Let me start by saying I’m a dedicated fan of Chipotle Mexican Grill. During my many visits to the national chain over on 86th Street, I couldn’t help but notice a restaurant in the plaza behind the eatery called Taylor’s Pub II. I’ve often wanted to check the place out, but I couldn’t let go of my Chipotle craving.
This week, I did something new and finally made my way through the restaurant’s doors. I met my boyfriend for lunch one afternoon, and as soon as we entered, he declared the place his new hangout spot on upcoming Sundays, when many big sporting events air. As noon was quickly approaching, a few other customers were strolling in for lunch.
We took a seat near the window and began looking over the menu. There was a lot to choose from, including pretzel breadsticks, a variety of burgers, a spicy chicken ranch wrap, gyros and Reubens.
Outside the normal pub food, one can find specialties like Shrimp Diablo, fish tacos, fish and chips and lemon chicken.
The restaurant offers a lunch menu for those interested in soup, salad and sandwich combinations, as well as another special on Saturdays, which includes a variety of slider burgers. A dark chalkboard hung from the wall across the room displaying several drink and food specials throughout the week.
I decided on the sweet and spicy shrimp from the appetizer menu, and my boyfriend ordered chicken wings, also from the appetizer menu. In addition, we ordered The House Mac and Cheese with bacon, scallion, cavatappi and a special four-white-cheese blend.
As we waited for our food, I learned the restaurant is called Taylor’s Pub II, because it is the owners’ second location; their first opened in Greenbriar at the corner of 86th Street and Ditch Road in 1995. The Nora neighborhood welcomed Taylor’s Pub II in 1998. I also learned that in 2015, the pub held its inaugural chili cook-off, and all proceeds directly benefited Teachers’ Treasures, which obtains and distributes free school supplies to teachers of students in need. Also, the Nora location hosts Trivia Night each Wednesday beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Everything else about Taylor’s seemed pretty good, and I was hoping the food would bring it all home.
Our food arrived steaming hot, and we could tell it was freshly prepared. The sweet and spicy shrimp came with six jumbo breaded shrimp, and we each ate three. Shrimp is my favorite food, and I approved of this dish, as it was very flavorful. We decided on two sauces for the chicken wings — Sriracha Parmesan Garlic and Cajun Dry Rub. I equally enjoyed both, as they each seemed to have their own vibe while not mimicking other traditional sauces at other places.
When the macaroni and cheese first arrived, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical. Traditionally, I don’t order this dish at restaurants, because I know I’ll disappoint myself; I know it won’t taste like its homemade counterpart. Although it wasn’t the dish I eat on Thanksgiving, it was quite tasty, and we finished all of it.
It’s safe to say I’ll be visiting Taylor’s Pub II more often now.
Taylor’s Pub II
1546 E. 86th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 815-8615
