If I rate food based on what I've tried so far, Delicious: Hotcakes, curly fries, or sour cream fries So-so: cinnamon rolls Not really: French toast :( This restaurant offers good food compared to the price you pay for. And, It's an easy stop if you are looking for somewhere to go to other than a bar at night around Fountain Square area. I wish this place was cleaner though! I feel like it is getting dirtier and dirtier :/
(4)
Heather K.
An iconic greasy spoon diner. Some of their food (for example, the pecan pie) is super great. Some of their food is only good if you don't look at it while you're eating it (like the omelets with slices of American Cheese laid over the top). Nothing here is high-class fare, but everything tastes good. And cheap. Also, you can't tell it when you walk in (because there aren't any of the typical credit card logo stickers anywhere on the door or near the register), but they do take credit cards -- not cash only.
(3)
Bobby N.
Hey! It is a Diner in the most traditional greasy spoon style. A huge griddle kept clean by the chef with either the spatula or the grill scraper. And the coffee lives up to the traditional expectations hot, slightly watery and not fancy at all. I bet the biscuits and gravy recipe here hasn't changed since 1948. It is great. i recommend a half order with an over medium egg on top. Yum. I haven't had it but the french toast or the flap jacks look perfect too. Presentation isn't tops but you will get something very traditional. This is old school and represents something missing in many places. I feel luck to have it in a neighborhood close by. Don't forget to stop in for a slice of pie in the afternoon!!
(4)
Mike S.
This is not your fine dining establishment. It is a neighborhood place with a lot of character. A little further than we (saturday morning breakfast group) like to travel but we continue to keep Peppy Grill on our rotation. You are going to receive a good meal for a fair price. ...and have some entertainment along the way with people watching.
(4)
Chrissy H.
Though most reviews said this was a great spot to soak up a night out, I had heard about their breakfast. My omelet was good...veggie! Daughter thought biscuits and gravy was fine but not anything special. Loved the real diner feel. Real people; real food; no pretense.
(2)
Sam C.
This place has amazing pie! It's a hole in the wall diner but is very charming. If you are in Fountain Square for the evening it's definitely worth trying!
(4)
Phil B.
No frllis hole in the wall greasy spoon. 24/ 7 great for those that do late night and early morning hangovers. Pie was very good. Friendly enough service. Reasonable pricing. They have . A touchtune jukebox which surprized me.
(4)
William Aaron K.
I think this place is legitimately the cutest restaurant, especially for Fountain Square. It has a real at-home feel to it and the sever was great. It makes me think of the restaurants in the area I grew up in Southern Indiana, just a chilled place to chat with a typical southern vibe. It's neat that Peppy's has that chilled vibe, especially in a big city. I ordered the "double cheeseburg" and had a side of the sour cream fries. They were so good and just really had a great comforting feeling. The portion was just perfect. It was enough to fill you up, but not so much to where you had to take leftovers. I personally had a lot of fun at this place and the price was great. It's definitely a restaurant I see myself going to when I'm with a friend late at night or even if I'm by myself and just want to get one of those "hamburgs" again. I wish the weather wasn't so terrible, because I'd love to eat outside.
(5)
Hwan H.
If it wasn't for their terrible attitude I might have likeed it. Sorry your wages or employee engagement sucked so bad that half of your stalf quit but come on!!! You deserve all the recent shit ratings legacy ratings or whatever. 20 minutes both waiting in the line and waiting for a server... At least tell people the situation and we'd be empathetic
(1)
Sudy V.
I would have never gone to this place if I were to decide to go to a breakfast place. In fact this visit was purely an impulsive one. I was in Indy for a day to attend meetings and I usually look for new places to eat and try out especially when I am traveling. One time tested tip: always talk to your cabbie about places to go to eat....My uber cab driver suggested this place to me. When I got down I was in two minds.... The place is old. It was raining and I wasn't very sure... Nevertheless I decided to go in. It is not a dingy place but an old one. The good thing is that they cook right in front of you. The people in the restaurant clearly indicated that this place has been around. It was very "family" if you know what mean. People were chatting away with the owners and it was a good feeling. They have a vintage juke box and there is a separate family seating with glass walls.... I ordered the American breakfast omelette with bacon and hashbrowns. Nothing special to mention was ok. No complaints though. Service was great. Saw a couple of folks with guns holstered up... I guess that is very common. There was a police woman as well. My cabbie told me about some great portion size. Mine was ok. Greasy though. I don't know if I would come back. But it was quite a different experience for me.
(3)
Andrew O.
This place would be alright if they just tried a LITTLE BIT. Unfortunately, zero effort goes into your service or your food. Want cheese on your hash browns? You get a cold slice of american tossed on top. They couldn't even leave it over the griddle for an extra 5 seconds to melt the cheese just a little bit. I don't get the purpose of going here for cheap, lazy food. The quality is commensurate with them finding the cheapest ingredients possible on the market. The bacon sucks, the toast sucks. Its hard to mess up an egg but I'm sure they probably came from diseased chickens if they could save a buck. Make yourself eggs and toast at home and at least you'll have a clean plate to eat off of.
(1)
Trevor-n-Aliza P.
The perfect 24 hour breakfast spot on our road trip! For what it is - an old school diner catering to both young bar-goers and old regulars - the food exceeds expectations. The french toast hits the spot and the eggs over easy are masterful. We can't help but love the run down authentic feel of this joint.
(3)
Scott P.
I'm pretty grateful I snuck into this place while concatenating a grueling yet pleasant day. It was exactly what I was looking for. The late hours struck, yet "dinner" didn't sound good. A few beers proudly pointed toward breakfast food. Pleasant, ample portions were served in a timely and pleasant/attentive fashion. An extensive menu allowed me the ability to order several things and really not spend too much. If memory serves correct, I had a full order of biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, hash goodness, a milk shake and a water. I'm not sure how it took so long to arrive here, but I'm sure I'll be back.
(4)
Cassie S.
My go-to diner in Indy. We all need a 24-hour, eat-breakfast-at-anytime place in our lives. Peppys does it. The staff is compromised of super heroes. I have seen them battle large, drunk crowds in the middle of the night with composure and a smile. Food is always delicious (and the good kind of greasy). Try the sour cream fries. Stay for the people watching. Also, the only reason for four instead of five stars is the joint is pretty small. Sometimes, you will have to wait for a table.
(4)
Trena T.
What? You think 3 stars is way overstating the case for this place? Whatever. Look. It's a 24 hour diner. It is what it is. It's dingy, y'all. The food is on the greasy side. Sometimes the service is good, sometimes it's not. But it's a 24 hour diner. You can go there ANY TIME and get, not only food, but probably some solid entertainment from the folks that wander in. It changed owners a few months ago; they now have wi-fi and these sour cream and chive potato wedges that are pretty amazing. The coffee is good. If they're busy and a regular sees you're waiting, said regular may come over and fill your coffee instead of a server. It's a good place to stop for breakfast after a long bike ride through the city, which is what we do on the regular. Last weekend, they were so busy, we had to wait for a table. Chances are, someone from the neighborhood will talk to you while you're there, or you'll get pulled into a conversation at a different table. Go with it.
(3)
Jon C.
I always get a little worried when I see a sign claiming "under new management" at one of my usual watering holes. So, when I pulled up and saw the sign, I figured everything there would be changes. I just hoped the staple items that pulled me into Peppy's to begin with were left untouched. I was pleased. The food is the same, but the prices have increased slightly. Want to do take out? You'll pay an extra 10% fee. I don't remember this from before. Granted, who the hell carries out biscuits and gravy at 3 in the morning after drinking? One big difference you'll see is the cleanliness. Yeah... It's still a greasy spoon, but they've scraped off the grease that was stuck to the walls and windows (and menus). At 2:00 am after a long night of drinking, the biscuits and gravy hit the spot... Regardless of who the owners are!
(3)
Mark C.
It's everything you want in a hole in the wall joint and I t's a staple in Fountain Square! Sure, it's a little greasy looking in the kitchen, but you aren't going out for breakfast or after the bars for a salad...it's delicious! Biscuits and gravy are killer
(4)
Angeleka D.
On a very early Saturday morning, 3am eastern standard drunk time, I rolled over to the Peppy's on 10th street. I used to live on 13th so no biggie when they mentioned a robbery the month before in case we are "worried". At that point someone would have to pry burgers and fries out of my cold hands if they thought they could! I ordered an omelet that possibly changed my life. I would have sold my granny's ring for two more! Juicy chicken breast, hot grilled peppers and onions, with american cheese and the perfect egg..I was on cloud 10 and not coming down unless it was for thirds. For the next two weeks, I went on raving to all my friends to try Peppy Grill and invite me when they do! So going to the one in fountain square, I had on stretchy pants and sunnies like a boss- a food boss in search of the best meal old peppy has ever made...omelet me!!!! When they said they don't have "the chicken kind", I fainted - got up - and fainted again. No for real, check my pulse!! Chicken and eggs are like grapes and wine to me, and I'm probably drunk right now off both, but that's ok! I encourage everyone to enjoy the finer things in life! I ordered schmordered a Western and hash browns. My friends also had French Toast, scrambled eggs, with bacon, and two eggs over easies. It doesn't take much to make me happy, so when I see the hash browns on the skimpier side I was a little displeased. Honestly, I just was bitter from the aforementioned. Really. The meal was delicious, I added more salt and pepper... The coffee was good too. The restaurant itself is pretty neat/clean with a cramped bathroom. I want to take the time to thank the chefs for putting up with me and all my begging. I think if I could change one thing it would be that weird window on the upper dining area. Trust me it's weird. You may like it here...some nights are better than others. Have fun, and don't have super high expectations. This place is like one of those all day diners you come to when you haven't first thought of someplace else.
(4)
Shane M.
When you just dont care, peppy's is there. If you need some food they do the job just fine. It is open 24/7 so thats nice. And it is the local drunk tank so thats nice too.
(2)
Kimmi M.
I have to be honest. I've only ever been here when I was drunk, schnockered, intoxicated, sauced, or had been awake for more than 24 hours and needed an intravenous injection of the perfect greasy food. I always get the corned beef hash plate. It's delicious when you are in one of the above states. I've never tried anything else. My intoxicated self is VERY particular. Good coffee, can get full on peak drunk times. Please be cognizant of the servers and don't hang around too long so they can turn tables and make some cash.
(3)
Sydney A.
I love this place. I went here before my senior prom. And I'll go here all the time after swing dancing at the fountain square theater. The service and food has always been good. I've never been disappointed.
(5)
Dylan E.
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but you can get a pretty accurate idea of what this place is going to deliver by the older building, classic sign, and 24 hours advertisement displayed on the window. It's fits the definition of a greasy spoon perfectly, and when you're looking for a place to get yourself together before heading home that has a large selection of items to soak up some alcohol and clog your arteries after the bars close, this is one of the better places to do it. I finally made it here after a long night of drinking. We sat down at one of the booths and looked over the menu. I went with the biscuits and gravy, as it seems to be one of their specialties. The biscuits were microwaved, the gravy was scooped out of a heated tray that I'm sure was made well ahead of time from a powder mix, and the combination of the two satisfied my craving better than anything else could have. The prices are pretty low, and the atmosphere is that of a traditional American diner. If you order any menu item that can be stored frozen, odds are very good that it will have been stored frozen. Pretty much anything that needed cooked is prepared on their large flattop grill right next to the seating area, so you can see it all get put together which is fun. They have waiter service that kept us taken care of, and at the end of the meal you pay at a cash register. I probably need to make it here outside of the 2-3AM time frame and when I am actually sober to give it a completely fair review, but I don't ever see there being a situation outside of those boundaries in which I can convince myself that this is the kind of place and type of food I want to eat given the variety of other options during normal business hours. That being said, I'm glad that this place is available when I do find myself in a situation that only Peppy's can help with.
