City: Indianapolis, IN

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (317) 536-0707

Address: 725 Massachusetts Ave.

Description: Opened in 2002, S.I. (Scholar’s Inn) Restaurant and Lounge is located in a century-old, two-story building in the historic Mass Ave arts district. Featuring the latest trends in upscale dining, S.I. is open and airy yet private, filled with comfortable custom booths with high, tapestried backs and flowing white curtains that can be closed. Marble tabletops, custom artwork, warm rich colors, lush carpeting, high-tech gadgets (a coffee table that serves as a TV screen), and white-linen-covered tables add to the upscale ambience. S.I. also features an 18-seat table where solo diners can choose to sit. Constructed of see-through hard plastic, the 21-foot light-infused table has a light switch that changes colors from neon purple and rosy red to lime green and sunshine yellow for a psychedelic atmosphere. The person who sits on the right side of the table can control the lights. Good thing to remember. Meals start with a loaf of warm bread—made by Scholar’s Inn Bakery—and seven-herb butter. Descriptions on the menu showcase the delectable choices, such as rainbow trout and toasted couscous with homemade tomato ginger jam, roasted forest mushrooms, sweet onions, spinach, and Saratoga sauce. Another entree is roasted squash lasagna with ricotta squash stuffing, roasted corn cream sauce, and fresh spinach. The Chocolate Oblivion dessert is a decadent flourless cake. The outside patio is a great gathering place, clustered around a massive 17-foot, two-way fireplace. Recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Scholar’s Inn also features a signature cocktail list. A champagne brunch is offered Sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.