Rick's Boatyard Cafe is one of a small handful of waterfront restaurants in Indianapolis. The journey to the restaurant we see today began when own Rick Albrecht moved to the city in the 1970s. He ran a few restaurant concepts, including Rick’s Cafe Americain in Union Station, a nod to the famous Rick's Cafe in the 1942 Humphrey Bogart classic Casablanca.
The boatyard concept came to life in the 1990s. Here, Rick met his wife and the duo have been running the restaurant together ever since.
In addition to its sentimental meaning to the owners, the restaurant boasts a delicious menu playing on seaside favorites like shrimp, scallops, and grilled Mahi.
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The fried calamari is a fan favorite, served with ancho chili aioli for a little extra kick, a far cry from the typical red marina sauces.
The food is even more enjoyable in the peaceful boatyard setting. An expansive patio and deck stretches out overlooking the water and, in the evening, stunning sunsets. On warm summer days, there's nothing quite like sipping a cocktail against that view.
Seafood lovers will swoon over the extensive menu of ocean flavors, but there are plenty of land based menu offerings as well. Meat eaters can choose from a whole menu category labeled "Steaks & Chops."
Rick and Tena are still very hands on with the business. If you're lucky, you might get to hear a live recounting of their love story while watching the romantic sunset over the water.
Rick's Boatyard Cafe is a prime spot for diners craving seafood, but it also offers a magical setting for a romantic date night and an extensive menu for large gatherings of family and friends. No matter why you end up there, Rick and Tena will welcome you to the Boatyard with open arms.
A long, long time ago, in a Hoosier State long gone away, the Hamilton County Courthouse opened up in 1879. Ten years later, in 1889, a tavern would open up - and a tavern it would stay (except for during prohibition, when serving alcohol became illegal from 1909 until 1903) until, well, now! Syd's Fine Foods occupies the historic old J.L. Evans Building and has for a long, long time (and before it was Syd's, it was somethin' else - but still a tavern). Join countless folks from throughout the last century who have entered these doors and enjoyed a drink and a meal here - you'll be amazed at how modern it is now, especially for a place so well-established. When it comes to the oldest restaurants in Indiana, you can't do a whole lot better - or a whole lot older - than Syd's.
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From the exterior, you'd never guess that the place is so old-school - but it is.
While Syd's now boasts a deliciously modern flair, it hasn't always; this building is known as the J.L. Evans building, and it was built back in 1879. In 1889, the first tavern to occupy the space opened up - and the rest, as they say, is history.
You'd probably never guess the place is so old-school, thanks to its modern decor and friendly, colorful atmosphere.
Sights like the one pictured above are rare - good luck coming in before anyone else gets here. Mealtime is legendary 'round these parts, and for good reason(s).
For one, you can find what might just be the single best breaded tenderloin in Indiana right here at Syd's.
It practically takes up the entire plate, soaking up precious space otherwise utilized by fries, veggies, and other sides.
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The entire menu - from the appetizers to the entrees - is to die for.
It's no surprise that the place is so good - after all, they've only had a little over a century to perfect things!
Nowadays, this is a lot more like what you can expect from an evening at Syd's:
...but don't let the crowds deter you. This amazing little place is worth every moment, and I strongly suspect you'll leave with a new favorite weekend hangout.
Whether you arrive solo or come with friends, you'll leave with even more - plus a full belly.
For more information about this amazingly awesome nosh spot that deserves a spot on all the best-of lists when it comes to the oldest restaurants in Indiana, including the most up-to-date hours and menus, be sure to visit the official Syd's Fine Food and Spirits website.
Planning to visit Noblesville, Indiana, and need more things to do? Check out all the coolest goings-on from our friends at Viator.
Bar Food Is Taken To A Whole New Level At This Local Tavern In Indiana
R-Bar and Grill in Highland, Indiana, offers a unique blend of traditional bar food and exceptional eastern European cuisine, making it a standout sports bar.
We love a good old-fashioned neighborhood bar and grill. As we're sure you know, there are plenty of these delightful places to eat in Indiana peppered all over the place - from the small towns to the big cities and everywhere in between. Most typically serve the same stuff and it can be hard to find a restaurant that does things differently. In this case, though, hidden in Highland is a little place that serves up some of the best bar food in Indiana - with a twist. But, don't just take our word for it. Check out the following R-Bar and Grill photos and learn all you need to know about this unique spot that for some is one of the best restaurants in Indiana. Bring your appetite and come along with us!
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Welcome to the R Bar & Grill.
Again, if you're looking for great bar and grill food, it won't be long until you realize that coming here was a great idea (For us, it was upon walking into the restaurant!)..
The smell of food in here is amazing. Per the R-Bar & Grill reviews, it's the perfect place to catch a game, a match, or anything else you desire from a sports bar.
With 37 TVs and two four-panel flat screen walls, R-Bar & Grill is known as one of the best sports bars in Indiana. However, it's the food that makes it truly unique. Yes, it's a legendary sports bar. However, the food on the R-Bar & Grill menu makes it the real chef's kiss.
You can get standard bar fare here, but R-Bar has a little secret:
It also serves up some of the best Eastern European cuisine you'll ever have, too. Per the menu, among the burgers and wings are such delicacies as wraps, pitas, cevap, Pljeskavica, and more. Have you ever tried this kind of Eastern European cuisine? We;;, you've picked the perfect place to try do some delicious sampling!
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Photos like these give you a good idea of what you are in store for, and how the restaurant gets creative with it.
You might try ordering chicken wings and a couple of skewers of grilled (or fried) shrimp. Make it an appetizer, or your entrée! And you'll enjoy it while watching a game Excellent food, tasty drinks, great sports, and excellent service...what's not to like here?
Sidle up to the bar and order your favorites to socialize with.
This is a lively sports bar, so bring all your friends, cheer for your favorite team, and indulge in some Eastern European goodies alongside your burgers and fries. Not a lot of friends to bring? No worries - you'll have no problem making new ones here!
The online reviews about this place are nothing but excellent
Some diners say that, there's nothing on the menu that you can go wrong with. because everything is made with fresh produce and other products and perfectly prepared. It is definitely worth staying here until the kitchen closes!
For the most up-to-date hours, specials, menu, and photos be sure to check out the official R-Bar & Grill website as well as the R-Bar Facebook page. We also suggest referring to Tripadvisor to learn about more restaurants in Highland.
Have you ever been to the R Bar & Grill in Highland, Indiana? If so, what was your favorite part? What did you order? Did it taste as good as the photos in this article? Yummy! We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
If you're still hungry after feasting at R-Bar, check out some amazing restaurants in Indiana that are famous for a single menu item.
What are some of your favorite Indiana restaurants? For more tasty ideas, you can also look at the Visitor Center section below. Bon Appetite!
Thinking about taking a Hoosier State vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
If you're a road trip kinda girl or guy, you might also love to go camping. If you'd like to try it in an RV but don't have one, visit RVShare. And whether you are new to RVing or are a seasoned pro, here are some great RV tips for your next adventure!