There is always great Cajun food at a reasonable price at Yats! And it's usually busy.

Perhaps I've been spoiled on a certain ambience given by another local Yats location on 10th street, but I find myself not quite enjoying the experience here as much as there. Some foodies talk about the umami flavor of a dish or mouthfeel. At Yats, it's not quite so pretentious, but your surroundings certainly flavor the dish as much as their creole spice kit. And for me, this place tastes of too many people, too much commercialization of a seemingly boutique chain. And it's troubling because generally, I couldn't care less about any of that! That being said, Yats is Yats. I mean, you're never going to walk in here and leave unhappy. Unless you're just a really dark person. And even then, I don't know how you can be unhappy with the fluffy hug of comfort food like this. Yats is like a terry cloth bathrobe after a shower on your day off. It's like the best waterproof boots that make you smile inwardly while your friends complain about cold, wet ankles. This place is supposed to make you feel good. And it always does. This location, if you're a frequenter of Mass Ave, will get you the good selection of small batch and local brews you might expect, and it's in a perfect location to stop in for a bite while perusing some shops on the block. Get you a felted iPhone pouch and a hand-thrown clay coffee pour-over top, and then stop by Yats to wrap the day up. read more

I normally have great experiences with Yats (on 10th but they're not listed), so today was abnormal. I'm not sure if they've officially changed their containers or if they were using different ones because of shortages, but I got the smallest portion size imaginable today for lunch. Plus there wasn't a place for bread separately so it was just tossed on top and was soggy. I spent $10 on lunch and was still hungry after. Very disappointing. read more

This is nothing fancy but I think it's delicious fast casual Cajun food. The menu changes but they always have their signature crawfish étouffée which is my favorite that I often crave. There are plenty of locations around. On Fat Tuesday they give away free king cake! read more

Yats is popular in indianapolis for a reason! The food is awesome. I've been many, many times and 9 times out of 10 I'm super happy with what I order. From time to time I'm not satisfied but it's rare. (One time my entree was cold over the rice, like unevenly warmed.) Like I said- it's rare that I'm not happy! The Mass Ave location is very large with tons of tables and the food is served up fairly quickly. They have a nice selection of beers and an ok selection of wines. They don't like the tables moved (for some reason) but the place is big enough you usually don't need to combine tables to all sit together. When I have friends visit, this is a place I like to treat them to- fun, local and delicious. Interesting flavors you don't find every day in the Midwest! read more

Yats - Rice with two entrees and bread- I always get extra bread - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Yats is affordable, delicious, Cajun food. Despite the fact that they continue to have the same one vegan option every time we go here, it never gets old. Their vegan white bean chili is on point. We always get extra garlic bread because a single order is just not enough once you taste it! read more

Yats, I'm always going to love you. The location of the new restaurant is awesome. Usually I can score free parking in the back in the handful of Yats-customer-only parking spots. It took awhile for me to get used to the vibe of the new location. It has a much more upscale feel than the old place. And it kind of makes me sad. I loved the dive feel of the first Mass Ave location. The mismatched chairs, funky (and usually wobbly) tables, the beads, the stuff all over the walls. But when you've been an Indy staple as long as Yats has it's okay to grow up a bit, to feel more adult. And I'm starting to love the new location just as much as the old one. The food is still fantastic. The usual standbys are generally on the menu, chili cheese etouffee, red beans, white chili, gumbo, jambalaya... And I can often get one of my new favs, the drunken chicken. I wish they offered some of the more unique dishes on a more frequent basis (red chili, black chili, hunters stew, chorizo etouffee, etc.) but I can always find something on the menu to make me happy. read more

Cannot go wrong with yats! I am so grateful for this casual and affordable food option on Mass Ave. My recommendation is chili and cheese etouffee with double order of bread. Every time. read more

Yats - Chili cheese etouffee with extra bread. Every time. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Indianapolis, 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. read more

Simple menu with some seriously good Cajun/creole. We tried the white chicken chili, which seemed most popular to the Yelp community and it was good but the batch today didn't have very much spice or flavor. We also got a half and half of the red beans and sausage and a chicken curry and they were by far our favorites. Those two were smokier, more flavorful, and had just enough spice. All of the options were pretty heavy so I wouldn't go here for healthy options but they do serve up some warm and savory comfort food. read more

