Best Restaurants in Meridian-Kessler

Looking for somewhere to eat (or drink) in Meridian-Kessler? Check out my round-up of the best restaurants midtown Indianapolis has to offer!

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Looking for the best restaurants in Meridian-Kessler?

As many of you know, we recently moved our lives "uptown" from downtown - from Mass Ave to Meridian Kessler. It's only a distance of about 5 miles, but in many ways, it's a world away! With everything that's going on, we've still had plenty of time to discover all of the great restaurants that Meridian Kessler has to offer.

So whether you're new to Meridian-Kessler, looking for restaurants near Butler University, or just a new favorite restaurant for Indianapolis locals, stop by these Meridian-Kessler standbys! And stay tuned for more information about our new neighborhood!

Brunch: The original Patachou

You didn't think I was going to leave the GOAT off this list, did you? Almost exactly as long as I've been around, Patachou has been taking Indianapolis by storm. The original Patachou, located in the heart of Meridian Kessler at the corner of 49th and Pennsylvania Streets is a must-visit. Patachou is known for its (massive) omelets, delicious chicken salad, and of course, as the place to see and be seen. So grab a breakfast drink, devour some house-made chips, and then take a stroll up Penn or Washington to get to know Meridian Kessler!

Coffee: Hubbard & Cravens

Didn't get your caffeine fix during your visit to Patachou? Hop across the street to Hubbard & Cravens for some *local* coffee! The location is surprisingly large inside, if you're looking for a break from working from home (or maybe I'm just thinking of myself).

Lunch: Binkley's Kitchen & Bar

For lunch, dinner or definitely drinks, Binkley's Kitchen & Bar is a Meridian Kessler mainstay. Offering genuinely delicious food in a relaxed, friendly environment, Binkley's is on the corner of College and Kessler, between Forest Hills and Meridian Kessler. The indoor/outside seating is surprisingly relaxing for being on College Ave., service is good, and I've yet to order a meal I haven't enjoyed.

Brewery: Half-Liter

Looking to grab a quick brew? Look no further than the sprawling development of Half Liter, located at 54th and the Monon Trail (easily accessible from the Trail, if you're interested!) Half Liter has nice outdoor seating, good barbecue, and is hands down the largest restaurant in Meridian Kessler, so your chances of getting in are pretty high!

Pizza: Napolese

The Patachou empire expanded, quite a while ago now, to include its pizza arm, Napolese, which offers "artisanal pizza," good cocktails, and my favorite salad in Meridian Kessler (the house chopped). Though they closed their downtown Indy location during the pandemic, the Meridian Kessler location is the dinner option attached to the original Patachou at 49th and Penn.

Dinner: Mama Carolla's

Mama Carolla's has been, and certainly remains, one of the quintessential Meridian Kessler restaurants. I'm ashamed to admit that I wasted 30-some (we'll leave it there) years of my life without visiting, until *this past week.* And I'm already plotting a return visit! Serving classic Italian fare, don't expect to walk into Mama's, even on a random weeknight, without a reservation or a wait. Expect low, low prices, good quality, and strong cocktails.

Dinner: Meridian

If it's a slightly fancier dinner experience you're after, our go-to for Christmas, date night, and special occasions is Meridian, located, you guessed it, on Meridian Street. In a historic building that purports to have been everything from luxury restaurant to brothel, it sports a woodsy-cozy quiet atmosphere, nestled among Indianapolis's most sophisticated historic homes.

Drinks: Bar One Fourteen

My recommendation for after dinner cocktails brings us back, once more, to 49th and Penn, and Bar One Fourteen. Describing itself as a "luxe microbar," Bar One Fourteen has a speakeasy vibe. Located in a secluded corner of Napolese, don't expect to have this place to yourself.

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you enjoy your time in Meridian Kessler! Stay tuned for more blog posts as we get to know our new neighborhood! And while you're here, be sure to check out my many Indianapolis articles:

• Bottleworks Hotel Review, Indianapolis
• Best Downtown Indianapolis Breweries
• Newfields Harvest Nights
  
• ​Newfields Winter Lights