(3)
Rob M.
Fast and friendly service. A clear mix of regulars and new folks, which is where we wow fit. While we were there for a Monday dinner we saw the cook make at least three kinds of potato sides by hand. I had the BLT, which turned out to be a double Decker and very good. My wife had the sausage and sauerkraut special and said it would make her German family proud. Bonus was that kids eat free on Monday and Tuesday, so we got our daughter's grilled cheese, which she loved, for free. Will definitely swing by again on our travels.
(5)
Kat H.
Holy moly. Seriously the best place ever. It's always open. The guys that run the place treat you like you've been buddies for years. it's a good place to soak up booze after you've been at the white rabbit. The food is exactly what you think it to be, but it's always fresh and I've never complained about any of it ever. They have carry out, great location, I come here every time I'm inn fountain square. Indianapolis is always a changing city, you never know which bar or restaurant is going to close. I seriously hope this place is here forever.
(5)
Brian T.
Ate there on a Sunday night, around 11pm. Quick, courteous friendly service, the omelet was huge! Great prices. I'll be back!
(5)
Madison D.
As far as the bold personalities of hole in the wall diners go, Peppy's Grill was actually quite an interesting trip! Just past the happening area of Fountain Square sits a little old diner. If your expectations are not high, then your expectations are good. The highlight of this trip is the company your bring, the personality that you allow to grow on you and the fact that you can watch the food being made right in front of you. Also, I've been told about the super cool jukebox, which somehow I overlooked. This diner is definitely on the list for a repeat visit for the nights when you have the munchies, or if it's one of the college nights:) I would always recommend to take a few buddies. Being a teenage college girl, my first impression of location was a little rough of the area. I feel no matter what you order, you will be delighted! If grease is what you are looking for, you've come to the right place!
(4)
Will W.
Peppy Grill is a favorite late night stop for myself and friends. We almost always go after midnight and seem to get the same crew every time. These guys are awesome! I don't know their names, but the guy who does most of the cooking is a frickin' wizard. Our orders are always correct, even when they've got people standing shoulder to shoulder at 3 am (yeah, it happens more often than you think). The food is simple, traditional diner food: breakfast anytime; greasy, delicious burgers; and steak sandwiches. You really can't go wrong with anything, but I recommend getting whatever is on special. Also, snatch a rueben when they have them.
(5)
Mark L.
Wow, amazing food. Great service. Real food. You must experience it for yourself. Not for the faint at heart!!!
(5)
Brandon D.
The food was okay -- not as tasty as I would expect from a diner like this. It is a classic greasy spoon -- sort of dark and dirty, but that great hole-in-wall feel. Both the hot cakes and french toast were bland. Our bacon was good. The hot chocolate and coffee were great! But we had to ask for ice water, and we had to request refills -- I'm a firm believer that a coffee cup should never go empty in a small diner, and mine did (for a while). If you need late-night food, I'd recommend Peppy's, but if you have other options, I'd explore them first.
(3)
Rex S.
Now that Indy is smoke free this is a great breakfast place to visit. I have been coming here 30+ years and always only had the breakfast. It is 24 hours, the servers attitude can be a little rough around the edges at times and service a little slow when busy. However that is the beauty and somewhat the culture that makes this place great.
(4)
Stephanie D.
You get what you get so don't throw a fit. That's what I tell my kids at school. You know what to expect when you walk in here. The typical frozen patty and huge hotcakes. But seriously. There is not a diner that does biscuits and gravy better than Peppy's. Thank you. When I'm drunk at 2 or 3 am in the Square, I know where to go. There's always the regulars that live around here or people like me who go there when you've had a little too much. (At least I can walk home though!!) So other than seeing my drunk a** there, enjoy the biscuits and gravy and the sights and sounds and random people of the Square.
(3)
Brittany S.
If you remember anything from this review, remember the following music (played on the Peppy jukebox) pairs perfectly with biscuits and gravy, an egg and toast at 2 in the morning. And I insist upon this order to maximize enjoyment. Rolling Stones, Beast of Burden: Start things off slow, place your order with the unfriendly server. I'm thinking his unfriendliness is because he wrongly believes you're too gone to a.) give a shit or b.) remember. Or a combination of the two. Dixie Chicks, There's Your Trouble: I suppose I was really feeling in the mood for some violin and twang. I won't lie I grew up with the trio of blondes, but I never imagined as an upright child that one day I'd be sitting in a diner (half-cocked) at two in the morning in Fountain Square pounding biscuits while putting on my own Dixie Chicks reunion tour in Booth #2. As for the biscuits, egg and toast - perfect in the greasiest and cheapest of ways. Just what I wanted. Finally, I recommend that you lick the plate clean with Rolling Stones, Shattered (at this point the "entire" restaurant will be singing with you and there will be no holding back when you and Mick J yell "sex and sex and sex and sex! Look at me! I'm in tatters...") No, seriously...don't be shy - I wasn't.
(4)
Bre S.
Give this place the stars for what it is. FYI -anyone who snobs them is too under-educated in food to review. If you come here at 10 am or pm, you're an idiot. If you're looking for a place to go at 2 am on a weeknight cause you just stopped working and realized that you haven't eaten all day, hell ya. They will be so sweet to you, understanding of your plight and accommodating to you that the biggest of burly men will nearly cry. if you come here on a weekend at 2 am and bitch, God help you. You are a dumbass and speaking from someone that used to put up with you, you don't deserve a voice.
(5)
Kathleen K.
Yum! Service is hit or miss depending on how busy the place is, but your food will be delicious no matter what!
(4)
Thomas B.
I frequent Peppy's with some good friends often. I can't say I've ever had bad food here. Their breakfast is phenomenal. If you want good biscuits & gravy, stop by!
(5)
Steve W.
You get what you see. Late night breakfast food to minimize your hangover, alternative but nice crowd, and good breakfast food.
(4)
Laura L.
What's not to love about Peppy's?? My first visit was many years ago after the bars close, but now we live nearby and it's definitely the place to go when you just need a fix of all the food that's bad for you. All the breakfast items are great, but the sour cream fries and hand-dipped milkshakes are amazing.
(4)
Jordan B.
This place is awesome the food is always good the outside of the building is a little intimidating but don't like that stop you the employees are awesome and the service is great. For sure best breakfast spot in fountain square.
(5)
Telissa C.
I love that Peppy's is always open. They have pie. All kinds of pie for that late night sweet tooth. Maybe you don't want pie late at night. That's ok they have standard breakfast stuff and an ok dinner menu. The dinner menu isn't for vegetarians at all but hey it is what it is. I don't consider this place to be "cheap" though. $7.50 for 2 eggs, some toast, and potatoes and bacon is not costly but not cheap either. And the delicious pie is a hair under $4 a slice. I have never had any issues with service here. In fact I am always amazed at how well the late night person handles it all.
(2)
Brandon S.
Not sure why anyone raves about this place. I think its because they are intoxicated almost every time they eat here. Its a greasy spoon with poor ingredients and an unfriendly staff from my experiences. Biscuits and gravy are crap like most breakfast places and taste like gelatin gravy from a can. Edible? Yes, but ill eat anything. People that rave about it must have a gutter palate and a exceptional knowledge about food..... I heard there are a few things people LOVE here and although I won't seek this place out EVER Im sure I will end up here late night at some point in my life again to try these select few items.
(2)
Brittany L.
If I were to come across Elvis, alive, somewhere in Indy, this would be the place it would be least surprising. I saw a Johnny Cash look-alike there the other night with his lady friend (who looked NOTHING like June Carter Cash). Generally, I go for the pie. Coconut cream, Reese's cup...such delicious pie. Not Ralph's good, but then Ralph's is only open 5 days a week whereas Peppy Grill is ALWAYS open. Service has been surprisingly friendly. If I need eggs and bacon, and I need them at 2am, you better bet your sweet ass this is where I'm heading.
(4)
Christina G.
After a First Friday dinner debacle, we trudged down the street to Peppy Grill. We had two kids in tow who needed dinner pronto! We found a table super quick and the waitress got our order in as fast as she could! But, it's hard to explain to a two year old that the food is on its way. Thankfully super waitress understood our dilemma and showed up at the table with cracker packages! Disaster averted! We ordered your standard diner fare, burgers and fries. Grilled cheese for the boys. We got exactly what we expected. The cook cuts the fries right before dropping them in the fryer. The milkshakes are yummy! Maybe I'll make plans to do a night of drinking in the Square to test them on their late night alcohol induced dining experience. But, I have no complaints so far!
(3)
Jason R.
Peppy Grill is your standard late night greasy spoon. After a night of heavy drinking in Fountain Square, you're most likely going to end up here. The menu is basically what you'd expect at an IHOP or Dennys with lots of breakfast foods, diner standards, and random cheeseburgers and chicken fingers thrown in for good measure. The food in general is pretty forgettable, but you're most likely there sobering up, so it doesn't really matter. The divey/diner atmosphere is A-OK in my book and they are open 24 hours a days which is a definite plus ... but it's just an end of the nighter in my book.
(2)
Daniel M.
If you enjoy a good greasy spoon diner, then this is the place for you. The food is reasonably priced and comes in fair servings.
(4)
Brandon C.
Great food & service. Will certainly return. The definition of a perfect 'greasy spoon.'
(5)
Leo M.
*DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE* The place is a dump, understaffed with 2 servers and 1 cook on a busy Sunday morning. Employees do not use gloves when handling food, and they go from cracking an egg to picking up the phone to handling cash and back to slicing potatoes. The severs look high on drugs and have very poor appearance. During my visit their waffle machine was broke and my daughters could not eat the waffles they ordered. My daughter wanted bacon instead of sausage and they said they couldn't change that. We waited 50 minutes for our food since the moment she took the order. They don't give coloring paper or anything special to the kids and honestly the kind of people that go to this place are awful. The food was not too bad but I won't be coming back.
(1)
E J.
Peppys is under new management. The place is cleaner, servers are nice (seems like they replaced most of previous staff), and food is just as good. Unfortunately the prices have gone up with a reduced menu selection. Not many breakfast combo items and a la carte items start at $3.95.
(3)
Marissa L.
Even if we did not grow up in the 50's we still get nostalgic for a great diner that just reeks of America - Peppy's has that! They also have some great cheeseburgers that pair perfectly with a stomach full of cheap domestic beer. A perfect portion size that fills you up without leaving you wondering where your money went is the type of food you'd expect from just a cozy little joint. So the next time you drink too much at any of the numerous places in fountain square and need to sober up, stumble your way down to Peppy's and have yourself a congratulatory burger for a night well done.
(4)
Jayelynn W.
