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Recommended Reviews - Yats
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We decided to try Yats on a whim, they came up on Yelp as being a good place to eat, and they have lots of DF options, so why not? The food here is pretty good. I'm no expert on cajun food, but the red beans and rice is super yummy, as is the white chili chicken, both dairy-free. The best part was they gave my daughter cheese rice basically for free, which was so nice, and she loved it and the bread. They have some local beers, the restaurant is pleasant enough, and theres a fairly clean bathroom. All in all, this is a good, fairly quick place to eat, especially if you are looking for DF options, which are not super common in Indianapolis!
Yats = Yaaas! (Or does it mean "stay" backwards? Either way, this place is FIRE.) Ambiance/Service: Walked in, got lost in the amazing menu. Staff was friendly, patient, and clearly used to food struck customers like me lol Food: My taste buds were in heaven! The chicken maque choux with red beans & sausage...ultimate comfort food. Drunken chicken was also delicious. The bread was good but the rice was meh (Uncle Ben rice energy idk?) but who even cares when everything else was yummy. If they have any cookies out, get one and thank me later! I inhaled the toffee cookie. No regrets. No crumbs. :) PROS: Tons of parking, Free samples (!!), Rotating menu, Accepts Apple/Google Pay CONS: I'm addicted now and my jeans are judging me.
A great place for comforting, Cajun cuisine. The customer service is awesome allowing you to try menu items you may be uncertain about before purchasing. The atmosphere is relaxed and you can dine in or carry out. I had the B&B which consisted of black beans, rice, and corn in a Cajun style sauce. I also had a mushroom etoufe. They both were delicious and very reasonably priced.
Came in for lunch and it didnt disappoint! Pros - Food was amazing! Great flavor, excellent quality and quantity. - Price- Two Drunken Chickens, two extra breads, and two drinks was $27! Can't be beat! - Cleanliness- Place was spotsless spotless - Service was extremely friendly and efficient Cons NONE! It is amazing and I wish there was one in Lafayette/West Lafayette!
Coming to YATS is the best way to celebrate Mardi Gras, but I love it all year round. A group of my friends annually gather for Fat Tuesday for creole cuisine and a few brews, as we did last night. The place was hoping with to go orders flying out the door. We were covered in our finest beads and enjoyed local craft beer. We dined in their small dining room. I had the Chili Cheese Crawfish Etouffee, my go to favorite dish. It's creole comfort food. The etouffee is creamy and hot with bits of crawfish atop a bed of white rice. The meal comes with two pieces of butter soaked bread. On Fat Tuesday, they add a piece of King Cake for dessert. A perfect celebration. The staff is friendly, albeit busy getting orders out the door. It's a festive sight with beads hanging from the lights and on the tables. Colorful lights and decor add to the fun. Prices are reasonable. Parking is easy in front. It just doesn't get any better.
I will be honest even with the reviews I didn't have high expectations. It just didn't seem appealing to me especially after having the real deal in New Orleans. Well, that has changed after visiting. It is a "fast food" but comforting southern food option. We enjoyed the drunken chicken which had just enough spice as well as the beans and rice. I am a bread girl and the bread with butter and spices was AMAZING! The inside of the place has tried to capture the vibe of New Orleans with chandeliers and beads. Highly recommend giving this place a try if having the cravings for some quick NOLA cuisine.
I always love Yats. This location is pretty standard. The guys behind the counter were friendly and the food was great as always. The dinning area was a pretty standard Yats layout. If you want Joe's great food, you can get it here.
Simple, straightforward and always good comfort food. Always a pleasant and comfortable eating experience. The food never disappoints. I will always go back. YATS stands for YUM!
I have had Yats before but never actually been inside. It was a real treat! I picked the perfect day to visit (Fat Tuesday). There were balloons, beads, and other decorations that truly made me feel like I was back in New Orleans again! An added bonus was the music was nice. I ordered the crawfish etouffee and while I was waiting another customer seated at the bar area and I had a lovely chat. The environment in this location was welcoming. As I waited, I was offered a small free slice of King Cake because of Fat Tuesday! It was melt in your mouth delicious! The prices here are very budget friendly and I've never been disappointed with the food. I was given my meal and made it all the way home only to realize I was given the wrong meal. I called (as I was worried I was mistakenly given another customers meal) and was told to come by again for a free meal. The customer service truly made me feel valued and I'll definitely be returning.
What I like about Yats is it continues to be affordable and the quality of service and food are consistent across locations in my opinion. That's why when I'm not sure what to eat, I just know that choosing Yats will not disappoint me. There are not many places in Indy serving this type of food, and I'm obsessed with their drunken chicken. I'm so loyal to it!
