Root & Bone in Indianapolis is a charming Southern restaurant that has quickly garnered a reputation for its exceptional culinary offerings and warm ambiance. Nestled on College Ave, this eatery provides a cozy escape where comfort food reigns supreme. Diners rave about the fried chicken, which strikes a delicate balance between crispy texture and juicy flavors, making it an unforgettable highlight. The biscuits are frequently mentioned as a must-try, with their soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency leaving patrons longing for more.
Crowd favorites like shrimp and grits showcase the complexity of flavors that Root & Bone excels at, while the bbq ribs are praised for their tender, fall-off-the-bone quality. The atmosphere is enhanced by friendly service, with staff members cultivating an inviting experience for both casual meals and special occasions. Cocktails, including the unique Old Fashioned made with maple syrup and bacon, add to the overall enjoyment, although some may find them not quite top-tier.
Whether you're indulging in brunch or a delightful dinner, Root & Bone promises a satisfying journey through Southern comfort food. With its excellent service and standout dishes, it's a place that beckons for return visits.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Photos
Reviews For Root & Bone - Indianapolis
Dave Donahue
May 31,2025
Great spot for both dinner and brunch. The shrimp and grits are absolutely fantastic, flavors are complex and presentation was great. For brunch, the Bloody Mary is okay but not spectacular. They have a cocktail list, respectable cocktails well worth ordering but certainly not in the top tier of cocktails in the city. Service has been good when we have been several times. Also we have had several enjoyable dinners here as well. The fried chicken was very good, the bbq ribs are fantastic and fall off the bone, as was the pork chop we had last time. The peach burrata salad was good as well. Appetizers - the biscuits are a must have, and the beet deviled eggs are fantastic as well.
David Catalano
May 28,2025
What a great place! Wonderful Old fashions made with maple syrup and bacon! Steak was cooked to perfection and delivered with a smile. Bar tender was personable and enjoyable to talk with. The environment is very nice too. Overall, a wonderful experience.
Molly S
May 26,2025
Root and Bone is a delightful dining experience that truly stands out in the neighborhood. While the small parking lot behind the building can be a bit of a challenge, the ambiance inside makes it well worth the effort. The warm and inviting decor creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. The food is simply outstanding! I had the pickled deviled eggs, and they were unique and bursting with flavor—definitely a must-try. The highlight of the meal was the fried chicken, which was cooked to perfection. It struck the right balance, not overly crispy but incredibly juicy, making each bite a pleasure. Additionally, the service was fantastic. The staff was attentive and friendly, ensuring we had everything we needed without being intrusive. Overall, Root and Bone offers a wonderful combination of great food, excellent service, and a charming atmosphere that makes it a place I can't wait to return to!
Jay Swidler
May 20,2025
Our server, Jessica was excellent. Helped us make some great selections. Biscuits were heavenly. Must get. The red shrimp with grits was delicious. Also, the schnitzel with brown butter spaetzel was perfectly balanced and just the perfect bite. Food with bursts of unique flavor. Key lime pie dessert was spot on. Don’t sleep on this place. Worth trying.
Lauren B
May 11,2025
Had such a lovely brunch here with my cousin. The food was wonderful and I can not say enough about their biscuits! So soft but thick, but they melt in your mouth. These biscuits are perfection. I had to keep some home with me. The breakfast I had was amazing. The bacon was perfectly crisp, grits were well made and seasoned. The mimosas were just right. I told my other family members about this place, and I will definitely be back from breakfast again!
Katie Fleck
May 2,2025
Loving the new spring 2025 menu! Trinity was our amazing server last night, we ordered the cornbread at her recommendation and it was delicious. Always a great place for a nice dinner out
Shweta Urva
Apr 23,2025
We finally decided to brunch here after driving by it forever. The food and ambience was excellent, but our server Rick made the whole experience memorable! Was so attentive, made conversation even with our 4 year old and come up with good recommendations! The kids’s menu was good and we loved the fried chicken and grits! Excellent place without being pretentious!
Brian Wills
Apr 1,2025
Passing through town and found this hidden gem. James and Lindsey were bartending and both were very nice and cheerful. James recommended the blt appetizer and the duck entree. I got both and they were amazing. The smokiness of the pork belly paired perfectly with the creamy pimento cheese and the fried green tomato. The duck was perfectly cooked and the sauce was so flavorful. Must try restaurant. Ps get some of the cocktails from these wonderful people
Reviews For Root & Bone - Indianapolis