DOWNTOWN
INCLUDES Fletcher Place, Fountain Square, Mass Ave, Mile Square
Amberson Coffee & Grocer
COFFEEHOUSE The cinderblock shell of a former service station houses this neighborhood coffee spot with grocery cases, outdoor seating under the awning, and a drive-up window. In addition to expertly poured vanilla-date latt es and a signature Summer Dandy with Onyx Coffee Ecuadorian espresso, plum reduction, and oat cream sweetened with maple syrup, the shop offers a small daily selection of baked goods, like a tasty “bisquet” grilled up with fig jam and butt er, and a scone enriched with Asian pears and maple. Heartier fare comes in the form of an avocado toast topped with goat cheese crumbles or an equally fine toast with ricott a and poached nectarines. 401 S. College Ave., 562-293-8962, ambersoncoffee.square.site
Aroma
INDIAN Familiar tandoori and tikka masala staples mingle with heartier, more elevated offerings at this elegant pan-Indian spot that opened in the former Rook location in early 2021. Lunchtime lamb and chicken rolls in crispy flatbread wrappers stand out, as do hearty chaat dishes dressed up with yellow peas, yogurt, and chutneys. An impressive lamb shank is the highlight of the chef’s specialties and easily feeds two or more. A full bar and an artful array of desserts help round out a special-occasion meal. Opt for the orange pudding, a creamy, lightly sweet rice pudding served in an orange shell with a chocolate tuille and a host of vibrant garnishes. 501 Virginia Ave., 317-602-7117, aromaindy.com
Bakersfield Mass Ave
TACOS & BOURBON This hip spot done up with timbers, steel beams, bourbon barrels, and dangling Edison bulbs does a nice job with all the late-night standards: booze, raucous music, and tacos topped with the likes of achiotebraised pork, pickled red onions, and habanero salsa. 334 Massachusetts Ave., 317-635-6962, bakersfieldtacos.com
Bazbeaux
PIZZA We haven’t forgott en where we first found artichoke hearts and goat cheese on our ’za. Bazbeaux has changed litt le since 1986, when it opened in Broad Ripple, and it hasn’t really needed to. Flat crust baked crunchy. Toppings you won’t find at Domino’s, like pine nuts and prosciutt o. And the cheese—mounds of mozzarella blended with provolone and pecorino. 333 Massachusetts Ave., 317-636-7662, bazbeaux.com
Beholder
CONTEMPORARY A former car-repair shop sets the stage for daring performance art that has featured pig-skin noodles and granita-topped uni designed to melt on the tongue, as well as butt ermilk fried chicken with wildflower honey. The labor-intensive cocktails are smart and spot-on. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com
The Block Bistro and Grill
The former Middle Eastern spot on the ground floor of downtown’s William H. Block Building got a full renovation in late
