Yats

The original Yats is a staple of the SoBro area. I have been too many Yats, and this is always my favorite. The atmosphere is in homage to the New Orleans style of cajun creole. The people are always very friendly and the food is always the best meal for the money. Samples are always available. Always have more than one favorite in case they are out of yours. On a nice day you can sit outside. If you are lucky, the owner and founder Joe Vuskovich will come out of the kitchen with your order. It has happened to me at least a half dozen times. During COVID, they were one of the only restaurants open for takeout in the area. We got 3 meals to go and got the food in under 5 minutes. Always love the drunken chicken, but I have at least 6 go-tos. Try them all.

This place just does everything right. Counter service is quick and efficient with food delivered to your table in a takeaway container which makes it easy when you don’t finish your meal. Portions come out hot and generous. The flavors and aromas are one of a kind and incredible. If you’re sick, cold, or just want a flavorful meal for the right price, Yats is where you need to go. The booths are comfortable, self serve refills on drinks, and New Orleans style jazz music ranging from slow to upbeat at the right volume to create an inviting atmosphere. Truly a gem. Parking can be a bit difficult, but it’s worth a walk!

Not sure why I'm not here more often 😂, but I just love this place. My friend and I met here for a meeting. I had the B&B which was delicious. Service is typically FAST. After COVID folks stopped samples but not here. Unsure about what you want, try a sample. Had this huge cookie that was super good when warmed. Finding parking might suck but it's worth it for food at Yats.

Absolutely delicious. Got the half chili cheese crawfish étouffée, half drunken chicken with extra bread(must). Love the vibe inside. Gonna become a regular of this place. Pretty cheap for the food you get. The before and after is proof of its tastiness.

YAT’s is where it’s at for authentic Cajun in Indy! Never a bad meal here at the College Ave. location. The chili cheese étouffée is incredible and if you order the full order you will be taking it home with you!

They have a limited selection of Cajun offerings that all sort of look the same - like some kind of chunky slop - but don't let looks fool you. The stuff if delicious. It's like crack for soul food. There are so many flavors in it that it's hard to believe it can exist. If you're worried about the spice level, worry not. Our young kids, who are sensitive to spice, scarfed this slop down.

I love this place. I know it’s not for everyone but if you love gravy and 🍚 rice, you’re gonna love this. My friend says”it’s a place for people who doesn’t have 🦷 teeth. “ people are friendly, food is delicious, price is right. You can get 2 1/2 orders on the same plate. 🍽️

My husband and I Love Yats. You can tell with every bite, that this food had care and love poured in. If youre unsure, ask to taste anything on the menu because they're mote than happy to help you pick the best plate for you. Customer service is top notch! Everyone gets treated like family from.the moment you walk in the door. Every member of staff is vibrating with positivity, and poses patience and kindness. If you're lucky enough to stop in when the owner Joe is there with his apron on, introduce yourself because you'll be meeting the mayor. This man is a treasure and his restaurant is an absolute gem in the community.

Cannot go wrong with Yats!! We are regulars and will always love this place. Our favorites are chili cheese etoufee (classic!) and maque choux. And we ALWAYS get double bread (you have to). The staff there is super chill and nice, the food comes out quick and hot, it's an all around great place!

Went on a Saturday afternoon, sat outside and had the maque choux. Fantastic!!! Added a few hits of Louisiana hot sauce. And even better...IMO... :-) highly recommend it.

Consistent favorite and a must stop every time I am back in Indy. Drunken Chicken is hearty and soothes the soul, red beans and smoked sausage have been my go to since childhood --- wish there was jambalaya and gumbo but it seems those have been phased out.

My staple spot. This Yats has the warmest family staff and the warmest family flavors that have never missed. I crave the drunken chicken often, get it often, and strongly suggest it to every Hoosier.

The food and service are AWESOME. The decor and vibe is a bit weird, but I will stomach that for the FOOD. I split the Drunken Chicken and Crawfish Ettoufe. WOW! I think I would prefer the Drunken Chicken, but both were really good. The bread and their homemade butter spread were also fantastic! Parking is a little hard to find on the street, but we parked around the corner. Would definitely recommend and would come back next time we are in Indy!

This place is good. Food is solid, and portion for value is exceptional. They do run out of certain dishes, so be flexible when ordering.

