The food at Dawson's is generally quite good. The problem is trying to decipher what beers they have available. Why don't they just print a beer list? The menu claims that they offer locally produced beers, but in my experience, the servers NEVER know what these are. The quality of service is always a gamble in the restaurant area, so sit in the bar if you can. The bartenders are consistently friendly, always tell you about the food and drink specials, and never have to consult someone else before telling you what's on tap. In the bar area, I get the sense I'm being serviced by professionals who take pride in their restaurant. They want success. In the restaurant area, it feels like you're waited on by kids with no investment in what their doing. That's not to say they're not friendly, just that they don't seem to care about impressing you. In short, go for the food, don't expect a beer list, sit in the bar, and try the moby dick fish sandwich.
(3)
Laura Z.
Overall, a solid place. I come here with the same group every year and use their private room. The service has always been very good, especially considering the large party. My only complaint is that there is only one vegetarian dinner entree on their menu, and while the Mediterranean veggie pasta is very good, it would be nice to have a couple other options.
(3)
Charla C.
I've checked this place out twice now for lunch and it doesn't disappoint. The menu is great and offers some pretty hearty food for lunch time, the staff has a very friendly/ family type feel and the decor is welcoming. I've only tried their sandwiches. Once the BLT and I've also tried the club. I prefer the club over the BLT (American cheese?? Really??). But overall great place. Welcoming environment. Try the onion rings
(4)
Kinsey C.
My yelper in crime Scot C. has been raving about this place for years, as it is a frequent go-to spot for his company lunches. So on a recent weekday lunch date, we decided to head out to Speedway. Park was easy, there is plenty of street parking available. We were seated promptly, and our server was with us quickly. The menu had a lot of great looking lunch options are good prices. I'd heard great things about their wraps, so I gave the steak fiesta wrap a try and it was reeeeeeally good. So good that even though I was really full after half of it, I kept going and finished it off! I would recommend this to anyone, especially with a side of guac. The service was fast, friendly and our server was so attentive that I never had an empty glass even during lunch rush. Plus we were in and out in plenty of time to get back downtown for work! All in all: you can bet I'll be coming back to sample more of their lunchtime specials!
(4)
Angi H.
Amazing. Favorite restaurant in Indianapolis. Great for a casual meal and a burger or a celebration over a steak. Excellent staff too. You cannot go wrong!
(5)
Tim O.
Sorry. maybe it was the cold table by the window and entrance. Not the same as the Brownsburg location which seems more a restaurant; this one more of a sports bar. Meh
(2)
Maria B.
I need to come here again! This is for a take out order we got. My boyfriend and I always end up ordering the same thing the other one ordered. (not the Yelp way, but it just works out that way LOL) We got their signature onion soup (feeling under the weather), grilled cheese and house salad. Now, when we first opened the boxes, it didn't look like much for $30, BUT it really was A LOT of food after we started to dig in. Their house salad was amazing. Very fresh, tasty, crisp and fulfilling. Their signature onion soup was filled with brewed onions. Very soothing and relaxing. The grilled cheese was the perfect size and perfect amount of crunch and softness. Everything was very satisfying. We didn't say one word to each other the entire time we ate. It was that good!! I hope to make it here again to enjoy the fun trendy atmosphere inside. Highly recommend!
(5)
Jessica W.
Bad. I asked the waiter if they could do a hot toddy and the answer was no, which is fine, but that should have prompted him to bring me a specialty drinks menu. Nope. I saw everyone drinking these awesome drinks and i looked on my menu and nothing. He forgot about us as well and we waited quite a long time for the bill. The food was good but didn't outshine the crappy service.
(2)
Cynthia P.
I have been here many, many times. It's a nice place with a great atmosphere. It can have a wait on really nice nights, especially in the summer. I absolutely loathe any of their entree's. Every time I have ordered one, it has been so salty and sauce/cheese heavy that it lacks any freshness. The meals are just too heavy with loads of garlic, etc. What I DO love and would recommend to ANYONE...........is their wedge salad and their breaded tenderloin sandwich. The tenderloin is the BEST I have every had. It is a fresh piece of pork, pounded flat and then breaded and fried to perfection. It is giant, so plan on sharing it. Also, the wedge salad is just lovely. It comes with bleu cheese and walnuts, I think. I haven't eaten here in a while since I have been a vegetarian (some fish) for over a year, but I do still recommend it to those who eat meat because it is just that good!
(3)
Janet S.
Came here for lunch with some coworkers on a weekday. The place was busy, but not packed, we were able to get a table without waiting. It is located right in the middle of all the construction going on on Main Street near the Speedway, so that makes it a little inconvenient, since you have to go around and down the side streets to actually get to the restaurant. They do have some outdoor seating, but with the construction, that's probably not such a great option right now. They serve contemporary American food here and the decor and atmosphere is casual, but I would say more along the lines of "business casual" rather than, say, Denny's casual. The server was prompt and helpful, offering suggestions from the menu and always keeping the drinks filled. I had a chicken salad sandwich and a cup of broccoli soup. While the soup wasn't really anything special, the sandwich was amazing! The chicken salad was great, it had walnuts and cranberries, served on a croissant, and it was huge. I could not even finish half. This restaurant is a great value, considering I had a nice, freshly made sandwich and a bowl of soup for 8 bucks, can't really beat that. The salads and burgers looked great too, my entire party was happy with their meal. Would go back for dinner if I was in the area, but since it is so close to where I work, it's a great place for a leisurely lunch.
(3)
Alpesh S.
Great friendly place perfect for a business lunch or for diner. Staff is friendly, but not in your face, and service is quick. They had a small but well stocked bar as well. The menu is a mix of traditional American, but diverse enough that everyone can find something they want. There isn't a stand out item that I have had, but of about 10 different things I have had there, all were good. There is plenty of parking on the street.
(4)
Kevin J.
This place is the first great business of a very up and coming Main Street in Speedway. Very nice atmosphere rather you're sitting inside or out. The food compliments the atmosphere, everything is great! They start you our with fresh bread and a olive oil herb dipping sauce. I had the steak and it was great! Me and my family have ate here several times and will continue eating here! It may be pricey, but I don't mind pricey when it is followed through with quality.
(5)
Mark S.
I ate here for the 1st time tonight with my family for dinner. It was at the recommendation of my friend Johnathan, who works at Dawsons. He told me I would like it...well my family LOVED it, even the kids were happy! I wanna eat here all the time....thanks to the owner Tony for making our first visit a happy one!
Dawson's feels like a nice neighborhood hangout that goes the extra mile. The service was efficient and friendly, and the food tasty and satisfying. I had mussels as an appetizer, and a steak for dinner. A nice selection of beer and wine topped the meal off. A very comfortable place to hang out with friends or dine alone as I did that evening.
(3)
Richard H.
Been here a couple of times, and although the service was pretty spotty the last time, this is a nice local place with a varied menu and well-prepared food.
(3)
Karen S.
We finally got the opportunity to eat at Dawson's. The woman who seated us behaved as though she would be happier doing something else. I ate the Steak Diane, the waitress informed me they had runout of the garlic mashed potatoes which was ok. At best I would rate my meal so so! My partner ordered the meatloaf, she thought it was very good and would order again. Our server was excellent, very attentive to our needs.
(3)
Kari R.
Great lunch. Service was friendly and quick. Came in with 4 adults and 4 kids. All the adults had a round of tenderloin sandwiches and they were excellent. My 7 year old enjoyed the part I couldn't eat from being too full. Great little location with character close to the speedway.
(5)
Candace M.
After discovering that there weren't many restaurants near our hotel, our large group consulted Yelp and then headed to Dawson's on Main after a graduation. We had made a reservation, but it wasn't necessary. We were eating around 2 on a Saturday. They accommodated our group of 8 very easily. I got the California BLT. It was supposed to come with spicy aioli, and it didn't, which was actually fine with me - I'm not a big spice fan. Another person ordered something that was supposed to come with zesty ketchup and didn't. Those were my only complaints! My sandwich was really good. It came with 6 or 7 large pieces of bacon, which is unusual. I feel like places usually skimp on the bacon, and that was not the case here. It was just the way that I liked it, crispy but not overly so. I tried someone else's salad, and that was very good too. I tried my boyfriend's potato salad which was good. Our waitress was attentive. The restaurant itself looked nice - I liked the glasswork throughout, the waterfall in the back. We found that there was a lot across the street with free 2 hour parking. I would definitely come back if we were in the area again.
(4)
Jessica S.
We were hungry and in the area, so made a reservation through Open Table and then showed up on a Saturday night, to discover a huge Mardi Grad party going on! Lots of people, lots of beads, lots of beer and hurricanes going around ... and yet our waitress did a great job taking care of us. She ran her tail off that night but was always pleasant. We started with a shrimp-wrapped scallop appetizer that was at least as good as, and better than, many we've had in high-end steak houses. My husband's prime rib was very flavorful and tender, lots of meat with little fat. I went for the cajun jambalaya special which was also very tasty, not part of their regular menu. I'm impressed that they did such a good job on what looked like a crazy night, so I'd be happy to go again any other time.
(4)
Wanda M.
Dawson's is located in downtown Speedway and popular with the locals. Inside is very attractive with brick walls, soft lighting and several large booths. The bar area is popular with dining in front of bar and of course a fine bar to cozy up to. Dawson's is a terrific place to meet for cocktails, comfy dinner or just hang out with friends. There is patio (sidewalk seating) outdoors to catch the Main Street goings on. Occasionally you'll see the Street Legal IndyCar drive past. Be prepared to use your flash light app in the restaurant as the lighting is soft and perfect for us. Dawson's is one of the eateries on Main Street within walking distance from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Average lunch option is just under $10. Dawson's has great food and tolerable to great service depending on server. The salads, soups, wraps, pastas, and many sandwiches are favorites. The Black & Bleu prime rib sandwich was my choice on this trip and as usual good. The prime rib was a bit tough but the caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, blue cheese crumbles and tiger sauce (Horsey sauce) helps you overlook that tiny detail. Onion rings are large and yummy. Chicken Salad and BLT were popular today as well. Pop in for a cocktail or lunch/dinner and enjoy one of Speedways' best keep secrets.
(4)
Jimmy B.
Very tidy place with very friendly people and excellent food. A must when near the speedway.
(4)
Amber F.
Had a GREAT dining experience. Their chicken velvet soup was amazing and moscato was even better!
(5)
Jennifer W.
Every time I come here, I have the worst service ever! Wait staff never knows who to wait on! Tonight we've been seated, waited way too long to get a drink order in. People who came in after us were waited on before us. When our drinks finally came to the table, I was pulling up Yelp to give them this review...and suddenly every waiter/waitress in the restaurant is trying to wait on us. Never had issues with the food....but service is horrible for what you pay!!
Cute little restaurant on Main Street, Speedway. It's been a great addition to the neighborhood for years and I'm always pleased with the quality of the food. The service is typical of what you'd expect from a small-town diner, and the drinks are a bit overpriced for what you get. The food selection is great! Lots to choose from and moderately priced. For lunch I recommend the French Onion with Bruschetta, if you're dining with a friend. The ambiance is cool, with pretty lighting fixtures and decorative glass sculptures on the walls. Get a booth if you can! Even though the Main Street Redevelopment construction has completely shut down the road, there is still parking on the residential streets off Main Street (only accessible through the neighborhood west of Main Street). My recommendation for a quiet dinner.
(4)
Ashley M.
I have yet to have a meal at Dawson's that has disappointed. From their salmon to their nachos, they get it all right! On top of that, they have a super friendly and accommodating wait staff. On one occasion we arrived at 8:55 and they were closing at 9pm. Instead of turning us away the gal who greeted us sat us at an outdoor table in her section, stating that she would be there awhile tending to other customer's anyhow. What great service! On another occasion I was undergoing some allergy testing and had very strict requirements. The young man who served us inside was incredibly patient and considerate. He checked with the kitchen on several things and helped me create a fantastic meal that met my dietary needs! I will continue to visit Dawson's, not just for their great food but for the top notch service we receive as well!
(4)
Gregg R.
Great atmosphere for dinner and drinks with friends when at the track. I had the horseradish crusted sirloin... Very tender and great tasting. Started with the crab cakes...I'll be at the track all week and plan to bring wife and customers here..
(4)
Sondra S.
My experience at Dawson's on Main took place on a Friday lunch. The staff was friendly and greeted me as soon as I came into the door to kick off the small town feel for the visit. It was close to Fat Tuesday so servers wore Mardi Gras beads to be festive (ta-tas stayed in). We had a great server. She greeted us promptly and was able to accurately take our orders without writing anything down, a method which I view as something you can do with experience. She was friendly and seemed happy to be at work. Let's get to the main attraction, food. I chose to get the black and bleu sandwich on this visit. It was really good. Instead of a traditional hamburger patty, it was shaved prime rib. There was a creamy sauce on the sandwich that had horseradish on it and it was delicious. I caught myself licking my fingers like I was at a bbq eating contest. The fries were good too, they weren't anything super special but they were good enough that I made sure I finished them all. Atmosphere: Dawson's gives a classic American restaurant vibe. Most dishes are classic American cuisine and some might have a little bit of a flare. Space in the restaurant is comfortable and amble to accomidate larger groups. Street parking is free (with the exception of race weeks).
(4)
S. L.
I came here because of all the wonderful reviews on Yelp and other places. I went early because I had just flown in from the West Coast. As a result, it wasn't busy and I had great service. The interior looks like a "nicer" diner - not really nice but not awful. I ordered the potato soup which was mediocre at best. Then I had the blackened chicken caesar salad. The chicken was over-cooked and under-seasoned. I'm a little wimpy when it comes to blackening spices, so I was a little concerned it would be too spicy when I ordered it. There was no kick to this whatsoever. The salad was huge but only had half a chicken breast on it and grocery store quality Parmesan. Finally the salad dressing was subpar. No garlic flavor; no saltiness that normally comes from the anchovies or paste in the dressing; very mayonnaisey. Maybe I am more of a foodie than others who have reviewed this restaurant, but I would not return.
(2)
Eric S.
Dawson's On Main is a staple of Speedway. The hostess is always friendly which sets the mood for a great lunch or dinner. Their decor is unique with custom stained glass light fixtures and the seating area is large so you can almost always get a booth. Their wraps and sandwiches are terrific, I think the "Moby Dick" fish sandwich and the tenderloin are their best two items. However, I am convinced that everything on their menu is great though, I think I've tried just about everything.
(4)
pinche d.
4.5 Star Review Place was recommended to us by a local since we were traveling here for business. This place is a GREAT lunch spot. They have a variety of sandwiches and salads ... so many that you won't have an easy time picking what you want. I'm not sure if this is a mom and pop type of place or if it's a chain but it felt like we were at a unique establishment. Service was prompt and prices were totally reasonable. There's construction going on in front of this place so you may have to park in the neighborhood and walk a few blocks but it's worth the trouble.
(4)
Michelle M.
So far they have the Best Nachos in Indy! I ordered mine with the Chile, since I am not able to eat the chicken! We received a very hearty helping of Nachos and would most likely order this every time but ... because their menu offers a great selection I have not had the same thing twice! There should be something for everyone here. If you are into the Wine scene I recommend you going on Tuesdays they have 1/2 price bottles and you can take home what you do not finish there!
(4)
Kjirsten K.
I've visited Dawsons a couple times for lunch. They have a great selection of lunch options. I had a bayou chicken salad on one visit and a grilled California chicken sandwich with grilled jalapenos and onions on the other; both were delicious. My dad loves the turkey club, he was impressed that they used real turkey and not processed deli meat. The decor and atmosphere are very nice, definitely nicer than it looks from the outside. The dining room is small and cozy and they have a separate bar area. My parents returned for dinner and said they were just as impressed. The dinner menu features steak, seafood, and pastas. I'm looking forward to returning.
(5)
Nicholas R.
Best black and blu burger in the city! Awesome service. Hometown feel with big city flavor
(4)
Bennett G.
When considering restaurants on the westside and somewhere other than commercialized chains, there is no better option. They provide a pleasant atmosphere and enough options on the menu that you will be able to satisfy any craving. I personally love the crab cakes, surprisingly so since we aren't on the east coast, but they are worth the trip. Eat at Dawson's on Main, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Chris N.
This place I can see is trying very hard to deliver delicious food in a area that houses mostly run and go eatery's. I found their food delicious in every way and I appreciate the heart and effort they are putting into this establishment.. a definite diamond in the rough..
(5)
TOMMY o.
Highly Recommended by family members!!! i'm so glad they invited us there, first of all Madison was a great server & my onion soup was to Die For!!! i loved the sauce that accompanied my Salmon Oscar, so nice, my date's steak was tender & delicious, everything all the way around was wonderful!! the cole slaw had little bits of cucumber in it, kicked it up a notch bathroom very clean & trendy. Full Bar Casual, a great place
(5)
Jonathan M.
