What I'm Eating: Sahms Tavern and Elbow Room

I'm just going to condense 2 posts that I've been slacking on writing into just this one to save time and energy.  The warm weather has revved up my desire to explore locally.  This is my favorite time of year and there is never a short supply of place to go or things to do.

SAHMS TAVERN
After going to look at a couple houses last weekend, D and I were mentally exhausted and decided to stop in one of our fave bars downtown: Sahms Tavern.  I am a little bias because our friend Marcus is a manager but luckily they never disappoint.  I've eaten at almost every Sahms location including the ones in Fishers and on Keystone but the downtown spot has a unique, sophisticated feeling with some of the best views of the city.  They spent a butt load (I've always loved the implied amount of a butt load) of money renovating this space.  It is split into 2 sides.  On the left, the cafe serves a Sunday Brunch and host private parties.  On the right side, they have about 8, or so, booths and an eat-at granite bar top.  A massive, dark wood bar and exposed brick is the main focal point of the whole place and is just visually stunning.  There is a fully stocked bar with several local brews on tap. 

We decided to belly up at the bar so we could chit chat with Marcus.  Although I thought about going with a local brew, I was lame and just went with cheap: Miller Lt.  (I know I'm losing foodie points).  I have tried so many different things on the Sahms brand menus.  I love that they offer a new special every day.  I browsed that menu briefly but decided to go off the main menu with the Turkey Reuben (for some reason sauerkraut was calling my name) and a cup of chili (probably the last time this season I will opt for beefy chili).  D went with an oldie-yet-goodie, breaded tenderloin! and onion rings.

My Turkey Reuben was a healthy alternative to the original.  They sandwiched turkey topped with sweet and sour sauerkraut and melted swiss cheese on two slices of rye bread.  There was also a slather of fat free french dressing on one slice of the bread.  The chili was a good, simple mix of beany and meaty.

D's meal was exactly what he was hoping for.  They have perfected the breaded pork tenderloin which is a meal in itself.  By the time he was finished devouring his sandwich he barely had room for any of his delicious, thinly sliced onion rings.  I helped him out :)

Sahms is locally owned and operated which is why I appreciate their restaurants so much.  I used to work at Muldoon's on 96th St. (12 years ago) before Sahm's took it over.  The staff is always friendly and the food is always yummy.

The Verdict: Out of 5 stars
Location/Atmosphere: ****1/2 located in the smaller OneAmerica bldg downtown with plenty of parking. Beautiful decor & stunning views of the city

Service: ***** (stop in and say hello to Marcus)

Food:**** (a diverse menu with lots of comfort food choices)

Will I eat there again: I will probably stop in there very soon.


Sahms Tavern & Cafe
433 N. Capitol Indianapolis, IN
317-822-9903
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Elbow Room
D and I love taking Little Miss B on walks downtown.  We like to admire all of the historical architecture and residential areas.  Tuesday was quite humid so by the time we had walked to the War Memorial area, we were sweating and B was panting profusely.  We saw another couple dining at Elbow Room with their cute little Boston Terrier so we decided to take a break, order a brew and just soak the environment in.  Our server greeted us with a bowl of water for B and took our drink orders.  In the meantime, I scanned the menu and decided to go with the Turkey Florentine.  I don't know why I've been in a turkey mood lately; I had just had a Turkey Reuben on Sunday.