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Category: Cajun/Creole [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Chatham Arch, Indy Metro
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Yats is my favorite place to grab a bite.
The upside is the fact that the food is genuine Cajun and the prices are incredibly low for the amount of food you get.
The downside is, they have very limited space. so I hope you don't have
The only things that would improve it would if they had delivery or made it a late night place.
Take your friends.
Totally worth it
There's a reason that the Midwest is known for having notoriously fat people. This place is one of those reasons. You get Tons of food for less than 6 bucks. Like seriously, tons. of. food.
If I lived in Indianapolis, I'd probably eat here ALL THE TIME. But I don't, and for that reason I will probably stay skinny for a really long time.
Ok, so yes, come here, it's delicious.
I am a native Hoosier and did my time in Indianapolis and Yats is a must visit.
Excellent food - AWESOME bread - and a funky vibe that is very non-Indiana like that I love.
You can not go wrong with this place. I have never had a dish that I didn't like and who can beat bread with yummy melted butter. The price is right. I have not lived in Indianapolis for six years but go back regularly to visit family - the prices are still great with very little upward movement.
Great, cheap, cool atmosphere, great employees.
What a great place. Visiting Indy for a weekend getaway and of course, had to check http://yelp.com to find a great place to eat. And we found a couple of awesome places: 1 being Yats on Mass Ave. and the other (an Indian place) up in Broad Ripple. BTW, Yats has a place up in the Broad Ripple neighborhood but I am reviewing the Mass Ave one.
I walked in and didn't really know what to do (seat yourself? wait for a host/ess?, etc.) So I asked and was told to order there and go sit anywhere, they would call my order out. Well, the girl said she would bring it out to me (not the norm). They pointed to a menu on the wall and I ordered the Chili Cheese Crawfish Etouffee and Red Beans and Rice. It was amazing.
For those that immediately think that Cajun/Creole is spicy, it is not necessarily that way. Ask the staff. They do have a bunch of sauces (mostly hot) that you can top your entree with. The staff had great recommendations on which sauce went with which dinner.
Go to this place!
There is a tip jar, use it. The employees were as awesome as the food. Thanks Yats, thanks to the kind employees, and thanks to Yelp and Yelpers for helping find this gem.
I just wanted to write this review to offset the "Big D's" one-star.
Dude, you gave Arby's 5 stars. Let me say that again. You gave ARBYS FIVE STARS!
So now, I want you to ask yourself WHY Yat's was out of most dishes that were on the board.... I'm sorry, the correct answer is because it's that damn good and the people who know what's good and "like mohawks and purple hair" got there earlier to scoop you on the etouffee. Plus, they ERASE dishes once they're sold out. So how could they be out of what was on the board? Makes no sense.
Good talk. See you out there.
THE HYPE IS TRUE! Every time I come back to the IND, I gotta hit Yat's! I mean...when was the last… Read more »
Good, Cheap and Fast!
Locals recommended this place. It was good food in an interesting place. I'd try it again. I had the gumbo, which was not bad at all. The service was very quick, even during a big lunch. I may adjust my opinion after more visits.
... Second visit review: This place is very authentic. They are quick to give you samples and the menu changes each day.
price: 7
food quality: 8
service: 9
atmosphere: 9
Every town needs a good NO joint like this.
Yats is wonderful! The prices are low, and the food is always amazing. We love trying new things whenever they add them to their menu, and the staff is always friendly and accommodating.
On one visit, we forgot to bring cash and they actually gave us an IOU for our food. We ran right to an ATM after lunch, and returned to pay for our food...but it was a very nice gesture that we appreciated.
Every dish I have tried has been great, so you can't go wrong. And the bread that is served is wonderful, so you may want to get a little extra :)
They also have a huge array of hot sauces that are fun to try along with the food.
I guess that I'm alone in my ambivalence about Yats. Granted, it's been awhile since I've been here, so I may need to give it a second try. But when I did visit, I recall feeling underwhelmed. Having been to New Orleans pre-Katrina (and having fallen madly in love with it), I have high standards for my Cajun food, and I found Yats to be kind of...mushy, honestly. It just lacked a certain snap and bite.