This is a fantastic restaurant. I have been going here for several years and everything I have had on the menu is wonderful. Amazing tenderlion and today I had the moby dick fish sandwich. HUGE! Highly recommended! making a trip to dawsons
(4)
Jimmy W.
I used to work just down the street from Dawson's and have been there 3 or 4 times. The service is very good, although it can be a bit slow during lunch on a weekday. The salads are always tasty, and the servers are always accommodating. I would rate Dawson's higher, but it just seems to be missing something that I always look forward to at a restaurant... character! Don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about Dawson's, but for the price, I think you could do better.
(3)
Jennifer R.
Had dinner here on 5/2/15 with my husband and a friend. The interior of the restaurant is very nice and cozy. We sat at a table in the bar and had EXCELLENT service the whole time. The problem here was the food which ranged from average to the lower end of mediocre. For appetizers, we got the pretzel sticks with hot mustard sauce. There was no salt on the sticks which wasn't too big of a deal but the alleged hot mustard sauce was really just yellow mustard which was kind of lame. One person got the French Onion soup which he said was tasty except the weird crouton that was more like a hard English biscuit. Another person got the potato soup which had WAY too much flour in it to the point it was actually gritty. I got the Sticks and Stones pasta for an entree and the pepperoni and sausage in it was delicious but the pasta was severely undercooked....as in still crunchy. On the other hand, the chicken in it was so overcooked it was inedible - I had to eat around it. One tablemate ordered a burger with coleslaw and said they were good but nothing special. The other got a tenderloin that was also overcooked and the onion rings which might have been good except they had been fried in really old grease. (I worked food service for 5 yrs - I know old grease taste!) Overall - disappointing food but good service. Kind of a bummer since this place is locally owned and close to my house....maybe I'll try it again for lunch sometime.
(3)
Ashley P.
A speedway staple! Cannot go wrong going to Dawson's. I love the exposed brick on the interior and the fact that if you work in the auto racing industry like I do you're bound to see someone you know during lunch. The service today was great. We had Shelby as our server as she promptly greeted us and got us drinks, soup starters and our meals. The French onion soup is a must when going to Dawson's. And if you like to judge places on their ability to make chicken tenders (am I the only one who does that?) Dawson's is a great place. All around good experience every time I come and go.
(4)
Dara H.
Date night dinner was great. The place was pretty busy. We sat in the bar cause that's where we normally sit. The bartender was one of our servers and he was super friendly. I opted for the prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. And it was great. It was a 12 ounce cut for $21. There was also a 14 ounce cut for $25, but the small one was big enough. It was a tender cut of meat with little fat on it. Kyle got the meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes with brown gravy and potato salad (he is not a mixed veg fan) He got 2 pieces of meatloaf that had been seared on a flat top. He really enjoyed it and I tasted it and it was good. I don't like meatloaf at most places cause it taste like green peppers. This one tasted like meat. :) I think his was $16 With Dawson's On Main being so close to home I see us going back soon.
(4)
Melissa E.
Great service. Huge portions. Prices were reasonable and the food was delicious. Clean and friendly.
(5)
Theresa A.
This is a great place to stop if your in speedway . I had Angus burger and fries , my husband had the tenderloin both where great . Nice clean place it also has outdoor seating
(5)
Jenny R.
So glad we found this place in Yelp while in town for the Rolling Stones! Small place but cozy & nicely decorated. We sat in the bar which was a bit noisy as they were busy. Long islands were on special & were tasty! I ordered the meatloaf as the description sounded interesting & I was not disappointed! The portions were huge; 2 extra thick slices with yummy mashed potatoes & veggies. This was by far the best tasting meatloaf I've ever had!! My husband who ordered some seafood pasta thing (sorry, forgot the name) said his was good but mine was much better! And he doesn't even care for meatloaf lol! Will definitely try to get back to this place whenever we are in the area!
(5)
Eddy S.
Had an AMAZING dinner... First start out with a Blackened Chicken quesadillas and it has my taste buds craving for another bite and another bite.... My entree was the Apple Pecan Salad with Bleu Cheese and Grilled Chicken Yumminess!!! I recommend this place to any visitors checking out Indy.
(5)
Sonya A.
Dawson's is a great hidden gem. Nothing else like it in Speedway. The lunch menu is my favorite, great salads, wraps, sandwiches and soups. For dinner I swear by the pasta dish with chorizo. Food: 4/5 Service: 3/5, always very spotty
(4)
Pam G.
I was in town for a race and this restaurant was right next to the speedway and it got decent reviews so I gave it a shot. It was a Friday around 6:30 so I expected it to be busy but it really wasn't too busy. That being said the service was pretty slow so I was not pleased about that. I was not given a drink menu and when my server finally arrived she asked me what I wanted to drink I said I didn't know what they had and she rambled off some choices but then said she could give me a drink menu if I wanted. I just picked something from what she mentioned. I had pretzel sticks for an app and they were pretty good. I ordered chicken parm for dinner and I'm not sure if we do chicken parm differently from where I come from but this was totally different. It was basically grilled chicken with breadcrumbs on it over pasta. No sauce on the chicken. It was not very good. I was pretty unsatisfied with the meal and the service.
Food = ? Price = 4 Experience = 4 Ron the bartender was cool...
(4)
Katie U.
I've been to Dawson's a few times and have had good experiences each time. The menu has lots of options and the menu is great. I love the salmon dinner w/ veggies & rice pilaf. My only complaint is that it can seem a little dark in the restaurant. Other than that, I highly recommend Dawson's! Great for groups, as well.
(4)
Andrea D.
Second time here, second time completely ignored. Walked out first time, giving second chance, no sense of urgency again.
(1)
Annissa M.
Man.. The dinner specials are a good deal, especially as a student. But if I'm ready to order before the end of the happy hour, I should not be given a hard time for wanting the special price. Great food but mediocre service in my experience. Try the mahi for a light dinner option!
(4)
Peter K.
Service is very good, food and wine was fine! Salad very fresh and a great neighborhood place.
(4)
Tom J.
I have no idea what the food or drinks are like, but if you want to be ignored or treated rudely in a near empty location then this is the place to be.
(1)
Lucas W.
Definitely a fan, food was surprisingly good especially when I expected some standard casual-steakhouse meal. I had the blackened mahi mahi which came with rice pilaf and some grilled vegetables. I have to say, everything was delicious. The fish was cooked perfectly, there were no bones, and the blackening spice was sufficient (I love blackening, so I could've used a bit more, but that's just because I love it in large amounts). The rice was good and the green beans were delicious, cooked with a bit of salt and garlic. On top of the fish was a tequila-pineapple mixture which was kinda like a chunky salsa but fortunately the pineapple did not overpower because it's a strong flavor and one I dislike. My friend had the steak susan which he said was also quite good. It definitely looked good. The only reason I hold back from giving it 5 stars is that everything was just a bit oversalted. I didn't really notice it while eating, but I was just sooooo thirsty afterwards and I realized it's because there had been so much salt in our meals.
(4)
Robin W.
Food was great, atmosphere is great, service was good, drinks was great and a vast menu. I had the Shrimp Parmesan pasta that was FANTASTIC!!! The pretzel bite appetizer is great. Others in our group said this was a good choice and we would come again.
(5)
Dan M.
The food is really good & the drinks have been amazing (especially the Long Islands that Ron makes!). Food cost is great for some things, high for others, but overall, not bad for what you get. I recommend trying it out. The tenderloin & fish sandwich are good & priced right. If you want to spend a bit more, the Tonys Favorite Chicken is really good and the Black n Blue Steak is awesome! Also, the drinks are priced right, as well.
(5)
Steve B.
Yelp scores again! In from out of town and found this gem thanks to great reviews and ratings. Great location, menu, friendly staff, stellar service, delicious food, and tasty cold drinks. Mustard Crusted Chicken did me right, as did an awesome IPA thanks to a great bartender in Ron. Wish I was in town longer to enjoy the rest of the fare.
(5)
Jim P.
First time here. Excellent local neighborhood place. Mustard crusted chicken was very good; just a bit different than the standard chain stuff. This would have been 4 stars except that one of our orders came out wrong.
(3)
Anna R.
Went for my father's birthday! Good was amazing! Gary's meatloaf was a huge platter and tasted great! The Mahi Mahi was perfectly grilled! Beef stroganoff, sticks and stones pasta.... It was all great! I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone! I will definitely be going back. The ambiance was super nice! We sat in the main dining area. Bar was a little noisy for my taste. Overall, excellent!!! Service was great too!!
(4)
Patricia N.
Chicken nachos were just ok. Asked for a side of sour cream but never got it. Also, ordered the spinach and artichoke dip. Some associates also had the potato soup, which they seem very pleased with. I had the French Onion Soup which was pretty tasty. They carry craft beers, so that's a nic etouch.
(3)
Toby K.
Well, after coming here month after month, every time I come into town for business I have to now give them a ONE star rating. When buying a $15 - $25 dinner, I should NOT get nickel and dimed 80 cents for a small little dinner roll. They should serve bread with the meal, as many rolls as you would like. I seriously have to think about coming back here again.
(1)
Frank W.
Okay, for anyone who hasn't grown up in Indiana, and who maybe isn't aware, the epitome, no the pinnacle, of Indiana cuisine (if I can use that term loosely) is the breaded pork tenderloin. A panned pork tenderloin that is breaded and deep fried, then served on a bun with a ritualistic assortment of fixings (in my family, it was always mayonnaise, ketchup, raw onions, lettuce, dill pickles, and Lawry's season salt). So when I'm back home again in Indiana, as we were recently for the Super Bowl, I am always in search of a great and authentic rendition of this comfort food classic. I have to say, Dawson's on Main hit out of the park on this one! Lovely tenderloin, not too greasy, not too heavy a breading, and a thick enough piece of pork that it remained juicy with a good bite to it (that's one of the secrets - pound too thin as some places do and the pork disappears into the breading). All the right fixings except for the Lawry's (I'll forgive them that side of mustard looking stuff, at least they didn't put it ON my tenderloin). Paired with a cold beer on tap, and I was in heaven! A bit about Dawson's - it's a bar. That's it. But hey, you're eating comfort food, right? It is located on Main Street in Speedway on the west side. But as bars go, especially Speedway bars, it was exceedingly clean, looked to have been recently renovated, the staff were all extremely friendly, and there were no drunken brawls (okay, it was noon on a Monday).
(3)
Denise R.
Although a westsider growing up near Speedway and a Speedway resident for a couple of years as an adult, I hadn't seen the downtown Speedway area in approximately 15 years. I was blown away with the renovation. To top off our visit, we opted to try Dawson's on Main for lunch. Let me start by stating that I prefer independent restaurants to chains, so I jumped at the chance to sample Dawson's. We had a choice of inside or outside, and today would have been a perfect day to sit outside, especially since we noticed a couple of race cars (or the same race car twice) make their way down Main. The clientele was a mixture of people enjoying summer leisure time and professionals in suits. The Speedway area had gotten pretty sketchy 15 years ago, but this little area, at least, felt safe and was quite beautiful. The menu provided for an assortment of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches with a few entrees listed. We all opted for sandwiches -- my daughter ordering the tenderloin, my mother ordering the chicken cordon bleu wrap, and me ordering the Dawson's black & bleu. My daughter also ordered their French onion soup. Since my husband runs a restaurant, I'm a food snob and hoped everything would taste as wonderful as the menu descriptions. I was not disappointed. My daughter's tenderloin was huge and accompanied by a wonderful special sauce. She also raved about the French onion soup, which she said rivaled what her chef father makes. My mother's chicken cordon bleu wrap was fantastic, and my black & blue sandwich which consisted of shaved prime rib, carmelized onions, and special sauce on a wonderfully-fresh bun was incredible. This sandwich was a bit spicy for me, but the fact that I kept eating even when the sides of my mouth stung a little should tell you something. I was stuffed after the first half but just kept on eating until I finished every savory bite. Our meal for three people, including drinks and extra soup, came to about $13 per person. It was well worth it and so much more satisfying than spending the same amount or more at Applebee's up the street. Well done, Dawson's on the Main. We will be back.
(5)
Brian C.
Dawson's is one of Speedways best kept secret. Located on Main Street, Dawson's is surrounded by other small businesses in a newly remodeled speedway. I suggest the chicken salad sandwich, and potato soup for lunch. I also suggest their pot roast sandwich, chicken club sandwich and taco salad. The gongaza burger(probably spelling it wrong) is great with their onion rings. Great for business meetings, after work happy hour and definitely a no brainer during racing season.
(5)
Mike J.
Grabbed the breaded tenderloin here today. Maybe THE best I've had in the Indy area. Came with nice portion of onion rings for $8.99. Tenderloin was nice and think with a very tasty breading on a brioche bun. Everything I saw looked delicious, will definitely go back to try other items. Menu was varied with enough options it will make most anyone happy but not so much where quality would suffer. Only gave it a four cause I need to see more, but loved it!
(4)
James S.
The only good bar in Speedway Dawsons is good, but other than the track, there's no reason to travel to Speedway. If you must go, stop by Dawsons. It's the only good bar in town.
(3)
Mindy K.
Had lunch here last week, ordered Tony's Favorite Nachos w/ chicken. I guess Tony prefers his nachos cold, because that is how they were served to me. The guac looked like it was sitting for a while. The taste was good, but how hard is it to serve hot nachos? Service was fine. Business partner enjoyed a chicken wrap. Try the joint, and order something different than the nachos. I have also had dinner here a couple times with the hubby, the most memorable item on the menu is the Calamari Steak appetizer.
(3)
Matt H.
Went to this place for the first time and was quite impressed. The decor from the outside didn't really reflect the interior. The interior is a comfy place to be, There is a dining area in the front and a more louge-area in the rear. The lighting was perfect for me, but I could see some people thinking it was dark. Also the place was super clean, always a good sign. Ordered the Blackened Chicken Caesar Wrap (Spinach wrap with grilled blackened chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, red onion, tomato relish and Dawson's signature caesar dressing. Decided to add a French Onion Soup since it was a signature dish, but found it the only disappointing part of my dining experience. My wrap was delicious, the chicken was juicy and the tomato relish added a great sweetness. The wait-staff were excellent. I was seated quickly and courteously and noticed that all the servers were watching out for each other and were always moving, getting orders out, tables cleared, just general restaurant stuff we take for granted. My particular server was quick, pleasant and made me feel welcomed, it being my first time here. I am definitely going back for dinner sometime, mayhaps with a pretty lady next time ;)
(5)
Angie A.
We tried Dawson's this past New Years EVE, and were a little disappointed to find only a limited menu to order from, and the prices on that menu jacked up by at least 25% per item. That being said we very much enjoyed what we did get. I highly recommend the loaded potato cakes, and the smoked blue cheese dressing was to die for! Dawson's is a great addition to the Speedway neighborhood and the west side in general, but I feel they need to tweek a few things to get that 5th star. 1. They need a signature bread. A hearty loaf of 7 grain would be an awesome compliment to their steaks, in stead of the puny little frozen rolls that accompany them now. 2.They need to get rid of the formica table tops! Bring in some wooden tables or better yet, copper topped tables would go a long way to warming up and giving character to a young establishment. 3 A signature dessert wouldn't hurt either. All in all everyone in our party enjoyed their food, and are looking forward to visiting this local shop again, and again.
(4)
Todd B.
I am visiting Indianapolis and stumbled on this restaurant from Yelp, and I am glad that I did. What a gem. It was a rare find on the west side, and I was so impressed with the variety of options, the quality of the food, and the generous portions. My pork chop was beautifully presented, and the smoked taste was outstanding. It was a bit more tough than I liked. The specialty french onion soup was outstanding. The wine list was excellent with several options from California, France and South America. I'm returning again before I leave to explore some more culinary options, probably the tenderloin sandwich.
(4)
Robert R.
Amazing! Quality and quantity was superb! Service was hands down great! Had the dual medallions with mashed potatoes and broccoli. It was all perfect! Wife had crab cakes, potato cakes and a mushroom style pot roast soup... It was great! Total hidden gem in Speedway! We will go back... Many of times!
Food = ? Price = 4 Experience = 4 Ron the bartender was cool...
(4)
Karen S.
We finally got the opportunity to eat at Dawson's. The woman who seated us behaved as though she would be happier doing something else. I ate the Steak Diane, the waitress informed me they had runout of the garlic mashed potatoes which was ok. At best I would rate my meal so so! My partner ordered the meatloaf, she thought it was very good and would order again. Our server was excellent, very attentive to our needs.
(3)
Kari R.
Great lunch. Service was friendly and quick. Came in with 4 adults and 4 kids. All the adults had a round of tenderloin sandwiches and they were excellent. My 7 year old enjoyed the part I couldn't eat from being too full. Great little location with character close to the speedway.
(5)
T M.