When visiting my friend in Indianapolis, I asked her to take me to the place is she love to eat while growing up. She brought me to Yats and upon entering the establishment and smelling all of the lovely spices, I knew that she hadn't steered me wrong. The decoration is very New Orleans style and it's counter service so easy to find a seat to have a quick in and out meal. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the options here, but I personally loved the crawfish etoufee, and the jambalaya was also delicious. The bread was also absolutely insanely delicious and I would love to know what they do to it to make it so yummy. Service was extremely quick and they also had a bunch of fun sauces, and spices to try with your dish as well.
Driving thru on a road trip and some friends recommended to stop here, and it did not disappoint. Very clean establishment, and a very helpful cashier/server. They do let you sample the different options and it was hard to decide, so sampling was a life saver. He also let us know you can do a half and half option and it comes over a bed of rice with garlic bread (sold!). I did half B&B, half chicken maque choux. Delicious. Beer on tap and a rewards system. Highly recommend to everyone!
We stopped here for lunch and it was really delicious. The guy at the corner was very helpful. I like that you are able to try the entrees before you buy them. You are also able to get half and half so 2 entrees at once "Winning" !!! Every thing was delicious. Gives a real new Orleans taste to indy love it.
2 months ago
Yats absolutely lives up to the hype. I went with the classic half-and-half: Chili Cheese Crawfish Étouffée and the Drunken Chicken. After a few bites, I knew I wasn't leaving with just one meal. Before I walked out, I ordered another half-and-half to go--Smoked Sausage Gumbo and Chorizo Étouffée--for tomorrow's lunch. That's about the highest compliment I can give a place. This is exactly the kind of restaurant I love stumbling across. Casual, unpretentious, and full of personality. The walls are covered with photos of regulars, local memories, and just enough Cajun character to make the place feel lived in rather than decorated. The service was equally memorable. The GM seemed to know half the people walking through the door by first name. Between offering samples, making thoughtful beer recommendations, and genuinely enjoying conversations with customers, it felt less like ordering dinner and more like being welcomed into someone's neighborhood spot. It's refreshing to find a place that's so confident in what it serves. No gimmicks. No unnecessary twists. Just bold, comforting Cajun food done exceptionally well. I was honestly tempted to steal a sticker or some piece of memorabilia on my way out--just to remember the stop--but I'll settle for planning my next visit the next time work brings me back to Indianapolis. Yats has officially earned a permanent spot on my travel list. read more
8 months ago
I'm not sure I've ever met anyone in Indy who doesn't at least like Yats, a locally owned 15-location mini-chain of sorts offering up a daily menu of 7-10 dishes all served on rice with a slice of cajun buttered baguette. Pricing is simple, customer service is welcoming without ever being overbearing, and the atmosphere is nearly always fun and festive. Joe, the founder, really does have New Orleans roots and he's always brought to the place a terrific hospitality and uncommon customer service. Even for this fairly straightforward eater, I can't help but occasionally head to Yats for the food, the fun atmosphere, the fair pricing, and the friendly faces. This location is at 86th and Ditch in a small strip center not far from Applebee's, Great Clips, and a few other businesses. There's accessible parking and appropriate curb-cuts. The door is a bit heavy, though it's workable. I arrived a few minutes before 11am (the time they open). They opened right at 11am and were welcoming and friendly. I ordered one of my go-to dishes - drunken chicken. I ordered extra bread (for $1) and a drink. They have another dish that used to be on their menu, though I for the life of me can't remember its name and I haven't seen it on the menu for a long time. As you enter here, there's a dining area right there along with a side row of tables and 1/2-booths along the side. It goes all the way to the back - which is where you get your fountain drinks (Pepsi products, Lipton iced tea). Yats does also serve beer. I took a restroom break (wide enough for a wheelchair, though lacking grab bars). By the time I was done, my food was on the table. I grabbed my iced tea and was good to go. This dish is a bit out of my comfort zone, however, once I tried it I fell in love with it. They put some sauce on the garlic bread - I'll admit I'd have preferred this not to happen. It wasn't bad, but I'll admit I just prefer it without. The design here is pretty narrow. I'm not sure I'd call it wheelchair friendly, though it works. I had to be super careful wheeling by one table to not hit the diner. I may be wrong, but it feels like the smallest location - at least here in Indy. I do love the festive art work and there's local art for sale. This was a very solid experience. It was practically a perfect 4-star dining experience with good food, good prices, good customer service, and a welcoming atmosphere. I was the first customer of the day, however, they were already getting steady when I left. My favorite spots are probably Broad Ripple (the first one) and Mass Avenue. Yats now also has a couple spots in Ohio. This was a terrific meal on a day when I really just wanted some comfort food. I got that and more and I'd easily return. read more
