Yats Restaurant

03/03/09

No matter which location, Yats has the best food with quick service & kitschy love for all!

by csbn at Citysearch

I absolutely love this place. While I enjoy the downtown location on Mass Ave., I do prefer the College Ave. location for its elbow room. There is no such thing as an "item to avoid" on the Yats menu...it's ALL good. My favorite, chili-cheese crawfish etouffee, is always there. The vegetarian items are absolutely delicious (this from a confirmed anything-a-tarian). Owner Joe is a hoot and always makes the rounds while working in the kitchen AND managing staff. The servings are giant from the money, and if you're lucky, Joe just might give you a freebie to try. I'm a spice wimp, but I love that they have any and all hot sauces, from Indonesian Sambal Oelek to to Cholula's and anything in between. Wimps like me can have the food as presented; if you're adventurous or knowledgeable in hot sauce-ology, you can really go for it.

• Pros: service, servers, clients, flavors & textures of food, owner, ambience, VALUE!!!...need I add?
• Cons: on-street parking can be scarce, wish they were open later & had a downtown delivery-only kitchen for businesses & late nights

06/27/08

Outstanding New Orleans Cuisine and a Great Value Too!

by indyautoguy at Citysearch

This is some of the finest New Orleans style food you can get in this city, regardless of the price. Yes, you do get a LOT of food for the money and the drinks are self serve, but the different dishes are absolutely delicious! This is a great alternative to the fast food chains I know of. The owners name is Joe and he is always happy to chat with you if you can catch him. Overall, one of Indy's treasures. We are lucky to have places like this.

Doug S.

• Pros: A Lot of Great Tasting Food for the Money!
• Cons: Not enough seating capacity.

11/24/06

Flavorful food and what a great value too!

by ganthony at Citysearch

This place should be tried by everyone looking beyond the chains in Indy. The gumbo is wonderful, and the variety of etoufee's are good too. It's a unique dining experience, and a great place for food with friends. Not only that, but you'll walk out full for under $7.

• Pros: flavor, simply wonderful
• Cons: not for the timid

06/27/06

lots of good food

by craglin at Citysearch

lots of good food at a great price, my husband and I ate here for $13.00 and it was more than enough. Good customer service as well

12/27/05

QUICK HOT & SPICY NEW ORLEANS STYLE FOOD

by pilot12 at Citysearch

Never having been to Indianapolis, we found YATS listed on City Search's best lunches list. At first we didn't even notice it because YATS is barely visible in the window; however, the hot new orleans style food is obviously popular with the local college crowd as they had every table filled but seats change quickly so it wasn't hard finding a table. Order at the counter from a half-dozen choices - food was brought to our table within 5 mins of ordering - hot & spicy and plenty of it. Nothing fancy here but people pack it it in because it is good eating for a very good price (all entrees were $5.50 - $6.50)

• Pros: inexpensive good eats, ecclectic, popular with locals
• Cons: nothing fancy, cash only, can be crowded

10/15/05

Excellent food

by julie70 at Citysearch

I just cannot get enough Yats! I have loved every meal that I've had there! The spinach and mushroom etouffée is my favorite!!!

06/17/05

My favorite lunch spot

by veramarie at Citysearch

A full plate of hot, satisfying food for fast-food prices. Almost everything I've tried here has been excellent, although I do have trouble steering away from my favorite dish, the chili cheese etouffee with crawfish. Good thing they offer a half-and-half plate so you can try two menu items instead of just one. They have also recently added a half-plate option for lighter appetites. But don't bother. Go for the whole thing and save the leftovers if there are any. I love the cozy atmosphere--does get crowded sometimes--but the staff have always been very friendly and get the food out to you quick.

• Pros: Excellent food, Great value, Fun atmosphere
• Cons: Sometimes crowded, No credit cards

06/10/05

Good n' cheap

by slburton3 at Citysearch

I've been to the Broad Ripple location only. Although I can't speak to the authenticity of the cuisine, I can tell you it is quite tasty! The value is definitely great- you get a lot for your dollar here. Yes, it is only cash so think ahead a bit. Everything I've tried here has been good, and plenty spicy for me. Definitely worth a stop.

• Pros: cheap, cheap, cheap
• Cons: good, good, good

03/26/05

Not all that great

by strype at Citysearch

Being from New Orleans I had a chance to visit and fall in love with the city of Indianapolis. Having been to several restaurants I was told to try "Yats." It's hard to screw up red beans and rice but the sausage used was less than impressive and had too much rice. The rice itself was mushy and couldn't be helped with a large helping of Tobasco. I settled on the Jambalaya and walked away with a stomachache. This rice was also overcooked and not nearly enough smoked sausage. Which was disappointing because of the info I got from the locals. To the unititiated of true New Orleans food, I recommend it. To those that are accustomed to New Orleans style food I would highly recommend you to eat here with an open mind and understand that this is NOT New Orleans.

• Pros: cheap, ambiance, scenery
• Cons: overcooked rice, not enough meat, bland

02/27/05

Yats - Great food, but cash only.

by pinnacle_place at Citysearch

This place has some wonderful creole food. I travel to New Orleans about 15-20 time a year and I have finally found a place in indy that brings home the flavor of the "BIG EASY". The food is out-of-this world!!! They also have a hot spot (free wi-fi) for your laptop or other internet ready gadget. Overall, I would recommend this establishment to everyone. The prices are great. meal is $5.50 - $6.50. Got to love that!!!! The staff is very friendly and unlike New Orleans, they all have teeth. The only downer is it is a CASH ONLY establishment. This is not the next VISA commercial restaurant. and no they don't take America Express.

• Pros: price, food
• Cons: cash only, limited menu