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Adobo Grill
Category: Restaurants Latin American Latin American [Edit]
110 E Washington StIndianapolis, IN 46262
(317) 822-9990
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 10 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 11 pm
Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
87 reviews for Adobo Grill
Review Highlights
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"...is "Cilantro marinated skirt steak layered with guacamole..." In 3 reviews -
"The table side guacamole was outstanding, you can almost..." In 5 reviews -
"If you like Tequila, you must visit the bar at Adobo." In 17 reviews
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87 reviews in English
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Review from Ron S.
Indianapolis, IN
3/27/2012
One of my favorite dining establishments downtown. In spite of this stretch of Washington St. getting more and more dining options, I always come back to Adobo. From the outside, Adobo looks like nothing special, but once you enter, you are greeted by a huge, open space filled with vibrant colors. Always a great date night place for this reason alone.
The mixed drinks are tasty and there's a great amount of variety. I have to say: I'm not a huge fan of guacomole typically but when it's made fresh in front of your table, somehow I take more of a liking to it. Qdoba, Chipotle: this is what guac SHOULD taste like.
Anyways, the entrees are reasonably sized with great attention given to the presentation. I always get the duck entree because I'm a huge fan of duck but I have yet to see any of my friends complain about any of the chicken or beef options. Unlike most Mexican-inspired places, the entrees are lighter and not just served with a smattering of melted cheese. No refried bean slop here!
Lastly, I find the pricing to be quite reasonable and you can further take advantage of this warm, inviting space by coming back for mariachi and latin nights. Bottom line: a true gem downtown. -
Review from Lauren K.
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food was pretty good here-- very neatly presented and fresh tasting. What I didn't like were the prices and the drinks. The cocktails were strangely sour. The price of each entree were closer to New York City prices than what I would expect from Indy.
It looks pretty chain-restauranty from inside. Needless to say, it seems like one of the coolest places to eat in downtown Indy. -
Review from Dia D.
2/29/2012 2 photos
We have had several pleasant meals at Adobo Grill when they were near Castleton but we haven't been since they moved downtown and since we wanted someplace close to the Circle that wasn't a steak place or sports bar, Adobo Grill seemed like a good choice.
The chips are still good and warm and the make-at-your-table guac is still good. This guac can be ordered mild, medium, or spicy. I usually get their ceviche, but decided to try something new so I ordered the Atun con mole verde which was pumpkin seed crusted seared tuna with green mole. It was a large portion of tasty tuna but I thought that the green mole didn't have much flavor and definitely no spice. Should have stuck with the ceviche. My husband had the lomito (pork tenderloin) with the regular mole, not the green, and enjoyed it very much.
For those people like me who have been to their old location but not the new and wonder how they compare, this new location seems much noisier and more bar-like with couches and low cocktail tables in addition to regular dining tables. They also seem to have less space so the guacamole making cart blocks traffic many times. -
Review from Mj W.
This is my first time here for lunch. What a great deal! You get the choice of 2 tacos, 2 enchiladas, sandwich, or a salad with a cup of soup. It comes with a drink for $8.99. The salsa is so good here! I do have a suggestion. Adobo Grill needs to offer a lunch portion of the guacamole. $7.99 for a side of quac is a little pricey. I would like to see a half portion offered for $3.99.
Listed in: MJ's Best Happy Hour in…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/19/2010
Happy Hour Special at Bar 4:00 to 6:00, Mon-Fri Dollar Tacos!!! Read more »
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Review from Bill J.
Indianapolis, IN
3/25/2012
Great upscale Mexican restaurant. Extensive list of premium tequila. Everything seems very fresh. Guacamole is made table-side. Have never had a bad meal or drink here. Service has generally been good, but they tend to get really busy and the service slows down a bit. Live Mariachi band some nights.....I haven't figured out what the schedule is, but they are entertaining.
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Review from Scotty Z.
1/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Love fine tequila?
Love fresh, made-at-the-table guacamole?
Love fresh margaritas, made with good tequila and lime juice, rather than a mix?
Love a lively, upscale yet not-too-pretentious atmosphere?
Then, be prepared to love Adobo. I do!
