Chow Down Midtown June 6-16

With record heat all across the country, I’m sure I’m not the only one who has declared my kitchen a no-cook zone lately. So it’s a perfect time to explore some new restaurants and expand your culinary horizons by heading to the “midtown” area of Indianapolis for the Chow Down Midtown specials.

Running now through June 16, you can dine at any one of the 34 participating restaurants and sample their special $30 menu. For an upscale establishment like Meridian, this means a chance to enjoy a three course meal for this price, something that would be pretty tough to do on their regular menu. At a more casual spot like Binkley’s Kitchen and Bar, $30 will feed two (sharing an appetizer and dessert, plus two entrees). Menu options include staples like the dill chips at Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Company, or new signature entrees created just for the event, like the grilled Indiana pork chop at Fire by the Monon.

Just where exactly is “midtown?” This includes the lovely neighborhoods of Mapletown-Fall Creek, Butler-Tarkington, Meridian Kessler and the Broad Ripple Village. All are located north of downtown Indianapolis, but south of 465.

I just can’t decide if I should stick with an old favorite like Mama Carolla’s, or try someplace new, like The Northside Social. Decisions, decisions.

If you want to research your options in advance, most of the restaurants have posted their $30 menus on the Chow Down Midtown website. Try to keep the drooling to a minimum.

Happy dining!