This is a great place for a lot of reasons; the food, the staff and the gravy! I usually go on Saturday or Sunday mornings before 9am when it starts to get crowded. I only go for breakfast since they have the best greasy spoon biscuits and gravy in town. If I'm really hungry, I'll do a half order of biscuits and gravy, plus two eggs, hashbrowns and bacon. Since they're open 24 hours, it makes for a great stop on your way home after a night on the town. The staff makes you feel like family and are always cracking jokes with the customers. Tangy is always giving my Dad a hard time and Jeff keeps us updated on how fast his little girl is growing up. If you're in Fountain Square and craving diner food; stop and enjoy!
(4)
Patti C.
Always a good time @ Peppy's and a little curious who is Peppy? Every visit is fun for me in this little neighborhood and all it's eclectic people. I like that you can watch the food prepared a booth away, the nice lady who prepares each meal like you were right at home. We travel from very near Greenwood but worth the trip for some truly good diner food and friendly ambiance.
(4)
Megan W.
Typical late night post drinking greasy spoon. The service is quick and proficient. The atmosphere is a small down diner. I had real strawberry milkshake that really was too thick to drink with a straw. My fries were unfortunately raw and could have used a few more minutes in the frier. The new owners did introduce themselves as we ate. One down fall. In a local late night eatery you really never know what type to people you are going to run into. There was an older gentleman who had apparently passes out at his table and there was quiet a ruckus to get him to pay his bill and leave.
(3)
Andrew D.
I finally have made it to Peppy and of course it was at 2 in the morning. We brought the dog along with us and sat outside to enjoy the summer night. I had the biscuits and gravy which was huge, cheap and delicious. I also tried the pancakes as well, they were also huge and cheap, but they didn't quite meet delicious. They were a little too bready and overdone a tad. The service was good considering the time of night and behavior of people who are out that time of night. I will definitely be back, hopefully during daylight hours some time, but then again maybe not.
(4)
Keith H.
My wife and I went here today for the first time to eat breakfast. Needless to say, we were impressed!!! We liked the nostalgic feel of the place. They have a jukebox with a lot of great music. The cooks/waiters were very friendly and if you sit close enough they'll even chat with you. The breakfast was excellent!!! I had the french toast with a side order of eggs and my wife had eggs, toast, and hash browns! I enjoyed every bite of the french toast! They were made with cinnamon and topped with powdered sugar! BEST FRENCH TOAST EVER! Another great thing about Peppy, is their prices are awesome! Our breakfast only cost us $11.00! We can't wait to try out their lunch and dinner! If you're ever around the area at any time, because they're open 24 hours a day, you gotta try Peppy Grill. It's definitely worth it!
Peppy's is so charming; places like this just don't exist anymore. A small diner located in Ft. Square. Lots of locals, 24 hour breakfast, huge portions, and friendly service. My pancakes were huge and they were served with a mound of bacon. In the future, I will go for a short stack and the bacon is enough for 2 to share. I now have a reason to leave the house on a Sunday morning. Rock on, Peppy's Grill, rock on.
Service is good. The customers are a lil sketchy. You get all types of people. Food is just mediocre. I think there's room for improvement. However, when it's 3 AM and you want some cheap sort of home cooked meal then this place is for you. It's very reasonably priced for the amount of food that they serve you.
(3)
Adam C.
Think waffle house minus any corporate rules, not somewhere I would ever eat again. Yes drunk people will eat anything, but if it is really bad they will only eat it once. The chili was nuked and was so hot I was still unable to eat it after 15 minutes on the table.
(1)
Mak J.
I mean, you can pretty much get me with any place that serves biscuits and gravy at a time that I might be drunk. I went here sober, though. It was exactly what I thought it would be. Your typical neighborhood greasy spoon. I thought it was a little pricy for what it was (anywhere that has Wonderbread in plain sight should not be commanding more than $10 for anything) but again I was sober. I am sure if I go back again drunk, I will love it.
(3)
Aditya S.
biggest thing they have going for them is that they are open 24 hours. now the food they have and the prices are absolutely perfect for a late night snack after a night out in town. they serve your typical breakfast omlettes etc. but what i thought was really good was the double cheeseburger. it was very tasty and i could not tell whether it was because i was drunk or it was really good. this time when i went there they took an awfully long time to serve the food and it took them close to 35 mins to get an omelette and cheeseburger. The jukebox too ate my 5 bucks and although i did get it back from them, the volume of the songs was too low and could not hear the selected songs. still next time i am in that part of town and wandering around at any time past migdnight i will stop by to get a bite to eat and see if can get my food quicker and actually taste the food.
(3)
Matt H.
So...went for breakfast today and still as satisfied as I was two days ago when we went for dinner! The pancakes are freakin' "GINORMOUS", I almost finished them but had to throw in the towel! I got bacon with my pancakes they were good as well. This place plain and simple "Knows how to make breakfast!" Trust me they DO NOT skimp on the pancakes!
(5)
Molly T.
Don't be fooled by the pretty blue exterior of one Peppy grill. These folks aren't going to smile and welcome you in with open arms. They are more likely to step outside for a smoke break as you walk in the door and make you wait 5 minutes before they let you get some coffee. Sound like a fun place? It sure is. No, really. Going to Peppy Grill is nothing short of a cultural experience. I don't know any other Indy restaurant (that's kindof a stretch) at which you can actually watch the cooks make your eggs in front of you (warning - may involve a microwave). A menu that probably hasn't changed since 1972. Squeaky red pleather booths and a jukebox that may or may not work. Someone's childhood toys nailed to the walls. The world's smallest wood paneled bathrooms. But there are 3 primary reasons why Peppy Grill is awesome: It's cheap It's open 24 hours There are grits. It may be rough around the edges, but Peppy's will keep me coming back for a long time.
(4)
Aaron W.
No local, artisan or organic ingredients here. What they do use is executed very well. Especially the eggs. Wow. Well done on the massive, fluffy pancakes too. Always had friendly if somewhat gritty service here. Love it.
(4)
Yvonne M.
This is an interesting place. The folks there ( abou 60 ish y/o regulars) were very welcoming and friendly. It's a small place and the menu was simple. They serve breakfast 24/7 and also some sandwiches. My bf and I ordered a hamburger with chips ($3:35), and a cod fillet sandwich with fries. The reason that I gave a 3 star was that I love how traditional this place is, the friendliness of the people there, and the cheap prices more than the food itself. But I've yet to taste their breakfast. I'll update my reviews after trying them.
(3)
Libbie V.
Sonnet for Peppy Grill, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.". One, for thou being in the finest location in Indianapolis, that being Fountain Square. Two, for thou being open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Three, for thine menu that can satisfy any intoxicated or sober soul that desires delicious diner fare. Four, for thine Western Omelet and thine sour cream fries and thine Patty Melt all of which bring tears of joy to this humble reviewer. Five, for thine mysterious black potion labeled as 'coffee' that has perplexed many and caused multitudes of arguments as to whether it is great or horrible. Six, for thine sacred jukebox filled with lovely ballads of old and new. Music to eat and rejoice by. Amen.
(4)
Benjamin H.
Peppy grill has been a staple of late night dining for years and hopefully will continue. I'm a breakfast food fanatic and Peppy is the perfect spot for me to fulfill that obsession. Sure it's dirty and full of crazy people, but I don't want it to be any other way. Advice: AVOID on Friday or Saturday between 3-5am, it's consistently full of the worst post-bar people that could ever exist. Get your "WOO!!!" out of my face and go back where you came from.
(4)
Michael C.
Was taken to this place by friends. What an amazing experience! Some of the best food I've had in a long time. Tastes like your Momma cooked it. Can't wait to go back many times.
(5)
Tim W.
Okay, yes, it's a greasy spoon. But it's exactly what you want a greasy spoon to be. It's small and if you sit in the right booth you can tap the grill cook on the shoulder to remind them to add pickle to that burger but you also get to watch your food being prepared. The dishwasher took our order (I knew he was the dishwaser because the place is so small you could help him spray off dishes from your seat if you wanted.) I had the pancakes. I don' t need no stinkin' short stack, I wanted the full stack. Oops. As I watched the grill cook pour on four ladles of batter once and then again for the second pancake, I knew I was in trouble. These are LARGE pancakes. Delish - crusty on the outside soft like a muffin on the inside. But when the fry cook started out on pancake number three I knew I was defeated. Short stack next time. My friend had a burger and an order of their sour cream fries. They're like home fries with the skin on and coated in something sour cream-y and then deep frieds. Served with ranch dressing for dipping or drizzling. The burger and my breakfast sausage were taken out the cooler so they're not fresh from the farm in any stretch of the imagination, but they were good. The fry cook did not wear gloves when handling the cheese to put on the burger which I think is a health code violation. Any germs on their hand would not be cooked out of the cheese that was added at the last minute. A couple cops came in to eat while we were there, which I took as a good sign. Since Peppy's is open 24/7 and I'm a night owl, I am sure I'll be back
(4)
Jammy S.
'And really bad eggs..." The novelty is different than the reality. --------- The novelty is greasy spoon for drunk folks or someone in search of cheap artery packing. The reality is the pie is almost always bad, the eggs are bad, the bacon is inconsistent, and if you eat too many egg burgers (cheese burger with a fried egg on top) and sour cream fries you're going to either die or add a tire. :-D I say these things as a many year veteran of Always Being Peppy.
(2)
Lucy F.
I agree with Benjamin H. There are some really interesting people here at 3am... Totally avoid it if you can! But other than that, this place is GREAT for breakfast or a late night dinner/food run. My friend always gets the burger with extra cheese and I love the waffles or eggs with hasnbrowns. The hasbrowns are not soggy and gross like some diners, but they're nice and crispy on the outside, which I can still never seem to do lol
(4)
Rachael W.
Best spot for late night drunk food. Open 24 hrs, 7 days a week. The employees are very patient, b/c I am sure a vast majority of the customers are wasted on one thing or another. This thought always helps me tip excessively while I am here. Love the juke box, dinner music. I like the sour cream fries, if I recall correctly... The portions are huge! Took my boyfriend there for the first time after a night of drinking and made a believer out of him. I generally go for the breakfast when I am there, but the patty melt is awesome! Good people watching at any time of day. The weekends get a little obnoxious with all the drunks.
(4)
Jon A.
People from the VFW call here. I want to be in that pompatus of awesome. Oh, and how I was for a short blip. I pop in to Peppy on a snowy Saturday morn' and they're busy! Oh, and before I know it... it's Joshua C "JugoMugo!" havin' the same damn fine idea as myself -- breakfast! I pull up at the counter. A true first hand experience of all the pep. Outta gravy? Oh yeah, watch this! Queen Peppy orders loads of sausage on the griddle and goes to work. D'you know people call in orders to places like this? I had no idea. As I was sitting there for 30 minutes, I'd say they took & served at least 6 call-in orders. I thought this was really strange. Some of them were orders that the people knew they'd eat there, but they'd order it in advance so they'd get their food right when they got there. I mean... what's the rush? At any rate, I always want an over-easy egg on top of everything I eat, sometimes drink (I'm not kidding), and usually I have to request it and get a weird look; here, suggested! Yes! I'm holding out for the 5th star because I'll be back for a burger. I know it's gonna be amazing. I saw some come off the griddle at 11am; they'll be even better at 11pm.
(4)
Dan C.
Great environment and great food! Our waitress and cook are very nice. I try to go at least once a month. Open 24 hours and can have breakfast at anytime. A must place to go to.
(5)
Joshua C.
