This past weekend, I paid a visit to what many claim is the city’s premier dining destination, Bluebeard. Bluebeard is located along the swank Virginia Avenue corridor in the Fletcher Place neighborhood, close to downtown Indianapolis. I would be lying if I said that I was not completely blown away by the entire experience. However, one must not approach this restaurant with a picky palate.

Let us begin with the ambience. The restaurant is set in a 20^th century brick structure is in what most people would call Indianapolis’ Brooklyn. The restaurant has a literature theme, even deriving its name from a French tale. The theme is very apparent in the restaurant, as a result of the vintage typewriters and bills being housed in old novels. The restaurant has 3 unique spaces, a main dining room, outside patio and bar area. The main dining room is very bright and modern feeling with a great amount of natural light. It is house in a 50’s looking addition to the building. Outside, patrons are met by aged trees that filter in natural light. There are eclectic chandeliers hung above the tables, which include individual tables as well as a communal table. The bar area is housed in the old factory portion of the building and features posh lighting and stained glass, which adds to alternative vibe of the establishment. The experience from the setting alone is spectacular, at the level of only few other Indianapolis area restaurants.

Now let’s talk food. Oh my god. The food served at this establishment is impeccable from head to toe, each being curated by renowned Indianapolis chef, Abby Merriss. The menu changes nearly every day based on what is available locally, as the restaurant is dedicated to using only the freshest ingredients. Upon seeing the menu, I knew the nights experience would be stellar.

My dining partner and I started out the night with the Bread ($4). After eating this bread, no run of the mill carbohydrates will ever seem the same again. Included is in-house assorted breads accompanied by a honey-thyme butter, which was excellent, anchovy butter, which was great to refresh my palate, and a roasted garlic butter, which I did not enjoy as much as my dining partner. My partner and I then indulged in a Chop Salad ($8). Unlike most chop salads, this salad includes unbelievably fresh vegetables, and extra ingredients like salami. It was dashed with a light herb vinaigrette which made the salad have a refreshing feeling. The appetizers were phenomenal.

We then reached the time for our main courses. I ordered the Ramen ($16). The very alternative, yet classic ramen consisted of shrimp, cremini mushrooms, an egg, radish, cilantro and jalapeno all complemented by the unworldly kombu broth. The radish complements the texture by giving it a crunch in some areas, in contrast to the otherwise soothing texture. The mushrooms in addition to the broth truly bring the next umami into the dish. This bowl provided the cozy feeling of classic ramen while giving off a very modern and interesting vibe. My dining partner enjoyed the homey feeling of the Bay Scallops ($16). The scallops come in a warm sauce that is highlighted by tastes of garlic and roasted tomatoes.

The service of the establishment was of the highest quality, with personable hosts and attentive waiters. While the waiters checked in constantly, it was not so constant that it interrupted the experience. I would define this establishment of having a ‘posh elegance’ of sorts. Very hipster, very Brooklyn-esque. I would only hope that the restaurant continues to push the bar for culinary experiences in the Indianapolis area. I will definitely be dining in again. 9/10.