Tinker Street

Oh my… what a great find. We went for dinner here a couple of months ago. It doesn’t look like much from the outside and the neighborhood is a bit shabby but inside is a whole different enchilada.

I share the same sentiments on the pork belly. It was fantastic!!! I also recommend the hoe cakes!

The food was great. I had the pork belly and my wife had the noodles. We also tried the cold calamari and tomato and vegetable plate, all delicious. Our waiter was a total waste, couldn’t remember to bring me a glass of ice and had to come back to the table because he didn’t write down our dinner order and forgot what we said. Bravo!
Lots of employees standing around, not sure what they do because the place is tiny. Prices are good.

Best restaurant in Indianapolis!
High quality ingredients with a rotating menu to reflect the season. Every dish I’ve ever ordered has been above expectations.
I always try to get in Anthony’s section when I see him there. He is super attentive and makes sure everyone’s experience is special.

Just perfection! Not much more to say!
Hoecakes with Truffle, yes please!
Calamari, perfectly cooked, amazing favors. A favorite!
Staff — friendly, knowledgable, attentive!
I wish I didn’t live 2000 miles away!

Great place for casual tasty dining! They welcome you with a small shot-​size glass of champagne– they are toasting you before your meal– which is so unique and an added touch! The waiters are very personable and service is great. We ordered the squash noodle pad thai, beet tartine, and blistered asparagus; all tastes great! Also their menu changes based on what’s in season. Plenty of vegan/​vegetarian options–

What a great experience… the food was wonderful and creative; the ambience was great and the service was over the top. Being greeted with a bit of the bubbly was a classy way to start off the evening. Minimal selections but that doesn’t matter… took a awhile to decide what the evening would for us but I settled on the skate wing that melted like butter and my wife had the shrimp and grits with just the right heat. Well done Tinker Street! Can’t wait to see what our next visit holds for us.

My husband and I had high hopes for this place as it has lots of good reviews. The atmosphere when you first walk in was exciting. As we sat down and got comfortable, there was an increase in activity and it became extremely noisy in there really quick to where you can’t hear each other across the table.
Once dinner arrived, it was well plated. After we ate, we were still hungry and the food was just mediocre.
This place is full of surprises. It’s outward appearance is great but once you experience it, it is underwhelming and disappointing. Especially when you pay $ 40 for a plate of lobster mac and cheese.
After we took care of our bill, we drove to Siam Square to finish our dinner because we were still hungry. In our opinion, Tinker is one of those restaurants that will fizzle out because they don’t give quality food for a good price.
It’s too bad that the food wasn’t worth the cost or the cost wasn’t cheaper for the quality. We won’t be recommending this place to eat. Maybe they need to keep tinkering with their recipes to get the quality of food aligned with a fair price. We left extremely unsatisfied and disappointed.
I’m attaching a picture of my receipts so you know this is a true story. I welcome Tinker to reach out to resolve this issue.

This has to be the best dining experience we’ve had in Indy. Like all great restaurants, it started with superior service. Ariel, our friendly, pink-​coiffed server, went out of her way to make sure we were happy with our food and overall experiece. They kick off the meal with a tiny bit of Prosecco, which was lovely. My husband ordered the pork belly, and I went for the red curry noodles. My advice: PORK BELLY. The curry was great curry, but the pork belly was such a *special* dish – the kind you think about long after you’ve finished eating. We paired it with some Amelia’s bread, a simple but delicious choice. Dessert was the s’mores pot de crème. The texture was amazing — velvet-​smooth and creamy — and the hickory ash served on the side gave it a smoky, campfire flavor. The line started before the restaurant opened (on a Sunday evening, no less), so get there right when it opens. You won’t be disappointed!

My boyfriend and I came here on a small weekend trip to Indy, expecting to be blown away. However, the way that we were treated made me think otherwise.
We knew there would be a wait, so we put his name in and sat outside. The hostess said it’d be about 45 minutes, but to expect less and that someone would be around to get drink orders started. It took about 15 minutes for someone to come around to get us drinks, and another 30 – 45 minutes before I started realizing that they were starting to seat couples that came AFTER we had. I flagged down the hostess, she went back in and then grabbed us making up the excuse of «Sorry, I thought you had walked away. I took down the color of your shirt, and didn’t realize you were wearing a jacket»… Of course I’d continue to wear my jacket when its cold outside and I’m to wait outside… What place doesn’t just call out your name for your spot? And why didn’t she try to find my boyfriend who’s name it was under? Just terrible customer service.
It’s super loud inside since it’s so tiny, and there seems to be double the amount of workers that there needs to be for the space that they have. Also interesting that our waitress made it a point to call out that this restaurant was «4^th on Unilocal right now».
Overall, horrible experience with terrible customer service that will cause me to not come back.

