Chef JJ’s Back Yard
1040 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46220
Chef JJ’s Back Yard Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Indianapolis for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Indianapolis for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Indianapolis for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
1040 Broad Ripple Ave
Indianapolis, IN, 46220 - Phone (317) 602-3828
- Website https://www.chefjjs.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Rhonda G.
Such a great spot to host a team building event. The staff was top notch, helpful, friendly, fun, the whole package! Our event was held outside near the water and it really did feel like we were hanging out in someones fabulous backyard. The (good) alcohol flowed freely, the music was going and everyone was having a great time, me included. This place definitely puts an interesting spin on your typical cooking and team building events. Highly recommend.
(5)Neal T.
Depending on where you're standing, you could mistake JJ's Back Yard for a restaurant, a school, an event center, a catering company, or a grilling supply store. But if you take a step back you'll see that it's actually all of those things and none of them all at once. First things first - Chef JJ Boston and his sous chef/loyal sidekick Chef Jenna Gatchell use the freshest ingredients, preferring to work with local, in season products as much as possible, and they cook everything on Big Green Eggs, which are large, green, elliptically shaped ceramic grills that look exactly like, well, big green eggs. JJ's Back Yard is a single, concrete-floored room with long concrete-topped bar-height tables at one end and a retail wall stocked with grilling supplies for Eggheads at the other, seperated by JJ's prep area and kitchen. There is a large patio behind the building - which is hidden behind FedEx Office and Fifth Third Bank - overlooking White River that significantly increases the building's capacity during warm weather. Most nights of the week JJ & Co. host grilling classes during which he and Jenna walk people through the process of making something on the BGE (breakfast, pizza, you name it) and then feed it to them. Theme nights are popular as well, and feature local food producers talking about their products while JJ and Jenna create a multi-course meal built around a specific idea or ingredient (see: Hell Night around Halloween time, featuring peppers and local hot sauces). JJ is increasingly in demand and his classes and dinners fill up quickly, so get in soon and enjoy whatever's on the menu that night.
(5)Karen W.
This place is the absolute opposite of suck. Love it! I really enjoyed everyone that worked here. The food is out of this world. I was above and beyond impressed by this place. If you are looking for a creative place to host an event, check out JJ Backyard!
(5)Jonathan K.
I've to Chef JJ's twice. The food was so tasty I didn't know what to do, except eat more of it :) I went to one of the Sun King Brewer's dinners and it was amazing; they really knew what foods to pair with the different beers.
(5)Jayelynn W.
For me, going to Chef JJ's Back Yard is like Norm walking into Cheers - everyone knows your name and is excited to see you. First, you have the concept of the establishment - a private dining venue that offers classes on cooking various cuisine on the Big Green Egg. These amazing Big Green Eggs allow you to bake, grill and smoke everything from breakfast to dessert. Don't let the idea of "small plates / tapas style" deter you from attending. Believe me, you will not leave hungry! Then you have the staff. Chef JJ is a true grill master that makes you feel like anything is possible when it comes to cooking. Not to mention that the man has made me fall in love with foods that I've never cared for - salmon, tofu, etc. Then there is his sous chef Jenna, whose bread pudding I still have dreams about. You also have Staraya, the planner/organizier/greeter/cashier/etc. who makes everyone smile as soon as they walk in the door. Now onto the food! My husband attended Sun King's release party at Spencer's Stadium Tavern in Indianapolis. Spencer and I are good friends and I was thrilled that his dream of owning a bar had become reality. Mix that with my husbands love of beer and this was an event I knew he'd want to be at. Upon picking him up after the dinner I received a full play-by-play of the "best food I've ever had" on the drive home. A few weeks later, Chef JJ's Back Yard had their open house and we were there with bells on. Upon eating an entire plate of citrus and pepper shrimp, I quickly understood what my husband was talking about. I'm watching Chef JJ grill shrimp as we talk about food, Indy, beer, etc. he picks up a hand full of gorgonzola cheese and throws it on top of the grilled shrimp! As my mouth started to salivate, he quickly gave me a sample....followed by another....and another...and another. The flavor that the Big Green Egg gives food is unlike anything a normal grill or smoker can provide. Following that open house, my husband and I proceeded to attend several cooking classes and Chef JJ / Sun King Brewing beer dinners. These dinners are the best events - Sun King beer paired with amazing dishes from the Back Yard team. We started bringing our friends and family to events as well and tried to expose as many people as possible to this amazing food. We've had everything from pork belly to grilled tofu and all the amazing things in between. They use only the best ingredients available and buy local as often as possible. They have made it a point to promote other local establishments - Sun King Brewing, Goose The Market, Nicole-Taylor's pasta, Country Mouse City Mouse - the list goes on. They have also started the Make It Local events - local chefs, local beer and wine - all together for one night. It's a great way to see what your city has to offer. This year they also threw the very first Chef JJ's Back Yard Eggfest where Eggheads can come, cook and share their Big Green Egg creations with the public. Now, they've even started the Big Green Bistro - their mobile unit so that they can bring their egg-strodinary cooking experience straight to you. If you love amazing food, great atmosphere and some of the best people you'll ever know, then you must give Chef JJ's Back Yard a try. You will thank me.
