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Mac and cheese and fish spots in Indianapolis

A meal that pairs comfort-heavy mac and cheese with fresh fish without making the combination feel like an afterthought.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taste This Fish image 1
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Restaurant

Small seafood spot offers fresh, flavorful fish with cornmeal breading and fried green tomatoes. Clean environment supports carry-out only service with TV trays for eating in. Portions are generous, and parking is available behind the restaurant.

Rich and creamy mac & cheese pairs well with catfish and greens. It stands out as a solid side at catering events and full plates.

Fish comes fresh and fried to golden perfection with a crispy, hot finish. Flavors include regular, Cajun, and lemon pepper, with the lemon pepper standing out as genuinely tasty.

People are saying

"I've had the best fish I've ever tasted right here."

"The hush puppies here are the best I've ever had."

"I thought the mac and cheese was the best I've had in a long time."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

2

Parking on 25th Street is busy and limited, so be prepared for challenges.

3

I never waited more than 10 to 15 minutes for my order.

02
Fire by the Monon image 1
American restaurant

Cozy restaurant with nice outdoor seating and intimate rooms offers a welcoming atmosphere that suits quiet dinners or small groups. The interior feels a bit worn, and air conditioning can be warm, but the patio with large umbrellas provides a pleasant alternative when weather permits.

Filthy Mac and cheese features pulled pork and jalapeรฑos, adding a spicy, smoky kick. The dish pairs well with drinks and serves as a solid comfort food option with BBQ sauce enhancing the flavor.

Fish and Chips stand out with a crispy, fresh taste. Sweet potato waffle fries often accompany the dish, adding a unique twist.

People are saying

"I had the best tenderloin sandwich Iโ€™ve ever had."

"I thought the fish and chips were amazing."

"The dirty Mac and cheese with pulled pork and jalapeรฑos is out of this world."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough to find, so arrive early.

2

The restaurant is dog-friendly and has outdoor seating.

3

Expect a brief wait of about 3 minutes for seating.

03
SouthPaw Soul Kitchen image 1
American restaurant

Small space with only two tables creates an intimate, cozy vibe where people feel like family. Energy stays warm and welcoming, with big portions and excellent soul food that draws regulars despite limited seating.

Mac and cheese features a unique smoke seasoning that stands out. It pairs well with dishes like oxtails, catfish, and perch, often served alongside greens and cornbread.

Fried fish options like perch, catfish, and whiting come well seasoned and crispy. Fish dishes often include sides like greens and mac & cheese, and the fish stays warm when made to order.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the mac and cheese, was off the chain."

"I'll be back for the mac and cheese; it's leftovers-worthy."

"The fried fish here is seasoned really well."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during busy hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be challenging near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant is supposed to open at 1pm on Sundays, but times may vary.

04
Caplingers Fresh Catch image 1

Small seafood market with cozy indoor seating and a covered outdoor picnic area featuring fans and light jazz music. Atmosphere feels like a southern beach restaurant, warm and family-friendly but can get crowded at the counter. Offers a fresh seafood display reminiscent of coastal markets.

Creamy and comforting, the mac and cheese stands out as a delicious side that appeals to all ages. It pairs well with other Southern-style sides like fried okra and red beans and rice.

Fresh fish stands out with a wonderful selection and excellent quality. The special fish sandwiches highlight the freshness and flavor well.

People are saying

"I thought the seafood here was the best in Indiana."

"I believed their fish was the best in the area."

"I found the mac and cheese to be amazing."

Good to know

1

You can buy fresh seafood to take home or have it cooked for you.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the quality of seafood available.

05
His Place Eatery - Chicken & Waffles, Ribs & Soul Food (86th & Ditch Rd) image 1

Soul food restaurant offers a clean, bright interior with crowded seating that feels lively and homey. Music and a quirky photo booth add to the welcoming vibe despite some noise from guests. The space balances an upscale design with a casual, packed atmosphere.

Mac and cheese has a Velveeta flavor with a hint of condensed milk. It looks like KFC's version but tastes great and pairs well with fried catfish or chicken pot pie.

Breaded fish stays fully coated, unlike other places where it falls off. Portions are generous and the fish is melt in your mouth tender.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the mac and cheese, is amazing."

"You have to try the mac and cheese; it's amazing."

"The fish here is so well-seasoned and amazingly prepared."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 5 minutes during peak dinner hours.

2

The kitchen may close 15-20 minutes before the posted closing time.

3

Desserts often sell out by 7pm on Fridays, so arrive early.

06
Santiagoโ€™s Seafood Market image 1

Bright, clean space with an open concept and attractive decorations creates a welcoming, lively atmosphere. Casual setting where ordering happens at the counter and food arrives hot and fast. Family-run vibe adds lighthearted energy, with fresh seafood and generous portions defining the experience.

