As long as I’ve lived in Indianapolis, I’ve always lived north. There are so many things I love about living near the city limits and whether it’s residing northeast or northwest, what I loved most was that I lived near good restaurants.
Despite a plethora to choose from, there was always something missing. One night, I figured it out: I had yet to find a good diner.
I think I’ve found the answer to my problem: the Southside has the kind of greasy spoon food I craved.
One day I was looking for something cheap yet delicious to eat. I happened to be near the University of Indianapolis and stumbled upon Joe’s Shelby Street Diner.
I could tell this was the real deal when I walked in and saw a long counter with stationary chairs that swivel back and forth.
Restaurant regulars were at their usual tables on one side of the establishment, which left an elderly lady and me at the counter. A server quickly provided me a menu and I went in search of what would satisfy my hunger.
Like most diners they had breakfast items such as biscuits and gravy and grilled ham and eggs, but that tasty morning fare is reserved for…well, morning.
I turned to the other side of the menu. The fact that they served appetizers surprised me, but I made a mental note to remember they had fried okra and mushrooms, just in case my husband and I wanted to dine there.
Almost every diner menu in Indiana has a fried tenderloin sandwich on it and Joe’s Shelby Street Diner is no exception. The chicken sandwich sounded delightful and the 50s Philly steak and the ribeye sandwich was perfect for my level of hunger.
Since I was in a diner, I had to look at their selection of burgers. They served the classic hamburger, cheeseburger and bacon cheeseburger.
And that’s when I spotted it: the patty melt. The classic sandwich had no extra frills to it. Just a hamburger with Swiss and grilled onion served on rye bread. The Splish Splash (a golden fried fish sandwich) was also calling my name. I asked the server which was best and she said, “You can’t go wrong with either. They both are really good.”
As the lady at the counter made her way to the door, she said, “honey, I’d go with the patty melt. I’ve been coming here for years so I know!” It was settled.
I watched the cook prepare my burger on a grill right in front of me so I knew my ingredients were fresh. The burger was grilled perfectly and the onions were exactly how I like them: not too raw, but not too soft. I’m not a huge fan of Swiss cheese, but this cheese was the perfect complement to the sandwich.
My sandwich came with chips. The bill with the tip was about $6.
As I savored every bite, I thought to myself, “I’m so glad I’m not a UIndy student. I’d be over here all the time. My freshman 15 would quickly be freshman 50.”
I know there is a health craze going on, but in my opinion, every now and then you need something sinfully good. I love a good greasy burger and if you add fries and a rootbeer float from Joe’s Shelby Street Diner you will certainly be happy.
I also read that dieters who treat themselves once in a while are more successful. Head to the Southside and make Joe’s Shelby Street Diner your treat. You won’t be disappointed.
Joe’s Shelby Street Diner
3623 Shelby St.
Indianapolis, Ind. 46227
(317) 783-9590
Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