The food at Dawson's is generally quite good. The problem is trying to decipher what beers they have available. Why don't they just print a beer list? The menu claims that they offer locally produced beers, but in my experience, the servers NEVER know what these are. The quality of service is always a gamble in the restaurant area, so sit in the bar if you can. The bartenders are consistently friendly, always tell you about the food and drink specials, and never have to consult someone else before telling you what's on tap. In the bar area, I get the sense I'm being serviced by professionals who take pride in their restaurant. They want success. In the restaurant area, it feels like you're waited on by kids with no investment in what their doing. That's not to say they're not friendly, just that they don't seem to care about impressing you. In short, go for the food, don't expect a beer list, sit in the bar, and try the moby dick fish sandwich.
(3)
Steve B.
Yelp scores again! In from out of town and found this gem thanks to great reviews and ratings. Great location, menu, friendly staff, stellar service, delicious food, and tasty cold drinks. Mustard Crusted Chicken did me right, as did an awesome IPA thanks to a great bartender in Ron. Wish I was in town longer to enjoy the rest of the fare.
(5)
Robert R.
Amazing! Quality and quantity was superb! Service was hands down great! Had the dual medallions with mashed potatoes and broccoli. It was all perfect! Wife had crab cakes, potato cakes and a mushroom style pot roast soup... It was great! Total hidden gem in Speedway! We will go back... Many of times!
(5)
Sonya A.
Dawson's is a great hidden gem. Nothing else like it in Speedway. The lunch menu is my favorite, great salads, wraps, sandwiches and soups. For dinner I swear by the pasta dish with chorizo. Food: 4/5 Service: 3/5, always very spotty
(4)
Patricia N.
Chicken nachos were just ok. Asked for a side of sour cream but never got it. Also, ordered the spinach and artichoke dip. Some associates also had the potato soup, which they seem very pleased with. I had the French Onion Soup which was pretty tasty. They carry craft beers, so that's a nic etouch.
(3)
Toby K.
Well, after coming here month after month, every time I come into town for business I have to now give them a ONE star rating. When buying a $15 - $25 dinner, I should NOT get nickel and dimed 80 cents for a small little dinner roll. They should serve bread with the meal, as many rolls as you would like. I seriously have to think about coming back here again.
(1)
Candace M.
After discovering that there weren't many restaurants near our hotel, our large group consulted Yelp and then headed to Dawson's on Main after a graduation. We had made a reservation, but it wasn't necessary. We were eating around 2 on a Saturday. They accommodated our group of 8 very easily. I got the California BLT. It was supposed to come with spicy aioli, and it didn't, which was actually fine with me - I'm not a big spice fan. Another person ordered something that was supposed to come with zesty ketchup and didn't. Those were my only complaints! My sandwich was really good. It came with 6 or 7 large pieces of bacon, which is unusual. I feel like places usually skimp on the bacon, and that was not the case here. It was just the way that I liked it, crispy but not overly so. I tried someone else's salad, and that was very good too. I tried my boyfriend's potato salad which was good. Our waitress was attentive. The restaurant itself looked nice - I liked the glasswork throughout, the waterfall in the back. We found that there was a lot across the street with free 2 hour parking. I would definitely come back if we were in the area again.
(4)
Jennifer R.
Had dinner here on 5/2/15 with my husband and a friend. The interior of the restaurant is very nice and cozy. We sat at a table in the bar and had EXCELLENT service the whole time. The problem here was the food which ranged from average to the lower end of mediocre. For appetizers, we got the pretzel sticks with hot mustard sauce. There was no salt on the sticks which wasn't too big of a deal but the alleged hot mustard sauce was really just yellow mustard which was kind of lame. One person got the French Onion soup which he said was tasty except the weird crouton that was more like a hard English biscuit. Another person got the potato soup which had WAY too much flour in it to the point it was actually gritty. I got the Sticks and Stones pasta for an entree and the pepperoni and sausage in it was delicious but the pasta was severely undercooked....as in still crunchy. On the other hand, the chicken in it was so overcooked it was inedible - I had to eat around it. One tablemate ordered a burger with coleslaw and said they were good but nothing special. The other got a tenderloin that was also overcooked and the onion rings which might have been good except they had been fried in really old grease. (I worked food service for 5 yrs - I know old grease taste!) Overall - disappointing food but good service. Kind of a bummer since this place is locally owned and close to my house....maybe I'll try it again for lunch sometime.
(3)
Ashley P.
A speedway staple! Cannot go wrong going to Dawson's. I love the exposed brick on the interior and the fact that if you work in the auto racing industry like I do you're bound to see someone you know during lunch. The service today was great. We had Shelby as our server as she promptly greeted us and got us drinks, soup starters and our meals. The French onion soup is a must when going to Dawson's. And if you like to judge places on their ability to make chicken tenders (am I the only one who does that?) Dawson's is a great place. All around good experience every time I come and go.
(4)
Ashley M.
I have yet to have a meal at Dawson's that has disappointed. From their salmon to their nachos, they get it all right! On top of that, they have a super friendly and accommodating wait staff. On one occasion we arrived at 8:55 and they were closing at 9pm. Instead of turning us away the gal who greeted us sat us at an outdoor table in her section, stating that she would be there awhile tending to other customer's anyhow. What great service! On another occasion I was undergoing some allergy testing and had very strict requirements. The young man who served us inside was incredibly patient and considerate. He checked with the kitchen on several things and helped me create a fantastic meal that met my dietary needs! I will continue to visit Dawson's, not just for their great food but for the top notch service we receive as well!
(4)
Dara H.
Date night dinner was great. The place was pretty busy. We sat in the bar cause that's where we normally sit. The bartender was one of our servers and he was super friendly. I opted for the prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. And it was great. It was a 12 ounce cut for $21. There was also a 14 ounce cut for $25, but the small one was big enough. It was a tender cut of meat with little fat on it. Kyle got the meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes with brown gravy and potato salad (he is not a mixed veg fan) He got 2 pieces of meatloaf that had been seared on a flat top. He really enjoyed it and I tasted it and it was good. I don't like meatloaf at most places cause it taste like green peppers. This one tasted like meat. :) I think his was $16 With Dawson's On Main being so close to home I see us going back soon.
(4)
Melissa E.
Great service. Huge portions. Prices were reasonable and the food was delicious. Clean and friendly.
(5)
Theresa A.
This is a great place to stop if your in speedway . I had Angus burger and fries , my husband had the tenderloin both where great . Nice clean place it also has outdoor seating
(5)
Jenny R.
So glad we found this place in Yelp while in town for the Rolling Stones! Small place but cozy & nicely decorated. We sat in the bar which was a bit noisy as they were busy. Long islands were on special & were tasty! I ordered the meatloaf as the description sounded interesting & I was not disappointed! The portions were huge; 2 extra thick slices with yummy mashed potatoes & veggies. This was by far the best tasting meatloaf I've ever had!! My husband who ordered some seafood pasta thing (sorry, forgot the name) said his was good but mine was much better! And he doesn't even care for meatloaf lol! Will definitely try to get back to this place whenever we are in the area!
(5)
Eddy S.
Had an AMAZING dinner... First start out with a Blackened Chicken quesadillas and it has my taste buds craving for another bite and another bite.... My entree was the Apple Pecan Salad with Bleu Cheese and Grilled Chicken Yumminess!!! I recommend this place to any visitors checking out Indy.
(5)
Gregg R.
Great atmosphere for dinner and drinks with friends when at the track. I had the horseradish crusted sirloin... Very tender and great tasting. Started with the crab cakes...I'll be at the track all week and plan to bring wife and customers here..
(4)
Sondra S.
My experience at Dawson's on Main took place on a Friday lunch. The staff was friendly and greeted me as soon as I came into the door to kick off the small town feel for the visit. It was close to Fat Tuesday so servers wore Mardi Gras beads to be festive (ta-tas stayed in). We had a great server. She greeted us promptly and was able to accurately take our orders without writing anything down, a method which I view as something you can do with experience. She was friendly and seemed happy to be at work. Let's get to the main attraction, food. I chose to get the black and bleu sandwich on this visit. It was really good. Instead of a traditional hamburger patty, it was shaved prime rib. There was a creamy sauce on the sandwich that had horseradish on it and it was delicious. I caught myself licking my fingers like I was at a bbq eating contest. The fries were good too, they weren't anything super special but they were good enough that I made sure I finished them all. Atmosphere: Dawson's gives a classic American restaurant vibe. Most dishes are classic American cuisine and some might have a little bit of a flare. Space in the restaurant is comfortable and amble to accomidate larger groups. Street parking is free (with the exception of race weeks).
(4)
S. L.
I came here because of all the wonderful reviews on Yelp and other places. I went early because I had just flown in from the West Coast. As a result, it wasn't busy and I had great service. The interior looks like a "nicer" diner - not really nice but not awful. I ordered the potato soup which was mediocre at best. Then I had the blackened chicken caesar salad. The chicken was over-cooked and under-seasoned. I'm a little wimpy when it comes to blackening spices, so I was a little concerned it would be too spicy when I ordered it. There was no kick to this whatsoever. The salad was huge but only had half a chicken breast on it and grocery store quality Parmesan. Finally the salad dressing was subpar. No garlic flavor; no saltiness that normally comes from the anchovies or paste in the dressing; very mayonnaisey. Maybe I am more of a foodie than others who have reviewed this restaurant, but I would not return.
(2)
Pam G.
I was in town for a race and this restaurant was right next to the speedway and it got decent reviews so I gave it a shot. It was a Friday around 6:30 so I expected it to be busy but it really wasn't too busy. That being said the service was pretty slow so I was not pleased about that. I was not given a drink menu and when my server finally arrived she asked me what I wanted to drink I said I didn't know what they had and she rambled off some choices but then said she could give me a drink menu if I wanted. I just picked something from what she mentioned. I had pretzel sticks for an app and they were pretty good. I ordered chicken parm for dinner and I'm not sure if we do chicken parm differently from where I come from but this was totally different. It was basically grilled chicken with breadcrumbs on it over pasta. No sauce on the chicken. It was not very good. I was pretty unsatisfied with the meal and the service.
(3)
Katie U.
I've been to Dawson's a few times and have had good experiences each time. The menu has lots of options and the menu is great. I love the salmon dinner w/ veggies & rice pilaf. My only complaint is that it can seem a little dark in the restaurant. Other than that, I highly recommend Dawson's! Great for groups, as well.
(4)
Andrea D.
Second time here, second time completely ignored. Walked out first time, giving second chance, no sense of urgency again.
(1)
Annissa M.
Man.. The dinner specials are a good deal, especially as a student. But if I'm ready to order before the end of the happy hour, I should not be given a hard time for wanting the special price. Great food but mediocre service in my experience. Try the mahi for a light dinner option!
(4)
Peter K.
Service is very good, food and wine was fine! Salad very fresh and a great neighborhood place.
(4)
Tom J.
I have no idea what the food or drinks are like, but if you want to be ignored or treated rudely in a near empty location then this is the place to be.
(1)
Jim P.
First time here. Excellent local neighborhood place. Mustard crusted chicken was very good; just a bit different than the standard chain stuff. This would have been 4 stars except that one of our orders came out wrong.
(3)
Anna R.
Went for my father's birthday! Good was amazing! Gary's meatloaf was a huge platter and tasted great! The Mahi Mahi was perfectly grilled! Beef stroganoff, sticks and stones pasta.... It was all great! I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone! I will definitely be going back. The ambiance was super nice! We sat in the main dining area. Bar was a little noisy for my taste. Overall, excellent!!! Service was great too!!
(4)
Jessica S.
We were hungry and in the area, so made a reservation through Open Table and then showed up on a Saturday night, to discover a huge Mardi Grad party going on! Lots of people, lots of beads, lots of beer and hurricanes going around ... and yet our waitress did a great job taking care of us. She ran her tail off that night but was always pleasant. We started with a shrimp-wrapped scallop appetizer that was at least as good as, and better than, many we've had in high-end steak houses. My husband's prime rib was very flavorful and tender, lots of meat with little fat. I went for the cajun jambalaya special which was also very tasty, not part of their regular menu. I'm impressed that they did such a good job on what looked like a crazy night, so I'd be happy to go again any other time.
(4)
Amber F.
Had a GREAT dining experience. Their chicken velvet soup was amazing and moscato was even better!
(5)
Jennifer W.
Every time I come here, I have the worst service ever! Wait staff never knows who to wait on! Tonight we've been seated, waited way too long to get a drink order in. People who came in after us were waited on before us. When our drinks finally came to the table, I was pulling up Yelp to give them this review...and suddenly every waiter/waitress in the restaurant is trying to wait on us. Never had issues with the food....but service is horrible for what you pay!!
(1)
Lucas W.
Definitely a fan, food was surprisingly good especially when I expected some standard casual-steakhouse meal. I had the blackened mahi mahi which came with rice pilaf and some grilled vegetables. I have to say, everything was delicious. The fish was cooked perfectly, there were no bones, and the blackening spice was sufficient (I love blackening, so I could've used a bit more, but that's just because I love it in large amounts). The rice was good and the green beans were delicious, cooked with a bit of salt and garlic. On top of the fish was a tequila-pineapple mixture which was kinda like a chunky salsa but fortunately the pineapple did not overpower because it's a strong flavor and one I dislike. My friend had the steak susan which he said was also quite good. It definitely looked good. The only reason I hold back from giving it 5 stars is that everything was just a bit oversalted. I didn't really notice it while eating, but I was just sooooo thirsty afterwards and I realized it's because there had been so much salt in our meals.
(4)
Robin W.
Food was great, atmosphere is great, service was good, drinks was great and a vast menu. I had the Shrimp Parmesan pasta that was FANTASTIC!!! The pretzel bite appetizer is great. Others in our group said this was a good choice and we would come again.
(5)
Dan M.
The food is really good & the drinks have been amazing (especially the Long Islands that Ron makes!). Food cost is great for some things, high for others, but overall, not bad for what you get. I recommend trying it out. The tenderloin & fish sandwich are good & priced right. If you want to spend a bit more, the Tonys Favorite Chicken is really good and the Black n Blue Steak is awesome! Also, the drinks are priced right, as well.
(5)
Wanda M.
Dawson's is located in downtown Speedway and popular with the locals. Inside is very attractive with brick walls, soft lighting and several large booths. The bar area is popular with dining in front of bar and of course a fine bar to cozy up to. Dawson's is a terrific place to meet for cocktails, comfy dinner or just hang out with friends. There is patio (sidewalk seating) outdoors to catch the Main Street goings on. Occasionally you'll see the Street Legal IndyCar drive past. Be prepared to use your flash light app in the restaurant as the lighting is soft and perfect for us. Dawson's is one of the eateries on Main Street within walking distance from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Average lunch option is just under $10. Dawson's has great food and tolerable to great service depending on server. The salads, soups, wraps, pastas, and many sandwiches are favorites. The Black & Bleu prime rib sandwich was my choice on this trip and as usual good. The prime rib was a bit tough but the caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, blue cheese crumbles and tiger sauce (Horsey sauce) helps you overlook that tiny detail. Onion rings are large and yummy. Chicken Salad and BLT were popular today as well. Pop in for a cocktail or lunch/dinner and enjoy one of Speedways' best keep secrets.
(4)
Jimmy B.
Very tidy place with very friendly people and excellent food. A must when near the speedway.
(4)
Laura Z.
Overall, a solid place. I come here with the same group every year and use their private room. The service has always been very good, especially considering the large party. My only complaint is that there is only one vegetarian dinner entree on their menu, and while the Mediterranean veggie pasta is very good, it would be nice to have a couple other options.
(3)
Charla C.
I've checked this place out twice now for lunch and it doesn't disappoint. The menu is great and offers some pretty hearty food for lunch time, the staff has a very friendly/ family type feel and the decor is welcoming. I've only tried their sandwiches. Once the BLT and I've also tried the club. I prefer the club over the BLT (American cheese?? Really??). But overall great place. Welcoming environment. Try the onion rings
(4)
Kinsey C.
My yelper in crime Scot C. has been raving about this place for years, as it is a frequent go-to spot for his company lunches. So on a recent weekday lunch date, we decided to head out to Speedway. Park was easy, there is plenty of street parking available. We were seated promptly, and our server was with us quickly. The menu had a lot of great looking lunch options are good prices. I'd heard great things about their wraps, so I gave the steak fiesta wrap a try and it was reeeeeeally good. So good that even though I was really full after half of it, I kept going and finished it off! I would recommend this to anyone, especially with a side of guac. The service was fast, friendly and our server was so attentive that I never had an empty glass even during lunch rush. Plus we were in and out in plenty of time to get back downtown for work! All in all: you can bet I'll be coming back to sample more of their lunchtime specials!
(4)
Angi H.
Amazing. Favorite restaurant in Indianapolis. Great for a casual meal and a burger or a celebration over a steak. Excellent staff too. You cannot go wrong!
(5)
Tim O.
Sorry. maybe it was the cold table by the window and entrance. Not the same as the Brownsburg location which seems more a restaurant; this one more of a sports bar. Meh
(2)
Maria B.
