By Amanda Dolasinski / Photos by Nikki Villoria
For journalists on tight budgets who can’t afford the $45 SPJ luncheon or $65 banquet, don’t fret. Check out some of the local restaurants offering big meals for small spenders.
The Slippery Noodle Inn is Indiana's oldest bar.
372 S. Meridian St.
• Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday
• About .5 mile from the Westin
• Dishes: From salads to the Indiana staple: breaded pork tenderloin
• Price: Lunches about $10, dinners around $15
• Recommendation: Diner Julia Chrisman of Indianapolis suggests the Reuben sandwich. “It’s a fun place to go for younger people,” she said.
• Extras: Live music nightly. Manager Rick Schmidt said the basement used to be a stop on the Underground Railroad and the upstairs a brothel. For a tour, call (317) 631-6974 and ask for Hal.
17 W. Jackson Place
(317) 632-4553
• Hours: 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Monday-Friday, 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday
• About .5 mile from the Westin
• Dishes: Burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps and two daily lunch specials
• Price: about $10
• Recommendation: Manager Doc Wessner said the menu is expanded in the summer and just started to offer wraps. “We’re known for our ½ pound burgers,” he said.
• Extras: DJ and dancing every night starting at 9 p.m.
Red Eye Café
250 S. Meridian St.
(317) 972-1500
• Hours: 24 hours
• About .4 mile from the Westin
• Dishes: all-day breakfast, finger foods and the country fried steak sandwich.
• Price: $4.95 to $10
• Recommendation: Manager Katrina Cross said the biscuits and gravy is the most popular dish, even at night.
• Extras: featured on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Locals recommend:
Bonnie and Darrel Wilson take some time to enjoy The Red Eye Cafe in downtown Indianapolis.
365 N. Illinois St.
(317) 637-5160
About .6 mile from the Westin
Mexican dishes
Country Kitchen
1831 N. College Ave.
(317) 926-4476
About 2.7 miles from the Westin
Soul food
Dick’s Bodacious Bar BQ
50 N. Pennsylvania St.
(317) 916-9600
About .5 mile from the Westin
Smoked chicken, ribs
Indianapolis City Market
222 E. Market St.
(317) 634-9266
About .6 mile from the Westin
Collection of several restaurants, including Middle Eastern and Italian food
Front Page Tavern
310 Massachusetts Ave.
(317) 631-6682
About .9 mile from the Westin
Bar eats and drinks
Maxine’s Chicken & Waffles
132 N. East St.
(317) 423-3300
About 1 mile from the Westin
Wings, fish, omelets
Scotty’s Brewhouse
3905 E. 96th St.
(317) 574-0101
About 22 miles from the Westin
Burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, bar
Steak ’n Shake
101 W. Maryland St.
(317) 634-8703
About .1 mile from the Westin
Hamburgers, hot dogs, shakes