“Indy’s Oldest & Finest Drive-In Restaurant.”

Mug N’ Bun! It is almost a rite of passage for people in Indy, especially those on the West side. They are known for having delicious deep fried foods, car side service, and incredible homemade root beer. We started off with a couple frosty mugs of that famous root beer. They also serve it as a float, but it already has such a strong vanilla flavor that it tastes like a float already! Today’s visit included a smorgasbord of their finer deep fried items. We got their foot-long hot dog, dressed with “cheese and sauce,” zip wings (which are battered and fried wings), hot cheese balls, fried zucchini, and my personal favorite, onion nibblers (just small onion rings). We also got to enjoy something I had never heard of; apple stix. They were essentially apple pie filling, battered and fried… and yes, they tasted just as good as they sound. Unfortunate for you, lucky for us, we found out we got the very last order that will ever be served! But, they will be replaced with brownie bites. Deep fried brownies!? Who could resist?!

HE SAID: Every time I am at Mug ‘N Bun, I am transported back to my childhood. It is a guilty pleasure of mine in all of its deep fried deliciousness.

SHE SAID: You will leave feeling stuffed and greasy, but with the super cheap prices and old-school feel, it is something you have to experience. It is especially nice being able to sit at a picnic table and enjoy the breeze and sunshine. Get the root beer.

Oso’s Republic is oh so good!

While wondering the city looking for apartments, we stumbled upon Oso’s Republic. The exterior of the building wasn’t extravagant, and honestly neither was the interior décor. What this place lacks in looks, makes up more than enough in food. It is a Dominican themed restaurant featuring such classics as their Cuban, Pulled Pork, and even their own Mofongo. Katie and I had just returned from a trip to Puerto Rico, so we were both extremely excited to see Mofongo on a local menu. I got the old school Cuban Sandwich and Katie got the Jibarito. Katie’s sandwich surprised both of us. It is a sandwich of shredded chicken, a cabbage slaw, then pressed between two fried plantains and topped with a sauce that tasted like a French dressing. My Cuban was done in traditional fashion, and it was equally as flavorful! Both portions were perfectly sized, and Katie’s Jibarito disappeared in record time! She also ordered one of their natural juices mixed with both Guava and Passion Fruit – that lasted just about as long as the sandwich did.

HE SAID: To me, this place is great lunch location to take your taste buds on a Dominican vacation. It’s simple, yet delicious.

SHE SAID: Writing this post makes my mouth water! I was amazed at how much I enjoyed everything – it made me want to go back to Puerto Rico.

Pho Real, is for real.

We went in today just looking for something different, and instead were amazed by how simple yet delicious the food was. We were greeted promptly by our server Cynthia, who was extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and energetic. Seeing as how neither of us are Vietnamese food experts, we essentially asked her, “Uh.. What is this stuff?” Cynthia laughed and gave us a great tour of the menu, and promptly explained everything for us. I went with the Pho-1 which had rare beef that was cooked in the giant bowl of hot broth. Katie went with the Nam Khao, which was essentially a deconstructed, crispy fried rice bowl with lettuce and the other accouterments, fresh herbs, and a special sauce on the side. There were many other items on the menu that looked appealing and worth going back for. There were even tofu dishes if that’s your thing.

The outside of the restaurant wasn’t entirely eye catching. To be honest, it would’ve been an easy place to drive past if we didn’t look up the location beforehand. The other locations in the tiny strip mall lacked any flair or appeal, so the real surprise was on the inside.

HE SAID: I loved it! My Pho was in a giant bowl, large enough that I couldn’t even finish it. It was exactly what I imagined authentic Pho should taste like.

SHE SAID: Just do it. It’s so good and worth being stuffed for.