Ralph's is the best. The food is top notch as i have yet to have a bad meal there and have been there many times. The service is what we go back for. Im convinced Ralph's has the best staff in any restaurant in Indianapolis. They are kind, thoughtful, and respectful. I frequently go to Ralph's with my 80+ year old grandparents, and they ALWAYS offer their arm for support and walk them to their table, I just love it. Good environment, great food, and phenomenal staff make for my favorite place to chow in indy.
(5)
Robert D.
Ralphs is a cozy pub - style place with live piano music on the weekend and scratch made food. What a great place! We are coming back soon.
(5)
Dawn Z.
We came for dinner on Friday night at 6 so we beat the rush. They do take reservations. Service was friendly and welcoming. Of course, you have to get either hot pot aug (potato cheese soup with croutons) or hot pot pig (potato cheese soup with bacon and pepper jack). Dinner salad was fresh and dressings are home made. They're also known for their ham - very flavorful. Lots of good beer options. And of course save room for dessert! Coconut cream and butterscotch cream pies were awesome as was the Heath toffee cake which was a special. They also always have blackberry cobbler.
(5)
Brittany S.
I have easily driven by Ralph's a hundred times and never realized it was there. Fortunately, my friend chose it for it her birthday rendezvous. As soon as the five of us walked in the door I was thrown back to Randolph County, Indiana (my hometown) - Ralph's couldn't be more comfortable, laid back and decorated like home. As all of the previous reviews composed by brilliant Yelpers noted, I was sure to have the Hot Pot Pig soup (potato on steroids - bacon, loaded cheese). I was hoping for a little more bacon action. But I suppose I'm always hoping for a little bacon action in general. We also shared the horseradish bacon dip (see the bacon theme at work here?) with potato chips. By this point, I was probably hitting 1500 calories+, so I thought - what the hell? and ordered a Sun King Wee Mac. Next time I'll have to try the highly-acclaimed coconut cream pie. Oh! and how could I forget the cherry on the top? The experience was complete with a charming Ben Folds-esque piano player clad in plaid and thick frames. Yep, we were sold.
(4)
Erin D.
Staff was a riot, food was fantastic, local beers in bottles... and I'm eating my butterscotch pie this morning and couldn't be happier. I ordered the special and items the staff recommended - too much food but I have no regrets. My true test - the vegetables were fresh and not overcooked. Winning.
(5)
Bill B.
Finally made it to this place. Took my Valentine's date as we tend to prefer this type of place. The weather was harsh, which was the only reason we got in. It was quite busy. Waited to long to write this review, so I can't even remember what we had. I do know it was unremarkable. We tried the soup they're known for. It was ok, not amazing. Service was not great, but still friendly. I think things were a little off due to holiday crowd and weather. Atmosphere was unique and enjoyable. We'll go back in the summer.
(3)
Jim B.
So working / school downtown and living on the eastside = I've driven by Ralph's Great Divide a billion times. And never stopped. Until last night (after hearing so many times how great a place it is!). Chips and salsa - The BEST I've ever had. The chips were really warm - I mean so tasty warm and also just the right crispiness. This is the first time I think I've ever done a Yelp review that mentions the chips that are served - but this place had the best. Ordered the shrimp entree that included a much larger salad than I expected (along with one other side option) that was very good. All the reviewers here on Yelp mentioned the dessert so of course had to try the cake and it was very good. Short wine list but had the essentials. Highly recommended - will become a regular no doubt.
(4)
Gary E.
My wife and I went there for dinner. The piano player is really good and we enjoyed the music during dinner. That is a definite reason to go back. I had the balsamic chicken. It was very tasty but over cooked. The chicken was very chewy. Had it been cooked properly, it would have been awesome. The hot pot aug was good but I have had better potato soup. The pea salad was pretty good. My wife had the cheese burger club. She though it was adequate. We had desert. She had the coconut cream pie and thought it was ok. I had the butterscotch cream pie and it was good. The service was good until the end. It took forever to get a check which put a damper on things. We will go back. It is a small charming dive that is a Indianapolis icon. The piano is a reason to return.
(3)
PJ S.
Saturday dinner featured a special comprised of Prime Rib, the Hot Pot Aug, and some coco crime pie. And a piano player to boot. Everything was great..I'll be back
(4)
Christian R.
I love this place!! I frequent Ralph's on my lunch breaks and it's so nice to find a hole in the wall with great food! I recommend any of their soups!
(4)
Karen J.
Great service (our group is the acid test for tolerance in servers) delicious meals for the 8 people in our party. Nothing pretentious or hoity hoity here. Not even the piano player. In an out of the way location near the spaghetti bowl downtown. Order the beef tips with all the dipping sauces. GO!
(5)
Nancy P.
5 stars plus!!!! We went on a Fri and David Meeks waa playing piano....awesome! Food was good and reasonable. Best part was the charm and entertainment. New favorite place!!!!!!
(5)
Greg D.
Great food, great staff! Everything on the menu is delicious! All deserts are homemade in house, try the Mandarin orange white chocolate cake! I personally love their bourbon baked ham. I order it for parties and holidays as often as possible! You should definitely check it out!
(5)
Sqirrl B.
Don't take a kid under 14. I've never been thrown out of a restaurant before, and certainly wasn't expecting to be when we met a business associate here for lunch. My business lets me take my 7 week old with me, and I'm grateful that he's a happy, quiet, well-behaved baby. I was looking forward to trying this place, the reviews here were so complimentary. But we barely got inside the door and one of the workers asked if we had a baby in the carrier. Yep. Well, you can't have him in here, no kids under 14. I was so embarrassed!! I never saw a sign, and didn't see anything about it here... Well, apparently it's on their website. How nice. Not going back, though, even if I can get a sitter. We went to the Claddagh instead, and had a very tasty lunch, no problems about taking in the baby, and he never made a sound the whole time.
(1)
Brad K.
As good as it gets. For me. Five stars, really? For a dive? Yes, because I LOVE dives. And Ralph's is the best kind. Friendly, warm, cozy, fun, you get me, right? Drive up along New York Street and I already know what you're thinking. Run down, rickety old shack with steel bars on the door and front windows. Great. DON'T BE FOOLED, FOOL! Atmosphere: Think your buddy's dad's basement bar. Not your buddy's bar, your buddy's DAD'S basement bar. Old neon, framed B&W pictures, historic Indy memorabilia, US military chachkies, etc. Think TGI Friday's, but all 'garage sale' and no Target. Food: Outstanding. Actually, its a pretty big menu. You can't go wrong anywhere, but my habit is to stay in the middle of the menu (the entrees). That section gets you two sides (soup is an up-charge; its worth it) AND dessert. I usually opt for the Beef Tenderloin Skewers. My wife prefers the "T&A" (that's Tips and Aug for you gutter dwellers) and then she 'shares' my dessert (of which I get NO say in). My (read: our) favorite finisher is the Cobbler of the Day served hot with a scoop of ice cream. Sometimes blackberry, sometimes peach, sometimes cherry, always delicious. My father-in-law ALWAYS goes for the coconut cream pie and my mother-in-law can't pass on the multi-layer chocolate cake. Drinks: Sodas, great iced tea, lots of beers, both bottle and tap, including our favorite local, Sun King, and a full bar. My only suggestion is to add a single barrel bourbon to the shelf, or Indiana's own W.H. Harrison, Governor's Reserve, to keep it local. :-) Clearly, we love Ralph's. We go a couple times a month and sometimes I make it for lunch if I'm downtown. Call it good for any occasion, i.e., out-of-town guests, client lunch (if your client is cool), before a Colts game or after a Pacers game. If I was leaving, I'd want my going-away-party at Ralph's. But since I'm staying, you know where I'll be.
(5)
Scott M.
