As a kid, I loved to listen to my grandmother, Pearl Williams, relate tales of her Louisiana childhood.
The best were the stories of my great-grandfather Paul Smith, his fishing adventures and the delicious Creole food they ate.
I’ve gotten the chance to travel to New Orleans and taste the unique, authentic bayou flavors, but I’m thankful I can take a short drive downtown to Indiana Avenue and eat all the Louisiana-inspired cuisine I want at New Orleans on the Avenue. If you haven’t been, you don’t know what you’re missing.
Meet Bridget Brown, owner of the establishment.
Growing up in the restaurant industry, Brown knew her way around a professional kitchen and even did some independent catering herself. She always dreamed of owning her own restaurant and has an eatery that serves up delectable delights in a prime location – right across the street from the Madame Walker Theatre.
The cuisine – Cajun and Creole food, of course.
“It’s hard to find the type of Louisiana cuisine that I know,” said Brown.
She went on to say there are other restaurants in Indy that offer similar fare, but each has its own, different style. What sets New Orleans on the Avenue apart is that Brown orders her inventory directly from Louisiana.
Though the restaurant offers familiar items from the Pelican state such as “Po’ Boy” sandwiches, red beans and rice, and shrimp etouffee, Brown’s restaurant serves it up with authentic Creole and southwest Louisiana flavors in a comfortable, upscale atmosphere.
In addition to patrons eating the delicious food, New Orleans on the Avenue has welcomed special events such as New Year’s Eve parties and birthday celebrations.
Brown hopes more people visit her restaurant to taste the food she grew up on and still loves to this day. She also hopes to make her mark on Indiana Avenue and help restore the historic location to its rightful spot as a mecca for all things fun and prosperous.
“I’ve seen a lot of pictures from back in the day, how this place used to be. Indiana Avenue used to be the place to be. Now everything’s in Broad Ripple or Mass Avenue. I want to bring back some life to this corner and make people feel good,” said Brown.
For more information, call (317) 632-4099 or visit Neworleansontheavenue.com.
New Orleans on the Avenue
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday:
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday: noon – 10 p.m.
Sunday: noon – 5 p.m.
