A Guide to Broad Ripple

Grab a Bite to Eat and Catch a Show!

The Crackers Comedy Club on 6281 N. College Ave. is the best place for an adventurous but easygoing night out in broad ripple. This Club has a variety of well known and lesser-known comedians and is open until 10:30pm on weekends.The comedy is great and the drinks and appetizers aren't bad either. For upcoming performers and other information visit www.crackerscomedy.com.

At The Jazz Kitchen, on 5377 N. College Ave. between E. 54th St. and E. 53rd Street, the best Jazz virtuosos perform live while you dine and oh what a show it is! I've never had any interest in jazz until I happened to dine here one evening and I must say that even if you don't like jazz you'll enjoy the experience of a performance while you dine. The cuisine is somewhat gourmet but not all that odd and combines American, Creole and Barbeque styles in the ultimate modern version of soul food. Some entrees include shrimp etoufee with almonds, pizza and arugala salad. The prices aren't bad either-10$-20$ per person.

Yates Restaurant serves the only real Cajun food in Indianapolis and is just up the street from the Jazz Kitchen. Meals are mainly traditionally prepared Cajun dishes such as crawfish etoufee, red beans and rice and jambalaya. At 5$-6$ a person you can't go wrong!

Some other great restaurants in the area include Shalimar Indian Restaurant at 1043 Broad Ripple Ave., Eddie Merlot's at 3646 E. 96th street, Broad Ripple Steak House 929 E. Westfield Blvd and Laria's Italian Restaurant on 317 S. College Ave.

Some of the Most Enjoyable Festivals in Broadripple

The Indiana Microbrewers Festival, at 66th & College Avenue, is held in July. It's the largest microbrew beer tasting event in Indiana featuring ales and lagers, including brewers from as far away as California. There's live music and food as well. Festival profits are donated each year to support non-profit, philanthropic programs.