We decided to try Yats on a whim, they came up on Yelp as being a good place to eat, and they have lots of DF options, so why not? The food here is pretty good. I'm no expert on cajun food, but the red beans and rice is super yummy, as is the white chili chicken, both dairy-free. The best part was they gave my daughter cheese rice basically for free, which was so nice, and she loved it and the bread. They have some local beers, the restaurant is pleasant enough, and theres a fairly clean bathroom. All in all, this is a good, fairly quick place to eat, especially if you are looking for DF options, which are not super common in Indianapolis! read more
Yats = Yaaas! (Or does it mean "stay" backwards? Either way, this place is FIRE.) Ambiance/Service: Walked in, got lost in the amazing menu. Staff was friendly, patient, and clearly used to food struck customers like me lol Food: My taste buds were in heaven! The chicken maque choux with red beans & sausage...ultimate comfort food. Drunken chicken was also delicious. The bread was good but the rice was meh (Uncle Ben rice energy idk?) but who even cares when everything else was yummy. If they have any cookies out, get one and thank me later! I inhaled the toffee cookie. No regrets. No crumbs. :) PROS: Tons of parking, Free samples (!!), Rotating menu, Accepts Apple/Google Pay CONS: I'm addicted now and my jeans are judging me. read more
8 months ago
A great place for comforting, Cajun cuisine. The customer service is awesome allowing you to try menu items you may be uncertain about before purchasing. The atmosphere is relaxed and you can dine in or carry out. I had the B&B which consisted of black beans, rice, and corn in a Cajun style sauce. I also had a mushroom etoufe. They both were delicious and very reasonably priced. read more
Came in for lunch and it didnt disappoint! Pros - Food was amazing! Great flavor, excellent quality and quantity. - Price- Two Drunken Chickens, two extra breads, and two drinks was $27! Can't be beat! - Cleanliness- Place was spotsless spotless - Service was extremely friendly and efficient Cons NONE! It is amazing and I wish there was one in Lafayette/West Lafayette! read more
2 years ago
Coming to YATS is the best way to celebrate Mardi Gras, but I love it all year round. A group of my friends annually gather for Fat Tuesday for creole cuisine and a few brews, as we did last night. The place was hoping with to go orders flying out the door. We were covered in our finest beads and enjoyed local craft beer. We dined in their small dining room. I had the Chili Cheese Crawfish Etouffee, my go to favorite dish. It's creole comfort food. The etouffee is creamy and hot with bits of crawfish atop a bed of white rice. The meal comes with two pieces of butter soaked bread. On Fat Tuesday, they add a piece of King Cake for dessert. A perfect celebration. The staff is friendly, albeit busy getting orders out the door. It's a festive sight with beads hanging from the lights and on the tables. Colorful lights and decor add to the fun. Prices are reasonable. Parking is easy in front. It just doesn't get any better. read more
I will be honest even with the reviews I didn't have high expectations. It just didn't seem appealing to me especially after having the real deal in New Orleans. Well, that has changed after visiting. It is a "fast food" but comforting southern food option. We enjoyed the drunken chicken which had just enough spice as well as the beans and rice. I am a bread girl and the bread with butter and spices was AMAZING! The inside of the place has tried to capture the vibe of New Orleans with chandeliers and beads. Highly recommend giving this place a try if having the cravings for some quick NOLA cuisine. read more
I always love Yats. This location is pretty standard. The guys behind the counter were friendly and the food was great as always. The dinning area was a pretty standard Yats layout. If you want Joe's great food, you can get it here. read more
2 years ago
Simple, straightforward and always good comfort food. Always a pleasant and comfortable eating experience. The food never disappoints. I will always go back. YATS stands for YUM! read more
11 months ago
5 months ago
I have had Yats before but never actually been inside. It was a real treat! I picked the perfect day to visit (Fat Tuesday). There were balloons, beads, and other decorations that truly made me feel like I was back in New Orleans again! An added bonus was the music was nice. I ordered the crawfish etouffee and while I was waiting another customer seated at the bar area and I had a lovely chat. The environment in this location was welcoming. As I waited, I was offered a small free slice of King Cake because of Fat Tuesday! It was melt in your mouth delicious! The prices here are very budget friendly and I've never been disappointed with the food. I was given my meal and made it all the way home only to realize I was given the wrong meal. I called (as I was worried I was mistakenly given another customers meal) and was told to come by again for a free meal. The customer service truly made me feel valued and I'll definitely be returning. read more