I need to come here again! This is for a take out order we got. My boyfriend and I always end up ordering the same thing the other one ordered. (not the Yelp way, but it just works out that way LOL) We got their signature onion soup (feeling under the weather), grilled cheese and house salad. Now, when we first opened the boxes, it didn't look like much for $30, BUT it really was A LOT of food after we started to dig in. Their house salad was amazing. Very fresh, tasty, crisp and fulfilling. Their signature onion soup was filled with brewed onions. Very soothing and relaxing. The grilled cheese was the perfect size and perfect amount of crunch and softness. Everything was very satisfying. We didn't say one word to each other the entire time we ate. It was that good!! I hope to make it here again to enjoy the fun trendy atmosphere inside. Highly recommend!
(5)
Frank W.
Okay, for anyone who hasn't grown up in Indiana, and who maybe isn't aware, the epitome, no the pinnacle, of Indiana cuisine (if I can use that term loosely) is the breaded pork tenderloin. A panned pork tenderloin that is breaded and deep fried, then served on a bun with a ritualistic assortment of fixings (in my family, it was always mayonnaise, ketchup, raw onions, lettuce, dill pickles, and Lawry's season salt). So when I'm back home again in Indiana, as we were recently for the Super Bowl, I am always in search of a great and authentic rendition of this comfort food classic. I have to say, Dawson's on Main hit out of the park on this one! Lovely tenderloin, not too greasy, not too heavy a breading, and a thick enough piece of pork that it remained juicy with a good bite to it (that's one of the secrets - pound too thin as some places do and the pork disappears into the breading). All the right fixings except for the Lawry's (I'll forgive them that side of mustard looking stuff, at least they didn't put it ON my tenderloin). Paired with a cold beer on tap, and I was in heaven! A bit about Dawson's - it's a bar. That's it. But hey, you're eating comfort food, right? It is located on Main Street in Speedway on the west side. But as bars go, especially Speedway bars, it was exceedingly clean, looked to have been recently renovated, the staff were all extremely friendly, and there were no drunken brawls (okay, it was noon on a Monday).
(3)
Mindy K.
Had lunch here last week, ordered Tony's Favorite Nachos w/ chicken. I guess Tony prefers his nachos cold, because that is how they were served to me. The guac looked like it was sitting for a while. The taste was good, but how hard is it to serve hot nachos? Service was fine. Business partner enjoyed a chicken wrap. Try the joint, and order something different than the nachos. I have also had dinner here a couple times with the hubby, the most memorable item on the menu is the Calamari Steak appetizer.
(3)
Bennett G.
When considering restaurants on the westside and somewhere other than commercialized chains, there is no better option. They provide a pleasant atmosphere and enough options on the menu that you will be able to satisfy any craving. I personally love the crab cakes, surprisingly so since we aren't on the east coast, but they are worth the trip. Eat at Dawson's on Main, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Chris N.
This place I can see is trying very hard to deliver delicious food in a area that houses mostly run and go eatery's. I found their food delicious in every way and I appreciate the heart and effort they are putting into this establishment.. a definite diamond in the rough..
(5)
Denise R.
Although a westsider growing up near Speedway and a Speedway resident for a couple of years as an adult, I hadn't seen the downtown Speedway area in approximately 15 years. I was blown away with the renovation. To top off our visit, we opted to try Dawson's on Main for lunch. Let me start by stating that I prefer independent restaurants to chains, so I jumped at the chance to sample Dawson's. We had a choice of inside or outside, and today would have been a perfect day to sit outside, especially since we noticed a couple of race cars (or the same race car twice) make their way down Main. The clientele was a mixture of people enjoying summer leisure time and professionals in suits. The Speedway area had gotten pretty sketchy 15 years ago, but this little area, at least, felt safe and was quite beautiful. The menu provided for an assortment of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches with a few entrees listed. We all opted for sandwiches -- my daughter ordering the tenderloin, my mother ordering the chicken cordon bleu wrap, and me ordering the Dawson's black & bleu. My daughter also ordered their French onion soup. Since my husband runs a restaurant, I'm a food snob and hoped everything would taste as wonderful as the menu descriptions. I was not disappointed. My daughter's tenderloin was huge and accompanied by a wonderful special sauce. She also raved about the French onion soup, which she said rivaled what her chef father makes. My mother's chicken cordon bleu wrap was fantastic, and my black & blue sandwich which consisted of shaved prime rib, carmelized onions, and special sauce on a wonderfully-fresh bun was incredible. This sandwich was a bit spicy for me, but the fact that I kept eating even when the sides of my mouth stung a little should tell you something. I was stuffed after the first half but just kept on eating until I finished every savory bite. Our meal for three people, including drinks and extra soup, came to about $13 per person. It was well worth it and so much more satisfying than spending the same amount or more at Applebee's up the street. Well done, Dawson's on the Main. We will be back.
(5)
Brian C.
Dawson's is one of Speedways best kept secret. Located on Main Street, Dawson's is surrounded by other small businesses in a newly remodeled speedway. I suggest the chicken salad sandwich, and potato soup for lunch. I also suggest their pot roast sandwich, chicken club sandwich and taco salad. The gongaza burger(probably spelling it wrong) is great with their onion rings. Great for business meetings, after work happy hour and definitely a no brainer during racing season.
(5)
Mike J.
Grabbed the breaded tenderloin here today. Maybe THE best I've had in the Indy area. Came with nice portion of onion rings for $8.99. Tenderloin was nice and think with a very tasty breading on a brioche bun. Everything I saw looked delicious, will definitely go back to try other items. Menu was varied with enough options it will make most anyone happy but not so much where quality would suffer. Only gave it a four cause I need to see more, but loved it!
(4)
James S.
The only good bar in Speedway Dawsons is good, but other than the track, there's no reason to travel to Speedway. If you must go, stop by Dawsons. It's the only good bar in town.
(3)
Angie A.
We tried Dawson's this past New Years EVE, and were a little disappointed to find only a limited menu to order from, and the prices on that menu jacked up by at least 25% per item. That being said we very much enjoyed what we did get. I highly recommend the loaded potato cakes, and the smoked blue cheese dressing was to die for! Dawson's is a great addition to the Speedway neighborhood and the west side in general, but I feel they need to tweek a few things to get that 5th star. 1. They need a signature bread. A hearty loaf of 7 grain would be an awesome compliment to their steaks, in stead of the puny little frozen rolls that accompany them now. 2.They need to get rid of the formica table tops! Bring in some wooden tables or better yet, copper topped tables would go a long way to warming up and giving character to a young establishment. 3 A signature dessert wouldn't hurt either. All in all everyone in our party enjoyed their food, and are looking forward to visiting this local shop again, and again.
(4)
Todd B.
I am visiting Indianapolis and stumbled on this restaurant from Yelp, and I am glad that I did. What a gem. It was a rare find on the west side, and I was so impressed with the variety of options, the quality of the food, and the generous portions. My pork chop was beautifully presented, and the smoked taste was outstanding. It was a bit more tough than I liked. The specialty french onion soup was outstanding. The wine list was excellent with several options from California, France and South America. I'm returning again before I leave to explore some more culinary options, probably the tenderloin sandwich.
(4)
Mark S.
I ate here for the 1st time tonight with my family for dinner. It was at the recommendation of my friend Johnathan, who works at Dawsons. He told me I would like it...well my family LOVED it, even the kids were happy! I wanna eat here all the time....thanks to the owner Tony for making our first visit a happy one!
Dawson's feels like a nice neighborhood hangout that goes the extra mile. The service was efficient and friendly, and the food tasty and satisfying. I had mussels as an appetizer, and a steak for dinner. A nice selection of beer and wine topped the meal off. A very comfortable place to hang out with friends or dine alone as I did that evening.
(3)
Matt H.
Went to this place for the first time and was quite impressed. The decor from the outside didn't really reflect the interior. The interior is a comfy place to be, There is a dining area in the front and a more louge-area in the rear. The lighting was perfect for me, but I could see some people thinking it was dark. Also the place was super clean, always a good sign. Ordered the Blackened Chicken Caesar Wrap (Spinach wrap with grilled blackened chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, red onion, tomato relish and Dawson's signature caesar dressing. Decided to add a French Onion Soup since it was a signature dish, but found it the only disappointing part of my dining experience. My wrap was delicious, the chicken was juicy and the tomato relish added a great sweetness. The wait-staff were excellent. I was seated quickly and courteously and noticed that all the servers were watching out for each other and were always moving, getting orders out, tables cleared, just general restaurant stuff we take for granted. My particular server was quick, pleasant and made me feel welcomed, it being my first time here. I am definitely going back for dinner sometime, mayhaps with a pretty lady next time ;)
Cute little restaurant on Main Street, Speedway. It's been a great addition to the neighborhood for years and I'm always pleased with the quality of the food. The service is typical of what you'd expect from a small-town diner, and the drinks are a bit overpriced for what you get. The food selection is great! Lots to choose from and moderately priced. For lunch I recommend the French Onion with Bruschetta, if you're dining with a friend. The ambiance is cool, with pretty lighting fixtures and decorative glass sculptures on the walls. Get a booth if you can! Even though the Main Street Redevelopment construction has completely shut down the road, there is still parking on the residential streets off Main Street (only accessible through the neighborhood west of Main Street). My recommendation for a quiet dinner.
(4)
Jessica W.
Bad. I asked the waiter if they could do a hot toddy and the answer was no, which is fine, but that should have prompted him to bring me a specialty drinks menu. Nope. I saw everyone drinking these awesome drinks and i looked on my menu and nothing. He forgot about us as well and we waited quite a long time for the bill. The food was good but didn't outshine the crappy service.
(2)
Cynthia P.
I have been here many, many times. It's a nice place with a great atmosphere. It can have a wait on really nice nights, especially in the summer. I absolutely loathe any of their entree's. Every time I have ordered one, it has been so salty and sauce/cheese heavy that it lacks any freshness. The meals are just too heavy with loads of garlic, etc. What I DO love and would recommend to ANYONE...........is their wedge salad and their breaded tenderloin sandwich. The tenderloin is the BEST I have every had. It is a fresh piece of pork, pounded flat and then breaded and fried to perfection. It is giant, so plan on sharing it. Also, the wedge salad is just lovely. It comes with bleu cheese and walnuts, I think. I haven't eaten here in a while since I have been a vegetarian (some fish) for over a year, but I do still recommend it to those who eat meat because it is just that good!
(3)
Eric S.
Dawson's On Main is a staple of Speedway. The hostess is always friendly which sets the mood for a great lunch or dinner. Their decor is unique with custom stained glass light fixtures and the seating area is large so you can almost always get a booth. Their wraps and sandwiches are terrific, I think the "Moby Dick" fish sandwich and the tenderloin are their best two items. However, I am convinced that everything on their menu is great though, I think I've tried just about everything.
(4)
pinche d.
4.5 Star Review Place was recommended to us by a local since we were traveling here for business. This place is a GREAT lunch spot. They have a variety of sandwiches and salads ... so many that you won't have an easy time picking what you want. I'm not sure if this is a mom and pop type of place or if it's a chain but it felt like we were at a unique establishment. Service was prompt and prices were totally reasonable. There's construction going on in front of this place so you may have to park in the neighborhood and walk a few blocks but it's worth the trouble.
(4)
Michelle M.
So far they have the Best Nachos in Indy! I ordered mine with the Chile, since I am not able to eat the chicken! We received a very hearty helping of Nachos and would most likely order this every time but ... because their menu offers a great selection I have not had the same thing twice! There should be something for everyone here. If you are into the Wine scene I recommend you going on Tuesdays they have 1/2 price bottles and you can take home what you do not finish there!
(4)
Kjirsten K.
I've visited Dawsons a couple times for lunch. They have a great selection of lunch options. I had a bayou chicken salad on one visit and a grilled California chicken sandwich with grilled jalapenos and onions on the other; both were delicious. My dad loves the turkey club, he was impressed that they used real turkey and not processed deli meat. The decor and atmosphere are very nice, definitely nicer than it looks from the outside. The dining room is small and cozy and they have a separate bar area. My parents returned for dinner and said they were just as impressed. The dinner menu features steak, seafood, and pastas. I'm looking forward to returning.
(5)
Nicholas R.
Best black and blu burger in the city! Awesome service. Hometown feel with big city flavor
(4)
TOMMY o.
Highly Recommended by family members!!! i'm so glad they invited us there, first of all Madison was a great server & my onion soup was to Die For!!! i loved the sauce that accompanied my Salmon Oscar, so nice, my date's steak was tender & delicious, everything all the way around was wonderful!! the cole slaw had little bits of cucumber in it, kicked it up a notch bathroom very clean & trendy. Full Bar Casual, a great place
(5)
Jonathan M.
This is a fantastic restaurant. I have been going here for several years and everything I have had on the menu is wonderful. Amazing tenderlion and today I had the moby dick fish sandwich. HUGE! Highly recommended! making a trip to dawsons
(4)
Jimmy W.
I used to work just down the street from Dawson's and have been there 3 or 4 times. The service is very good, although it can be a bit slow during lunch on a weekday. The salads are always tasty, and the servers are always accommodating. I would rate Dawson's higher, but it just seems to be missing something that I always look forward to at a restaurant... character! Don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about Dawson's, but for the price, I think you could do better.
(3)
Janet S.
Came here for lunch with some coworkers on a weekday. The place was busy, but not packed, we were able to get a table without waiting. It is located right in the middle of all the construction going on on Main Street near the Speedway, so that makes it a little inconvenient, since you have to go around and down the side streets to actually get to the restaurant. They do have some outdoor seating, but with the construction, that's probably not such a great option right now. They serve contemporary American food here and the decor and atmosphere is casual, but I would say more along the lines of "business casual" rather than, say, Denny's casual. The server was prompt and helpful, offering suggestions from the menu and always keeping the drinks filled. I had a chicken salad sandwich and a cup of broccoli soup. While the soup wasn't really anything special, the sandwich was amazing! The chicken salad was great, it had walnuts and cranberries, served on a croissant, and it was huge. I could not even finish half. This restaurant is a great value, considering I had a nice, freshly made sandwich and a bowl of soup for 8 bucks, can't really beat that. The salads and burgers looked great too, my entire party was happy with their meal. Would go back for dinner if I was in the area, but since it is so close to where I work, it's a great place for a leisurely lunch.
(3)
Alpesh S.
Great friendly place perfect for a business lunch or for diner. Staff is friendly, but not in your face, and service is quick. They had a small but well stocked bar as well. The menu is a mix of traditional American, but diverse enough that everyone can find something they want. There isn't a stand out item that I have had, but of about 10 different things I have had there, all were good. There is plenty of parking on the street.
(4)
Kevin J.
This place is the first great business of a very up and coming Main Street in Speedway. Very nice atmosphere rather you're sitting inside or out. The food compliments the atmosphere, everything is great! They start you our with fresh bread and a olive oil herb dipping sauce. I had the steak and it was great! Me and my family have ate here several times and will continue eating here! It may be pricey, but I don't mind pricey when it is followed through with quality.
(5)
Richard H.
Been here a couple of times, and although the service was pretty spotty the last time, this is a nice local place with a varied menu and well-prepared food.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Mon, Wed, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
T M.
The food at Dawson's is generally quite good. The problem is trying to decipher what beers they have available. Why don't they just print a beer list? The menu claims that they offer locally produced beers, but in my experience, the servers NEVER know what these are. The quality of service is always a gamble in the restaurant area, so sit in the bar if you can. The bartenders are consistently friendly, always tell you about the food and drink specials, and never have to consult someone else before telling you what's on tap. In the bar area, I get the sense I'm being serviced by professionals who take pride in their restaurant. They want success. In the restaurant area, it feels like you're waited on by kids with no investment in what their doing. That's not to say they're not friendly, just that they don't seem to care about impressing you. In short, go for the food, don't expect a beer list, sit in the bar, and try the moby dick fish sandwich.
(3)Laura Z.
Overall, a solid place. I come here with the same group every year and use their private room. The service has always been very good, especially considering the large party. My only complaint is that there is only one vegetarian dinner entree on their menu, and while the Mediterranean veggie pasta is very good, it would be nice to have a couple other options.
(3)Charla C.
I've checked this place out twice now for lunch and it doesn't disappoint. The menu is great and offers some pretty hearty food for lunch time, the staff has a very friendly/ family type feel and the decor is welcoming. I've only tried their sandwiches. Once the BLT and I've also tried the club. I prefer the club over the BLT (American cheese?? Really??). But overall great place. Welcoming environment. Try the onion rings
(4)Kinsey C.
