Chicago-style pizza lovers have a reason to celebrate. A new Lou Malnati’s restaurant opened this winter in Broad Ripple, and it is perfectly suited for families. The first dine-in Lou Malnati’s in Indiana, this restaurant is a great spot for pizza lovers, and it’s located in downtown Broad Ripple just off the canal, so it’s a great spot to hang out and enjoy a meal as a family.
Family-friendly Pizza Parlor
When you walk into the Broad Ripple Lou Malnati’s, you can’t help but notice the bright, open space, with a low-key circus vibe going on. Look up, and you’ll see a small train trolley above your head, and a merry-go-round horse above one of the booths. Framed circus posters are on the walls, as well as cheeky signs pointing out a Hall of Horrors (a storage closet) and an exit to the midway (just a sliding door).
There are also a couple of selfie spots located throughout the restaurant, which you’ll want to make sure to visit while you’re there to capture some Insta-worthy shots. Snap a pic at the “Don’t Open the Cages” spot at the entrance of the restaurant, and you’ll look like you’re a creature behind bars. Then, mosey on over to where the restroom area is, and you’ll see a few wacky mirrors that will make you feel like you’re in a fun house.
Lou Malnati’s Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Lou Malnati’s specialized in deep-dish pizza, a specialty of Chicago. For those not familiar with this type of pizza, it’s so saucy and cheesy that it demands to be eaten with a knife and fork! The crust is crunchy and buttery, and you can add as many or as few toppings as you wish.
The pizza is very thick — almost like a casserole — so it takes a while to cook. Keep this in mind when you visit. Depending on how big of a pizza you order, and how many toppings you add, the wait for your pizza could be anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes. But like the saying goes: Some things are worth the wait!
Besides their famous deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati’s also has other food offerings, including baked pastas, sandwiches, salads and soups, as well as desserts like a chocolate chip pizza.
Lou Malnati’s Kids Menu
When you’re visiting a restaurant as a family, you know that everyone (especially the kids) want something different. Thankfully, the Broad Ripple Lou Malnati’s has a great kids menu with options that include things that aren’t just pizza. Kids 12 and younger can choose from a menu that includes spaghetti (with meat or marinara sauce), a mini burger (which includes either fries or fruit), chicken nuggets (with fries or fruit) and cheese ravioli (with meat or marinara sauce). All dine-in kids meals come with a small drink. Kids are also given crayons and an activity sheet to play with while they wait for their food to arrive!
Parent’s Night Out Destination
The Broad Ripple Lou Malnati’s has its own designated bar area, with both booth seating and bar seating, which is perfect for an adult-only dining experience. Grown-ups can order wine or beer on tap, or order one of Lou’s signature cocktails, like the Italian Margarita, Malnati Mule or the Chicago Classic Old Fashioned.
Lou Malnati’s Broad Ripple Info
This Lou Malnati’s location also has patio seating, which will be open during warmer weather. It’s a great place to sit and enjoy dining outdoors when the weather is nice, and it’s just steps away from the canal.
Lou Malnati’s has other locations in Indianapolis, but this location in Broad Ripple is the only one with dine-in seating.
Location: 6320 Ferguson St, Indianapolis
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