(5)Shani J.
We had our team building event here and it was absolutely perfect! It was a pleasure working with the staff beforehand to create an experience that was just right for our small group size. The format of the team challenge had the perfect flow and it was enjoyable for all! We have a couple of finicky appetites, and most of us have little to no experience on a grill, so I was a bit nervous about everyone being able to make something that we would actually want to eat once it was completed! :) The chef managed to teach us about food, seasoning, meats, and the Big Egg while guiding us through the process, but yet giving us plenty of room to be creative. The end results were 2 delicious meals (one from each team) to share and enjoy. You'll be amazed at the ideas that you can come up with when you're on a time crunch! This was an amazing experience from beginning to end, and much better than anyone on our team could have hoped for!
(5)Sigrid F.
A great experience from start to finish. Now I know why these sell out like hot cakes. The Broadripple location is a bit challenging to find. Wedged behind a bank and a strip mall even so it has a Broadripple Ave address. My GPS kept telling me I had arrived and I didn't see the darn thing anywhere. I did eventually figure it out. The setting is beautiful, a backyard kitchen with the river flowing by, nice and shady, beautiful. You are greeted when you first walk in and escorted to your seat, served a little snack and something to drink. During the food preparation every step was explained, questions answered, while the wait staff quietly refilled waters, filled drink orders, cleared away any used dishes, wrapped up things not eaten. Service absolute tops... Once a food course was done, it was plated and served. The courses all prepared on the big green egg are absolutely able to rival any of the top of the line restaurants as far as food quality and presentation goes. I give this all available stars. Would give more if I could. The only downside are some idiot speed boating and waterskiing on the river, with the apparent mission to make as much noise as possible. That, however, is nothing one could do anything about.
(5)Robert G.
Attending seafood night at Chef jj's new venue downtown. Great food, great location, great event all the things we've come to expect and have received over 10 years of being chef jj eggheads. Downtown or in broad ripple this is a must visit in Indy Great for private events of c which I've done many for customers
(5)Tim R.
I'm a fan of outdoor cooking, and this is the best place on the planet for gourmet quality food cooked on a Big Green Egg. Never would I have endeavored to make bananas foster on a grill. Baked bread on a grill came out light, airy, with a nice soft crust. Jambalaya, Gumbo, Shrimp Po-Boys for dinner, enough food we thought it was a buffet!! You have to catch the rare and elusive empty seat here, they only cook a few times a month, check the website often and pounce on an opportunity to dine here, you won't be sorry.
(5)Michael C.
I went here for a tasting party with friends and it was a very enjoyable evening. It was almost enough to get me into the Big Green Egg cult. These guys are adventurous, and tailor their menu to the partners they're working with. Fortunately, they're good cooks, so almost everything they did worked very well. The classes and pairing dinners make for a nice, dinner party atmosphere you get almost nowhere else too. It's almost like going to a friend's for dinner, if your friend is a really good cook.
