Start Your Engines: Chow Down in Some Great Restaurants for Your Visit to the Indy 500

Heading for the Indy 500? Here's your chance to eat in some of the finest restaurants in the area.
First up is Palomino, located on 49 West Maryland Street, Circle Centre, in Indianapolis. The exterior is rather eye-catching for it is brick orange with black signs. On the signs are pictures of animals. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Palomino is a bustling, busy, restaurant, yet it has a European flair with great American cuisine. The inside has a red color pattern, and the ambiance is lovely. Palomino is famous for its rotisserie dishes, such as, pork loin, prime rib, and garlic chicken. Don't be shy to try their pizza, pasta, salads, fresh fish and steaks because according to locals, Palomino is one of the best restaurants in town. They serve a salad called a "chop chop" salad which is known to be out of this world. Prices for entrees range from about $12 to $24 which is actually quite reasonable.

The next choice is called the Oceanaire Seafood Room. This restaurant has been voted one of the best seafood restaurants in Indianapolis. It is very sleek with red couches, black chairs and white tablecloths. The atmosphere is classy and classic. Located on 30 South Meridian Street, Suite 100, in Indianapolis, the fish is ultra fresh and is flown in daily from around the world. Entree prices begin at about $25, but locals say it is always well worth the money. Their sourdough bread is a special treat and the creme brulee is outstanding. Locals say this restaurant is always packed because of the quality of food and fine service.

Choice number three is Agio Restaurant which can be described as dining in an Italian villa. The food is Italian and Mediterranean and from the fantastic bread and herb oil, to the chocolate sausage dessert, this place is loved by many. The locals say it is difficult to secure a reservation at Agio's on the weekend, so reserve well in advance. Considering, this is the time of the Indy 500, you are advised to make any restaurant reservations as soon as possible. Please, realize, that I am giving you some of the top restaurants in the area, so try to make your reservations now. Prices for entrees are between $16 and $25. At Agio Restaurant, live jazz, and eclectic music is often performed, adding to your dining experience. The decor is unusual because paintings from local artists adorn the walls. The atmosphere is romantic and warm, making this restaurant a landmark in the middle of the Art District. It is located at 635 Massachusetts Avenue, in Indianapolis.

My fourth selection is Z's Oyster Bar and Steakhouse, located on 6220 Castleway West Drive, Indianapolis.
As you enter this restaurant you will be met by an extensive oyster bar. I suggest you begin the evening with cocktails and appetizers on their patio by the lake so you can watch the sunset. If you like Frank Sinatra, and his "Rat Pack", their lounge plays this lovely music. The seafood is flown in daily from Hawaii and the Pacific
Northwest, so everything is extremely fresh. Z's has been voted the "Best Filet in Town," because they specialize in prime midwestern aged beef that is hand cut to your liking. For special occasions, the locals love this romantic and elegant establishment.

My final selection is a rather unusual one. My readers know that I like to offer them something out of the ordinary, for they may wish to try something different. So, I have selected the Rathskeller located on 401 East Michigan, Street, in Indianapolis. This restaurant is the oldest one in Indianapolis and was designed by author Kurt Vonnegut's grandfather, Clemens Vonnegut. This is a bustling, fun, establishment, yet the exterior looks like a gothic cathedral. The dim lighting, Gothic fireplace, high ceilings, and 19th Century charm make this an interesting choice. The Rathskeller has been voted the best German restaurant in Indiana the past six years. People sit, eat, chat, and offer each other sips of their gourmet beers. Prices range from $21 to $30 and their imported brie topped with toasted almonds, apples, grapes, and bread is fantastic. Sounds like fun?

I hope I have started your engines going so you can make your reservations as soon as possible. I want you to be able to dine in the restaurant of your choice. Enjoy your trip to Indianapolis!

www.palomino.com
www.theoceanaire.com
www.agiorestaurant.net
www.indy.org/page/wheretoeat/zsoysterbarsteakhouse-12539202.html -101k -
www.rathskeller.com/ -55k -