Being a foodie is a little difficult because as everyone is aware, eating out is expensive. It is even more expensive if you're looking for food that is actually worth eating. These Indy located restaurants are fairly inexpensive and if you're looking to splurge on a meal out, this is where to do it without totally wiping out your bank account. Save the super nice dinners for special occasions, because these places will please your taste buds and your bank account.
Bazbeaux's Pizza Cost: $$
This pizza place is located in Broad Ripple and Carmel. I have yet to have a bad pizza and the combinations may have you scratching your head, but branch out! Last week my fiancé tried the Neptune pizza, which had crab, shrimp, snow pea pods, black olives, and green peppers. Yup, you read that correctly. Still amazing. I asked the waiter for no red peppers on my pizza and it accidentally came out with red pepper. I ate it and to be honest, I don't like red peppers, but I am glad the pizza came with red peppers. Totally would have missed out on some flavor blasting moments without it. Trust the combinations and keep trying new stuff. You get a 12 inch pizza for 10-12 dollars. I normally only end up eating 3-4 of the 6 pieces, which means I also get lunch for the next day. You could definitely split a pizza with a friend or significant other, but I think it is more fun to get a couple smaller pizzas because you get to try so much more. If you're looking to splurge a bit more, the award-winning garlic bread melts in your mouth. You can also add cheese or pesto depending on your tastes.
Broad Ripple Bagel Deli, Cost: $
If you have yet to try Ripple Bagel Deli (commonly known by Butler students as "Bagel Deli"), then you need to. There are a wide range of sandwich options that include different meats, vegetarian options, or typical breakfast sandwiches. They then pile ingredients onto a bagel and steam it for you. You then get a ball that is a hot and melted mess, but so so good. Warning: DO NOT UNWRAP THE SANDWICH. The second you unwrap it completely, ingredients start pouring everywhere as you start eating. Much easier to keep everything contained when it is wrapped in foil. There are a billion options and the environment really calls out to your inner hipster. The menu board is written in chalk and the sandwich names include Natty Dread, Gimme-a-Boola, and my personal favorite The High Maintenance Club. If you're not feeling a bagel/sandwich, they also have biscuits and gravy that are amazing (half-order for $2.50). Sandwiches range from 4-7 dollars. There isn't really a system to ordering, they just yell out "who's ready?" and you place an order. Best part about it? Open until 4 am on Friday and Saturday.
Bru Burger, Cost: $$
This is a restaurant on the corner of one of Indy's most popular areas, Mass Ave. There is indoor and outdoor seating, which is really fun in the summer. The first time I went, there were people waiting everywhere and I thought the wait was going to be over an hour. We were seated in less than 20 minutes. Somehow, they move people in and out quick, so don't get discouraged by the crowd. They have tons of craft burgers, which are odd but mouthwatering combinations. You can also go with a more traditional burger as well. You do have to order fries or onion rings separately. Personally, I was a big fan of the pretzel dippers ($7). Burgers range anywhere from 8-12 dollars and fries are 6 dollars. I am not a big french fry person, so I ended up splitting pretzel dippers with the person I was with instead. This is not your average burger, they are savory, juicy, and the chef combinations add tons of flavor to a "simple burger."
Kona Grill, Cost: $$
If you're looking for excellent sushi for a lower cost, this is the way to go. Normally rolls are 8-14 dollars, BUT they have happy hour Tuesday-Saturday 3pm-7pm and Sunday 10am-12pm. Happy hour means half-off sushi, appetizers, and drinks if you sit in the bar. The sushi is amazing, but appetizers include flatbreads, pork dumplings, avocado roles, and more. The drink list is not all inclusive, but the half-price drinks include something for everyone. I would recommend going with a group of people because when it comes to sushi, I love being able to try a little bit of everything. My fiancée and I ordered 3 rolls, a flatbread, pork dumplings, and drinks. Normally Kona Grill would be outside of the budget range, but during happy hour, it is more than worth it.
Cafe Patachou, Cost: $$
This is my favorite brunch spot in Indy. They have just about everything you could ever want with a brunch. They have omelets, their infamous broken-yolk sandwiches, breakfast specials, soups, and salads. If you're headed there on a Sunday after a night out, don't worry they have a ton of different options for coffee, a killer mimosa, and a Bloody Mary with just enough kick. If you're looking to keep the bill low, you may want to avoid the cocktails, which are around $9 per glass. They have several "Namesake" omelets, which tends to be my go-to, but the broken-yolk sandwiches are to die for. I tend to spend 10-15 dollars for brunch depending on how fancy I decide to order. Most entrees come with a side of fruit and toast. If there is one thing you cannot miss out on, it's the cinnamon toast. It actually melts in your mouth. Everything is about as fresh as it comes, so that is an added bonus.
Wishing all my college foodies the best of luck as they pinch pennies just to spend it on food. I feel your pain.