I honestly can't figure out why I have never been here? I have a distant memory of not liking the food but given that I didn't remember the bread I feel like maybe that was a fever dream?? Anyways stopped in for lunch with my brother and I was blown away by the food along with the quantity and quality. I got the maque choux with chicken and I could eat that for all time. What a time to be alive. I will now be frequenting Yats all the time.

Staff is very friendly. The drunken chicken is delicious. Parking can be a challenge but still accessible.

Yum! Ordered to go because we weren't sure how busy they'd be with the solar eclipse. Good thing too! It was super busy. Parking was hard to find on a Sunday evening. Maybe because of the eclipse? Or maybe that's how it always is. Husband said it was packed inside--lines winding all around. The place is popular for sure. What we got: Crawfish etouffee - Spicy but tasty. Definitely hearty. Enough for leftovers (we got the pint size). Chicken maque choux - Probably spicier than the etouffe & just as hearty. Regular size and still had leftovers. Nothing really for our kids to eat except the bread...but they really like the bread for whatever that's worth. We had to order dinner for them from somewhere else. I think I'd stick to the crawfish next time. We're more seafood people, but mistakenly thought the maque choux would be mild. TL;DR hearty and spicy, but good (just not good for kids who can't handle heat)

Highly recommend! 5/5 The portion sizes are super generous and balanced between rice, entree and bread. Absolutely an option for a lunch on the go- this has consistently been ready in less than 5 minutes during the lunch hour. Depth of flavor and the worlds best bread! Consistent across locations!

Food is always great and has a Cajun background. Has been a go to place for us for years. Service is always quick. The ambiance is basically Cajun in decoration and simple in sitting. It's always clean. The owner is also charitable to those in need as far as food is concerned.

We love Yats. Always the best quick take out meal with large portions and if you want to eat in, the ambience is warm and screams New Orleans! The rotating menu always has something new to offer. We absolutely love the bread and order extra everything time we go. The staff is always entertaining, energetic, and seems to enjoy working there. We love that place. Parking is questionable so you will have to find street parking on college or park at the fresh market across the street.

Best fast casual restaurant in Indianapolis. Foods great, staff is awesome, and the owner Joe is my favorite restaurateur in the city. Can't beat it!

This place is a must-eat, do not skip, try everything before you decide, sit down, take your first bite, close your eyes and have an EXPERIENCE. Maybe I'm exaggerating...but I know people who would disown anyone who doesn't like - nay, LOVE - Yats. And there's plenty to love. The stew - you can't go wrong whichever you pick but I'm an etoufee fan - over fresh rice and warm toasty bread with whatever magic butter they spread on it. I don't even know why you read this far down on the review, just go there, eat it.

Yats is a Midwest classic - the perfect thing to carb up before lent, after a night out, or an affordable meal for those on a budget. They have multiple locations around Indy but I'm pretty sure College Ave is the OG. The Spinach Mushroom Étouffée is my veggie friendly go to. They also have a vegan white bean chili and b&b (beans and corn). However the chili is not for the faint of heat it is literally fire. The bread is smothered in melted butter and cajun seasonings - the rice is always cooked perfect. My only complaint is they are killing me with the Styrofoam. I understand you need a sturdy hold for all of that luscious gravy but there's gotta be a better option. Evwn for patrons dining in you get a styrofoam container. Anyway you can at the least bring your own cup and silverware and save the planet just a little. Can't wait to go back.

After living in Indy for almost 5 years, I finally tried Yats and damn do I wish I tried it earlier!!! I knew a lot of people who love this place and now I understand why! There are numerous locations, but the restaurant on College is the original. I've never had Cajun food from NOLA before so I have nothing to compare it to, but regardless it was delicious! It's about $10 for a plate and the perfect lunch spot on a cold day. You can also order a larger size to take home. The service is happy and helpful! I'm pretty sure I saw the founder/owner of Yats cooking himself in the kitchen. (Pretty sure it was him because his face is in all the photos on the walls!) Seeing him back there with his sleeves up really made it a pleasant "ma and pa" type experience. In the photo, I ordered half drunken chicken (left) and half cheese chili with crawfish (right). It comes on a bed of rice and two slices of bread!

Want your taste buds to sing while wrapped in the vibes of New Orleans? This place is for you. Did I mention it is delicious AND affordable?? You can try any of the options on the menu before you order. The food always comes out quick and every meal comes with warm, buttery bread. This is my go-to place and worth braving the parking for. If you aren't coming here, you really are missing out.