It's a diner. They serve tasty breakfast with some Fountain Square attitude. Don't try to make a custom omelette because they will charge you a fortune. I wanted a bacon, egg, and cheese omelette. I will say that it was quite tasty and filled with those ingredients, but $16? Really?
(2)
Brad W.
If you ONLY like "fancy", "uppity", "posh" places to eat; don't go here! However, I LOVE the food here. It is the type of "greasy spoon" sort of food that the midwestern born/raised in me grew up on. Some of the best biscuits and gravy, and you can't beat the portions that you get for very little cost. The burgers are good too! The type of food you finish a late night with or the first meal in the morning after a late night. When you go, say hello to Angie....she is a riot and will treat you right!
(5)
DeAnna P.
Our server had a cold and kept coughing near the food and not covering her mouth. I was starving so bad that I sucked it up and ate anyway. The burger was really good, but the place was so germy and gross, I'd have to be REALLY drunk to be willing to go back again.
(1)
Maureen H.
Love this place! My friend lives nearby, in Fountain Square, and sometimes we drop in for a cup of coffee or quick bite to eat. It's a true, "old school", diner with lots of neighborhood regulars. Food is pretty good and fairly priced. They have all of the breakfast standards, large selection of sandwiches, and daily "comfort food" specials. It's a cool little place.
(3)
Sunah K.
We tried this place since it was one of the only places open 24 hours in Indy. We stopped in around 3AM on Sat nite/Sun am after a late night of work. The inside was a little dirty and small but over half full. We sat at an empty table and waited almost 20 minutes just to get a menu since they didn't have any free ones left. We got some eggs, toast, and bacon and oatmeal. The oatmeal was cooked in the microwave and was bland and gross. The rest was ok, but definitely not what we were expecting from all the good reviews. We definitely won't be back and will actually avoid at all costs. Dennys was a lot better the next night.
(1)
John W.
well we went here tonight since it is so hard to find a late night place that isnt the usual chain garbage. While I wont say this is something spectacular it was decent. I think my biggest problem here was portion size, dont charge me $2.50 for 12 tater tots. and then gouge me for a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top as well. I ordered the cheeseburger, it was supposed to be 1/4 pound, not even close. it was about the size of mcdonalds small cheeseburger and it was a frozen patty. My friend ordered the bacon club which is really just a BLT and it was good he said. Sandwiches come with chips if you do not order something else. They had Pepsi products. that was major bonus points with us. The sign on the door said new management, so we asked about that and the cook said it was true. And while they have lowered the prices a little they cut the portions to extremely small to match that price cut so its nto any better value. We were the only people in the place at midnight but it was Sunday night and it was snowing outside. if i were in the area again i would stop here but it is by no means a must visit place. usually a diner like this would be known for homemade things and everything here is frozen or bought from somewhere else and served. like the pies, while they are great, they do not make them here. they are now only $2.50 per slice but the new slices are like 2 bites. The cook was the only person there and he was nice enough. I think next time i would get the blt club. it seemed better than my burger did. dont set your expectations too high and you will be ok. (we were not drinking so that probably has something to do with it as well)
(3)
Josh M.
Tonight was my first time at the Peppy Grill. To be honest, I was impressed. I pass by this place ALL THE TIME but NEVER swing in. My food was under 10 bucks and this is one of the few places in Indy that has Barq's Red Cream Soda. This place is understaffed but very well taken care of. Go, Enjoy and eat some good food!
(5)
Katie B.
Love the all day breakfast, which is way too hard to come by in Indy. It's not gourmet or healthy but it's good and very cheap. And open 24 hours a day.
(4)
Courtney B.
I have only been here once, but I loved it! Great cheeseburger and fries (I don't even like fries!).
(4)
Beth W.
The staff was great!...food not so much. Although might hit the spot after a long night of drinking. It was a little greasy for me. The place was a little dirty too, but they had good fries!
(2)
Casey R.
Spent many a late night in this place...GREAT jukebox and the food hits the spot! Don't be surprised if you walk in there at 4am and its full of cops and drunks! Sour cream fries are delicious and perfect to soak up all the booze you have in your system! Staff isn't going to blow your mind with customer service but they are not unfriendly by any means! Enjoy!
(4)
Jim B.
09/07/09 1215a - My firstest visit to Peppy Grill. Waitress recommended the sour cream fries and I was intrigued and they were good. Tuna salad, sour cream fries, diet coke, pie for dessert. When jukebox is off the silence is a wonderful thing. No wifi but that's okay I suppose.
(4)
Kami L.
This place is crazy to me. It's like a total time warp inside. I love that it's open 24 hours, we don't have nearly enough of those here in Indy. The food is always delicious and fairly priced, although not really as dirt cheap as you might expect from the outside. Overall it was, in two words, HELLA GOOD.
(4)
Chris M.
Peppy Grill reminds me of my childhood vacations during which my family would pull over after an all night drive in search of awesome truck stop diners. This place is old, small and full of character. I love the signs hung up on the walls... "If a$$holes could fly, this place would be an airport". Classic. Also classic are the biscuits and gravy. The gravy is peppery and full of huge sausage chunks. Some of the best I've had. The sausage patties were big and delicious enough to steer me toward a pork induced coma. This place need not change a thing. They even open their bread by ripping a hole in the package instead of untwisting the twist-tie. Peppy Grill does not give a F#@%.
(5)
TOMMY o.
with Betty's Dry Wit & Joey's lighting speed, the fun has Just Begun!!! this 24/7 is a Parade of Characters !!! working Late Nights, i usually drop in here near the bar closing hour, i think i spent all last summer there, they MisNamed the Short Stack!! it's one platter full of pancakes, i love it with a variety of sausages on the side you're bound to see every walk of life here, from policemen to big belt buckled people to well, you name it, my b/f reminded me of a Gypsy woman we meet there one night, people you would Never run into in life but Here it's Fun PIES!!!!
(5)
Nikono K.
Greasy spoon, but not that good. There are better places to eat in fountain square.
(2)
Ryan H.
THE ultimate, blue collar, off the radar diner, Peppy Grill has more charm than most chic places combined. Known for its local crowd of Fountain Square folks, as well as the working class who stops in before or after work, the Peppy is one of my favorite places to have breakfast. Open 24 hours a day, you just never know who you're going to see in there, and the small, quaint atmosphere really makes you feel like you're in a TV show diner. The breakfast is great, the service is friendly, and the jukebox has Patsy Cline. They've even had local bands in there doing interviews with magazine writers. Need I say more? Be sure to get into Peppy Grill next time you're in the Fountain Square area, regardless of the time of day. Right around the corner from Radio Radio, so if you've been gettin down at a rock show, bounce to the Grill for breakfast afterwards to refill the empty stomach.
(5)
Alison C.
Peppy wins for being open 24/7. People watching is always fun, and the greasy food is great when you need to soak up some alcohol in your belly. I really love the waitresses too. It seems like they never leave. They are all really tough.
(4)
a e.
It gets 5 stars for being one of the very few late-night/early a.m. sit-down and hang-out spots near downtown. Plus it's got all the things you expect to find in a 24 hour joint: Short order cooks with a second sense for the grill, Deep fryers ready to transform freshly-cut sticks of potatoes into french fries, A jukebox with a curious selection of music, An abundance of snarky signage and just enough seating -- indoors and outdoors (should you prefer to smoke while dining). It's typical diner fare that'll give you a decent fill in under $10, like a huge fried or grilled tenderloin, hamburgers, cheeseburger, chicken fingers, gigantic pancakes, omelets. The fried chicken never disappoints, and their lunch specials are worth checking out, too. If you've got an aversion to grease they've been known to whip up a more than descent salad (served with packets of salad dressing, of course) and they have things like chicken salad and tuna salad, too. The lunchtime cold plate is said to be good. Of course, there's bound to be appearances by the artsy folk taking over Fountain Square and a good share of those "it's after last-call but I don't wanna go home yet" patrons and cops -- can't forget them -- in addition to The Locals and The Regulars. Just don't judge this place by appearances alone, and definitely don't get this place confused with the Peppy's on 10th -- they are different restaurants!!! Trust me!
(5)
Trevor T.
I have to preface this review by saying that if you are in a hurry, pass this place by. The time we went there was one waiter working and he was busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest. There's only 10 tables in this place and I hope you don't mind if yours doesn't get bussed or wiped down. Just do it yourself. 10-minute wait to take the drink order and bring menus. Then 20 minutes until he came back to take the order. 30 minutes for the food to arrive. The food was good. I can't really say it was worth the wait, but it was. Two wonderful eggs served over-easy. Thick-cut home fries. 4 slices of crispy bacon. Two platter-sized light and fluffy pancakes.
(3)
Mark W.
Made the mistake of sitting near the grill and watching the food being prepared. Watched as our Salad came out of a bag, our tenderloins came out of a bag, our french fries and onion rings came out of a bag, when the packets of mayo showed up with the tenderloins it was laugh out loud funny. I love greasy spoons! but appreciate when the spoon gets greasy when cooking. As far as I could see nothing was made at Peppy Grill, with that said it is great having a place for a late night meal. And love the cook and waiter!
(3)
Brittany L.
Peppy's is the original greasy spoon. The shitty diners out here in SF just don't cut the mustard. I don't want to pay 20 bucks for my second-rate breakfast food - I want it cheap, quick, thick with grease, full of salty flavor, and, yes, I want to enjoy it in the company of Fountain Square's finest. The diner menu can become so tiresome out west and I've been crying lately for some late night sour cream fries (it's more than just ranch, right?!) and a grilled cheese made MY way (onions and pickles cooked right on the cheese, THANKS - is that so hard/weird/wrong?) People leave you alone for the most part, but I'm no stranger to the ole fashioned "stink eye." Sit in the corner, and hide behind some newspaper until the bigots forget you're there (remember Easy Rider?). The ladies working are nice people. HELL YEAH to the pie slices - you won't regret it.
(5)
Joshua H.
After someone inviting my wife here.. she came home all excited to show me the new place she found ..... and what got me about the place, was not the food.. its decent .. not my server.. but who really cares about service at midnight, just keep me in sodas and I'm happy ... no what got me excited here,, and no one has mentioned it is the HUGE jukebox they have . and not 1 , not 2 but 3 quarter games.. you know the little counter top things you find at bars.. .. i ant wait to find a night for me and my wife to go without the kids.. i def will be back !!!
(4)
John K.
The food was fine and the restaurant was fun. Its a greasy spoon nonetheless, so the food definitely didn't rate above 3 stars.
(3)
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Address :1004 Virginia Ave
Indianapolis, IN, 46203
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Soo C.
If I rate food based on what I've tried so far, Delicious: Hotcakes, curly fries, or sour cream fries So-so: cinnamon rolls Not really: French toast :( This restaurant offers good food compared to the price you pay for. And, It's an easy stop if you are looking for somewhere to go to other than a bar at night around Fountain Square area. I wish this place was cleaner though! I feel like it is getting dirtier and dirtier :/
(4)Heather K.
An iconic greasy spoon diner. Some of their food (for example, the pecan pie) is super great. Some of their food is only good if you don't look at it while you're eating it (like the omelets with slices of American Cheese laid over the top). Nothing here is high-class fare, but everything tastes good. And cheap. Also, you can't tell it when you walk in (because there aren't any of the typical credit card logo stickers anywhere on the door or near the register), but they do take credit cards -- not cash only.
