An east-side historic neighborhood built around a former Butler University campus, with a small main street of cafes and family-run kitchens.
Shoyu Shop at Strange Bird in Irvington, Indianapolis pours deep shoyu broths and runs tantanmen, with a tiki cocktail program from the host bar.
Signature: Tantanmen, Shoyu ramen
Order: A bowl of shoyu ramen and a Tantanmen to share, plus a tiki classic.
Tip: Closed Monday. Strange Bird's bar runs late on weekend nights.
Heidelberg Haus on Pendleton Pike in Indianapolis runs a German cafe, bakery and grocery for over 55 years. The rye for Indianapolis's German tables.
Order: A loaf of pumpernickel, a slice of Black Forest cake and a coffee.
Tip: The gift shop runs the deepest German grocery selection in the region.
Worth the queue: Springerle Christmas cookies
Black Acre Brewing in Irvington, Indianapolis runs a small east-side taproom and beer garden. A neighborhood brewery with Belgian and farmhouse leanings.