Indianapolis keeps its brunch spots as treasured secrets. The “Circle City” has evolved into a food lover’s paradise, and brunch has become the favorite meal among locals and tourists.
A quick look at Tripadvisor reveals 144 brunch options scattered throughout Indianapolis. Local establishments serve everything from comfort classics to creative dishes between 10 a.m. and the relaxed hours of 2 or 3 p.m. The city’s best brunch spots excel by combining signature cocktails with locally roasted coffee and craft beer. They add just enough creative touches to classic dishes that make them special.
Indianapolis brunch spots cater to both traditional and adventurous diners. The city’s food scene truly shines through its morning offerings. These top brunch destinations rank among the top 10% of Tripadvisor listings worldwide.
Want to know where locals really eat when weekend morning cravings hit? Here are 11 hidden gems that showcase why Indianapolis has become a brunch powerhouse.
Love Handle
Love Handle sits at the northern end of Mass Ave, a culinary gem that captures Indianapolis’s quirky brunch culture. Chris and Ally Benedyk have owned this spot since 2018, and their imaginative take on comfort food has created a loyal following of breakfast lovers.
Love Handle specialties
This James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Hospitality (2020) creates unique sandwiches and small plates that change each week. The menu combines unexpected ingredients in delicious ways – you’ll find smoked brisket with beer mustard, pork belly with lime mayo, and braised beef tongue with marinated cabbage.
Popular dishes include:
- Biscuit Slider ($4.50) – comes with pork belly, caper cheddar, and tang turnips
- Beef Hash with Pork Cheek Egg ($12.00) – a breakfast favorite that keeps customers coming back
- Duck Egg ($3.00) – a simple yet perfect addition to many dishes
The food draws its inspiration from Southern cuisine – rich flavors and generous portions make every dish special. Regular customers often say, “Go when you are H-U-N-G-R-Y”. The menu focuses on meat dishes, but vegetarian options are ready on request.
Love Handle pricing
The restaurant’s prices stay in the moderate ($$) range, giving great value for the portion sizes and quality. Breakfast items cost from $4.55 for a biscuit sandwich to $18.20 for specialty items like the Sweet Bread Waffle. Signature sandwiches cost $13.00, and protein add-ons range from $2.60 for a chicken egg to $11.70 for sweet breads.
Love Handle location and ambiance
Love Handle’s unique personality shines at 877 Massachusetts Avenue. The space stands out from typical Indy brunch spots with its vintage paint-by-number art, VHS tapes, old-school clown memorabilia, and a vintage arcade game decorating the walls.
Bright yellow and green vinyl seats create a welcoming vibe. The casual dining setup lets you order from a chalkboard menu at the counter before staff bring food to your table. Movie projections on the wall add extra character to the space.
The restaurant opens Thursday through Monday from 8 AM to 2:30 PM, with Friday dinner hours from 5 PM to 8:30 PM. This schedule makes it perfect for coffee with friends or a peaceful solo meal. The small but dedicated staff gives warm and attentive service.
Good Morning Mama’s
A renovated vintage gas station houses Good Morning Mama’s Café, adding retro charm to Indianapolis’s brunch scene. This beloved spot is Mama Carolla’s Italian Restaurant’s sister location, a longtime favorite in Broad Ripple.
Good Morning Mama’s specialties
The menu blends classic breakfast dishes with creative specialties that locals love. Their Java French Toast shines as their signature dish – crafted with coffee-flavored (Kahlua) egg batter and topped with toasted pecans, powdered sugar, and cinnamon butter. You can pick between a full or half portion based on how hungry you are.
The menu’s standout items include:
- Eggs Benedict – poached eggs and Canadian bacon rest on English muffins with hollandaise sauce
- Breakfast Tacos – regulars love these, though they can get a bit messy
- Hawaiian Loco Moco – a taste of island flavors
- Hoosier Loco Moco – their local spin on the Hawaiian favorite
Guests rave about their breakfast potatoes, which come crispy and mixed with onions. The fresh-squeezed orange juice tastes amazing in their mimosas, and you can try them with mango or papaya juice too.
Good Morning Mama’s pricing
The prices make sense given the quality and generous portions. While their website doesn’t list specific prices, reviews consistently praise the value. Most diners find the moderate price range reasonable without any compromise on quality.
