 17–19 | Salt Festival • Frankfort, KY
This three-day event sends you back in time to the days of covered
annual Salt Festival, visitors can see what it was like to live as a pioneer, watch salt-making demonstrations, and try their hand at throwing a tomahawk or launching a bow and arrow. Listen to live folk and bluegrass music, browse the various craft vendors, or take children to the play area to climb a hay bale fort, paint a pumpkin, and compete in the hobby horse race. School Day on October 17 welcomes school groups to learn from educational speakers. kentuckytourism.com/events/ 41st-annual-salt-festival-8273
October 18 & 19 |
Via Colori Street Painting • Louisville, KY
More than 100 artists gather to create chalk paintings on the pavement of Louisville’s Waterfront Park. From beloved movie characters to realistic animals, the large-scale artwork is a remarkable feat, with paintings created in real time in front of attendees. Via Colori is the state’s largest street painting
Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana. Featuring vendors, live music, and children’s activities, the event is a fall celebration of art and community. viacolorikentucky.com
October 24 & 25 |
Spirit of the Forest Bigfoot Festival • Celina, OH
Calling all cryptid fanatics! This is
celebration of the legend of Bigfoot, this multiday event, which donates a portion
ZIMMERMAN GLASSTOBERFEST
SALT FESTIVAL
VIA COLORI STREET PAINTING
grounds, itors of s luding nnel, tory ing a and classes to create And when
of proceeds to Piqua’s Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development, has the works. On the festival grounds, visitors are treated to speakers of all sorts including Russell Acord of the Discovery Channel, food vendors, a beer and wine garden, story time for children, adult and junior tracking classes, a Bigfoot lookalike contest, and classes to create casts of original Bigfoot prints. And when you enter, don’t forget to say hello to Nelson, the festival’s gargantuan Bigfoot sculpture—the organizers claim he will be “waiting to greet you.” bigfootfestivaloh.com
October 25 |
Glizzy Fest •
Battle Creek, MI
Come for the hot dogs, stay for the hot dogs. The Glizzy Fest features an enormous variety of its titular items; last year, festival-goers were treated to goodies in the Kellogg Arena space, including Chicago crepe-dogs, jalapeño popper dogs, and Reuben dogs. This year, the fest also offers live music, karaoke
opportunities, and plentiful non–hot dog food vendors. And whatever you do, do not forget to cast your vote for the festival’s best glizzy! glizzyfest.com
NOVEMBER
November 21–23 | Greater Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular • Monroeville, PA
The 28th annual
Greater Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular runs November 21–23 at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. This Christmas arts and crafts show features vendors selling holiday sweets and baked goods, handmade ornaments, artwork,
jewelry, candles, home decor, clothing, and other crafts and accessories. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting and henna dying, and performances by Larry Cervi’s East End Kids give visitors the chance to enjoy the full festival experience. familyfestivals.com/holiday-spectacular
GREATER PITTSBURGH ARTS & CRAFTS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
S C H O O L SCHOOL
O P E N H O U S E OPEN HOUSE
G U I D E GUIDE
FIRST IMPRESSIONS Indy schools open their doors to help families find the right academic fit.
Students receive one-on-one interaction with teachers at Brookside School 54, an Exploratory Learning School in the Indianapolis Public Schools system.
Attending an open house or scheduling a campus tour provides a great opportunity for parents to learn more than just the basics about the school their children will attend. We provide guidance about what to look for at the event and questions to ask to get a good overview.
MOST PRIVATE AND PUBLIC schools host one or more open houses each year for every grade level. While the basic offerings are somewhat standard, the dates and focus of each can vary. We talked with several local schools and school systems to find out what parents can expect, how they can best prepare, and what questions they should ask to help them navigate these informational events with confidence.
DIFFERENT APPROACHES
The size of a school can influence its approach to hosting open houses. The International School of Indiana has 550 students ranging from age 3 through grade 12. “Our strength is in our small class sizes,” says Kim Jacobson, director of lower school admissions for ISI. “Our average class size is 12 students, which means they get a lot of personalized attention.”
Small and personal is how the school keeps its interaction with parents. It doesn’t hold a traditional open house but offers personalized tours for parents and open shadow days for middle and high school students upon request.
BY SHARI HELD
“We have a variety of open houses offered throughout the year,” says Jessica Aiyasami, director of enrollment management for The Orchard School, which serves students age 3 through grade 8.
Orchard’s October open house is for parents and guardians. They can talk with schoolteachers and administrators and attend mini-lessons that showcase progressive education. November’s open house is designed to give families a feel for the school. They can take a student-led tour to get students’ perspectives and view in-session classes.
The January open house is a family affair featuring kids’ activities such as mini-classes, treasure hunts, and book time. The school also hosts monthly parent coffees.
St. Richard’s Episcopal School, which serves students age 3 through grade 8, organizes an open house each November. It begins with a 20-minute coffee session where parents can chat with other families who have children in the school, as well as teachers, faculty members, and administrators. This is followed by a formal presentation on curriculum, traditions,
An Evening at The Orchard School OCTOBER 23
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Join us for The Orchard School’s first major open house of the year—an evening just for parents and guardians. Arrange a babysitter and enjoy a date night out while learning more about Progressive education at Orchard. Explore our unique learning spaces and discover how Orchard has been inspiring students from age 3 through eighth grade for over a century.
Enjoy complimentary pizza from an upscale food truck, tasty appetizers, wine/beer, and refreshing sodas while you mingle with alumni, the Parents’ Association, and school leadership.
We hope to see you there for a night of fun, connection, and discovery!
This event is for parents/guardians only.
Register at orchard.org/visit
THE ORCHARD SCHOOL’S MISSION IS TO DEVELOP AND EDUCATE THE WHOLE CHILD
The International School of Indiana provides enrichment opportunities through sports and extracurricular programs, as well as in the classroom.
and the school’s mission and philosophy. Next, parents are assigned to a group tour led by both a staff member and a student. The open house concludes with a student panel that answers parents’ questions.
“We also offer personal tours throughout the year,” says Kim Napier, director of admissions and enrollment for St. Richard’s. “We actually think that’s more effective than an open house.”
Indianapolis Public Schools hosts annual open houses the week before or during the first week of school. Some schools offer additional open houses, ice cream nights, or community nights throughout the year. At the basic open house, families meet their child’s teacher, pick up schedules, check out the playground, and learn where the lunchroom and gym are, while students learn about opportunities to join extracurricular activities. Chromebooks, backpacks, and school supplies may also be distributed. And there’s a little fun—Freddy Fever sometimes makes an appearance.
The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township holds two open houses annually. In October, it welcomes families of prospective students and the entire community.
The program begins with an introduction by the principal or assistant principal. Teachers, counselors, and support personnel are available to chat with parents, and sessions covering different programs such as dual language, International Baccalaureate, dual credit, and advanced placement are held. Students can learn about different clubs and organizations and participate in all-day shadowing.
Lawrence Township hosts spring open houses for families of incoming freshmen. They focus on what students may need to do over the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year’s coursework.
Representatives from the performing arts and athletic departments provide an introduction to summer activities to involve kids in the school before they enter in the fall.
“I’ve found more and more families are coming out as early as fifth grade to explore high schools,” says Brett Crousore, director of secondary education for Lawrence Township.
What to do if you can’t make an open house? No worries. Contact the principal’s office or the admissions or enrollment department and request a private tour. Schools are amenable to accommodating your needs.
MAKING THE MOST OF IT
Aiyasami says it’s important for parents to know what they are looking for in a school prior to visiting so they can tailor their questions to their needs. Doing preliminary research on a school’s website before taking a tour or attending an open house is a must.
“Often, families can get their standard questions answered online,” Jacobson says. “That leaves them more time to ask the in-depth questions to really get to know the school.”
Alpha Garrett, communications director for Indianapolis
Public Schools, encourages parents to check their school’s website for its student code of conduct, supply list, lunch menu so they can alert the school if their child has food allergies, and vaccination and immunization requirements.
“More than 85 percent of our students have vaccination and immunization records on file with the district,” Garrett says.
BEYOND THE PRELIMINARIES
Once you’re at the open house, what kinds of questions should you ask? Of course, you’ll want to find out about the academic curriculum, extracurricular activities, sports programs, and available financial assistance and scholarships. But it may help to dig deeper for other important details.
“I talk to families about getting the feel of the school,”
Aiyasami says. “When you walk in, what’s the feeling you get? Does it feel like home? What’s the community vibe?”
Jacobson suggests asking about safety and security. “How are their children cared for? How safe and secure are they, not just from the outside, but from within? What’s the school’s bullying policy?”
Administrators suggest asking about the school’s approach to education and what that means. St. Richard’s Episcopal
Students at The Orchard School learn public speaking and performance skills through presentations (left) and orchestra rehearsals (right).
School offers a classic education, but other schools may take a progressive, Montessori, or science inquiry–based approach.
“You want to find the curriculum that’s going to best match your beliefs and your family’s needs,” Napier says. You can also check if beforeand after-school care are offered for students. St. Richard’s takes children as early as 7 a.m. and can keep them as late as 6 p.m. Remember to inquire about activities and cost.
Communication between the school and parents is critical. “Be sure to ask about the portals you need to have access to so you can get your child’s report card and daily or weekly updates,” Garrett says. “And what messaging tools do [you] need to pay attention to?”
This year, IPS requests that parents download FirstView, a real-time vehicle GPS tracking platform that keeps parents aware of the location of the bus their child is on.