Yats - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

My bestie from L.A. insists we go here every time he visits. (He really wants one in L.A.) The food is consistent, always flavorful and very affordable. Service is quick and its nice that the menu gets rotated. This was my first time at this location, since I used to always go to the one further south on Mass Ave. I don't remember the Drunken Chicken from before, but it was spectacular. I did have an old fave, the spinach and mushroom etoufee as well. Always solid. read more

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. read more

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. read more

I may be hardcore when it comes to Southern fare, and even more so with Cajun food. But I still love me some Yats. In all honesty, the biggest Looseeanna part of the place is its amazing hot sauce collection. From my fave - Crystal sauce - to garlic to sriracha and more, they've got your hot sauce hankerin' covered. Price- you can not argue with the price! For under $10, you get a whole plate or a half&half for two selections with bread and a drink. The portions are more than adequate, to say the least, usually enough for two people. It's a great deal for a good meal. The service: Service is definitely on the good side. Friendly, helpful and fast, place your order and wait for the food to pop out of the kitchen window. Once when it was super busy, they charged me for an extra meal. With all the confusion, they offered me a full refund. Free chili-cheese étouffée for all! Ad speaking of chili cheese étouffée, is signature dish is just delish. I honestly thought I'd never eat this, being the snobby Southern gal, but really, it is just dang good. The food: For a cheap meal, you can't beat the quality and the choices. Although the menu is limits to 6 or 7 offerings at the most, there is enough dishes to fit everyone's tastes. Vegetarian and vegan options offered most of the time. So far, every dish I've tried I've like. Faves: spinach mushroom étouffée and black bean and corn chili. Sometimes, they have cupcakes. + 100 points read more

This is one of the best places ever. I love the food, I love the atmosphere, I love the quick service. It is efficient and inexpensive without being fast food per se. I do miss the old location on Mass Ave. I loved the clutterines os the place, and yes, I might have made up that word. The line was never going the same way but the customers were always so nice about where it was and who was next. Everything here is good, although I haven't had much in a long time except the chili cheese étouffée. (With extra bread.) They always have a vegetarian dish or two and I love that I can get a dish without rice. (They almost act as if I am doing them a favor when I don't want the rice instead of them doing me a favor.) My favorite Yats will always be the one on College Ave. As long as this one doesn't change too much, they will always get my vote. read more

Yats is absolutely crave-able. I've never left any location disappointed. I'm all about that white chicken chili (which is gluten free!) and I love that the Mass Ave location features several local beers and ciders on draft as well as sweet treats from Newfangled Confections. Great casual dining experience, fast service, large portions, budget friendly, and something different with plenty of flavor. It's all a win. read more

Yats - Red beans and sausage and vegan white chili are both gluten free and yummy on a cold winter day! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This specific Yats location is extremely good and they also are really friendly the location is very clean the music selection is very calming and the ambiance is a beautiful southern feel especially when people are going on dates my TWO favorites are the white chicken chili and the Jumbalaya (probably spelled that wrong) but you get the point and the Bread that comes with it I have to get extra because it's always freshly baked and warm with the buttery crispy top it is the BEST! read more

YATS = STAY (for more food and to enjoy the atmosphere) BEST GUMBO IN THE WORLD! YUMMY thick gravy with shrimp chicken sausage over some hot rice. O M G! There is always a Mardi Gras going on here. My dad (Tommy O.) and I would go here all the time when I lived in Indy. I miss it! *tear Love you guys at Yats! Thank you for the wonderful memories! And soon more to come...... read more

The wife and I had checked out the old location farther west on Mass. Ave. a few years ago and wanted to visit it again. We were quite surprised when we came upon Yats, but at a different location. So is the new space good? Yes, I think so. It may not have the same feel as the old location, but what it lacks in nostalgic appeal it makes up for in comfort and functionality. It's nice to be able to go to Yats and not have to fight for a table. It's nice to be able to bring a group here for dinner and be able to find a table that's big enough. I will say, however, that I do miss the spacious patio the old location offered. But you can't have it all, I suppose. And, at the end of the day, it's still the same delicious food, the same friendly service, and the same good feeling I go home with after a visit to any Yats location. Thanks for being awesome, guys. read more

I feel like I'm committing an act of treason for such a low review of an Indy bedrock. And truth be told, the food is as reliable as it has ever been: often vegan-friendly, smartly spiced, and tastes SOOOO much better than it looks. But when a biz manages to succeed despite adhering biblically to a saucy-slop-on-rice formula, you know they've got a good thing going. Yats moved two blocks down the street and expanded to a more "upscale" vibe, but all I see that distinguishes the new location is that it's more open-air and serves booze. Then there are the oversights: - More kitchen space should allow for a more ambitious menu. Like a grill, or at least a stove top. Something other than a series of giant crock pots in the back. Something cooked to order. - Styrofoam paradise! Ack! If you want to feel more upscale, at least put a dishwasher in the back and serve us on real plates/utensils rather than disposable stuff. This is an obvious criticism with all Yats locations, but if you're going to create a nicer atmosphere, Mass Ave is the place to start. - Because Mr. Yat is so committed to paper waste, he still installed swinging-door trash cans at various key corners...just like a Burger King. It takes away any bit of class and makes the fairly pleasant bar space just seem weird. Someone needs to start a petition drive to push all the yatties from their love affair with non-biodegradable disposables. Or maybe an artist could take the discarded food trays and build a giant Styrofoam pelican along the Cultural Trail. read more

Yats is simply some of the best food I have EVER had. The Etouffe s are unbelievably delicious. Who cares about the Styrofoam plates. I would eat here every day if I lived in Indianapolis! read more

Yats - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

My friend pointed out this place when we went to The Jazz Kitchen last week. Well, she pointed out THAT location's Yatz. But she reminded me of that when we were at First Friday. Which is more than you needed to know. The point is: she got very excited because the food is so good. The menu apparently changes regularly. They have a half-dozen or so dishes written on a chalk board. (I had the red beans and sausage when I was there! double yum stuffs!) They also had kegs of beer. (I'm not a drinker but I think it was local beer. I mean obviously it was "local" because it was on-site, but you get what I mean.) This Mass Ave location recently expanded as well. The new room is a lounge, big couchy-type seats where singer-songwriters play. We wandered in after we ate and were pleasantly surprised. Not too loud. Not too quiet. Juuuuuuuuuust right. In the land of hipster joints, this place stands out as the most casual on Mass Ave. And I mean that in the BEST possible way. read more

WHY. Being a foodie in downtown Indy for the summer, many people recommended Yatz as a go-to fast food place. Me and my friends were so excited to see what all the hype was about. We all got chicken dishes and it's literally indigestible. It's just a soup of unidentifiables smacked on rice waiting to come out as diarrhea. Where is the chicken?! You gotta fish it out! This is Americanized Cajun food done terribly. The only reason why people could think that this is good food is if they're drunk or they have not truly had amazing food before. Nothing wrong with the establishment, service, or venue, just terrible food. Foodies steer clear. read more

Well, I would like to give this a higher rating, but what the heck is going on here. From the minute you walk in, you are assaulted with large, handwritten signs chastizing you for a myriad of sins: "Don't move the tables!", "Stack trays by the trash only!", "Don't take more napkins than what you need!", "Not a drain!", "No cups here!". I was starting to feel like some awful juvenile delinquent and I hadn't done anything! Then I thought, OH perhaps this is a popular college hangout or something and the owners are tired of college shenanigans. Well, I asked a friend who used to live in the area and she said that crowd tends to be on the older side. So now I really just don't know what sort of rambunctious clientele they have. Either way, be prepared for some serious passive aggressiveness. Gooooood etoufee though. read more

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. read more

You can't go wrong with yats! This location is nice, clean, and service is always top notched. I love how this location is not far from my office. I usually get the b&b and one of other popular dishes. Everything is always good. They will let you sample some before you decide. This location serves beer as well too! read more

Yats - Yats half and Half - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

One of the best concepts and owners anywhere! Yats will steal your heart for their simplicity and genuine approach to customer service. Every dish is packed with flavor and will never leave you disappointed. I've been going here since they first opened up in Bloomington, Indiana. I had high hopes for them and they've only pleased. Their attention to detail and willingness to just provide quality food to anyone with or without money at hand (no cash at hand no problem they take IOUs) allowed them to master high quality dishes and care. More power to them and I pray they go global! Overall it's a must try for a unique and high quality experience for little money! Matter of fact buy 2! read more

I'm a YATS-aholic! I've been eating at all of the Yats since 2007. The menu is based off of the freshly made food every week; once an item run out, the chalkboard menu is updated accordingly. All dishes are served with a hunk of crusty bread coated with a savory bright orange olive oil dip. Most entrees are stew-like concoctions with a bed of white rice (exception: jambalaya has rice mixed into it). Enjoy one entree or a half/half (choice of two entrees) for a little more $. Funky decor and a huge selection of hot sauces so you can make it even hotter. Favorite dishes: Chili Cheese Etouffee with Crawfish, Black Beans and Caramelized Corn (aka B&B), Chicken Maque Choux, Red Beans with Smoked Sausage, and Jambalya (more spicy). read more

I just love Yats. This is comfort food for me. Full of flavor and love. I remember hearing about it then seeing photos and thinking, well the food doesn't look very attractive, but once I had a taste...I was hooked! 5 stars from me! read more

Yats - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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. read more

Just went to the new Yats on Mass Ave since they moved down the street. Wow, the space is awesome. The food is the usual declisiousness we have all come to expect out of Yats. I got the Chili Cheese Etouffe and it was delightful. I'm not sure what happened to all their hot sauces because they didn't have the garlic one I usually use, but I found a suitable alternative. So if you like rice based cajun dishes, you will find something you like on their daily alternating menu. I thought they might have thought out the drink area a little better and have places for lids/ straws, but space for those seemed to be an afterthought. Not a big deal though. They are also awaiting their liquor license so it will soon be an awesomely casual dinner/ drinks spot with a little bar area. read more

So first of I would like to say I love Yats eat there probably twice a month but on 12/18/2019 I went there and ordered my regular chili cheese crawfish etoffu but sadly got the chicken cheese etoffu I called and they said they would correct it when I came in I came in and asked for the chili cheese crawfish etoffu, I did not check before I left which I should have but I had my son in my arms so I trusted Yats when I got home to open my food there was completely no crawfish I called back and the guy said he was sure there was. Below is a picture of my food and it has no crawfish in it a read more

Yats - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I love this place so much! When I lived in Indy this was my go-to place to eat. The food is delicious, unique, and inexpensive. I sincerely miss Yats! My only hope is that they open one in Albuquerque... soon! My favorites were the B&B and Drunken Chicken! Mmmm read more

You walk in and immediately order from a chalkboard menu. There are about 5 items to choose from, all Creole-like dishes - more or less spicy tomato-based stews with rice and including one vegan. No alcohol. By the time you take a seat at one of the 9 tables, the steaming hot food has been placed at the pickup window on a paper plate with a plastic spork. Hot buttered garlic bread included. Total cost for two meals and drinks - $15 Americun. Its cold outside and the windows are fogged - I love that about a place. Yats does have "atmosphere" - something so rare in Indianapolis that it stands out when it happens. Here is basic really good grub at a really fair price in a place that is totally imbibed with anti-pretense - cool. Plus its on funky Mass Avenue - kudos. read more

Hmm....I know I'll probably be run out of town with pitch forks and torches for this, but I went to Yats expecting much much more. I was simply underwhelmed. We've given this location and the one on the west side a chance and it just didn't change my mind. I'll give them that the atmosphere is nice and the staff is friendly. But unfortunately that's essentially where it ends for me. I ordered crawfish étouffée. It was spongey and flavorless. The next time I came in, I had the jambalaya which was similarly spongey. The layout of the restaurant is questionable too. The soda fountain at the west side location is in the way of the waiting line. Just not impressed. Will try it again, but wouldn't recommend it to others. Sorry for the blasphemy. read more

I personally prefer the Broad Ripple location, but this location is still good. Mostly do the the layout and size of the location, I like BR. Food is the same quality you would find at the BR location. I'm a regular the the chili cheese with crawfish...the best ever! The staff here is always friendly, service is fast as well. If you can't get to the BR location, remember this location. It's worth the trip! read more

Love love love Yats! Super disappointed with this location. They didn't have a item that was on the menu which wasn't too big of a deal. No onion which was a tad more annoying. Finding out they had no sauces, yeah NO sauces completely ruined my meal. Won't be back at this location. read more

i have a Yats downstairs from my apartment! Happy day! doesnt get any easier for a yummy and quick dinner or lunch! Simple, yummy, filling food at a gret price! And it is on Mass Ave! read more

The store recently expanded to include more dining. I'm very happy about this because I often want to eat here for lunch, but I can't because I always dread showing up and not having a place to sit and eat. None-the-less, the food is always good. My favorite dishes are the jambalaya and the gumbo. There's a smokey flavor to the gumbo that really makes it different than any other gumbo I've had in the past. read more

When we lived in Indy, my husband and I used to come here all the time. Now whenever we visit, it's on our must visit list. Best Cajun food in town. Ambiance is fun, and worth any wait time. We will continue to go back again and again. Étouffée is amazing! read more