If you're anything like us (and we suspect you are), you're on a quest that never seems to end: what are the best restaurants in Indiana? Well, there are literally thousands of places all over the state, so maybe narrowing it down to just a few is harder than it sounds. We gave it a shot - but there's just one catch. These restaurants aren't going to be the most well-known in the Hoosier state. These picks are the tiny little places that are way too easy to accidentally drive past (and driving past them would be borderline sinful). Here are our picks for some of THE best little hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Indiana (in no particular order)!
1. Pizzaville - Avon
Pizzaville is an unassuming little gem hiding in plain sight in Avon, Indiana. They're known for their incredible crust, made in-house, and their spectacularly perfect mini pizzas just for one. Rave reviews mention their generous portion sizes often enough! For hours, menu information and anything else your heart desires, visit their website.
Address: 5201 E US Highway 36 Suite 106, Avon, Indiana, 46123
2. Grilliant Foods BBQ & Butcher Shop - Indianapolis
Grilliant Foods is truly unique, and not just because of that beautiful pun in the name. Not only do they sell what has been called, more than once, the best BBQ in Indiana, but they also sell the things you'll need to recreate it at home! If you're in love with their tenderloin (it's alright, everyone is), you can purchase some raw tenderloin - the same they use in-house - at Grilliant Foods' market to cook up at home. This little spot is one of the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Indiana, and it's hiding away in a small house-turned-kitchen. For hours, a full menu, and information on their butcher shop, visit their Facebook page.
Address: 4320 W 96th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46268
3. Jimbo's BBQ
Jimbo's BBQ is a legend in and of itself. The second Indianapolis barbecue joint to make this list, this ridiculously-highly-rated little hotspot is like a perfectly-kept secret among friends. However, once you know it's there, you'll never stop visiting. They sell to-die-for ribs, rib tips, brisket, and even meatloaf - and that's just some of it. The sauces are the best part, though - they're hand-made in-house. You cannot pass this place up! For hours and the full menu, check out
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Address: 9211 Crawfordsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46234
4. Clax Shack - Clayton
Clax Shack might just be a little slice of heaven right here in Indiana. They offer your typical fanfare when it comes to bar food, but trust us when we say they do it better than the rest. They're well-known for their tender, thick and juicy tenderloin. For hours and menu information, please visit their Facebook page.
Address: 1795 US-40, Clayton, Indiana, 46118
5. Asian Snack - Indianapolis
You'd probably never know this place existed unless you're a frequent visitor of the grocery store it's hidden away in known as Saraga Market. Asian Snack isn't more than a counter and a menu, but believe us - it's absolutely gourmet-level tasty. It's authentic Chinese food wrapped in an unassuming package, and we are here for it. They don't have a website at all, so you'll just have to go visit Saraga Market as soon as you're able to!
Address: 3605 Commercial Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46222
6. Taco Express Mexican Grill - Lafayette
We cannot sing the praises of this little, itty-bitty, takeout-only Mexican food restaurant loudly enough. Legend has it that both their red sauce and their green sauce were sent straight down from the heavens, and they make the menu a shining star that you cannot pass up. For hours, their menu and more, visit
Address: 3401 Fairfield Court, Lafayette, Indiana, 47909
7. Jamaican Breeze - Indianapolis
We're beginning to suspect that Indy is home to most of the hole-in-the-wall places you can possibly ever need in your life. Jamaican Breeze is exactly what it sounds like: a low-key, laid-back place serving up the best Jamaican food in the Hoosier state. The atmosphere of this little place is as amazing as their food is. For hours and a look at their menu, check out their website
Address: 4189 North Keystone Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46205
8. Goody's Restaurant - Plainfield
The final restaurant in our list of picks for the best restaurants in Indiana goes to Goody's Restaurant, a diner with small-town charm in Plainfield with a lot going on for it. Their breakfasts are out-of-this-world delicious and some folks claim that it's low-key the best Mexican food place in the state, although that's not all they serve (not even close). For hours, more pictures and the menu, take a look at their Facebook page.
Address: 1601 East Main Street Suite 2, Plainfield, Indiana, 46168
One thing is for sure: Indiana is secretly a foodie's dream come true. Craving another list of more amazing Indiana restaurants? Check out this article for 12 Unique Restaurants In Indiana.
What's your favorite little hole-in-the-wall? Tell us your picks in the comments!
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