(3)Bobby N.
Hey! It is a Diner in the most traditional greasy spoon style. A huge griddle kept clean by the chef with either the spatula or the grill scraper. And the coffee lives up to the traditional expectations hot, slightly watery and not fancy at all. I bet the biscuits and gravy recipe here hasn't changed since 1948. It is great. i recommend a half order with an over medium egg on top. Yum. I haven't had it but the french toast or the flap jacks look perfect too. Presentation isn't tops but you will get something very traditional. This is old school and represents something missing in many places. I feel luck to have it in a neighborhood close by. Don't forget to stop in for a slice of pie in the afternoon!!
(4)Mike S.
This is not your fine dining establishment. It is a neighborhood place with a lot of character. A little further than we (saturday morning breakfast group) like to travel but we continue to keep Peppy Grill on our rotation. You are going to receive a good meal for a fair price. ...and have some entertainment along the way with people watching.
(4)Chrissy H.
Though most reviews said this was a great spot to soak up a night out, I had heard about their breakfast. My omelet was good...veggie! Daughter thought biscuits and gravy was fine but not anything special. Loved the real diner feel. Real people; real food; no pretense.
(2)Sam C.
This place has amazing pie! It's a hole in the wall diner but is very charming. If you are in Fountain Square for the evening it's definitely worth trying!
(4)Phil B.
No frllis hole in the wall greasy spoon. 24/ 7 great for those that do late night and early morning hangovers. Pie was very good. Friendly enough service. Reasonable pricing. They have . A touchtune jukebox which surprized me.
(4)William Aaron K.
I think this place is legitimately the cutest restaurant, especially for Fountain Square. It has a real at-home feel to it and the sever was great. It makes me think of the restaurants in the area I grew up in Southern Indiana, just a chilled place to chat with a typical southern vibe. It's neat that Peppy's has that chilled vibe, especially in a big city. I ordered the "double cheeseburg" and had a side of the sour cream fries. They were so good and just really had a great comforting feeling. The portion was just perfect. It was enough to fill you up, but not so much to where you had to take leftovers. I personally had a lot of fun at this place and the price was great. It's definitely a restaurant I see myself going to when I'm with a friend late at night or even if I'm by myself and just want to get one of those "hamburgs" again. I wish the weather wasn't so terrible, because I'd love to eat outside.
(5)Hwan H.
If it wasn't for their terrible attitude I might have likeed it. Sorry your wages or employee engagement sucked so bad that half of your stalf quit but come on!!! You deserve all the recent shit ratings legacy ratings or whatever. 20 minutes both waiting in the line and waiting for a server... At least tell people the situation and we'd be empathetic
(1)Sudy V.
I would have never gone to this place if I were to decide to go to a breakfast place. In fact this visit was purely an impulsive one. I was in Indy for a day to attend meetings and I usually look for new places to eat and try out especially when I am traveling. One time tested tip: always talk to your cabbie about places to go to eat....My uber cab driver suggested this place to me. When I got down I was in two minds.... The place is old. It was raining and I wasn't very sure... Nevertheless I decided to go in. It is not a dingy place but an old one. The good thing is that they cook right in front of you. The people in the restaurant clearly indicated that this place has been around. It was very "family" if you know what mean. People were chatting away with the owners and it was a good feeling. They have a vintage juke box and there is a separate family seating with glass walls.... I ordered the American breakfast omelette with bacon and hashbrowns. Nothing special to mention was ok. No complaints though. Service was great. Saw a couple of folks with guns holstered up... I guess that is very common. There was a police woman as well. My cabbie told me about some great portion size. Mine was ok. Greasy though. I don't know if I would come back. But it was quite a different experience for me.
(3)Andrew O.
This place would be alright if they just tried a LITTLE BIT. Unfortunately, zero effort goes into your service or your food. Want cheese on your hash browns? You get a cold slice of american tossed on top. They couldn't even leave it over the griddle for an extra 5 seconds to melt the cheese just a little bit. I don't get the purpose of going here for cheap, lazy food. The quality is commensurate with them finding the cheapest ingredients possible on the market. The bacon sucks, the toast sucks. Its hard to mess up an egg but I'm sure they probably came from diseased chickens if they could save a buck. Make yourself eggs and toast at home and at least you'll have a clean plate to eat off of.
(1)Trevor-n-Aliza P.
The perfect 24 hour breakfast spot on our road trip! For what it is - an old school diner catering to both young bar-goers and old regulars - the food exceeds expectations. The french toast hits the spot and the eggs over easy are masterful. We can't help but love the run down authentic feel of this joint.
(3)Scott P.
I'm pretty grateful I snuck into this place while concatenating a grueling yet pleasant day. It was exactly what I was looking for. The late hours struck, yet "dinner" didn't sound good. A few beers proudly pointed toward breakfast food. Pleasant, ample portions were served in a timely and pleasant/attentive fashion. An extensive menu allowed me the ability to order several things and really not spend too much. If memory serves correct, I had a full order of biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, hash goodness, a milk shake and a water. I'm not sure how it took so long to arrive here, but I'm sure I'll be back.
(4)Cassie S.
My go-to diner in Indy. We all need a 24-hour, eat-breakfast-at-anytime place in our lives. Peppys does it. The staff is compromised of super heroes. I have seen them battle large, drunk crowds in the middle of the night with composure and a smile. Food is always delicious (and the good kind of greasy). Try the sour cream fries. Stay for the people watching. Also, the only reason for four instead of five stars is the joint is pretty small. Sometimes, you will have to wait for a table.
(4)Trena T.
What? You think 3 stars is way overstating the case for this place? Whatever. Look. It's a 24 hour diner. It is what it is. It's dingy, y'all. The food is on the greasy side. Sometimes the service is good, sometimes it's not. But it's a 24 hour diner. You can go there ANY TIME and get, not only food, but probably some solid entertainment from the folks that wander in. It changed owners a few months ago; they now have wi-fi and these sour cream and chive potato wedges that are pretty amazing. The coffee is good. If they're busy and a regular sees you're waiting, said regular may come over and fill your coffee instead of a server. It's a good place to stop for breakfast after a long bike ride through the city, which is what we do on the regular. Last weekend, they were so busy, we had to wait for a table. Chances are, someone from the neighborhood will talk to you while you're there, or you'll get pulled into a conversation at a different table. Go with it.
(3)Jon C.
I always get a little worried when I see a sign claiming "under new management" at one of my usual watering holes. So, when I pulled up and saw the sign, I figured everything there would be changes. I just hoped the staple items that pulled me into Peppy's to begin with were left untouched. I was pleased. The food is the same, but the prices have increased slightly. Want to do take out? You'll pay an extra 10% fee. I don't remember this from before. Granted, who the hell carries out biscuits and gravy at 3 in the morning after drinking? One big difference you'll see is the cleanliness. Yeah... It's still a greasy spoon, but they've scraped off the grease that was stuck to the walls and windows (and menus). At 2:00 am after a long night of drinking, the biscuits and gravy hit the spot... Regardless of who the owners are!
(3)Mark C.
It's everything you want in a hole in the wall joint and I t's a staple in Fountain Square! Sure, it's a little greasy looking in the kitchen, but you aren't going out for breakfast or after the bars for a salad...it's delicious! Biscuits and gravy are killer
(4)Angeleka D.
On a very early Saturday morning, 3am eastern standard drunk time, I rolled over to the Peppy's on 10th street. I used to live on 13th so no biggie when they mentioned a robbery the month before in case we are "worried". At that point someone would have to pry burgers and fries out of my cold hands if they thought they could! I ordered an omelet that possibly changed my life. I would have sold my granny's ring for two more! Juicy chicken breast, hot grilled peppers and onions, with american cheese and the perfect egg..I was on cloud 10 and not coming down unless it was for thirds. For the next two weeks, I went on raving to all my friends to try Peppy Grill and invite me when they do! So going to the one in fountain square, I had on stretchy pants and sunnies like a boss- a food boss in search of the best meal old peppy has ever made...omelet me!!!! When they said they don't have "the chicken kind", I fainted - got up - and fainted again. No for real, check my pulse!! Chicken and eggs are like grapes and wine to me, and I'm probably drunk right now off both, but that's ok! I encourage everyone to enjoy the finer things in life! I ordered schmordered a Western and hash browns. My friends also had French Toast, scrambled eggs, with bacon, and two eggs over easies. It doesn't take much to make me happy, so when I see the hash browns on the skimpier side I was a little displeased. Honestly, I just was bitter from the aforementioned. Really. The meal was delicious, I added more salt and pepper... The coffee was good too. The restaurant itself is pretty neat/clean with a cramped bathroom. I want to take the time to thank the chefs for putting up with me and all my begging. I think if I could change one thing it would be that weird window on the upper dining area. Trust me it's weird. You may like it here...some nights are better than others. Have fun, and don't have super high expectations. This place is like one of those all day diners you come to when you haven't first thought of someplace else.
(4)Shane M.
When you just dont care, peppy's is there. If you need some food they do the job just fine. It is open 24/7 so thats nice. And it is the local drunk tank so thats nice too.
(2)Kimmi M.
I have to be honest. I've only ever been here when I was drunk, schnockered, intoxicated, sauced, or had been awake for more than 24 hours and needed an intravenous injection of the perfect greasy food. I always get the corned beef hash plate. It's delicious when you are in one of the above states. I've never tried anything else. My intoxicated self is VERY particular. Good coffee, can get full on peak drunk times. Please be cognizant of the servers and don't hang around too long so they can turn tables and make some cash.
(3)Sydney A.
I love this place. I went here before my senior prom. And I'll go here all the time after swing dancing at the fountain square theater. The service and food has always been good. I've never been disappointed.
(5)Dylan E.
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but you can get a pretty accurate idea of what this place is going to deliver by the older building, classic sign, and 24 hours advertisement displayed on the window. It's fits the definition of a greasy spoon perfectly, and when you're looking for a place to get yourself together before heading home that has a large selection of items to soak up some alcohol and clog your arteries after the bars close, this is one of the better places to do it. I finally made it here after a long night of drinking. We sat down at one of the booths and looked over the menu. I went with the biscuits and gravy, as it seems to be one of their specialties. The biscuits were microwaved, the gravy was scooped out of a heated tray that I'm sure was made well ahead of time from a powder mix, and the combination of the two satisfied my craving better than anything else could have. The prices are pretty low, and the atmosphere is that of a traditional American diner. If you order any menu item that can be stored frozen, odds are very good that it will have been stored frozen. Pretty much anything that needed cooked is prepared on their large flattop grill right next to the seating area, so you can see it all get put together which is fun. They have waiter service that kept us taken care of, and at the end of the meal you pay at a cash register. I probably need to make it here outside of the 2-3AM time frame and when I am actually sober to give it a completely fair review, but I don't ever see there being a situation outside of those boundaries in which I can convince myself that this is the kind of place and type of food I want to eat given the variety of other options during normal business hours. That being said, I'm glad that this place is available when I do find myself in a situation that only Peppy's can help with.
(3)Rob M.
Fast and friendly service. A clear mix of regulars and new folks, which is where we wow fit. While we were there for a Monday dinner we saw the cook make at least three kinds of potato sides by hand. I had the BLT, which turned out to be a double Decker and very good. My wife had the sausage and sauerkraut special and said it would make her German family proud. Bonus was that kids eat free on Monday and Tuesday, so we got our daughter's grilled cheese, which she loved, for free. Will definitely swing by again on our travels.
