Out-of-towner planning a party in Indianapolis, IN

Hi,

I have a friend who is planning a party in Indianapolis next year as an out-of-towner. While it is a wedding rehearsal party, I don't want to limit this thread to just that issue. The Mother of the Groom is one cool lady who wore an all leopard print suit to a wedding not realizing people now wear all black. I had a similar surprise a year ago, arriving in a canary yellow dress to a wedding where 80% wore black including the Mothers of the bridal couple.

While I may be out of sync on the fashion front, I do consider myself clued in on the food front. She inquired if I knew some good sources for dining. She is willing to consider the gamet from classic to esoteric choices. From gleaning LTHforum, I suggested:

Hollyhock Hill for the classic fried chicken family dinner.
Claus German Sausage
Shapiros either as a private party location or as a caterer at a location she organizes

Lots of ideas from Jim’s original planning post for Indianapolis

While the tea room in the Indiana State Museum might be perfect for most occasions, the wedding reception will be at the museum.

I was wondering if there are any suggestions that would make a standout party?

Regards,

I recently made an impromptu trip to Indianapolis. Even though I was turned away at the door as a single diner without a reservation on a busy Saturday night, the chicken I got to go from Hollyhock Hill was some of the best I've had in a restaurant north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Hollyhock Hill is a great place to go with a group...just call ahead for reservations.

Hollyhock Hill Fried Chicken


Hollyhock Hill
8110 N College Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46240
317-251-2294

A really great place to do a party is at the Rathskellar. I'm going to be honest and say the food is just ok- not the most outstanding food I've ever had, but the beer is fantastic as is the atmosphere.

http://www.rathskeller.com/

Another place, depending on size, if you want something a bit more modern and upscale is the newly redone Scholar's Inn in Indianapolis. Feels a bit like Otom upstairs, but with a nice communal table.

Again, I don't know the size or budget of the party- we had 120 at our rehearsal dinner

jpschust wrote:A really great place to do a party is at the Rathskellar. I'm going to be honest and say the food is just ok- not the most outstanding food I've ever had, but the beer is fantastic as is the atmosphere.

I completely agree. On all points. Try to go on a night that they have a polka band.

Also, when did people start wearing all-black to weddings? I've wore my plaid orange suit to a couple weddings recently.

I know some people who rented out
the Gothic chapel at Crown Hill Cemetery
for their rehearsal dinner – held on Halloween.


Though odd, maybe even creepy, I’m sure
it would be memorable. The grounds are
great to explore. You could probably even
arrange for special themed tours of the various
gravesites.

Another lesser-known space is the roof of
the Fountain Square Theater, just southeast
of downtown. It’s opened up for dining in
the summer. You can also go duckpin bowling
on the third floor of the building.

Another new-to-the-scene option is Euphoria,
http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200810/1225219135.html
in the space once occupied by the disappointing
Tavern at Buggs Temple. It’s right on the Canal,
so it’s great for strolling around in the evening

One more suggestion: get in contact
with Chef Neal Brown of L'Explorateur.
http://www.dinelex.com/about/
He’s a fun and creative guy; great at planning
special dinners (Seven Deadly Sins, in particular)
that will certainly be memorable.

HI,

Few attending this wedding live in Indianapolis. It is potentially possible the rehearsal dinner will have 150-200 people or it could shrink to less than 50.

This thread on Indy has greatly helped my friend, because until now all she had available was a Chamber of Commerce booklet on restaurants.

Belated best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. jpschust!

Regards,

OK, in light of that, if she wants to do something catered there's always the rooftop ballroom, which can be totally surreal, but is great for about 100-150. Also the Rathskellar can easily do that. The upstairs at scholar's might be a bit tight for a group over 50.