It's not a place I'd go every day, but I have a great experience every time I go. Their service is superb, and their food excellent. I recommend either the Monte Albán or the Mar y Tierra; both are awesome! While I've not partaken, I've heard nothing but extreme raves about the Ceviche Bar.
Plus -- Adobo has great draught beer and a pretty kick-ass happy hour: $1 tacos (pork or fish) -- from 4-6 PM weekdays. Can't beat that! -
Review from Andrew C.
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
The entire time our guacamole was being mashed into form by hand, I kept eying the employee's face to try and determine if she was pissed that they weren't just scooping this stuff out of a jar.
No such look came but I will say she did more work, or at least as much, as our server did. I hope she gets some of the tip for her efforts. I'd hope so for a $7.99 bowl of guacamole.
Contrary to the name, I didn't taste any adobo at Adobo Grill. Yet another instance of a latin word being chosen to represent a restaurant that has little to do with it. *sniff sniff* Do I smell a chain?
Prepare to spend $12.99 for three tacos. It's a Mexican restaurant, not a taco shop. And it's the midwest soooooooo....
These tacos aren't going to be that amazing. I know, it's a taco. It's effin' meat, a tortilla and some cilantro. Easier to screw up than you think. At least Adobo makes a taco that tastes good enough to get through three of them. I wouldn't order them again.
Seems to me that the main focus of this place is selling margaritas. They appear to do a good job of that as they were littered across each table around us.
I guess I knew what to expect when I went and I got it. A step above mediocrity deserves at least three stars. -
Review from Leslie R.
Indianapolis, IN
12/18/2011
My parents were in town for Thanksgiving & I had been wanting to try Adobo since their Devour Downtown menus always look so amazing. I also had a Groupon so I thought it would be perfect: have an early dinner & then see the tree lighting later that night.
Our reservation was for 6pm. We arrived to a half empty restaurant & the host proceeded to walk us past many empty tables to place us upstairs at an out of the way table. I actually did complain & we were moved downstairs.
It is the only Mexican restaurant I have ever been to that charges for chips & salsa at the beginning of the meal.
The entrees were small for the amount we paid for them. The service was slow and I seemed like we were bothering them by showing up to eat there.
I'm glad we had the Groupon because without it dinner for the 3 of us would have been $85... which is horribly expensive for so-so Mexican food at a downtown restaurant. -
Review from Mary Beth A.
Indianapolis, IN
10/19/2011 1 photo
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and realize you had been dreaming about guacamole? No? Well, even if I am the only one who regularly thinks about guacamole while I am sleeping, it is most likely that you will still love the guacamole at Adobo.
As other readers have explained, yes, the guacamole is prepared tableside. It is fresh - as fresh as it comes - the guacamole maker actually peels and chops and mashes super-fresh avocados at your tableside. You can tell the guacamole-preparer exactly how spicy and flavorful you like your guacamole. I usually stick with medium-ish, which has always been AWESOME - never so spicy that I find myself washing it down with excess amounts of H20, but always very flavorful. Honestly, I would go here just to grab the guacamole and sip on a margarita.
The food is very, very good, but the guacamole really is the best part.
Went here for Devour Downtown and absolutely stuffed myself. Two diners get four-course meals for $60 - PLUS each diner gets a margarita. It was one of the best Devour menus I have experienced. Guacamole started the experience off. Then appetizers - we split a salad and an empanada. The empanada was good, but didn't compare to the street food of San Juan. Salad was interesting and was covered in some type of a pumpkin dressing.
We had a steak meal and an enchilada meal (I think). The steak wasn't great - it was very smoky flavored and slightly gritty. While I remember thinking that my dinner was good at the time, I now can't even remember exactly what it was (whoops).
My dessert was fantastic - I thought a chocolate tamale sounded odd, but definitely try it if you see it on the menu. It was basically a corn husk filled with a halfway cooked chocolate brownie batter with lots of sauce and ice cream. The other dessert was a traditional cornbread cake of sorts - I found it to be dry and lacking flavor, but my dining partner liked it well enough.