“It’s the little things that pertain to parents understanding the breadth of their child’s day, from what’s happening academically to how they are getting to and from school,” Garrett says.
Another great question: How much individual attention
do students receive? “In Lawrence Township, we pride ourselves in making the big school feel small because we believe in helping every child,” Crousore says. “Everyone can find something that interests them in our schools. We believe being involved at school helps their attendance, their sense of belonging, and their engagement in classes.”
At the high school level, Crousore suggests parents explore options for advanced coursework so students can earn dual credits for high school and college simultaneously. For example, at Lawrence Township’s McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology, students can earn credentials that transfer to Purdue University, potentially saving on college costs.
The new Indiana Diploma and Readiness Seals, beginning with the class of 2029, focus on helping students graduate with real-life experiences and skills that will help them get ahead after graduation, whether in the workforce or secondary education. Participation in internships is an important part of that. Crousore recommends parents ask about opportunities for work-based learning at both the middle and high school levels so they can earn credentials toward graduation.
FIVE STAR AWARD WINNERS 2025 INDIANAPOLIS
These days, it takes a village to manage your fi nancial world. Whether it is managing your assets with a wealth manager, or picking the right life insurance, fi nding the right team can be a daunting task. In fact, many consumers have a hard time fi guring out where to even begin.
Sometimes, a few simple questions can put you off on the right path. Asking a professional what makes working with them a unique experience can help you understand how they work and if their style meshes with your own.
This is a great place to start! Five Star Professional uses its own proprietary research methodology to name outstanding professionals, then works with publications such as Indianapolis Monthly to spread the word about award winners. Each award candidate undergoes a thorough research process (detailed here) before being considered for the fi nal list of award winners. For the complete list of winners, go to www.fi vestarprofessional.com/public/research.
RESEARCH DISCLOSURES
In order to consider a broad population of high-quality wealth managers, award candidates are identified by one of three sources: firm nomination, peer nomination or prequalification based on industry standing. Self-nominations are not accepted. Indianapolis-area award candidates were identified using internal and external research data. Candidates do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final lists of Five Star Wealth Managers.
• The Five Star award is not indicative of a professional’s future performance.
• Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets.
• The inclusion of a professional on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the professional by Five Star Professional or Indianapolis Monthly
• Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any professional is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected professionals will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future.
• Five Star Professional is not an advisory firm and the content of this article should not be considered financial advice. For more information on the Five Star Wealth Manager award program, research and selection criteria, go to fivestarprofessional.com/research.
• 1,904 award candidates in the Indianapolis area were considered for the Five Star Wealth Manager award. 133 (approximately 7% of the award candidates) were named 2025 Five Star Wealth Managers.
FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER
DETERMINATION OF AWARD WINNERS CRITERIA
Award candidates who satisfied 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria were named 2025 Five Star Wealth Managers. Eligibility Criteria –Required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative. 2. Actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years. 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review. 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal firm standards. 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation Criteria – Considered: 6. One-year client retention rate. 7. Five-year client retention rate. 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered. 9. Number of client households served. 10. Education and professional designations.
Regulatory Review: As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not: been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; been convicted of a felony. Within the past 11 years the wealth manager has not: been terminated from a wealth management or financial services firm; filed for personal bankruptcy; had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them (and no more than five tot al pending, dismissed or denied) with any regulatory authority.
Five Star Professional conducts a regulatory review of each nominated wealth manager using the Investment Adviser Public Disclo sure (IAPD) website. Five Star Professional also uses multiple supporting processes to help ensure that a favorable regulatory and complaint history exists. Data submitted through these processes was applied per the above criteria; each wealth manager who passes the Five Star Professional regulatory review must attest that they meet the definition of favorable regulatory history based upon the criteria listed above. Five Sta r Professional promotes via local advertising the opportunity for consumers to confidentially submit complaints regarding a wealth manager.
Financial Planning
Casey Bollock CAPTRUST Page 2
Beau Browning ∙ coreVISION Financial Group
Scott D. Carmony ∙ Carmony Asset & Wealth Advisors Page 3
Joe Copeland ∙ Morgan Stanley
Mark DePrez CAPTRUST Page 2
Tim Dukeman ∙ Teeple Snyder Newsome Wealth Management
Bob Dunlap ∙ Dunlap Gill Wealth Management Group Page 3
Daniel J. Gandolph ∙ LPL Financial/ Gandolph Financial Services
J. David George ∙ George Wealth Management Group
Sarah Grecco ∙ CAPTRUST Page 2
Jalene Hahn ∙ WWA Planning & Investments
Kathryn J. Hower ∙ Bedel Financial Consulting
Justin Kassanits ∙ CAPTRUST Page 2
Gregg Keele ∙ Clearwater Private Wealth Advisors
Sheri Kendall ∙ CAPTRUST Page 2
Kelley Maguire ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC/Impact Financial Group
Dustin Mendenhall ∙ Mendenhall Capital
Mark Olsen ∙ Teeple Snyder Newsome Wealth Management
Shellee Pietras ∙ Promise Advisory Group Page 3
Jason Pike ∙ coreVISION Financial Group
Mic Richey ∙ Teeple Snyder Newsome Wealth Management
Matt Snyder ∙ Teeple Snyder Newsome Wealth Management
Angela R. Sodrel ∙ LPL Financial
Kevin Sweet ∙ CAPTRUST Page 2
Matt Teeple ∙ Teeple Snyder Newsome Wealth Management
Ryan Thomas ∙ CAPTRUST Page 2
Brian Upchurch ∙ CAPTRUST Page 2
David G. Yearwood ∙ Charter Advisory Corporation
Jeffrey Yu CAPTRUST Page 2
Investments
Doug Atkins ∙ Eagle Financial Designs
Chad Alan Bailey ∙ Intrepid Financial Planning Group, LLC
Evan D. Bedel ∙ Bedel Financial Consulting
John F. Cech ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
David Crossman ∙ Bedel Financial Consulting
Chris Douglas ∙ CH Douglas & Gray Wealth Management
Jonathan Koop ∙ Bedel Financial Consulting
James J. Otley ∙ Otley Investment Fiduciary Solutions
All award winners are listed in this publication. Continued on
Jeff Pittsley ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC
This award was issued on 09/01/2025 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 11/27/2024 through 05/01/2025. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed managers were considered for the award; 133 (7% of candidates) were named 2025 Five Star Wealth Managers. The following prior year statistics use this format: YEAR: # 2022: 1,673, 131, 8%, 9/1/22, 12/27/21 - 6/24/22; 2021: 1,716, 128, 7%, 9/1/21, 12/7/20 - 7/2/21; 2020: 1,786, 143, 8%, 9/1/20, 12/2/19 - 6/12/20; 2019: 1,659, 153, 9%, - 7/21/16; 2015: 1,743, 348, 20%, 9/1/15, 1/15/15 - 7/21/15; 2014: 2,009, 360, 18%, 9/1/14, 1/15/14 - 7/21/14; 2013: 1,624, 413, 25%, 9/1/13, 1/15/13 - 7/21/13; 2012: Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser (RIA) or a registered Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any
CAPTRUST
Financial Advice You Can Trust From CAPTRUST
We help individual investors, business owners/executives, professional athletes and families manage their financial lives and achieve their unique goals.
CAPTRUST advisors combine national resources and research with regional insight and commitment to provide financial planning, portfolio management, investment advice and family office services.
Our mission is to enrich the lives of our clients, colleagues and communities through sound financial advice, integrity and a commitment to service beyond expectation.
To learn more, please visit www.captrust.com.
questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 1,904 Indianapolis-area wealth Considered, # Winners, % of candidates, Issued Date, Research Period. 2024: 1,650, 143, 9%, 9/1/24, 11/14/23 - 5/31/24; 2023: 1,594, 132, 8%, 9/1/23, 11/14/22 - 5/31/23; 9/1/19, 11/19/18 - 6/28/19; 2018: 1,588, 149, 9%, 9/1/18, 12/28/17 - 7/23/18; 2017: 1,164, 182, 16%, 9/1/17, 12/29/16 - 7/13/17; 2016: 1,083, 332, 31%, 8/1/16, 1/15/16 1,375, 387, 28%, 9/1/12, 1/15/12 - 7/21/12.
investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a RIA or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP’s consumer services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
Left to right: Back row: 2025 winner Casey Bollock, CFP®; 2025 winner Mark DePrez; Fourteen-year winner Brian Upchurch, CFP,® C PA, J.D., CIMA®; Fourteen-year winner Jeff Yu, CFP®, CPA; Seven-year winner Justin Kassanits, CFP®, CPA; Front row: Thirteen-year winner Kevin Sweet, CFP®; Two-year winner Sarah Grecco, CFP®; Eleven-year winner Sheri Kendall, CFP®, CPA; Twelve-year winner Ryan Thomas, CFP®, CPA
Shellee Pietras
CFP®,
622 N Madison Avenue, Suite 11 • Greenwood, IN 46142 175 N Main Street, Unit 1 • Franklin, IN 46131 Phone: 317-887-1212
Shellee has been helping clients since 2004. She has a broad base of training in life insurance, retirement planning and investments. She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in business management and organizations. Shellee has also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. Earning these marks required extensive coursework in a broad range of financial subjects, rigorous examinations, significant work experience and adherence to a strict code of ethics.
Promise Advisory Group has built its practice with pride in loyal clients and strong customer service. Shellee’s business continues to grow through the recommendations of clients’ friends, family members and colleagues. To meet with Shellee and learn more about how she can help you work toward a more confident financial future, please contact Promise Advisory Group to set up a consultation.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.
