What better way to reward ourselves for taking on a leg of Indy’s 16-mile Monon Rail Trail than by chowing down at one of the restaurants along the way? Here are some of our favorites.
SoBro
Fuel up before the trip. Start at Good Morning Mama’s (1001 E. 54th St., 317-255-3800) for Java French toast with toasted pecans and cinnamon butter. You will also love the corned beef hash and the loco moco.
Located in a small 1950s service station, Locally Grown Gardens (1050 E. 54th St., 255-8555) and its shaded tables just off the Monon make for a great spot to pull off for a frosty retro soda and a slice of homemade honey crisp apple pie.
Score a table on the vine-covered patio at Mama Carolla’s (1031 E. 54th St., 317-259-9412) and order up a salad, goat-cheese–stuffed artichoke fritters, and a glass of sauvignon blanc.
Broad Ripple
Get in an al fresco lunch at Brugge Brasserie (1011 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-255-0978). Start with the spinach salad, piled high with apple-smoked bacon and apples, and order up the mussels and fries.
Canal Bistro (6349 Guilford Ave., 317-254-8700) is a prime people-watching destination off the trail. It also serves up giant platefuls of Medi-inspired fare, like charred skewered kabobs and garlic-feta fries.
Located in a former train station, Brics (901 E. 64th St., 317-257-5757) dishes out flavors like Chocolate Choo Choo and Monon Tracks. Only downside? No yogurt options.
Nora
Stand in line at Huddles Frozen Yogurt (1356 E. 86th St., 317-587-1499) and swirl yourself a frozen treat, like red velvet cake or peach white tea. Just save some room in your cup for the do-it-yourself toppings, like boba balls, mochi, and Nilla wafers.
Carmel
Bazbeaux (111 W. Main St., 317-848-4488) may be known for its pizza, but don’t overlook the Popeye sandwich with cream cheese, spinach, ‘shrooms, and red onion slivers with a side salad with creamy basil dressing. The Carmel location sits right off the trail.
Sloppy Waffles covered in cheddar cheese and bacon are topped with sour cream at Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream (210 W. Main St., 317-706-2827). Might as well wash them down with a cinnamon crumb milkshake.
What’s your favorite trail-side spot?
