Cunningham Restaurant Group

A handful of contenders for Top 25 inclusion didn’t open their doors before our deadline. Here, the places we’re keeping a close eye on this year.

With a portfolio featuring Mesh, Bru Burger Bar, and Union 50, Mike Cunningham is reimagining the dining experience one restaurant at a time with Cunningham Restaurant Group.

Indy dining news this week features Rook closing before a move, Rocket 88 opening in SoBro, and Cunningham Restaurant Group opening a dinner-only spot.

Competing with the slew of Union 50excellent cocktail bars along Mass Ave is a tall order. Even taller? The spectacular 20-foot-high wall of backlit liquor bottles at Union 50.

Union 50 has become the coolest place to eat (and be seen eating) in town.

Libertine delays its big move to Mass Ave, and Mike Cunningham plans to open yet another restaurant downtown.

If you want to know where the real action is at Union 50, Cunningham Restaurant Group’s natty new spot for broad-shouldered American fare, look no further than the bustling pick-up window into the kitchen.

While no one would ever confuse chef Layton Roberts’ menu of dolled-up poutine, charcuterie boards, and fusion comfort creations with the fish fries and chili pots of yore, the Cunningham Restaurant Group has retained the essential charm of those Rust Belt social clubs at Union 50.

CRG churns out familiar dishes like pork tenderloin and filet medallions in comfortable, chain-like spaces skirted with padded booths and granite surfaces. But, boy, does it pay to play it safe.