Top Rated Restaurants en Cafés in Indianapolis

Red Lion Grog House is dedicated to Old English cuisine and feel in a clean, Americanized environment. The menu is that of a traditional British restaurant, offering such great British dishes as scotch eggs, shepherd's pie, bangers and fish & chips. If you're not in the mood for a trip across the pond, there are also more classic American dishes, like chicken wings and burgers. And of course, whats a British pub without some great beer? The Red Lion has a wide selection of imported ales on tap. If you're looking for something a little stronger, you can try the classic British cocktails, like a Pimm's cup, or any of their many craft cocktails. Wooden decor and furnishings complete the old world English feel. The TVs always have the latest sporting event on, so it's the perfect place to catch your favorite team's latest match.

Bru Burger Bar is a culinary love note to the All-American burger. Their menu features a wide variety of burgers, from the classic American cheese cheeseburger to more artisan fare, which includes additions like horseradish havarti, pesto and prosciutto. Add to this a bar serving up a selection of craft beers from local breweries alongside the longest list of whiskeys this side of Kentucky. All this in a wood-paneled space, whose modern touches perfectly compliment the mix of old and new that is the menu.

Down under Mass Ave, there's a basement banquet hall known as Rathskeller. The building is an archaic-looking structure befitting such an establishment, and it is adorned with a wealth of old-country kitsch. The kitchen serves a filling menu of Bavarian specialties, and the bar pours stein after stein of full-bodied German lager. There's live music occasionally, and a party atmosphere always. The happy hour crowd can be found here imbibing cocktails and beer, and enjoying bar snacks. The gorgeous biergarten out back plays host to banquets and events, and is the perfect place to enjoy a beer and a sausage on a warm summer day.

A trip to La Margarita is like a trip south of the border. They offer a full menu of authentic Mexican food, with highlights like ceviche and grilled carne asada. The real draw though is their huge list of tequilas. You can even take a tequila flight, where they give you a few different varieties with tasting notes for one low price. But if tequila's not your thing, they do also have a great selection of craft beers from around the country.

As far as restaurant concepts go, Yats may have a lock on something truly golden. They keep things simple and it wins diners over; over and over and over. You walk in, peruse the chalkboard menu, and order one of four or five options. All are hearty stews or curries, served over rice, with toast on the side. All are spicy creole concoctions evocative of a gritty old New Orleans. All warm the heart and soul. The space is small but comfortable, with quirky art and furnishings throughout. See website for sister locations, catering info and more.

Way out on Washington Street, halfway between the Speedway and Downtown, there's a brief stretch known as Little Mexico. La Posada anchors the eastern end with a char-broiled menu of tacos, tamales and other south-of-the-border specialties. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and all are delightful. Meats such as chorizo and al pastor are of a quality not seen often in the Midwest. The space itself is a bit hole-in-the-wall, but it's clean as can be, and sparse decor lets the diner better focus on the food. Be sure to wash it down with a cold Mexican cerveza.