My yelper in crime Scot C. has been raving about this place for years, as it is a frequent go-to spot for his company lunches. So on a recent weekday lunch date, we decided to head out to Speedway. Park was easy, there is plenty of street parking available. We were seated promptly, and our server was with us quickly. The menu had a lot of great looking lunch options are good prices. I'd heard great things about their wraps, so I gave the steak fiesta wrap a try and it was reeeeeeally good. So good that even though I was really full after half of it, I kept going and finished it off! I would recommend this to anyone, especially with a side of guac. The service was fast, friendly and our server was so attentive that I never had an empty glass even during lunch rush. Plus we were in and out in plenty of time to get back downtown for work! All in all: you can bet I'll be coming back to sample more of their lunchtime specials!
(4)Angi H.
Amazing. Favorite restaurant in Indianapolis. Great for a casual meal and a burger or a celebration over a steak. Excellent staff too. You cannot go wrong!
(5)Tim O.
Sorry. maybe it was the cold table by the window and entrance. Not the same as the Brownsburg location which seems more a restaurant; this one more of a sports bar. Meh
(2)Maria B.
I need to come here again! This is for a take out order we got. My boyfriend and I always end up ordering the same thing the other one ordered. (not the Yelp way, but it just works out that way LOL) We got their signature onion soup (feeling under the weather), grilled cheese and house salad. Now, when we first opened the boxes, it didn't look like much for $30, BUT it really was A LOT of food after we started to dig in. Their house salad was amazing. Very fresh, tasty, crisp and fulfilling. Their signature onion soup was filled with brewed onions. Very soothing and relaxing. The grilled cheese was the perfect size and perfect amount of crunch and softness. Everything was very satisfying. We didn't say one word to each other the entire time we ate. It was that good!! I hope to make it here again to enjoy the fun trendy atmosphere inside. Highly recommend!
(5)Jessica W.
Bad. I asked the waiter if they could do a hot toddy and the answer was no, which is fine, but that should have prompted him to bring me a specialty drinks menu. Nope. I saw everyone drinking these awesome drinks and i looked on my menu and nothing. He forgot about us as well and we waited quite a long time for the bill. The food was good but didn't outshine the crappy service.
(2)Cynthia P.
I have been here many, many times. It's a nice place with a great atmosphere. It can have a wait on really nice nights, especially in the summer. I absolutely loathe any of their entree's. Every time I have ordered one, it has been so salty and sauce/cheese heavy that it lacks any freshness. The meals are just too heavy with loads of garlic, etc. What I DO love and would recommend to ANYONE...........is their wedge salad and their breaded tenderloin sandwich. The tenderloin is the BEST I have every had. It is a fresh piece of pork, pounded flat and then breaded and fried to perfection. It is giant, so plan on sharing it. Also, the wedge salad is just lovely. It comes with bleu cheese and walnuts, I think. I haven't eaten here in a while since I have been a vegetarian (some fish) for over a year, but I do still recommend it to those who eat meat because it is just that good!
(3)Janet S.
Came here for lunch with some coworkers on a weekday. The place was busy, but not packed, we were able to get a table without waiting. It is located right in the middle of all the construction going on on Main Street near the Speedway, so that makes it a little inconvenient, since you have to go around and down the side streets to actually get to the restaurant. They do have some outdoor seating, but with the construction, that's probably not such a great option right now. They serve contemporary American food here and the decor and atmosphere is casual, but I would say more along the lines of "business casual" rather than, say, Denny's casual. The server was prompt and helpful, offering suggestions from the menu and always keeping the drinks filled. I had a chicken salad sandwich and a cup of broccoli soup. While the soup wasn't really anything special, the sandwich was amazing! The chicken salad was great, it had walnuts and cranberries, served on a croissant, and it was huge. I could not even finish half. This restaurant is a great value, considering I had a nice, freshly made sandwich and a bowl of soup for 8 bucks, can't really beat that. The salads and burgers looked great too, my entire party was happy with their meal. Would go back for dinner if I was in the area, but since it is so close to where I work, it's a great place for a leisurely lunch.
(3)Alpesh S.
Great friendly place perfect for a business lunch or for diner. Staff is friendly, but not in your face, and service is quick. They had a small but well stocked bar as well. The menu is a mix of traditional American, but diverse enough that everyone can find something they want. There isn't a stand out item that I have had, but of about 10 different things I have had there, all were good. There is plenty of parking on the street.
(4)Kevin J.
This place is the first great business of a very up and coming Main Street in Speedway. Very nice atmosphere rather you're sitting inside or out. The food compliments the atmosphere, everything is great! They start you our with fresh bread and a olive oil herb dipping sauce. I had the steak and it was great! Me and my family have ate here several times and will continue eating here! It may be pricey, but I don't mind pricey when it is followed through with quality.
(5)Mark S.
I ate here for the 1st time tonight with my family for dinner. It was at the recommendation of my friend Johnathan, who works at Dawsons. He told me I would like it...well my family LOVED it, even the kids were happy! I wanna eat here all the time....thanks to the owner Tony for making our first visit a happy one!
(5)Scotty Z.
What a great little find! I'm not entirely sure what kind of place they're going for, but it works. Delicious, high-quality food, friendly service, in an atmosphere that's upscale but comfortable, and very far from pretentious. What I liked most about Dawson's was that they had so many entrées that seemed to call out to you. Everything looked good. We had the meat balls for an appetizer (very good), and I tried the Chicken Parmesan (also excellent). I'll definitely be back -- probably to try one of their steaks. They have a Salmon Oscar on the menu, and give you the option to serve any of their already-good-sounding steaks "oscar" style as well. Mmmmm. All in all -- Dawson's is a great gem over in Speedway -- with really easy street parking too. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Kevin M.
Dawson's feels like a nice neighborhood hangout that goes the extra mile. The service was efficient and friendly, and the food tasty and satisfying. I had mussels as an appetizer, and a steak for dinner. A nice selection of beer and wine topped the meal off. A very comfortable place to hang out with friends or dine alone as I did that evening.
(3)Richard H.
Been here a couple of times, and although the service was pretty spotty the last time, this is a nice local place with a varied menu and well-prepared food.
(3)Karen S.
We finally got the opportunity to eat at Dawson's. The woman who seated us behaved as though she would be happier doing something else. I ate the Steak Diane, the waitress informed me they had runout of the garlic mashed potatoes which was ok. At best I would rate my meal so so! My partner ordered the meatloaf, she thought it was very good and would order again. Our server was excellent, very attentive to our needs.
(3)Kari R.
Great lunch. Service was friendly and quick. Came in with 4 adults and 4 kids. All the adults had a round of tenderloin sandwiches and they were excellent. My 7 year old enjoyed the part I couldn't eat from being too full. Great little location with character close to the speedway.
(5)Candace M.
After discovering that there weren't many restaurants near our hotel, our large group consulted Yelp and then headed to Dawson's on Main after a graduation. We had made a reservation, but it wasn't necessary. We were eating around 2 on a Saturday. They accommodated our group of 8 very easily. I got the California BLT. It was supposed to come with spicy aioli, and it didn't, which was actually fine with me - I'm not a big spice fan. Another person ordered something that was supposed to come with zesty ketchup and didn't. Those were my only complaints! My sandwich was really good. It came with 6 or 7 large pieces of bacon, which is unusual. I feel like places usually skimp on the bacon, and that was not the case here. It was just the way that I liked it, crispy but not overly so. I tried someone else's salad, and that was very good too. I tried my boyfriend's potato salad which was good. Our waitress was attentive. The restaurant itself looked nice - I liked the glasswork throughout, the waterfall in the back. We found that there was a lot across the street with free 2 hour parking. I would definitely come back if we were in the area again.
(4)Jessica S.
We were hungry and in the area, so made a reservation through Open Table and then showed up on a Saturday night, to discover a huge Mardi Grad party going on! Lots of people, lots of beads, lots of beer and hurricanes going around ... and yet our waitress did a great job taking care of us. She ran her tail off that night but was always pleasant. We started with a shrimp-wrapped scallop appetizer that was at least as good as, and better than, many we've had in high-end steak houses. My husband's prime rib was very flavorful and tender, lots of meat with little fat. I went for the cajun jambalaya special which was also very tasty, not part of their regular menu. I'm impressed that they did such a good job on what looked like a crazy night, so I'd be happy to go again any other time.
(4)Wanda M.
Dawson's is located in downtown Speedway and popular with the locals. Inside is very attractive with brick walls, soft lighting and several large booths. The bar area is popular with dining in front of bar and of course a fine bar to cozy up to. Dawson's is a terrific place to meet for cocktails, comfy dinner or just hang out with friends. There is patio (sidewalk seating) outdoors to catch the Main Street goings on. Occasionally you'll see the Street Legal IndyCar drive past. Be prepared to use your flash light app in the restaurant as the lighting is soft and perfect for us. Dawson's is one of the eateries on Main Street within walking distance from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Average lunch option is just under $10. Dawson's has great food and tolerable to great service depending on server. The salads, soups, wraps, pastas, and many sandwiches are favorites. The Black & Bleu prime rib sandwich was my choice on this trip and as usual good. The prime rib was a bit tough but the caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, blue cheese crumbles and tiger sauce (Horsey sauce) helps you overlook that tiny detail. Onion rings are large and yummy. Chicken Salad and BLT were popular today as well. Pop in for a cocktail or lunch/dinner and enjoy one of Speedways' best keep secrets.
(4)Jimmy B.
Very tidy place with very friendly people and excellent food. A must when near the speedway.
(4)Amber F.
Had a GREAT dining experience. Their chicken velvet soup was amazing and moscato was even better!
(5)Jennifer W.
Every time I come here, I have the worst service ever! Wait staff never knows who to wait on! Tonight we've been seated, waited way too long to get a drink order in. People who came in after us were waited on before us. When our drinks finally came to the table, I was pulling up Yelp to give them this review...and suddenly every waiter/waitress in the restaurant is trying to wait on us. Never had issues with the food....but service is horrible for what you pay!!
(1)David D.
What makes Dawson's on Main stand out is the competition. Here's a slightly funky, independent bar and grill plunked among the chain-saturated streets of the Westside of Indianapolis. Whatever Dawson's is, it's not Applebee's or Chili's or Union Jack's. The food is hearty and savory. We tried the Black & Bleu, a sirloin topped with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions and a Bleu cheese and bacon crust. Formidable and filling. We also tried the horseradish crusted sirloin and the signature soup, an onion soup topped with cheese and mushrooms. What surprised us was the quality of the steamed vegetable medley that accompanied. What you miss from the chains are the ferns and the brass rails. What you gain is the commitment of independent owners who want their place to be something special.
(3)Brian F.
Cute little restaurant on Main Street, Speedway. It's been a great addition to the neighborhood for years and I'm always pleased with the quality of the food. The service is typical of what you'd expect from a small-town diner, and the drinks are a bit overpriced for what you get. The food selection is great! Lots to choose from and moderately priced. For lunch I recommend the French Onion with Bruschetta, if you're dining with a friend. The ambiance is cool, with pretty lighting fixtures and decorative glass sculptures on the walls. Get a booth if you can! Even though the Main Street Redevelopment construction has completely shut down the road, there is still parking on the residential streets off Main Street (only accessible through the neighborhood west of Main Street). My recommendation for a quiet dinner.
(4)Ashley M.
I have yet to have a meal at Dawson's that has disappointed. From their salmon to their nachos, they get it all right! On top of that, they have a super friendly and accommodating wait staff. On one occasion we arrived at 8:55 and they were closing at 9pm. Instead of turning us away the gal who greeted us sat us at an outdoor table in her section, stating that she would be there awhile tending to other customer's anyhow. What great service! On another occasion I was undergoing some allergy testing and had very strict requirements. The young man who served us inside was incredibly patient and considerate. He checked with the kitchen on several things and helped me create a fantastic meal that met my dietary needs! I will continue to visit Dawson's, not just for their great food but for the top notch service we receive as well!
(4)Gregg R.
Great atmosphere for dinner and drinks with friends when at the track. I had the horseradish crusted sirloin... Very tender and great tasting. Started with the crab cakes...I'll be at the track all week and plan to bring wife and customers here..
(4)Sondra S.
My experience at Dawson's on Main took place on a Friday lunch. The staff was friendly and greeted me as soon as I came into the door to kick off the small town feel for the visit. It was close to Fat Tuesday so servers wore Mardi Gras beads to be festive (ta-tas stayed in). We had a great server. She greeted us promptly and was able to accurately take our orders without writing anything down, a method which I view as something you can do with experience. She was friendly and seemed happy to be at work. Let's get to the main attraction, food. I chose to get the black and bleu sandwich on this visit. It was really good. Instead of a traditional hamburger patty, it was shaved prime rib. There was a creamy sauce on the sandwich that had horseradish on it and it was delicious. I caught myself licking my fingers like I was at a bbq eating contest. The fries were good too, they weren't anything super special but they were good enough that I made sure I finished them all. Atmosphere: Dawson's gives a classic American restaurant vibe. Most dishes are classic American cuisine and some might have a little bit of a flare. Space in the restaurant is comfortable and amble to accomidate larger groups. Street parking is free (with the exception of race weeks).
(4)S. L.
I came here because of all the wonderful reviews on Yelp and other places. I went early because I had just flown in from the West Coast. As a result, it wasn't busy and I had great service. The interior looks like a "nicer" diner - not really nice but not awful. I ordered the potato soup which was mediocre at best. Then I had the blackened chicken caesar salad. The chicken was over-cooked and under-seasoned. I'm a little wimpy when it comes to blackening spices, so I was a little concerned it would be too spicy when I ordered it. There was no kick to this whatsoever. The salad was huge but only had half a chicken breast on it and grocery store quality Parmesan. Finally the salad dressing was subpar. No garlic flavor; no saltiness that normally comes from the anchovies or paste in the dressing; very mayonnaisey. Maybe I am more of a foodie than others who have reviewed this restaurant, but I would not return.
(2)Eric S.
Dawson's On Main is a staple of Speedway. The hostess is always friendly which sets the mood for a great lunch or dinner. Their decor is unique with custom stained glass light fixtures and the seating area is large so you can almost always get a booth. Their wraps and sandwiches are terrific, I think the "Moby Dick" fish sandwich and the tenderloin are their best two items. However, I am convinced that everything on their menu is great though, I think I've tried just about everything.
(4)pinche d.
4.5 Star Review Place was recommended to us by a local since we were traveling here for business. This place is a GREAT lunch spot. They have a variety of sandwiches and salads ... so many that you won't have an easy time picking what you want. I'm not sure if this is a mom and pop type of place or if it's a chain but it felt like we were at a unique establishment. Service was prompt and prices were totally reasonable. There's construction going on in front of this place so you may have to park in the neighborhood and walk a few blocks but it's worth the trouble.
(4)Michelle M.
So far they have the Best Nachos in Indy! I ordered mine with the Chile, since I am not able to eat the chicken! We received a very hearty helping of Nachos and would most likely order this every time but ... because their menu offers a great selection I have not had the same thing twice! There should be something for everyone here. If you are into the Wine scene I recommend you going on Tuesdays they have 1/2 price bottles and you can take home what you do not finish there!
(4)Kjirsten K.
I've visited Dawsons a couple times for lunch. They have a great selection of lunch options. I had a bayou chicken salad on one visit and a grilled California chicken sandwich with grilled jalapenos and onions on the other; both were delicious. My dad loves the turkey club, he was impressed that they used real turkey and not processed deli meat. The decor and atmosphere are very nice, definitely nicer than it looks from the outside. The dining room is small and cozy and they have a separate bar area. My parents returned for dinner and said they were just as impressed. The dinner menu features steak, seafood, and pastas. I'm looking forward to returning.
(5)Nicholas R.
Best black and blu burger in the city! Awesome service. Hometown feel with big city flavor
(4)Bennett G.
When considering restaurants on the westside and somewhere other than commercialized chains, there is no better option. They provide a pleasant atmosphere and enough options on the menu that you will be able to satisfy any craving. I personally love the crab cakes, surprisingly so since we aren't on the east coast, but they are worth the trip. Eat at Dawson's on Main, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Chris N.
This place I can see is trying very hard to deliver delicious food in a area that houses mostly run and go eatery's. I found their food delicious in every way and I appreciate the heart and effort they are putting into this establishment.. a definite diamond in the rough..
(5)TOMMY o.
Highly Recommended by family members!!! i'm so glad they invited us there, first of all Madison was a great server & my onion soup was to Die For!!! i loved the sauce that accompanied my Salmon Oscar, so nice, my date's steak was tender & delicious, everything all the way around was wonderful!! the cole slaw had little bits of cucumber in it, kicked it up a notch bathroom very clean & trendy. Full Bar Casual, a great place
(5)Jonathan M.
This is a fantastic restaurant. I have been going here for several years and everything I have had on the menu is wonderful. Amazing tenderlion and today I had the moby dick fish sandwich. HUGE! Highly recommended! making a trip to dawsons
(4)Jimmy W.
I used to work just down the street from Dawson's and have been there 3 or 4 times. The service is very good, although it can be a bit slow during lunch on a weekday. The salads are always tasty, and the servers are always accommodating. I would rate Dawson's higher, but it just seems to be missing something that I always look forward to at a restaurant... character! Don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about Dawson's, but for the price, I think you could do better.