They have some taco specials which I would like to try. However, the dinners are regularly somewhat pricy for what you get. Go for guacamole and drinks, and perhaps consider splitting some of the appetizers and eating tapas- style. All of the appetizers I have tried have been delicious and more reasonably priced than some of the dinners. -
Review from Jackie H.
10/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I really enjoyed this restaurant. My father and I got the taco platter to share. I enjoyed the flavor of the fish and the chicken tacos. The duck tacos were kind of odd and I don't eat red meat so I don't know about the other.
They made the guacamole in front of you and that was great to watch. Not to mention it tasted great. The margarita was very yummy but small for $8 each.
It was a little pricey but good.
My only complaint was my waiter. He compared the taco's to taco bell "you can get tacos any where like taco bell" I thought this was odd. He threw the whole experience off. As for food, I recommend it. -
Review from Kelsee H.
Indianapolis, IN
11/28/2011
In the several times that I have been to Adobo Grill, I've not been disappointed. I usually hit the place up when I have a craving for tequila and it's usually after a crazy day at work.
Sitting at the bar top between 4-6pm is always super chill and you get lots of attention from the bartenders. You can't beat a $4 Tequila Sunrise on a rough Monday afternoon. I'm also a HUGE fan of the $1 taco special during the week. Get 5 tacos and some of the chips = great late lunch/early dinner and the price is great.
Never been here for a real meal or sat anywhere besides the bar, so I've always had great service. I even got a free "Hot Lips" (go look it up, DELICIOUS) on my last visit.
Parking is bad, but it is downtown, so that can be expected. -
Review from Cliff M.
10/1/2011
Good Mexican food in downtown Indy. While I'm not so big on the whole "watch some underpaid employee make your guacamole in front of you" phenomenon, the guac was really damn good so I'm glad we ordered it. I had some chicken tacos which doesn't sound like anything special but they were very good. I cleaned my plate.
Kind of a cool atmosphere inside and very attentive and friendly service. Worth checking out. I would probably go back if I was in the neighborhood again. -
Review from Wendy S.
1/25/2012
I got to try this place for Devour this year (thanks, Jen!) and was thoroughly satisfied. The guac that everyone raves about I totally loved, and could've happily killed it. I was a little disappointed that some things on the Devour menu were out- apparently a Groupon had just wrapped up and they were still recovering. Rethinking on the fly, I went with a bowl of soup that was so addicting, with an empanada in it that set off the whole dish, and salmon that was pretty good- I dug the sides a lot more than the actual meat, and that's rare for me. I skipped dessert because they were out of the Tres Leches cake, in favor of a mojito that was heaven in a glass. When added to the margarita that came with my meal, all was good with the world by the time we got our checks. I would eat here again, but I don't know if I would do Devour here.
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Review from Erwin F.
Walpole, MA
8/2/2011
This is a place that left me wanting more.
I stopped in here real quick before checking out a movie. Seemed like a good place to be. There appeared to be many professionals and groups of people dining. I saw one table having guacamole made right at their table which impressed me. Being tight on time though, I wanted to keep things simple so I ordered the Pechuga Rellena de Huitlacoche - Chicken breast stuffed wtih mushroom and cheese in poblano cream salsa with rice and tortillas; Mexican rice. I substituted the rice for a salad, again, keeping things simple and rice would have caught a bad case of food coma during the movie.
Sadly, my plate was underwhelming. The chicken didn't seem to have been marinated or seasoned much and the sauce was devoid of flavor. I felt as though I were served food that hospital patients recovering from irritable bowel syndrome would have to eat.
Service was ok. I appreciate them accomodating me as I was in rush.
I despite my bland experience of this place, I'd consider coming back in a group for some apps and drinks. The place does look decent enough for that much. -
Review from Kris P.
9/21/2011
The margaritas are great tasting but the serving size is on the Flirtini side. I want a glass that resembles a fish bowl not a thimble.
Table side Guac lived up to the hype. But the after the lady made the Guac, she had a starring contest with our table. Were we supposed to tip her? It kinda had that feel, but I thought that would be unsanitary too. Ultimately I just froze up and eventually she left.
I had the Pork Mole. It was pretty average.....actually it was disappointing. Everyone else at the table raved their entree.