(5)Kat H.
Holy moly. Seriously the best place ever. It's always open. The guys that run the place treat you like you've been buddies for years. it's a good place to soak up booze after you've been at the white rabbit. The food is exactly what you think it to be, but it's always fresh and I've never complained about any of it ever. They have carry out, great location, I come here every time I'm inn fountain square. Indianapolis is always a changing city, you never know which bar or restaurant is going to close. I seriously hope this place is here forever.
(5)Brian T.
Ate there on a Sunday night, around 11pm. Quick, courteous friendly service, the omelet was huge! Great prices. I'll be back!
(5)Madison D.
As far as the bold personalities of hole in the wall diners go, Peppy's Grill was actually quite an interesting trip! Just past the happening area of Fountain Square sits a little old diner. If your expectations are not high, then your expectations are good. The highlight of this trip is the company your bring, the personality that you allow to grow on you and the fact that you can watch the food being made right in front of you. Also, I've been told about the super cool jukebox, which somehow I overlooked. This diner is definitely on the list for a repeat visit for the nights when you have the munchies, or if it's one of the college nights:) I would always recommend to take a few buddies. Being a teenage college girl, my first impression of location was a little rough of the area. I feel no matter what you order, you will be delighted! If grease is what you are looking for, you've come to the right place!
(4)Will W.
Peppy Grill is a favorite late night stop for myself and friends. We almost always go after midnight and seem to get the same crew every time. These guys are awesome! I don't know their names, but the guy who does most of the cooking is a frickin' wizard. Our orders are always correct, even when they've got people standing shoulder to shoulder at 3 am (yeah, it happens more often than you think). The food is simple, traditional diner food: breakfast anytime; greasy, delicious burgers; and steak sandwiches. You really can't go wrong with anything, but I recommend getting whatever is on special. Also, snatch a rueben when they have them.
(5)Mark L.
Wow, amazing food. Great service. Real food. You must experience it for yourself. Not for the faint at heart!!!
(5)Brandon D.
The food was okay -- not as tasty as I would expect from a diner like this. It is a classic greasy spoon -- sort of dark and dirty, but that great hole-in-wall feel. Both the hot cakes and french toast were bland. Our bacon was good. The hot chocolate and coffee were great! But we had to ask for ice water, and we had to request refills -- I'm a firm believer that a coffee cup should never go empty in a small diner, and mine did (for a while). If you need late-night food, I'd recommend Peppy's, but if you have other options, I'd explore them first.
(3)Rex S.
Now that Indy is smoke free this is a great breakfast place to visit. I have been coming here 30+ years and always only had the breakfast. It is 24 hours, the servers attitude can be a little rough around the edges at times and service a little slow when busy. However that is the beauty and somewhat the culture that makes this place great.
(4)Stephanie D.
You get what you get so don't throw a fit. That's what I tell my kids at school. You know what to expect when you walk in here. The typical frozen patty and huge hotcakes. But seriously. There is not a diner that does biscuits and gravy better than Peppy's. Thank you. When I'm drunk at 2 or 3 am in the Square, I know where to go. There's always the regulars that live around here or people like me who go there when you've had a little too much. (At least I can walk home though!!) So other than seeing my drunk a** there, enjoy the biscuits and gravy and the sights and sounds and random people of the Square.
(3)Brittany S.
If you remember anything from this review, remember the following music (played on the Peppy jukebox) pairs perfectly with biscuits and gravy, an egg and toast at 2 in the morning. And I insist upon this order to maximize enjoyment. Rolling Stones, Beast of Burden: Start things off slow, place your order with the unfriendly server. I'm thinking his unfriendliness is because he wrongly believes you're too gone to a.) give a shit or b.) remember. Or a combination of the two. Dixie Chicks, There's Your Trouble: I suppose I was really feeling in the mood for some violin and twang. I won't lie I grew up with the trio of blondes, but I never imagined as an upright child that one day I'd be sitting in a diner (half-cocked) at two in the morning in Fountain Square pounding biscuits while putting on my own Dixie Chicks reunion tour in Booth #2. As for the biscuits, egg and toast - perfect in the greasiest and cheapest of ways. Just what I wanted. Finally, I recommend that you lick the plate clean with Rolling Stones, Shattered (at this point the "entire" restaurant will be singing with you and there will be no holding back when you and Mick J yell "sex and sex and sex and sex! Look at me! I'm in tatters...") No, seriously...don't be shy - I wasn't.
(4)Bre S.
Give this place the stars for what it is. FYI -anyone who snobs them is too under-educated in food to review. If you come here at 10 am or pm, you're an idiot. If you're looking for a place to go at 2 am on a weeknight cause you just stopped working and realized that you haven't eaten all day, hell ya. They will be so sweet to you, understanding of your plight and accommodating to you that the biggest of burly men will nearly cry. if you come here on a weekend at 2 am and bitch, God help you. You are a dumbass and speaking from someone that used to put up with you, you don't deserve a voice.
(5)Kathleen K.
Yum! Service is hit or miss depending on how busy the place is, but your food will be delicious no matter what!
(4)Thomas B.
I frequent Peppy's with some good friends often. I can't say I've ever had bad food here. Their breakfast is phenomenal. If you want good biscuits & gravy, stop by!
(5)Steve W.
You get what you see. Late night breakfast food to minimize your hangover, alternative but nice crowd, and good breakfast food.
(4)Laura L.
What's not to love about Peppy's?? My first visit was many years ago after the bars close, but now we live nearby and it's definitely the place to go when you just need a fix of all the food that's bad for you. All the breakfast items are great, but the sour cream fries and hand-dipped milkshakes are amazing.
(4)Jordan B.
This place is awesome the food is always good the outside of the building is a little intimidating but don't like that stop you the employees are awesome and the service is great. For sure best breakfast spot in fountain square.
(5)Telissa C.
I love that Peppy's is always open. They have pie. All kinds of pie for that late night sweet tooth. Maybe you don't want pie late at night. That's ok they have standard breakfast stuff and an ok dinner menu. The dinner menu isn't for vegetarians at all but hey it is what it is. I don't consider this place to be "cheap" though. $7.50 for 2 eggs, some toast, and potatoes and bacon is not costly but not cheap either. And the delicious pie is a hair under $4 a slice. I have never had any issues with service here. In fact I am always amazed at how well the late night person handles it all.
(2)Brandon S.
Not sure why anyone raves about this place. I think its because they are intoxicated almost every time they eat here. Its a greasy spoon with poor ingredients and an unfriendly staff from my experiences. Biscuits and gravy are crap like most breakfast places and taste like gelatin gravy from a can. Edible? Yes, but ill eat anything. People that rave about it must have a gutter palate and a exceptional knowledge about food..... I heard there are a few things people LOVE here and although I won't seek this place out EVER Im sure I will end up here late night at some point in my life again to try these select few items.
(2)Brittany L.
If I were to come across Elvis, alive, somewhere in Indy, this would be the place it would be least surprising. I saw a Johnny Cash look-alike there the other night with his lady friend (who looked NOTHING like June Carter Cash). Generally, I go for the pie. Coconut cream, Reese's cup...such delicious pie. Not Ralph's good, but then Ralph's is only open 5 days a week whereas Peppy Grill is ALWAYS open. Service has been surprisingly friendly. If I need eggs and bacon, and I need them at 2am, you better bet your sweet ass this is where I'm heading.
(4)Christina G.
After a First Friday dinner debacle, we trudged down the street to Peppy Grill. We had two kids in tow who needed dinner pronto! We found a table super quick and the waitress got our order in as fast as she could! But, it's hard to explain to a two year old that the food is on its way. Thankfully super waitress understood our dilemma and showed up at the table with cracker packages! Disaster averted! We ordered your standard diner fare, burgers and fries. Grilled cheese for the boys. We got exactly what we expected. The cook cuts the fries right before dropping them in the fryer. The milkshakes are yummy! Maybe I'll make plans to do a night of drinking in the Square to test them on their late night alcohol induced dining experience. But, I have no complaints so far!
(3)Jason R.
Peppy Grill is your standard late night greasy spoon. After a night of heavy drinking in Fountain Square, you're most likely going to end up here. The menu is basically what you'd expect at an IHOP or Dennys with lots of breakfast foods, diner standards, and random cheeseburgers and chicken fingers thrown in for good measure. The food in general is pretty forgettable, but you're most likely there sobering up, so it doesn't really matter. The divey/diner atmosphere is A-OK in my book and they are open 24 hours a days which is a definite plus ... but it's just an end of the nighter in my book.
(2)Daniel M.
If you enjoy a good greasy spoon diner, then this is the place for you. The food is reasonably priced and comes in fair servings.
(4)Brandon C.
Great food & service. Will certainly return. The definition of a perfect 'greasy spoon.'
(5)Leo M.
*DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE* The place is a dump, understaffed with 2 servers and 1 cook on a busy Sunday morning. Employees do not use gloves when handling food, and they go from cracking an egg to picking up the phone to handling cash and back to slicing potatoes. The severs look high on drugs and have very poor appearance. During my visit their waffle machine was broke and my daughters could not eat the waffles they ordered. My daughter wanted bacon instead of sausage and they said they couldn't change that. We waited 50 minutes for our food since the moment she took the order. They don't give coloring paper or anything special to the kids and honestly the kind of people that go to this place are awful. The food was not too bad but I won't be coming back.
(1)E J.
Peppys is under new management. The place is cleaner, servers are nice (seems like they replaced most of previous staff), and food is just as good. Unfortunately the prices have gone up with a reduced menu selection. Not many breakfast combo items and a la carte items start at $3.95.
(3)Marissa L.
Even if we did not grow up in the 50's we still get nostalgic for a great diner that just reeks of America - Peppy's has that! They also have some great cheeseburgers that pair perfectly with a stomach full of cheap domestic beer. A perfect portion size that fills you up without leaving you wondering where your money went is the type of food you'd expect from just a cozy little joint. So the next time you drink too much at any of the numerous places in fountain square and need to sober up, stumble your way down to Peppy's and have yourself a congratulatory burger for a night well done.
(4)Jayelynn W.
This is a great place for a lot of reasons; the food, the staff and the gravy! I usually go on Saturday or Sunday mornings before 9am when it starts to get crowded. I only go for breakfast since they have the best greasy spoon biscuits and gravy in town. If I'm really hungry, I'll do a half order of biscuits and gravy, plus two eggs, hashbrowns and bacon. Since they're open 24 hours, it makes for a great stop on your way home after a night on the town. The staff makes you feel like family and are always cracking jokes with the customers. Tangy is always giving my Dad a hard time and Jeff keeps us updated on how fast his little girl is growing up. If you're in Fountain Square and craving diner food; stop and enjoy!
(4)Patti C.
Always a good time @ Peppy's and a little curious who is Peppy? Every visit is fun for me in this little neighborhood and all it's eclectic people. I like that you can watch the food prepared a booth away, the nice lady who prepares each meal like you were right at home. We travel from very near Greenwood but worth the trip for some truly good diner food and friendly ambiance.
(4)Megan W.
