Scholars Inn Gourmet Cafe
Indianapolis, IN 46204-1608
Phone: (317) 536-0707
- Price:
- $$
- Best of Citysearch:
- Outdoor Bar 2007, Martini 2006, Wine List 2005
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Mon-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 10am-2pm
Editorial Review for Scholars Inn Gourmet Cafe – by Christopher Raymond
The Scene
The historic and recently revamped Massachusetts Avenue arts district is home to this modern two-story gem. The 310-seat dining area is unique and bold with two fully-stocked custom bars, two expansive and well decorated dining areas, plasma TVs hanging from the walls and an outdoor patio that draws heat from a towering 17-foot multi-directional fireplace.
The Food
An eclectic menu featuring intricately flavored twists on American fare has patrons lining up at the doors. Sundays are particularly busy, as the Inn opens for its well-received champagne brunch. Start with the cinnamon roll--garnished in blueberries, raspberries and sprinkled with powdered sugar: It is a sweet work of art. The scrumptious scramble blends eggs with your choice of select meats, fresh cheeses and garden vegetables, and is accompanied by challah toast and sweet potatoes. Mouth-watering multi-layered, baked French toast rises high from your plate and is drenched in sticky maple syrup. Wash down brunch with a glass of bubbly or choose from the over 150 select wines.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyChampagne cocktails are half-price during brunch on Sundays.
The ExtrasBook your next business meeting or social gathering in one of the private rooms. The rooms are fully equipped with state-or-the-art audio-visual equipment including LCD projectors, plasma TVs and wireless microphones.
User Reviews for Scholars Inn Gourmet Cafe
03/30/2008 Posted by lawyerchefny
So I had a less than stellar experience at brunch last Sunday, which happens to good restaurants sometimes. The good news is that the owners and cooks at SI are committed to making it really great - I received an unsolicited call from the owner the following day. I can't ask for more than that and am eager to try it again.
Pros: Decor
Cons: Food, service, uninformed waitstaff and inexperienced management
12/18/2007 Posted by bgrabow
My wife and I enjoyed her birthday dinner here a week ago. While the hostess was friendly and helpful, I was disappointed that her special occasion was not acknowledged by staff (like Ruth's Chris and Fleming's do) after I had indicated her birthday when making our reservations online at OpenTable_com. Our server was attentive, although the meal was paced a bit slowly. The appetizer, a crab and shrimp fondue was delicious, but came with too little bread and too much of a fried cracker for dipping. A real disappointment and surprise, given the Scholar's Inn heritage as a great bakery. We also were surprised that delicious bread was stingily "upon request", where a small portion was served, and then replenished as needed, rather than provided in a generous supply left at our table to consume as we pleased. Both of our entrees were good, but had way too many flavors and textures thrown together, indicating a "more is more" approach by the chef. My eggplant tower, literally at 5" tall, had three accompanying sauces or vegetables in the sauce, breading on the eggplant, melted cheese between the eggplant "patties" and more. Each was good by itself, but together it was an unfortunate goulash where too many good things made up one underwhelming entree. Based on other reviews, we looked forward to our dessert, the Blondie, and weren't disappointed. Though the dessert menu sounds somewhat uninspired, the manner in which ours was prepared was unique and delicious--a great end to our meal. Dessert was accompanied by decaf coffee no better than that found at any average restaurant in town, also below our expectations for the Scholar's Inn reputation. However, our bottle of Gundlach Bunschu merlot, at 50% on Mondays, was wonderful, and the "take the bottle home" policy of Scholar's allowed us to continue enjoying it the following evening as well. All in all, very good appetizer and dessert, but entrees that tried much too hard. Future visits will be for dessert or breads only.
Pros: Breads, desserts and wine list
Cons: Entrees that are overwrought and try too hard to impress
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