Hi, I’m Kelli and I like to eat. Well, obviously I have a thing for good food, sipping cocktails on the patio and checking out all the newest hot spots to eat in my city. Today’s post is with Conner’s Kitchen in Bar in Indianapolis. If you’re familiar with the downtown scene at all, you know that the Marriott and Champions, the restaurant that was in the Marriott, were both in sore need of a makeover. They recently did a renovation and I am here to tell you, they have seriously upped their swank game. Champions has been replaced with Conner’s, which seriously has the coolest vibe. Lots of white subway tiles, upscale southern style cuisine with a twist, and SPICY cocktails. Also, their patio is a great spot for afternoon drinks!
There is even a Rye bar in the back of the hotel lobby, so you can really cover all your bases here! Let’s jump right in and check out some of the yummy dishes and drinks we got to try at Conner’s last week, shall we? (As a side note, you can check out video of my experience via my highlights on Instagram!)
As a rule, I’m typically not a huge fan of hotel restaurants. However, Conner’s really had me impressed, this was the second time we went and we got to sample one cocktail with each course. I’m including three that we got to sample, here in this post today! Pictured above is “Kickin” mule made with house-made pineapple ginger beer and fresno chilies. Olé! This was so refreshing, the perfect drink for a hot summer day.
Also, can we talk about these nachos? (Peep the background). This is the second time I’ve had them and MAN. They are delicious and loaded with all the pulled pork and fresnos you could want! (I personally like fresnos better than jalapenos, so I was in foodie heaven with this course!)
We also got to sample the guac, seen below and topped with pepitas, spiced sunflower seeds and dried fruit.
Next up, we have the “Peppered Paloma” made with Patron, Grapefruit-poblano soda and chili lime sea salt.
Smoked chicken wangs with avocado ranch. (You guys, this is the ranch sauce of my dreams).
Lump crab hushpuppies.
So pictured above is the “Conners Old Fashioned” made with Elijah Craig, Vanilla Demerara and Walnut bitters. This is a little sweeter than your typical old fashioned, and I LOVED it. I think I even drank someone else’s at the table who decided they weren’t going to drink it. They even have the large cubes for this cocktail made from a “secret” local source, so that’s kinda neat!
Last food item I’m sharing with y’all today is this beef and cheddah sandie, b/c I mean, it’s to good to leave out. Also, all I can think about anytime I hear “beef and cheese” is the kid in the department store in “Bad Santa” saying “you’re not Santa! You smell like beef and cheese!” I’m LOLing just thinking about it. But seriously, the sandwich is KILLER. Chopped brisket, smokey cheddar and bbq sauce. Not to mention the whole thing is grilled to crispy perfection.
Put me on a patio and a cocktail in my hand, and I’m a happy girl!
And of course, including my outfit deets here, b/c, why not? I got so many compliments on these pants from Sweet Olive Boutique. You guys can use code KELLI15 for a discount there!
I’ve included Conner’s website incase you want to check out the full menu, and their hours below. You can also follow them on instagram here: @connersindy
I hope you’ll check out Conner’s on your next date night or next time you’re looking for somewhere new to go in Indy. Where is your fave patio in town for summer time sips? Comment below!