Good Morning Mama’s location and ambiance
You’ll find this gem at 1001 East 54th Street in Indianapolis. The converted gas station’s character adds a unique touch to your dining experience. Bright colors and 60’s-inspired décor fill the interior, with wall paintings and ceiling hangings that catch your eye.
Natural light streams through the original gas station windows, creating a bright space even on gloomy days. The restaurant’s beautiful back patio feels like a secret garden, with plenty of shade and blooming flowers all around.
The doors open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM. They don’t take reservations – it’s first-come, first-served. Families feel right at home here, and the clean bathrooms come equipped with proper baby changing tables. The friendly and attentive staff makes every visit special.
Milktooth
Internationally recognized as one of the world’s best restaurants by Condé Nast, Milktooth has reshaped the Indianapolis brunch scene with its bold approach since 2014. This brunch-only spot serves just one meal each day and does it perfectly.
Milktooth specialties
Chef Jonathan Brooks creates morning meals that have earned him a loyal following. The Dutch baby pancake stands out as the star dish, featuring seasonal toppings like ham and Gruyère with cranberry mostarda.
The menu expresses several favorites that keep locals coming back:
- Sorghum-glazed bacon – described by many as “the best on the planet”
- Duck eggs – a popular addition that enhances various dishes
- Pearl sugar waffles with sweet plums and house-made ricotta
- Lamb patty melt topped with a fried egg and harissa – praised as an excellent hangover cure
The rotating menu goes beyond these classics to feature unexpected breakfast choices from oysters to loaded grits and ceviche. The chef’s words say it best: “I kind of trick people into eating stuff for brunch that they normally wouldn’t” – including cuttlefish, sardines, and beef tongue.
Quality standards remain strict at Milktooth. Their menu states clearly: “MODIFICATIONS POLITELY DECLINED (we will accommodate allergies if possible)”. The kitchen team crafts all syrups and flavors in-house, sometimes using ingredients from their garden.
Milktooth pricing
Prices fall in the moderate ($$) range. Staff shares a 20% automatic gratuity equally on all bills. Credit card payments include a 3% surcharge to cover processing fees.
Customers consistently rate the value as excellent, given the food’s exceptional quality and creativity.
Milktooth location and ambiance
Milktooth’s home at 534 Virginia Avenue in Indianapolis’s Fountain Square district has a rich history. The building started as a Plymouth DeSoto dealership in 1933 and later became part of O’Brien Automotive Family. A Local Initiatives Support Corporation grant in 2014 helped transform this former car depot into today’s creative diner.
Reviewers love the balanced atmosphere that feels both hipster and classy with moderate noise levels. The converted garage design creates a sophisticated yet welcoming space. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating when weather permits.
The restaurant welcomes guests Friday through Monday from 10am to 3pm without taking reservations. Peak times often mean two-hour waits, but locals say the experience – complete with exceptional coffee while waiting – makes it worthwhile.
The Garden Table
The Garden Table stands out as a wellness-focused spot among Indianapolis brunch places. This local eatery and juice bar believes in making simple dishes from natural ingredients that local farmers grow and harvest.
The Garden Table specialties
The Garden Table’s menu brings together nourishment and indulgence with seasonal offerings. Their kitchen transforms healthy ingredients into dishes you’ll crave:
- Stuffed French Toast – Baked sourdough with seasonal fruit, maple syrup and whipped butter. First-time visitors often call it “some of the best French toast”
- B-Ripp Breakfast Burrito – A sophisticated hangover cure with chorizo wrapped in a whole-grain flour tortilla, eggs, veggies, queso fresco, and skhug, a Middle Eastern hot sauce
- Sweet Potato Hash – A savory blend with chorizo and Brussels sprouts
- Hummingbird Mush – Polenta squares with crispy edges, seared in coconut oil and sweetened with honey (co-owner Greg Harden’s grandmother’s recipe)
The Garden Table excels at drinks too. You can get cold-pressed juices by themselves or try a flight of four different ones. Black Heart Coffee’s local cold brew shares the menu with creative cocktails like the mezcal-based Gardening Break and fresh-squeezed orange juice mimosas.