SLIGHTLY OVER-PRICED, SLIGHTLY OVER-RATED Service and food are good. Place is purposely a dive. Despite the quality and taste, prices may still be too high for what you get. Ralph's Great Divide is slightly over-rated.... Some people rave about the place, because they think they should. If you need a unique place to go downtown and want to say you've been to this little landmark... check it out.
(3)
Nick R.
I've been to Ralph's multiple times for lunch before writing this review. The staff members there are friendly and were eager to please. They also made sure to give me exactly what I wanted. I visited Ralph's on another occasion just to visit the bar in the evening. It was a very laid back atmosphere with friendly people. I had never met any of the people there, but they made sure to make me feel welcome. It felt a little like Cheers!
(4)
Scott H.
Cool working class dive. I went there for lunch on a Monday and it was crowded. The servers were nice, but they were a little bit slow. Lots of regulars. It seems like most of the people there knew each other. I ordered their specialty: T&A - tips and aug, which means beef tenderloin tips and cheesy potato soup. It cost $12.00. The tenderloin tips were DELICIOUS! They seriously tasted about as good as a St. Elmo steak. I was pleasantly surprised. If Ralph's is that good at cooking meat, I'll have to go back to give their hamburger a try.
(4)
D A.
Tips and Aug is amazing! The Aug soup, is potato and cheese and croutons, and is one of the most delicious meals I ever tasted. The Tips are so tender. The shrimp and corn chowder was delicious as well. It's also close to Sun King Brewery, so make a guys day of it. They know what they are doing here!!
(5)
Tonya S.
Most people probably don't even know this place even exists.....even the locals. Tucked away in downtown Indy is this really neat place. A friend from NYC was coming into town and we were meeting for dinner. He is previous Indy folk, so when I let him pick our dinner destination, he said, "I know where we are going!!". We ended up at Ralph's. This place isn't fancy, by any means. It has a small town pub feel to it and when you walk in, you almost feel like everyone in there knows one another and you are the "out of towner", but in minutes, they all make you feel like part of the clan. The menu offers quite a variety, but we stuck with the more pub-like food. I got a ham sandwich, which is something I would NEVER order at a restaurant. Um, yeah.....BEST EVER!! It was so flavorful. I was excited about a ham sandwich. We also had the Bacon Horsey Dip with chips. OMG, this is a must if you go here. So darn good! The service was great and this place is definitely a great quiet place to catch up with an out of town friend. In fact, I have been back with another friend. Also tried the Hot Pot Pig (a staple soup) and Coconut Cream Pie (also a staple). Both were delish.....obviously staples. Great hidden restaurant in downtown Indy and I sincerely recommend that anyone give it a try!
(5)
Mia M.
We went to Ralph's on a Thursday afternoon based solely on Yelp reviews. Thank you, fellow Yelpers - you were right on the money. Ralph's is delicious, affordable and 100% pretense-free. It looks like a total dive bar, complete with a ceiling that may or may not be caving in. We were greeted by a man whose demeanor and haircut led me to believe he is responsible for all the USMC memorabilia on the walls. He brought us our bottled/canned drinks (IBC root beer for me, Sun King Wee Mac for Kyle) wrapped in Ralph's coozies - a nice touch. He also quickly brought our order of horseradish-bacon dip, a dish I expected to be served warm. Rather, it's a cold, picnic-style dip, served with real-deal Ruffles. It's just as addictive as everyone's said. After realizing I was going to fill up on the dip, I ordered just a bowl of chili (with cheese and onions) and a side of pea salad. Kyle got the filet tips and cup of Hot Pot Pig (the potato au gratin soup). Someone else had mentioned here that the chili was bland and devoid of meat; I didn't really pick up on either of those faults. It definitely had a lot of beans, which is how I like my chili anyway, and the cheese and onion helped to kick it up a notch, but it was far from tasteless. The pea salad, however, was a bit disappointing. I think that's a matter of me being unfairly biased on pea salad thanks to my mom's one-of-a-kind recipe, though. I didn't try the filet tips, but Kyle was very impressed. The Hot Pot Pig... wow. The topping itself, crunchy and cheesy and potato-y, is worth its weight in gold. Our server, a very efficient and nice guy who called me "dear" a lot, recommended the mandarin orange cake that Debbie raved about. I couldn't resist... and it was just heavenly. Kind of a weird dessert to serve at a place that is primarily known for gourmet bar food, but I'm not complaining. I had to take quite a bit of my piece home due to being stuffed from everything else. Truly, my only complaint (or perhaps regret) is that I wish we'd come here in the fall or winter. I can just imagine how amazing that food would taste after coming in from the chilly weather.
(4)
Mark S.
The food is good and the atmosphere is a nice dive restaurant. The issue is that the female owner with short hair is one of the nastiest people I have ever met in the service industry. We actually got up and left after interacting with her. Our server apologized for the owners behavior but her hands were obviously tied about doing anything to stop her. We will not be back until a "under new management" sign is hung on the front door. I recommend Tick Tock Lounge as an alternative.
(1)
Jonathon M.
My dear Indianapolis dwellers, what more can I say regarding the cultural landmark we call Ralphs Great Divide? It's cramped, old, the menu is interesting to say the least, there is a piano crammed in there straight from 1945, and in a building that is so in descript that one can drive by it 100 times and still not find it....it is also one of the greatest places in the city for a comforting meal. Ralphs is the kind of place you take people from out of town to give them a true taste of Hoosier hospitality and the quirky spirit that is part of Indianapolis heritage. The menu consists of mostly Ham and Bacon based products, but you will also find things like crab cakes. The ham is amazing and will most likely be the best you have ever eaten. I know families that put in orders with The Great Divide for whole hams to take home for holiday dinners. The ham sandwiches are with no doubt the star of the show at Ralphs. The co-star of the performance would have to be a bowl of the famous Big Pot Pig. It is a hearty soup consisting of bacon, potatoes, cheese, and ham. It is absolutely the perfect soup for the slight chill of a late fall Hoosier day. The homemade desserts are also a reason people love The Great Divide. Most enjoy the Coconut Cream Pie, but I have also had a carrot cake there that is the absolute best carrot cake I've had. Bottom Line: If you live here in the Circle City then you must have eaten at Ralphs Great Divide or make immediate plans to do so. The place is a landmark and the food is good enough to take home to family for holidays, and that should say it all. Next time you have an out of town visitor looking to experience some local flavor you can say "I've got just the place. "
(4)
Vee F.
Man!!!!! What a Great place the service great and our server Ann was very friendly we recommend asking for Ann if you decide to stop by Ralph's this is truly one of Indy's best kept secrets everything is made in house and made to perfection I recommend you try the beef tenderloin skewers tender and succulent chunks of beef grilled to perfection don't let me forget about the coconut cream pie to die for. We will return to try their lunch and most definitely dinner again
(5)
Scott P.
I had gone to this place for many a work lunches. I went back in after a while, and was glad to see that its the same Ralph's. Hot pot aug. Incredible. This is one of few places I'll double up on potato dishes. Amazing. The sandwiches (HAM!) are also a nice pleasant meal. The building itself? Quite a bit of seating, a little cramped, but full of awesome little trinkets on the wall. I spot something I didn't notice each time I go in here. All in all; a nice pleasant place to get a meal, and then staff is a lot of fun too.
(4)
Bill K.
Killer Reuben, great service from Stefani at super reasonable prices. Wish we had found this jewel sooner! And don't pass on the pickled beets. As they say at home in NYC, "to die faw!"
(5)
Alicia F.