(5)Mac H.
My husband and I kicked off our wedding weekend and chef jjs in September and are so happy we chose this venue. We had such a lovely lunch for our family and friends. It was a great way to start the weekend and everyone was nothing but complimentary about the service and food. Everything was delicious and we look forward to working with them again in the future. We would recommend chef jjs for any private event!
(5)Val F.
I can't say a single bad thing about this place! Chef JJ's is the best place to eat in town. They continue to surprise my husband and I each time we have been in. We loved our last experience so much we became season ticket "holders." You are missing out if you don't put this place on your dinning list. Side note: Gift cards to this place make for a fantastic gift!
(5)Dan K.
Chef JJ and his crew are friendly, talented and more importantly, passionate about their craft. I have eaten at Chef JJ's backyard a few times and am consistently blown away by the deliciousness and creativity of the dishes. They offer grilling and food preparation classes, wine pairing dinners, beer pairing dinners, and are also a retailer of the Big Green Egg. A small space located in Broad Ripple on the White River, it has a patio overlooking the river and indoor dining area seating about 25-30. I believe all dinners and events are advanced ticket only but well worth planning for. These are To sum it up: Outside the box take on gourmet cuisine and pairings in a fun laid back environment.
(5)Kristy K.
Ode to Chef JJ's: You have delicious meat goodness Smoky, sometimes a bit charred, meat goodness I'm in love with the Big Green Egg and all of the goodness it brings. We've been to Chef JJ's for a class. It was super fun. Hands-on, tons of food, good company, easy to follow instruction. We've also been to EggFest (and as a results purchased a Big Green Egg aka BGE). If you don't know what a BGE is, google it NOW. It's a fine piece of work -- a charcoal grill that can cook meat low and slow, like a true BBQ place. It can also get super hot, which makes it perfect for grilling pizzas, too! So...back to EggFest: It's an outdoor festival where everyone is cooking food on an egg! Everythign from salsas, to pizza, to desserts, to veggies, to meat. There was so much food we couldn't enjoy it all. But it was all so very scrumptious. Chef JJ's is also a retail store for everything you've ever wanted egg-related. Chef JJ, Cheff Jenna and the rest of crew are down to earth, fun loving folks. We really enjoy this place and hope to make it to several more classes/dinners/events there.
(5)Marcie M.
Yeeeeeelpers.....I have told you if you have not been, you MUST go and it's clear MANY of you have not!! I am not telling you again! GO GO GO! Get onto their website, figure out what fits your personality, sign up for a dinner/class and ENJOY!! It is seriously worth every penny! My husband and I went for their five course "date night" last Friday and we came home feeling 10 lbs. heavier and sooooo super happy. It was the first time I had ever sat inside, so it was much more of a restaurant feel only all the couples were around the same table....still romantic though! The food was great "date" food. We had the awesome butternut squash soup with ricotta cheese, an orange beet salad, Indiana duck with gnocchi, pork with sweet potatoes and a pear tart for dessert....yes, I just listed an immense amount of exhilarating aphrodisiac inspiring food. Everything came out hot and was INCREDIBLY tasty. I have to say, I love not choosing my own food. I love being told...."this is good. Eat it." Then I do and it's SOOOOOO FABULOUS!! Chef JJ and his team have mastered something in Indy that no one else has - a perfect balance of creating romance and friendship over fresh delectable bites without a forced or fake feeling. I seriously do not know why you have not been yet. Stop reading and buy a ticket! It is truly Indy's best kept secret (especially based on the lack of non-Yelp event reviews).
(5)DeAnna P.
