Indianapolis restaurants that opened and closed in October

Just as oranges and yellows have changed the trees of Central Indiana, so have the restaurants of Indianapolis.

October welcomed a wide variety of eateries, cafes and watering holes in Marion and Hamilton County, and said goodbye to a couple of businesses near downtown. Here are the restaurants that opened and closed in Indianapolis last month, as well as a couple that slipped through the cracks in September.

Open restaurants

Ka-ne Sushi Thai Fusion

5858 N. College Ave., (317) 559-3259, kanesushithai.com, opened on September 12

Moving into the former home of Blupoint Coastal Kitchen, which closed in April, Ka-ne Sushi Thai Fusion is bringing new sushi and South Asian offerings to Meridian Kessler. Fried rice, curries and several Thai and Thai-American dishes round out the extensive sushi menu, from $14 to $22 for an entree.

Sahm’s Tavern and Sports Bar

5632 E. Washington St., (317) 388-5228, sahmstavernirvington.com, opened on October 4

Four years after Sahm’s Hospitality Group closed the original Sahm’s Tavern in the downtown Gibson Building, Sahm’s Tavern and Sports Bar has arrived in Irvington to serve pub fare alongside Big Lug Canteen’s extensive beer selection. The menu includes staples such as sandwiches and fries, as well as a few bites, such as Pittsburgh-style seared steaks and fish dishes with lasagna.

Social house of songbirds

7245 E. 146th St., Carmel, (463) 273-2218, Open October 5

Pasta, brick oven pizza and wine fill the tables at this restaurant and live music venue on Carmel’s east side. The Songbird Hotel has a fully stocked bar, plenty of TVs and a garage door that opens on warm evenings.

Carmel ash and elm

525 N. End Drive, Carmel, (317) 740-1991, ashandelmcider.comopened on October 14

The popular Fountain Square cider vendor has made a foray into Hamilton County with its Carmel taproom. In addition to Ash and Elm’s fruity hard cider, the Carmel restaurant serves gourmet dishes such as wings ($12), roasted Brussels sprouts and sandwiches ($13), including Ash and Elm’s famous grilled cheese.

Carmel BuffaLouie

43 W. Main St., Carmel, (317) 533-0488, buffaloies.com, opened on October 21

One of Bloomington’s favorite spots has expanded north with an outpost in the heart of the Carmel Arts and Design District. Indiana University alumni who once packed the booths at BuffaLouie’s in The Gables will feel right at home with the Carmel location’s menu full of wings, tenders, sweets and sandwiches.

Tinker Coffee at the Firehouse

5555 N. Illinois St., tinkercoffee.com, opened on October 25

Six months after the ski lodge-inspired cafe and wine bar The chalet is closedTinker Coffee took his place at the old fire station in the Butler Tarkington area. Dubbed the Firehouse, Tinker’s new cafe serves a variety of hot drinks alongside a small breakfast menu during the day, before transitioning to alcoholic beverages and dishes including salads, sandwiches and desserts in the evening.

Shin Dig

1351 Roosevelt St., (317) 907-6100, shindigindy.com, opened on October 28

7000 sq ft patio on Cunningham Restaurant Groupthe last family business in North Mass County. An all-ages spot, Shin Dig serves artisanal pizza, wings, ice cream, salads and sandwiches, along with beer, wine and cocktails.

Closed restaurants

West Fork Whiskey Co. Indianapolis

1660 Bellefontaine St., closed Sept. 28

After a decade in Marion County, West Fork Whiskey has closed its only Indianapolis distillery as is planning an ambitious expansion in Westfield. The absence shouldn’t last long, however: West Fork recently announced plans to open a cocktail bar on Fountain Square this winter.

Raise the grill

2412 E. Raymond St., closed Oct. 31

After more than five years on the Southeast Side, this paradise of smoked meats and fried comfort closed due to rising costs and uncertainty about the future of its lease. Despite closing the regular location, the Grill still plans to cater events in the near future.

Contact restaurant reporter Bradley Hohulin at [email protected]. You can follow him on Twitter/X @BradleyHohulin.