Yats

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 was visiting Indy and wanted something different. This restaurant is amazing and every entree we got was just insanely good. If you come to Indy you must try this place.

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. 🍽️

Great first experience at yats! The service was lightning fast and the portions were generous for the price. I’d recommend going with a friend or two and trying all of their etouffee options. also, the peanut butter pie is awesome-one piece is enough for 2-3 people!

I’ve been eating here for years. The food is great and the staff is awesome. They are highly knowledgeable and accommodating when it comes to special dietary needs. Easily one of the best spots in the city.

The food was amazing, the lady at the counter was super friendly and even let us taste the different options. It is very well priced and portions are big. I could definitely have their food every day.

This place is the equivalent of a warm hug. My favorite spot I’ve probably ever been to. Everytime I come the staff is so kind and helpful. Food comes out almost instantly. It is so yummy and flavorful. The inside is the coolest you feel like you are at a jazz fest. Affordable only 8 ish bucks for a half order which is a plenty helping! I LOVE YATS

Gotta love Yats!! I remember the first time someone introduced me to it I was like I'm not eating that hahaha. But after the first bite I was hooked! Usually get the drunken chicken half & half and an extra piece of bread!

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!

Don't knock it until you try it!! We are Yats REGULARS and we encourage everyone we know to try it. We love the chili cheese etoufee and maque choux best. The bread is to die for, you always have to get extra! The staff are super friendly and the vibe is chill and cozy. We love yats and will always be regulars.

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.

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.

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)

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!!!

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

The food is awesome. Always a great price. The ambiance is fun. The service is fast. This location is my favorite.

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.

I'm not a BIG fan of Yats food BUT when I do get it I get the chili cheese etoufee w/ crawfish. My fam loves Yats and I will eat there and it's always good as long as I get 1/2 haha The bread is so good and the service is great. Sorry no pics for this one though

10/31/21 I believe I am Yats's #1 fan. As an avid fan, I visit every Sunday to make sure I satisfy my weekly hankering for Yats. The Drunken Chicken is the gateway for anyone who wishes to visit the Yats for the first time. But for seasoned veterans, such as myself, you have to order the Chili Cheese Étouffée with Crawfish (much as I did tonight). It's full of great Louisiana flavors, brightened by rosemary and thyme. The curry-like consistency over the bed of rice paired with the signature buttered bread is Heaven on earth. Adding the New Orleans inspired flavors, the decorations and music add to the restaurant's atmosphere and appeal of Yats. Displaying a fun and casual environment is essential for a great dining experience, and Yats nail it on the head. I highly recommend Yats for locals and tourists alike. You will not be upset here, it is an amazing and tasty bit of the greater Indianapolis community.

Great vibe, great service, and fantastic food. I love coming here for lunch. Keep up the great service Yats!!!

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!