I have been here too many times to count. For some reason I find myself craving it within the hour before they close. Me and a lot of other people based on how crowded they always are at that time. They understood the assignment! Focus on one thing, do it right, and they will come. etoufee + rice + bread + hot sauce = game on! The space is smaller with an eclectic New Orleans décor. And every time I have been here, no matter who was working the counter, no matter how busy they were, they have always been so darn nice, and just really friendly. I have come in to place an order and they will tell me they are running behind or backed up and want to make sure I knew there would be a wait. It has never been that long and the food is ALWAYS worth it. I have been to MANY locations and the broadripple location is the best. They are not skimpy on their portions and always nice!

New to the area and tried Yats after hearing so much about it. I have to say WOW. I highly recommend the Maque Choux to anyone (especially if you aren't a big fan of spice). One of the employees there knew it was my first time and even went to the back to bring me out a free sample, which meant the world to me. The amazing toasted bread, rice, and entree for only $9 made it a steal. They've earned a new loyal customer.

Love. Just love. The Chili Etouffee is unlike any other flavor of food you've ever experienced. I'm not Cajun but it's hard to believe this is possibly not the most cajun Cajun you've had. Highly recommend getting a qt and eating it like a sandwich on the bread BUTTER SIDE OUT the seasoned bread is so good. Just LOVE.

The chicken maque choux from Yats is one of the only things I get a craving for. It's slightly sweet and the perfect comfort food plus the bread served with it is like garlic bread's cooler friend lol. I always order extra. The food at Yats is always consistent and delicious. And it heats up well if you happen to have leftovers.

I've been driving by this place many times and finally stopped here for lunch. TL;DR - it was great. The owner lived in Louisiana for a long time and he's a super nice guy (as is everyone else at the restaurant). The menu is not overwhelming and all the items are priced lower than anything else in the area. However, the portions are huge and the food is awesome. We ordered 3 different menu options and every single of them tasted great + the wait was negligible given how busy it was during lunch time. Will definitely recommend and come back here!

In Indy for a meeting near fair grounds. Googled places to eat. Found Yats. It's been over 15 years since I've had it. Disappointed that they didn't have jambalaya or gumbo, but very pleased with what I did get! Drunken chicken and maque choux! The BREAD...no wonder they asked if I wanted extra! Um YES please, but after I already had my two pieces!! And the cookie is to die for! And to say for an order at the counter establishment, service was fabulous! Thank you to your pleasantness and great service!!! Will be back!!!

We were going to a bring your own dinner party and thought we would buy dinner at a chain Mexican restaurant. They were closed Yats was next door. We had not eaten at Yats for sometime but thought it sounded good It is a spot to eat, nothing fancy but we were carrying out. At the wrap we talked to the manager who suggested a quart of red beans and a quart of rice We didn't have flatware or bowls. No problem the manager provided everything The manager even took us to the hot bar and made sure we had the container for suggested spice. He had us pick others according to our taste. Red beans were beyond perfect and hot bread dripping in garlic butter. My husband was in hog Heaven We went to the get together and we're the envy of the other attendees. Our meal was hot, delicious and we ate it all. The bread, my husband ate and let's just say garlic butter dripped off his arm for hours. (Kidding)

Yats is always one of those food places I forgot about. This does not happen because I don't like the food; it's not a place I visit often. However, when I remember to visit (about 2-3times a year), I fall in love again. For me, Yats is like that one love you let get away, and every time you connect, it's like falling in love again. I fell in love again this month (10/2022). I stopped in and ordered Red Beans and Rice and Drunken Chicken and, of course, that excellent bread. Now, speaking of the bread, I was a bit worried after I noticed an employee that was preparing orders and bringing them out not wear gloves while touching the bread they prepared. Yeah, I had already had a good portion of my bread down my gut when I was sitting near the drink station at the College location and watched the employee doing this. I am so hoping this is not a standard thing for the staff to do.

B and B with sour cream and cheese is 9.2/ 10 Chili cheese is my go to for 20 years. 9.4/10 Bread is 9.6/ 10 Toffee cookie is . 8.6/10 "Mockshoe is 9.2/ 10

SO GOOD ! I have been convinced that this is the best place for Butler students to eat near campus. A half portion would be plenty for me, but I tried half Veggie B&B and half drunken chicken, and choosing which one to get would be near impossible they were both that good! I liked the inclusion of all of the free toppings (sour cream, cheese, onion) which all added to the meal! Not to mention that extra bread is only 75 cents making it an absolute MUST for me in the future! The ambience was fun but they also make it super easy to get take out and it was all so speedy! I will be back very soon!