The Churros were yummy.
-Final Thoughts
-19.99 limited menu includes guac/soup/entree/dessert/ +5.00 Margarita
-Horrible Acoustics....place was half empty but I still had trouble hearing across the table
-Meh service....our guy got a little snippy
-Overall it was ok but I probably wont go back -
Review from Samantha H.
Lakewood, OH
9/12/2011
The best guacamole and margaritas I have ever had. Both are made in front of you at the table and the freshness makes all the difference in the taste. They are also probably the most expensive guac and margaritas I have ever had given the volume - the margarita is served in a martini glass. But the volume that is missing is the nasty mixer or syrups that most places add and I don't want anyway. I recommend getting the house margarita with a shot of Mezcal. The ceviche salad is wonderful. I've had the Enchiladas de Mariscos and Enchiladas de Calibazas and both were great. And the flights of tequila are fun and you get to try many types of tequila in different little shot glasses. Service is always great. Also for happy hour they have dollar tacos!
I've been here many times and always am impressed. The only complaint is what is up with the salsa? It's terrible. Smoky flavor in a bad way and not fresh tasting or looking. -
Review from Matt F.
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I leave this place, I just feel like I should have enjoyed it more.
I do love the guacamole and I can't envision a time when I would visit Adobo and not get it. I also like the chips and those are an often overlooked component of Mexican food.
The fish tacos are OK. The seafood enchiladas are good.
They have some drink specials during the week that aren't bad. The house margaritas are $5 on Thursdays and I didn't think that was a bad value.
Overall, I'd say it's worth checking out to sit at the bar, eat some tasty guacamole and have a drink or two. -
Review from Ryan M.
Indianapolis, IN
10/9/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Come into Adobo for some good food and a trendy club-like atmosphere. There's always company at the tequila bar. It's cozy - the tables are a bit cramped.
The dance floor is oddly placed. On any given visit most people will be there for dinner or at the bar, not dancing. The staff is pretty average. They don't do much to pump up the atmosphere or attempt great service.
For sure Adobo has the best guacamole and margaritas I've ever had (in downtown Indianapolis). That is to say, it's good stuff. You don't get much, though. Regarding hot sauce, a key ingredient to any place "Mexican," Adobo's is too ketchupy for my taste. And, the chips are subpar despite the awesome guaco.
On my last visit I had chicken enchiladas. The tortillas were soft and tasty, the chicken a bit dry out of the sauce.
Recommended for a visit or three. Despite living downtown I don't really frequent the place. Compared to other "Mexican" places nearby, though, Adobo is far and away the winner. -
Review from Virginia L.
Milwaukee, WI
8/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Upscale Mexican food in a fun, festive atmosphere. I need to find reasons to go here more often.
Lunch specials are a pretty good deal. -
Review from Joe O.
Indianapolis, IN
5/6/2012
Been here a few times before and had good service and food. When my wife wanted to go there for her Birthday, I thought it was a great idea with it being Cinco de Mayo. When we arrived, we were promptly seated, but that was about the extent of the good service that we received for the night. We order the guacamole and had to wait about ten minutes after it was made table-side to get our chips. Fortunately, the individual refilling our water was kind enough to track down chips for us, since our waitress was no where to be found. After about a 20 minutes our waitress came by to take our order and our food arrived about 30 minutes later. The only problem was that the order was incorrect. We waited for about 5 minutes for our waitress to come by and see how the food was, but she never did. Needless to say, we saw that the order was not going to be fixed anytime soon so we went ahead and ate so we could just get out of the place. Our waitress finally came by about the time that we were done with the food to check on us, at that time we asked for the check. After the check was delivered, it took about 5 minutes for the waitress to pick up the check and about another 10 minutes to ring us out. The bottom-line is the food is not bad, but the service leaves something to be desired. When you spend $70 on Mexican food you have certain expectations that should be met. When you get better service from the support staff, something is wrong. If you have about two and half hours to waste on a pitcher of sangria, guacamole and two entrees, then Adobo is your place. For me, I will stick with my local Mexican establishments, save $40, and have a better experience.
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Review from Deborah B.