Lic. 2586876
Dunlap Gill Wealth Management Group
14074 Trade Center Drive, Suite 110 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone: 317-770-2266 bob.dunlap@lpl.com www.dunlapgill.com
Bob’s diverse financial background allows him to assist his clients in pursuing their retirement and estate planning needs. Today, Bob leads a team of diverse professionals who collectively serve over $200 million in brokerage and advisory assets through LPL Financial for over 600 households as of April 1, 2025. As an Investment Advisor Representative with LPL
Jeff Roach
Financial Advisor, Wealth Manager
10401 N Meridian Street, Suite 225 Carmel, IN 46290
Phone: 317-590-2240
jeffroach@plansmartwm.com www.plansmartwm.com
planning, investment management and
including long-term care insurance, CDs, bonds,
He also helps with small-business planning, including
and
advanced college planning, including
Scott D. Carmony
LPL Financial Advisor, MBA, AAMS®
16 Public Square, Suite B Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: 317-392-3400
scott.carmony@carmonyadvisors.com
This award was issued on 09/01/2025 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 11/27/2024 through 05/01/2025. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed managers were considered for the award; 133 (7% of candidates) were named 2025 Five Star Wealth Managers. The following prior year statistics use this format: YEAR: # 2022: 1,673, 131, 8%, 9/1/22, 12/27/21 - 6/24/22; 2021: 1,716, 128, 7%, 9/1/21, 12/7/20 - 7/2/21; 2020: 1,786, 143, 8%, 9/1/20, 12/2/19 - 6/12/20; 2019: 1,659, 153, 9%, - 7/21/16; 2015: 1,743, 348, 20%, 9/1/15, 1/15/15 - 7/21/15; 2014: 2,009, 360, 18%, 9/1/14, 1/15/14 - 7/21/14; 2013: 1,624, 413, 25%, 9/1/13, 1/15/13 - 7/21/13; 2012:
Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser (RIA) or a registered Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number
future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth
Left to right: Brandon Knop, Financial Advisor; Seven-year winner Shellee Pietras, CFP®, Financial Advisor; Morgan Pietras, Financial Advisor; Olivia Pierce
Martin Joseph Armbruster Savant Wealth Management
Brian Paul Austin Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Christopher Ronald Baker Oaktree Financial Advisors
Kristi K. Baker HUB International/CSI Advisory Services
Adam Perry Gemmer Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Zachary G. Giles Elser Financial Planning
Michael Solomon Gorin WestPoint Financial Group
Sean Patrick Grannan Principal Securities
Lisa Kay Grimes Cooke Financial Group
Allison Marie Gruesbeck Elser Financial Planning
Todd Emery Guthrie Guthrie Financial Group
Derek Carter Hamilton Elser Financial Planning
Mark Robert Hayes Infinitive Wealth Advisory
Jonathan Lee Herndon Elser Financial Planning
John Stratton Hettiger WestPoint Financial Group
Kristen Faye Highfield Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
David Charles Hobbs Hobbs Wealth Management
Terry Lee Hogan Morgan Stanley
Robert J. Huser 853 Wealth Management
Shaun Marie Irwin Forum Private Client Group
Joseph Kevin Kaiser Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Kevin Karlander Thrivent Investment Management
Fabian Knopfler Lions Wealth Partners
Brian Scott Kowalevsky Morgan Stanley
Mark Aubrey Langdon LPL Financial
Todd Edward Larson Embassy Wealth Advisors
Jacob N. Martin Columbus Wealth
Nathalie Mastouri Morgan Stanley
Kevin Lee McCurdy Cooke Financial Group
Mark A. McDonald Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Steven Scott Meier Innovative Financial Solutions
Marcus Franklin Miller Deerfield Financial Advisors
Mark Grayson Miracle Miracle & Associates Financial Services Group
Patrick Russell Moor Primerica
Robert J. Moritz Faithful Stewards of Money Concepts
Michael Robert Mullen Morgan Stanley
Vinya Muso Raymond James & Associates
Andrew Francis Noga Prudential
Edward W. Ochoa Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
James Michael Pike Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Gerald Scott Poore Thrivent Investment Management
Brian Joseph Pyne Goelzer Investment Management
Peter Nielsen Reist Oxford Financial Group
John Robert Reuter Jr. Raymond James & Associates
Matthew Reynolds Embassy Wealth Advisors
Brian Jeffrey Robinson Snowbird Financial, LLC
Thomas Adam Rohn Moloney Securities Asset Management
Matthew Lewis Roop Deerfield Financial Advisors
Jason Andrew Rush Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Carrie Beth Ryan Wells Fargo Advisors
Rudy Saldivar Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Michael Samuel Schankerman Allworth Financial
Clinton James Seefeldt Commonwealth Financial Network
Eric A. Shetter Elser Financial Planning
Edward James Snyder Oaktree Financial Advisors
Sean K. Spafford Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Shawnda Marie Sparks Perspective Financial Group
Susan Marie Steel Deerfield Financial Advisors
Michael Leslie Stewart Wells Fargo Advisors
Douglas Robert Sweet Midwest Financial Group
Leslie Diane Thompson Spectrum Wealth Management
Kathleen Ellen Tranovich Elser Financial Planning
Doug Alan Ummel Wellington Investment Advisors
Kyle Richard Volkers Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
David M. Weidmayer Weidmayer Wealth Solutions
Eric M. Welch Harbour Wealth Partners
Charles Caesar Werckenthien SecurEstate
Ryan Christopher White White Wealth Management
Sandy Hausz Wilcox Morgan Stanley
Tammy K. Williams Cooke Financial Group
Stephanie Lynn Willison Savant Wealth Management
Nicole Marie Yankauskas Avalon Wealth Advisory
questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 1,904 Indianapolis-area wealth Considered, # Winners, % of candidates, Issued Date, Research Period. 2024: 1,650, 143, 9%, 9/1/24, 11/14/23 - 5/31/24; 2023: 1,594, 132, 8%, 9/1/23, 11/14/22 - 5/31/23; 9/1/19, 11/19/18 - 6/28/19; 2018: 1,588, 149, 9%, 9/1/18, 12/28/17 - 7/23/18; 2017: 1,164, 182, 16%, 9/1/17, 12/29/16 - 7/13/17; 2016: 1,083, 332, 31%, 8/1/16, 1/15/16 1,375, 387, 28%, 9/1/12, 1/15/12 - 7/21/12. investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a RIA or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through
services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their
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Kid friendly Solo dining Cocktails
BR 2025
Named one of IM’s Best Restaurants in 2025 New addition to the guide
$$$$ $50 and up
$$$ $30–$40
$$ $20–$30
$ Under $20
Restaurants included in this guide are selected at the discretion of the Indianapolis Monthly editorial staff based on food quality, innovation, atmosphere, service, value, and consistency. IM does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for dining coverage. Price symbols indicate the average cost of a meal per person (without tax, tip, or alcohol). Due to limited space, this list does not cover every evaluated restaurant. For a more comprehensive guide to Indianapolis dining, visit IndianapolisMonthly.com/Dining Feedback? Please email ebatey@IndianapolisMonthly.com key NEW
9th Street Bistro
BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY Samir and Rachel Firestone Mohammad’s tiny seasonal innovator continues to delight diners who secure a coveted reservation. A standby at collaborative wine dinners and dining festivals, its focus is on globally inspired Midwestern flavors. A community dinner series focused on local farmstead ingredients continues to sell out, which adds to the mystique. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5065, 9thstbistro.com $$$$
10th Street Diner
VEGAN Surprisingly familiar and hearty plantbased takes on diner classics occupy the entire menu at this rehab of a former pawn shop, a comfy backdrop for enjoying such tasty fakeouts as a gooey seitan Reuben, a “chicken” pot pie, and chili that rivals your favorite con carne version. 3301 E. 10th St., 463-221-1255 $$
1933 Lounge
STEAKHOUSE This St. Elmo spinoff serves a similar core menu of steaks and seafood to its sister spot, then widens its scope to encompass sushi, sandwiches, and sliders. It also boasts a slightly more contemporary and glitzy style to its dining room, making it a place to see and be seen. An ambitious cocktail menu lends a speakeasy vibe. Multiple locations, 1933lounge .com $$$$
Aberdeen Social House
BOURBON BAR This bar and restaurant feels like a bit of Kentucky transplanted to the north side, with a reserve spirit menu as long as your arm. Lunch, brunch, and dinner menus rely on midwestern classics with an upscale twist; wise diners will stick with those items over some of the more experimental-sounding offerings. 150 W. 96th St., 317-324-5000, aberdeensocialhouse.com
$$$$
Abyssinia Ethiopian
ETHIOPIAN This spot—where diners use a spongy sour flatbread known as injera in lieu of utensils—provides a thorough introduction to Ethiopian cuisine. Aficionados
of East African food will be impressed by the seasoning of the stewed lamb, beef, and spicy chicken; vegans and vegetarians will appreciate its greens, lentils, and chickpeas. 352 W. 38th St., 299-0608, abyssiniaindy.com $$
The Alchemist