(3)Jennifer R.
Had dinner here on 5/2/15 with my husband and a friend. The interior of the restaurant is very nice and cozy. We sat at a table in the bar and had EXCELLENT service the whole time. The problem here was the food which ranged from average to the lower end of mediocre. For appetizers, we got the pretzel sticks with hot mustard sauce. There was no salt on the sticks which wasn't too big of a deal but the alleged hot mustard sauce was really just yellow mustard which was kind of lame. One person got the French Onion soup which he said was tasty except the weird crouton that was more like a hard English biscuit. Another person got the potato soup which had WAY too much flour in it to the point it was actually gritty. I got the Sticks and Stones pasta for an entree and the pepperoni and sausage in it was delicious but the pasta was severely undercooked....as in still crunchy. On the other hand, the chicken in it was so overcooked it was inedible - I had to eat around it. One tablemate ordered a burger with coleslaw and said they were good but nothing special. The other got a tenderloin that was also overcooked and the onion rings which might have been good except they had been fried in really old grease. (I worked food service for 5 yrs - I know old grease taste!) Overall - disappointing food but good service. Kind of a bummer since this place is locally owned and close to my house....maybe I'll try it again for lunch sometime.
(3)Ashley P.
A speedway staple! Cannot go wrong going to Dawson's. I love the exposed brick on the interior and the fact that if you work in the auto racing industry like I do you're bound to see someone you know during lunch. The service today was great. We had Shelby as our server as she promptly greeted us and got us drinks, soup starters and our meals. The French onion soup is a must when going to Dawson's. And if you like to judge places on their ability to make chicken tenders (am I the only one who does that?) Dawson's is a great place. All around good experience every time I come and go.
(4)Dara H.
Date night dinner was great. The place was pretty busy. We sat in the bar cause that's where we normally sit. The bartender was one of our servers and he was super friendly. I opted for the prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. And it was great. It was a 12 ounce cut for $21. There was also a 14 ounce cut for $25, but the small one was big enough. It was a tender cut of meat with little fat on it. Kyle got the meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes with brown gravy and potato salad (he is not a mixed veg fan) He got 2 pieces of meatloaf that had been seared on a flat top. He really enjoyed it and I tasted it and it was good. I don't like meatloaf at most places cause it taste like green peppers. This one tasted like meat. :) I think his was $16 With Dawson's On Main being so close to home I see us going back soon.
(4)Melissa E.
Great service. Huge portions. Prices were reasonable and the food was delicious. Clean and friendly.
(5)Theresa A.
This is a great place to stop if your in speedway . I had Angus burger and fries , my husband had the tenderloin both where great . Nice clean place it also has outdoor seating
(5)Jenny R.
So glad we found this place in Yelp while in town for the Rolling Stones! Small place but cozy & nicely decorated. We sat in the bar which was a bit noisy as they were busy. Long islands were on special & were tasty! I ordered the meatloaf as the description sounded interesting & I was not disappointed! The portions were huge; 2 extra thick slices with yummy mashed potatoes & veggies. This was by far the best tasting meatloaf I've ever had!! My husband who ordered some seafood pasta thing (sorry, forgot the name) said his was good but mine was much better! And he doesn't even care for meatloaf lol! Will definitely try to get back to this place whenever we are in the area!
(5)Eddy S.
Had an AMAZING dinner... First start out with a Blackened Chicken quesadillas and it has my taste buds craving for another bite and another bite.... My entree was the Apple Pecan Salad with Bleu Cheese and Grilled Chicken Yumminess!!! I recommend this place to any visitors checking out Indy.
(5)Sonya A.
Dawson's is a great hidden gem. Nothing else like it in Speedway. The lunch menu is my favorite, great salads, wraps, sandwiches and soups. For dinner I swear by the pasta dish with chorizo. Food: 4/5 Service: 3/5, always very spotty
(4)Pam G.
I was in town for a race and this restaurant was right next to the speedway and it got decent reviews so I gave it a shot. It was a Friday around 6:30 so I expected it to be busy but it really wasn't too busy. That being said the service was pretty slow so I was not pleased about that. I was not given a drink menu and when my server finally arrived she asked me what I wanted to drink I said I didn't know what they had and she rambled off some choices but then said she could give me a drink menu if I wanted. I just picked something from what she mentioned. I had pretzel sticks for an app and they were pretty good. I ordered chicken parm for dinner and I'm not sure if we do chicken parm differently from where I come from but this was totally different. It was basically grilled chicken with breadcrumbs on it over pasta. No sauce on the chicken. It was not very good. I was pretty unsatisfied with the meal and the service.
(3)Dawn N.
We visited Dawson's on Main for the first time today for lunch. I had been craving tuna all week, so the Tuna Melt was an obvious choice for me. I opted for the coleslaw on the side. Both were very good. I could only eat half of my sandwich, which is proof of it's heartiness. The coleslaw was more creamy and less vinegary than I usually prefer, but it was still very good! My fiancé had the (very big) tenderloin and onion rings. He said the tenderloin was very good...we both agreed the onion rings were delicious. We may make our way back to Dawson's again someday!
(5)James T.
Food = ? Price = 4 Experience = 4 Ron the bartender was cool...
(4)Katie U.
I've been to Dawson's a few times and have had good experiences each time. The menu has lots of options and the menu is great. I love the salmon dinner w/ veggies & rice pilaf. My only complaint is that it can seem a little dark in the restaurant. Other than that, I highly recommend Dawson's! Great for groups, as well.
(4)Andrea D.
Second time here, second time completely ignored. Walked out first time, giving second chance, no sense of urgency again.
(1)Annissa M.
Man.. The dinner specials are a good deal, especially as a student. But if I'm ready to order before the end of the happy hour, I should not be given a hard time for wanting the special price. Great food but mediocre service in my experience. Try the mahi for a light dinner option!
(4)Peter K.
Service is very good, food and wine was fine! Salad very fresh and a great neighborhood place.
(4)Tom J.
I have no idea what the food or drinks are like, but if you want to be ignored or treated rudely in a near empty location then this is the place to be.
(1)Lucas W.
Definitely a fan, food was surprisingly good especially when I expected some standard casual-steakhouse meal. I had the blackened mahi mahi which came with rice pilaf and some grilled vegetables. I have to say, everything was delicious. The fish was cooked perfectly, there were no bones, and the blackening spice was sufficient (I love blackening, so I could've used a bit more, but that's just because I love it in large amounts). The rice was good and the green beans were delicious, cooked with a bit of salt and garlic. On top of the fish was a tequila-pineapple mixture which was kinda like a chunky salsa but fortunately the pineapple did not overpower because it's a strong flavor and one I dislike. My friend had the steak susan which he said was also quite good. It definitely looked good. The only reason I hold back from giving it 5 stars is that everything was just a bit oversalted. I didn't really notice it while eating, but I was just sooooo thirsty afterwards and I realized it's because there had been so much salt in our meals.
(4)Robin W.
Food was great, atmosphere is great, service was good, drinks was great and a vast menu. I had the Shrimp Parmesan pasta that was FANTASTIC!!! The pretzel bite appetizer is great. Others in our group said this was a good choice and we would come again.
(5)Dan M.
The food is really good & the drinks have been amazing (especially the Long Islands that Ron makes!). Food cost is great for some things, high for others, but overall, not bad for what you get. I recommend trying it out. The tenderloin & fish sandwich are good & priced right. If you want to spend a bit more, the Tonys Favorite Chicken is really good and the Black n Blue Steak is awesome! Also, the drinks are priced right, as well.
(5)Steve B.
Yelp scores again! In from out of town and found this gem thanks to great reviews and ratings. Great location, menu, friendly staff, stellar service, delicious food, and tasty cold drinks. Mustard Crusted Chicken did me right, as did an awesome IPA thanks to a great bartender in Ron. Wish I was in town longer to enjoy the rest of the fare.
(5)Jim P.
First time here. Excellent local neighborhood place. Mustard crusted chicken was very good; just a bit different than the standard chain stuff. This would have been 4 stars except that one of our orders came out wrong.
(3)Anna R.
Went for my father's birthday! Good was amazing! Gary's meatloaf was a huge platter and tasted great! The Mahi Mahi was perfectly grilled! Beef stroganoff, sticks and stones pasta.... It was all great! I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone! I will definitely be going back. The ambiance was super nice! We sat in the main dining area. Bar was a little noisy for my taste. Overall, excellent!!! Service was great too!!
(4)Patricia N.
Chicken nachos were just ok. Asked for a side of sour cream but never got it. Also, ordered the spinach and artichoke dip. Some associates also had the potato soup, which they seem very pleased with. I had the French Onion Soup which was pretty tasty. They carry craft beers, so that's a nic etouch.
(3)Toby K.
Well, after coming here month after month, every time I come into town for business I have to now give them a ONE star rating. When buying a $15 - $25 dinner, I should NOT get nickel and dimed 80 cents for a small little dinner roll. They should serve bread with the meal, as many rolls as you would like. I seriously have to think about coming back here again.
(1)Frank W.
Okay, for anyone who hasn't grown up in Indiana, and who maybe isn't aware, the epitome, no the pinnacle, of Indiana cuisine (if I can use that term loosely) is the breaded pork tenderloin. A panned pork tenderloin that is breaded and deep fried, then served on a bun with a ritualistic assortment of fixings (in my family, it was always mayonnaise, ketchup, raw onions, lettuce, dill pickles, and Lawry's season salt). So when I'm back home again in Indiana, as we were recently for the Super Bowl, I am always in search of a great and authentic rendition of this comfort food classic. I have to say, Dawson's on Main hit out of the park on this one! Lovely tenderloin, not too greasy, not too heavy a breading, and a thick enough piece of pork that it remained juicy with a good bite to it (that's one of the secrets - pound too thin as some places do and the pork disappears into the breading). All the right fixings except for the Lawry's (I'll forgive them that side of mustard looking stuff, at least they didn't put it ON my tenderloin). Paired with a cold beer on tap, and I was in heaven! A bit about Dawson's - it's a bar. That's it. But hey, you're eating comfort food, right? It is located on Main Street in Speedway on the west side. But as bars go, especially Speedway bars, it was exceedingly clean, looked to have been recently renovated, the staff were all extremely friendly, and there were no drunken brawls (okay, it was noon on a Monday).
(3)Denise R.
Although a westsider growing up near Speedway and a Speedway resident for a couple of years as an adult, I hadn't seen the downtown Speedway area in approximately 15 years. I was blown away with the renovation. To top off our visit, we opted to try Dawson's on Main for lunch. Let me start by stating that I prefer independent restaurants to chains, so I jumped at the chance to sample Dawson's. We had a choice of inside or outside, and today would have been a perfect day to sit outside, especially since we noticed a couple of race cars (or the same race car twice) make their way down Main. The clientele was a mixture of people enjoying summer leisure time and professionals in suits. The Speedway area had gotten pretty sketchy 15 years ago, but this little area, at least, felt safe and was quite beautiful. The menu provided for an assortment of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches with a few entrees listed. We all opted for sandwiches -- my daughter ordering the tenderloin, my mother ordering the chicken cordon bleu wrap, and me ordering the Dawson's black & bleu. My daughter also ordered their French onion soup. Since my husband runs a restaurant, I'm a food snob and hoped everything would taste as wonderful as the menu descriptions. I was not disappointed. My daughter's tenderloin was huge and accompanied by a wonderful special sauce. She also raved about the French onion soup, which she said rivaled what her chef father makes. My mother's chicken cordon bleu wrap was fantastic, and my black & blue sandwich which consisted of shaved prime rib, carmelized onions, and special sauce on a wonderfully-fresh bun was incredible. This sandwich was a bit spicy for me, but the fact that I kept eating even when the sides of my mouth stung a little should tell you something. I was stuffed after the first half but just kept on eating until I finished every savory bite. Our meal for three people, including drinks and extra soup, came to about $13 per person. It was well worth it and so much more satisfying than spending the same amount or more at Applebee's up the street. Well done, Dawson's on the Main. We will be back.
(5)Brian C.
Dawson's is one of Speedways best kept secret. Located on Main Street, Dawson's is surrounded by other small businesses in a newly remodeled speedway. I suggest the chicken salad sandwich, and potato soup for lunch. I also suggest their pot roast sandwich, chicken club sandwich and taco salad. The gongaza burger(probably spelling it wrong) is great with their onion rings. Great for business meetings, after work happy hour and definitely a no brainer during racing season.
(5)Mike J.
Grabbed the breaded tenderloin here today. Maybe THE best I've had in the Indy area. Came with nice portion of onion rings for $8.99. Tenderloin was nice and think with a very tasty breading on a brioche bun. Everything I saw looked delicious, will definitely go back to try other items. Menu was varied with enough options it will make most anyone happy but not so much where quality would suffer. Only gave it a four cause I need to see more, but loved it!
(4)James S.
The only good bar in Speedway Dawsons is good, but other than the track, there's no reason to travel to Speedway. If you must go, stop by Dawsons. It's the only good bar in town.
(3)Mindy K.
Had lunch here last week, ordered Tony's Favorite Nachos w/ chicken. I guess Tony prefers his nachos cold, because that is how they were served to me. The guac looked like it was sitting for a while. The taste was good, but how hard is it to serve hot nachos? Service was fine. Business partner enjoyed a chicken wrap. Try the joint, and order something different than the nachos. I have also had dinner here a couple times with the hubby, the most memorable item on the menu is the Calamari Steak appetizer.
(3)Matt H.
Went to this place for the first time and was quite impressed. The decor from the outside didn't really reflect the interior. The interior is a comfy place to be, There is a dining area in the front and a more louge-area in the rear. The lighting was perfect for me, but I could see some people thinking it was dark. Also the place was super clean, always a good sign. Ordered the Blackened Chicken Caesar Wrap (Spinach wrap with grilled blackened chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, red onion, tomato relish and Dawson's signature caesar dressing. Decided to add a French Onion Soup since it was a signature dish, but found it the only disappointing part of my dining experience. My wrap was delicious, the chicken was juicy and the tomato relish added a great sweetness. The wait-staff were excellent. I was seated quickly and courteously and noticed that all the servers were watching out for each other and were always moving, getting orders out, tables cleared, just general restaurant stuff we take for granted. My particular server was quick, pleasant and made me feel welcomed, it being my first time here. I am definitely going back for dinner sometime, mayhaps with a pretty lady next time ;)
(5)Angie A.
We tried Dawson's this past New Years EVE, and were a little disappointed to find only a limited menu to order from, and the prices on that menu jacked up by at least 25% per item. That being said we very much enjoyed what we did get. I highly recommend the loaded potato cakes, and the smoked blue cheese dressing was to die for! Dawson's is a great addition to the Speedway neighborhood and the west side in general, but I feel they need to tweek a few things to get that 5th star. 1. They need a signature bread. A hearty loaf of 7 grain would be an awesome compliment to their steaks, in stead of the puny little frozen rolls that accompany them now. 2.They need to get rid of the formica table tops! Bring in some wooden tables or better yet, copper topped tables would go a long way to warming up and giving character to a young establishment. 3 A signature dessert wouldn't hurt either. All in all everyone in our party enjoyed their food, and are looking forward to visiting this local shop again, and again.
(4)Todd B.
I am visiting Indianapolis and stumbled on this restaurant from Yelp, and I am glad that I did. What a gem. It was a rare find on the west side, and I was so impressed with the variety of options, the quality of the food, and the generous portions. My pork chop was beautifully presented, and the smoked taste was outstanding. It was a bit more tough than I liked. The specialty french onion soup was outstanding. The wine list was excellent with several options from California, France and South America. I'm returning again before I leave to explore some more culinary options, probably the tenderloin sandwich.
(4)Robert R.
Amazing! Quality and quantity was superb! Service was hands down great! Had the dual medallions with mashed potatoes and broccoli. It was all perfect! Wife had crab cakes, potato cakes and a mushroom style pot roast soup... It was great! Total hidden gem in Speedway! We will go back... Many of times!
(5)Dawn N.
We visited Dawson's on Main for the first time today for lunch. I had been craving tuna all week, so the Tuna Melt was an obvious choice for me. I opted for the coleslaw on the side. Both were very good. I could only eat half of my sandwich, which is proof of it's heartiness. The coleslaw was more creamy and less vinegary than I usually prefer, but it was still very good! My fiancé had the (very big) tenderloin and onion rings. He said the tenderloin was very good...we both agreed the onion rings were delicious. We may make our way back to Dawson's again someday!
(5)James T.
Food = ? Price = 4 Experience = 4 Ron the bartender was cool...
(4)Karen S.
We finally got the opportunity to eat at Dawson's. The woman who seated us behaved as though she would be happier doing something else. I ate the Steak Diane, the waitress informed me they had runout of the garlic mashed potatoes which was ok. At best I would rate my meal so so! My partner ordered the meatloaf, she thought it was very good and would order again. Our server was excellent, very attentive to our needs.