Indianapolis, IN
3/11/2012
My go-to Mexican restaurant in downtown Indy. The great walkability factor for us allows us to imbibe without worry and not having to drive anywhere. Margaritas are fresh and made with real limes not some disgusting corn-syrupy concoction. We often begin our dining experience with their delicious tableside guacamole. I have fallen in love with the tacos al pastor and once or twice have tried the soups they have which are always very good!! In addition, the many variations of ceviche are very good and a great option if you are wantting to go the low carb route. Most entrees come with a nice side of spanish rice and refried beans that are both excellent. Service is very prompt and attentive. I also really like the atmosphere here. I can see how some may find this expensive but I would not consider it over priced because at times you really do get what you pay for. Since I have mastered Chicken tortilla soup in my slow cooker and make a mean guacamole I do not need this place, but when I am feeling lazy and don't want to cook it is perfect and I do recommend!
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Review from Cherie L.
Orange, CA
9/9/2011
Guacamole made, table side. Pretty awesome.
Authentic and rather delish. I'm not sure what it was called, but we ordered this appetizer that was like super flat bread pizza.
Our server was new in training, so service was "eh".
You can't order pitchers of regular margarita's. The only option is raspberry - which in my opinion was way too sweet. -
Review from Brandy F.
7/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Picked up a Groupon recently for Adobo Grill, and while I visited this place when it first opened, I have not been back since. I will say I have enjoyed much better Mexican food in Indianapolis, but this place is still pretty good, and the table made guacamole is delicious.
If you are a non-meat eater, the dinner menu has a few more vegetarian dishes than the lunch menu. -
Review from Marcie M.
7/1/2011
Chainy or not, this place is one of few who serve the double corn tortilla, "upscale" Mexican flare that Adobo pulls off well. I finally had a chance to indulge today with my sister and friend Michelle. We, of course, ordered the guac, which is made table-side and I had the pulled pork tacos with rice and beans. It was DEEELISH, fresh and making me wanting more (right now actually). I thought four tacos was a lot...and it was so for portions, it gets 5 stars.
I'm only giving it a four, b/c well...it's downtown and parking is difficult. Service was average and acceptable but not outstanding. Otherwise, I would and plan to go back soon! -
Review from Megan C.
Broomfield, CO
I LOVE ADOBO. The guacamole is amazing, and made fresh right at your table when you order it. And it's a huge amount (a whole avocado- yes!). I personally like my guacamole made on the spicier side, I think it has more flavor overall than the milder guacamole.
The best thing I've ever had here is the carnitas de pato (duck carnitas). These are ahhh-may-zingggg. I had the Oaxacan mole most recently, and it was good, but I did not enjoy it as much as the carnitas. I have had other things here before also, but definitely the best are the duck carnitas by far. Did I mention-- DUCK CARNITAS??
They also have $1 tacos in the bar during the week until 6 pm. You can order as many as you want, either fish or pork. The fish tacos are really good, and the pork are even better! I like to order a couple of each and mix-and-match to my heart's desre. Yet another reason why I love love love this place!
I have heard they have salsa dancing on Saturday nights, but have not been able to convince the hubby to take me yet...... :) -
Review from Russell B.
West Chicago, IL
1/3/2012
Only went for drinks and dollar tacos during happy hour. It was ok, nothing special. Tacos were good, and the special of half off pitchers seemed like a good deal, but we did not order.
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Review from Jon A.
12/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
All I want for Christmas is someone to wheel up a cart of guacamole ingredients and make it at our table. Oph! Wait, that happened!
All I want for Christmas is a night out for dinner with my LP & friends. Oph! Wait, that happened!
All I want for Christmas is an exquisite Oaxacan mole dish. Oph! Wait, that happened!
Well, well, well, Adobo Grill. It seems you've made all my Christmas wishes come true! What better way to spend a holiday than to write about such gifts you bring to Indy.
Wait, I've got one.
All I want for Christmas is a kind, moustached bartender who has a plaque on the wall behind him that says "Hot Lips." Oph! Wait, that happened!
