The nine and a half hour drive from Selma, Ala. to Indianapolis did nothing but remind me of all the sleep and food I’d missed over the past few days. While the trip was nothing short of remarkable, I was ready to settle back into my normal way of life and enjoy some local Indianapolis food.
While stopping on the North eastside of town in Lawrence Township around 10 a.m., breakfast was on my mind and I wondered what local brunch restaurants were within a reasonable distance. My Google Maps application located a place called Café Audrey at the Fort at 9134 Otis Ave. which was given four and a half stars by previous visitors. Since I found myself only less than four minutes away, I figured I’d go and check it out.
One of the first things I noticed upon entering Café Audrey was the vintage exposed brick wall on the left side of the restaurant. As a fan of tasteful décor and avid watcher of HGTV, I often reflect on a building’s architecture and design.
I found a comfy two top table and scanned the menu. My first instinct was to try the $4.99 special running from 7-9 a.m. but then I remembered my 10 a.m. arrival time. I knew I didn’t want anything fancy because my sleep deprived brain craved something simple, so I could find my way to my bed for a long nap.
After bouncing back and forth between a create-your-own omelet and a traditional breakfast with pancakes, bacon and eggs, I decided on the latter. Since breakfast is served all day, it seemed only right that this place had a long list of specials, some which were displayed on a chalkboard hanging on the brick wall.
The breakfast menu offered Huevos Rancheros, a Breakfast Hash with fried potatoes, sausage, onions, green peppers and other tasty ingredients, homemade pancakes and a variety of quiche and breakfast sandwiches. Three types of salads and four types of burgers also made the menu. In addition to the previously mentioned, items customers also have the option of indulging in fish tacos, a shrimp po-boy or loaded fries.
My meal arrived at my table shortly after ordering and I couldn’t wait to dig in. The pancakes were sprinkled with powdered sugar and the bacon was cooked just right. By the time I finished eating, most of the restaurant had cleared out and I truly got a chance to relax.
The restaurant’s historic location added enjoyment to the meal. The Fort Harrison district served as the city’s major military facility until the 90s. In the early 1900s it was home to a training facility for two World Wars, the Cold War and Vietnam according to National Park Service.
Another plus: the restaurant offers free Wi-Fi so its patrons can listen to their favorite tunes, video chat or update social media while dining.
If you are interested in finding some place to dine without waiting in long lines and a place to simply kick back and relax, Café Audrey in the city’s historic Fort Harrison district may be a place to check out.
Café Audrey at the Fort
9134 Otis Ave.
Indianapolis, Ind. 46216
Monday – Friday:
7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday:
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
