Chris Cakes Ohio

Pull up a chair-Downtown dining alfresco-style.    by Brittany Smith

Like mom always said, go play outside. Bring your drinking and dining out of doors and into one of Downtown's 80+ sidewalk cafes. Everyone will find something to please their taste buds from rooftop dining to patios while enjoying the sunshine and breeze in the heart of the hustle and bustle.

14 West Restaurant
Experience the infusion of the freshest ingredients with French, Asian and Italian influences. Ask to be seated on the patio in the warm sunshine and you won't be sorry! The beautiful outdoor café takes you right to the edge of the sidewalk! Indulge in delicious food and enjoy the sites and sounds of Downtown!
14 W. Maryland St., 317.636.1414

BARcelona Tapas
Visit Downtown's only Spanish restaurant! Step outside their elaborate doors and see why their outdoor dining experience is like no other. BARcelona Tapas is decked out in warm tones and decorative tiles with a tapas-style menu and a bar focused on wine. While dining, look out on Ohio and Delaware streets - right in the heart of the city!
201 N. Delaware, 317.638-8272

Bazbeaux Pizza
Choose from Bazbeaux's award-winning garlic bread and a variety of salads to start the meal. Afterwards, indulge in one of the infamous pizzas topped with pepperoni, anchovies, mushrooms and more. If you are in the mood for a different kind of topping, try Cajun shrimp, Mexican sausage, eggplant, pine nuts, snow pea pods or others! You can enjoy Bazbeaux's infamous pizza from a prime location- on the patio facing Mass Ave, Indy's Arts and Theatre District.
334 Massachusetts Ave., 317.636.7662

Canal Café and Terrace at Indiana State Museum
Head to the Indiana State Museum and visit the indoor/outdoor Canal Cafe & Terrace. This family-friendly eating space includes multiple stations, many of which serve food with an Indiana flair. Low-cost selections include deli sandwiches, pizza, salads and more. The Canal Café provides an open and spacious atmosphere with glass walls that look onto the outdoor dining terrace. Surrounded by beautiful views of the Canal, Military Park and Downtown skyline, the Café is perfect for an afternoon break.
650 W. Washington St., 317.232.1687

Champions Sports Bar
The patio at Champions, located at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, offers a laid-back atmosphere and convenient location Downtown for outdoor dining during the warm days and balmy evenings of an Indiana summer. For those trying to stay slim during bathing suit season, delicious menu items designated as "Fit for You" satisfy the evolving dietary and lifestyle needs of those seeking low fat, low cholesterol and carb-conscious options.
350 W. Maryland St., 317.405.6111

Champps Americana
Head to Champps where the burgers are huge, the beer is cold and a game is always on the big screens. Located in Circle Centre, the adjacent outdoor patio is right in the action of Downtown.
49 W. Maryland St., 317.951.0033

Chatterbox Jazz Club
The Chatterbox is located in the heart of the Mass Ave Cultural District and features live jazz five nights a week. Grab a table along the bustling Avenue and enjoy the sounds of smooth jazz. When a quartet is wailing on the stage barely big enough for a stand-up bass, you'll want to settle in, order one of the Jamaican meat patties and snap your fingers. Guests must be 21 and older.
435 Massachusetts Ave., 317.636.0584

Dunaway's Palazzo Ossigeno
Dunaway's is not only fine dining at its best, but high above the street on the rooftop! Choose from award-winning wine, steak, seafood, fresh-baked bread, pastries and delightful desserts. Visitors are guaranteed to walk away stuffed! Rooftop dining offers one of the best views of the Indianapolis skyline. Paired with live music every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening, you can't go wrong dining at Dunaway's.
351 S. East St., 317.638.7663

Elbow Room Pub & Deli
Enjoy fantastic cuisine with an equally fantastic view! The Elbow Room has been serving up great appetizers, cold beers and local-sports-themed sandwiches since 1933. Elbow Room's outdoor dining experience boasts panoramic views of Downtown and Veteran's Memorial Plaza.
605 N. Pennsylvania St., 635-3354

End of the Line Public House
Tucked away in a corner of the Fountain Square Theatre Building, the End of the Line Public House's gastropub style menu is built around sandwiches and pizzas. Both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike have many options from which to choose. Trolley photos line the walls, more than 15 Hoosier craft beers dot the menu and rooftop dining is available. The End offers seasonal sidewalk café dining.
1105 Shelby St., 317.687.4857

Fountain Square Rooftop Dining
Spend an evening relaxing high above the city at the Rooftop Garden located in the Fountain Square Theatre Building. Enjoy a casual dinner served from the End of the Line Public House or just chill out with a cocktail and a spectacular view of the Downtown skyline. The Rooftop Garden is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, Thursday - Saturday at 6 p.m., weather permitting, for guests 21 and older.
1105 E. Prospect St., 317.687.4857

Greek Islands Restaurant
Opa! Enjoy some of Indy's best Greek cuisine. This family-owned restaurant knows how to serve it up right! Don't miss authentic belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Enjoy the fresh air from Greek Island's patio while enjoying their famous Saganaki- the famous flaming cheese!
906 S. Meridian St., 317.636.0700

Hard Rock Cafe
Known for their delicious hamburgers and American-fare, Hard Rock Café is rock lovers paradise with memorabilia adorning the walls. Enjoy good weather and great food out on the patio in the heart of the Wholesale District! Hard Rock Café is located on Meridian Street, the main corridor of Downtown, so you won't miss a minute of the action.
49 S. Meridian St., 317.636.2516

Iaria's Italian Restaurant
Iaria's serves up only the best! This family-owned and operated restaurant is nationally recognized for its food, including a feature on the Food Network. Enjoy lasagna, spaghetti and everything Italian! Enjoy an Italian treat from the patio nestled in a neighborhood atmosphere.
317 S. College Ave., 317.638.7706

