Inexpensive family restaurant in Indianapolis, IN, that has great food?

How about The Spaghetti Factory downtown. That's an interesting place to go for Italian. You say you like Texas Longhorn. How about Logan's Roadhouse? O'Charley's is a nice place. Cheeseburger in Paradise is an interesting place. Red Lobster really isn't all that expensive for seafood. The kids can look at the lobsters in the tank. Happy eating!

I know that the chains are usually more affordable, BUT if you want to support a local business that is also organic and has the BEST ice cream you've ever had, check out the Friday Night Farmer's Market at Trader's Point Creamery in Zionsville. It's very close to the 465 and 86th Street exit on the North side, and well worth the drive even if you don't live close by. Not only do you get to see really great veggies, meats, flowers, etc. from local farmers, but TP offers a different dinner every Friday night that is prepared by their own in-house chef, that is always great, casual, and is $15/adult, $6/child. You are encouraged by the owners Jane and Fritz to wander around the farm with the kids and see the cows, play on the little "beach" on the pond, let your kids play with the chickens, and tour the completely recycled barn. (It is absolutely gorgeous--with an ice cream and smoothie bar on the top floor, and it was pieced together by salvaging old dilapidated barns in elsewhere in Indiana.)

....AND like i said before, you won't find better ice cream or yogurt anywhere in the states!

I love Cazuela's too...Yum! If you like Thai, try Thai House at West 86th St. and Michigan Road. Doesn't look like much but it's very good and the couple who run it are so sweet. There's also a few Noodles and Co. locations, like West 86th St. and just east of 96th St. and Keystone...very kid friendly because they can get spaghetti and meatballs, mac and cheese, buttered noodles, etc., and the grown ups can get more adventurous and spicy things. Check out dining reviews and menus at Indianapolis Monthly and Intake Weekly magazine websites...their reviewers have been just about everywhere!

Going to Subway is some times good, but try going only 2- 3 times a month! Having a sandwich is full of carbohydrates and sugars, and having a salad is not always the way too go, because all the calories come from the toppings/ dressings! BUT... what ever you do dont go to places like mcd's

There are many great restaurants such as Carrabas, Unos, Montana Mikes Steak House, Chili's, O'Charleys, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Texas Roadhouse, Grindstone Charlies.

How about Buca de Beppo? It's a fun and quirky Italian restaurant with fabulous food! There is one in Castleton right across from Costco on 82nd street.

I think that one of the best restaurant deals in town is the lunchtime Indian buffets. I don't know if they have children's prices, however. My favorite is India Garden in Broad Ripple. the food is delicious, and unlimited, and there are often kids there at lunch. Lots of kids take to Indian food, especially the tandoori chicken.

Spaghetti factory is definitely an affordable option for most. If it's super cheep and casual you're looking for, try CiCi's pizza all you can eat pizza,etc buffet. Most of the local Mexican restaurants are affordable and fun too...just make sure your car isn't the only one in the parking lot or that should be sign for you ;-).

Try Yats for cheap and tasty Cajun cuisine. They have locations on Mass ave, Broad ripple and on 96th street. There may be more locations.

What I like about it is that they make everything fresh everyday, and when an item is gone, they take it off the menu for that day!

try Nothing but Noodles near IUPUI

Lockfield Commons (parking is Tight)

903 Indiana Ave

indianapolis in 46202

317-638-0340

www.nothingbutnoodles.com

a friend of mine & i ALWAYS gets the Thai Noodles, i always get Extra sweet peppers (yellow & red sweet peppers)

have them put 1/2 of it in a to go bowl, because of the big servings, but you can add chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu or veggies to anything,

THEN (after 7pm to bon pain next door, that's when the sweet stuff goes Half Price)!!!!!!!!!!

see you there?

i'm already Editing LOL

i love the spinach salad with cranberries & almonds,

a half order is Plenty

my daughter LOVES the Beef Stroganoff (with extra beef & cheese)