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There's no signature Hoosier food, but the state is known for succulent tomatoes, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and flavorful corn on the cob. Well-known chains are robustly represented and some-such as Hard Rock Café, P. F. Changs, Buca di Beppo (known for abundant family servings)-are fine family choices. For lots of choices in price and taste, head to Broad Ripple, the artsy enclave and the north anchor of Indy's Midtown district. Downtown, go for a room with a view of the skyline or canal-or both.
- Bazbeaux Pizza. At locations downtown, Broad Ripple and Carmel, this local favorite serves traditional and unusual pizzas. Small salads are big enough for two as a side dish or for one as a meal, along with the famous breadsticks or your kids' leftover crusts.
- Brugge Brasserie. Go to this Belgium-inspired restaurant in Broad Ripple just for the French fries; you'll be talking about them for months. Order a large or extra large serving, which is served in a cone, ringed with dishes of flavored sauces, to share with all.
- Buggs Temple. Perched at the north end of the downtown canal with spectacular views, this 100-year-old former church now houses two restaurants, including the moderately priced Creation Café. In good weather, ask for an outside table.
- Café Patachou. For breakfast and lunch, one of Patachou's six locations is a top choice. Kid friendly, with delicious, nutritious meals, Patachou was named one of the ten best places in the country for breakfast by Bon Appetit in 2002. Play area for toddlers at the Midtown location (49th and Pennsylvania).
- City Market. Variety's the joy here. Toddlers and teens are sure to find palette-pleasing options from one of the many vendors. Stake out a table along the balcony to congregate and eat. From Wednesday through Saturday during the summer, there are free lunchtime concerts on the outside plaza. Two warnings: No high chairs or booster seats are readily available and the market is closed on Sunday.
- Harry and Izzy's St. Elmo Steak House, a refined dining favorite since 1902, spun off a more casual restaurant in 2006, featuring the St. Elmo's famous beef and shrimp cocktail with sinus-clearing horseradish sauce. Lunch is the affordable choice, and portions are huge, so appetizers can make a meal or sandwiches can be easily split. The kids' menu features classics such as mac and cheese, as well as beef medallions.
- Jillian's. You can feed your kids and let them play video and arcade games for as long as you can bear the noise.
- Loft Restaurant and Dairy Bar at Trader's Point Creamery. The food is all organic, the ice cream is the richest, and your kids (and maybe you, too) will learn how milk and cheese actually get from the cow to the supermarket shelf. The farm is a hike from downtown and hours are limited (lunch Wednesday through Saturday and dinner on Friday), but this is a rare chance to get down on the farm. Cows are milked at 4.
- The Old Spaghetti Factory. Restaurants don't get any more kid-friendly than this spot, named one of the top-ten kid-friendly restaurants in the country by Parents Magazine. There are lots of ways to keep the bill down, including unlimited soup and salad for $5.95.
- Yats. You may not know Cajun Creole but you'll love it at Yats, where everything costs $5.50 ($4.50 for half an order and $6.50 for a double) and you can sample the offerings before making up your mind. Order at the counter from changing specialties posted on the blackboard. You'll be treated to food with personality!
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