Looking for some new lunch, dinner and weekend brunch choices in Indianapolis? Set a course to the Nora neighborhood on the city’s north side where you’ll find two enticing new additions to the local restaurant scene.
Both part of the Arizona-based Fox Restaurant Concepts family under the direction of restaurateur and James Beard semifinalist Sam Fox, Culinary Dropout and Flower Child opened their doors in February 2025 to mark the company’s first foray into the Indianapolis market.
Beneath a set of sparkling red chandeliers, Culinary Dropout proposes a dining destination that’s casual enough for family meals, but upscale enough to accommodate special occasions, date nights and happy hours with friends. The menu’s pretty wide-ranging as well, covering everything from fried chicken, 36-hour pork ribs and pasta to sushi, charcuterie and gourmet salads.
Don’t miss the soft pretzel starter with provolone fondue for dipping. Or, belly up to the bar for happy hour with fun adult beverages like the Giddy Up Espresso Martini, $5 glasses of wine and “Long Afternoon” iced teas to wash down an abbreviated menu of snacks. If you time your visit just right, you might get to enjoy a set of live music from local artists.
Just across the parking lot, Flower Child takes a fast-casual approach to healthy cuisine for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free eaters and carnivores. Inside, a garden party vibe makes guests feel like they’re on an upscale picnic, while the menu full of salads, grain bowls, soups, wraps, build-your-own entrees featuring a protein with choice of two sides, and desserts gives them plenty to consider. The ginger miso crunch salad with spiralized carrot and zucchini tastes so fresh and delicious, you may just forget it’s also good for you, and the Thai chicken and shrimp meatballs masala are packed with flavor.
As warmer weather arrives, the airy patios at both Culinary Dropout and Flower Child offer the perfect perch to enjoy summer al fresco dining. Check them both out to see which you like best.
