Visiting Indianapolis

We are often contacted by people who have questions while visiting Indianapolis.
Following are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q: Do you have a kosher restaurant?

A: Great Cooks Bakery, at 1321 West 86th Street (in the shopping strip at the southeast quadrant of the 86th St/Ditch Road intersection), is also a dairy (Chalav Stam) and pareve cafe, certified by the Indianapolis Orthodox Board of Kashrus. Their phone number is 317-202-2435.  Prepared kosher meals can be arranged by contacting Stacie Stufflebeam at 317-255-7984 or 317-652-9486.

Q: Are there any stores selling kosher food?

A: The Marsh supermarket, located at 86th St. corner Ditch Rd. in the northwest part of town, has a very large selection of kosher foods. The are open 24 hours a day and can be reached at 317-871-7530.

Q: Is there an Orthodox Minyan?

A: Congregation B'nai Torah, at 6510 Hoover Rd. (317-253-5253, www.btorah.org), has a daily Minyan, mornings at 7:00 AM, and evenings just before sunset. Shabbat mornings at 9:00 AM. It is Nusach Ashkenaz, and a member of the Union of Orthodox Congregations of America (OU).

On Shabbat, Congregation Etz Chaim (317-251-6220, www.etzchaimindy.org) also provides services. They are a Sephardic congregation, located on the JCC Campus on Hoover Road (in front of Hooverwood).

Q: What hotels are near the Jewish neighborhood?

A: During the week, there are a number of hotels within a 10 minute drive. You might consider the cluster of hotels on Michigan Rd. (HWY 421) north of 86th St., or those on Meridian St. (HWY 31) north of 86th St.

Unfortunately, all those are a good distance from the Shuls, making it unfeasible to stay at a hotel for Shabbat. The closest hotel - Marten House - located at 1801 W86th St. corner Harcourt Rd. (317-872-4111) is approximately 3 1/2 miles distance from the Shuls.

Alternatively, you could contact Congregation B'nai Torah's office at 317-253-5253 to arrange for home hospitality.

Q: Does Indianapolis have an Eruv?

The Jewish community is surrounded by an Eruv, enabling one to carry items outdoors on Shabbat. Click here for an exact map of the Eruv.

Q: Is there a kosher Mikvah?

A: There is a kosher (Bor Al Yad Bor) Mikvah adjacent to Congregation B'nai Torah. Call 317-253-5253 ext. 3 for appointments, or click here for a complete schedule.

Q: What arrangement couild be made if I am coming to Indianapolis to arrange citizenship papers?

A: It is generally recommended to arrive the evening prior to your appointment and stay at a hotel that provides a shuttle to and from the airport. In the morning, leave your bags at the hotel and take a taxi downtown to the citizenship offices.

Airport hotels that provide shuttles and are reasonably priced:
Ramada: 317-244-1221
Quality INN: 317-381-100
Econolodge: 317-248-1233

Taxis:
Yellow Cab: 317-487-7777
Metro Taxi: 317-247-8888

As mentioned above, there are no full service kosher restaurants or Chalav Yisroel products available, so we recommend you bring pre-packaged food as necessary.

We hope you enjoy your stay in Indianapolis. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions.