Carmel 2010 Al Fresco Dining Guide

For most residents of Central Indiana, spring is the best time of year. Everyone emerges from their winter hibernation, greets their neighbors, and gets outside. Carmelites are particularly fond of celebrating the arrival of warmer weather by dining al fresco. According to the good folks at Webster, al fresco is defined as “taking place or located in the open air,” and what better way to enjoy a good meal than outside during beautiful weather. The following is a guide to a few locally-owned restaurants that offer good food and the opportunity to dine under the stars.

Pizzology
3190 Hazel Dell Parkway, 844-2550, www.pizzologyindy.com

Diners will enjoy fresh entrees made from local produce on the outdoor patio at Neil Brown's new restaurant, Pizzology.

Housed in the former home of Goodfellas, Pizzology brings handcrafted, authentic Italian style pizza to Carmel. According to owner and chef Neil Brown, “This location presented us with an opportunity, as the pizza oven we needed was already here. We also felt that this area was underserved and underestimated. The clientele in Carmel is pretty sophisticated, and we felt like they were in need of something different.” Using local produce to make their cheeses and sausages, the chefs and owners of Pizzology aim to use the best ingredients that the seasons have to offer. The menu features an assortment of brick oven roasted pizzas and pastas. Pizzology’s current contribution to the local al fresco dining scene is their covered patio. Two large garage doors open the bar to the screened-in area. Perfect for those less-than-perfect spring days and cool nights, patrons can enjoy their delicious meal under the protective cover. The owners also have plans to landscape a back patio area, and hopefully hold cornhole tournaments there this summer. “Our intent is for the back area to be very family friendly, a place where the kids can come and play while mom and dad hang out and have a glass of wine,” says Brown.

Muldoon’s
111 West Main Street, 571-1116, www.muldoons.net

Patrons enjoy great weather and food at Muldoon's.

For the past six years, Muldoon’s has occupied the corner of 1st and Main Streets in downtown Carmel, providing the area with an authentic Irish pub atmosphere. Muldoon’s offers a large outdoor seating area that can accommodate nearly 80 diners. Their menu features traditional dishes such as Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie, along with warm weather favorites such as Lemon Pepper Tilapia and Hawaiian Salad. Co-owner Beth Hohlier says that Muldoon’s live music on the patio sets them apart from other downtown eateries. Starting May 2 and continuing through Labor Day, Muldoon’s will be offering live music on their patio on Thursday and Sunday nights. Please check www.muldoons.net for a list of performers and dates.

Petite Chou
14360 Clay Terrace Boulevard, 566-0765, www.cafepatachou.com

Diners can enjoy people watching along with French favorites on Petite Chou's outdoor patio.

In March of 2009, the popular French styled eatery, Café Patachou opened its doors in Clay Terrace, which is a popular open air lifestyle center. Those familiar with the Broad Ripple location of Petite Chou will be pleased to find an expanded menu at the Clay Terrace location, including a fresh catch of the day, Indiana-raised bistro-style rotisserie chicken, and made to order crepes. The quaint outdoor seating area is reminiscent of a little Paris bistro, and during warm weather the area fills up quickly. Christina Pippen, Brand Manager for Patachou, notes that the patio area is dog-friendly, and treats and water bowls are offered to Petite Chou’s four-legged guests.

Mudsocks Grill
14741 Hazel Dell Crossing, 580-0630, www.mudsocksgrill.com

Located on the corner of 146th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway, Mudsocks Grill serves a unique blend of American cuisine in a relaxed, upscale sports bar atmosphere. Here you’ll find a traditional tenderloin sandwich offered alongside fresh fish tacos and grilled steaks. Mudsocks’ outdoor patio features a large natural stone fire pit, and sits adjacent to the restaurant bar, which is partially open, allowing outdoor diners to enjoy views of their favorite televised sports.

106th Street Grill
4335 West 106th Street, 876-9203, www.106stgrill.com

For family friendly al fresco dining, 106th Street Grill has plenty to offer. From 6-8p.m. every Monday, 106th Street Grill has a magician to entertain the kiddos, and from 5-8p.m. children eat for just $1.99. Adults can enjoy daily drink specials on the restaurant’s large patio, and choose meals from an expansive menu that includes sandwiches, wraps, steaks, and pastas. Weekly live music is on the agenda beginning in early June, with details coming on the restaurant’s website.