I am not a morning person, I will do almost anything to stay in bed just five more minutes. What can I say, a girl needs her beauty rest. I also love breakfast, my love of breakfast food rivals my love of a warm bed. I will drag myself out of bed with the promise of French toast and mimosas. I love everything about it. I love that it’s an excuse to basically eat dessert first thing in the morning. I love that it has made starting my day with champagne acceptable. And if I’m craving something more savory? What’s better than eggs covered in cheese and hot sauce. Breakfast is truly the best meal of the day.
Indianapolis is not lacking in the brunch department and this is something to celebrate. From high end dining to your classic diner, Indy has it all. I want to highlight just a few of my favorite brunch spots as well as list a couple that I have yet to try. Who knows, it might become our new favorite.
Milktooth – Fletcher place
Milktooth is located in the downtown neighborhood of Fletcher Place. The building used to be an old car dealership but now hosts one of Indianapolis’ fine diners. Their menu is focused on “utilizing the beautiful produce and agriculture of Indiana to serve world inspired breakfast and lunch fare.” It was chosen as one of the 10 best new restaurants by Bon Appetite in 2015. Along with their breakfast specials, you can find craft cocktails and coffee in this unique, cozy space.
Ruth’s Cafe – Keystone at the Crossing
Ruth’s is a place you want to visit for the decor alone. The walls are covered in kitchy signs and mugs and the tables and chairs are all hand decorated with modge podged pop culture clippings. The atmosphere is fun. They have all of the expected breakfast staples and they do them well.
Lincoln Square – Local Chain
If you’re looking for a classic diner, this is it. It’s a local chain with nine locations throughout Indiana. You’re not going to find fancy coffee or mimosas, but this place is still special and I go often. I recommend the donut biscuits with apple butter or the healthy waffle (it’s not that healthy).
Cafe Patachou – Local Chain
Cafe Patachou is another local chain that does breakfast food well. They have five locations throughout the Indianapolis area. Their menu is full of gluten free and vegan options for the food sensitive people in your life as well as coffees and cocktails for a perfect way to start your day.
3 Sisters Café – Broad Ripple
3 Sisters is located in an old house in the heart of Broad Ripple Village. It’s most notable claim to fame was it’s appearance on the Food Network program Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. That’s right, this place is Guy Fieri approved. I recommend getting a table on the front porch if you can. Sunlight pairs perfectly with their signature lemon corn cakes.
Biscuits Café – Broad Ripple
Biscuits is another Broad Ripple staple and for good reason. Where else serves Mexican and breakfast food? Can’t choose between tacos or french toast? Here, you don’t have to. Personally, I love a place with versatility. Biscuits knows what they’re about and they stick to it.
Good Morning Mama’s Café – SoBro
Located in south Broad Ripple, Good Morning Mama’s is a 60s themed cafe. The building used to be an old filling station and was bought by the owners of Mama Carolla’s (another Indianapolis staple) and was converted into the well loved cafe it is today. I have yet to visit but it’s high on my list of brunch spots to try.
Yolk – Downtown and the Ironworks
Yolk is another spot on my to-try list. It started in the south loop of Chicago and has since expanded and has three Indianapolis locations. They specialize in upscale breakfast with specialty juices and coffees. The menu is classic breakfast fare but that’s more than enough to get me in the door. Located conveniently by the Ironworks Hotel, it’s a perfect place for a post rendezvous meal.
Rize – Ironworks and Fishers
Lastly on my list of places to try is Rize. Rize’s menu is simple and fresh, two things I can appreciate. One of the things I love about breakfast food is how indulgent it can be but sometimes it’s nice to have something lighter. And after a night of indulgence together, sometimes it doesn’t need to continue into the morning. But don’t worry, they still have some classic breakfast foods like waffles and Benedicts if you need your fix.
Photo by Unsplash
My list!