And is happening. Wednesday night it's $10 pitchers of any beer. They have Sun King Osiris Pale Ale. That works out to $2.50 a pint. I'm a fan. I'm also a fan of $1 carnitas & fish tacos for happy hour. Overall, um, I'd say I'm a fan.
Lastly though...
All I really want for Christmas is for Hot Lips to step up on that rolling ladder and slide down the wall on it toward me to hand me my mug of beer while still on that ladder! Oph! Wait. Yep. Waiting's fine. Waiting's very fine at such a fine establishment as this!
Feliz Navidad! -
Review from chris m.
So I guess this is a chain? Doesn't matter. I have always left Adobo totally satisfied with my experience. The food and drink are really good. The service has always been fast and friendly. Plus the place just has a cool vibe. Dig it and get down with the $1 taco happy hour special.
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Review from Ronald H.
Santa Clara, CA
4/10/2011
This is a really nice, upscale Mexican restaurant that my wife and I visited last Fall. We don't get over to Indianapolis all that often, and there are lots of other restaurants to try, but if we're in town with a taste for delicious Mexican cuisine, we'll certainly remember to go back here.
We started with the Lentil Soup special with Plantain and Pineapple. We also had the Guacamole made tableside, which was the best my wife had ever had. We also had the Salsa Assortment, a set of very different and very delicious salsas. In addition to the assortment, we had the regular salsa, which was deliciously smoky.
My wife had a Ceviche - Tuna Mango, very tasty.
I had the Short Rib Special which had a really nice depth of flavor.
For desert, we shared Flan (which was pretty good) and Yacata de Chocolate -- a chocolate sponge cake topped with Mexican chocolate-mole negro mousse, chocolate ganache and almond whipped cream, créme anglaise -- Wow! This has got to be one of the best deserts I've ever had, certainly the best at any Mexican restaurant. -
Review from Tristan S.
Broad Ripple, IN
It's A-OK, but not a place I'll seek out again (sorry, Yelp-and-real-life-buddy Scott, who gave it 4 stars!)
Went on a Friday night. It wasn't very busy, but they had the music absolutely blasting to the point that I could barely hear anyone else at our table besides myself.
Table-side guac was good, but the portions are a bit skimpy for the price.
I dared to try a michelada beer (probably spelling that wrong), which has all kinds of spices and lime in it. Not for the faint of heart - or stomach. Mine ached the rest of the evening after this drink.
My meal wasn't bad, but it wasn't memorable. I nearly forgot what it was but remembered just as sec ago: fish tacos. They were okay, but there are better in this city.
Also got ceviche as an appetizer. They give you a LOT of the raw-fish-supposedly-cooked-in-lime/lemon juice and we didn't finish ours. It was okay, but I probably wouldn't order it again.
This meal was the most unique thing I ate that weekend - and I'm quite sure it also made me feel more unique than I've felt in awhile. My stomach was absolutely destroyed the next day. I'm no scientist and thus can't pinpoint exactly where my sickness came from, but odds are good it was related to the cup of ceviche. (Scientists, feel free to chime in here.)
Anyway, the ambiance of Adobo is kinda cool (besides the blasting music), the private table areas are nice and intimate, and the guac is good. So if I'm asked to dine there again (talkin' to you, Scott), I might go - but I'll stick to a regular Negra Modelo, guacamole and bean burritos. -
Review from Jessica H.
Indianapolis, IN
5/9/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love being able to dive into a large pile of tableside guac and enjoy a fresh margarita made with lime juice and not sour mix! The atmosphere at Adobo is fun with mariachi bands playing and a ceviche bar that has some of the freshest fish in the city.
They have lounge seating in addition to the restaurant seating and everytime we've gone we have a good time. I highly recommend the muddled margaritas for something different and also recommend the Monte Alban for a steak dish! -
Review from Nathan G.
Indianapolis, IN
10/7/2010 62 Check-ins Here
If you like Tequila and you are in Indianapolis, this is definitely your place. It just so happens they also serve upscale, authentic Mexican food that tastes wonderful. The bar is nicely stocked with premium sipping tequila's and the house margarita will make anyone happy. If you come for dinner, the guacamole they make tableside is really good. All of the tacos are tasty with the fish being my favorite. I have not tried the ceviche there yet, but the bartender assures me it's worth it.