I am going to start off by saying that this is maybe the most accommodating restaurant in Indianapolis regarding allergies. if you give them notice, they are totally on the ball with what is doable and what isn’t.
My boyfriend and I started with some Moscato wine and red curry noodles. they were too spicy for me, although very delicious! I only took a few bites because I am a giant wuss, by my boyfriend horked down the rest with glee. He also ordered some shoestring fries, which were pretty good, though I think next time I would pass and try one of their more unique offerings.
I had the tuna with soba noodles, and my boyfriend had the pork belly. His pork belly smelled freaking amazing the second it was on the table. The rice was very tender, and he said that the flavors of the pork belly melted together deliciously with the egg. He begged me to try to figure out how they make it so I can make it at home. I think this one is a winner if you aren’t sure what to try. The tuna was PERFECTLY cooked. It was white and tender on the outside and cool and smooth on the inside. The entire dish was presented very prettily and had an overwhelming freshness. There was a light wasabi paste under the dish that was a little strong in flavor for me, but again I am a giant wuss and my boyfriend said it tasted mild to him.
FInally, we both got dessert. I had the sweet pea cake because it sounded so weird, and my boyfriend had the «phyllo napoleon». The desserts were actually my favourite part of dinner. they were quite unique and flavourful. The sweet pea cake came with a carrot glaze and some lemon basil ice cream and i was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the flavor. The phyllo had a good balance of sweet and tart.
I did bite into a chunk of rhubarb thinking it was watermelon for some reason and that was an extraordinarily unpleasant but not the kitchen’s fault.
Overall I really recommend visiting, especially if it is a nice day where you can sit outside. The staff is very friendly and the food is unique and flavourful.

Just attended Tinker St. for the second time — realized I never reviewed my first experience.
A lot of people rave about this place. I’m not convinced that it’s exceptional, but it was a good experience. The wine list and food options are a bit pricier, but i’m thinking that the atmosphere and presentation aren’t really worth it. Am I being too tough? Someone correct me.
My most recent meal included my usual stealing of food from friends, so I got to try a bite or two of the carrots, french fries, burger, curry dish, crab cakes AND the braised fennel.
The braised fennel and a crab cake my personal dish. The crab was really good, but I think I’ve had better at The Eagles Nest and Caplinger’s. The braised fennel was unique and tasty, but I probably won’t get it again. Pretty small. A bit expensive.
The Red Curry Noodle dish was very flavorful, but also VERY spicy. I was surprised at how hot it was without any real warning. I love spicy food, but I feel like this could turn someone off.
Final thoughts: glad I gave it a second chance. Might not give it a third. I would opt for the noodles!

I’ve eaten at Tinker Street a handful of times, but this is the first time Doug and I went together. We decided to go at the beginning of service on a Saturday.
We were warmly greated by our host, who noticed Doug’s affinity for Tretorn sneakers and stripped socks. We were seated near the wine bar in a small dining area adjacent to the open kitchen. The menu is wine on one side and small plates on the other. We both selected a glass of white from the list. Our server poured us a small flute of bubbles offered to each guest. What a nice way to say, thanks for dining with us tonight, imagine if every meal started this way!
We shared our first course, the chilled calamari salad. Perfectly tender calamari mixed with chilies, rainbow carrots, cucumber, and ribbons of thai basil in a light dressing sprinkled with crushed roasted peanuts. The salad was a good balance of textures and the flavors were incredibly bright and fresh.
For my second couse, I ordered the special, Skull Island prawns with blue corn grits. The prawns were huge (U6) and provided the kind of seafood satisfaction you get from lobster. Two giant head on prawns were perched on top a mound of strikingly purple and super creamy grits. The mound was encircled by a moat of silky pink prawn bisque, dotted with fresh green spring peas. This was the kind of dish that makes you want to lick the plate. The only time I’ve had better «shrimp n grits» was at HUSK in Charleston, SC.
Doug enjoyed pork belly over red cabbage kim chi and black rice with a perfectly sunny side egg on top. It’s nice to visit a place that has plenty of options for both of us. I gave up pork and beef ages ago, but I didn’t need to taste the dish to know Doug liked it.
When a place truely does serve small plates, you can taste more dishes. To finish, we shared the pink grapefruit pound cake. Super moist and light spongy cake topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes was made better by a mixed citrus curd schmeer and fresh pink grapefruit segments. Intensely flavored and only slightly sweet, I made sure to scoop up every last shred of coconut coated in sauce.
Hospitality is paramount at Tinker Street, our server, Anthony and sommelier Lindsay Slone checked on our table multiple times to ensure everything was fine. Indeed it was.
Superb produce, service with attention to detail, and a wine list to swoon over. We’ll be back again soon.