What I like about Yats is it continues to be affordable and the quality of service and food are consistent across locations in my opinion. That's why when I'm not sure what to eat, I just know that choosing Yats will not disappoint me. There are not many places in Indy serving this type of food, and I'm obsessed with their drunken chicken. I'm so loyal to it! read more
When visiting my friend in Indianapolis, I asked her to take me to the place is she love to eat while growing up. She brought me to Yats and upon entering the establishment and smelling all of the lovely spices, I knew that she hadn't steered me wrong. The decoration is very New Orleans style and it's counter service so easy to find a seat to have a quick in and out meal. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the options here, but I personally loved the crawfish etoufee, and the jambalaya was also delicious. The bread was also absolutely insanely delicious and I would love to know what they do to it to make it so yummy. Service was extremely quick and they also had a bunch of fun sauces, and spices to try with your dish as well. read more
Driving thru on a road trip and some friends recommended to stop here, and it did not disappoint. Very clean establishment, and a very helpful cashier/server. They do let you sample the different options and it was hard to decide, so sampling was a life saver. He also let us know you can do a half and half option and it comes over a bed of rice with garlic bread (sold!). I did half B&B, half chicken maque choux. Delicious. Beer on tap and a rewards system. Highly recommend to everyone! read more
2 years ago
We stopped here for lunch and it was really delicious. The guy at the corner was very helpful. I like that you are able to try the entrees before you buy them. You are also able to get half and half so 2 entrees at once "Winning" !!! Every thing was delicious. Gives a real new Orleans taste to indy love it. read more
The first time I had Yats, I remember seeing the entree and thinking "there's no way something that looks like that will taste any good." Various movie scenes of a cafeteria worker heeping a pile of who-knows-what onto someones plate then started playing in my head... But, if you give it a chance, the food is quite tasty. I have tried various entrees, but most recently got the chili cheese etuoffee. I figured since it is listed first on the menu, it must be a customer favorite. Some of the entrees I've tried in the past have been hit or miss for me, but the chili cheese etuoffee did not disappoint. They also have a counter with various sauces/spices that you can add to enhance the flavor. My go to is the cajun garlic sauce, but I'm sure most of them are good! Price-wise it's around $8.50 for one entree with rice and garlic bread, or $9.50 for a "half and half" where you can try half-sized portions of two different entrees. Both are very reasonable for the amount of food. read more
2 years ago
Stopped in for some Gumbo. Lucas that usually works the front register (I think he runs the place) greets people by name and with a smile. Lucas treats you like Norm from Cheers! When working and you need to fuel up, why not try this place. It's great Cajun food right here in the heartland! Lucas and his team will treat you like family and fill you up with their delicious Yats Food. Step into Jackson Square or into a side bar off Bourbon St with their New Orleans vibe decor. Grab a local cool one to wash it down. Bring friends and family to make it a party Nawlins' style! read more
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Bumping up my rating to five stars for multiple reasons: the depth of flavor on every single dish I've tried, the ability to be in and out incredibly quick and the portion sizes. All of these things are pretty tough to beat. I've tried half and half's with the chipotle chicken alexio, the chili cheese étouffée and the "mock shoe" and the mock shoe is my favorite every time and super consistent. You must order extra bread. read more
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I was looking forward to Yats after not having it for several years, and I'm super disappointed with my experience. I waited 20 minutes for my curbside order and ended up having to go into the restaurant to get it. Definitely not worth the wait. I ordered a half and half, and I'm not sure I got what I ordered. The to-go container leaked all over the bag, and when I opened it, the contents were all mushed together. Barely any sauce on the rice, and doesn't taste like the chili cheese etouffe I remember. Mostly rice and little flavor. Best thing about the meal is the side bread. Definitely won't be going back to this location. read more
3 years ago
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More info about Yats
5650 W 86th St
Ste 132
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Directions
(317) 879-9287
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http://www.yatscajuncreole.com/
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Ask the Community - Yats
If you have the palate of a toddler, what would you recommend? Specifically a toddler that still has to use bubblegum toothpaste because mint is too "spicy".
My wife's palate is similar. She loves the bread. They call it cajun bread but it's just orange butter and has no real spice. You can order a custom rice+cheese dish which would have no heat and not much flavor. They usually offer free samples if…
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