I do appreciate the punkish staff, though, and any place that posts as many flyers for local events as Yats does earns bonus points from me. So I think another visit is in order.
Yats! One of my favs. You really can't go wrong with anything you order here, but my favorite is the red beans and rice. It's also dirt cheap. Like seriously, $6 should get your belly good and full, and I bet they'd make a deal with you if you have less.
I miss you Yats. But not enough to go back to Indiana.
When I'm hungry for some yummy, stick-to-the-ribs food (not that I need that, but hey, we all deserve something yummy once in a while!), I head to Yats.
My favorite Yats location is on Mass Ave., even though there's a newer location nearer my house on 96th Street. The Mass Ave. location just has CHARACTER. Love it! Head to this location at lunchtime, and often (usually) the line is literally out the door ... and down the sidewalk. Service is awesome and fast, so no need to worry about getting your turn. Only thing to worry about is if your favorite has been crossed off the menu of the day.
You see, that's the beauty of this place: They have a daily menu. When it's gone, it's gone ... tough luck. Get here early if you want a certain dish.
My favorites are not necessarily the faves everyone else raves about, such as the red beans and rice or the chili cheese etouffee with crawfish. I like those, as well, but my favorites are definitely the B&B (black beans and caramelized corn in a creamy sauce) and the Pazole Stew (a bit of a Mexican kick .... corn, chicken, beans, tomatoes, onions, etc. ... kinda like a Mexican chili). Of course, don't forget the YUMMY bread that comes with every meal. And ... three words. PEANUT BUTTER PIE.
Say no more.
You will never leave Yats hungry. It's a feast ... and it's CHEAP. How do you beat that?
You don't.
Finally ate at Yat's on Friday night. We've been meaning to go there for awhile, but it's just never panned out.
Parking is a bit of a nightmare, but that's true of anything around Mass Ave.
I really enjoyed eating at Yat's. The food was good, not quite spicy enough for me, but nothing a little Louisiana's Best couldn't fix. I loved how fast it was (almost too fast! We were super early for the next event!) and it's a no bs, no frills kind of place. Just good food, quick service, and it was cheap!!!
I did find the tables a little dirty, but really, what do you expect? It's reminded me of the hole-in-the-wall mexican places I love in San Diego. Wipe your own damned table *grin*
How do I love Yats? Let me count the ways...
The menu is simple with only 4 or 5 choices served over rice.
The cajunish food is very yummy with just enough spice (although sometimes I could go for more heat)
Yats is a unique, Indiana chain.
The skater/alt/indie types that staff the place are friendly and add to the awesome character of the place.
Service is fast.
Location on Mass. Ave is central and in a nice area.
Food is cheap.
My only complaints?
Parking can be limited and annoying pulling in and out of spots on Mass. ave. The best idea is to ride your bike.
Seating is limited and can fill up.
Brown rice would be a nice option.
My single favorite place to eat in Indianapolis. Somehow Yat's gets everything right: simple cajun food, small menu, cheap prices, perfect portions.
The Etoufees are fantastic, basic red beans & rice with sausage is wonderful and the bread that is served with each entree is the perfect compliment. Grab plenty of hot sauce and pepper and spice up any dish.
The dining room is small but comfortable and I've had great conversations with the employees, talking about music or just shooting the breeze.
Delicious, cheap Cajun that will clear you sinuses. The service is good, but its mostly self service. If you are used to the Nolia's Cajun, then you won't appreciate this. Most of their dishes are of a stew consistency. Best dishes are the white chili, jambalaya, and my favorite, gumbo. All served over perfectly made rice and toasted bread pre-buttered with tasty kick.
GREAT REASONABLE PRICES
GREAT STAFF
love their Gumbo, more of a beef base than fishy new orleans style
love the B & B
our bike knows it's way there
we have them on speed dial
ask for EXTRA BUTTER!!!!!!!!!!! the best extra 50 cents you'll ever spend
here's their online menu, hurry before something is erased LOL
http://yatscajuncreole...
