Thursday, February 12, 2009

Open Thread: Brunch in Indianapolis

So, last weekend, a friend and I were trolling for Sunday brunch options -- not the snappy quick neighborhood meal (no offense to Taste and the Chous) but a sit in a nice setting, drink a bottle of wine, go home, and take a nap alternative. Meridian no longer serves brunch. Euphoria is closed on Sundays. The Elements menu is very small -- fine for Friday lunch but not rich enough for brunch. And other than steakhouses (like Ruth's on the Northside) and Scholar's Inn (and their seafood "scrambles"), I'm wondering if we're missing any options. Any other alternatives?

28 comments:

loretta said...

Union Jack's in Broadripple was serving brunch, not sure if that's still true. Hotshotz and Granite City, as well as El Torito Grill (¡Muy bueno!), have great brunches. Sorry none of these are downtown.

Unknown said...

The Loft at Trader's Point Creamery does a brunch. I haven't been myself, but all reports have been favorable. http://www.tpforganics.com/content/view/38/111/

braingirl said...

I categorically refuse to go to El Torito Grill. (No offense.)

Does TPC have a liquor license or, if they don't, do they let you bring your own bottle?

Christopher said...

do i remember Puck's at IMA doing a brunch?

braingirl said...

Puck's is gone, daddy, gone.

braingirl said...
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Greg said...

Yeah, El Torito was awful both times I went. So dark and dingy inside.

There are wineries in southern indiana that offer tastings paired with chocolate all weekend.

Levi's Momma said...

No mas Hotshotz for brunch. We rather enjoy Castleton Grill.
We really struggle with locations for the lengthy brunch/cocktails/nap scenario ourselves. The creamery sells beer and wine, but they don't fit the criteria you're looking for on this particular topic.
What about Tulip Noir? They were thinking about expanding into brunch.

Unknown said...

TPC does have a liquor license, have for a while now. They have full service during brunch - although mostly organic or local stuff. Decent selection though. The mimosas are good.

Their menu is a little small, but they change it enough to make it worth going once a month or so...

Unknown said...

Wow, it does say a lot about indianapolis that there is no place someone can suggest for a nice Sunday brunch.

braingirl said...

My feelings *exactly*.

Barb said...

A friend mentioned to me that Augustino's (Stop 11 & Emerson) has a nice Sunday brunch, but I haven't tried it yet. The menu looks promising.

http://www.augustinosindy.com/brunch.html

ChristopherWestPresents said...

Aristocrat can be pretty good. I like the Chous better but there's never a wait at Aristocrat and it's a nice place to be lazy and have a cocktail or two. Service is usually pretty slow.

During Colts games, Palomino used to put on a decent brunch.

Erin in Indy said...

hey, I have NO idea if it is any good, as I have never been, but I am pretty sure there is a bruch buffet thing at the Garrison at Fort Ben.

silver said...

Canterbury? I've never been there for brunch, but dinner has been decent. We're still in mourning over Meridian's lack of brunch....

Anonymous said...

Dawson's on Main in Speedway just started doing a Sunday brunch. Tried it last week for the first time, and I was impressed. I would definitely recommend it!

Michael S said...

I love Zest (54th/Monon) we go every weekend for brunch and nap after:) On my way to Cork hope they still have the Szigeti!

Anonymous said...

Here here with regard to Zest! Love that place anytime. I also hear that Keltie's in Westfield does a good brunch - will report back on that later. Bella Vita has brunch also, but Idon't know if it's any good or not.

Mrs. Hornsby said...

We went last weekend to the Sunday brunch at the newly opened Granite City brewery at 96th and Meridian. Yes, it's a chain, but a new chain to Indy. We really liked it, especially the made-to-order eggs bennedict, the carmel sticky buns, and the DELISH hash browns. Good service and full bar too.

Anonymous said...

The problem with brunch in Indy is that everybody is looking for the next best brunch, then when you actually do it, very few people actually come.
Granted we need to market it well, but we really need the support of the foodie community.
When I did brunch at Puck's, 4 years ago, we had a great spread and the people came. I would be willing to do that at Euphoria again, but we absolutely have to know that the support is there. If we do this, I promise, we won't disappoint.
Call Euphoria and request brunch. If I get an overwhelming response, then we will open for brunch.

braingirl said...
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Erin said...

I love Hoaglin's for brunch. If you go a little late in the day (after Noon) it's a bit quieter and can be more leisurely. They do have mimosa's and other adult treats and they always have great sweet and savory options (my favorite is the vegi quiche!).

Unknown said...

The El Torito Brunch Rocks!!!

The El Pastor!!

Laura Pinegar said...

Just wanted to let everyone know that Puck's is in fact still open at the IMA. We have recently re-evaluated our foodservice agreement and will be announcing some changes to our foodservice offerings within the coming weeks. Thanks!

Laura Pinegar
public relations coordinator, Indianapolis Museum of Art

J. Silverheels Gray said...

I just noticed that Noah Grant's is advertising a Sunday brunch.

DON VITO said...

Brad i know if Euphoria did a brunch it would be exceptional like everything you are doing now.... however my visit to pucks brunch was more quantity not quality. the marker brunch at the airport best the city has had in my opinion

WYA! said...

We just went to the Sunday brunch at The Garrison at Fort Ben State Park. It was good as far as all you care to eat, traditional brunch food buffets go.

Levi's Momma said...

I wanted to 2nd the Granit City comment. We went yesterday for a much needed, recovery brunch. We didn't realize it would going to be a buffet, so we requested the regular menut to check out as well. But we thought "what the heck" and went for the buffet. It was really pretty darn good, and not what I've come to expect from brunch buffets that I've had at other places. It was simple, high quality, and delicious! Good Bloody Mary's toboot! It was PACKED though, so I would suggest getting there before noon. They were on a pretty serious wait when we left.
The staff was awesome. You'd never know they've only been open for 3 weeks. Not flustered or hurried in the slightest.
And at $14.95/pp it was a great value!