I walked past The Oakmont at least a dozen times before I actually stopped in, and now I regret every single one of those missed opportunities. Located at 323 N Delaware St in downtown Indianapolis, this trendy spot has earned a reputation for serving some of the best brunch in the city, but the French toast is what keeps people coming back week after week.
The moment you step inside, you notice the chic vintage vibe with modern art covering the walls and a DJ spinning records that somehow makes breakfast feel like an event. I ordered the French toast on my first visit without really knowing what to expect, and that first bite changed everything I thought I knew about this classic breakfast dish.
The thick slices arrive perfectly golden, with a texture that manages to be both crispy on the outside and impossibly soft inside. What makes The Oakmont special is not just the food but the entire experience, from the energetic atmosphere to the friendly staff who genuinely seem to love what they do.
If you have been searching for breakfast that feels like a celebration, this is your spot.
The French Toast Itself Is Absolutely Legendary
Walking into The Oakmont on a Sunday morning, I had no idea I was about to taste French toast that would ruin all other French toast for me. The slices arrive thick and golden, with edges that crackle slightly when you press your fork through them.
Inside, the bread is soft and custardy, soaked just enough to maintain that perfect balance between structure and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
What sets this French toast apart is the attention to detail in every element. The bread is brioche, which gives it a naturally buttery richness that regular bread just cannot match.
Each slice is cooked to order, ensuring that crispy exterior I mentioned earlier. The kitchen does not rush the process, and you can taste the difference.
Fresh fruit arrives on the side, along with real maple syrup that has not been watered down or substituted with corn syrup. One reviewer mentioned the syrup was a bit heavy for their taste, but I found it perfect.
The portions are generous enough to share, though I never want to. Every bite delivers that comforting sweetness balanced with just enough savory notes from the brioche.
This is the kind of breakfast that makes you want to cancel your afternoon plans and order another round.
The Atmosphere Turns Breakfast Into An Experience
Most breakfast spots feel like breakfast spots, but The Oakmont feels like a party that just happens to serve incredible food. A live DJ spins vinyl records during weekend brunch, creating a soundtrack that somehow makes your eggs taste better.
The music is upbeat without being overwhelming, though some reviewers noted it can get loud when the place fills up.
Modern art covers every available wall space, giving you something interesting to look at between bites. The decor strikes that difficult balance between Instagram-worthy and genuinely comfortable.
You will see everything from couples on dates to groups of friends celebrating birthdays, all fitting naturally into the space.
The restaurant is relatively small, which adds to the intimate vibe but can also mean a wait during peak hours. I have learned to make reservations, though they do require your full party to be present before seating you.
The lighting is perfect, bright enough to see your food but dim enough to feel special.
Tables are arranged thoughtfully to accommodate different party sizes, from two-tops along the walls to larger tables in the center. Even sitting at the bar feels like part of the action.
The energy here transforms a simple breakfast into something memorable, which is exactly what weekend mornings should feel like.
The Service Goes Above And Beyond Every Single Time
I have worked enough service jobs to know when staff genuinely care about their work, and The Oakmont team absolutely does. Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned servers by name, which tells you everything you need to know about the consistency of great service here.
Bartenders go out of their way to make custom drinks, even whipping up off-menu items when asked nicely.
My server during my first visit checked in at exactly the right moments, never hovering but always appearing when I needed something. She offered honest recommendations when I asked, steering me toward the French toast without overselling it.
That confidence came from actually believing in the food, not from trying to upsell.
The owner, mentioned in several reviews as Chris or Gus, is hands-on and often working the floor. One couple celebrating their anniversary had him personally rearrange seating so they could sit outside on a beautiful day.
That kind of personal attention is rare in restaurants of any size.
Even when the restaurant is packed and running behind, the staff maintains their composure and friendliness. They understand that people come here for memories and good times, not just food.
The service elevates the entire experience, making you feel welcomed rather than rushed, valued rather than just another table to turn.
The Menu Offers Way More Than Just French Toast
While the French toast deserves its reputation, limiting yourself to just that would mean missing out on some seriously creative comfort food. The fried deviled eggs show up in review after review, and for good reason.
They take a classic appetizer and transform it into something completely unexpected, with a crispy exterior giving way to that creamy filling.
