If you’ve lived in Indianapolis for a while, you already know the Circle City is the most underrated food city in the country. From the beloved St. Elmo Steak House to the eclectic Milktooth, Indy has been reinventing the food game over the past five years, one restaurant at a time. However, it doesn’t matter how refined our palates become – there are some foods and drinks we’ll never be able to turn down, like these 10 Indy classics:
- A tenderloin sandwich.
Tripofa L./TripAdvisor It’s impossible to have grown up in Indy without trying this classic Hoosier sandwich. Both breaded and grilled, this thin pork patty is the unofficial food of the entire state, and Indy has some of the best places to grab one.
- Milkshakes or ice cream from Traders Point Creamery.
Traders Point Creamery/Facebook There’s nothing better than farm fresh ice cream, and everyone in Indy knows you won’t find better milkshakes or ice cream anywhere except Traders Point Creamery.
- Fried pickles
Will Folsom/Flickr Pickles are big in Indiana, and nothing is better than a large batch of freshly fried pickle slices. You’ll find these bad boys all around the city.
- Country fried steak.
cassaendra/Flickr This classic dish is a favorite for Indy Hoosiers, whether it’s for breakfast or dinner. We’re all about homemade gravy!
- Craft beer.
Christopher Murphy/Flickr It’s impossible to avoid craft beer here in Indy. There are dozens and dozens of varieties, ensuring that there’s a perfect brew for every taste.
- Sugar cream pie.
Robyn Anderson/Flickr We love desserts here in Indy. While there’s a never ending list of options to choose from, a simple sugar cream pie will always be at the top of our list.
- Square donuts.
Square Donuts Indy/Facebook Forget round donuts - any true Indy Hoosier knows the best donuts are squares (just look how perfectly they fit into a box this way)!
- Pulled pork.
Ron Dollete/Flickr This beloved BBQ sandwich is huge in Indy and you’ll find it at a surprising number of restaurants (though we all know you should head to Squealers for the real deal).
- Chili.
alirjd/Flickr There’s not an Indy Hoosier who doesn’t love a big batch of freshly made chili. No matter how you serve it (we’re talking to you, noodle and rice lovers), Indy chili is always hearty, meaty, and full of flavor.
- Popcorn.
SunnyDayStarryNight/Flickr Popcorn may be huge across the entire state, but Indy has an awesome variety of unique popcorn flavors ranging from savory BBQ and bacon to sweet caramel and turtle.
Which of these classic Indianapolis foods and drinks are your favorite? Have you tried them all before? Do you have others to add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Tripofa L./TripAdvisor
It’s impossible to have grown up in Indy without trying this classic Hoosier sandwich. Both breaded and grilled, this thin pork patty is the unofficial food of the entire state, and Indy has some of the best places to grab one.
Traders Point Creamery/Facebook
There’s nothing better than farm fresh ice cream, and everyone in Indy knows you won’t find better milkshakes or ice cream anywhere except Traders Point Creamery.
Will Folsom/Flickr
Pickles are big in Indiana, and nothing is better than a large batch of freshly fried pickle slices. You’ll find these bad boys all around the city.
cassaendra/Flickr
This classic dish is a favorite for Indy Hoosiers, whether it’s for breakfast or dinner. We’re all about homemade gravy!
Christopher Murphy/Flickr
It’s impossible to avoid craft beer here in Indy. There are dozens and dozens of varieties, ensuring that there’s a perfect brew for every taste.
Robyn Anderson/Flickr
We love desserts here in Indy. While there’s a never ending list of options to choose from, a simple sugar cream pie will always be at the top of our list.
Square Donuts Indy/Facebook
Forget round donuts - any true Indy Hoosier knows the best donuts are squares (just look how perfectly they fit into a box this way)!
Ron Dollete/Flickr
This beloved BBQ sandwich is huge in Indy and you’ll find it at a surprising number of restaurants (though we all know you should head to Squealers for the real deal).
alirjd/Flickr
There’s not an Indy Hoosier who doesn’t love a big batch of freshly made chili. No matter how you serve it (we’re talking to you, noodle and rice lovers), Indy chili is always hearty, meaty, and full of flavor.
SunnyDayStarryNight/Flickr
Popcorn may be huge across the entire state, but Indy has an awesome variety of unique popcorn flavors ranging from savory BBQ and bacon to sweet caramel and turtle.
For more great food in the Circle City, check out this incredible mom & pop restaurant with the best home cooked food around.
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