Why have I lived in this town for nine months and never heard about this place? Thank you, Yelp, for leading me here. RGD is like your mom's kitchen, your office water cooler, and your neighborhood bar rolled into one--Good food, chatter, and drinks for all! Our server, Annie, was hilarious (think mom realtalk with a snarky edge) and helpful with her menu recs. Taking a cue from fellow Yelpers, I started with the Aug. That is some damn good soup! We're talking cold-night, stick-to-your-ribs comforting goodness in a bowl. The beef tips were also on point--cooked to order and accompanied by some rosy rosemary potatoes. Freaking delicious. Feel free to accompany your steak with wine, beer, or a cocktail--they've got it all here. Now let's talk about the reason I came here in the first place: PIE. Being that it's Pi Day, I was looking for a place that had pies and was still open after 5. RDG was the only one who fit the bill, and dessert did not disappoint. Two slices of butterscotch pie later (don't judge), my tummy was happy and so was I. I can't wait to come back here!
(5)
Andrew D.
I live only a few minutes away from this wonderful awesome place. I love that they have a piano player that got me hooked then their food is really really good especially the hot pig soup wow amazing my steak tips were very good. I just love the home feel of this place and the great sizes in good. Love this place alot
(5)
Ryan L.
I've been here twice. My breakdown of the restaurant is as follows: Service: 2/5 Food: 2/5 Entertainment: 6/5 Their food is okay. The first time I came I had a sandwich which was made on grocery store bread and served with Ruffles potato chips. The second time I came I ordered their most popular combo, the T&A. This included 6oz skewered Beef Tenderloin Tips (tender but not really seasoned) and a cup of their Hot Pot Aug (not sure what the hype is about). Everything was a little bland. My drink was never refilled and the waitress questioned what someone in my party ordered and tried to upsell them. They are very nice though, just a little aloof. The entertainment is great though. The main dining area has a piano and David shows up to play at 7:00pm sharp. If it hadn't been for his musical talent I would not have come back here a second time (and realistically I'm sure I'll be back again). He's friendly, approachable and takes requests. He greets his guests as they come and go and engages his audience from time to time (but it's not invasive). He really elevates an otherwise unremarkable restaurant. I don't know if he'd go for it, but I actually recommended that one of my friends look into hiring him for live music at their wedding. It doesn't really matter what the food is that they're serving, their piano entertainment steals the show.
(3)
Matt B.
You might drive by this place about a million times and not think about stopping in but you'd be making a mistake. Hole in the wall bar that serves good food. I had the Hot Pot Pig soup and the ham sandwich, both keepers. Others in my party had the tenderloin skewers and salad. We were seated right next to the piano player so it was a little difficult to hear each other at the table but if tinkling ivory is your thing during dinner they have it going on about every night.
(4)
Wanda M.
After reading the reviews and seeing the popularity on Yelp we decided we had to check out Ralph's. The atmosphere is one of those little restaurants with generations of history. The main dining area quickly filled up with regulars at dinner and the staff was terrific. The bar is comfortable for drinks, appetizers or even dinner. We had the pleasure of Sean Baker entertaining us on the piano and several regulars taking center stage throughout the evening. When the pianist asked for request I prompted my husband to ask for his all time favorite Charlie Brown music. Most don't take the request seriously or don't know the songs but Sean did. He played several to the pleasure of my husband and the crowd. Perfect birthday treat for him and icing on the cake. The bacon horseradish dip was tasty with the horseradish not overpowering the bacon flavor. Served with a large basket of ripple potato chips and re-heats well for leftovers. My Hot Pot was excellent and I'll be ordering again in the future. One of the dinner specials was a Beef Manhattan with soup and dessert. Again, one of birthday boys favorite being an old fashion meat and potato guy. Plenty of tender beef accompanied by an extra large serving of mashed potatoes. The high light of dinner for me was the delicate and fluffy coconut cream pie. So much so I'm ordering a birthday pie this Friday for my sister in law. Delicious, light pie with a flaky crust perfect after a large meal or by itself. Excellent service, terrific food, fun, warm atmosphere, nice mixture of ages and personalities. Parking on street or in lot behind restaurant.
(4)
Jon C.
Ralph's Great Divide is a little bit off the beaten path compared to other downtown restaurants, but it's one well worth visiting for a no-nonsense, top of the line meal in a casual bar-like atmosphere with just a touch of additional class. Just make sure you save room for dessert or you'll be kicking yourself at the end! I can't quite recall how long I've been coming to Ralph's, or how I even found it to begin with. It's been many years, but the menu has pretty much stayed the same, and I think I've ordered the same thing every time I've come here. The Bourbon Baked Ham Sandwich is simply amazing. Throw it together with a side of the Hot Pot Pig (Potato soup with bacon) and you've got one hell of a meal. Add in a piece of the homemade coconut cream pie and you'll roll out of the place happier than a tornado in a trailer park.
(5)
Jelly R.
I've driven by this place hundreds, if not thousands, of times, and never thought much of it. From the outside, it does not look like much, and even gives the appearance of being in a rough neighborhood (it is near east side, after all, and is a windowless building with a metal security door in front of the entrance door). The inside tells a different story. This is a sit-down restaurant as you enter, and what appears to be a bar area in divided-off section to the left. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. It was apparent that most of the other customers were regulars, and I can see why: The staff is great, and they make you feel right at home. They have a piano in the dining area, and live music certain nights. We were lucky we wandered in on one such night, when David Meek (???) was playing piano. They have a somewhat limited menu, and are best known for the hot pot aug (a scalloped potato soup) and the hot pot pig (a potato-cheddar soup with bacon and jalapeno cheese) and their various pies made in-house. The entrees are mainly club sandwich or other sandwich-type offerings, though I noticed they also have alfredo and marinara pastas. The entrees come with a side, but for a couple dollars more, you can substitute a cup of the hot pot aug or hot pot pig. . . and it's totally worth it. As far as pies, we've tried the popular coconut pie, and the English toffee pie, and both were made with a whipped frosting that wasn't overly sweet or heavy. They have several other kinds of pies, but availability is limited to whatever they've made and still have on hand.
(4)
Kathleen M.
We read the reviews on Yelp and decided to hop over for dinner our first night in Indy. Thanks to what everyone had written we came early and were able to find it and parking. We had fun meal and a show that really wasn't par of the night. Things got a little crazy and our appetizers ended up being given to another table. (My question is why did the other table not say, no we did not order these?) The cook and the server were so darn personable and apologetic I was actually glad it had happened. We tried a variety of plates and everything was really good. I enjoyed it very much except I wasn't blown away by the dessert. Rats. I will have to go back and try something else!
(4)
Kasey L.
I saved Ralph's Great Divide to be my 100th review! Yippee! I came here with a large group on a Saturday night. We called in advance for a reservation, which turned out to be very important because the place was packed. It's sort of a two part restaurant on the inside--half is clearly the eating area and the other half is more of a bar. Smoke free! The gentleman playing piano was fantastic, playing a variety of music and singing occasionally. I'd go back just for him. My personal food choices were DELICIOUS. I got the tips and aug on the recommendation of other reviewers, and it did not disappoint. Curiously, I almost felt like the soup had too much bacon (is that really a thing?), but that can't honestly be a real complaint. The steak was cooked really well and was super tender. The coconut cream pie was pretty tasty. As for the food of my other seven dining companions, some were disappointed and some were really pleased. There were several eventually clean plates that started out with pasta and sandwiches. However, my husband wasn't crazy about his BLT. All the ingredients were there, but none of them were great (think Wonder bread, boring/thin cut bacon, etc.). We also noticed that the potato chips they served were straight out of a bag of Ruffles, so that's kind of a bummer. Our waitress was very friendly and funny, and she did a great job managing such a large group. However, the service was generally slow. She mentioned that they were in the midst of training a new cook, and that things were moving more slowly than usual. I appreciated her explanation. I thought the pricing was fair. I think a more honest review might be a 3.5, but I'm willing to round up for this local joint. It's totally unassuming on the outside (one of our friends actually thought it was a liquor store when he drove up), but just embrace that it's part of the charm. If you go here expecting some sort of fine dining experience, you'll be disappointed. It's a little divey but quite tasty!