Truffle fries are another menu staple that people cannot stop talking about. They arrive hot and crispy, seasoned with real truffle oil and served with a cheese dip that somehow does not overwhelm the truffle flavor.
One reviewer called them delectable, and I have to agree. The garlic adds another layer without competing with the truffle.
The salmon tacos get high marks from multiple diners, with grilled lime adding brightness to the dish. Steak options appear throughout the menu, from steak and eggs to the chimichurri steak that several people raved about.
The brisket breakfast sandwich has its own loyal following, with one reviewer joining the clean plate club after demolishing theirs.
The Buddha bowl offers a lighter option without sacrificing flavor, and you can add jalapeños if you want some heat. Everything is made fresh and presented beautifully, using quality ingredients like Tinker coffee and Natalie’s juice.
The prices remain reasonable despite the quality, which makes returning easy on your wallet.
The Location Puts You Right In The Heart Of Downtown
The Oakmont sits at 323 N Delaware St, placing you right in the middle of downtown Indianapolis action. Massachusetts Avenue, one of the city’s most vibrant arts and culture districts, is just a short walk away.
After brunch, you can easily explore the dozens of galleries, theaters, and shops that make Mass Ave such a destination.
White River State Park is less than a mile west, offering green space and attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art at 500 W Washington St. The park provides a perfect post-brunch walk to help digest that French toast. On nice days, the park fills with locals enjoying the trails and waterways.
Monument Circle, the heart of Indianapolis, sits just a few blocks south. The Indiana State Museum at 650 W Washington St offers fascinating exhibits about state history and natural science.
If you are interested in sports history, the Indiana State Museum also houses extensive Pacers and Colts memorabilia.
Parking can be tricky, as the restaurant shares a small lot and street parking fills up quickly during brunch hours. Some nearby businesses charge for parking, so plan accordingly.
The location does mean you can easily make a full day of it, hitting brunch at The Oakmont before exploring everything downtown Indianapolis has to offer within walking distance.
The Prices Stay Reasonable Despite The Quality
Quality brunch spots in downtown areas often come with downtown prices, but The Oakmont manages to keep things reasonable. The restaurant falls into the moderate price range, with most entrees priced where you would expect for the quality and portion sizes.
Several reviewers specifically mentioned being pleasantly surprised by the value.
The portions are generous enough that some diners only finish half their meal. One reviewer noted their niece could only eat half of her bacon cheeseburger because it was so filling.
The pancake board, which serves six people, could easily feed an entire party according to multiple accounts. You get a lot of food for your money here.
The quality of ingredients justifies the pricing completely. Using Tinker coffee and Natalie’s juice instead of cheaper alternatives costs the restaurant more, but it shows in the final product.
The brioche bread for the French toast, the real maple syrup, the fresh fruit, all of these details add up to a meal that feels special without breaking your budget.
Parties of six or more have a 20% gratuity added automatically, which is standard for larger groups. The restaurant does require a credit card for reservations, which helps reduce no-shows and keeps prices stable for everyone.
Considering the food quality, atmosphere, and service level, the prices represent solid value for a memorable brunch experience in downtown Indianapolis.
The Weekend Brunch Scene Creates Unforgettable Memories
Brunch at The Oakmont is not just a meal, it is an event that people plan their weekends around. The restaurant opens at 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, and it fills up fast with locals who know what they are doing.
The combination of great food, live DJ, and energetic crowd creates something special that regular breakfast just cannot match.
I have watched groups celebrate everything from birthdays to anniversaries here, and the staff treats each occasion like it matters. One couple had their six-year anniversary here and called it a premium experience that exceeded expectations.
The restaurant attracts everyone from young professionals to families, though it is 21 and over only, which keeps the vibe more adult-focused.
The outdoor seating option adds another dimension when weather permits. Sitting outside on a beautiful Indianapolis morning, eating incredible French toast while people-watching on Delaware Street, creates exactly the kind of memory that makes you love your city.
The restaurant accommodates special requests when possible, like that anniversary couple who got moved outside.
Multiple reviewers mentioned returning every time they visit Indianapolis, which speaks to the kind of lasting impression this place makes. The combination of all these elements, the food, service, atmosphere, and location, creates brunch experiences worth remembering and repeating.
This is the spot where good food and good times intersect perfectly.
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