So... do you like cajun food? And if not, what on earth is wrong with you? Yats just does one cuisine, and boy howdy is it a cuisine. You've got your poboys, your creole this that and the other thing, more crawdads than you can shake a (cajun) stick at. I suppose there's a decor. Didn't notice. Didn't care. It's all about the (did I mention cajun?) food at Yats.

Food is fantastic quirky place lots of fun Etuofea is great and red beans and rice also the gumbo. I am not usually into spicy food butman this is so good!

Been coming here for over a decade, and have been to the "original Yats" in Lexington - "Yozos" now known as "Bourbon and Talouse." Joe and Co. serve substantial, tasty food at a good price and they even take credit cards now! My suggestion? Gumbo. Failing that, get jambalaya with gumbo poured over it. Failing that, drunken chicken. Failing that, red beans and rice. Don't forget to get your mean "loaded" aka with sour cream, cheese, and onions! The vegan options are great, too!

It's not often that something lives up to or exceeds your wonderful memory, but Yats did today. We lived in Indianapolis twelve years ago and Yats was our go-to comfort food. Today we visited with kid in tow twelve years later and the food and experience were still phenomenal. They even offered a kids plate for our six-year old of rice, cheese and bread which was the perfect meal in that moment. Amazing customer service. We had the BNB, white chili with chicken and sausage and red beans. All delicious and served quickly. The buttered bread has some sort of magic seasoning and all this food was about $20. We also had the toffee and chocolate chip cookie which had the perfect amount of butter. Any location is great and we ate at both the Mass ave and broad ripple location, two days in a row. Both are funky places to hang out and very fun.

I first tried Yats over ten years ago. At that time they were cash only and when I got to the cash register I didn't have enough cash. They were kind enough to let me have my food and pay my IOU later. The spirit of that grace hasn't changed and neither has their food. Their menu is usually small but delicious. If you are looking for something different and haven't tried Cajun food before, treat yourself. Even if you are an expert, Yats doesn't disappoint.

I've never had a bad meal at any Yats location ever. Always good fast service. My only beef is that sometimes they run out of peanut butter piece, which makes my mouth sad, but makes my A$$ happy because my butt really doesn't need those calories. LOL. It's always a great vibe with good music and NOLA decor but in truth, Yats has ruined me on cajun and creole food. I've tried every other cajun place in town and not a single one comes close. Always affordable. It tends to be my go to place when the weather is crappy or I'm having a lousy day. There is just something so comforting about crawfish chili cheese etouffe and a piece of toast swimming in cajun garlic butter. YUM! Now if only they carried Abita brewing strawberry beer..... I'd probably never leave.

I have been a fan of Yats since they opened in Greenwood. They had a manager named James. The food was good, the employees were friendly and happy. James left, the food was still good but employees were not the same. These days the employees don't seem to care, and the food is not good anymore. I always loved the chili cheese but it is so gummy now and the crawfish are like chewing rubber. Avoid Greenwood Yats. I won't be going back soon.

Always a winner! My fav is drunken chicken! I've never been disappointed regardless of location. I've eaten at multiple locations in Indy and even found a Yats in Nashville.

I had never visited the SoBro location so it was pretty cool to visit a location other than Fishers. When I arrived, the employee at the desk greeted me and never did press me to order as I was waiting for friends to arrive and I appreciated that. I came looking for white chicken chili was not available that day. The employee was so nice that he let me (and a couple that was looking for white bean chicken chili) sample what they had as offerings that day. Maque Choux with chicken is my new favorite. I do not eat spicy food because my taste buds said "nope, no way, nada" to anything spicy. There is nothing fun about ticked off taste buds so I try to appease them at all times. I was delighted that the maque choux was not spicy. I Order the half size portion with extra bread because it was my plan to eat half that evening 1/2 the next day. That plan worked perfectly. Heating up the maque choux was easy and it tasted just as good as when I originally ordered it. Now hopefully they will bring cookie butter pie to this location!

