The Diner

What kind of food is it that restaurants serve that makes you want to keep coming back?  For most, it's one of two things: either the restaurant serves comfort food, or a restaurant that serves up the food the way the owner and workers would want it if they cooked it for themselves?  What if I told you that a place like this exists in Indianapolis, fits into our price point of $15 or less, and has amazing quality food that has had me there 3 times in their first three weeks after opening.



That's right, this hidden gem of Indianapolis has only been open for about 3 weeks now, and popularity is catching on.  The restaurant is located near 30th and Fall Creek, close to the Ivy Tech campus and downtown, and offering a decently sized dining room and delivery for customers within a 3-mile radius.  They've taken over the storied-old diner across the street from BBQ Heaven, which has been a diner since the 1960's, and many people in the "Cross Town" section of Indianapolis are hyped to have a place for breakfast, lunch and dinner back in the neighborhood.

The restaurant opportunity came up recently for Dutch, the Owner and Operator, and a group of his friends and family have also pitched their help or investment to make the opportunity a reality.  That same group has also been instrumental in getting the restaurant ready for the public by helping with things as little as the search for perfect hot dog buns to making the menu and getting their website up and running (with more functionality with online orders, coming soon).

Rippers before hitting the fryer.

The best part of the place is obviously the food.  I've had only one or two things off the menu, but what I've had so far is amazing!  Easily the most popular menu item is the Ripper, a Jersey-style dog with a twist.  No other restaurant in Indianapolis is serving anything like this, and it's an opportunity Dutch simply couldn't pass up.  Rippers were a must for his menu, but he doesn't care too much for the normal size hot dogs.  "So we set out to find a 1/4 lb. hot dog, and it took two weeks to find," Dutch said.  The Ripper is a little different than the normal hot dog, too, because it's deep-fried until it rips; hence the name.  Dutch puts his spin on it, from his "everything's better with bacon" attitude, wrapping the 1/4 dogs up in bacon before dropping it into the fryer.  "RIPPER UP!" can be heard in the restaurant anytime one is ordered, and creates a fun atmosphere between the staff and the customers.

Other than Rippers, The Diner also serves up lots of appetizers, a slew of sides (including fried okra-my personal favorite), burgers with huge portion burger patties (Bacon Double Cheeseburger and Pizza Burger), salads, nachos, and even upcoming food challenges like "Mt. Nacho," which is literally as it sounds. This item is listed on the menu currently, but not yet available, because they are working to create a waiver to actually attempt to eat, a common aspect to many food challenges.  If breakfast is your thing, it is served all day at The Diner.  Try the Bananas Foster Pancakes...it will satisfy your sweet tooth, guaranteed.

Dutch is also known locally for his desserts.  He creates all of his Secret Recipe Banana Pudding, Cheesecakes, and Chocolate Pecan Pie in house, because "It's a point of pride," he said.  His desserts have been known to cause fights among his family members during the holidays.  I tried the Banana Pudding on my first visit, with only my grandmother's Banana Pudding as any sort of reference...it's better than my grandmother's.  I feel guilty saying that (and Dutch apologized when I told him), but it's the honest truth...it's that good.

Overall, The Diner is worth a try; the atmosphere is inviting, the menu has a little bit of everything for any person.  Dutch's goal of creating a business that is likely to attract people from all types of cultures and walks of life is definitely working, noted from the regulars, local walk-ins, and Ivy Tech PTK Students and Faculty that fill the restaurant daily.  If you're in the area of Downtown/So-Bro, then you definitely need to stop by and check this place out.  The Diner is located at 901 E. 30th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205; check out their Facebook Page (Twitter coming soon), and give these guys another reason to yell, "RIPPER UP!"

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Eat On.

-Justin


All tips at The Diner go to Ivy Tech's PTK Chapter, an Honors and Leadership Program that is recognized nationally at many two-year community colleges.

Tips are greatly appreciated!