Ezra’s Enlightened Cafe … doesn’t it just sound like an “earthy” and healthy place to be? Well I thought so as soon as I spotted the restaurant’s table at a local farmers market one Saturday. It was full of homemade sweet treats and I figured I would stop by the brick-and-mortar location to see what they offered.
Ezra’s is a very petite eatery located near 62nd Street and College Avenue, where several boutique businesses can be found.
The place screamed “indoor-outdoor living” as its bright yellow structure with an attached patio decorated with pink and green chairs offered a large-sized open window to link the two spaces (think a building with a glass door and mini garage door as the window).
I made my way through the heft of Sunday afternoon customers to the line. As I walked in, I noticed a small bookshelf to the right with self-care books and others with health-related topics. I also couldn’t help but notice the bumblebees! While there wasn’t a swarm, I could point out at least five at any given moment. Although this personally made me uncomfortable, I figured bees like natural ingredients, so Ezra’s must be the real deal.
A dark chalkboard hung above me displaying the menu items. Behind the counter I spotted very large, heavy-looking produce like kale and collard greens, freshly sliced lemons and more.
The menu included items like: vegan tacos, Thai coconut soup, pumpkin parfaits, vegan pizza, a fall detox juice, honey-spice kale chips, raw fusion burritos and more, including smoothies, juices, soups, bowls, coffee and tea. From an informal survey, I learned some of the most popular items were: Nacho Mama’s Bean Bowl, priced at $9, and the Buddha Bowl, priced at $12.
I decided on the Buddha Belly Chocolate Shake made with organic cacao, organic almond butter, organic banana, organic cinnamon and organic almond milk, and the Triple Chocolate Brownie from the “un” bakery, where each dessert is made without gluten, dairy or processed sugar and is organic.
I cashed out at about $13 and continued to look around. I saw an assortment of herbal teas, four large slow cookers, and a note attached to the register that informs customers its Wi-Fi code is “Pure Bliss.”
After a five-minute wait, I grabbed my shake and brownie and headed back home. On the way to the car, I noticed a beautiful art mural on the wall of the building next to Ezra’s. Although it wasn’t attached to the restaurant, I figured they owned it due to its pattern and use of many colors.
My Buddha Belly shake was very good with a mostly chocolate flavor with a hint of banana. It wasn’t overpowering, and I ended up finishing it on the car ride home. I saved the brownie for my boyfriend, who said it was very chocolaty.
Later that day I discovered Ezra’s Instagram (@Ezrasrawcafe) account, where I learned the three-week-old mural was actually a community alley mural sponsored by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. I also learned the restaurant is named after owner and raw chef Audrey Barron’s son — how adorable!
Ezra’s Enlightened Cafe
6516 Ferguson St.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 255-3972
Tuesday–Friday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday:
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