ZERO STARS when you go the the Greenwood location... look up at those ribbons then cover your food... the food was HORRIBLE... the chili cheese crawfish fish was so thick .... CASH IN THE TRASH

Big portions, great flavor and so dang affordable! They also have an option of half and half if you want to try different dishes. My go to is always the chili cheese crawfish etoufee with extra bread. Load up on the garlic and hot Louisiana sauce as well. They have vegan and vegetarian options which are also delicious.

Always consistently great food. It is my go to on a cold day and the staff is always so accommodating.

Never disappoints. First time at the broad ripple location and we loved it. Quick in and out meal for $15, hard to beat. Comfort food that fills you up and makes ya happy!

Yats is an Indianapolis staple! I am so lucky to live within five minutes of one! I always get 1/2 red beans and sausage and 1/2 drunken chicken. You cannot forget to add some Louisiana Hot Sauce to make it even better. The man at the counter is always super friendly. The vibes are amazing at every location!

White chicken chili + Louisiana sauce + bread = comfort food. Extra jalapeños too if ur feeling spicy

My favorite place in the whole wide world. Get the chili cheese ettouffee, black chili, white chili, red chili, all the chilis.

Yats has my whole heart. Their spinach and mushroom etouffee is one of my all time favorite meals. They also have white bean chili that is vegan! When you go, make sure to get extra bread because their cajun butter is Friendly service, totally affordable, and they have something for everyone! Not to mention you can mix and match so you don't have to decide between the two you're torn between (:

Yat's is a unique Cajun style cuisine restaurant. The food is full of unique flavors and spices. My favorite is the chili cheese etouffee with crawfish, but the drunken chicken is also fantastic. The menu option is somewhat limited and consists of rice as a base with some form of meat and spices, usually in thick stew, on top. Also included is a side bread with garlic butter on top. The best part of the meal is dipping the bread into the etouffee. Overall the food is very flavorful but given the limited menu it may not be for everyone. The restaurant itself is as unique as its food. It is full of a random assortment New Orleans inspired decorations. There is something new you find to look at every time eating here that makes it so unique. Inside they have music soft music playing as well. Sitting is not a problem and they several tables and chairs as well as very comfortable booths. They also have outdoor seating as well, although it can get a little loud because it right next to the street. The service at Yat's is exceptional. You order at the counter, and everyone is very friendly and polite. The food comes out very quickly and always very warm. The workers also do a very good job of cleaning the restaurant throughout the day. Overall, Yat's is a delicious very unique Cajun-styled restaurant. Although it is a chain it certainly does not feel like one. It employs very friendly workers and provides a comfortable home-y atmosphere.

This is one of my favorite places to visit when I'm in the need of a delicious lunch or dinner. Yats is one of the best places you can get a unique dinning experience with great customer service and delicious food. Going to Butler the last 3 years has allowed me to explore the area and try all the restaurants surrounding the University and Yats us up there with one of my favorites. Cajun food is so difficult to get right and this place really does it proud. Please get the half & half with drunken chicken and the crawfish! It is a fantastic and affordable meal for just 10 dollars. The people that work at Yats are very kind and generous and always have a smile on their face. They make sure to create an enjoyable atmosphere with interesting vibes all around. They have a unique style that gives off a small hole in the wall place which I love. If you're in Indy try out one of their many locations in the city!

I was surprised that I had never been to this Yats location. The parking nearby can be a little tough to find but we came here lunch on a weekday so we ended up parking at the grocery store across the street. I ordered the crawfish etoufee which is always a nice meal. The bread included is heavenly! The staff were nice and the food was fast and tasty. The location had plenty of seating and the decorations were cool. They also have outdoor seating. They only have one restroom but it was clean. Overall I love going to eat at Yats and this location had a lot going for it.

Every time I come to Indy, I try to eat at Yats. It is so good and authentic. I got the Crawfish Etoufee and the Maque Choux with chicken. It was very flavorful and the bread was maybe my favorite part of the meal! I can't wait to go back in the future.

One of my favorite restaurants in Indianapolis by far, Yats serves up some of the fastest and most delicious Cajun food in Indiana. With a rotating menu, I've never grown tired of eating there. With COVID, this location has taken the following actions: required masks, only outdoor dining, and social distancing. Despite these precautions, Yats still comes out of the kitchen at a breakneck pace with delicious and spicy food. Additionally, all of this food is offered at a very reasonable price. I highly recommend Yats to anyone wanting to try something new and grab a quick bite!