COFFEE AND COCKTAILS Red Lion Grog House owners Nicole and Cody Neville also own a coffee equipment company called Espresso Enterprises, which makes their Mononadjacent cocktail bar and coffee shop a marriage of passions. Take a morning stroll with one of its caffeinated drinks or a twilight Monon Trail walk capped off with a boozy craft drink such as the Blood & Sugar, made with bacon fat–washed High West Double Rye, maple syrup, three types of bitters, and a quick puff of smoke. 1660 Bellefontaine St., 317-683-0957, thealchemistindy.com $
Ali’i Poke
POKE The scooped-to-order poke bowls have a rice base (sticky or brown) over which customers layer their protein of choice and a rainbow of add-ons. Fresh mango, edamame, avocado, pickled ginger, seaweed salad, and unagi sauce are just a few of the available toppings. Go wild ladling them on, or get the Hawaiian Style with just rice and fish. Multiple locations, aliipoke.com $$
Almost Famous
COCKTAILS The fruit-infused spirits and five-option Negroni list make this Mass Ave tapas bar an evening stop for any mixed drink fan, while the extensive menu of coffee and long drinks keeps things buzzy all day. 721 Massachusetts Ave., 317986-7877, almostfamousindy.com $$
Anthony’s Chophouse
STEAKHOUSE The interior of this swanky heavy hitter has the polished gleam of a Vegas hotel, with an upper-level lounge containing the salvaged mahogany bar from The Glass Chimney, another fine dining legend. The food has equal flourish. Lobster bisque with a hunk of tempura-fried meat begins a meal that might include a cowgirl ribeye, a flight of filets, or a domestic wagyu burger. Take note—the steak menu also lists a spinalis. You may never eat another steak this perfect. Black-suited servers keep the high-dollar meal running smoothly. 201 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-740-0900, anthonyschophouse.com $$$$
Antilogy
BRUNCH This snug corner spot divides its energy between the morning meal and evening libations. Early birds can choose from thoughtful combinations of fat biscuits, sunny eggs, bourbon-candied bacon, and Belgian waffles, with plenty of Bovaconti Coffee–based lattes and mochas to kick-start the day. In the evening, the menu shifts to shareable plates, such as a panko-crusted crispy burrata, parmesan truffle fries, and a molten spinach-Gruyere dip. 5867 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, 317-530-5312, antilogycg.com $$
Asaka Japanese Restaurant
BR 2025
SUSHI Don’t ask for pan-Asian dishes at Asaka, a tradition-drenched sushi house that Japanese food aficionados trek to on the regular. The tiny strip mall spot,
funkily divided into multiple small rooms, has one of the cuisine’s few female master sushi chefs behind the bar—Nina Takamure, the Kumamoto-born daughter of Asaka founder Tsutomu Takamure. Hand rolls, sashimi, and even an omakase menu are on offer, as are poke bowls, katsu, and ramen. 6414 E. 82nd St., 317-576-0556 $$$
Astrea Rooftop Bar
DRINKS WITH A VIEW Hollywood has taught us that hotel bars are made for drinking (often alone), but with a notable small-plates menu, this view-laden spot is also a local-appropriate dinner destination. But the view—a rare vantage of Monument Circle from an unusual angle—is the true star of the show. 17 W. Market St., 463-303-0400, astrearooftop.com $$$
Baan Thai Bistro
BR 2025 THAI Roxanna Williams and her mother, Jhanya, are behind some of Indy’s most reliable Thai restaurants, but the restaurateurs have hit their stride with Baan Thai. Their converted Wanamaker cottage bustles with diners lured in by Jhanya’s decades-old family recipes but inspired to stay thanks to Roxanna’s flair with aesthetics, service, and quality. Som thum, for example, arrives on a wooden platter arrayed with lettuce leaves, turning the traditional papaya salad into a kicky wrap. Every plate exhibits similar élan, but the flavors prove there’s much more to Baan Thai than the ’Gram. 8705 Southeastern Ave., 317-759-8424, baanthaibistro.com $$$
Baby’s
BURGERS This playful, family-friendly joint limits its menu to smashburgers, chicken, milkshakes (spiked or not), and cocktails. Housed in a former drag bar, it also has fun with the building’s artsy legacy— the house burger is called a Strut Burger, and all of the cocktail names come straight from the RuPaul meme factory. Sip a Tongue Pop or a Sashay Away as you polish off the last of the Talbott Street Style fries dressed with bacon, cheese sauce, white barbecue sauce, and pickled jalapeño. 2147 N. Talbott St., 317-600-3559, babysindy.com $$
Bar Ellis
ROOFTOP Noblesville’s year-round outdoor restaurant is made for celebrations, with a lineup of sharable appetizers, hearty mains, and bar snacks. Its cocktail list is also a party, filled with kicky, top-shelf drinks with pop culture–inspired names. An NA drink list and a concise kids menu ensure everyone can enjoy the fun. 841 Conner St., Noblesville, 317-764-2571, bebarellis.com $$$
Beholder
BR 2025 CUTTING EDGE Jonathan Brooks patterns himself as a renegade, but the consistent excellence of his restaurant suggests the chef/owner is becoming Indy’s fine dining standard-bearer, not its outsider. Between the urban chic dining room and the two glossy bars, there’s a rock-star gloss to the restaurant that makes you feel cool just for showing up. And when you do, the alwayschanging fixed-price menu is a great place to start, though the a la carte dish list offers surprises daily. Its award-winning wine list is calculated to pair with the seasonal food
offerings, and its cocktail lineup is witty and strong. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com
$$$$
Bluebeard
GRILL THRILL
BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY A fine dining lunch isn’t easy to find in Indy, making Bluebeard a go-to for a power midday meal. Chef Alan Sternberg brings as much attention to his noontime dishes as he does to a daily afternoon snack menu and a seven-days-aweek dinner. Favorites like the house-made chips and dips are always on deck, while entrees, salads, and desserts are switched up based on what’s in season. All this happens inside a brick building once dedicated to industry then abandoned. By rehabilitating a beautiful old structure, Bluebeard helped kick off a transformation that changed the face of a neighborhood. That gives the spot a significance well beyond its excellent food. 653 Virginia Ave., 317-686-1580, bluebeardindy.com $$$$
Bodhi
Southside
favorite Fujiyama Steakhouse of Japan is branching out for the first time since it opened in 1977 with an $8 million new location in the works in Greenwood’s Center Grove area. It’s expected to open by late 2026.
Mediterranean. Silky, tahini-rich hummus is a must, alongside exemplary falafel, creamy eggplant salsa, and borek— buttery phyllo stuffed with feta and parsley. 935 S. East St., 317974-1770, thebosphoruscafe.com $$$
Brooklyn Char
PIZZA Benjamin Butterworth’s Zionsville pie and slice shop was born out of a desire for legitimate New York–style pizza in Indy, a pursuit that sent the Camby native to Brooklyn and beyond. His studies have resulted in light yet substantial pies with just the right amount of leoparding and heft. He also serves up glistening garlic knots made with a special compound butter and TikTokworthy stuffed breadsticks ripe for the cheese-pulling. Nostalgic candies and shakes made with Crystal Springs Creamery ice cream offer a sweet ending to the meal. 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing, Noblesville, 317564-0660, brooklynchar.com $$$
Brozinni Pizzeria
THAI This family-owned restaurant bills itself first as a “craft cocktail bar,” and for good reason: Its drinks are some of the prettiest in town. Its vaunted menu also shines, with prettily-plated takes on Thai and pan-Asian classics. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-941-6595, bodhi-indy.com $$$$
Bonge’s Tavern
DIVE Opened in the 1930s near the rush of the White River, Bonge’s Tavern has been a part of Indiana dining history for more than 90 years. Its current ownership has upheld the bar and restaurant’s signature dishes such as a tenderloin named the Perkinsville Pork. Specials from the menu are often worth the risk, but grab a reservation long before you plan to go and arrive early enough to tailgate in the parking lot with other diners, a Bonge’s tradition worth keeping. 9830 W. 280 N, Perkinsville, 765-734-1625, bongestavern.com $$$
Borage
BR 2025 ONE STOP SHOP Josh Kline and Zoë Taylor’s expansive Speedway spot hits all the craveable notes: One side is all coffee and pastries, while another is a specialty market with fresh food, rare condiments, and gorgeous little things. Its other wing is for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfy chairs and table service. It can be a lot to get your head around—especially when you’re trying to figure out what menu to order from—but that’s also part of the fun. While a dish you’re attracted to might not be on offer during one visit, it gives you a built-in reason to come back. Dishes pull from the owners’ backgrounds at some of the region’s most popular spots but are played out with their specific vision. 1609 N. Lynhurst Dr., 317-734-3958, borageeats.com $$$
The Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe
TURKISH This cozy, colorful cafe in the Holy Rosary neighborhood celebrates the cuisine of the Middle East, Greece, and the Eastern
PIZZA Owner James Cross grew up in New York, and everything on the menu is named after an iconic NYC location, from the Madison Square Garden meatball sandwich to the Hell’s Kitchen calzone. Don’t skip the garlic knuckles, curled into knots and drenched in garlic butter. Use the sauce pooling at the bottom of the basket for dipping. Multiple locations, brozinni .com $$
Bru Burger Bar
BURGERS Servers at this Cunningham Restaurant Group burger and beer chain are uniformly warm, accessible, and ready with recommendations, and with an easily accessible menu of loaded and stacked burgers, you’ll likely need help deciding what to choose. Its standard-issue beef patty is a mix of sirloin, chuck, and brisket, but lamb, turkey, bison, and two different plant-based versions are also on offer. (Gluten-free buns are available, too.) Appetizers are so generous that your biggest worry might be filling up before your meal arrives. Multiple locations, bruburgerbar.com $$$
The Burger Joint
BURGERS Tucked away in a strip mall off Emerson Way and 56th Street, The Burger Joint is a true hidden gem. It doesn’t take hamburgers lightly; the menu is full of specialty patties topped with savory and tender brisket, grilled pineapple, or spicy chorizo, which all pair well with hand-battered onion rings, fries, or loaded tater tots. If the burgers are what bring you in, it’s the milkshakes that make you stay—hand-dipped and served in an old-fashioned glass, piled high with whipped cream, and, of course, garnished with a cherry on top. 5450 E. Fall Creek Pkwy. N Dr., 317-9914995, indysburgerjoint.com $$
Cafe Babette
BR 2025 BAKERY This Garfield Park bakery has graduated from a run-and-gun sensation to a full-on hit, expanding from over-the-top pastries into custom cakes,
sandwiches, slushies, and even ice cream. As chef Cheyenne Norris’ brain moves quickly, expect that list to grow: New offerings launch on the Instagram stories every week. Loyal patrons know Thursdays are the restaurant’s cheat code, as that’s when lines are the shortest. Those with superior planning order boxes in advance and skip the line completely. 2627 Shelby St., cafebabette.com $$
Cafe Oztara
COMMUNITY The public-facing cafe for Indy’s Damien Center serves as on-the-job training for its employment services operation, but it’s also a great place to grab breakfast, a cup of joe, or a midday meal. Salads, sandwiches, and soups are on offer, as are baked goods and grab-andgo items. Everything is made by its staff, some of whom are career food service workers and others who are learning on the job. 1446 E. Washington St., cafeoztara.com $
Cafe Patachou
CAFE The so-called “student union for adults” continues to draw in the morning crowds and has inspired citywide offshoots. The wait for a weekend table can be brutal (but is worth it), as the cinnamon toast remains as thick as a brick; the produce is still locally sourced; the massive omelets continue to have cheeky names; and the broken-yolk sandwiches are a perennial lunch favorite. Multiple locations, cafepatachou.com $$
Che Chori
ARGENTINEAN Marcos Perera-Blasco’s colorful restaurant offers a selection of traditional butterflied-sausage sandwiches and warm empanadas filled with seasoned meats. Make sure to pick up the house-made dulce de leche, which is sold by the jar, as well as its churros and specialty Argentinian shortbread cookies. And don’t overlook the cook-at-home sausages, from Spanish-style chorizo to Argentinean black sausage. 3124 W. 16th St., 317-737-2012, chechori.com $$
Cheeky Bastards
BR 2025 BRITISH With crumpets, scones, and a jaw-dropping breakfast fry-up, not to mention afternoon teas and plenty of benedicts and bacon and egg baps, Hope Lane and Robert Carmack’s homage to all things British has long been a daytime destination. In recent years, it’s also evolved into a place for a rib-sticking, mid-evening supper. Golden, lightly fried halloumi with an especially smooth aioli, as well as a house salad with blackcurrant vinaigrette and a less-hefty-than-expected Scotch egg are all reasons to stop in any time to practice your Cockney or Geordie over a pint. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739, cbindy.com $$$
Claypot Coffee House
COFFEE Claypot’s airy, design-forward seating area encourages diners to linger, as does its menu of sweet and power-packed Southeast Asian–style claypot coffee drinks. The Dark Delight, made with strong coffee and both evaporated and condensed milk, is so thick it feels like a meal, while the Cafe Delight—which trades the condensed milk for sugar syrup—is perfect for those who need even more sweetness. Fresh-squeezed juice, teas, and a food menu of spring rolls and roti round the experience out. 1551 E. Stop 12 Rd., 317-300-1346 $
SMALL BITE
Commission Row
BR 2025 UPSCALE Indy’s pervasive Cunningham Restaurant Group is behind this glossy fine dining spot, which is positioned to benefit from crowds headed to or from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. That makes game nights quite a scene at the baller-level restaurant, which gilds the lily with caviar service or foie gras and lobster tail for your steak. The wine list is heavy on the bubbles, apt for celebrating a big win at work or play. A three-figure seafood tower is a showy special occasion order—or just an average Tuesday night if you’re living the courtside seat life. 110 S. Delaware St., 317-550-2500, commissionrow.com
$$$$
Convivio
ITALIAN With a menu that traces the geographical regions in Italy, this is not your average red-sauce joint. The pasta is all made inhouse, and its Neapolitan-style pizzas are served blistered and hot from an imported Italian pizza oven. An accessible and Italian-heavy wine list makes picking a bottle for the table a pleasure. 11529 Spring Mill Rd., Carmel, 317-564-4670, convivioindy.com
$$$
Corridor
BR 2025 LUNCH At the end of 2024, Erin Kem and Logan McMahan briefly shuttered SoBro favorite Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta + Market + Backroom Eatery, which they had purchased a few years before. After a remodel, they reopened the space as Corridor, a lunchtime restaurant dedicated to the flavors of the Mediterranean, North African, and Arab worlds. The handmade pasta Nicole-Taylor’s built its fame on remains, as does a tightly edited market of specialty goods. Also intact are the restaurant’s coveted chef’s table nights, four-figure affairs that remain one of the hottest dining tickets in town. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-257-7374, corridorindy.com $$$
A Cup of Chai
TEAHOUSE Punjab native Pravy Nijjar’s cozy teahouse offers a true taste of Indian-style chai with several different spice profiles. Coffee drinkers can get an espresso or cappuccino, and those avoiding caffeine can go for a spice-infused golden latte, mango lassi, or minty pineapple lemonade. 1028 Shelby St., 317998-4463, acupofchai.us $
Diavola
PIZZA Pies emerge expertly bubbled and charred from a centerpiece brick oven. Ingredients are simple but topshelf, with herbs and produce grown in the owner’s nearby garden. Gluten-free pizzas, made with a house blend of flours, are spectacular. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-820-5100, diavola.net $$
expanded to Mass Ave, allowing the business— known for sharp, upscale takes on standards— to come into its own. An order of Sinaloa Tacos at the bar remains one of the city’s greatest treats, and the Crawfish Quesadilla is a brilliant marriage of Midwestern and Latin flavors. 834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779; 888 Massachusetts Ave., 317-771-6653, fernandosindy.com $$$
Field Brewing
BREWPUB This Westfield addition to the local craft brewery scene would be dazzling enough for its mod fixtures and bocce ball court that spans the family-friendly outdoor space, but the menu is as daring as it is easy to pair with the house brews. Its event space is simple-chic and full of natural light, available (with reservations) for special receptions and birthdays—or just for big family and friend gatherings. 303 E. Main St., Westfield, 317-804-9780, fieldbrewing.com $$$
The Fountain Room
SUPPER CLUB This glitzy art deco restaurant is arguably the crown jewel of the Bottleworks area, with enough marble, terrazzo, and chandeliers to outfit Jay Gatsby’s West Egg mansion. Like Fitzgerald’s doomed millionaire, the Fountain Room speaks to the aspirational crowd with a showy lineup of steaks, seafood, and cocktails, as well as midwestern stickto-your-ribs sides. Ask to be seated by the windows for maximum clout, like Jay would. 830 Massachusetts Ave., 463-238-3800, thefountainroom.com $$$$
Freeland’s Restaurant
NO BULL
Local dining powerhouses Chris Evans and Dan Cage have opened Spanish tapas restaurant Matador in Carmel, featuring sangria flights and abundant paella. The spot moved into the space last occupied by Evans’ short-lived Tre, which shuttered after a year.
Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine
BR 2025 MEXICAN AND BRAZILIAN This Mexican and Brazilian restaurant built a loyal following in Broad Ripple, then in 2025
EURO FUSION Tinker Street’s Tom Main says this heritage-based restaurant is his last, making it worth a visit for the farewell tour aspect, alone. But the setting also compels: A massive renovation has turned an 1890s mansion into a glossy place to drink and dine, complete with vintage china and a wildly patterned bar. The oft-changing menu defies easy categorization, with influences from across Europe as well as Indiana’s colonizer class. Desserts are clever and adventurous without being cloying, while a full bar mixes excellent cocktails and pours wines from a well-curated list. 875 Freeland Way, Carmel, 317400-0436, freelandsrestaurant .com $$$
Gather 22
BR 2025
BREEZY VIBES Indoor/ outdoor living is the name of the game at Gather 22, which marries co-owner Pablo Gonzalez’s California roots with life and business partner Adam Reinstrom’s Hoosier upbringing. A stylish dining room makes way for a sweeping bar, backed by a huge outdoor (and dog-friendly) area. The menu is equally vibey, with a global menu of dishes backstopped by a list of Byrne’s grilled pizzas (Adam Reinstrom’s parents own that Meridian-Kessler spot). True to its name, the couple has also made their restaurant a social center for the neighborhood, with public events
and gatherings multiple times a month. 22 E. 22nd St., 317-258-2222, gather22.com $$$
Golden Ace Inn
CLASSIC DIVE This friendly eastside bar has cooked its cheeseburgers in the same cast iron pans for close to a century, its third-generation owners will volunteer as you step in the door. This is a place for a shot and a beer, not tricky mixology—but if you play by the rules, everyone at the bar will soon be your best friend. 2533 E. Washington St., 317-632-0696, goldenaceinn.com $$
Goose the Market
BR 2025 SANDWICHES Indy’s best sandwiches might be at this unassuming fish counter and butcher shop. The key may be brevity, as only three sandwiches—the ham and mozzarella Goose, the three-meat Batali, and the vegetarian or vegan Gander (mozzarella, romaine, pickled onions, and giardiniera)—are in regular rotation. Typically, there are two or three more chef’s specials, which are also posted to its website. That laser focus makes for sandwiches that beat the competition between high-quality ingredients and attention to fat/acid/heat balance. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, or you can grab your treats to go. 2503 N. Delaware St., 317-924-4944, goosethemarket.com $$
Heidelberg Haus
GERMAN BAKERY This longstanding taste of home for Indiana’s German immigrant community follows its sausage-centric cafe menu with freshly baked old school pastries, traditional cookies, and tortes layered with butter creme. 7625 Pendleton Pike, 317-547-1230, heidelberghaus.com $$
His Place Eatery
BR 2025 SOUL FOOD The packed tables at both locations of His Place Eatery tell you everything you need to know about this soul food institution. Married co-owners James and Shawn Jones ensure their business runs like a well-oiled machine, with orders of comfort food standards moving from kitchen to table in lightning speed. That said, you can also taste the care put into every dish; spices and seasonings are calibrated in a way you’ll rarely find in Indianapolis. Smart diners ask their server what they recommend on any given day—with a staff this dialed-in, they’ll always steer you in the right direction. 6916 E. 30th St., 317-545-4890; 1411 W. 86th St., 317-790-3406, hisplaceeatery.com $$
Hoosier Roots
MIDWESTERN Don’t miss this gem serving family-style mains and side dishes in a roadhouse setting. Buttermilk fried chicken is the signature dish, and a generous eight pieces is served family style with hot sauce and local honey. Desserts are meant to be shared, but you won’t want to—there’s a honey lavender cake with bauchant icing that’s worth keeping for yourself. 26 E. Main St., Pittsboro, 317-892-0071, hoosierrootscatering.com $$
The Inferno Room
TIKI The menu at this bar goes well beyond the typical snacks, and its roster of tropically inspired cocktails is truly next level. All the classics are there, as is a long list of inventive
SMALL BITE
original concoctions. 902 Virginia Ave., 317-4262343, theinfernoroom.com $$
Izakaya Japanese Restaurant
HIBACHI Take a seat at the hibachi for an object lesson in Japanese grilling, with dishes that span land and sea cooked before your very eyes. A sushi list gives equal attention to sashimi, nigiri, and huge and inventive rolls, while a kids menu includes noodles, katsu, and tempura for the small set. 7325 E. 96th St., 317-915-8988, indyizakaya.com $$$
Josephine
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH Ambrosia Hospitality Group might be best known for its Italian ventures, but for their newest restaurant, Dan Cage and Anna Pizzi Cage looked back to their newlywed days spent in France. The result is Josephine—named after Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte’s first wife—a modern take on bistro fare. Chef Andrew Popp has built a menu that balances out classics of the genre (yes, escargot and steak tartare are on the list) with twists on French onion soup—lightened here with chicken broth and sherry—and a citrus and fennel salad. Standout desserts include pot de crème topped with amaretto cream and an individual goat cheesecake topped with syrupsoaked cherries. For a breezier experience, ask for a seat at the bar, soundtracked with French jazz and dotted by quirky pendant lighting. 110 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-548-3589, josephinecarmel.com $$$$
Julieta Taco Shop
BR 2025 MEXICAN Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sañudo’s taqueria sticks to the classics: tacos, quesadillas, or tortas offered with a short list of toppings and add-ons. But that doesn’t mean their place is boring, as items like broccolini or deep-fried trumpet mushrooms vie for your attention alongside suadero or carnitas. In this era of War and Peace–length menus, the confidence Julieta demonstrates with its tight and excellent list feels especially refreshing— your executive function is saved for bigger decisions, like if you want to eat your taco at the restaurant counter, outside, or with a drink at Turner’s next door. 1060 N. Capitol Ave. $$
Juniper on Main
LOW COUNTRY
This Southern coastal charmer’s lunch and dinner menu offers the standard seafood, salads, and boils—then surprises us all with a lineup of tacos that are a lot of fun. High chairs and booster seats are in abundance, and a kids menu moves well beyond the standard grilled cheese and nuggets. 110 E. Main St., Carmel, 317-591-9254, juniperonmain.com $$$
Kountry Kitchen
SOUL FOOD This cozy soul food spot hits all the classics, including greens, mac and cheese, and deep-fried mains. Its engaging servers, all who are happy to linger and chat, are what keep us coming back. 1831 N. College Ave., 317-635-6000, kountrykitchenindy.com $$$
The Loft Restaurant
FINE DINING
With its pastoral setting on the grounds of an artisanal dairy farm, Traders Point Creamery’s farmstead restaurant (housed in one of several restored historic barns) feels like a working model for farm-to-table dining. Some of the ingredients on the menu are
grown on-site, and grass-fed Niman Ranch steaks, seasonal fish and seafood, and housemade yeast rolls are always solid choices, as is the burger made with 100-percent grassfed beef. For dessert, grab a scoop or three of ice cream, perfect if you just want to go a la mode. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, 317-733-1700, traderspointcreamery.com $$$
Lone Pine
BR 2025 STEAKHOUSE The first solo effort of Beholder partner and award-winning sommelier Josh Mazanowski is a culinary innovator that promises to take Carmel’s dining scene in a new direction. Beef is sourced from nearby farms, and its dining spaces are dotted with edgy art. Fun starters present vegetables with as much care as their meatier counterparts. This isn’t your average upscale pleaser; this is a longtime restaurateur finally expressing his full culinary viewpoint.
710 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-907-0177, lonepinecarmel.com $$$$
Love Handle
BRUNCH This Mass Ave breakfast and lunch spot is as well-known for its fabulous fry-ups as for its eccentric and oft-changing menu. A selection of 16-bit arcade games and a wall of scary clown art either makes this a family destination or a place kids will discuss with their therapists as adults. 877 Massachusetts Ave., 317-384-1102 $$$
Macizo
BR 2025 LATIN If there were an award for the cheeriest eatery by first-time restaurateurs, this Peruvian-Mexican charmer would win hands down. Owners Luz and Omar Gonza have created an atmosphere of bright colors and hip beats that align perfectly with the fruit-forward beer and wine cocktails at the cozy bar. The vibrantly plated food completes the scene: Tiradito, luscious slices of tuna with citrusy leche de tigre, is a must for fresh seafood fans, and Sopa Criolla with beef and a runny egg, along with creamy Pasta Huancaina with hearty lomo saltado sauce are perfect Peruvian comfort foods. 6335 Intech Commons Dr.. 463-202-2853, macizo restaurant.com $$$
Magdalena
BR 2025 NEW ORLEANS This funky New Orleans–inflected bar and bistro from spirits enthusiast and restaurateur Nick Detrich reflects his experience running spots in the Big Easy, with expertly mixed elixirs, including perhaps the best Sazerac in town, and dazzling seafood towers, ultra-fresh oysters from the Alabama Gulf, and a tidy menu of mains with Lowcountry influences. 1127 Shelby St., 317-691-8021, magdalena.bar $$$$
Maialina Italian Kitchen + Bar ITALIAN Straw-wrapped chianti bottles, wooden cross-back chairs, and family photos give a throwback trattoria feel to this addition to the city’s Italian scene. Meatballs from a family recipe with a solid house marinara are always a good choice. Pastas range from a straightforward toss of rigatoni with sausage and broccoli rabe to a rich, three-meat Bolognese lavished atop plump gnocchi. 1103 Prospect St., 317-982-7676, maialinaindy.com
$$$$
Main & Madison Market Cafe
BAKERY Franklin’s first hospital was reborn as a breakfast and lunch hot spot in 2018, when co-owners and cousins Amy Richardson and Stephanie Northern opened their bakery and cafe just steps from the city’s historic courthouse. With its combination of Brooklyncool baristas (many are students at nearby Franklin College) and Midwestern friendliness and prices, the restaurant easily attracts long lines for its rotating menu of sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods. 100 N. Main St., Franklin, 317-736-6246, mainandmadison.cafe
$$
Max & Tilly’s
BRITISH A traditional UK-style chip shop from the owner of Tilly’s Tea Room, Max & Tilly’s serves traditional pub classics such as cock-a-leekie soup and mushy peas alongside house-baked scones, spotted dick, and Bakewell tarts. It’s the fried offerings that transport you to a cozy mystery mindset, especially the Filthy Fries covered with hot shredded roast beef and, of course, the golden planks of beer-battered cod over hand-cut chips. There’s even popcorn fish. 8701 E.116th St., Fishers, maxandtillys.com $$