(4)
Emily H.
I was on prop pick up duty for Yelp today and had the opportunity to stop at this small hole-in-the-wall establishment. David, the mastermind in the kitchen, welcomed be back to not only take me step by step as to how they assemble the absolutely mouthwatering and delicious Hot Pot Pig soup, but he also offered me a cup of this delectable, potato goodness. The melted cheese, bacon, and soggy croutons were exactly what my stomach was calling out for on this chilly February day. Not only is the food wonderful, but the people here are such a delight! I was able to chat with David and his sister as I enjoyed my soup. They are so welcoming and treat ya just like family. I cannot wait for my next visit! I have heard only great things about the coconut creme pie and we all know I have a sweet tooth. So I'm coming for ya pie.
(5)
Michael B.
An AWESOME under the radar spot with an old-school atmosphere. Loved the piano playing a huge range of classics and newer songs to accompany a great heart-clogging meal. Shared a few entrees and combinations with a group - all were delicious. As mentioned in every other review the Hot Pot Pig is a must. Also tried the grilled bbq chicken and beef tenderloin skewers. Looking at the menu the prices were a little higher than I expected, then you realize how much food you get with each entree (mine included two sides and dessert). All in all, a great spot to try for anyone that hasn't - I don't think there's any way you'd go for a first time and not come back. Family-owned with a great vibe and service with excellent homestyle food like your mom or grandma made at their best.
(5)
Amy H.
This place is phenomenal. Period. The only downside is that it's not close enough to my house so that I could easily become a regular. Dive bar exterior (literally, no windows), local low key neighborhood bar interior. Think a mix of Nascar signs and nick-nacks, a few strategically placed tv's (muted), hand-written specials over the bar and then, a surprisingly nice menu and a piano player! We started with the jalapeno pretzel (awesome!) and then shared the "pick 2" option. We had a crab cake and beef tips with the rosemary potatoes. The crab cake was tender, flaky and very well done and the beef tips actually came out perfectly pink in the middle, a feat I have to admit surprised me. We also had 2 dinner salads which were exceptionally well done for "bar" food - large, pretty and with more than your standard fare of bagged lettuce and carrot shavings. This was fluffy, fresh greens with red onions, olives, tomatoes, cheese, egg and a side of garlic bread. Already stuffed, we still managed to devour the included dessert, the coconut cream pie. It rivaled my mothers (which is saying A LOT), except without the over the top sweetness that some may associate with CCP. Service was fantastic - attentive, informed and friendly. They take reservations! We will be back... often!
(4)
Ben B.
If your one that looks for the unique places to eat in a larger city than this place fits that description. Old school atmosphere, with local flavor sprinkled in, makes this place a top destination for someone who travels to indy a lot. The outside appearances adds to the mystique of this place...you'll know what I mean when you drive up to the place. Food is good...probably 4 star rating, it gets 5 stars for the atmosphere and experience. Get the aged sirloin
(5)
Missy F.
This is my favorite restaurant in Indianapolis! Excellent food! Excellent service! Amazing atmosphere! My favorite part? It's locally owned, a mom and pop operation. This is our go to spot for special occasions.
(5)
Debbie S.
I can't stop eating here! I just moved here from Chicago and already I am a regular and they know me. This is a find and I hesitate to even write the review because I don't want other people knowing about it! But I can't help but spread the love for Ralph's. Okay - now to the food: yes - they have the greatest "hot pot aug" and "hot pot pig" cheese/potatoe/bacon soup ever! Plus - they have a Friday night Supper Club, homemade bleu cheese and french dressing, homemade bacon/horseradish dip- so creamy and delicious. But the DESSERTS! Also home-made on the premises - cakes such as carrot with an ever so light cream cheese icing topping tjhree layers of moist, gingery carrot cake. The other night - they had a Mandarin Orange cake that was to die for...another three layer, light as air - covered in icing that melted in your mouth. Also on the menu that night was a Chicken Pot Pie that had the absolute lightest, flakiest crust. Another winner. Where else can you go and get buckets of beer with tiny little glasses to drink it in? It's the small things in life...
(5)
Wayne M.
We found this restaurant on Yelp while travelling from Baltimore, MD onthrough to Wichita Falls, Texas. We walked in and asked our friendly waiter what he recommended. After kindly informing us that "everything is good" he suggested two stellar dishes. I would continue on to describe them, but its more important to know that they have amazing homemade blue cheese and their meat is cooked as requested. Ask for medium rare and thats what you're gonna get! The decor leaves nothing wanting and is one of those places that leaves you scanning the walls from one object to another. Also, request the Coconut Cream Pie! If in the area, stop into the Sun King Brewery as well. It's only 3 minutes from Ralphs!
(5)
Robert F.
Great food reasonable price. Full service bar, great soups, apps, steak and shrimp were all very good. I tasted them all. Deserts cooked on site. Don't let the plain outside fool you. This is one of those secrets that only the locals know about until Yelp, check it out!
(4)
Patrick R.
Good food.. But not great. Went with the filet. Was cook semi-well. A little dry. A little chewy. Nothing to write home about. Sides were good. Onion soup was tasty. Coconut cake was a little more dense than I like. I like mine lite, airy and People were friendly. Patio is nice and quaint. A little pricey. Meh.. Might go back.
(3)
Eric N.
This restaurant is a terrific hole-in-the-wall with great service and atmosphere. You have to get the au gratin potato soup! I will be going back as much as possible. Hopefully next time someone will playing some piano.
(5)
Nikki B.
It's all about the ham. It's pretty good ham! And the potato soup's good with all the fixings. They *pile* on the ham on the sandwiches, so it's a great serving and therefore the pricing makes sense. I even saw that you can order hams for the holidays if you don't feel like cooking (preorder of course). I got super excited about this place because I never get to eat ham, so I was siked. It's got a great atmosphere, a little dinky place on New York, but I've been dying to try it for years. Will definitely be taking ham lovers here!!
(4)
Jon A.
Ralph 3. Your Grandma 0. Your Grandma, or Mother teetering into the AARP Arena, just lost an upper hand in the market place. Ralph's coconut cream pie evokes the wholeness of a soothing Easter Sunday on an 18th green of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Whispy Atlantic breezes. Cool, calm & collected, that coconut cream makes me feel completely at peace. This is my new last supper -- stacks of 'em. After eating this pie, I now feel I could defeat Hemingway in a pie-eating - slash - syntactical battle in the thick of the Spanish-American War. Your Grandma just lost another point to that 1960s picnic-style horseradish-bacon dip (yes, served with Ruffles). This dip harks back to times where a future of above-ground pools was possible, where Schlitz what's for dinner, where people were proud of hood ornaments, and empowered by them, too. In fact, that's what Ralph's Great Divide stirs up entirely. A time where a rich alchemy of historic pride and, 'if we stick together at our small-town community establishments, a bright, prosperous future lies ahead.' When I walk into this place, I'm not surprised when my heart feels it's JFK sitting at that piano in Wayfarers; and I'll keep JFK in mind when Sean Baker hosts his Monday night Pianoke (that's Piano Sing-Alongs). If New York has dimly lit red-vinyl Italian eateries with the ghosts of Sinatra & the Rat Pack, then you can look at Ralph's Great Divide as Indy's more-humble version. (Yes, the review is over and you're asking, "where'd that 3rd point come from?" Ralph had the gumption grandma didn't when he said "No!" to allowing children in his establishment.)
(4)
Chris S.