The Garden Table pricing
The Garden Table’s prices sit in the moderate range. Available sources don’t list exact menu prices consistently, but reviews mention prices run “slightly on the high side” compared to typical lunch spots. Customers say the quality ingredients, portion sizes, and presentation make the premium worth it.
The Garden Table location and ambiance
You’ll find their Mass Avenue spot (342 Massachusetts Ave) open daily from 9 AM to 3 PM for brunch. This central location takes reservations on weekdays and works first-come, first-served on busy weekends.
The space draws you in with its thoughtful design. Vintage apothecary bottles sit above glossy white Tolix chairs. Beautiful chalk art decorates the walls, including a piece that spells out Hoosier food purveyors in an Indiana-shaped block. “Well-coiffed power-lunchers jockey for seats” at the restaurant’s faux-weathered farm tables.
Most guests love the clean, bright atmosphere with its “moderate” noise levels, though some find it simple. The Garden Table gets regular praise for its Instagram-worthy spots and relaxed vibe. Downtown visitors appreciate the many electrical outlets for charging devices after using phone navigation all day.
Root & Bone
Root & Bone brings a perfect blend of Southern comfort and culinary excellence to Indianapolis. Top Chef alum Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis have brought their award-winning concept to the city’s brunch scene. Their fried chicken earned “Best Dish of 2014” from Timeout Magazine at their original New York City East Village location.
Root & Bone specialties
The restaurant’s famous fried chicken steals the show with its sweet tea brine, lemon dust, and spicy honey creating perfect flavor harmony. Locals can’t stop raving about this signature dish, available as a half ($21) or whole bird ($36). The smokin’ rosemary chicken & waffles ($21) takes indulgence to new heights by combining three pieces of their award-winning chicken with buckwheat waffles and bourbon maple syrup.
The menu features these outstanding dishes:
- R&B chicken biscuits ($16) – two biscuits topped with signature fried chicken, tabasco pepper jelly and pickles
- Shrimp & grits ($21) – featuring royal red shrimp, stone-ground grits, tomato confit, sweet corn, bacon, andouille sausage, beer jus, and a sunny-side up egg
- Mac & cheese ($9) – described as “gooey cheese & biscuit herb crust”
Southern classics get a creative twist here. Diners can sample smaller sides like creamy stone-ground grits ($7) and buckwheat waffles ($8) to experience more menu items.
Root & Bone pricing
The restaurant’s prices remain reasonable for the quality offered. Brunch mains cost between $16-$21, while the whole chicken tops the menu at $36. Sides and small plates provide excellent value at $7-$9, considering the premium ingredients used. Groups of six or more should expect an automatic 20% gratuity added to their bill.
Root & Bone location and ambiance
Root & Bone makes its home at 4601 N College Ave in Indianapolis. Weekend brunch happens Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The restaurant’s interior reflects its culinary philosophy perfectly. Staff members describe it as “a tribute to the timeless recipes and traditions of rural America and the warm embrace of its hospitality”. Guests love the “cozy yet chic” atmosphere that works equally well for special celebrations and casual meals.
Guests can park in limited spaces behind the building, on the street, or use the vacant lot across the street.
Northside Kitchenette
Northside Kitchenette has delighted Indianapolis breakfast lovers from its cozy corner in Broad Ripple since late 2010. This unassuming gem serves excellent morning fare in a relaxed setting as the daytime companion to its sophisticated evening counterpart, The Northside Social.
Northside Kitchenette specialties
The menu features hearty breakfast dishes that keep people coming back. Their signature dish, the “Kitchen’ette’ Sink,” comes with half an order of biscuits and gravy topped with breakfast potatoes, bacon crumbles, two eggs over easy, and cheddar cheese at $18.
Breakfast enthusiasts love:
- Cheesy Bacon Love Omelet ($17) – a rich blend of four cheeses with potatoes, thick-cut peppered bacon, and shallots topped with cheesy breadcrumbs
- Brioche French Toast ($17) – perfectly crisp, thick-cut brioche with hints of citrus and nutty spice
- Best Breakfast Burrito Ever ($17) – stuffed with chorizo, eggs, pico de gallo, breakfast potatoes, green chili salsa and pepper jack in a honey wheat tortilla
The chicken salad sandwich stands out at lunch and comes on your choice of croissant or field greens. Their house-made potato chips are a must-try, known for being “thin and lite”.