(3)Kari R.
Great lunch. Service was friendly and quick. Came in with 4 adults and 4 kids. All the adults had a round of tenderloin sandwiches and they were excellent. My 7 year old enjoyed the part I couldn't eat from being too full. Great little location with character close to the speedway.
(5)T M.
The food at Dawson's is generally quite good. The problem is trying to decipher what beers they have available. Why don't they just print a beer list? The menu claims that they offer locally produced beers, but in my experience, the servers NEVER know what these are. The quality of service is always a gamble in the restaurant area, so sit in the bar if you can. The bartenders are consistently friendly, always tell you about the food and drink specials, and never have to consult someone else before telling you what's on tap. In the bar area, I get the sense I'm being serviced by professionals who take pride in their restaurant. They want success. In the restaurant area, it feels like you're waited on by kids with no investment in what their doing. That's not to say they're not friendly, just that they don't seem to care about impressing you. In short, go for the food, don't expect a beer list, sit in the bar, and try the moby dick fish sandwich.
(3)Steve B.
Yelp scores again! In from out of town and found this gem thanks to great reviews and ratings. Great location, menu, friendly staff, stellar service, delicious food, and tasty cold drinks. Mustard Crusted Chicken did me right, as did an awesome IPA thanks to a great bartender in Ron. Wish I was in town longer to enjoy the rest of the fare.
(5)Robert R.
Amazing! Quality and quantity was superb! Service was hands down great! Had the dual medallions with mashed potatoes and broccoli. It was all perfect! Wife had crab cakes, potato cakes and a mushroom style pot roast soup... It was great! Total hidden gem in Speedway! We will go back... Many of times!
(5)Sonya A.
Dawson's is a great hidden gem. Nothing else like it in Speedway. The lunch menu is my favorite, great salads, wraps, sandwiches and soups. For dinner I swear by the pasta dish with chorizo. Food: 4/5 Service: 3/5, always very spotty
(4)Patricia N.
Chicken nachos were just ok. Asked for a side of sour cream but never got it. Also, ordered the spinach and artichoke dip. Some associates also had the potato soup, which they seem very pleased with. I had the French Onion Soup which was pretty tasty. They carry craft beers, so that's a nic etouch.
(3)Toby K.
Well, after coming here month after month, every time I come into town for business I have to now give them a ONE star rating. When buying a $15 - $25 dinner, I should NOT get nickel and dimed 80 cents for a small little dinner roll. They should serve bread with the meal, as many rolls as you would like. I seriously have to think about coming back here again.
(1)Candace M.
After discovering that there weren't many restaurants near our hotel, our large group consulted Yelp and then headed to Dawson's on Main after a graduation. We had made a reservation, but it wasn't necessary. We were eating around 2 on a Saturday. They accommodated our group of 8 very easily. I got the California BLT. It was supposed to come with spicy aioli, and it didn't, which was actually fine with me - I'm not a big spice fan. Another person ordered something that was supposed to come with zesty ketchup and didn't. Those were my only complaints! My sandwich was really good. It came with 6 or 7 large pieces of bacon, which is unusual. I feel like places usually skimp on the bacon, and that was not the case here. It was just the way that I liked it, crispy but not overly so. I tried someone else's salad, and that was very good too. I tried my boyfriend's potato salad which was good. Our waitress was attentive. The restaurant itself looked nice - I liked the glasswork throughout, the waterfall in the back. We found that there was a lot across the street with free 2 hour parking. I would definitely come back if we were in the area again.
(4)Jennifer R.
Had dinner here on 5/2/15 with my husband and a friend. The interior of the restaurant is very nice and cozy. We sat at a table in the bar and had EXCELLENT service the whole time. The problem here was the food which ranged from average to the lower end of mediocre. For appetizers, we got the pretzel sticks with hot mustard sauce. There was no salt on the sticks which wasn't too big of a deal but the alleged hot mustard sauce was really just yellow mustard which was kind of lame. One person got the French Onion soup which he said was tasty except the weird crouton that was more like a hard English biscuit. Another person got the potato soup which had WAY too much flour in it to the point it was actually gritty. I got the Sticks and Stones pasta for an entree and the pepperoni and sausage in it was delicious but the pasta was severely undercooked....as in still crunchy. On the other hand, the chicken in it was so overcooked it was inedible - I had to eat around it. One tablemate ordered a burger with coleslaw and said they were good but nothing special. The other got a tenderloin that was also overcooked and the onion rings which might have been good except they had been fried in really old grease. (I worked food service for 5 yrs - I know old grease taste!) Overall - disappointing food but good service. Kind of a bummer since this place is locally owned and close to my house....maybe I'll try it again for lunch sometime.
(3)Ashley P.
A speedway staple! Cannot go wrong going to Dawson's. I love the exposed brick on the interior and the fact that if you work in the auto racing industry like I do you're bound to see someone you know during lunch. The service today was great. We had Shelby as our server as she promptly greeted us and got us drinks, soup starters and our meals. The French onion soup is a must when going to Dawson's. And if you like to judge places on their ability to make chicken tenders (am I the only one who does that?) Dawson's is a great place. All around good experience every time I come and go.
(4)Ashley M.
I have yet to have a meal at Dawson's that has disappointed. From their salmon to their nachos, they get it all right! On top of that, they have a super friendly and accommodating wait staff. On one occasion we arrived at 8:55 and they were closing at 9pm. Instead of turning us away the gal who greeted us sat us at an outdoor table in her section, stating that she would be there awhile tending to other customer's anyhow. What great service! On another occasion I was undergoing some allergy testing and had very strict requirements. The young man who served us inside was incredibly patient and considerate. He checked with the kitchen on several things and helped me create a fantastic meal that met my dietary needs! I will continue to visit Dawson's, not just for their great food but for the top notch service we receive as well!
(4)Dara H.
Date night dinner was great. The place was pretty busy. We sat in the bar cause that's where we normally sit. The bartender was one of our servers and he was super friendly. I opted for the prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. And it was great. It was a 12 ounce cut for $21. There was also a 14 ounce cut for $25, but the small one was big enough. It was a tender cut of meat with little fat on it. Kyle got the meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes with brown gravy and potato salad (he is not a mixed veg fan) He got 2 pieces of meatloaf that had been seared on a flat top. He really enjoyed it and I tasted it and it was good. I don't like meatloaf at most places cause it taste like green peppers. This one tasted like meat. :) I think his was $16 With Dawson's On Main being so close to home I see us going back soon.
(4)Melissa E.
Great service. Huge portions. Prices were reasonable and the food was delicious. Clean and friendly.
(5)Theresa A.
This is a great place to stop if your in speedway . I had Angus burger and fries , my husband had the tenderloin both where great . Nice clean place it also has outdoor seating
(5)Jenny R.
So glad we found this place in Yelp while in town for the Rolling Stones! Small place but cozy & nicely decorated. We sat in the bar which was a bit noisy as they were busy. Long islands were on special & were tasty! I ordered the meatloaf as the description sounded interesting & I was not disappointed! The portions were huge; 2 extra thick slices with yummy mashed potatoes & veggies. This was by far the best tasting meatloaf I've ever had!! My husband who ordered some seafood pasta thing (sorry, forgot the name) said his was good but mine was much better! And he doesn't even care for meatloaf lol! Will definitely try to get back to this place whenever we are in the area!
(5)Eddy S.
Had an AMAZING dinner... First start out with a Blackened Chicken quesadillas and it has my taste buds craving for another bite and another bite.... My entree was the Apple Pecan Salad with Bleu Cheese and Grilled Chicken Yumminess!!! I recommend this place to any visitors checking out Indy.
(5)Gregg R.
Great atmosphere for dinner and drinks with friends when at the track. I had the horseradish crusted sirloin... Very tender and great tasting. Started with the crab cakes...I'll be at the track all week and plan to bring wife and customers here..
(4)Sondra S.
My experience at Dawson's on Main took place on a Friday lunch. The staff was friendly and greeted me as soon as I came into the door to kick off the small town feel for the visit. It was close to Fat Tuesday so servers wore Mardi Gras beads to be festive (ta-tas stayed in). We had a great server. She greeted us promptly and was able to accurately take our orders without writing anything down, a method which I view as something you can do with experience. She was friendly and seemed happy to be at work. Let's get to the main attraction, food. I chose to get the black and bleu sandwich on this visit. It was really good. Instead of a traditional hamburger patty, it was shaved prime rib. There was a creamy sauce on the sandwich that had horseradish on it and it was delicious. I caught myself licking my fingers like I was at a bbq eating contest. The fries were good too, they weren't anything super special but they were good enough that I made sure I finished them all. Atmosphere: Dawson's gives a classic American restaurant vibe. Most dishes are classic American cuisine and some might have a little bit of a flare. Space in the restaurant is comfortable and amble to accomidate larger groups. Street parking is free (with the exception of race weeks).
(4)S. L.
I came here because of all the wonderful reviews on Yelp and other places. I went early because I had just flown in from the West Coast. As a result, it wasn't busy and I had great service. The interior looks like a "nicer" diner - not really nice but not awful. I ordered the potato soup which was mediocre at best. Then I had the blackened chicken caesar salad. The chicken was over-cooked and under-seasoned. I'm a little wimpy when it comes to blackening spices, so I was a little concerned it would be too spicy when I ordered it. There was no kick to this whatsoever. The salad was huge but only had half a chicken breast on it and grocery store quality Parmesan. Finally the salad dressing was subpar. No garlic flavor; no saltiness that normally comes from the anchovies or paste in the dressing; very mayonnaisey. Maybe I am more of a foodie than others who have reviewed this restaurant, but I would not return.
(2)Pam G.
I was in town for a race and this restaurant was right next to the speedway and it got decent reviews so I gave it a shot. It was a Friday around 6:30 so I expected it to be busy but it really wasn't too busy. That being said the service was pretty slow so I was not pleased about that. I was not given a drink menu and when my server finally arrived she asked me what I wanted to drink I said I didn't know what they had and she rambled off some choices but then said she could give me a drink menu if I wanted. I just picked something from what she mentioned. I had pretzel sticks for an app and they were pretty good. I ordered chicken parm for dinner and I'm not sure if we do chicken parm differently from where I come from but this was totally different. It was basically grilled chicken with breadcrumbs on it over pasta. No sauce on the chicken. It was not very good. I was pretty unsatisfied with the meal and the service.
(3)Katie U.
I've been to Dawson's a few times and have had good experiences each time. The menu has lots of options and the menu is great. I love the salmon dinner w/ veggies & rice pilaf. My only complaint is that it can seem a little dark in the restaurant. Other than that, I highly recommend Dawson's! Great for groups, as well.
(4)Andrea D.
Second time here, second time completely ignored. Walked out first time, giving second chance, no sense of urgency again.
(1)Annissa M.
Man.. The dinner specials are a good deal, especially as a student. But if I'm ready to order before the end of the happy hour, I should not be given a hard time for wanting the special price. Great food but mediocre service in my experience. Try the mahi for a light dinner option!
(4)Peter K.
Service is very good, food and wine was fine! Salad very fresh and a great neighborhood place.
(4)Tom J.
I have no idea what the food or drinks are like, but if you want to be ignored or treated rudely in a near empty location then this is the place to be.
(1)Jim P.
First time here. Excellent local neighborhood place. Mustard crusted chicken was very good; just a bit different than the standard chain stuff. This would have been 4 stars except that one of our orders came out wrong.
(3)Anna R.
Went for my father's birthday! Good was amazing! Gary's meatloaf was a huge platter and tasted great! The Mahi Mahi was perfectly grilled! Beef stroganoff, sticks and stones pasta.... It was all great! I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone! I will definitely be going back. The ambiance was super nice! We sat in the main dining area. Bar was a little noisy for my taste. Overall, excellent!!! Service was great too!!
(4)Jessica S.
We were hungry and in the area, so made a reservation through Open Table and then showed up on a Saturday night, to discover a huge Mardi Grad party going on! Lots of people, lots of beads, lots of beer and hurricanes going around ... and yet our waitress did a great job taking care of us. She ran her tail off that night but was always pleasant. We started with a shrimp-wrapped scallop appetizer that was at least as good as, and better than, many we've had in high-end steak houses. My husband's prime rib was very flavorful and tender, lots of meat with little fat. I went for the cajun jambalaya special which was also very tasty, not part of their regular menu. I'm impressed that they did such a good job on what looked like a crazy night, so I'd be happy to go again any other time.
(4)Amber F.
Had a GREAT dining experience. Their chicken velvet soup was amazing and moscato was even better!
(5)Jennifer W.
Every time I come here, I have the worst service ever! Wait staff never knows who to wait on! Tonight we've been seated, waited way too long to get a drink order in. People who came in after us were waited on before us. When our drinks finally came to the table, I was pulling up Yelp to give them this review...and suddenly every waiter/waitress in the restaurant is trying to wait on us. Never had issues with the food....but service is horrible for what you pay!!
(1)Lucas W.
Definitely a fan, food was surprisingly good especially when I expected some standard casual-steakhouse meal. I had the blackened mahi mahi which came with rice pilaf and some grilled vegetables. I have to say, everything was delicious. The fish was cooked perfectly, there were no bones, and the blackening spice was sufficient (I love blackening, so I could've used a bit more, but that's just because I love it in large amounts). The rice was good and the green beans were delicious, cooked with a bit of salt and garlic. On top of the fish was a tequila-pineapple mixture which was kinda like a chunky salsa but fortunately the pineapple did not overpower because it's a strong flavor and one I dislike. My friend had the steak susan which he said was also quite good. It definitely looked good. The only reason I hold back from giving it 5 stars is that everything was just a bit oversalted. I didn't really notice it while eating, but I was just sooooo thirsty afterwards and I realized it's because there had been so much salt in our meals.
(4)Robin W.
Food was great, atmosphere is great, service was good, drinks was great and a vast menu. I had the Shrimp Parmesan pasta that was FANTASTIC!!! The pretzel bite appetizer is great. Others in our group said this was a good choice and we would come again.
(5)Dan M.
The food is really good & the drinks have been amazing (especially the Long Islands that Ron makes!). Food cost is great for some things, high for others, but overall, not bad for what you get. I recommend trying it out. The tenderloin & fish sandwich are good & priced right. If you want to spend a bit more, the Tonys Favorite Chicken is really good and the Black n Blue Steak is awesome! Also, the drinks are priced right, as well.
(5)Wanda M.
Dawson's is located in downtown Speedway and popular with the locals. Inside is very attractive with brick walls, soft lighting and several large booths. The bar area is popular with dining in front of bar and of course a fine bar to cozy up to. Dawson's is a terrific place to meet for cocktails, comfy dinner or just hang out with friends. There is patio (sidewalk seating) outdoors to catch the Main Street goings on. Occasionally you'll see the Street Legal IndyCar drive past. Be prepared to use your flash light app in the restaurant as the lighting is soft and perfect for us. Dawson's is one of the eateries on Main Street within walking distance from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Average lunch option is just under $10. Dawson's has great food and tolerable to great service depending on server. The salads, soups, wraps, pastas, and many sandwiches are favorites. The Black & Bleu prime rib sandwich was my choice on this trip and as usual good. The prime rib was a bit tough but the caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, blue cheese crumbles and tiger sauce (Horsey sauce) helps you overlook that tiny detail. Onion rings are large and yummy. Chicken Salad and BLT were popular today as well. Pop in for a cocktail or lunch/dinner and enjoy one of Speedways' best keep secrets.
(4)Jimmy B.
Very tidy place with very friendly people and excellent food. A must when near the speedway.
(4)Laura Z.
Overall, a solid place. I come here with the same group every year and use their private room. The service has always been very good, especially considering the large party. My only complaint is that there is only one vegetarian dinner entree on their menu, and while the Mediterranean veggie pasta is very good, it would be nice to have a couple other options.
(3)Charla C.
I've checked this place out twice now for lunch and it doesn't disappoint. The menu is great and offers some pretty hearty food for lunch time, the staff has a very friendly/ family type feel and the decor is welcoming. I've only tried their sandwiches. Once the BLT and I've also tried the club. I prefer the club over the BLT (American cheese?? Really??). But overall great place. Welcoming environment. Try the onion rings
(4)Kinsey C.
My yelper in crime Scot C. has been raving about this place for years, as it is a frequent go-to spot for his company lunches. So on a recent weekday lunch date, we decided to head out to Speedway. Park was easy, there is plenty of street parking available. We were seated promptly, and our server was with us quickly. The menu had a lot of great looking lunch options are good prices. I'd heard great things about their wraps, so I gave the steak fiesta wrap a try and it was reeeeeeally good. So good that even though I was really full after half of it, I kept going and finished it off! I would recommend this to anyone, especially with a side of guac. The service was fast, friendly and our server was so attentive that I never had an empty glass even during lunch rush. Plus we were in and out in plenty of time to get back downtown for work! All in all: you can bet I'll be coming back to sample more of their lunchtime specials!