My mom instilled an aversion to corn in me since childhood, but the B&B helped me get over that. There's an equal ratio of caramelized corn kernals and black beans in a light sauce. My second favorite is the spinach and mushroom etouffee, which is a heavier, roux-thickened dish. I would be happy eating here every day.
The guys who work at the Mass Ave store are the coolest ever.
What a great place experience with delicious food. This ain't no cloth napkin fancy place. you place your order at the counter and the Cajun chef calls out your name at the top of his lungs. In fact, the entire restaurant sometimes turns around to see what the yelling is all about.
Very creative items on the menu. Can't wait to come back to Indy to eat here again.
I've only been a vegetarian for half a year, so when I ate meat I loved Yats. And now that I don't I still do, and that's what I love about this place. Every time we visit family in Indi we go to Yats. I used to get the red beans and rice and loved every mouthful I took. The bread is also delicious.
As a vegetarian I discovered other delicious dishes at Yats. This past Monday I got the spinach and mushroom etteufe and black bean and carmelized corn. It was AWESOME!!!!!! I almost licked my plate. The bread is very good- did I mention that?
The coolest thing about Yats is that it is now open in Chicago also, on Randolph street!!! go there you'll love it !
Even after all my years of living in NY, I still dream about this place!
My older sis brought me here for the opening night festivities, and I was buzzed and full in about 20 minutes flat. I get envious when people talk about it, and plan on going back next time i'm in town!
It's spicey, delicious, and cheap. And the staff is great too.
The price went up a smidgen, but it is still the best cheap eats in Indianapolis. We don't live across the street anymore, so now we eat there 90% of the time.
Great food at a great price! I love this place. I suggest the white chili. You can pick two… Read more »
I hate to disagree but on my one experience, it was god-awful. They were oddly out of most everything on the chalk board menu, the people working were ALL having a bad day or something. I asked for milk to drink and you would have thought that I just announced that I had raging syphilis. No, I think I'll not return. But cheap food (when they're not out) and if you dig people with mohawks and purple hair, it is great for people watching! :-)
Sometimes I have dreams about the white chili. Seriously. It's amazing. Perfect lunch spot with unbelievable prices. The staff is super laid back and nice. I prefer the downtown location over the one in Broad Ripple for no specific reason, I guess because I go their more frequently. The line can get super long at the lunch hour, so I try to go at 11 or 1 to head the crowds. I suggest the whtie chili (duh). Comes with bread and rice. Who doesn't love carbs?
Come to Champaign Urbana Yat's! You'd make a killing here!
Everytime I pass through Indianapolis, I stop here at least twice. Yeah, sometimes in one day.
You can pick two plates for $6.50 ( half and half ) or a full serving of one for $5.50. They change up the menu everyday with a handful of dishes to choose from. Honestly, you really can't find a better deal in town for this amount of hearty food.
The etouffees (especially the crawfish!) make me drool and the pozole is phenomenal! And every plate is served on a king sized bed of rice with rips of bread slathered in butta.
I can't say I've been to New Orleans - but Yat's has the best Creole and Cajun food I've ever had.
Great food, cool atmosphere... Best Cajun in Indy! Gotta try the chili cheese etoufee! Really great bread too... recently went to cash only, but still worth a visit.
I visited Indy recently, and had to visit Yats because I've heard such hype. I'll say that the food was definitely worthy of 5 stars (and don't ask me what I had, it was some word I can't recall but was stewy/jambalaya-ey over rice and tasted like heaven) I'd even give the food 6 stars if possible, simply because they have a serve-yourself selection of hot sauces. However I'm also subtracting a star because the staff was kind of rude.
I wonder where on earth they get crawfish from? Overnite shipping from outside of the midwest, I hope....