We went here for Dining Out For Life. We got the Two For U entree'. My partner got Beef Skewer and Chicken with Baked Potato. He said it was pretty good. I took a bite of his chicken and it was superb. I got the Beef Skewer and Grilled Shrimp with grilled vegetables. My beef skewer and shrimp was very good however the vegetable medley, the broccolli could have been cooked a little longer. Then we got our dessert, he got the blackberry cobbler a la mode and I got the white chocalate madarin orange. It was the best cake I had in a long time. The staff was great, very apologetic for the food takin too long. Kept us informed on when the food will be up. I strongly recommend this restaurant. If you decide to go and eat at Ralph's, be sure to get their famous ham sandwich as well as the HOT POT AUG soup. Very delish.
(4)
M W.
A friend and I went to Ralph's last night for dinner and it was great! I had a chicken club with their rosemary potatoes. My friend had the very, VERY special SPECIAL, which she really enjoyed, especially the Butterfinger pie.
(4)
Jeff R.
One of my favorite places in Indianapolis. If you are a regular they know you and remember how you like things. Great service and if you want some sass just throw some out to the server and they will give it right back at you! I have never had a bad meal, the broccoli salad when they have it is the best ever. The raspberry cream cake is amazing. Burgers served on bread but I love them that way. The bourbon baked ham is something I crave! I must stop by when I am in town.
(5)
Katie C.
My husband and I stumbled in after not being able to choose where we wanted to go for date night... and I am so happy we finally did. He had the Sirloin with the roasted potatoes and the pasta with marinara. I had the beef skewers, the side salad and the hot pot pig (everything I ordered was recommended by our waitress who was phenomenal.) Everything we ate and drank was unbelievable, even the side salad was ridiculously good with the homemade blue cheese dressing, fresh veggies and hard-boiled egg (a meal of it's own.) Both steaks were cooked perfectly at medium rare, the hot pot pig was UNBELIEVABLE, my husband took one bite and continued to pound the entire cup. It didn't matter though, because there was no way you could leave hungry with all of the food that we got. Nothing was even mediocre, from the hot rolls served before dinner to the angle hair pasta to the steaks EVERYTHING was superb. Now onto the desserts... RIDICULOUSLY good. They are apparently known for their pies and they didn't support. Imagine your grandmother's best homemade pie and times it by 10... that's how good these pies were. We left full and content, and raving about this gem. I almost don't want to write this review because I would like to keep this place my secret... but some things are just too good not to share, and RGD definitely fits that mold. Don't be like us and keep putting off trying this place... drop everything and go... right now!
(5)
Kjirsten K.
I had been to Ralph's for lunch before and thought it was pretty good, but last night we went for dinner and had an AWESOME time. We're still talking about it today. We were able to get a seat at the bar and right away were greeted by the friendly staff. They were really busy, but were quick to get us our drinks. Everyone was really nice and attentive; we had three different people check in on us to ask how we're doing. For dinner I had the Tips and Aug, which is beef tips and a bowl of their potato au gratin soup as well as an additional side. I chose the Hot Pot Pig, which means the soup includes bacon and hot pepper cheese. Everything was so good!! The beef was cooked perfectly, was tender, and flavorful. The soup was velvety, cheesy, and bacony. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back this evening and order the same thing. A couple special "treats" were the man playing piano in the dining room and the beers being served in coozies. This is my kind of place!
(5)
Tamara D.
Wonderful place for lunch. Go early. It fills up fast. Good food and prices.
(5)
Terri B.
Wow what a great meal. Eclectic joint with personable staff and food was awesome. I would definitely recommend this fun experience.
(5)
James S.
Very decent dive bar with nice people working. Beers are cold, but don't go for the Scotch selection. It's a good neighborhood joint with OK bar food. I'll be back.
(3)
Brittany L.
Great environment, wonderful food, and excellent service. I've been here plenty of times and have never been disappointed either with the service or the food. I've even eaten out on their little patio twice. The twinkle lights add charm and the fountain drowns out the sound of the interstate. There are even smoking and non-smoking areas on the patio! What follows is my original review from the first time I visited. Ralph's remains one of my favorite spots in Indy. Both members of the wait staff were very friendly to us, answered questions knowledgeably, and promptly bussed our dirty dishes. We were also warmly greeted when we entered. As a bonus, even though we were sitting near the door on one of the coldest days of the year, we weren't cold. On to the food! We each started out with a bowl of Hot Pot Aug (potato soup with melted cheese on top. Heavenly and absolute perfection on that cold February night. I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, which was grilled to a lovely golden brown, and the ham was evenly placed, rather than being piled up all in one place. Our waiter asked me what kind of cheese, bread, toppings, and even asked about preparation. I was shocked! It was awesome to get exACTly what I wanted. My partner ate the ribs. A half rack with 2 sides and dessert was $19.99. They were the best ribs I've had in YEARS. Fell right off the bone, full of flavor, not fatty but also super moist. We wished the sauce had been just a tad spicier or smokier, but the sauce wasn't even really necessary because the meat was SO wonderful. Moving on to the coconut cream pie: you MUST save room for this dessert! Even the crust is worth eating, and we usually leave that behind. Lots of coconut, not too much topping, velvety in texture and buttery in flavor. It's rich without being too sweet. This is now my favorite dessert in the city of Indianapolis. Hands-down. Full bar, no draft beers, but a great selection of local brews in bottles and cans. Also, the alcohol prices are kind of high, but once you see the location (right on the near east side) it'll make sense. For the 2 of us, 2 soups, sandwich, entree, 3 drinks, dessert, and good tip was just under $60. Ribs aren't available every day, so if you're set on those you might call ahead. Ralph's Great Divide is on New York Street, a one-way east-bound street that runs out of downtown. It's just off the Michigan/New York exit off I-65. The exit ramp turns into Davidson St (one way south)....so it's on the corner of Davidson and New York. Parking lot access is off Davidson. This bar is totally worth your while to seek out. Also, no children allowed...it's a bar! Ralph's used to not be open on weekends but is now and they close fairly early by bar standards through the week. Also, last time I tried to go on a Tuesday, I was sad and angry to learn that they'd traded out being open on Saturday for being closed on Tuesday. Weird, weird, weird choice.
(5)
Chris M.
Pretty much everything that needs to be said has been mentioned in reviews before. My $0.02 is that I am normally not one to order soup, but the cheesy creamy bowl they pass off as the Hot Pot Pig is awesome. The place is cool. They have an interesting menu and a sense of humor. The service is quick and polite. Blah blah blah. other notes: they have a parking lot in which I did not park. The drink cups are pretty tall, so your straw sinks down below the rim. I got a peppermint patty with my food.
(4)
Edward C.
The food was ok. The problem is service. The guy waiting on us seemed to be waiting on the whole place. He took 20min to ask us what drinks we wanted and dropped the menus off. When he came for our orders he put his foot up in a chair which placed his groin over the table. We finally got our food after an hour. The food was not bad. The service was atrocious. I won't be going back.
(2)
TOMMY o.
i walked into the party with a whole Coconut Creme Pie, they all said, i'd Never pay $23 for a pie UNTIL they tasted it YES you would thanks to Ralph's for whipping up a pie (literally in ~45 minutes) on a busy Friday night, usually it's not this much, but i think they added a tip for the cook? No Problem!!! thee Best Coconut Pie in the World (as said that night by a Southern chef @ the party) your fork will shake watch the First Step
(5)
Aric F.
Went there with a small group of four people and had a sandwich. Our server gave use a hard time when we ordered for not knowing the menu and when we asked for napkins. The food was just run-of-the mill and nothing to phone home about. The interior is pretty slapstick with old wood paneling and old photos. Overall I think it was overpriced for the quality and atmosphere of the place. I paid somewhere around $15 for an average sandwich and chips.
(3)
sarah S.
