Following May’s boom of new restaurants and June’s multiple unexpected closures, July marked a relatively quiet stretch for central Indiana’s dining scene.
Carmel and Noblesville welcomed high-end concepts, while the northwest side broadened its already impressive roster of international offerings. Meanwhile, a longtime west-side bar poured its last drink and a big name in Indiana spirits bowed out of Westfield. Here are some of the restaurants that opened and closed in July, plus one from June that snuck under the radar last month.
Restaurants that opened in July
Maui Hawaiian Grill
2440 Lake Circle Drive, (317) 759-4999, mauihawaiiangrill.com, opened June 18
The St. Vincent/Greenbriar neighborhood welcomed its latest addition in mid-June with Maui Hawaiian Grill, whose offerings reflect the islands’ blend of native, Japanese, Korean and American culinary influences. Spring rolls, crab rangoon and grilled Spam or beef musubi ($5 to $8) join Korean-style kalbi short ribs ($18), deep-fried shrimp and pineapple ($14) and teriyaki chicken ($11).
Parkside Bar and Grill inside Stick and Hack
10 E. 191st St., Westfield, (463) 622-4499, stickandhack.com, opened early July
Located inside the expansive Stick and Hack sports and entertainment complex that last month replaced West Fork Whiskey’s Westfield campus, the Parkside Bar and Grill serves upscale pub food such as burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, fish and chips, salads and assorted appetizers. The restaurant also offers beer, seltzer and a full bar of spirits.
Charred Steakhouse
61 City Center Drive, (317) 564-4840, charred-indy.com, opened July 10
Carmel’s newest high-end offering boasts prime cuts of filet mignon ($49 to $79), ribeye ($72) and dry-aged porterhouse ($129) alongside classic steakhouse vegetable and potato sides ($11 to $16) and non-bovine entrées such as Moroccan-style lamb ($43) and sesame-crusted tuna ($45). Charred also stocks a full bar with signature cocktails, wines and bubbles by the glass or bottle and a robust roster of whiskey.
The Pretender Hi-Fi Lounge and Bar
818 Logan St., Noblesville, thepretender.com, opened July 30
Indiana-based Clancy’s Hospitality, best known for its namesake hamburger mini-chain, Grindstone restaurants and the Fountain Room on Mass Ave, has branched out with a Japanese jazz kissa lounge-inspired concept called The Pretender. In addition to sleek, dimly lit décor, the hangout serves an upscale take on Americana fare like pigs in a blanket ($16), melts and burgers ($18 to $22), a 14-ounce New York strip steak with smashed potatoes and roasted vegetables ($40) and roasted pork tenderloins ($28), plus an expansive cocktail menu and wine list.
Restaurants that closed in July
West Fork Whiskey Westfield
10 E. 191st St., Westfield, closed early July
Just shy of its fourth anniversary in Westfield, West Fork Whiskey’s sprawling 13-acre distillery near Westfield’s Grand Park served its last Old Fashioned under the West Fork name. The closure came three months after the Indianapolis-based distillery announced it had sold the property and associated assets to Fishers-based Stick and Hack, a mixed-use sports and entertainment center with locations in Fishers and Broad Ripple. West Fork still produces whiskey for retail and wholesale distribution, and the brand’s Fountain Square bar West Fork Social House (formerly Rise and Revel) remains open.
The AVG Pub
3520 W. 16th St., closed July 10
After 11 years on the west side, the AVG Pub poured its last shot in early July. The bar issued its lone public sendoff via a Google Business post that read, “Thank you to all of our Loyal Patrons and Dart Players that kept us going for 11yrs (sic)!”
Know of an opening or closing in your area? Let dining reporter Bradley Hohulin know at bhohulin@indystar.com. You can follow him on Instagram @BradleyHohulin and stay up to date with Indy dining news by signing up for the Indylicious newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Restaurant news: HamCo gets new steakhouse, lounge, loses distillery
Reporting by Bradley Hohulin, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Bradley Hohulin, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