If your read pretty much ANY of the other reviews from my fellow Yelpers, they will all tell you the food is delish, so I am going to review something some of you might think nothing about but is oh-so-important -- sanitary conditions! I was one of the grillers at their annual Eggfest, and I was so impressed with how clean they kept everything. I am a total germaphobe and get food poisoning so easily, so it is always wonderful to see a really clean culture with a place. First, they let me use their "employee only" restroom, and it was as clean as the one in my own house. Woo! Second, they made EVERY griller follow Dept. of Health safety protocols when cooking, including wearing gloves, a hat or hairnet, and close toed shoes. Also, they only brought out meat in half-hour portions so it never set out in the heat. Finally, our hand washing stations had actual hot water. I probably sound so lame for pointing all this out, but if you read some of my reviews of other places, you will see that food served to me is a magnet for hair, bugs, and undercooked poultry. It is so nice to know that if you come here, the food will be delicious and prepared in an environment even cleaner than your own house (yes, I skip the hairnet at home).
(5)Janet R.
Totally loved this place! We had a team idling event there, and Chef JJ and the staff were a total dream to work with. We kept changing the numbers, etc., but they took everything in stride and planned a perfect event incorporating some friendly competition, great local brews, and fabulous food! Of course, we cooked quite a bit of food ourselves on the Big Green Eggs, but that was all part of the fun and the challenge... Plus, we got lots of help and guidance from the staff. Half of our group was in town from Europe and Asia, so I wanted something that was fun, interactive, and uniquely American. This fit the bill perfectly, and the space was perfect for our needs. I was a little nervous driving into the strip mall parking lot, because the space looks a little nondescript from the outside. Inside, though, is a different story. The tables are great, and the views of the river from the patio out back were really gorgeous. I recommended Chef JJ's Backyard based solely on Yelp reviews, and I looked like a hero... Thanks, Yelpers!
(5)MJ W.
I feel like Ron Swanson visiting Charles Mulligan's Steakhouse when I go to steak night at Chef JJ's Back Yard. This was 2nd steak class and we throughly enjoyed it. Chef JJ has found his groove and provided us with with education and entertainment. We tried four different types of steak. Wet-aged, dry-aged, and USDA Prime top sirloin. We also had a smoked beef tenderloin. They were all delicious. Every time I go, I can't wait to fire up our egg at home and grill. Chef Jenna provided us with an awesome dessert that was so rich and delicious. It made me crave an ice cold glass of trader's point milk. Chef Steve and Omar did their parts well. Rebecca was not there. :( We miss Rebecca! She did help us book our steak night, but I think the next time we book, we want to make sure she is there. The Chef JJ/Jenna/Rebeca is the optimal starting line up at the Backyard. I highly recommend this experience. It is truly an Indianapolis gem.
(5)Jon A.
Yet another pairing of God & Jon. This go 'round at an evening at Chef JJ's Back Yard. A voicemail left by my Inner-Rabbi, "Jon, Inner-Rabbi calling... (garbled unrecognizable sneeze-like sounds)... Inner-Rabbi calling again Jon, we've found your Babylon. By the end of your visit to your Babylon you'll believe that you should be sprawled out on a water bank, leaning on your elbow being fed dangling grapes from heaven above. Remember when you use to go door-to-door for a cause? Well, this Babylon will induce such invigoration to go door-to-door to tell everyone about your experience of how Babylon will heal hearts, clear minds and praise the world with its appreciation for what matters most: nourishment in the most, inspired caring, ordered of ways. This Babylon is Chef JJ's Back Yard. Inner-Rabbi signing off (again)." I've ridden in an ambulance once in my life, and during so The EMT said to me, "it's funny what they on write these charts." In inquire, "oh yeah?" EMT: "Yeah. Under physical appearance they wrote on your chart, 'well-nourished.' " Indeed. Well-nourished indeed. Yet again by fontina, pecan flat bread, goat cheese apple pecan salad, winter root puree and garlic shrimp, duck / pork buns and collard greens, and toffee bourbon no bake cookie pudding -- all four courses paired with Cream Ale, ESB, Golden Slumber Belgian Strong Ale, Double Doppelbock and Bourbon Aged Scottish Ale, respectively. Even more respect from and for Sun King Brewing after tonight's dinner. The creativity bounds through their beer, where you can be graced with a beer that may, quite likely, never be brewed again. In recent years more & more people are shopping local and shopping at farmers markets. Why? People. Faces. Bonding. Together-ness. Back Yard offers exactly that. People. Doing what they love and loving who they're with. To treat my Mother for her "21st" birthday I thought there would be no better way than to do it with quality time together with people that love what they do and let it ring through their work, (a possible description of what my Mother is about and what she taught me). The night was an Award Winning Dinner for Sun King, pairing each course with a SKB beer that won an award in their first year. Also on hand was a band of "gentlemen" for a Bachelor Party that certainly increased the joyous festivities. Back Yard embodies the atmosphere of people doing what they're extremely passionate about, their life goals, and that creates an unforgettable experience. A passion forward, people forward and, undeniably, food forward establishment.
