There’s so much to do in Indianapolis that visitors need more than a few days to peep the scene. Indiana’s capital is buzzing year-round with festivals, sporting events, concerts, and tourist engagement events that make it a must-visit destination in the Midwest.
Its culinary scene is booming too, with Black-owned restaurants both new and old keeping innovative cooking alive. Here are 9 Black-owned restaurants in Indianapolis making waves.
His Place Eatery
His Place Eatery owner Chef James “Mackie” Jones has over a decade of professional culinary experience that makes his restaurant special. Jones brings his unique style to recreating traditional soul food favorites. The menu at His Place Eatery isn’t lengthy. However, it includes all of your Southern delicacies like fried chicken, pork chops, grilled fish, and more. His Place Eatery is a first-class spin on American soul food.
- Location: East Indianapolis
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Combo Meal
- Before You Go: His Place is open every day of the week serving soul food to the Indianapolis community.
Garrett’s Smokehouse BBQ
For delicious barbecue goodness, stop by Garrett’s Smokehouse BBQ joint. They have everything a barbecue lover could ever desire. Their Facebook page is full of reviews with folks raving about their brisket, ribs, and turkey ribs. The sides are just as good as the grilled meat at Garrett’s with guests flocking back for another helping of greens, mac n’ cheese, baked beans, and cornbread. Good eating is happening at Garrett’s Smokehouse in Indy.
- Location: Indianapolis
- Type of Cuisine: Barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Turkey Ribs
- Before You Go: After dinner, try a slice of caramel cake before heading back to the hotel.
Yaso Jamaican Grill
Whether you need catering for a gathering or just a night of authentic Caribbean cuisine, Yaso Jamaican Grill is the place to go in Indianapolis. The Black-owned restaurant throws a contemporary twist on traditional Jamaican dishes. From curry goat and jerk chicken to elevated dishes like jerk pot roast and brown stew red snapper, Yaso redefines modern Caribbean cuisine in Indiana. It’s the perfect place for date nights and family outings.
- Location: Indianapolis
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Jerk Pot Roast
- Before You Go: Yaso Jamaican Grill is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but catch them cooking in the kitchen on Wednesdays through Sundays.
Eat To Live Cafe
For healthier food options in Indianapolis, check out the Eat To Live Cafe. Located at 2248 East 38th Street, the restaurant exudes Muslim values through its food and principles. You’ll find menu items like vegan snack chips, bean pies, and a variety of wraps and sandwiches to grab on the go. This is a great healthy lunch option when exploring Naptown where the owners believe in empowering the community and encouraging healthy living.
- Location: Indianapolis
- Type of Cuisine: Healthy
- Menu Spotlight: Salmon Wrap
- Before You Go: This restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Jiallo’s African Caribbean Cuisine
Jiallo’s African Caribbean Cuisine is a longstanding Black-owned restaurant in Indianapolis. Folks have been coming here for years to get delicious food. Their menu is a hybrid of African and Caribbean flavors. You’ll find jollof, jerk chicken, and even Senegalese tiebdjen at this family-owned restaurant. Jiallo’s African Caribbean Cuisine has been serving the Indy community since 2009.
- Location: Crooked Creek
- Type of Cuisine: Afro-Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Island Jerk Wings
- Before You Go: The owner of this restaurant got his start cooking in his mom’s restaurant back in Guinea, West Africa.
Burgeezy
Vegan travelers should make their way over to Burgeezy the next time they are in Indianapolis. The restaurant is 100 percent vegan and puts a unique twist on your favorite comfort foods. These meatless creations keep folks coming back for more. Most can’t believe the dishes don’t include meat and the chefs didn’t sacrifice flavor when recreating these American favorites. Enjoy everything from chicken sandwiches and burgers to Philly cheesesteaks at this Black-owned restaurant.
- Location: Canal Walk
- Type of Cuisine: Vegan
- Menu Spotlight: Chopped Cheze
- Before You Go: All of the ingredients and foods at Burgeezy are dairy, meat, and egg-free.
Jamaican Breeze
Travelers should grab a bite to eat at Jamaican Breeze for daily meal deals, delicious drinks, catering, and more. The Naptown favorite is a go-to spot for Caribbean cuisine. Beyond dishes like jerk chicken and oxtails, the chefs keep it spicy with their own interpretation of classic dishes. The award-winning restaurant is family-friendly, island-loving, and ready to serve anyone who walks through the door. Jamaican Breeze Sports Bar & Grill is the ultimate Caribbean vibe in the middle of Indianapolis.
- Location: Indianapolis
- Type of Cuisine: Jamaican Sports Bar
- Menu Spotlight: Jamaican Fricassee Chicken
- Before You Go: Check the restaurant’s website to stay updated on the amazing food and drink specials happening during the week.
Blankus Luxury Lounge
For a grown and sexy experience with good food in an incredible atmosphere, stop by Blankus Luxury Lounge. Travelers will find premium cocktails and top-shelf beverages served in this luxury, Black-owned establishment. They describe their food choices as “five-star,” with a restaurant nestled right in the lounge for easy access to gourmet eats. Blankus is a great choice for all types of travelers looking to dress up and hit the town for upscale food and drinks.
- Location: Indianapolis
- Type of Cuisine: Restaurant & Lounge
- Menu Spotlight: Ribeye Steak
- Before You Go: Rumor has it, Blankus has some of the best food in Indianapolis.
The Block Bistro & Grill
The Block Bistro & Grill owner Terry Anthony developed a love for food and cooking watching his mom in the kitchen as a child. Today, the Indianapolis resident is sharing that love with the community through his restaurant and culinary endeavors. The Block specializes in comfort food and when customers are here, their stomachs are truly at home. The Block is the place to go for the best American comfort cuisine in Naptown.
- Location: Indianapolis
- Type of Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Menu Spotlight: Blonchos
- Before You Go: Chef Terry has served as a top chef for the Indiana Pacers, actress, singer, and songwriter Ashanti, and more when he’s not running his restaurant.
Indianapolis isn’t new to keeping tourists entertained. The city’s Black restaurateurs continue to keep flavor alive and find new ways to take traditional recipes to new heights. Stop by one the next time you’re headed to the Midwest city.
