Indianapolis questions...
 

Over 2000 junior bowlers and their families will be descending on the city for the NorthPointe Junior Gold bowling championships the week of July 14-20... As a parent of a junior bowler I will be responsible for getting my daughter from the hotel (Marriott East) to the various bowling centers on time, and for finding restaurants that fit in with our schedule.

What is traffic typically like on the 465/74 loop during morning and evening rush? From our hotel, would it be better to do the north or south loop to get to Western Bowl (near the airport), or better to head directly west on 70?

And if possible, your favorite restaurants near Woodland Bowl (north side, near Castleton Square), Western Bowl (W. Washington St) and Expo Bowl (near Beech Grove/65 south).

Thanks, Foot

TTT... I guess Indiana doesn't get much love on here.

I think the problem is that in some parts of the country we have residents who post regularly about their home state/city etc. Hopefully someone will see this. If not, you might try yelp.com for the restaurants.

I don't get to Indy as much as I used to but the last time I was there the traffic was pretty bad. We took 465 West/South to the airport and it was very busy. If you're staying near 465/74, I would recommend going 70 through downtown. It is a looooong ways to go around 465 north, but 465 south might be an alternative. Back in the day we actually bowled at the Expo Bowl. Wow that really takes me back. I'm sure there are lots of restaurants in the areas you'll be. make sure you have extra time for shopping at Castleton Square.

One more try... how is Mama Corolla's? Weber Grill?

Hi clubfoot! Sorry I missed your post from a couple of months ago. Hopefully you enjoyed your time in Indy and were able to get around okay and found some good restaurants!

Hi Sidny.. this is clubfoot's alter ego. We had a great time, ate well and honestly didn't hit much traffic... even during so-called rush hour.

Are there any non-chain restaurants you would recommend in the Indi area?

There are several good local restaurants to be found in Broad Ripple (a neighborhood north side of Indy).

Also downtown -- the Rathskeller comes to mind.

What part of town, what type of food? Most of the ethnic restaurants are non-chain and there are quite a few local food movement type places. Lots of choices in Broad Ripple as was mentioned, also along Mass Ave downtown. Also along College Ave just south of BR. Check out websites for Taste, Zest, SoBro Cafe, Cafe Patachou or any of its offshoots (locally owned but several different restaurants). I can keep going...there are even good choices in the burbs these days.