Northside Kitchenette pricing
Breakfast entrées typically cost $17, with specialty items like the Kitchen’ette’ Sink priced at $18. Half portions help keep costs down – you’ll pay $8 for half-order French toast and $6.50 for half-order biscuits and gravy. The generous portions make these prices a good value for the quality ingredients used.
Northside Kitchenette location and ambiance
You’ll find this brunch spot at 6515 N College Avenue in Indianapolis, serving daily from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The space features an industrial-modern design with bright white walls and neutral tones.
The restaurant hits the sweet spot between casual and trendy. Unlike many busy brunch places, you can actually have a conversation here thanks to moderate noise levels. The 70s and 80s hits playing in the background add a pleasant touch.
Guests can choose between indoor seating or a heated outdoor patio. The convenient location offers plenty of free parking – something rare in bustling Broad Ripple.
Borage
Just a mile from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Borage brings culinary craft to brunch through chefs Zoë Taylor and Josh Kline’s talented work. This café-bakery-market combo opened in June 2023 and earned its place on Indianapolis Monthly’s Best Restaurants 2024 list.
Borage specialties
The chefs create what they call “Progressive American cuisine” – a creative spin on European dishes using Indiana’s local ingredients. Their breakfast menu shines with:
- Turkish poached eggs – Two gently poached eggs atop herby crème fraîche, fresh herbs, spiced butter, and grilled homemade bread
- Taylor Family Caesar – Featuring gem lettuce, radish, sourdough garlic croutons, white anchovies, and sheep’s milk pecorino
- Gigante bean salad – A perfect blend of creamy beans and crunchy textures
- Fried-to-order donuts – Served with seasonal jam and whipped yogurt for dunking
Guests love the breakfast sandwich made with croissant bread, fluffy eggs, Jarlsberg cheese, cream cheese aioli, and pickled onion. The breakfast plate combines maple fennel sausage with sourdough oat toast, two eggs, and a potato cake (rosti).
Borage pricing
Menu prices run from USD 10.00 to USD 30.00. Breakfast and lunch stay on the affordable side. The dinner menu, available Thursday through Saturday evenings, includes some higher-priced dishes. This makes Borage a great fit for different budgets without cutting corners on quality.
Borage location and ambiance
You’ll find Borage at 1609 North Lynhurst Drive. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM, and stay open until 9 PM Thursday through Saturday. Stepping inside feels like “walking into someone’s living room”. White brick walls showcase painted flowers outside, while vintage artwork of fruits and vegetables from Kline’s grandparents’ kitchen adorns the interior.
The chefs wanted to create a cozy, welcoming space that differs from their previous restaurants. The café area features large windows overlooking plants, making it perfect for remote work and bringing the community together.
Rize
Rize, part of the respected Cunningham Restaurant Group, brings farm-to-table breakfast to life. This popular morning spot delights guests with dishes made from fresh Indiana ingredients and produce grown hydroponically in their CRG Grow greenhouse.
Rize specialties
Chef Natalie Wall brings a fresh take on classic breakfast favorites. Her signature plate-sized cinnamon roll ($7) draws crowds, while the creative banana cinnamon Pop Tart has become a local sensation. The menu shines with standout dishes:
- Egg Tart ($15) – A fresh spin on quiche with egg custard, hibiscus mustard, spinach, pickled red onion, and seasonal roasted vegetables
- Traditional Benny ($16) – Two poached farm eggs, Canadian bacon, English muffin, avocado purée, hollandaise, and RIZE salad
- Chorizo Skillet ($17) – Sunny side eggs, bacon fat potato, bell pepper, Tillamook white cheddar, harissa, and pickled red onion
The drink menu features fresh-squeezed juices, house-blended smoothies, kombucha, and perfectly brewed coffee. Their signature “Fizz” drinks blend fresh pressed juice with sparkling water for a bright non-alcoholic option.
Rize pricing
Breakfast entrées cost between $12-$17, with egg dishes around $15-16. Pastries and sides range from $4-7. The quality ingredients and generous portions make Rize a great value for customers.
