Have you started the countdown to the NSPA/JEA National Convention in Indianapolis yet? We have, and it’s just 50 days away! In the weeks leading up to the convention, we are going to provide you with some convention tips and things to do in Indianapolis.

Let’s start with the most important part of your day: mealtime

Whether you’re out for lunch or dinner or just want to grab a snack, here are some of the top places in Circle City to grab some grub.

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO GO TOO FAR FROM THE CONVENTION CENTER…

Try High Velocity, the sports bar located on the ground floor of the JW Marriott. This restaurant’s menu includes “a variety of American favorites mixed with some High Velocity flair.”

If sports bars aren’t your thing, Osteria Pronto is also located in the JW Marriott, situated right off the lobby. Osteria Pronto serves “authentic Northern Italian cuisine,” where “each dish is comprised only of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.”

Just a 10-15 minute walk away is Monument Circle, which is surrounded by great restaurants, like Buca di Beppo, Giorgio’s Pizza and Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery.

Also in the nearby area is the Circle Centre Mall, which houses restaurants like Granite City Food and Brewery, Palomino and P.F. Chang’s.

Just past the mall is Hard Rock Cafe, Scotty’s Brewhouse and St. Elmo Steakhouse.

And if you’re looking to be insulted while waiting for your food, check out Dick’s Last Resort.

Still not satisfied? Here’s a map of all the places to eat in Downtown Indy.

 

IF YOU WANT TO BE LIKE THE COOL KIDS. . .

Go to Massachusetts Avenue — commonly referred to as Mass Ave. This street is named one of the Top 100 coolest streets in America, and is filled with great eats.

Start out with a fresh, cold-pressed juice from Natural Born Juicers before heading to Wild Eggs for breakfast.

Come back to Mass Ave for lunch or dinner and check out any of these restaurants:

  • Mesh — “Mesh blends contemporary elegance and comfort with innovative cuisine and excellent service,” its website states.
  • Vida — “A modern expression of culinary technique with a worldly influence, Vida is dedicated to providing an unparalleled dining experience with fresh innovative cuisine…”
  • Fat Dan’s Deli — Home of Chicago Beef!
  • Salt — This restaurant opened Aug. 23 and is “an upscale casual restaurant focusing on fresh seafood, steaks, and cocktails.”
  • Bru Burger — This popular Mass Ave. destination features more than 17 different burgers and a whole lot of unique flavors.
  • MacNiven’s Scottish-American Restaurant and Bar — “A cozy wee pub offering hearty Scottish and American fare.”
  • The Eagle — Where “we start with free range, all natural Amish chicken. It’s brined, dredged, then dropped into custom-built fryers. Its got a little kick and is served with our house made hot honey.”

Just looking for a snack? Try Yogulatte, a frozen yogurt and coffee shop, or Subzero, an ice cream and yogurt shop.