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4) Jambalaya and Po Boys popping up everywhere, that’s po-sho! We’re closer to the gulf coast than we thought, and that’s not such a bad thing. Here’s a list: Gumbo A-Go-Go (1420 W 86th St., 317-337-9420), Yats (659 Massachusetts Ave., 317-686-6380; 5363 N. College Ave., 317-253-8817; 8352 E. 96th St., 317-585-1792; 1280 US 31 N Suite W 317-865-9971), New Orleans on the Avenue (543 Indiana Ave., 317-632-4099), Papa Roux (8950 E 10th St., 317-603-9861), Ragin’ Cajun (927 Westfield Blvd 317-251-1000), and Mudbugs Cajun Cafe (20 W Main St., Carmel, 317-843-8380).
5). Thanks, Mad Men. Real cocktails. Shake it up at The Libertine (38 E Washington St., 317-631-3333), Ball & Biscuit (331 Massachusetts Ave., 317-636-0539) and 1933 Lounge (127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636).
6) Communal-style dining. Won’t you be my neighbor? A few social spots: Black Market (922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-822-6757), Thr3e Wise Men (1021 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-255-5151), One South (One S. Capitol Ave.,317-632-1234), and Revolucion (1132 Prospect St., 317-423-9490).
7) Curb appeal. Once a fad, now Indy’s food trucks are a reliable option everywhere from downtown to the northside. They’re heading into their next phase. See a list of IM‘s favorite food truck list.
8) Can you hear me now? A few spots in town are listening, and sometimes rewarding, social fans. Tweet and Check-In, away! Socially savvy spots include: Scotty’s Brewhouse (1 Virginia Ave., 317-571-0808; 3905 E. 96th St., 317-574-0101), Thr3e Wise Men (1021 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-255-5151), St. Elmo Steak House (127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636), Potbelly Sandwich Shop (55 Monument Circle, 317-423-9043), and Black Market (922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-822-6757).
9). We welcome the new vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free food options popping up at places like Twenty Tap (5406 N. College Ave., 317-602-8840), Black Market (922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-822-6757), Mesh on Mass (725 Massachusetts Ave.,317-955-9600) and Seasons 52 (8650 Keystone Crossing,317-846-5252).
10). What was once a province of steakhouses and national chains is now dotted with inventive local fare. We welcome these independent downtown restaurants: Sensu (225 S Meridian St, 317-536-0036), Chef Joseph’s at The Connoisseur Room (115 E. Ohio St., 317-600-3577) and Buda Lounge (148 E. Market St., 317-822-8522).