This place is delightful. The Sir Ralph's Sir Loin is awesome. I worked in a steakhouse for 5 years, and they never cooked a sirloin this beautifully. I love the Hot Pot Pig. (think cheese, bacon, cheese, creamy potato...mmm) I also love the support of local brewery sunking. Osiris is a favorite beer, and a lovely to such a heavy meal. The thing that topped it off for me was the seasonal cobbler. I totally lucked out in that the seasonal ingredient is blackberries. My God was that a fantastic cobbler! The crust made me think of my mom & gramma's homemade crusts, buttery and just thick enough. the blackberries were so flavorful and had just that bit of sweetness to them. The ice cream was a lovely compliment. My husband, although he loved his brownie, was quite sad that he did not order it.
(4)
Wally M.
I've never been to this place but I gave it 5 stars because if Jeff Reuter gave it 5 stars it has to be good because he has been in the business of making and serving great food in Indianapolis. So, I'll be going to Ralph's Great Divide very soon. There's another reason and that is to see if the Hot Pot Pig soup is as good as that which I make. I always thought mine was world famous.
(5)
Trevor Y.
This place is good when you want some "comfort" food. Try the hot pot aug and steak tips. Great meal for under $10. If you like peas, make sure to try the pea salad. It is one of the best that I've had.
(4)
Jeremy B.
always a great lunch place
(5)
John A.
Coconut cream pie and any desert awsome
(5)
Kevin A.
(((SCRATCHES HEAD))) I'm lost on this one. This place has a lot of character and is obviously a local favorite, but I left very disappointed. I walked in without knowing what their specialties were, and ordered the Bon Appetit acclaimed chili, a ham sandwich, and a slice of coconut cream pie. The chili was not good at all and I actually struggled to finish it. It wasn't spicy, it wasn't meaty, and while I'm sure they make it fresh, it had a canned quality to it. Not looking good so far. Next up was the bourbon-baked ham sandwich. This was much better than the chili and had a nice balance between briny and sweet flavors, but at the end of the day it was still just a ham sandwich. Finally, I tried the coconut cream pie which was fantastic and among the best I've ever had. Rich, decadent, and creamy from the first bite. If I ever return, it will be for this pie.
(2)
Katie B.
Ralph's Great Divide is delicious! A small place with a random assortment of decorations. The veggie club and coconut cream pie are my favorites. I have also heard raves about their hot pot aug (but haven't tried it myself since it's not veggie). Their bleu cheese dressing is also good.
(5)
Tim G.
On a visit to Indy, cousin-in-law and wife took me, the mrs., and sis-in-law to this tiny hole-in-the-wall DIVE--didn't look like much, but man, appearances do deceive! We went on a Monday night, which was a bonus, because Sean was at the piano banging out standards, and then it was sing-along and karaoke, and we had a blast! On the down side (the reason for not making 5 stars) it was a hot summer night in July, and the A/C just wasn't up to the job, so we were uncomfortably warm. My shirt was soaking wet by the time we left. But the food is out of this world good. When I say this place is tiny, I mean, in the non-smoking area where we were sitting, there couldn't have been room for more than 25 people. So if we hadn't been so lucky with our timing, arriving as they were clearing a table, and just before some other folks got there, we might have had a long wait. Be aware this place will fill up fast. Now to the food and beverage: no beers on draft, but a large selection of bottled beers, so you can get what you like. A full-service bar, if you want mixed drinks, with different specials nightly. A variety of wines, if that's your thing. I ordered grilled grouper with mac n cheese, and they kindly let me sub grilled veggies for the house salad. The veggies were perfectly done, just slightly al dente--for me it could not have been better. The fish was fantastic, great flavor, I could have used tartar sauce, but the fish had enough flavor that t.s. was not necessary. The mac n cheese very creamy, and again perfect flavoring. Cuz-in-law went for the ham sandwich, said it was wonderful. The ladies all had meat w salad combos: one w steak skewer, two with grilled tuna steak. All gave high praise to their plates, and I also got to sample both the tuna and steak; very savory! Save room for dessert! The coconut cream pie is everything other reviewers have said. I had a butterscotch cream pie: absolutely to DIE for. We get back to Indy to visit fam every summer. We will definitely go back to Ralphs, probably a Monday night for the pianoke. We visit Indy most every summer to see family. We will for sure go back to Ralphs, probably on a Monday for the pianoke!
(4)
Andy L.
Great, simple food. Hot pot pig, awesome. Blue cheese dressing- real bite and not overly creamy. BLT- simple and great. Should have gone for the $1.50 extra layer. Coconut cream pie- amazing. Bad for physical health, good for mental health. The server was busy but did a fine job. I'd highly recommend it.
(5)
Shawn M.
Ralph's is a quaint little bar on the east side of Downtown. They do a wonderful job of serving up a creative menu devoid of fried food which seems to be the fare at every other bar in town. They have great specials and lots of homemade deserts and other things that you simply don't find anywhere else. The servers are very friendly and attentive, the atmosphere is quite unique- old bar oriented- you can tell this place has been here a long time. When you are tired of the normal pub fare Ralphs is a great alternative.
(4)
Rachael W.
I have taken a few friends here over the course of 6 years and they have always come out big fans of Ralph's. The food is really great. Hot Pot Pig is my personal favorite, potato soup with bacon, pepper jack and then topped with loads of cheddar cheese, AWESOME! Homemade blue cheese dressing, perfectly cooked beef skewers, the ham sandwich is surprisingly delicious, sirloin that looks more like a fillet and cooked to the finest medium rare I have ever seen. Then we come to desserts. I hate coconut or so I thought. This was the one of the finest pieces of pie I have ever had. I could really come here and just eat dessert and maybe coffee and leave with a huge grin on my face. Love sitting at the bar chatting with the bartenders. Always super friendly and willing to make you feel like part of the Ralph's Family. I really like coming here, it's like a secret undiscovered treasure, but I want to share it.
(4)
Mark W.
After reading Tommy O's review had to go try the coconut cream pie, and yes it was as good as he said! What a great place, warm and cozy on a cold winter night. Comfort food, mashed potatoes, gravy, roast beef, cream pies, it is like a home away from home.
(4)
Irvington O.
Really Great food! Nice laid back atmosphere. Great mix of people with a Cheers-like bar atmosphere (kind of feels lke a big group of friends hanging out in someone's cozy den). Very cool vintage 1930s walk in cooler behind the bar. I've had the steak skewers (so tender, great dipping sauces), grilled shrimp (excellent), crab cakes (tasty & hearty), pea salad (great classic find!), penne Alfredo (yumm), cheesy potato soup (thick cheesy rich), bacon dip (rich & tangy but not too rich - easy to eat tons of this), chocolate cake (amazing ganache icing), and, of course, the coconut cream pie (toe curling). We went on a Friday once (make reservations, yep it's that good) and there was a piano man singing. Oh -and I LOVE that dessert comes with your meal. And excellent service. And great beer selection.
(5)
Richard H.
Always friendly service and delicious food. Never a bad experience. Ever. Although it can get crowded on Friday night and at lunch.
(4)
cecille p.
love the easy but cozy ambience with a pianist...visited in my days while with my boyfriend on Valentines night..awesome!!! He makes all places just great...
(5)
Robert D.
Ralphs is a cozy pub - style place with live piano music on the weekend and scratch made food. What a great place! We are coming back soon.
(5)
Dawn Z.
We came for dinner on Friday night at 6 so we beat the rush. They do take reservations. Service was friendly and welcoming. Of course, you have to get either hot pot aug (potato cheese soup with croutons) or hot pot pig (potato cheese soup with bacon and pepper jack). Dinner salad was fresh and dressings are home made. They're also known for their ham - very flavorful. Lots of good beer options. And of course save room for dessert! Coconut cream and butterscotch cream pies were awesome as was the Heath toffee cake which was a special. They also always have blackberry cobbler.