Happy hour is 4-6 I believe with two kinds of taco's for a dollar a piece. Stellar deal. Thursday drink special is the house margarita, so a Thursday evening dinner can be as thrifty as taco bell, but as tasty as fine dining.
Last Wednesday of every month is a special tequila dinner. 4 course meal, mixed drinks AND neat pours of featured tequila. Really good time @ 38 bucks it's a bargain.
So good I'm making it my second home. -
Review from Tara M.
12/20/2010
Adobo's was pretty much what I expected. Fun, festive, faux ethnic decor. Delicious, fresh, and overpriced guacamole (a deceptively small amount is served in a stone mortar for $7.99). I did enjoy my butternut squash enchiladas. I did not enjoy my involuntary-pucker-inducing virgin lime drink. I sort of enjoyed the bite of my husband's chili rellenos. Overall, tasty enough but not memorable. It's one of those places that tries to please everyone and so might not wow anyone. If that is their business model (which might be a smart one) then they are doing great.
We decided not to stay for the salsa dance which starts at 11. Next time I'll go just for that. -
Review from Chip C.
Louisville, KY
3/30/2011
Solid 4 to 5 stars. The table side guacamole was outstanding, you can almost make a meal out of that. The pork tenderloin was very buttery and tender. Rosemary and cilantro in a light reduction that was excellent. The skirt steak was very good, heavy, but a nice cut that was tender and moist for this type of beef. Started off with a house margarita with Mezcal-it was a great beginning and the bite of the tequila is something I am still yearning for, inexplicably. I love the vibe as well, mood lighting and a great looking bar. Service was just outstanding-the prettiest, most accommodating señorita with great suggestions and a warm smile.
Just a fabulous place and a real cut above most Mexican restaurants. You will have a great time here. -
Review from Scott D.
Indianapolis, IN
11/14/2010
I visited Adobo Grill with my wife and a group of friends on Friday night. I purchased a really great Groupon for the place specifically to try it out affordably. A quick summary is that we will very likely be back.
My wife and I were the first two of a group of seven to arrive at the restaurant. Unfortunately the rest of our party didn't arrive until twenty to forty minutes after our original reservation due to parking problems as our reservation was at the same time as a Pacers tipoff. My wife and I decided to be seated to grab a drink. We apologized to our server about the tardiness of our group. He was really great about the whole thing. He said he had been in the States seven years and that he sometimes still had trouble adjusting from Mexican time (apparently not 'on time') to American time. He was really friendly and overall a really terrific server.
There were a couple of drink specials that night and it helped us try a couple of more authentic drinks affordably. I don't often times see drink specials on weekends. It was appreciated.
My wife and I were really looking forward to the table-side guac. And while it was good, I would definitely suggest kicking it and the complementary salsa up to the 'mild' category. Our regular guac was flavorful, but it didn't have a bold flavor at all. The next time we visit Adobo Grill, we'll definitely kick it up a notch.
As a group of seven we were placed in a small alcove of a room. It gave a slight feeling of exclusivity and definitely made it easier to talk around the table. The overall look of the restaurant is great. The atmosphere's fun and only being a block away from Conseco, I'd suggest getting reservations here prior to games.
My entrée wasn't as great as I thought it might be. I ordered the Tacos al Pastor. It was only okay. The rice and beans were good, but the pineapple salsa was, like I said, just OK.
It's east to find an appetizer to share and an affordable entrée. You can probably get out of here for less than $25 per person, all-in.
I look forward to trying Adobo again. I want to find an entrée that better fits my palate. The place is so cool that I want to find something there I want! -
Review from Esther D.
Cary, NC
5/13/2011
My last night visiting Indianapolis, I wanted Mexican food. I am picky about Mexican food as I am Mexican-American and my uncle had a Mexican restaurant in Southern California-- so know good Mexican food when I see one. And Adobo Grill is excellent, serving cuisine from regions all over Mexico!
The location is east of Meridian Street on Washington Street, easy walking distance from most hotels and public parking garages. They provide a small outside eating area on the sidewalk. But I suggest eating inside, at least the first time because the atmosphere is wonderful. Very tasteful colors, art work, and decor. You can also eat upstairs, at the bar, or a cozy booth.
The wait staff is excellent. Our waiter was so enthusiastic about all the dishes I asked about. So enthusiastic about their salmon special, that I ordered it without hesitation for $20.99-- very worth it. This dish was layered with mashed potatoes on the bottom, grilled salmon topped with green beans. There were two sauces on each side, one a red sweet-spicy red sauce the other a just-right spicy green sauce. Corn tortillas was served on the side. My husband ordered fish tacos (3 open faced) with beans and rice for $12.99. We also ordered fresh ceviche as an appetizer. This is a must if you dine here. We had their Ahi Tuna, "sashimi style" ($9.99) which was served in stemware with tortilla rounds, a very nice touch.
Niether of us had room for dessert, but my next trip to Adobo will just be for desserts as our waiter (Marco) enthusiastically described an amazing Mexican style banana split!
I highly recommend this restaurant if you like original Mexican dishes. This is not your usual Mexican burrito, rice and beans place. -
Review from Kara F.
8/10/2010
I came here in a group of 8 for happy hour. The hostess said that to take advantage of happy hour, we had to either sit at the bar or on the second floor lounge. Since our group was large, sitting at a bar would have killed conversation, and there were already two groups taking up much of the space in the small "lounge."
We asked the manager if we could just sit at a table. It wasn't busy at all, but he said no! What's the deal?! There were eight of us, bringing a lot of business, and he wouldn't be flexible. How stupid is that?! So his reluctant employees had to spend about 10 minutes arranging chairs so we could sit in a cramped corner of the lounge. It was a very awkward situation, and would been better and more comfortable for everyone involved if we had just been seated at a table.
The guacamole was good, but overpriced. The salsa sampler was good, but overpriced, and the margaritas were good, but overpriced.
Nice atmosphere and decor and such, but I'm not going back to a place that can't figure out the basics of customer service. -
Review from Richard H.
Indianapolis, IN
7/27/2011
I have never had a bad meal here, but I have also never had an especially memorable one. It's a nice place with decent service, but do we really need "upscale" Mexican?
-
Review from Tiffany P.
Davis, CA
10/7/2010
Happy hour = $1 tacos (Baja California fish taco and taco al pastor)
Thursday night drink special = $5 quality house margaritas
I came here with a group of about 13 for happy hour (which explicitly says is only valid in the bar and lounge areas). We originally started at the bar where the bartenders were friendly and attentive, but as more people came, they eventually set us up in the second floor lounge so we could still take advantage of the happy hour dollar tacos.
Even better, the mariachi band started playing around 6pm, and it is always fun to be serenaded.
I can't really discuss the regular menu in depth since very few of us ordered from there. I have a feeling it might be a little bit pricey, but the quality of food is good. The guacamole is definitely worth getting (mild, medium, or spicy).
The short version - tacos and margaritas galore. I'm not a tequila person, but I very much enjoyed the house margaritas. And, the tacos were more of the authentic Mexican style with corn rather than flour tortillas. They were tasty as well.
It's a worth while trip for happy hour from 4-6pm. The ambiance and service are both very good. We went on a Thursday, and it wasn't crowded at all. We will likely be back for more! -
Review from Kimberly W.
Bethesda, MD
3/6/2011
Delicious authentic Tex- Mex dishes served by an incredibly helpful and attentive wait-staff. Highlights include their fresh prepared table side guacamole, light ceviche, and flavorful skirt steak. I also tried their chicken enchiladas and it just melts in your mouth!
They also have a Set Prie Fixe dinner menu Sun and Mon, for $20 you get: guacamole served table- side, an entree +soup or salad, + a decadent dessert. I would come for this as opposed for their normal dinner meals. Prices are a little higher than Chevy's, but you are paying for the freshness and authenticity.
Finally ambiance: they have many$ private rooms for groups of 4-6, a full service bar, and the decor is festive with faux ethnic decor. Good place for friends/family for sure. Good for a fun date, but probably not for a romantic elegant one!
