When you think about Cajun food in the Midwest, Indianapolis might not be the first place that comes to mind. Still, Yats has been serving authentic New Orleans flavors to hungry Hoosiers for years, building a loyal following across multiple locations in Indiana.
This local restaurant chain has become a staple in the state’s dining scene, known for generous portions of Cajun and Creole comfort food at affordable prices. From the moment you walk in, the aroma of slow-cooked spices and the hum of jazz music set the tone.
While dishes like drunken chicken and chili cheese étouffée have earned widespread praise, there is a sweet secret that keeps guests coming back. The homemade peanut butter pie has reached near-legend status, offering the perfect finish to a bold, savory meal.
Whether you are a longtime fan or visiting for the first time, Yats delivers more than just a filling plate. Flavor-packed food, a welcoming atmosphere, and unbeatable value make this Indiana favorite worth seeking out.
Authentic Cajun and Creole Flavors in the Heart of Indiana
Finding genuine New Orleans cuisine in the Midwest can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Yats changes that narrative completely by bringing bold, authentic Cajun and Creole flavors to Indianapolis and beyond.
The restaurant doesn’t just replicate Louisiana cooking; it captures the soul of it with recipes that honor traditional methods and ingredients.
Located at 5363 N College Ave in Indianapolis, the College Avenue location serves as a prime example of what makes Yats special. The menu features classic dishes like crawfish etouffee, red beans and sausage, and chicken maque choux, all prepared with the kind of care that makes each bite memorable.
Reviewers consistently praise the depth of flavor in every dish, with one customer noting that there are so many flavors it’s hard to believe it can exist.
The cooking style at Yats focuses on slow-cooked, gravy-based dishes served over perfectly prepared rice. While some might describe the food as looking like chunky slop, appearances are deceiving.
Each dish is a carefully crafted combination of spices, proteins, and vegetables that create layers of taste with every forkful.
What sets Yats apart from other restaurants attempting Cajun cuisine is the consistency across all locations. The seasonings are balanced perfectly, offering enough heat to satisfy spice lovers without overwhelming those with more sensitive palates.
Even young children who typically shy away from spicy food have been known to devour their meals here.
The Legendary Homemade Peanut Butter Pie
Among the many reasons to visit Yats, the homemade peanut butter pie stands out as a true showstopper. This dessert has achieved legendary status among regulars and newcomers alike, often mentioned in the same breath as the restaurant’s famous savory dishes.
One generous slice is substantial enough to share between two or three people, making it an excellent value for those looking to end their meal on a sweet note.
The pie itself represents everything that makes Yats special: quality ingredients, generous portions, and flavors that keep you thinking about your next visit. Rich and creamy with a perfect balance of sweetness, the peanut butter filling sits atop a crumbly crust that provides just the right amount of texture contrast.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes you slow down and savor each bite rather than rushing through your meal.
What makes this pie particularly special is that it’s made in-house rather than sourced from an outside bakery. This commitment to homemade desserts mirrors the restaurant’s approach to their entrees, where everything is prepared with care and attention to detail.
The result is a dessert that tastes like something your grandmother might make, full of love and free from artificial flavors or preservatives.
Reviews specifically highlight the peanut butter pie as awesome, with customers recommending that friends share a piece due to its impressive size.
Unbeatable Prices and Generous Portions
In an era where dining out can quickly drain your wallet, Yats stands as a refreshing exception. The restaurant offers full meals that satisfy even the heartiest appetites for less than what you’d pay at many fast food chains.
Dishes typically run around eight dollars, making it possible to enjoy restaurant-quality Cajun cuisine without the premium price tag often associated with specialty restaurants.
The value proposition becomes even more impressive when you consider the portion sizes. Orders come in full or half sizes, with full orders being so generous that most diners end up taking food home.
One reviewer noted that if you order the full chili cheese etouffee, you will definitely be taking it home with you. This isn’t a restaurant that skimps on servings to maximize profits; instead, Yats prioritizes customer satisfaction and ensuring everyone leaves full and happy.
The half and half option represents one of the best deals in the entire Indianapolis dining scene. For one price, you can sample two different dishes on the same plate, allowing you to experience the variety of flavors Yats offers without committing to a full order of each.
This flexibility is perfect for indecisive diners or those who want to explore the menu gradually.
Extras like additional garlic bread cost just fifty cents, making it easy to customize your meal without worrying about the bill climbing too high. The self-serve drink refills add even more value to an already affordable dining experience.