Rize location and ambiance
The Ironworks Hotel spot (2721 E 86th St) welcomes guests with its bright “modern farmhouse” style and outdoor patio. The space feels warm and welcoming, though it can get noisy during rush hours.
Rize serves guests Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, staying open until 3:00 PM on weekends. Their stellar ratings speak volumes – 4.8 for food, 4.9 for service, 4.6 for ambiance, and 4.5 for value.
Regulars praise the core team’s dedication to “delivering a great brunch experience”. The mix of attentive service and familiar dishes “you’ll recognize, but with a twist” makes Rize stand out in Indianapolis’ brunch scene.
Gather 22
Gather 22 lives up to its name as a vibrant social hub for Indianapolis brunch enthusiasts at 22 E 22nd St. This neighborhood gem opened in October 2023 and quickly became a local favorite that serves extraordinary morning fare.
Gather 22 specialties
The weekend brunch menu showcases creative culinary breakthroughs with standout dishes that blend comfort and familiar flavors:
- Shakshuka ($12) – Spiced tomato sauce, feta, cilantro, bell pepper, onion, and sunny egg served with crostini
- Tamale Benedict ($22) – Choose Rojos de Pollo or vegetarian Rajas Con Queso topped with poached eggs, hollandaise, pico de gallo, and pickled red onion
- Fig & Ricotta French Toast ($18) – Brioche, grapes, cinnamon, pistachios, whipped cream, olive oil, and maple syrup
The restaurant’s brunch cocktails stand out, particularly the Bloody Mary #22 ($13) with its dill-infused vodka and cheese pizza garnish.
Gather 22 pricing
Brunch entrées typically cost between $15-$22, while starters range from $11-$16. The restaurant fits well in the $30-and-under category. OpenTable diners consistently rank Gather 22’s value among Indianapolis’s top brunch destinations.
Gather 22 location and ambiance
Gather 22’s weekend brunch runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The space creates a “modern, natural” atmosphere with a spacious pet-friendly outdoor patio. Local artists’ work and handcrafted clay lighting fixtures adorn the interior. The atmosphere perfectly balances sophistication and comfort, earning its staff’s nickname as a “vibe lighthouse”.
Petite Chou
Martha Hoover, a six-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist, brings a taste of Paris to Indianapolis with Petite Chou Bistro and Champagne Bar. This neighborhood gem captures authentic French bistro dining with its intimate table settings and genuine cuisine.
Petite Chou specialties
The restaurant celebrates French culinary traditions through its signature dishes:
- Croque Madame ($14.95) – A beloved brunch classic
- Duck Fat Pommes Frites – Authentically prepared French fries
- Crêpes – Made-to-order and available throughout service
- Onion Soup Gratinee ($7.95) – A French bistro essential
The drink menu features expertly crafted St. Germain cocktails and champagne selections from boutique producers. Early birds love their omelets and tartines, which have become local favorites.
Petite Chou pricing
The restaurant maintains moderate ($$) pricing across its menu. Breakfast choices start at $11.25 for an omelet, and lunch items like Chicken Paillard cost $18.95. Travel + Leisure recognized the restaurant’s value and quality by naming it one of America’s top 10 spots for iconic French food.
Petite Chou location and ambiance
The restaurant welcomes guests at 823 Westfield Boulevard in Broad Ripple. Diners can choose between elegant indoor seating and a cozy, heated patio that welcomes dogs. The space features comfortable banquettes and strikes a perfect balance between energy and refinement.
The doors open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sunday through Tuesday. Wednesday through Saturday, guests can enjoy extended hours until 9:00 PM.
Grindstone Public House
Grindstone Public House brings historical elegance and modern brunch vibes together in a charming building with 130-year-old oak floors and tin ceilings. Weekend warriors will find a delightful escape from ordinary breakfast fare at this Noblesville establishment.
Grindstone Public House specialties
The weekend brunch menu delivers creative morning delights every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Standout offerings include:
- Prime Rib Breakfast Quesadilla ($19) – house-roasted prime rib with scrambled eggs, red onions, and cheddar-pepperjack cheese blend
- Traditional Benedict ($15) – featuring poached eggs, black forest ham, and hollandaise
- Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich ($15) – fried chicken breast topped with cheddar, bacon, hot honey, and a fried egg
A shareable skillet cinnamon roll ($10) starts your meal perfectly, while the Public House Bloody Mary ($12) remains a crowd favorite.