Oh Tinker Street, you stole my heart when I left totally full and a little buzzed on a Friday night.
The service was on point from the food recommendations and descriptions to the wine suggestions.
Get the pork belly. You will not regret it. The curry noodles we had were super spicy. Not for the sensitive to spice mouth.
Honestly, if it sounds good, get it. You will not be disappointed.
Last recommendation: get the s’more dessert. It is an awesome spin on a childhood favorite and the ash served on the side is a great addition.
Tapas can sometimes get a little pricey, but tinker street offers an amazing value for what you get, and I think you will find if you dine with a group it won’t break the bank either.

I cannot say enough good things about Tinker Street. Went there last night for dinner and had an awesome experience. The food was amazing but I think the service is what set it apart. The owner, Peter, personally takes guests to their table and introduces himself. He makes everyone feel like they are VIP. He even complimented my top which was great because I had just bought it that afternoon :)
Upon arrival, everyone is greeted with a complimentary champagne toast. Any place that offers champagne off the bat is a place that I’m interested in. The food was beyond amazing. We had the kale and spinach wontons, the Brussel sprouts and then split the pork belly. The pork belly was probably the best I’ve ever had. Their menu is set up in a way that makes it easy to order a couple small plates and try a little bit of everything. I definitely suggest splitting a few things. To end dinner we had the s’mores dessert which was a perfect end to our meal. I left feeling satisfied and not overly stuffed. As a craft beer drinker, I was happy with their beer selection. They had a few local beers on tap.
Like I said before, I think the service is really what sets tinker street apart. Sometimes I think customer service is a lost art, but that’s not the case here. Peter even remembered our names when we walked out and said goodbye. Also, our server was Elijah and he was super nice and helpful! I’m sure the rest of the staff is similar. I will definitely be going back soon!!!

What a lucky find! LOVED IT!
Loves:
— its own little parking lot
— the cozy, cute décor with a classy feel
— how nice everyone is; one of the owners, Peter, was out and talking with the folks!
— the welcoming touch of little white wines when you are seated
— the waiting seating area
— of course, the food!
— the changing seasonal menu! [although it’s sad when something amazing does get rotated off]
— clean bathrooms (always a big deal and tell-​tale sign)
My favorite dishes were the Brussel sprouts, the curry noodles (I could eat this as its own little meal!!) and the braised fennel. Dishes are presented so wonderfully and the burst of flavors from each dish is like little fireworks. Service was excellent too. It was a wonderful night out, especially after all the illnesses that has been lingering around this year.
Cannot wait to go back to try more dishes and wishing for the return of the crepes (it’s one of the ones that was rotated off!) in the dessert section. It was worth the wait. No reservations/​call in’s ahead so plan ahead guys!
Highly recommended for friends going out for fun, parents coming to town, anyone coming to town, birthdays, romantic dates, and just about anything! It’s a 21+ place though so keep the kids at home!

This is one of my favorite places to bring out of town guests who enjoy interesting food! My parents were in town, and we had a great meal here last weekend. We arrived promptly at 5PM to be sure we didn’t have to wait for a table. Yes, this is a very early dinner, but by about 5:30 there were only a few tables left and by the time we were leaving there was a decent crowd waiting. So… if you can handle an early dinner… arriving by 5:30/5:45 seems to be the way to go if you don’t want to wait!
We shared a smoked meat assortment that was delicious! Smoked duck, Arctic char, and a pork fig tureen along with various pickled veggies and Amelia’s bread. We all had beet salads which were excellent.
I had the skate wing for my entrée and it was wonderful! Sweet, reminiscent of shellfish, and cooked perfectly. My parents had the Arctic char and the pork belly entrees and they enjoyed their meals as well!
We all had dessert; I chose the grapefruit pound cake which was moist and delicious. My parents enjoyed the s’mores pot de crème and tangerine cheesecake.
The wine list is excellent with a nice price range. There are many good options at very reasonable prices.
Service was excellent. Our server knew the menu well, and kept our wine on ice refilling as needed. Courses were timed perfectly! Can’t wait to come back!