(4)Angi H.
Amazing. Favorite restaurant in Indianapolis. Great for a casual meal and a burger or a celebration over a steak. Excellent staff too. You cannot go wrong!
(5)Tim O.
Sorry. maybe it was the cold table by the window and entrance. Not the same as the Brownsburg location which seems more a restaurant; this one more of a sports bar. Meh
(2)Maria B.
I need to come here again! This is for a take out order we got. My boyfriend and I always end up ordering the same thing the other one ordered. (not the Yelp way, but it just works out that way LOL) We got their signature onion soup (feeling under the weather), grilled cheese and house salad. Now, when we first opened the boxes, it didn't look like much for $30, BUT it really was A LOT of food after we started to dig in. Their house salad was amazing. Very fresh, tasty, crisp and fulfilling. Their signature onion soup was filled with brewed onions. Very soothing and relaxing. The grilled cheese was the perfect size and perfect amount of crunch and softness. Everything was very satisfying. We didn't say one word to each other the entire time we ate. It was that good!! I hope to make it here again to enjoy the fun trendy atmosphere inside. Highly recommend!
(5)Frank W.
Okay, for anyone who hasn't grown up in Indiana, and who maybe isn't aware, the epitome, no the pinnacle, of Indiana cuisine (if I can use that term loosely) is the breaded pork tenderloin. A panned pork tenderloin that is breaded and deep fried, then served on a bun with a ritualistic assortment of fixings (in my family, it was always mayonnaise, ketchup, raw onions, lettuce, dill pickles, and Lawry's season salt). So when I'm back home again in Indiana, as we were recently for the Super Bowl, I am always in search of a great and authentic rendition of this comfort food classic. I have to say, Dawson's on Main hit out of the park on this one! Lovely tenderloin, not too greasy, not too heavy a breading, and a thick enough piece of pork that it remained juicy with a good bite to it (that's one of the secrets - pound too thin as some places do and the pork disappears into the breading). All the right fixings except for the Lawry's (I'll forgive them that side of mustard looking stuff, at least they didn't put it ON my tenderloin). Paired with a cold beer on tap, and I was in heaven! A bit about Dawson's - it's a bar. That's it. But hey, you're eating comfort food, right? It is located on Main Street in Speedway on the west side. But as bars go, especially Speedway bars, it was exceedingly clean, looked to have been recently renovated, the staff were all extremely friendly, and there were no drunken brawls (okay, it was noon on a Monday).
(3)Mindy K.
Had lunch here last week, ordered Tony's Favorite Nachos w/ chicken. I guess Tony prefers his nachos cold, because that is how they were served to me. The guac looked like it was sitting for a while. The taste was good, but how hard is it to serve hot nachos? Service was fine. Business partner enjoyed a chicken wrap. Try the joint, and order something different than the nachos. I have also had dinner here a couple times with the hubby, the most memorable item on the menu is the Calamari Steak appetizer.
(3)Bennett G.
When considering restaurants on the westside and somewhere other than commercialized chains, there is no better option. They provide a pleasant atmosphere and enough options on the menu that you will be able to satisfy any craving. I personally love the crab cakes, surprisingly so since we aren't on the east coast, but they are worth the trip. Eat at Dawson's on Main, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Chris N.
This place I can see is trying very hard to deliver delicious food in a area that houses mostly run and go eatery's. I found their food delicious in every way and I appreciate the heart and effort they are putting into this establishment.. a definite diamond in the rough..
(5)Denise R.
Although a westsider growing up near Speedway and a Speedway resident for a couple of years as an adult, I hadn't seen the downtown Speedway area in approximately 15 years. I was blown away with the renovation. To top off our visit, we opted to try Dawson's on Main for lunch. Let me start by stating that I prefer independent restaurants to chains, so I jumped at the chance to sample Dawson's. We had a choice of inside or outside, and today would have been a perfect day to sit outside, especially since we noticed a couple of race cars (or the same race car twice) make their way down Main. The clientele was a mixture of people enjoying summer leisure time and professionals in suits. The Speedway area had gotten pretty sketchy 15 years ago, but this little area, at least, felt safe and was quite beautiful. The menu provided for an assortment of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches with a few entrees listed. We all opted for sandwiches -- my daughter ordering the tenderloin, my mother ordering the chicken cordon bleu wrap, and me ordering the Dawson's black & bleu. My daughter also ordered their French onion soup. Since my husband runs a restaurant, I'm a food snob and hoped everything would taste as wonderful as the menu descriptions. I was not disappointed. My daughter's tenderloin was huge and accompanied by a wonderful special sauce. She also raved about the French onion soup, which she said rivaled what her chef father makes. My mother's chicken cordon bleu wrap was fantastic, and my black & blue sandwich which consisted of shaved prime rib, carmelized onions, and special sauce on a wonderfully-fresh bun was incredible. This sandwich was a bit spicy for me, but the fact that I kept eating even when the sides of my mouth stung a little should tell you something. I was stuffed after the first half but just kept on eating until I finished every savory bite. Our meal for three people, including drinks and extra soup, came to about $13 per person. It was well worth it and so much more satisfying than spending the same amount or more at Applebee's up the street. Well done, Dawson's on the Main. We will be back.
(5)Brian C.
Dawson's is one of Speedways best kept secret. Located on Main Street, Dawson's is surrounded by other small businesses in a newly remodeled speedway. I suggest the chicken salad sandwich, and potato soup for lunch. I also suggest their pot roast sandwich, chicken club sandwich and taco salad. The gongaza burger(probably spelling it wrong) is great with their onion rings. Great for business meetings, after work happy hour and definitely a no brainer during racing season.
(5)Mike J.
Grabbed the breaded tenderloin here today. Maybe THE best I've had in the Indy area. Came with nice portion of onion rings for $8.99. Tenderloin was nice and think with a very tasty breading on a brioche bun. Everything I saw looked delicious, will definitely go back to try other items. Menu was varied with enough options it will make most anyone happy but not so much where quality would suffer. Only gave it a four cause I need to see more, but loved it!
(4)James S.
The only good bar in Speedway Dawsons is good, but other than the track, there's no reason to travel to Speedway. If you must go, stop by Dawsons. It's the only good bar in town.
(3)Angie A.
We tried Dawson's this past New Years EVE, and were a little disappointed to find only a limited menu to order from, and the prices on that menu jacked up by at least 25% per item. That being said we very much enjoyed what we did get. I highly recommend the loaded potato cakes, and the smoked blue cheese dressing was to die for! Dawson's is a great addition to the Speedway neighborhood and the west side in general, but I feel they need to tweek a few things to get that 5th star. 1. They need a signature bread. A hearty loaf of 7 grain would be an awesome compliment to their steaks, in stead of the puny little frozen rolls that accompany them now. 2.They need to get rid of the formica table tops! Bring in some wooden tables or better yet, copper topped tables would go a long way to warming up and giving character to a young establishment. 3 A signature dessert wouldn't hurt either. All in all everyone in our party enjoyed their food, and are looking forward to visiting this local shop again, and again.
(4)Todd B.
I am visiting Indianapolis and stumbled on this restaurant from Yelp, and I am glad that I did. What a gem. It was a rare find on the west side, and I was so impressed with the variety of options, the quality of the food, and the generous portions. My pork chop was beautifully presented, and the smoked taste was outstanding. It was a bit more tough than I liked. The specialty french onion soup was outstanding. The wine list was excellent with several options from California, France and South America. I'm returning again before I leave to explore some more culinary options, probably the tenderloin sandwich.
(4)Mark S.
I ate here for the 1st time tonight with my family for dinner. It was at the recommendation of my friend Johnathan, who works at Dawsons. He told me I would like it...well my family LOVED it, even the kids were happy! I wanna eat here all the time....thanks to the owner Tony for making our first visit a happy one!
(5)Scotty Z.
What a great little find! I'm not entirely sure what kind of place they're going for, but it works. Delicious, high-quality food, friendly service, in an atmosphere that's upscale but comfortable, and very far from pretentious. What I liked most about Dawson's was that they had so many entrées that seemed to call out to you. Everything looked good. We had the meat balls for an appetizer (very good), and I tried the Chicken Parmesan (also excellent). I'll definitely be back -- probably to try one of their steaks. They have a Salmon Oscar on the menu, and give you the option to serve any of their already-good-sounding steaks "oscar" style as well. Mmmmm. All in all -- Dawson's is a great gem over in Speedway -- with really easy street parking too. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Kevin M.
Dawson's feels like a nice neighborhood hangout that goes the extra mile. The service was efficient and friendly, and the food tasty and satisfying. I had mussels as an appetizer, and a steak for dinner. A nice selection of beer and wine topped the meal off. A very comfortable place to hang out with friends or dine alone as I did that evening.
(3)Matt H.
Went to this place for the first time and was quite impressed. The decor from the outside didn't really reflect the interior. The interior is a comfy place to be, There is a dining area in the front and a more louge-area in the rear. The lighting was perfect for me, but I could see some people thinking it was dark. Also the place was super clean, always a good sign. Ordered the Blackened Chicken Caesar Wrap (Spinach wrap with grilled blackened chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, red onion, tomato relish and Dawson's signature caesar dressing. Decided to add a French Onion Soup since it was a signature dish, but found it the only disappointing part of my dining experience. My wrap was delicious, the chicken was juicy and the tomato relish added a great sweetness. The wait-staff were excellent. I was seated quickly and courteously and noticed that all the servers were watching out for each other and were always moving, getting orders out, tables cleared, just general restaurant stuff we take for granted. My particular server was quick, pleasant and made me feel welcomed, it being my first time here. I am definitely going back for dinner sometime, mayhaps with a pretty lady next time ;)
(5)David D.
What makes Dawson's on Main stand out is the competition. Here's a slightly funky, independent bar and grill plunked among the chain-saturated streets of the Westside of Indianapolis. Whatever Dawson's is, it's not Applebee's or Chili's or Union Jack's. The food is hearty and savory. We tried the Black & Bleu, a sirloin topped with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions and a Bleu cheese and bacon crust. Formidable and filling. We also tried the horseradish crusted sirloin and the signature soup, an onion soup topped with cheese and mushrooms. What surprised us was the quality of the steamed vegetable medley that accompanied. What you miss from the chains are the ferns and the brass rails. What you gain is the commitment of independent owners who want their place to be something special.
(3)Brian F.
Cute little restaurant on Main Street, Speedway. It's been a great addition to the neighborhood for years and I'm always pleased with the quality of the food. The service is typical of what you'd expect from a small-town diner, and the drinks are a bit overpriced for what you get. The food selection is great! Lots to choose from and moderately priced. For lunch I recommend the French Onion with Bruschetta, if you're dining with a friend. The ambiance is cool, with pretty lighting fixtures and decorative glass sculptures on the walls. Get a booth if you can! Even though the Main Street Redevelopment construction has completely shut down the road, there is still parking on the residential streets off Main Street (only accessible through the neighborhood west of Main Street). My recommendation for a quiet dinner.
(4)Jessica W.
Bad. I asked the waiter if they could do a hot toddy and the answer was no, which is fine, but that should have prompted him to bring me a specialty drinks menu. Nope. I saw everyone drinking these awesome drinks and i looked on my menu and nothing. He forgot about us as well and we waited quite a long time for the bill. The food was good but didn't outshine the crappy service.
(2)Cynthia P.
I have been here many, many times. It's a nice place with a great atmosphere. It can have a wait on really nice nights, especially in the summer. I absolutely loathe any of their entree's. Every time I have ordered one, it has been so salty and sauce/cheese heavy that it lacks any freshness. The meals are just too heavy with loads of garlic, etc. What I DO love and would recommend to ANYONE...........is their wedge salad and their breaded tenderloin sandwich. The tenderloin is the BEST I have every had. It is a fresh piece of pork, pounded flat and then breaded and fried to perfection. It is giant, so plan on sharing it. Also, the wedge salad is just lovely. It comes with bleu cheese and walnuts, I think. I haven't eaten here in a while since I have been a vegetarian (some fish) for over a year, but I do still recommend it to those who eat meat because it is just that good!
(3)Eric S.
Dawson's On Main is a staple of Speedway. The hostess is always friendly which sets the mood for a great lunch or dinner. Their decor is unique with custom stained glass light fixtures and the seating area is large so you can almost always get a booth. Their wraps and sandwiches are terrific, I think the "Moby Dick" fish sandwich and the tenderloin are their best two items. However, I am convinced that everything on their menu is great though, I think I've tried just about everything.
(4)pinche d.
4.5 Star Review Place was recommended to us by a local since we were traveling here for business. This place is a GREAT lunch spot. They have a variety of sandwiches and salads ... so many that you won't have an easy time picking what you want. I'm not sure if this is a mom and pop type of place or if it's a chain but it felt like we were at a unique establishment. Service was prompt and prices were totally reasonable. There's construction going on in front of this place so you may have to park in the neighborhood and walk a few blocks but it's worth the trouble.
(4)Michelle M.
So far they have the Best Nachos in Indy! I ordered mine with the Chile, since I am not able to eat the chicken! We received a very hearty helping of Nachos and would most likely order this every time but ... because their menu offers a great selection I have not had the same thing twice! There should be something for everyone here. If you are into the Wine scene I recommend you going on Tuesdays they have 1/2 price bottles and you can take home what you do not finish there!
(4)Kjirsten K.
I've visited Dawsons a couple times for lunch. They have a great selection of lunch options. I had a bayou chicken salad on one visit and a grilled California chicken sandwich with grilled jalapenos and onions on the other; both were delicious. My dad loves the turkey club, he was impressed that they used real turkey and not processed deli meat. The decor and atmosphere are very nice, definitely nicer than it looks from the outside. The dining room is small and cozy and they have a separate bar area. My parents returned for dinner and said they were just as impressed. The dinner menu features steak, seafood, and pastas. I'm looking forward to returning.
(5)Nicholas R.
Best black and blu burger in the city! Awesome service. Hometown feel with big city flavor
(4)TOMMY o.
Highly Recommended by family members!!! i'm so glad they invited us there, first of all Madison was a great server & my onion soup was to Die For!!! i loved the sauce that accompanied my Salmon Oscar, so nice, my date's steak was tender & delicious, everything all the way around was wonderful!! the cole slaw had little bits of cucumber in it, kicked it up a notch bathroom very clean & trendy. Full Bar Casual, a great place
(5)Jonathan M.
This is a fantastic restaurant. I have been going here for several years and everything I have had on the menu is wonderful. Amazing tenderlion and today I had the moby dick fish sandwich. HUGE! Highly recommended! making a trip to dawsons
(4)Jimmy W.
I used to work just down the street from Dawson's and have been there 3 or 4 times. The service is very good, although it can be a bit slow during lunch on a weekday. The salads are always tasty, and the servers are always accommodating. I would rate Dawson's higher, but it just seems to be missing something that I always look forward to at a restaurant... character! Don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about Dawson's, but for the price, I think you could do better.
(3)Janet S.
Came here for lunch with some coworkers on a weekday. The place was busy, but not packed, we were able to get a table without waiting. It is located right in the middle of all the construction going on on Main Street near the Speedway, so that makes it a little inconvenient, since you have to go around and down the side streets to actually get to the restaurant. They do have some outdoor seating, but with the construction, that's probably not such a great option right now. They serve contemporary American food here and the decor and atmosphere is casual, but I would say more along the lines of "business casual" rather than, say, Denny's casual. The server was prompt and helpful, offering suggestions from the menu and always keeping the drinks filled. I had a chicken salad sandwich and a cup of broccoli soup. While the soup wasn't really anything special, the sandwich was amazing! The chicken salad was great, it had walnuts and cranberries, served on a croissant, and it was huge. I could not even finish half. This restaurant is a great value, considering I had a nice, freshly made sandwich and a bowl of soup for 8 bucks, can't really beat that. The salads and burgers looked great too, my entire party was happy with their meal. Would go back for dinner if I was in the area, but since it is so close to where I work, it's a great place for a leisurely lunch.
(3)Alpesh S.
Great friendly place perfect for a business lunch or for diner. Staff is friendly, but not in your face, and service is quick. They had a small but well stocked bar as well. The menu is a mix of traditional American, but diverse enough that everyone can find something they want. There isn't a stand out item that I have had, but of about 10 different things I have had there, all were good. There is plenty of parking on the street.
(4)Kevin J.
This place is the first great business of a very up and coming Main Street in Speedway. Very nice atmosphere rather you're sitting inside or out. The food compliments the atmosphere, everything is great! They start you our with fresh bread and a olive oil herb dipping sauce. I had the steak and it was great! Me and my family have ate here several times and will continue eating here! It may be pricey, but I don't mind pricey when it is followed through with quality.
(5)Richard H.
Been here a couple of times, and although the service was pretty spotty the last time, this is a nice local place with a varied menu and well-prepared food.
(3)