INDIANAPOLIS – Sometimes you just want a little hint of spice and Creole seasoning added to your dish, and if you’re not up for making your own creation, Indy has plenty of Cajun and Creole restaurants to choose from.
Many of the owners of Indy’s restaurants have family ties to New Orleans – where Creole cuisine has its roots – and they want to give you a taste of their culture.
Here are five of Indy’s best Cajun and Creole restaurants:
Chef Oya’s The Trap | 3355 N. Keystone Avenue | Chefoya.com
Voted the No.1 seafood spot in the city by The Indy A-List, and a place the scores pretty high on Yelp is Chef Oya’s The Trap. At first, you may not be sure if they’re serving up your Cajun favorites or not – as you’ll see it’s attached to a liquor store – but trust us, it’s full of southern flavors. You’ll be greeted by Chef Oya herself who offers shrimp, lobster, crawfish, a bubbly personality and her specialty – trap buttah. You’ll come hungry and leave stuffed thanks to the large portions.
SotSot | 2405 N. College Avenue | Facebook.com/sotsot1catering
A variety of Cajun flavors is exactly what you’ll taste at Some of This, Some of That on College Avenue. New Orleans-style fair like bourbon chicken, Jambalaya and shrimp etouffee sure you can feed your soul with shrimp po boys and bayou cakes, but SotSot has character. It’s home to a historic building that was revitalized to fit the emerging area.
Papa Roux | 8950 E. 10th Street | paparouxcajun.com
Papa Roux is giving you a sprinkle of spicy seasonings and get this – free sides. Yes, you read that correctly – free, endless sides. You choose an entrée priced between $9-$12 and pick any bottomless side dish like red beans and rice, stew, bread pudding, cole slaw, corn bread and others. If free food isn’t enough to get you through the door, maybe their friendly service will.
Mudbugs Cajun Café | 20 W. Main Street, Carmel | Mudbugscajuncafe.com
You’ll think it’s Fat Tuesday every day when you see how large Mud Bugs’ beignets are. Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, this is one of the few places you can enjoy this powdered sugar treat in the city. Beside the chicken and sausage gumbo and the dirty rice, you’ll be met with a Mardi Gras ambiance.
B’s Po Boy | 1261 S. Shelby Street | bspoboy.com
Fountain square has a Creole, Cajun restaurant? Sure does, and po boys aren’t the only thing on the menu. This is your chance to try fried alligator, muffuletta, Creole slaw and many other dishes. But if you did come for the po boy, every first Friday you’ll find a specialty sandwich on the menu.
