hrimp ’n’ grits … not something I thought I would thoroughly enjoy at a place known for its craft beer. I recently made a visit to Twenty Tap, which rests right across the street from The Fresh Market grocery store in Broad Ripple.
Although the weather was gloomy, the restaurant was packed, and my guest, Jade, and I waited about 20 minutes for a table. Jade initially put the thought of shrimp ’n’ grits into my mind, as she has visited the eatery before and highly recommended it. Once we learned it would take even longer to secure a table in the main dining area, we decided to take a smaller table next to the bar. The area was quite cramped and very loud, but we decided to go with the flow.
While chatting, we began looking over the menu, and I knew I wanted to try the shrimp ’n’ grits, but I was also open to a large salad. The appetizer menu included pimento mac and cheese, veggie buffalo wings and warm soft pretzels. For a moment, the “soup/salad/etc.” section of the menu grabbed my attention when I spotted the Roasted Veggie Salad with mixed field greens, asparagus, red bell pepper, fresh corn, dried cranberries, feta, pumpkin seeds and pomegranate vinaigrette. That all sounded delicious, but I knew I would regret not ordering the shrimp ‘n’ grits with creamy Parmesan grits, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, shallots, bacon and scallions. Jade ordered the short rib grilled cheese with braised Fischer Farms short ribs, cherry bourbon glaze, jalapeno marmalade, smoked gouda, Havarti and caramelized onion on Texas toast. Other sandwiches included the spicy Cuban, house-smoked pulled brisket and blackened whitefish.
Of course, the drink menu was extensive, but that’s something I can’t give a review on, as I had no alcoholic beverages. Next time, I’m sure I’ll enjoy a glass of wine.
Our food arrived freshly made and very warm. Twenty Tap served up some of the best shrimp ’n’ grits I’ve ever had. The grits were cooked to perfection, the juice my meal sat in was good enough to be eaten alone and the shrimp (my favorite food) was surprisingly not overcooked.
Jade’s sandwich was very large and from the beginning, we both knew we weren’t going to finish our meals. As we enjoyed our meals, the environment seemed to change to one I grew to love. The music changed from heavy metal to R&B, and the lunch crowd began to die down so we could actually speak to one another without shouting across the table.
According to Yelp reviewers, Twenty Tap is always crowded and stays busy due to its rotating beer, good food and customer service. On my next visit, I’m going to order the Roasted Veggie Salad, because I saw the salad pass by after another customer ordered it, and it looks like it has the potential to make my personal top salad list.
Twenty Tap
5406 N. College Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 602-8840
