INDIANAPOLIS – Doesn’t it seem as if Indy’s dining scene has exploded overnight? More and more new restaurants are popping up all over the city, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of classics to enjoy.
Soak up the history some of Indy’s oldest restaurants have to offer by doing a little taste test for yourself.
These seven well-known restaurants have stood the test of time:
Rock-Cola Cafe – The shiny booths, black-and-white checkered floors and metal-rimmed stools scream the 1950s at Rock-Cola Café. Customers get a true taste of the 50s – the same time when the restaurant opened – all from Indy’s east side.
5730 Brookville Road | (317) 357-2233 | rockcolacafe.com
Oasis Diner – First opening its doors in 1954, Oasis Diner in Plainfield has a lot of chapters in its history book. It was closed in 2008 but reopened, renovated and relocated in 2014.Today guests can order, just as they did in the 50s, country-fried tenderloins, loaded biscuits and gravy and famous malts.
405 W. Main Street | (317) 837-7777 | oasisdiner.com
Slippery Noodle Inn – Established in 1850, and known as Indiana’s oldest bar, the Slippery Noodle Inn offers live music and a variety of dishes like shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, and grilled fish.
372 S. Meridian Street | (317) 631-6974 | slipperynoodle.com
The Rathskeller – Found in Indy’s historic German cultural center - The Athenaeum - The Rathskeller serves up Germanic fare and brews in the restaurant’s bBiergarten. Live musical performances also take place in this eatery that opened in 1894.
401 E. Michigan Street | (317) 636-0396 | rathskeller.com
St. Elmo Steak House – A landmark in Indianapolis since 1902, St. Elmo’s has a national reputation for its high-quality steaks and seafood. One of their most popular dishes? The world famous St. Elmo shrimp cocktail served with a (sinus-clearing) hot cocktail sauce.
127 S. Illinois Street | (317) 635-0636 | stelmos.com
Shapiro’s Delicatessen – With 112 years under their belt, Shapiro’s has become an Indianapolis favorite. Be prepared to come hungry and leave stuffed as they are known for their enormous kosher-style sandwiches.
808 S. Meridian Street – (317) 631-4041. 8702 Keystone Crossing – (317)762-9900 | shapiros.com
Hollyhock Hill – In operation since 1928, Hollyhock Hill is well known for their family-style dinners and warm home atmosphere. Guests will find comfort-food favorites like fried chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, buttermilk whipped potatoes and smoky green beans.
8110 N. College Avenue | (317) 251-2294 | Hollyhockhill.com