Typical late night post drinking greasy spoon. The service is quick and proficient. The atmosphere is a small down diner. I had real strawberry milkshake that really was too thick to drink with a straw. My fries were unfortunately raw and could have used a few more minutes in the frier. The new owners did introduce themselves as we ate. One down fall. In a local late night eatery you really never know what type to people you are going to run into. There was an older gentleman who had apparently passes out at his table and there was quiet a ruckus to get him to pay his bill and leave.
(3)Andrew D.
I finally have made it to Peppy and of course it was at 2 in the morning. We brought the dog along with us and sat outside to enjoy the summer night. I had the biscuits and gravy which was huge, cheap and delicious. I also tried the pancakes as well, they were also huge and cheap, but they didn't quite meet delicious. They were a little too bready and overdone a tad. The service was good considering the time of night and behavior of people who are out that time of night. I will definitely be back, hopefully during daylight hours some time, but then again maybe not.
(4)Keith H.
My wife and I went here today for the first time to eat breakfast. Needless to say, we were impressed!!! We liked the nostalgic feel of the place. They have a jukebox with a lot of great music. The cooks/waiters were very friendly and if you sit close enough they'll even chat with you. The breakfast was excellent!!! I had the french toast with a side order of eggs and my wife had eggs, toast, and hash browns! I enjoyed every bite of the french toast! They were made with cinnamon and topped with powdered sugar! BEST FRENCH TOAST EVER! Another great thing about Peppy, is their prices are awesome! Our breakfast only cost us $11.00! We can't wait to try out their lunch and dinner! If you're ever around the area at any time, because they're open 24 hours a day, you gotta try Peppy Grill. It's definitely worth it!
(4)Lindsay U.
If you're drinking in fountain square this is the place to be afterwards. Positives: their food is very good - I love the French toast and my fiancé gets the biscuits and gravy every time. Their new management is awesome - everything is super clean and the food was so fast!!! Awesome.
(5)Kjirsten K.
Peppy's is so charming; places like this just don't exist anymore. A small diner located in Ft. Square. Lots of locals, 24 hour breakfast, huge portions, and friendly service. My pancakes were huge and they were served with a mound of bacon. In the future, I will go for a short stack and the bacon is enough for 2 to share. I now have a reason to leave the house on a Sunday morning. Rock on, Peppy's Grill, rock on.
(5)Melissa B.
Not really sure how and why other reviewers gave high stars for this place. Sure the ambiance is just like what you would find in a small town diner but this place isn't located anywhere near a small town, it's within walking distance to downtown! So lets start off with the service. I have to say the service was EXCELLENT and FAST. If I could rate that seperately I would give 5 stars! We were greated immediately and our coffee and drinks were serviced immediately of us being asked. The speed and temp of the food was wonderful! GREAT SERVICE!!!! Now for the notsogood stuff. The coffee was weak...... Now I'm not your Starbucks type of gal, yuck, but I do like my coffee to taste like coffee. I ordered the short stack pancakes and a side of scrambled eggs. My sister ordered the biscuits and gravy her fiancé ordered an omlet and my mom ordered eggs, toast and hashbrowns. I got 2 large pancakes that seemed to have been fried in bacon grease because part of the bottoms were crispy. Since I am vegetarian I wasn't thrilled with taking a bite of a bacon flavored pancake so I gave that one to my sister. My side of scrambled eggs resembled more like 2 small omletes without the cheese and veggies. My sister had the biscuits and gravy and ate only half of it. She really didn't elaborte on the her meal other than it wasn't good, also why I gave her my bacon flavored pancake. My mom left hungy because she too didn't eat much of her meal. She said the hashbrowns tasted like they were cooked with olio (whatever that is) instead of butter or cooking oil. The only one of us that thought the meal was good was my sister's fiancé (I think he just doesn't get out much, lol). Sorry everyone but unless you are drunk and looking for late night food I don't recommend this place.
(1)Leslie H.
Service is good. The customers are a lil sketchy. You get all types of people. Food is just mediocre. I think there's room for improvement. However, when it's 3 AM and you want some cheap sort of home cooked meal then this place is for you. It's very reasonably priced for the amount of food that they serve you.
(3)Adam C.
Think waffle house minus any corporate rules, not somewhere I would ever eat again. Yes drunk people will eat anything, but if it is really bad they will only eat it once. The chili was nuked and was so hot I was still unable to eat it after 15 minutes on the table.
(1)Mak J.
I mean, you can pretty much get me with any place that serves biscuits and gravy at a time that I might be drunk. I went here sober, though. It was exactly what I thought it would be. Your typical neighborhood greasy spoon. I thought it was a little pricy for what it was (anywhere that has Wonderbread in plain sight should not be commanding more than $10 for anything) but again I was sober. I am sure if I go back again drunk, I will love it.
(3)Aditya S.
biggest thing they have going for them is that they are open 24 hours. now the food they have and the prices are absolutely perfect for a late night snack after a night out in town. they serve your typical breakfast omlettes etc. but what i thought was really good was the double cheeseburger. it was very tasty and i could not tell whether it was because i was drunk or it was really good. this time when i went there they took an awfully long time to serve the food and it took them close to 35 mins to get an omelette and cheeseburger. The jukebox too ate my 5 bucks and although i did get it back from them, the volume of the songs was too low and could not hear the selected songs. still next time i am in that part of town and wandering around at any time past migdnight i will stop by to get a bite to eat and see if can get my food quicker and actually taste the food.
(3)Matt H.
So...went for breakfast today and still as satisfied as I was two days ago when we went for dinner! The pancakes are freakin' "GINORMOUS", I almost finished them but had to throw in the towel! I got bacon with my pancakes they were good as well. This place plain and simple "Knows how to make breakfast!" Trust me they DO NOT skimp on the pancakes!
(5)Molly T.
Don't be fooled by the pretty blue exterior of one Peppy grill. These folks aren't going to smile and welcome you in with open arms. They are more likely to step outside for a smoke break as you walk in the door and make you wait 5 minutes before they let you get some coffee. Sound like a fun place? It sure is. No, really. Going to Peppy Grill is nothing short of a cultural experience. I don't know any other Indy restaurant (that's kindof a stretch) at which you can actually watch the cooks make your eggs in front of you (warning - may involve a microwave). A menu that probably hasn't changed since 1972. Squeaky red pleather booths and a jukebox that may or may not work. Someone's childhood toys nailed to the walls. The world's smallest wood paneled bathrooms. But there are 3 primary reasons why Peppy Grill is awesome: It's cheap It's open 24 hours There are grits. It may be rough around the edges, but Peppy's will keep me coming back for a long time.
(4)Aaron W.
No local, artisan or organic ingredients here. What they do use is executed very well. Especially the eggs. Wow. Well done on the massive, fluffy pancakes too. Always had friendly if somewhat gritty service here. Love it.
(4)Yvonne M.
This is an interesting place. The folks there ( abou 60 ish y/o regulars) were very welcoming and friendly. It's a small place and the menu was simple. They serve breakfast 24/7 and also some sandwiches. My bf and I ordered a hamburger with chips ($3:35), and a cod fillet sandwich with fries. The reason that I gave a 3 star was that I love how traditional this place is, the friendliness of the people there, and the cheap prices more than the food itself. But I've yet to taste their breakfast. I'll update my reviews after trying them.
(3)Libbie V.
Sonnet for Peppy Grill, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.". One, for thou being in the finest location in Indianapolis, that being Fountain Square. Two, for thou being open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Three, for thine menu that can satisfy any intoxicated or sober soul that desires delicious diner fare. Four, for thine Western Omelet and thine sour cream fries and thine Patty Melt all of which bring tears of joy to this humble reviewer. Five, for thine mysterious black potion labeled as 'coffee' that has perplexed many and caused multitudes of arguments as to whether it is great or horrible. Six, for thine sacred jukebox filled with lovely ballads of old and new. Music to eat and rejoice by. Amen.
(4)Benjamin H.
Peppy grill has been a staple of late night dining for years and hopefully will continue. I'm a breakfast food fanatic and Peppy is the perfect spot for me to fulfill that obsession. Sure it's dirty and full of crazy people, but I don't want it to be any other way. Advice: AVOID on Friday or Saturday between 3-5am, it's consistently full of the worst post-bar people that could ever exist. Get your "WOO!!!" out of my face and go back where you came from.
(4)Michael C.
Was taken to this place by friends. What an amazing experience! Some of the best food I've had in a long time. Tastes like your Momma cooked it. Can't wait to go back many times.
(5)Tim W.
Okay, yes, it's a greasy spoon. But it's exactly what you want a greasy spoon to be. It's small and if you sit in the right booth you can tap the grill cook on the shoulder to remind them to add pickle to that burger but you also get to watch your food being prepared. The dishwasher took our order (I knew he was the dishwaser because the place is so small you could help him spray off dishes from your seat if you wanted.) I had the pancakes. I don' t need no stinkin' short stack, I wanted the full stack. Oops. As I watched the grill cook pour on four ladles of batter once and then again for the second pancake, I knew I was in trouble. These are LARGE pancakes. Delish - crusty on the outside soft like a muffin on the inside. But when the fry cook started out on pancake number three I knew I was defeated. Short stack next time. My friend had a burger and an order of their sour cream fries. They're like home fries with the skin on and coated in something sour cream-y and then deep frieds. Served with ranch dressing for dipping or drizzling. The burger and my breakfast sausage were taken out the cooler so they're not fresh from the farm in any stretch of the imagination, but they were good. The fry cook did not wear gloves when handling the cheese to put on the burger which I think is a health code violation. Any germs on their hand would not be cooked out of the cheese that was added at the last minute. A couple cops came in to eat while we were there, which I took as a good sign. Since Peppy's is open 24/7 and I'm a night owl, I am sure I'll be back
(4)Jammy S.
'And really bad eggs..." The novelty is different than the reality. --------- The novelty is greasy spoon for drunk folks or someone in search of cheap artery packing. The reality is the pie is almost always bad, the eggs are bad, the bacon is inconsistent, and if you eat too many egg burgers (cheese burger with a fried egg on top) and sour cream fries you're going to either die or add a tire. :-D I say these things as a many year veteran of Always Being Peppy.
(2)Lucy F.
I agree with Benjamin H. There are some really interesting people here at 3am... Totally avoid it if you can! But other than that, this place is GREAT for breakfast or a late night dinner/food run. My friend always gets the burger with extra cheese and I love the waffles or eggs with hasnbrowns. The hasbrowns are not soggy and gross like some diners, but they're nice and crispy on the outside, which I can still never seem to do lol
(4)Rachael W.
Best spot for late night drunk food. Open 24 hrs, 7 days a week. The employees are very patient, b/c I am sure a vast majority of the customers are wasted on one thing or another. This thought always helps me tip excessively while I am here. Love the juke box, dinner music. I like the sour cream fries, if I recall correctly... The portions are huge! Took my boyfriend there for the first time after a night of drinking and made a believer out of him. I generally go for the breakfast when I am there, but the patty melt is awesome! Good people watching at any time of day. The weekends get a little obnoxious with all the drunks.
(4)Jon A.