(5)Tracy H.
We went to the Eggfest and we were impressed by what you could do with a Big Green Egg. However, I feel that they could offer more shade especially for families with small children. It was so hot we were really limited by the heat (the event is in a parking lot that has black paving so it intensified the heat). The food was good. Not amazing. Just good. There were so many choices to appease everyone. I would really advise them to relocate their event to a shadier location or have another large tent in the middle to help families out that do not want to be blasted away by the loud music under the one tent that had tables in the shade.
(3)Scott P.
I went here to purchase a Big Green Egg after speaking with a representative at Sun King Brewery. I was told this was the only day of the year that a discount is offered. While walking up to the store (11:25AM) a lady was walking away with charcoal. We asked her if she went into the shop for it, she said,"Yeah, of course." I walked up and asked if I could purchase a Big Green Egg. They told me that I would have to pay to shop, essentially. I drove a few miles away and purchased a Big Green Egg at one of the few other local retailers. What amazed me the most is the lack of respect I was treated with. After simply asking if I could purchase a grill, not begging for them to take my business I was practically escorted off the property.
(1)Andy C.
This place is awesome. Chef JJ and staff knows how to cook up great food . If you love food and love to cook this place it for you.This was my 2nd class and I loved it. Last night was Mexican Night. All the food is made with instruction by Chef JJ and then feed to the class. Key dishes were Braised Goat Tacos with Tomatillo Sofrito, Smoked Chicken Tamales, Carne Asada, and Chocoflan. I highly recommend this experience.
(5)Janet S.
I took the charcuterie class here. When it said class, I was thinking we would be doing some hands on activity, followed by eating delicious cured meats. I would say it's less a class then a demonstration, a handout with a recipe does not a lesson make. Possibly this is something that could be clarified in the online descriptions when registering. I am also a little uncomfortable with the Chef JJ's dining experience kind of coming off as one long infomercial for the Big Green Egg. That being said, the food is delicious. I had a piece of elk and blueberry terrine during the charcuterie class, and it was phenomenal. When Yelp had an event here, the food was incredible. The food is never an issue, and because of that I would probably return for one of their beer flight meals, that seems like a really good time.
(3)Lolin N.
Just visited the 'Green Egg' for a sommeliers dinner. They hype is true - this place is fantastic! The environment is so friendly and everyone looks happy to be working there. I love the touch of the tv screens so you can see the chefs working on the Eggs from your table. The food was unbelievable and the wines and guest sommelier were great too. I thought I hated grits until I had some served with shrimp - they were delicious. I will be back to try their weekend 'box lunches'. I also joined their wine club and will of course return for dinner soon.
(5)Brad W.
Ok, now that the Sun King review is done; on to another one of my loves (read as slight obsession). Chef JJ's Back Yard wasn't my first taste of Chef JJ Boston's food. It was (surprise, surprise) the Sun King release party at Spencer's Stadium Tavern in Indianapolis. He (and his sous chef Jenna G.) cook/smoke everything on a ceramic grill called the Big Green Egg (I could do a whole review on the Egg). Without boring non-Eggheads with the details of the grill, I will just say that the food that comes out of this thing is like nothing you have had before. For those who know me, if you can get me to eat (and enjoy) beets and tofu, you have some skill. :) So Chef JJ's Back Yard is located in Broad Ripple in the parking lot behind McDonald's just up the hill from Brugge Brasserie. It is a small, private dining (events only, doesn't keep daily hours like a restaurant) facility that has indoor seating, and by sitting on top of a hill, a GORGEOUS patio view out back of the White River). They serve wine and beer (only Sun King, which is a good thing), no hard alcohol. The staff (JJ, Jenna, Staraya, etc) are super friendly, and very entertaining. chefjjs.com I suggest you give the website (especially the class/event schedule) a look. As much as I would LOVE to talk all day about Cheff JJs location/staff/food....it is really best appreciated by attending. Don't let the prices scare you; the food, drinks, atmosphere, staff (and did I mention you will make friends with fellow diners ALL THE TIME) :).....the price will be worth it, I promise you. A great group of people, who care about what they do, and how they do it. They really make sure you enjoy yourself! Love (and miss) these folks too!