Mesh
CONTEMPORARY This Mass Ave restaurant has settled into veteran status as one of the most consistently solid dinner spots downtown. The seasonal menu changes constantly, but past hits have included fork-tender lamb chops, house-made garganelli with sherry cream and wild mushrooms, and duck confit with black rice. The steak frites and any plate that includes Ora King salmon are always great choices. 725 Massachusetts Ave., 317-955-9600, meshrestaurants.com $$$$
Milktooth
BR 2025 BRUNCH A Saturday table at the indoor/ outdoor restaurant is a true score, even a decade-plus after Jonathan Brooks launched the spot in a former auto shop. Now under the care of Julie Brooks Komsiski and her daughter Em Elise, the rotating-menu brunch and lunch spot is still going strong—and has managed to retain its cutting-edge cool (along with its rep for next-level Dutch baby pancakes). And if you think Milktooth during the day is a scene, check out its regular nighttime pop-ups for a full slice of the cream of Indy’s creative class. 534 Virginia Ave., 317-986-5131, milktoothindy.com $$$
Mochi Joy
DOUGHNUTS Husband-and-wife restaurateurs
Tom Nguyen and Rachel Burnett have gained local fame for their brightly iced Hawaiianstyle doughnuts with—thanks to its primary ingredient, rice flour—a cushiony inside and crisp outside crust. Their storefront business expands on that favorite with sweet treats like a cake scoop served over a doughnut, then topped with fudge or caramel. 8664 E. 96th St., Fishers, 463-266-0021, mochijoydonuts.com $
Mr. Patakon
COLOMBIAN The name of Diana Moreno and Brenda Sánchez’s cheerful, authentic southside Colombian eatery comes from the popular Latin and South American dish patacones—flattened, fried plantains filled with everything from
shredded barbecue chicken criollo to cheese, corn, and shredded beef. Or try the Super Perro hot dog, which is topped with every meat in the kitchen, quail eggs, and a special house sauce. Mazorcada (heaps of sweet corn topped with meats, cheeses, and potato sticks) is a delectable side dish. Fruit drinks and desserts, especially obleas (wafer cookies filled with dulce de leche and cheese), offer a flavor experience like no other in the city. 7415 U.S. 31, 317-692-9829, mrpatakon.com $$
My Sugar Pie
BAKERY Behind its pink door, this Zionsville pie shop has a menu of over 40 pies to choose from, many of which can also be shipped out of town. Is there a better gift for the price than a homemade pie? No, there is not. 40 E. Pine St., Zionsville, 317-733-8717, mysugarpie.com $$$
Natural State Provisions
DOG FRIENDLY A hybrid dive bar, restaurant, and dog park, Natural State is a fun and funky neighborhood spot for wings, sandwiches, and house-made soft serve. A solid mixed crowd of families, hipsters, kids, and pups (which must remain outdoors) makes for a fun and welcoming environment. 414 Dorman St., 317492-9887, naturalstateprovisions.com $$
Nesso
ITALIAN Highly stylized seafood and meats paired with small pasta courses and shared a la carte sides add up to a sumptuous dining experience inside The Alexander hotel. Pass around a plate of prosciutto-wrapped prunes or crab arancini, but keep the tortelloni and sea bass all to yourself. 339 S. Delaware St., 317-6437400, nesso-italia.com $$$
Nowhere Special
COCKTAILS Dan Cage’s funky cocktail lounge and small bite spot is far from its all-too-modest name. Sleek banquettes in earthy greens and brushed brass tabletops provide an elegant backdrop to classic pours and a host of new elixirs created by the talented bar staff. 608 Massachusetts Ave., nowhereindy.com $$$
Oakleys Bistro
CONTEMPORARY Steven Oakley’s meticulously plated fare hails from a culinary era when sprigs of herbs and puddles of purees provided the flavor, and every single element on the plate served a purpose. The presentations are wild, with menu descriptions giving little more than clues as to what might arrive at the table. Heads-up on anything that appears in quotes, such as a creative “Coq au Vin.” 1464 W. 86th St., 317-824-1231, oakleysbistro.com $$$$
Oishi Sushi & Ramen
JAPANESE Thai restaurateur Kanlaya Browning (Thaitanium, Thai Orchid) expanded her portfolio with this lively Japanese-inflected spot. Chicken and veggie gyoza, spring rolls, and an especially crunchy, flavorful version of chicken karaage are highlights among starters. While classic maki features all the usual suspects such as California, spider, and shrimp tempura rolls, be sure to order at least one contemporary roll like the generously dressed Cherry Blossom with spicy tuna, avocado, fish roe, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. Just over a half dozen varieties of ramen include the comforting tonkotsu ramen with chashu pork belly, wood ear mushrooms,
and bamboo shoots, as well as spicier versions and tan tan ramen, the Japanese riff on Szechuan dan dan noodles. 600 Massachusetts Ave., 317-493-1884, oishiindy.com $$
Open Kitchen
MIDWESTERN Breakfast specialties, such as light-as-air French toast, biscuits and gravy, and eggs Benedict lavished with crab and avocado, are stars on the menu at Dexter and Toni Smith’s cheery restaurant. But lunch and dinner are equally respectable, especially a generous shrimp po’ boy or a crispy chicken sandwich with peppered bacon, onion rings, and barbecue sauce with your choice of spice level. After operating mainly as a carryout spot on North Sherman and later in Little Flower, this location comes with a full bar, which means cocktails are a must. 4022 Shelby St., 317974-9032, opennkitchen.org $$$
Our Table
CONTEMPORARY Chef and owner Joe Miller focuses on gorgeous, rustic plates of steak, seafood, and Old World lasagna made with fresh pasta and generous layers of beef Bolognese, mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. The brioche sliders (containing buttermilk fried chicken or beef tenderloin with crispy onions and horseradish creme fraiche) are little bites of heaven. 5080 State Rd. 135, Bargersville, 317-8474920, ourtablerestaurant.com $$$
Petite Chou
FRENCH A little bit of Paris in Indy, this bistro and Champagne bar from the founders of Cafe Patachou offers all the casual French classics you’d like, from Croque Monsieur to crepes. Les enfants get their own lineup, which includes a very grown-up brioche French toast. 823 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-259-0765, petitechoubistro .com $$$
Pisco Mar
PERUVIAN Vibrant music and a spacious dining room provide a bustling backdrop for a hearty cuisine that pulls from both land and sea. Tangy, citrusy ceviche is a good starting point and comes in different versions, including Leche de Tigre or Vuelve a la Vida. Both pair beautifully with Causita de Pollo, a mound of creamy mashed potatoes layered with avocado and topped with a creamy chicken-based sauce. Shredded chicken with a lush yellow pepper sauce and a wine-enriched, vegetable-laden beef stew are the most classic main dishes for those getting a first taste of the cuisine. The big appetites at the table will appreciate meaty dishes such as Lomo Saltado, sauteed strips of beef with onions and tomatoes, or a so-called “poor man’s plate” that pairs two generous strips of Angus steak with french fries, rice, plantains, and eggs. 9546 Allisonville Rd.,317537-2025, piscomarindy.com $$$
Pots & Pans Pie Co.
PIES Start with a take-and-bake savory pot pie then skip to the good stuff. At Pots & Pans, pies are sold whole or by the slice, so you can Frankenstein an “everything” dinner or dessert pie from its rotating menu. 4915 N. College Ave., 317-600-3475, potsandpansindy.com $$$
Revery
CONTEMPORARY This Old Greenwood bistro inside an 1800s-era drugstore offers
approachable fine dining, with a more casual bar on the historic building’s back end. Small plates have included beets with whipped goat cheese and wasabi, while entrees are seasonal and skew toward seafood, with lobster, halibut, and mussels on recent menus. Whiskey drinks get priority on the cocktail menu, and their old fashioned feels fresh and new. 299 W. Main St., Greenwood, 317-215-4164, reveryrestaurantgroup .com $$$
Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza
PIZZA When husband-and-wife team Richard Goss and Meg Jones first fired up their restaurant’s massive brick oven in 2009, chain pizza ruled the Central Indiana landscape, either delivered within 30 minutes or served in a cavernous room with a singing, mechanical rodent. Franklin was a risky place to launch their vision of high-quality Neapolitan pizza made with fresh, often local ingredients—but the gamble paid off, and 15 years later, it’s become a destination for diners from far beyond Johnson County. With a tightly edited menu of pastas, you’re not restricted to thin-and-bubblycrusted pies; it also offers custom calzoni and lasagna. 229 S. Main St., Franklin, 317-738-3300, richardskitchen.com $$$
Rick’s Cafe Boatyard
SEAFOOD You don’t have to be a Parrothead to appreciate the pontoon-life allure of Eagle Creek’s waterside restaurant with its breezy dining room on stilts over the Dandy Trail boat slips. The menu gets creative with all the casual dining tropes, mixing smoked salmon nachos and chicken cordon bleu fingers in with the jumbo shrimp martinis. With a full menu of mules, tropical cocktails, and nonalcoholic concoctions, this is also a great spot for a couple of snacks and a drink or two at sunset. 4050 Dandy Trail, 317-290-9300, ricksboatyard.com $$$
Sahm’s Tavern & Sports Bar
SPORTS BAR Plastered with pennants and posters of locals’ favorite sports teams, this bar also serves familiar Sahm’s fare such as hearty app baskets and piled-high sandwiches, as well as a short list of well-seared Pittsburgh-style steaks. A full roster of Big Lug Brewing Co. beers gets good company from top-notch mixed drinks, including Sahm’s signature Coffee Cake White Russian, which is smooth, creamy, and full of spice and sweetness. 5632 E. Washington St., 317-388-5228, sahmstavernirvington.com $$
Sam’s Square Pie
BR 2025 PIZZA With its limited hours and three-day baking schedule, Jeff Miner’s pizza passion project still feels like an insider score when you can get it. And get it you should, given that the NFL camera operator boasts a second-place ranking at the International Pizza Expo for his painstaking Detroit pie, with a crust that’s deeply browned around the edge yet chewy and pillowy in the middle. Takeout is always an option, but dining in the slender dining room dressed with funky outsider art allows Miner’s fans to catch him in his element. 2829 E. 10th St., samssquarepie.com
$$$
Shadow Lounge
SOUL FOOD After a major renovation, the former Marco’s Restaurant and Lounge has been
transformed into a rollicking dining destination. Tia Wilson, formerly of wing spot Chicken Scratch, is in the kitchen, serving Southern and soul-infused dishes such as lamb lollipops, Cajun penne, and garlic-parmesan wings. The cocktails are strong, the music is loud, and while dinner is delightful, brunch is the real scene. 2380 E. 54th St., 317974-9288, shadowloungeindy .com $$$
Shapiro’s Delicatessen
SMALL BITE
HIGH STEAKS
Dean’s Steak & Seafood is coming to downtown’s JW Marriott hotel with a menu of American and Australian cuts, Japanese wagyu, oysters, and an upscale cocktail bar. It will replace pizza and pasta spot OP Italian, which closed down last fall.