Grindstone Public House pricing
Traditional breakfast items cost around $14-15, with most brunch entrées ranging between $12-24. Mom’s Buttermilk Pancakes provide great value at $12, while specialties like Steak & Eggs top the menu at $24.
Grindstone Public House location and ambiance
This thoughtfully restored historic building at 101 N. 10th Street in Noblesville captures a unique atmosphere. Amber lighting, upholstered walls, and fascinating details create a playfully elegant space. The restaurant’s nostalgic touches include a Reel-to-Reel machine that transports guests to simpler times.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Location | Price Range | Signature Dishes | Operating Hours | Notable Features |
| Love Handle | 877 Massachusetts Avenue | Moderate ($$) | • Biscuit Slider ($4.50)• Beef Hash with Pork Cheek Egg ($12)• Duck Egg ($3) | Thu-Mon 8AM-2:30PM(Fri dinner: 5-8:30PM) | Vintage decor with counter service and movies on walls |
| Good Morning Mama’s | 1001 East 54th Street | Moderate | • Java French Toast• Eggs Benedict• Hawaiian Loco Moco | Tue-Sun 8AM-2PM | A converted gas station featuring retro 60’s decor and back patio |
| Milktooth | 534 Virginia Avenue | Moderate ($$) | • Dutch baby pancake• Sorghum-glazed bacon• Pearl sugar waffles | Fri-Mon 10AM-3PM | Former auto dealership with no reservations and 20% auto-gratuity |
| The Garden Table | 342 Massachusetts Ave | Moderate | • Stuffed French Toast• B-Ripp Breakfast Burrito• Sweet Potato Hash | Daily 9AM-3PM | Health-focused menu with cold-pressed juices and bright modern design |
| Root & Bone | 4601 N College Ave | Moderate | • Sweet tea brined fried chicken ($21)• Shrimp & grits ($21)• R&B chicken biscuits ($16) | Brunch: Sat-Sun 9AM-3PM | Southern comfort food in a cozy-chic setting |
| Northside Kitchenette | 6515 N College Avenue | $17-18 per entrée | • Kitchen’ette’ Sink ($18)• Cheesy Bacon Love Omelet ($17)• Brioche French Toast ($17) | Daily 8AM-2PM | Modern industrial design with heated outdoor seating |
| Borage | 1609 North Lynhurst Drive | $10-30 | • Turkish poached eggs• Taylor Family Caesar• Fried-to-order donuts | Tue-Sun 8AM-2PM(Thu-Sat until 9PM) | Combined cafe-bakery-market with living room ambiance |
| Rize | 2721 E 86th St | $12-17 | • Cinnamon roll ($7)• Egg Tart ($15)• Chorizo Skillet ($17) | Mon-Fri 7AM-2PMWeekends until 3PM | Modern farmhouse style emphasizing farm-to-table cuisine |
| Gather 22 | 22 E 22nd St | $15-22 | • Shakshuka ($12)• Tamale Benedict ($22)• Fig & Ricotta French Toast ($18) | Brunch: Sat-Sun 9AM-3PM | Pet-friendly patio adorned with handcrafted clay fixtures |
| Petite Chou | 823 Westfield Boulevard | Moderate ($$) | • Croque Madame ($14.95)• Duck Fat Pommes Frites• Onion Soup Gratinee ($7.95) | Sun-Tue 8AM-3PMWed-Sat until 9PM | Classic French bistro ambiance with heated patio |
| Grindstone Public House | 101 N. 10th St, Noblesville | $12-24 | • Prime Rib Breakfast Quesadilla ($19)• Traditional Benedict ($15)• Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich ($15) | Brunch: Sat-Sun 10AM-2PM | Beautifully restored historic building interior |
Conclusion
Indianapolis has grown into a brunch powerhouse over the years with options that fit every taste and budget. Locals can’t stop talking about the city’s morning dining scene, and these 11 hidden gems show exactly why. Root & Bone serves up Southern comfort food while Rize delights with farm-fresh ingredients.