People from the VFW call here. I want to be in that pompatus of awesome. Oh, and how I was for a short blip. I pop in to Peppy on a snowy Saturday morn' and they're busy! Oh, and before I know it... it's Joshua C "JugoMugo!" havin' the same damn fine idea as myself -- breakfast! I pull up at the counter. A true first hand experience of all the pep. Outta gravy? Oh yeah, watch this! Queen Peppy orders loads of sausage on the griddle and goes to work. D'you know people call in orders to places like this? I had no idea. As I was sitting there for 30 minutes, I'd say they took & served at least 6 call-in orders. I thought this was really strange. Some of them were orders that the people knew they'd eat there, but they'd order it in advance so they'd get their food right when they got there. I mean... what's the rush? At any rate, I always want an over-easy egg on top of everything I eat, sometimes drink (I'm not kidding), and usually I have to request it and get a weird look; here, suggested! Yes! I'm holding out for the 5th star because I'll be back for a burger. I know it's gonna be amazing. I saw some come off the griddle at 11am; they'll be even better at 11pm.
(4)Dan C.
Great environment and great food! Our waitress and cook are very nice. I try to go at least once a month. Open 24 hours and can have breakfast at anytime. A must place to go to.
(5)Joshua C.
It's a diner. They serve tasty breakfast with some Fountain Square attitude. Don't try to make a custom omelette because they will charge you a fortune. I wanted a bacon, egg, and cheese omelette. I will say that it was quite tasty and filled with those ingredients, but $16? Really?
(2)Brad W.
If you ONLY like "fancy", "uppity", "posh" places to eat; don't go here! However, I LOVE the food here. It is the type of "greasy spoon" sort of food that the midwestern born/raised in me grew up on. Some of the best biscuits and gravy, and you can't beat the portions that you get for very little cost. The burgers are good too! The type of food you finish a late night with or the first meal in the morning after a late night. When you go, say hello to Angie....she is a riot and will treat you right!
(5)DeAnna P.
Our server had a cold and kept coughing near the food and not covering her mouth. I was starving so bad that I sucked it up and ate anyway. The burger was really good, but the place was so germy and gross, I'd have to be REALLY drunk to be willing to go back again.
(1)Maureen H.
Love this place! My friend lives nearby, in Fountain Square, and sometimes we drop in for a cup of coffee or quick bite to eat. It's a true, "old school", diner with lots of neighborhood regulars. Food is pretty good and fairly priced. They have all of the breakfast standards, large selection of sandwiches, and daily "comfort food" specials. It's a cool little place.
(3)Sunah K.
We tried this place since it was one of the only places open 24 hours in Indy. We stopped in around 3AM on Sat nite/Sun am after a late night of work. The inside was a little dirty and small but over half full. We sat at an empty table and waited almost 20 minutes just to get a menu since they didn't have any free ones left. We got some eggs, toast, and bacon and oatmeal. The oatmeal was cooked in the microwave and was bland and gross. The rest was ok, but definitely not what we were expecting from all the good reviews. We definitely won't be back and will actually avoid at all costs. Dennys was a lot better the next night.
(1)John W.
well we went here tonight since it is so hard to find a late night place that isnt the usual chain garbage. While I wont say this is something spectacular it was decent. I think my biggest problem here was portion size, dont charge me $2.50 for 12 tater tots. and then gouge me for a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top as well. I ordered the cheeseburger, it was supposed to be 1/4 pound, not even close. it was about the size of mcdonalds small cheeseburger and it was a frozen patty. My friend ordered the bacon club which is really just a BLT and it was good he said. Sandwiches come with chips if you do not order something else. They had Pepsi products. that was major bonus points with us. The sign on the door said new management, so we asked about that and the cook said it was true. And while they have lowered the prices a little they cut the portions to extremely small to match that price cut so its nto any better value. We were the only people in the place at midnight but it was Sunday night and it was snowing outside. if i were in the area again i would stop here but it is by no means a must visit place. usually a diner like this would be known for homemade things and everything here is frozen or bought from somewhere else and served. like the pies, while they are great, they do not make them here. they are now only $2.50 per slice but the new slices are like 2 bites. The cook was the only person there and he was nice enough. I think next time i would get the blt club. it seemed better than my burger did. dont set your expectations too high and you will be ok. (we were not drinking so that probably has something to do with it as well)
(3)Josh M.
Tonight was my first time at the Peppy Grill. To be honest, I was impressed. I pass by this place ALL THE TIME but NEVER swing in. My food was under 10 bucks and this is one of the few places in Indy that has Barq's Red Cream Soda. This place is understaffed but very well taken care of. Go, Enjoy and eat some good food!
(5)Katie B.
Love the all day breakfast, which is way too hard to come by in Indy. It's not gourmet or healthy but it's good and very cheap. And open 24 hours a day.
(4)Courtney B.
I have only been here once, but I loved it! Great cheeseburger and fries (I don't even like fries!).
(4)Beth W.
The staff was great!...food not so much. Although might hit the spot after a long night of drinking. It was a little greasy for me. The place was a little dirty too, but they had good fries!
(2)Casey R.
Spent many a late night in this place...GREAT jukebox and the food hits the spot! Don't be surprised if you walk in there at 4am and its full of cops and drunks! Sour cream fries are delicious and perfect to soak up all the booze you have in your system! Staff isn't going to blow your mind with customer service but they are not unfriendly by any means! Enjoy!
(4)Jim B.
09/07/09 1215a - My firstest visit to Peppy Grill. Waitress recommended the sour cream fries and I was intrigued and they were good. Tuna salad, sour cream fries, diet coke, pie for dessert. When jukebox is off the silence is a wonderful thing. No wifi but that's okay I suppose.
(4)Kami L.
This place is crazy to me. It's like a total time warp inside. I love that it's open 24 hours, we don't have nearly enough of those here in Indy. The food is always delicious and fairly priced, although not really as dirt cheap as you might expect from the outside. Overall it was, in two words, HELLA GOOD.
(4)Chris M.
Peppy Grill reminds me of my childhood vacations during which my family would pull over after an all night drive in search of awesome truck stop diners. This place is old, small and full of character. I love the signs hung up on the walls... "If a$$holes could fly, this place would be an airport". Classic. Also classic are the biscuits and gravy. The gravy is peppery and full of huge sausage chunks. Some of the best I've had. The sausage patties were big and delicious enough to steer me toward a pork induced coma. This place need not change a thing. They even open their bread by ripping a hole in the package instead of untwisting the twist-tie. Peppy Grill does not give a F#@%.
(5)TOMMY o.
with Betty's Dry Wit & Joey's lighting speed, the fun has Just Begun!!! this 24/7 is a Parade of Characters !!! working Late Nights, i usually drop in here near the bar closing hour, i think i spent all last summer there, they MisNamed the Short Stack!! it's one platter full of pancakes, i love it with a variety of sausages on the side you're bound to see every walk of life here, from policemen to big belt buckled people to well, you name it, my b/f reminded me of a Gypsy woman we meet there one night, people you would Never run into in life but Here it's Fun PIES!!!!
(5)Nikono K.
Greasy spoon, but not that good. There are better places to eat in fountain square.
(2)Ryan H.
THE ultimate, blue collar, off the radar diner, Peppy Grill has more charm than most chic places combined. Known for its local crowd of Fountain Square folks, as well as the working class who stops in before or after work, the Peppy is one of my favorite places to have breakfast. Open 24 hours a day, you just never know who you're going to see in there, and the small, quaint atmosphere really makes you feel like you're in a TV show diner. The breakfast is great, the service is friendly, and the jukebox has Patsy Cline. They've even had local bands in there doing interviews with magazine writers. Need I say more? Be sure to get into Peppy Grill next time you're in the Fountain Square area, regardless of the time of day. Right around the corner from Radio Radio, so if you've been gettin down at a rock show, bounce to the Grill for breakfast afterwards to refill the empty stomach.
(5)Alison C.
Peppy wins for being open 24/7. People watching is always fun, and the greasy food is great when you need to soak up some alcohol in your belly. I really love the waitresses too. It seems like they never leave. They are all really tough.
(4)a e.
It gets 5 stars for being one of the very few late-night/early a.m. sit-down and hang-out spots near downtown. Plus it's got all the things you expect to find in a 24 hour joint: Short order cooks with a second sense for the grill, Deep fryers ready to transform freshly-cut sticks of potatoes into french fries, A jukebox with a curious selection of music, An abundance of snarky signage and just enough seating -- indoors and outdoors (should you prefer to smoke while dining). It's typical diner fare that'll give you a decent fill in under $10, like a huge fried or grilled tenderloin, hamburgers, cheeseburger, chicken fingers, gigantic pancakes, omelets. The fried chicken never disappoints, and their lunch specials are worth checking out, too. If you've got an aversion to grease they've been known to whip up a more than descent salad (served with packets of salad dressing, of course) and they have things like chicken salad and tuna salad, too. The lunchtime cold plate is said to be good. Of course, there's bound to be appearances by the artsy folk taking over Fountain Square and a good share of those "it's after last-call but I don't wanna go home yet" patrons and cops -- can't forget them -- in addition to The Locals and The Regulars. Just don't judge this place by appearances alone, and definitely don't get this place confused with the Peppy's on 10th -- they are different restaurants!!! Trust me!
(5)Trevor T.
I have to preface this review by saying that if you are in a hurry, pass this place by. The time we went there was one waiter working and he was busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest. There's only 10 tables in this place and I hope you don't mind if yours doesn't get bussed or wiped down. Just do it yourself. 10-minute wait to take the drink order and bring menus. Then 20 minutes until he came back to take the order. 30 minutes for the food to arrive. The food was good. I can't really say it was worth the wait, but it was. Two wonderful eggs served over-easy. Thick-cut home fries. 4 slices of crispy bacon. Two platter-sized light and fluffy pancakes.
(3)Mark W.
Made the mistake of sitting near the grill and watching the food being prepared. Watched as our Salad came out of a bag, our tenderloins came out of a bag, our french fries and onion rings came out of a bag, when the packets of mayo showed up with the tenderloins it was laugh out loud funny. I love greasy spoons! but appreciate when the spoon gets greasy when cooking. As far as I could see nothing was made at Peppy Grill, with that said it is great having a place for a late night meal. And love the cook and waiter!
(3)Brittany L.
Peppy's is the original greasy spoon. The shitty diners out here in SF just don't cut the mustard. I don't want to pay 20 bucks for my second-rate breakfast food - I want it cheap, quick, thick with grease, full of salty flavor, and, yes, I want to enjoy it in the company of Fountain Square's finest. The diner menu can become so tiresome out west and I've been crying lately for some late night sour cream fries (it's more than just ranch, right?!) and a grilled cheese made MY way (onions and pickles cooked right on the cheese, THANKS - is that so hard/weird/wrong?) People leave you alone for the most part, but I'm no stranger to the ole fashioned "stink eye." Sit in the corner, and hide behind some newspaper until the bigots forget you're there (remember Easy Rider?). The ladies working are nice people. HELL YEAH to the pie slices - you won't regret it.
(5)Joshua H.
After someone inviting my wife here.. she came home all excited to show me the new place she found ..... and what got me about the place, was not the food.. its decent .. not my server.. but who really cares about service at midnight, just keep me in sodas and I'm happy ... no what got me excited here,, and no one has mentioned it is the HUGE jukebox they have . and not 1 , not 2 but 3 quarter games.. you know the little counter top things you find at bars.. .. i ant wait to find a night for me and my wife to go without the kids.. i def will be back !!!
(4)John K.
The food was fine and the restaurant was fun. Its a greasy spoon nonetheless, so the food definitely didn't rate above 3 stars.
(3)