DELI Slide your tray along and take your pick of East Coast–style comfort foods at this family-owned downtown institution. Hot pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on rye have drawn long lines for more than a century. The Reuben is a contender for the city’s best, and heartier fare such as potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, and matzo ball soup are perennially satisfying standbys. If you don’t load up on a massive slice of cheesecake or pie, you haven’t really had the proper Shapiro’s experience. 808 S. Meridian St., 317-631-4041, shapiros.com $$
Shin Dig
NOSTALGIC This Cunningham Restaurant Group pizza and wings spot serves Willy Wonka–level decor, including tables built over gnomes and dinosaurs that greet you at the door. The menu skews toward the midway, with a “drive through” section of dogs and burgers in addition to its headline fare. 1351 Roosevelt Ave., 317-907-6100, shindigindy.com $$
Shoyu Shop at Strange Bird
BR 2025 RAMEN Trained in Japan, chef Kyle Humpheys came to Indianapolis to eventually open his Shoyu Shop inside Irvington tiki bar Strange Bird. It’s a glorious pairing, as the thatched and 1970s-leaning interior lends itself equally as well to fun, rum-heavy drinks as it does to big bowls of hand-cut noodles. Broths are layered and umami-laden, while additions like pork belly and scallops are of peerless quality. And while it’s not apparent on the menu, many of the dishes are available as vegetarian or vegan preparations, making this a secret gem for the plant-based set. 128 S. Audubon Rd., 317-5504115, strangebirdindy.com $$$
Siam Square
THAI Soothing red and green curries—redolent of coconut milk, Thai chili paste, and fresh veggies—play strictly by the book. The same goes for the fresh shrimp-and-chicken spring rolls packed inside a filament of rice paper, as well as the refreshing Som Tum salad, which is big enough for two. Made with crisp papaya and peanuts then funkified with a generous pour of fish sauce, it’s the ideal start to any meal. 936 Virginia Ave., 317-636-8424, siamsquareindy .com $$
Sidedoor Bagel
BRUNCH Appropriately dense and chewy with that required crackly sheen, the hand-rolled sourdough rings at Josh and Emily Greeson’s bagel shop are the stars of the show. The flavor
selection varies, but flaky salt, everything, sesame, and poppy are all solid standbys. Order yours sliced and schmeared at the counter, then score an outdoor table or head back home (it’s carryout only). Don’t miss the daily sandwiches, which range from the open-faced Lox & Loaded to the Turkey Bacon Club with Fischer Farms turkey and Old Major Market bacon. 1103 E. 10th St., sidedoorbagel.com $$
St. Elmo Steak House
BR 2025
CLASSIC In a city so rich in steakhouses, can a familiar favorite like St. Elmo still hold its own? Yes, absolutely—though the restaurant is one of the city’s longest-standing, it’s never taken its foot off the gas. Shrimp cocktails, giant slabs of beef, and martinis remain the stars of the show and are prepared just as excellently now as they were the first time you visited (for a birthday, graduation, or prom, perhaps). It’s been hitting it hard since 1902 and shows no signs of slowing down. If only we could all be as lucky. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636, stelmos.com $$$$
Tinker Street
BR 2025
CONTEMPORARY The Pedro Pascal of Indy, Tinker Street makes excellence look loose and easy, even when your brain tells you its staff must be working as hard as hell. From the sip of bubbles you’re offered when you walk in to the pitch for its ricotta doughnuts you get at the end, it’s a breezy dining affair with food of the highest possible caliber. You can feel the kitchen having fun with the menu, which changes on the regular—and that fun translates into one of the warmest, most generous dining experiences around. 402 E. 16th St., 317-925-5000, tinkerstreetrestaurant.com $$$$
Tlaolli
MEXICAN There’s a reason the Food Network keeps featuring this taco shop on its programs: Owner and chef Carlos Hutchinson, who is often behind the register, might be one of Indy’s nicest residents. And that kindness extends to animals, as Tlaolli’s menu has an abundance of vegan offerings, including a vaunted plantbased birria. 2830 E. Washington St., 317-4109507, tlaolli.org $$
Trax BBQ
BARBECUE Owner Andrew Klein, who has a background in high-end steakhouses, oversees the tender headliners at this no-frills barbecue joint that sits beside the train tracks in McCordsville. You can taste his expertise in the essential meats: brisket hacked into fatty hunks, pulled pork that melts in the mouth, and ribs by the rack, all prepared in a smoker that customers walk past before they hit the front door. Fans of smoked meats order off a menu that covers traditional carnivore territory as well as some creative upgrades, including pulled pork nachos and The Willie brisket sandwich topped with hot liquid cheese and slaw on a brioche bun. 7724 Depot St., McCordsville, 317335-7675, traxbbq.com $$
Vicino
ITALIAN More than filling Mass Ave’s pasta needs, this modern, colorful trattoria from the owners of The Oakmont measures up to some of the best Italian spots anywhere in the city. A nicely edited menu offers familiar classics with a few twists for the more daring. 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-798-2492, vicinoindy .com $$$
Vida
BR 2025 PRIX FIXE Don’t be intimidated by the menus at the Cunningham Restaurant Group’s flagship spot, Vida. Though diners are restricted to a six-course tasting affair or a four-course dinner, even within that structure, options abound—there are fully vegetarian menus for both choices, and allergies and dietary restrictions are thoughtfully accommodated. Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, with many of the vegetables coming from CRG’s garden up the street. Its wine list might be Indy’s finest, as the restaurant uses a special Coravin extraction system to open rare and unexpected bottles for a single glass. 601 E. New York St., 317-420-2323, vida-restaurant.com $$$$
Wisanggeni Pawon
BR 2025 INDONESIAN Aji Wisanggeni and Putri Pratiwi’s Indonesian knockout has quickly evolved into a fixture of Indy’s food community. An ever-expanding menu offers spice-forward dishes such as beef rendang simmered in coconut milk or fried duck with rice and nose-clearing homemade sambal, as well as one of the tastiest fried rice plates in the city. Those eager to try it all should opt for street food–style small plates such as martabak, vegetable fritters, and dumplings. Watch for occasional prasmanan buffet dinner specials. 2450 E. 71st St., 317-756-9477, wpawon.com $$
Yokohama
SUSHI In this restored arts and crafts–style home, sushi rolls run the gamut from the traditional to the eclectic (the Las Vegas roll mingles unagi with sweet potato and lotus chips). Don’t miss the Fire Dragon roll made with tuna and avocado topped with more tuna, mango, eel, and tempura crunch, a sprawling concoction that balances the spicy, sweet, tangy, and unexpected. Purists will be pleased by its sashimi and nigiri menus. Those who eschew seafood are also well-served with a dinner menu that weaves in hibachi-grilled steak and chicken. 67 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood, 317859-1888, yokohamagreenwood.com $$$
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Photo by CLAY MAXFIELD
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
SINCE ITS START AS A BEACON FOR GERMAN IMMIGRANTS 150 YEARS AGO, THIS HOUSE OF WORSHIP HAS SUFFERED A DEVASTATING FIRE AND VANDALISM. BUT IT ROSE FROM THE ASHES AND CONTINUES TO STAND AS A PILLAR IN ITS OLD SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY. BY
WHILE FORMING the German Empire, Otto von Bismarck feared the power of the Catholic clergy, so he banished virtually all of them. Five Franciscans who had taken a vow of poverty arrived in Indianapolis in 1875 to build a parish for the burgeoning German Catholic population. Their masterwork, Sacred Heart, served both the spiritual and social needs of German speakers on the south side. Designed in the late Gothic revival style using red brick and limestone, it has twin steeples towering 165 feet surmounted by copper spires. Three heavy oak doors with iron latches evoking a medieval castle open onto the sanctuary, which seats 800. The eyes strain to take it all in: five altars replete with intricate carvings, many covered in 22-karat gold leaf; 32 statues; seven paintings; 17 bas-relief sculptures; and 23 stained glass windows in the Munich style, with realistic depictions and jewel tones. On the ceiling, angels playing instruments are painted in the style of Renaissance master Fra Angelico; in contrast, the ribs of the vaults are stenciled in a vibrant chevron motif.
CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
In 2001, an electrical fire destroyed the main altar and part of the ceiling; all else succumbed to smoke or water damage. The painstakingly detailed reconstruction took 19 months. The hand-carved white oak pews were saved but bear singe marks. During World War I, many members still had close family in Germany. To bolster their spirits, the pastor at the time continually emphasized that the U.S. was fighting the kaiser, not the German people. But animus toward German culture took hold. Indiana outlawed teaching German in schools. Though 167 of the parish’s men served in the war, community suspicions weren’t allayed. One Sunday morning in October 1918, mass was held on a nearby field because of concerns about the spreading Spanish flu. A panicky—and anonymous— call came in to police reporting a crowd “spreading German propaganda,” prompting the police to investigate the purported threat. Later, the pastor again tried to comfort his flock, writing to them, “Hatred, like love, makes [one] blind. … We will always have such in our midst.”
