Downtown Indy has wallet-friendly options to keep your taste buds satisfied. Whether you’re exploring Mass Ave, wandering around the museums, or just looking for a bite, these 10 budget-friendly spots serve up deliciousness without the sticker shock. So grab your appetite and hit the streets!
John’s Famous Stew
1146 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46221
A true Indianapolis favorite, John’s Famous Stew is where comfort food reigns supreme. Their stews brim over the bowl. it’s filled with beef chunks, celery, carrots, and potatoes. It feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. I prefer the spicy beef stew, served with two slices of white bread. But sometimes I add a giant breaded tenderloin sandwich. It’s the size of a plate and big enough to share. This is a meal that sticks to your ribs without emptying your wallet.
Meal Option 1: Giant Breaded Tenderloin $10, French Fry Basket $4, Ice Tea $3
Meal Option 2: John’s Famous Stew $12, Carrot Cake $5, Lemonade $3
Tavern at the Point
401 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tavern at the Point masterfully combines pub classics with a touch of flair. I had Beer-Battered Cheese Curds, which revealed the ones at the Wisconsin State Fair. Big Fontana Burger on a butter bun was magnificent, even though I couldn’t finish it. However, the Pimento Mac n Cheese was runny and lacked the anticipated pimento punch.
Their outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching on Mass Ave. Their happy hour deals are a steal, so swing by after work for some budget-friendly bites and brews.
Meal Option 1: Beer-Battered Cheese Curds $12, Side Chopped Salad $8, Cranberry Juice $4
Meal Option 2: Big Fontana Burger with Pimento Mac N Cheese $17, Pepsi $4
The Hangar’s
501 Madison Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Live DJ music and solid eats make The Hangar a downtown favorite especially before a Colt’s Game. Their Oven-baked pizza and tacos are perfect for the prices are just as easygoing as the atmosphere. Keep an eye out for daily specials to stretch your dollar even further.
Meal: All You Can Eat Pizza, taco/ nacho bar, wings, tenders and 2 drink tickets $30
Alexander’s Bar and Grill
31 W Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 (inside the Sheraton Hotel City Centre)
Inside the Sheraton Hotel, Alexander’s serves up comfort food classics with a touch of elegance. Their frame-grilled burgers and flatbreads are crowd-pleasers with a cozy atmosphere. It’s a great place for a casual dinner without overspending.
Meal Option 1: Turkey BLT with potato chips $14
Meal Option 2: Chicken Rice Bowl $15
120 West Bar
120 W Market St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 (Inside Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites)
Located in the Hilton, 120 West Bar has affordable meals with a dash of sophistication. Their small plates and sandwiches are flavorful and won’t leave you clutching your wallet. Plus, the modern ambiance is perfect for date night on a budget.
Meal Option 1: Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt with fruit cup $16
Meal Option 2: Three Cheese and Sourdough Grill with Fries $12 add Tomato Soup $4
City Barbeque
621 W 11th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Barbecue lovers, rejoice! City Barbeque delivers smoky, tender meats and generous portions that’ll have you coming back for more. Their pulled pork and brisket sandwiches are budget-friendly winners, and don’t skip the sides. I like pulled pork and turkey with baked beans and collard greens.
Meal Option 1: Two meats & two sides $14 Sweet Tea $3
Meal Option 2: Pitmaster Nachos $10, Pint of Banana Pudding $8, Nehi Grape Soda $4
Bru Burger Bar
410 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Bru Burger combines gourmet burgers with approachable prices. Their signature Bru Burger is a fan favorite, but the crispy onion rings and house-made sauces are amazing. It’s a great spot to fuel up without spending big. Don’t forget the Peach-White Chocolate Bread Pudding.
Meal Option 1: Bru Burger $16 with a cup of Chili $6
Meal Option 2: Viking Farm Lamb $16 with Onion Rings $5
Sky City Café
500 W Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 (Inside the Eiteljorg Museum)
Inside the Eiteljorg Museum, Sky City Café is a delightful surprise for museum-goers and foodies alike. Their Southwest-inspired dishes are both delicious and affordable. Admission isn’t required to dine here, so pop in for lunch and enjoy.
Meal Option 1: Chicken Al Pastor Torta $14 add Eiteljorg side salad $2
Meal Option 2: Adobo Tofu Wrap with tortilla chips $12
Petra Café
610 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
For a taste of the Mediterranean, Petra Café has you covered. Their gyros and falafel wraps are packed with flavor, and the friendly service makes you feel right at home. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal while exploring Mass Ave.
Meal Option 1: Falafel Sandwich Combo with Taziki sauce with a Fanta soda $10
Meal Option 2: Chicken Kebab Platter $14 add a Turkey Coffee $3
Thaitanium
735 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Craving Thai food on a budget? Thaitanium’s got your back. From classic pad Thai to spicy curries, their portions are generous, and the prices are just right. It’s a cozy scene to warm up on a chilly Indy evening.
Meal Option 1: Pan Kee Mao $14, Sweet Sticky Rice with Thai Custard $7
Meal Option 2: Hawaiian Fried Rice $18, Fried Banana with Ice Cream $8
Final Thoughts
No matter what your taste buds are craving, downtown Indy has plenty of wallet-friendly options to keep you satisfied. Delicious deals are waiting! Whether you’re fueling up before or after a round at a Par 3 golf course, these budget-friendly spots have you covered.