I arrived at Black Market on a rainy afternoon to a cozy-cornered restaurant across from Indy Reads Books.
The interior was encased with brick walls, Hawaiian-themed decorations, dim lights and a long wall of brand-name spirits. Eight customers were there before me, a small sum, and the relaxing atmosphere propelled me to quell my thoughts in anticipation of what would come.
It took a bit of time for a worker to attend to me, but the bartender’s demeanor was a welcome change from the dreary stain outside. “Hi, may I help you?” she said. Then I asked for the lunch menu and was handed a concise list even though I already knew what I was going to try.
Soon after, a pair sat next to me and one said, “Ohh, these seats are good and squishy.” I silently agreed and noted that this was the kind of place where someone can lounge, have a drink and burn an hour away.
With that in mind, Black Market is definitely a place for an older crowd, due to the 21 and over requirment. A casual date would be suitable for this space, however, a business deal or an important conversation would fit well too.
After mercilessly people watching, I decided to select what seemed like a house favorite, the Black Market Burger composed of ground beef and lamb, a goat cheese spread, red onions, green tomato pickles and fries. I asked for the fries with house mayo then ordered a drink.
What would’ve made more sense, in hindsight, would’ve been a combination with rum as the restaurant’s website claims to be “rum-obsessed.” But while thoughts of the Caribbean summer was welcome it just didn’t fit the mood. Instead, I selected a gin concoction titled the “Singapore Sling.”
The cocktail came garnished with a slice of lemon and a scarlet hue which left me with only one impression: I was not cheated on the portions. Even for someone with a seasoned taste for liquor, I am willing to bet that a couple of these slingers may have one spilling a trade secret or two. That will be my very fair warning.
As for the meal, I tried the fries alone and with the homemade mayo and was not disappointed with either option. Each bite carried a wondrous salty taste. They were only slightly crunchy, but mostly warm and soft.
The main event, the burger, was wonderful as well — so wonderful I forgot I was supposed to be doing business. The goat cheese was like a bagel’s topping as it meshed with the final cook. I’m usually not one for a medium-rare finish but the end result was more than satisfactory and not at all bloody.
I was also happy as the island jazz tunes floated around my ears to keep my senses in bliss. The food was graciously seasoned and there was no need to meddle.
Towards the end of my visit the bartender asked me if I was doing okay. I replied, “I’m doing very well, thank you,” but I was simultaneously shouting expletives in my head because I foolishly finished my food too soon.
Before exiting, however, I went back to people watching and listened in as the middle-aged pair near me gossipped about divorced men, children and new flames. I interrupted their conversation at a point to ask them what they thought of the restaurant. “This is my first time, actually,” one of them said, adding that, next time, she wanted to try what I had.
That’s unfortunately where it ends. The three of us noted the promise of next time, then went outside in the rain.
Black Market
922 Massachusetts Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 822–6757
