Maxine's Chicken Waffel - Indianapolis

Ever been to the Reading Terminal Market in Philly? How about Quincy Market in Boston? If you've been to either, you'll have a pretty good idea of what to expect at the Indianapolis City Market. Like we did, you'll find a cornucopia of foods here. There are over 40 booths selling most of the ethnic and specialty foods known to man. How about tamales, popcorn, pizza, ice cream, cheese steaks, soups, candy, deli, BBQ, Middle Eastern goodies, sandwiches, juices, French specialties, pretzels, donuts, cookies, cupcakes, beer, poke, and coffees? Get the picture? Pretty much whatever food craving you have can be satisfied here. We grabbed some iced coffees, and took a seat in the courtyard to enjoy the sights. We saw lots of people swarming out of their offices to grab some lunch, as well as a talented soloist who was performing Grateful Dead and Dylan tunes. I gave the guy a few bucks, requested US Blues, and he complied with a spirited version that had the crowd up on its feet clapping and singing along!

I went here on a Saturday afternoon, expecting some hustle and bustle like you'd find at Pike Place in Seattle or the Milwaukee Public Market which are two of my favorite downtown markets in the States. But I was severely disappointed, there was next to nobody here. Most of the shops were closed on a SATURDAY? Basically a ghost town. I at least tried to support the two local businesses that were in operation there.

Since I started a new job in downtown Indy, I have been in search of my new go-to lunch spot and bam! I found it! For whatever reason I had never had a chance to come here but now I work very close to City Market, I'll be here at least a couple days a week for lunch. As a person who loves going to the Garage food hall and AMP, it is so easy for me to like this place. I love food courts that have local business instead of chain fast food restaurants. I love how there are plenty of seating upstairs and no matter what mood you are in you'd find something you like here. So far I have only tried two different stores but I'm confident I'll try everything in a month : I'm so thankful for this fun place.

Maybe I came at a bad day or time but the Indianapolis City Market was a bust. After researching online, this looked like the perfect spot to spend the afternoon walking around, shopping, eating, and drinking. To my dismay, when I walked in on Saturday around 2 PM (when the website said they close at 4 PM), there were only two places open. It was completely dead and looked like it had been for awhile. I proceeded to walk around the outdoor areas and bocce courts, and everything was equally dead. Don't waste your time; their website is very deceiving. However, if you do need a clean-ish bathroom, then building was good for that.

A fixture in my life since I was a child. The shops and the food and the ambiance is a place that I always looked forward to visiting. It made me sad during a recent visit when a place so lively had been hit so hard by the pandemic. Nonetheless, there are additions like Maxine's Chicken and Waffles and a new clothing boutique. I love City Market and will forever love the busting place it has always been. I am looking forward to continuing to visit with my family. As hoosiers, we have to do our part to keep it open. Continue to patronize the vendors and obviously visit the Y.