Indianapolis Colts Grille
Opened in 2011, the Indianapolis Colts Grille is a state-of-the-art sports restaurant, the first ever tied to the NFL Colts. Enjoy dynamic, creative and flavorful food. The restaurant is designed to provide flexible dining spaces that can be customized to guests' needs. Enjoy 40 draft beers, ever-evolving craft beers, 32 incredible wines and 32 specialty drinks from the Washington Street sidewalk patio. The Indianapolis Colts Grille is a dynamic restaurant experience!
110 W. Washington St., 317. 631.2007

MacNiven's Restaurant & Bar
Located in the heart of Mass Ave, MacNiven's Restaurant & Bar is a cozy pub offering hearty Scottish and American fare, such as scotch eggs, haggis, sausage rolls, chicken curry and a unique flat Angus burger. The restaurant sits in a 100-year-old building with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and hardwood floors. Garage-door style windows open up, weather permitting for guests to look out at passer-bys and enjoy the spectacle of nightlife on bustling Mass Ave. Guests must be 21 and older.
339 Massachusetts Ave., 317.632.7268

Old Point Tavern
Stop by Old Point Tavern before heading to a show on Mass Ave! Old Point Tavern serves up a wide variety of microbrews, hot dogs, chili and more. The patio is a prime location to see people bustling along the Avenue. If you are coming for a drink after work you should hustle, this hot spot fills up fast!
401 Massachusetts Ave., 317.634.8943

Palomino
Palomino is an upbeat city restaurant and bar famous for its rich and stylish ambiance. Guests love Palomino's European-inspired regional American cuisine including King Crab Cakes, Lobster Ravioli, Roma-style pizza and Parmesan Crusted Stuffed Chicken Filet Medallions. Enjoy the beautiful flowers on Palomino's patio this spring while tasting some of the best cuisine in town! Grab a drink after work on the patio and see all the hustle and bustle of Downtown.
49 W. Maryland St., 317.974.0400

Rathskeller at the Athenaeum
From Jaeger schnitzel to Filet Mignon, the award-winning menu features authentic German cuisine as well as steak, seafood, chicken, pork and vegetarian entrees. The Rathskeller also features an extensive wine and beer menu. The outdoor Biergarten is one of the hottest spots in Indy during spring, summer and fall and features live entertainment Wednesdays through Saturdays under the stars with an Indianapolis skyline backdrop.
401 E. Michigan St., 317.636.0396

Ruth's Chris Steak House
Whether it's a romantic steak dinner for two, an important business meeting or a private party, Ruth's Chris Steak House provides guests with a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Decorated with a lighting and flower scheme, the patio makes it easy to not only enjoy the view of the always-happening Maryland Street, but savor the tender selections of steaks, lamb, seafood and more!
49 W. Maryland St., 317.633-1313

Severin Bar & Grill
Located in the Omni Severin Hotel Downtown, this enticing three-meal restaurant specializes in American cuisine. For dinner, don't miss out on specialty pizzas, steaks and seafood creations like the "Wicked Good" Lobster Roll. Also enjoy delicious breakfasts featuring made-to-order omelets and lunches alongside great salads and design-your-own pasta dishes. Have a seat out on the patio and enjoy the view of nearby historic Union Station Grand Hall.
40 W. Jackson Pl., 317.634.6664

Sky City Café at The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Try a unique Southwestern or Native-American dish from the Sky City Cafe at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Sample Southwestern salads and sandwiches including Texas Smoked BBQ Pork, chef's specials such as Tequila Lime Marinated Shrimp or hearty stews served with fresh-baked corn bread. After lunch, admire the world-class architecture of the adobe-style museum with its distinctive blend of earth tones and landscaping. No museum admission is charged and parking is FREE.
500 W. Washington St., 317.636.9378

Stardust Terrace Café operated by Hoaglin To Go
The Stardust Terrace Cafe at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center offers something for every taste including delicious entrees, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. Take in the view of the scenic Central Canal. Get away from the office for an hour and enjoy great food, a peaceful outdoor setting and spectacular views of Downtown.
450 W. Ohio St., 317.234.0095

The Capital Grille
Located in Conrad Indianapolis, The Capital Grille is the place to see and be seen. From dry-aged steaks to an award-winning wine list, you won't want to miss this delectable experience. Enjoy The Capital Grille's mouth-watering cuisine outside on the always-bustling Washington Street.
50 W. Washington St., 317.423.8790

The Slippery Noodle Inn
"Dis-is-it!" - the place to be for good food and live blues! After dinner, enjoy a drink and live blues playing seven nights a week from a variety of bands. The Noodle's patio faces Meridian Street, the main corridor of Downtown. Get there early and watch how the city comes alive at night!
372 S. Meridian St., 317.631.6974

Weber Grill
Created by the company that set new standards for outdoor cooking, Weber has now brought its grilling experience indoors to offer a full menu of steaks, seafood, burgers and other fare--all of it prepared on authentic Weber charcoal kettles. Try a variety of meats grilled to perfection on none other than Weber® grills. Don't miss the view from their sidewalk café that overlooks the bustling intersection of Illinois and Washington streets.
10 N. Illinois St., 636-7600

Be sure to check out all the Downtown sidewalk cafés by clicking here.
Downtown is open for summer fun! Downtown has more than 70,000 convenient, affordable parking spaces, making it easy to get where you need to be. To help plan your route Downtown and search for parking by venue, visit http://www.indydt.com/interactivemap.cfm?&lm=vd.

About the Author

Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. exists to improve Downtown. It is action oriented and addresses critical issues that affect Downtown's growth and well-being. IDI focuses on three areas: development, management and marketing.
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