In a city where local establishments are hard to come by, Yats has become one of the most well known and well liked. Inexpensive ($5-6 for all entrees), large portions and an ever-changing menu make it a good choice for just about anyone who likes New Orleans-style cuisine. A very laid-back and friendly atmosphere in both locations.
Because all of the food is made at the Broadripple location, they often run out of menu items at the Massachusetts Avenue restaurant. If you have a choice between locations, you'll probably find more in Broadripple (52nd and College Ave.).
A warning: if you don't like Etouffe, Jambalaya or similar dishes, this isn't for you.
I think its cool that Yats offers Vegetarian Creole food in Indianapolis. If you are veg visiting Indianapolis, then I definitely recommend giving Yats a try. It is also easy on the wallet, which is a nice change from most of the other veg restaurants I have reviewed.
First Impression / Overview:
This place is for the cool kats and alike. Amazing food and great prices. Probably one of the most satisfying meals I've ever purchased for $6 or less. Chili cheese etouffee is off the chains as is the white chili :)
Also the environment and service speak for themselves, simply awesome!
Reccomendations:
1. I'm not seeing the same demand for the Chicago location, consider relocating it inside the loop, would be a great place for the lunch crowd.
Whenever I'm out of town this is the first thing I miss - even more than my mother. Great food (can you say chili cheese etoufee?), great atmosphere and funky staff. Love the guy on Mass Ave with the half moustache - is he still there? I mostly hit up the location on 54th and College since it's close to work. Now I also have another reason to go to Chicago -besides Ikea- because a new Yats just opened there!
I miss this place. Like, a lot. As if the price wasn't cool enough, the staff usually gave it to me for free or for a discount. I yearn for their spinach and mushroom ettouffee doused in hot sauce. That bread is naughty. And I was really into Mt. Dew at the time.
There is not a negative thing to say about this "chain" of restaurants. Joe Vuskovich, the owner, makes the best cajun in Indy. He also gives a damn about his customers. I'm glad that Yats is now an Indianapolis tradition (at least in this man's opinion)
I've here a ton and I still love it today.
I just moved from Indianapolis to California, and can honestly say after some time away that I miss YATS just as much as the friends I left behind. Portions are huge, so you never leave hungry. Atmosphere is fun and casual, and the staff is always friendly. (Tip: Come in often enough, during random off-times, and you'll get your food free!) I don't know why it says they take credit cards though, because as far as I remeber you always had to pay cash. Always a winner: Chili Cheese Ettoufee with crawfish, half and half with the B&B.
Cheap, good, quick. Also great to get it to go. I wish they had more seating.
It's cheap, fast, GOOD CAJUN FOOD. My lunchtime will never be the same without a little Yats in my life. I can hear the Chili Cheese Etouffee with Crawfish calling my name...all the way from Atlanta. We love you, Joe!
Oh my word, what an amazing restaurant. I can't quite find the words right now to describe the greatness. You can't go wrong with unbelievable Jambalaya, plastic forks, and hippie cashiers. If you are a native of Indianapolis, it is required that you eat lunch here at least once a week. If you are not from Indiana, a pilgrimage may be required.
One of the great treasures of Indianapolis! No kidding. Cheap food that tastes fantastic. What more could you ask for? Ambiance? Try the location on N. College Ave - it's a little bigger, and slightly more intriguing. Sterility? Try the location on 96th Street in Fishers in a strip center.
The FOOD is what shines brightest at all three locations. Ummmmmm.
I can never get enough. I heart you Yats!
Simple. Tasty. Good.
It literally is just white rice with a nice sized portion of some cajun tastiness spooned over it. Don't expect anything too fancy here but do expect everything to taste pretty good.
If you have a "healthy" appetite, beware, the portions here are JUST enough. If you are used to Cheesecake Factory style portions, you may be a bit unsatisfied.
Neighborhood: Indy Metro
Category: Greek
Neighborhood: Brownsburg
Category: Pizza
Neighborhood: Indy Metro
Category: Cajun/Creole
Neighborhood: Indy Metro
Category: Greek
Neighborhood: Indy Metro
Category: Pizza
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