(5)Rye D.
Chef jj's rules!!! Our company had a Christmas party there last dec 09, I had the best time, they cook everything in big green eggs :) the food was awesome , all cooked and prepared right before your eyes , the freshest ingredients and seasonal too, chef jj even prepared a vegan dish for my partner and I, everyone from the office seemed to enjoy the food and atmosphere also, I tip my hat to jj and staria, good food , good people, and Awesome service!!
(5)Justis G.
Went there on Saturday with a buddy who was looking to purchase a new Big Green Egg, and was turned around because we didn't want to participate in the Eggfest. Who turns away customers willing to pay cash for anything, granted they said it was a private event, but out of all of the promotion for eggfest nowhere did it say it was totally closed to the public. they could have shown a little more courtesy and respect. We were practically escorted in and out because we didn't want the tickets. I nor my friend for that matter will never go back
(1)Lorand M.
yet another outstanding event and afternoon....fantastic food and company....chef jj tends to bring out the "funner" portion of Indianapolis' population of social lotharios....really great crowd...all ages and backgrounds...terrific sun king beer...the food was phenomenal....all kinds of flavors prepared with care and passion...everything eminantly approachable...nothing out of touch with sensible midwestern tastes if you get a chance..check out cheff jj for any of the events...this is virtually identical to the culinary changes happening in many places..particularly south america....argentina..etc...where chefs are abandoning the high stress world of restaurants...and...literally inviting guests into their own homes...outdoor kitchens are an indelible part of socializing in many parts of the world..and chef jj is just the indy version...excellent food in a relaxing..unpretentious and convivial environment....look for other chefs and food devotees to follow suite.... sorry..my spelling is atroshus !
(5)Justin K.
I had an absolutely amazing dinner at Chef JJ's. I can't wait to sign up for some grilling classes so I can go back there and hang out. JJ has got a stellar staff working for him.
(5)Chris S.
Eggfest rocks! What a great idea! Sun King beer!
(5)Jamey V.
The wife and I went to Chef JJ's last Saturday for the Sun King medal dinner. Sun King and Chef JJ usually do four seasonal beer dinners a year but since Sun King has won several awards this year they decided to have a medal dinner. If you have not been to Chef JJ's for an event like this you must. What can I say other than local ingredients cooked on a Big Green Egg by an awesome chef and staff means you will have a wonderful evening. Beer dinners are becoming in vogue and Chef JJ really understands how to pair beer and food. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Robert B.
If you haven't experienced Chef JJ's you're in for a treat. Every Tuesday night Chef JJ offers a multi-course prix fixe meal based on a specific food theme. Last night it was duck from Maple Tree Farms. All dishes (including dessert) are cooked on the Big Green Egg. The format is one of informal "classes", but they are worth it even if you just like to eat. Seating is limited creating a family type atmosphere. The meal started with a duck confit pizza followed by a smoked duck breast and fruit salad and then a roasted half duck with grilled vegetables. Dessert was individual pineapple upside down cakes crafted by Pastry Chef Jenna Gatchel. Each course was a smash hit. This is our fifth trip to JJs and each has been a great culinary experience. Whether you're an "egghead" or not this place is worth the trip. Check out his website ( chefjjs.com ) for upcoming events, and don't miss "Eggfest" in May.
(5)