I had such a good experience eating at this place. I may have not taken advantage of drinking one of the many wines they offer here, but I most definitely enjoyed the food.
There was a slight wait for dinner when I arrived, but I was ok with waiting. It was cold outside, but they did their best to keep the people warm and comfortable with blankets on seats outside and heating columns. Once our table was ready, we sat inside. We were greeted by the owner, Peter, and he was really kind to us. He checked in with us periodically to see if everything was going great and even at the end to make sure we had a great stay. That kind of hospitality and service is probably what made my stay the best.
We were presented complimentary sparkling wine at the beginning of the meal, which was very unique to me. To start the meal off, we got the brussels sprouts which were cooked to perfection. They had a nice roasted taste to them, with the perfect, crunchy, yet soft texture. After our appetizer came out, our main dishes came out afterwards. I ordered the chopped steak with broccoli, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and gravy. All of it together tasted absolutely delicious. My mom ordered the sirloin with cauliflower and that was amazing itself.
The service was amazing. Our glasses weren’t ever empty and they would even pour water in our glasses for us. The food was great, and the service was excellent. Everything together, puts Tinker Street well ahead of everyone due to its service and excellent food. I could only imagine how much better everything would be with wine!

So spill the beans about one of Indy’s best kept secrets, or not? It is a true gem, and I have a feeling that it won’t be so «hidden» for much longer.
Hidden in plain sight, Tinker Street resides in one of the many up and coming neighborhoods, and while politely understated on the exterior, is also quaint and cozy once inside. Parking is a plenty: street, side street and parking in the rear already makes for an easy arrival.
The maitre’d greeted us with a warm smile that set the tone for the evening. There was a 45 minute wait for a table, so we opted to sit at the bar instead.
Their draft selection was great with offerings from Taxman (I had their Holiday brew — it was phenomenal!) Bier Brewery, Indiana city and other local breweries occupied the taps. They also had a thoughtful and creative wine list, too.
As we sipped from our glasses — I felt slightly overwhelmed. While their menu is not extensive, each offering sounded just as incredible as the next, and I finally gave up trying to make a decision and went with our server’s suggestion of their Spinach and Kale Wontons to start us off. Now, I have been spectacle of kale ever since I watched Jim Gaffigan’s skit about «hiding the kale,» and I was again, not so sure about this selection. But when it came out, I was already swept away by the presentation of the four wonton buds accompanied by stunning preserved radishes and with red miso aioli. My tastebuds did the macarena, the marimba and an assortment of other dances! They were phenomenal.
First course: 5 stars
Again, I was at a loss and unable to make a decision until our server informed us of the special for the evening, fresh, handmade gnocchi paired with 3 ounces of white truffles from Italy. SOLD. We also ordered the Pumpkin Gnocchi, pillowy pasta filled the plate. Brown butter, sage, and pepita seed pesto cradled the pasta, and fresh parmesan topped the dish. It not only looked gorgeous, but was incredible, as was the truffle gnocchi.
Main course: 5 stars
At this point, we were blown away by our experience. Kelly, our server felt like a soul I had known for years, and we had a great time interacting with her as well as Amanda, who oversaw our experience. When she asked about dessert, it was an easy «yes, tell us what is your favorite, and that is what we are ordering.» A beautiful plate arrived moments later: the S’more Pot de Crème. The marshmallow was delightful and perfectly toasted, and it was so fun to eat, dipping our spoon into the ash to add the campfire feel.
Desert: 5 stars
As we sat their finishing every last morsel of our desert we realized that the restaurant had cleared out and we had been their for nearly three and a half hours. Between conversing with their incredible team and enjoying our experience, the restaurant was now nearly empty. It was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to return again!
Overall experience: 5 stars

Hosting a national conference in Indy was a great time to spotlight our culinary treasures and beautiful city with visitors. Tinker Street with a 5 star Unilocal review highlights everything I love in our city. The staff were extremely positive, helpful, knowledgeable, and unbearably delightfully hip. The décor is edgy and laid out so well the space feels open and airy even when a full house.
The Prosecco at the beginning instantly charmed my guests. If this review had a title it would be, BEST ASH in INDY. Such an enchanting ingredient that added depth to the dishes. It is certainly a taste that the instant it hit my tastebuds I thought, ‘Why have I never tried this? I can’t believe I’ve been missing this!‘
It reminded me of the first time tasting Blue Cheese. A distinct flavor that if you love it you suddenly start thinking of ways to marry it to other dishes.
The small plates are unique dishes beautifully plated and excellently described on the menu to the tiniest detail. The servers are knowledgable and willing to engage in conversation regarding any questions over an ingredient. The wine list was extensive and paired well with the dishes. We ordered two bottles and they graciously corked the remainder for a return to the hotel.
The dishes were excellent. The menu featured seasonal items so take advantage of the chef’s culinary skill and try a few featured items.
Save room for dessert and coffee. The coffee service is as charming as the Prosecco. This is one of the places in Indy you must plan to spend a few hours enjoying yourself. Do not rush the dining experience. You will want to savor every bite, ooh and aah for each dish, and soak up your beautiful surroundings.