Yats Restaurant

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

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

10/22/04

No-frills, New Orleans style food tamed to timid taste.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Christmas bulbs, beads and junk store finds drip from ceiling and shelves in the garish yellow eatery plucked off Bourbon Street, seemingly awaiting cleanup from a Mardi Gras explosion. Scattered inside and out, mismatched seating is concealed under subtle, ambient lighting. Serenaded by canned retro classics, young Broad Ripple patrons read newspapers and people-watch in the bustling and delightfully tacky New Orleans-style haunt.

The Food
Creole aromas waft down College Avenue, advertising a flavorful, but not spicy, Cajun menu. Heat can be added from a selection of sauce bottles on the bar in this self-serve cafe where every entree is $5. Most of the limited array of etouffees, beans and rice are served with chicken, although vegetarian selections are available. A nod to true Cajun cooking is evidenced by the crawfish and sausage choices. Surprisingly, curry seasons the mushroom and spinach etouffee.

10/27/03

One of the best values!

by deeoneil at Citysearch

I tried the downtown Yat's for the first time a few months ago before heading to a show at the Murat, and am in heaven! The service was very friendly and patient as I deliberated over the various menu choices, and even offered up a sample upon observing my indecisiveness. I decided upon a coconut etoufee which was wonderful! Just enough coconut to give the flavor a pleasant twist.

And there's no beating the bang for your buck! Perfect for a filling meal without needing to allot a lot of time beforehand.

• Pros: changing menu , sample tastes given, excellent value
• Cons: limited seating