(5)
Brittany S.
I have easily driven by Ralph's a hundred times and never realized it was there. Fortunately, my friend chose it for it her birthday rendezvous. As soon as the five of us walked in the door I was thrown back to Randolph County, Indiana (my hometown) - Ralph's couldn't be more comfortable, laid back and decorated like home. As all of the previous reviews composed by brilliant Yelpers noted, I was sure to have the Hot Pot Pig soup (potato on steroids - bacon, loaded cheese). I was hoping for a little more bacon action. But I suppose I'm always hoping for a little bacon action in general. We also shared the horseradish bacon dip (see the bacon theme at work here?) with potato chips. By this point, I was probably hitting 1500 calories+, so I thought - what the hell? and ordered a Sun King Wee Mac. Next time I'll have to try the highly-acclaimed coconut cream pie. Oh! and how could I forget the cherry on the top? The experience was complete with a charming Ben Folds-esque piano player clad in plaid and thick frames. Yep, we were sold.
(4)
Erin D.
Staff was a riot, food was fantastic, local beers in bottles... and I'm eating my butterscotch pie this morning and couldn't be happier. I ordered the special and items the staff recommended - too much food but I have no regrets. My true test - the vegetables were fresh and not overcooked. Winning.
(5)
Bill B.
Finally made it to this place. Took my Valentine's date as we tend to prefer this type of place. The weather was harsh, which was the only reason we got in. It was quite busy. Waited to long to write this review, so I can't even remember what we had. I do know it was unremarkable. We tried the soup they're known for. It was ok, not amazing. Service was not great, but still friendly. I think things were a little off due to holiday crowd and weather. Atmosphere was unique and enjoyable. We'll go back in the summer.
(3)
TOMMY o.
i walked into the party with a whole Coconut Creme Pie, they all said, i'd Never pay $23 for a pie UNTIL they tasted it YES you would thanks to Ralph's for whipping up a pie (literally in ~45 minutes) on a busy Friday night, usually it's not this much, but i think they added a tip for the cook? No Problem!!! thee Best Coconut Pie in the World (as said that night by a Southern chef @ the party) your fork will shake watch the First Step
(5)
Aric F.
Went there with a small group of four people and had a sandwich. Our server gave use a hard time when we ordered for not knowing the menu and when we asked for napkins. The food was just run-of-the mill and nothing to phone home about. The interior is pretty slapstick with old wood paneling and old photos. Overall I think it was overpriced for the quality and atmosphere of the place. I paid somewhere around $15 for an average sandwich and chips.
(3)
sarah S.
This place is delightful. The Sir Ralph's Sir Loin is awesome. I worked in a steakhouse for 5 years, and they never cooked a sirloin this beautifully. I love the Hot Pot Pig. (think cheese, bacon, cheese, creamy potato...mmm) I also love the support of local brewery sunking. Osiris is a favorite beer, and a lovely to such a heavy meal. The thing that topped it off for me was the seasonal cobbler. I totally lucked out in that the seasonal ingredient is blackberries. My God was that a fantastic cobbler! The crust made me think of my mom & gramma's homemade crusts, buttery and just thick enough. the blackberries were so flavorful and had just that bit of sweetness to them. The ice cream was a lovely compliment. My husband, although he loved his brownie, was quite sad that he did not order it.
(4)
Wally M.
I've never been to this place but I gave it 5 stars because if Jeff Reuter gave it 5 stars it has to be good because he has been in the business of making and serving great food in Indianapolis. So, I'll be going to Ralph's Great Divide very soon. There's another reason and that is to see if the Hot Pot Pig soup is as good as that which I make. I always thought mine was world famous.
(5)
Kevin A.
(((SCRATCHES HEAD))) I'm lost on this one. This place has a lot of character and is obviously a local favorite, but I left very disappointed. I walked in without knowing what their specialties were, and ordered the Bon Appetit acclaimed chili, a ham sandwich, and a slice of coconut cream pie. The chili was not good at all and I actually struggled to finish it. It wasn't spicy, it wasn't meaty, and while I'm sure they make it fresh, it had a canned quality to it. Not looking good so far. Next up was the bourbon-baked ham sandwich. This was much better than the chili and had a nice balance between briny and sweet flavors, but at the end of the day it was still just a ham sandwich. Finally, I tried the coconut cream pie which was fantastic and among the best I've ever had. Rich, decadent, and creamy from the first bite. If I ever return, it will be for this pie.
(2)
Katie B.
Ralph's Great Divide is delicious! A small place with a random assortment of decorations. The veggie club and coconut cream pie are my favorites. I have also heard raves about their hot pot aug (but haven't tried it myself since it's not veggie). Their bleu cheese dressing is also good.
(5)
Shawn M.
Ralph's is a quaint little bar on the east side of Downtown. They do a wonderful job of serving up a creative menu devoid of fried food which seems to be the fare at every other bar in town. They have great specials and lots of homemade deserts and other things that you simply don't find anywhere else. The servers are very friendly and attentive, the atmosphere is quite unique- old bar oriented- you can tell this place has been here a long time. When you are tired of the normal pub fare Ralphs is a great alternative.
(4)
Tim G.
On a visit to Indy, cousin-in-law and wife took me, the mrs., and sis-in-law to this tiny hole-in-the-wall DIVE--didn't look like much, but man, appearances do deceive! We went on a Monday night, which was a bonus, because Sean was at the piano banging out standards, and then it was sing-along and karaoke, and we had a blast! On the down side (the reason for not making 5 stars) it was a hot summer night in July, and the A/C just wasn't up to the job, so we were uncomfortably warm. My shirt was soaking wet by the time we left. But the food is out of this world good. When I say this place is tiny, I mean, in the non-smoking area where we were sitting, there couldn't have been room for more than 25 people. So if we hadn't been so lucky with our timing, arriving as they were clearing a table, and just before some other folks got there, we might have had a long wait. Be aware this place will fill up fast. Now to the food and beverage: no beers on draft, but a large selection of bottled beers, so you can get what you like. A full-service bar, if you want mixed drinks, with different specials nightly. A variety of wines, if that's your thing. I ordered grilled grouper with mac n cheese, and they kindly let me sub grilled veggies for the house salad. The veggies were perfectly done, just slightly al dente--for me it could not have been better. The fish was fantastic, great flavor, I could have used tartar sauce, but the fish had enough flavor that t.s. was not necessary. The mac n cheese very creamy, and again perfect flavoring. Cuz-in-law went for the ham sandwich, said it was wonderful. The ladies all had meat w salad combos: one w steak skewer, two with grilled tuna steak. All gave high praise to their plates, and I also got to sample both the tuna and steak; very savory! Save room for dessert! The coconut cream pie is everything other reviewers have said. I had a butterscotch cream pie: absolutely to DIE for. We get back to Indy to visit fam every summer. We will definitely go back to Ralphs, probably a Monday night for the pianoke. We visit Indy most every summer to see family. We will for sure go back to Ralphs, probably on a Monday for the pianoke!
(4)
Trevor Y.
This place is good when you want some "comfort" food. Try the hot pot aug and steak tips. Great meal for under $10. If you like peas, make sure to try the pea salad. It is one of the best that I've had.
(4)
Jeremy B.
always a great lunch place
(5)
John A.
Coconut cream pie and any desert awsome
(5)
Andy L.
Great, simple food. Hot pot pig, awesome. Blue cheese dressing- real bite and not overly creamy. BLT- simple and great. Should have gone for the $1.50 extra layer. Coconut cream pie- amazing. Bad for physical health, good for mental health. The server was busy but did a fine job. I'd highly recommend it.
(5)
Ryan L.