The Famous Drunken Chicken That Keeps Customers Coming Back
Among all the dishes on the Yats menu, drunken chicken reigns supreme as the most mentioned and beloved item. With 45 mentions in customer reviews, this signature dish has achieved cult status among regulars who crave its unique combination of flavors and textures.
The name alone sparks curiosity, but one bite explains why people become devoted fans who order it visit after visit.
The dish features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce that combines Cajun spices with other secret ingredients that create a taste unlike anything else you’ll find. Served over perfectly cooked rice, the drunken chicken manages to be both comforting and exciting at the same time.
The sauce soaks into the rice, ensuring that every bite delivers maximum flavor without any dry or bland spots.
Many customers order the drunken chicken as part of a half and half combination, often pairing it with crawfish etouffee or chili cheese etouffee. This allows them to enjoy their favorite dish while still exploring other menu options.
However, even when pitted against other delicious choices, the drunken chicken consistently wins the day according to multiple reviews.
First-time visitors often express skepticism about trying the dish, with one reviewer admitting they initially thought they wouldn’t eat it based on appearance alone. However, after that first bite, they were completely hooked and became regular customers.
Welcoming Atmosphere and Outstanding Customer Service
Walking into Yats feels less like entering a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone’s home. The staff greets every customer warmly from the moment they step through the door, creating an atmosphere where everyone is treated like family.
This genuine hospitality sets the tone for the entire dining experience and explains why so many customers become regulars who return week after week.
The counter service model at Yats works efficiently without feeling rushed or impersonal. Staff members are knowledgeable about every item on the menu and happily offer samples to help indecisive customers make their choices.
Every employee seems to radiate positivity and patience, creating an environment where asking questions never feels like an inconvenience. They accommodate special dietary needs with expertise and genuine care, making Yats accessible to diners with various restrictions.
This level of attentiveness to individual needs shows a commitment to inclusive dining that goes beyond simply serving food.
When owner Joe is present with his apron on, the experience becomes even more special. Reviewers describe him as a treasure and the mayor of the restaurant, someone who takes time to connect with customers personally.
His presence reminds diners that Yats isn’t just another corporate chain but a locally owned business where leadership cares deeply about the community they serve.
The comfortable booths, self-serve drink refills, and New Orleans-style jazz music at the perfect volume all contribute to an inviting atmosphere that makes lingering enjoyable.
The Irresistible Garlic Bread That Deserves Its Own Spotlight
While many restaurants offer bread as an afterthought, Yats elevates this simple side into something customers dream about. The garlic bread at Yats has achieved such popularity that reviewers specifically mention waking up thinking about extra bread, and multiple customers emphasize that ordering additional pieces is a must.
At just fifty cents per extra slice, it represents one of the best investments you can make during your meal.
The bread arrives warm and perfectly toasted, with garlic butter that soaks into every pore without making it soggy. The exterior maintains a slight crispness that gives way to a soft, fluffy interior, creating the ideal texture contrast.
This isn’t the dry, hard garlic bread you might find at other establishments; it’s the kind that makes you understand why bread is considered a comfort food in cultures around the world.
What makes the garlic bread particularly valuable at Yats is how it complements the saucy, gravy-based entrees. The bread serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of drunken chicken sauce or chili cheese etouffee gravy, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Diners who fail to order extra bread often regret it halfway through their meal when they realize they need more to fully enjoy their dish.
A Local Chain That Maintains Quality Across Multiple Locations
Many restaurant chains sacrifice quality for consistency as they expand, but Yats has managed to grow throughout Indiana while maintaining the standards that made the original location successful. Customers report that they’ve never had a bad meal at any Yats location, with the College Avenue spot near Broad Ripple serving as a shining example of what the chain does best.
This reliability builds trust with diners who know exactly what to expect no matter which location they visit.
The College Avenue location at 5363 N College Ave offers convenient hours, opening at 11 AM most days and staying open until 8:30 PM Monday through Saturday, with slightly shorter Sunday hours closing at 7 PM. The consistent operating schedule makes it easy to plan visits around work schedules or weekend activities.
While parking can be challenging due to street parking only, customers consistently report that the walk is absolutely worth the effort.
This location features a nice outdoor patio that provides additional seating during pleasant weather, allowing diners to enjoy their Cajun meals while soaking up the Indianapolis sunshine. The tucked-away position near Broad Ripple gives it a neighborhood feel that locals appreciate while still being accessible to visitors exploring the area.
The 4.8-star rating based on over 1,800 reviews demonstrates the consistently positive experiences customers have at this particular spot.
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