Nobody wants to be the friend that constantly shoots down fun. While picky eating or indoor hangouts provide a safety net of comfort, a college student should eat more than 20 foods in varying shades of beige, and venture off campus when possible. Trying a new culture’s cuisine, or exploring a new location, does not even require leaving the country — or the Indianapolis area. Broad Ripple and the Indy area in particular offer a plethora of cultural experiences, which is why The Collegian has curated a list of off campus activities to try only 15 minutes from campus.
ABBY KIDWELL | ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR | arkidwell@butler.edu
Haveli Indian Restaurant
Trying new foods does not mean familiar foods are off limits. Many cultures put their own unique spin on the same base meal of chicken, rice and bread, which are three items that typically fit into any picky eater’s palate. This means one can try a new cuisine at a restaurant while still ordering at least one food that they know they enjoy. For example, at Haveli Indian Restaurant in Broad Ripple, a picky eater may order a new dish — butter chicken or chicken tikka masala are the most popular options for novices — with two familiar sides of rice and naan, which is flatbread. If the new food item is somehow not one’s cup of tea, the meal is not a waste.
ANA DOLLARD | ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR | adollard@butler.edu
Sushi Bar
No Broad Ripple adventure is complete without a stop at Sushi Bar. Nestled between Dave’s Hot Chicken and Kilroy’s Bar and Grill, the restaurant is a sushi haven. Featuring a cozy intimate vibe during the lunch hour and a lively, bustling atmosphere at night, Sushi Bar comes complete with a full ambiance package. Pro tip — the roll combos come with miso soup and a refreshing salad, which is to die for.
HARRISON PRYOR | STAFF REPORTER | hrpryor@butler.edu
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
There is no better place to find new experiences from around the world than the country’s top-rated children’s museum. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis features, among many other things, a rotating cultural exhibit called “Take Me There”, which gives patrons a deep dive into one vibrant culture every year. The current exhibit, showcasing Peru, is an explosion of color and music, with interactive art and even rhythm games. “Take Me There” is not all the Children’s Museum has to offer, though; from dinosaur fossils to spaceships, Indy’s favorite museum has everything.
SAMUEL DEMIS | STAFF REPORTER | sademis@butler.edu
Newfields
What better place than a museum to learn about a wide variety of different cultures in one convenient location? Newfields and its numerous exhibitions make it easy to learn about cultures one otherwise may have never taken an interest in. The museum often rotates through various featured displays, so a repeat visit could lead to a new obsession or rabbit hole. The nature gardens are also excellent for taking walks and enjoying the springtime weather.
NHU-HAN BUI | SPORTS CO-EDITOR | hbui@butler.edu
Thai Cafe
If you are looking for a filling meal under $20, look no further than Thai Cafe. Located in Broad Ripple Station, this small, cozy restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from traditional pad thai to yellow curry. Customers can fully customize entrees to suit their taste, with six different proteins and five spice levels to choose from. Round out the meal with iced Thai tea or mango sticky rice, and Thai Cafe is sure to deliver a satisfying experience.
REESE PARADOWSKI | OPINION EDITOR | rparadowski@butler.edu
8 Seconds Saloon
This westside country bar is the perfect place to escape the city for a night. They frequently have live artists, free dance lessons and discounted drinks. Many up-and-coming artists have performed here, including Ella Langley just last year. 8 Seconds Saloon is a great place to go with a group of friends and see rising stars before their concert tickets hurt your wallet.
PIPER BAILEY | MANAGING EDITOR | pcbailey1@butler.edu
Mama Carolla’s
Whether you are secretly celebrating saying goodbye to your family during orientation week or mourning your college life in the days following graduation, Mama Carolla’s is the place for all your commemoration needs. This Italian restaurant is fueled by dim candlelights, friendly staff and pasta so good it could make Olive Garden cry. The cozy interior mixed with a homey exterior makes every meal feel like a home cooked meal and is perfect for any Butler student looking for their new favorite spot just 1.5 miles from campus.
LAUREN FISCHER | ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER | lrfischer@butler.edu
The Garage Food Hall
This industrial-style food hall is the ideal location for any large group of indecisive people. From a fish market and Thai street food to acai bowls and a distillery, The Garage has just about everything, perfect for the pickiest of eaters or anyone passionate about getting a taste of new cuisines. The hall offers centralized seating, allowing groups to gather and mingle while enjoying live music or participating in one of their frequently hosted social events. Whether you go on your own or with 15 friends, you are destined for a good meal and even better time.