Mac and cheese comes creamy and cheesy with a rich, flavorful taste. It pairs well with other dishes like the butter lobster roll.

Fresh fish comes perfectly cooked, even when fried hard. Fried walleye stands out as a top-quality piece of fish in the area.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh."

"The fish here is incredibly fresh."

"The Mac and Cheese was flavorful, creamy, and cheesy."

Good to know

1

Bring cash as there is a service fee for credit card payments.

2

Expect generous portion sizes that provide good value for the price.

3

The seafood selection includes a variety of fresh fish and shellfish.

07
Upland Brewing 82nd Street image 1

Restaurant combines big open dining room with a park-like outdoor patio featuring plenty of greenery. Atmosphere is loud and lively, often with live music and multiple TVs showing sports. Beer selection stands out with homemade brews and strong local flavor.

Mac and cheese comes as a tasty side with a generous portion option. It pairs well with burgers and sandwiches, sometimes as an upcharge addition.

Fish and chips feature thin, crispy breading with perfect seasoning. The fish stays crunchy, not soggy, paired with battered fries that complement well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

"The fish and chips were perfectly crunchy and not soggy."

"The Mac and cheese here is really tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations for large parties are easily accommodated.

2

Happy hour beer specials are offered on weekdays.

3

Live music occurs on Friday nights.

08
Twin Peaks image 1
Sports bar

Sports bar offers many TVs showing various games and a fire pit patio for outdoor viewing. Atmosphere is loud and energetic with scantily clad staff contributing to a distinctive vibe. Seating provides good views from most spots, creating a welcoming environment for sports fans.

Lobster Mac and Cheese stands out with a rich, creamy texture. The adult Mac and Cheese offers a solid, satisfying flavor. Mac and cheese served with ribs comes with cole slaw and meets expectations.

Fish dishes include fish and chips and Blackened Fish Tacos. The fish and chips sometimes arrive barely warm or with smaller fillets, while the tacos are generally good.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the bacon."

"The fish and chips were wonderful."

"You should try the lobster Mac and cheese; it's yummy."

Good to know

1

There is a $5 cover charge for fight night events.

2

Bikini and beanie night is a popular themed event.

3

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

09
His Place Eatery - Chicken & Waffles, Ribs & Soul food (30th & Shadeland) image 1

Cozy space with a Grandma's kitchen feel and southern soul food style creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere like a family reunion. Bright and clean but with a slightly dated, early 90s look. Busy and lively, it offers a genuine, homey vibe without any frills.

Rich mac and cheese pairs well with fried corn and bourbon cream corn sides, creating a creamy and flavorful combo.

Fish comes in large portions and is lightly seasoned, offering a crispy texture that stands out. The flavor is refreshing and pairs well with sides like real collards.

People are saying

"The American Food here is delicious, with tons of flavor."

"The Mac and Cheese here is delicious and rated 10 out of 10."

"The fish here is crispy, fresh, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Meals cost at least $20, making it a pricier lunch option.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but check for mobile payment options.

10
Trap Got Sol and Jerk Junkies image 1

Small space blends Black and Jamaican cultures with creative decorations and warm, inviting vibe. Outdoor seating offers a low-key atmosphere while music plays. The place feels like home with a unique, local energy.

Mac and cheese comes in several versions including fish mac and cheese. Staff help pick the best option. It pairs well with sides like black eyed peas and gumbo greens.

Fish comes as a single filet with light seasoning that complements the flavor. The breading is nice and crunchy, and the portion size is modest for the price.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are flavorful and fresh, especially the catfish."

"The mac and cheese here is pretty great."

"The fish breading was nice and crunchy."

Good to know

1

The takeout time is about 30 minutes.

2

Ample free parking is available.

3

Both indoor and outdoor dining options are offered.

11
Pa & Ma's Backyard BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Mom-and-pop style barbecue spot with a laid back atmosphere and lively energy. Comfortable seating complements walls adorned with hip hop pictures, creating a fun, homey vibe. Known for amazing ribs and yams served in generous portions at low prices.

Very creamy and cheesy with a rich texture. Offers good value alongside ribs and green beans.

Fish offers a great taste but comes in a single piece portion. Fried fish is available alongside other dishes like ribs and pork chops.

People are saying

"The American Food, especially the rib tips, is delicious."

"The mac and cheese is so creamy and cheesy."

"The fish here has a great taste."

Good to know

1

All meals are priced at no more than $12.

2

The portions are generous and typically under $15 each.

3

The menu changes daily, so check for daily specials.

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