These restaurants each bring their own magic to the table. Love Handle stands out with quirky decor and creative sandwiches. Milktooth’s bold culinary breakthroughs have caught international attention. A vintage gas station now serves as Good Morning Mama’s retro paradise. The Garden Table shows that healthy food can pack serious flavor.
Borage’s Turkish poached eggs deserve special mention, along with Gather 22’s creative tamale benedict. Northside Kitchenette’s “Kitchen’ette Sink” works wonders as a hangover cure. Petite Chou makes you feel like you’re in Paris without leaving Indiana.
The food tastes amazing, and the atmospheres are just as special. Grindstone Public House features 130-year-old oak floors, while Milktooth operates from a converted auto dealership. Dog owners can bring their pets to friendly patios. Heated outdoor seating and picture-perfect corners make these spots ideal for brunch photos.
Your next weekend brunch deserves better than a chain restaurant. These local treasures will show you why Indianapolis draws so many brunch enthusiasts. The tough part? Picking where to go first! A comparison table might help you choose based on location, price, or signature dishes.
Great secrets are meant to spread – just like a warm skillet cinnamon roll at brunch.
Key Takeaways
Indianapolis has evolved into a brunch powerhouse with 11 exceptional hidden gems that locals prefer over mainstream chains, offering everything from international recognition to converted historic spaces.
• Skip the chains for authentic local experiences – These 11 spots offer unique atmospheres like converted gas stations, historic auto dealerships, and 130-year-old buildings with original features.
• Expect moderate pricing with exceptional value – Most entrées range $12-22, with standout dishes like Milktooth’s internationally acclaimed Dutch baby pancakes and Root & Bone’s award-winning fried chicken.
• Plan for weekend waits at popular spots – Milktooth doesn’t take reservations and can have 2-hour waits, while most locations operate first-come, first-served on busy weekends.
• Each restaurant offers signature specialties worth the trip – From Love Handle’s creative weekly-changing menu to Borage’s Turkish poached eggs and Grindstone’s prime rib breakfast quesadilla.
• Many feature Instagram-worthy spaces and outdoor dining – Heated patios, dog-friendly seating, and unique decor make these spots perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
• Looking for a private shuttle for your group brunch outing in Indy? Look no further! Metropolitan Shuttle has over a decade of experience in the area and is ready assist with any group event that you can think of.
These hidden gems represent the top tier of Indianapolis dining, with several earning James Beard nominations and international recognition while maintaining their neighborhood charm and local following.
FAQs
Q1. What are some unique brunch options in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis offers diverse brunch experiences, from Southern comfort food at Root & Bone to farm-fresh ingredients at Rize. Standout options include Milktooth’s internationally acclaimed Dutch baby pancakes and Love Handle’s creative weekly-changing menu featuring unexpected ingredient combinations.
Q2. Are there any budget-friendly hidden gem brunch spots in Indianapolis?
Most of the hidden gem brunch spots in Indianapolis offer moderate pricing, with entrees typically ranging from $12-$22. Places like Northside Kitchenette and Good Morning Mama’s provide excellent value considering the quality and portion sizes of their dishes.
Q3. Which Indianapolis brunch restaurants have the most interesting atmospheres?
Several brunch spots in Indianapolis boast unique atmospheres. Love Handle features eccentric decor with vintage paint-by-number art and clown memorabilia. Good Morning Mama’s occupies a converted gas station with 60’s-inspired décor. Milktooth transformed a historic auto dealership into a trendy brunch destination.
Q4. Do any of these brunch spots in Indianapolis offer outdoor seating?
Yes, many of the featured brunch spots offer outdoor seating options. The Garden Table has a back patio described as having a “secret garden feel.” Petite Chou offers a heated, dog-friendly patio. Gather 22 also features a large pet-friendly outdoor patio.
Q5. Are reservations necessary for these popular brunch spots in Indianapolis?
Reservation policies vary among these brunch spots. Some, like Milktooth, operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can have long waits, especially on weekends. Others, like Petite Chou, accept reservations. It’s best to check each restaurant’s policy in advance, particularly for weekend brunch.