I've been here twice. My breakdown of the restaurant is as follows: Service: 2/5 Food: 2/5 Entertainment: 6/5 Their food is okay. The first time I came I had a sandwich which was made on grocery store bread and served with Ruffles potato chips. The second time I came I ordered their most popular combo, the T&A. This included 6oz skewered Beef Tenderloin Tips (tender but not really seasoned) and a cup of their Hot Pot Aug (not sure what the hype is about). Everything was a little bland. My drink was never refilled and the waitress questioned what someone in my party ordered and tried to upsell them. They are very nice though, just a little aloof. The entertainment is great though. The main dining area has a piano and David shows up to play at 7:00pm sharp. If it hadn't been for his musical talent I would not have come back here a second time (and realistically I'm sure I'll be back again). He's friendly, approachable and takes requests. He greets his guests as they come and go and engages his audience from time to time (but it's not invasive). He really elevates an otherwise unremarkable restaurant. I don't know if he'd go for it, but I actually recommended that one of my friends look into hiring him for live music at their wedding. It doesn't really matter what the food is that they're serving, their piano entertainment steals the show.
(3)
Wanda M.
After reading the reviews and seeing the popularity on Yelp we decided we had to check out Ralph's. The atmosphere is one of those little restaurants with generations of history. The main dining area quickly filled up with regulars at dinner and the staff was terrific. The bar is comfortable for drinks, appetizers or even dinner. We had the pleasure of Sean Baker entertaining us on the piano and several regulars taking center stage throughout the evening. When the pianist asked for request I prompted my husband to ask for his all time favorite Charlie Brown music. Most don't take the request seriously or don't know the songs but Sean did. He played several to the pleasure of my husband and the crowd. Perfect birthday treat for him and icing on the cake. The bacon horseradish dip was tasty with the horseradish not overpowering the bacon flavor. Served with a large basket of ripple potato chips and re-heats well for leftovers. My Hot Pot was excellent and I'll be ordering again in the future. One of the dinner specials was a Beef Manhattan with soup and dessert. Again, one of birthday boys favorite being an old fashion meat and potato guy. Plenty of tender beef accompanied by an extra large serving of mashed potatoes. The high light of dinner for me was the delicate and fluffy coconut cream pie. So much so I'm ordering a birthday pie this Friday for my sister in law. Delicious, light pie with a flaky crust perfect after a large meal or by itself. Excellent service, terrific food, fun, warm atmosphere, nice mixture of ages and personalities. Parking on street or in lot behind restaurant.
(4)
Bill K.
Killer Reuben, great service from Stefani at super reasonable prices. Wish we had found this jewel sooner! And don't pass on the pickled beets. As they say at home in NYC, "to die faw!"
(5)
Jelly R.
I've driven by this place hundreds, if not thousands, of times, and never thought much of it. From the outside, it does not look like much, and even gives the appearance of being in a rough neighborhood (it is near east side, after all, and is a windowless building with a metal security door in front of the entrance door). The inside tells a different story. This is a sit-down restaurant as you enter, and what appears to be a bar area in divided-off section to the left. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. It was apparent that most of the other customers were regulars, and I can see why: The staff is great, and they make you feel right at home. They have a piano in the dining area, and live music certain nights. We were lucky we wandered in on one such night, when David Meek (???) was playing piano. They have a somewhat limited menu, and are best known for the hot pot aug (a scalloped potato soup) and the hot pot pig (a potato-cheddar soup with bacon and jalapeno cheese) and their various pies made in-house. The entrees are mainly club sandwich or other sandwich-type offerings, though I noticed they also have alfredo and marinara pastas. The entrees come with a side, but for a couple dollars more, you can substitute a cup of the hot pot aug or hot pot pig. . . and it's totally worth it. As far as pies, we've tried the popular coconut pie, and the English toffee pie, and both were made with a whipped frosting that wasn't overly sweet or heavy. They have several other kinds of pies, but availability is limited to whatever they've made and still have on hand.
(4)
Scott P.
I had gone to this place for many a work lunches. I went back in after a while, and was glad to see that its the same Ralph's. Hot pot aug. Incredible. This is one of few places I'll double up on potato dishes. Amazing. The sandwiches (HAM!) are also a nice pleasant meal. The building itself? Quite a bit of seating, a little cramped, but full of awesome little trinkets on the wall. I spot something I didn't notice each time I go in here. All in all; a nice pleasant place to get a meal, and then staff is a lot of fun too.
(4)
Kathleen M.
We read the reviews on Yelp and decided to hop over for dinner our first night in Indy. Thanks to what everyone had written we came early and were able to find it and parking. We had fun meal and a show that really wasn't par of the night. Things got a little crazy and our appetizers ended up being given to another table. (My question is why did the other table not say, no we did not order these?) The cook and the server were so darn personable and apologetic I was actually glad it had happened. We tried a variety of plates and everything was really good. I enjoyed it very much except I wasn't blown away by the dessert. Rats. I will have to go back and try something else!
(4)
Vee F.
Man!!!!! What a Great place the service great and our server Ann was very friendly we recommend asking for Ann if you decide to stop by Ralph's this is truly one of Indy's best kept secrets everything is made in house and made to perfection I recommend you try the beef tenderloin skewers tender and succulent chunks of beef grilled to perfection don't let me forget about the coconut cream pie to die for. We will return to try their lunch and most definitely dinner again
(5)
Kasey L.
I saved Ralph's Great Divide to be my 100th review! Yippee! I came here with a large group on a Saturday night. We called in advance for a reservation, which turned out to be very important because the place was packed. It's sort of a two part restaurant on the inside--half is clearly the eating area and the other half is more of a bar. Smoke free! The gentleman playing piano was fantastic, playing a variety of music and singing occasionally. I'd go back just for him. My personal food choices were DELICIOUS. I got the tips and aug on the recommendation of other reviewers, and it did not disappoint. Curiously, I almost felt like the soup had too much bacon (is that really a thing?), but that can't honestly be a real complaint. The steak was cooked really well and was super tender. The coconut cream pie was pretty tasty. As for the food of my other seven dining companions, some were disappointed and some were really pleased. There were several eventually clean plates that started out with pasta and sandwiches. However, my husband wasn't crazy about his BLT. All the ingredients were there, but none of them were great (think Wonder bread, boring/thin cut bacon, etc.). We also noticed that the potato chips they served were straight out of a bag of Ruffles, so that's kind of a bummer. Our waitress was very friendly and funny, and she did a great job managing such a large group. However, the service was generally slow. She mentioned that they were in the midst of training a new cook, and that things were moving more slowly than usual. I appreciated her explanation. I thought the pricing was fair. I think a more honest review might be a 3.5, but I'm willing to round up for this local joint. It's totally unassuming on the outside (one of our friends actually thought it was a liquor store when he drove up), but just embrace that it's part of the charm. If you go here expecting some sort of fine dining experience, you'll be disappointed. It's a little divey but quite tasty!
(4)
Emily H.
I was on prop pick up duty for Yelp today and had the opportunity to stop at this small hole-in-the-wall establishment. David, the mastermind in the kitchen, welcomed be back to not only take me step by step as to how they assemble the absolutely mouthwatering and delicious Hot Pot Pig soup, but he also offered me a cup of this delectable, potato goodness. The melted cheese, bacon, and soggy croutons were exactly what my stomach was calling out for on this chilly February day. Not only is the food wonderful, but the people here are such a delight! I was able to chat with David and his sister as I enjoyed my soup. They are so welcoming and treat ya just like family. I cannot wait for my next visit! I have heard only great things about the coconut creme pie and we all know I have a sweet tooth. So I'm coming for ya pie.
(5)
Matt B.
You might drive by this place about a million times and not think about stopping in but you'd be making a mistake. Hole in the wall bar that serves good food. I had the Hot Pot Pig soup and the ham sandwich, both keepers. Others in my party had the tenderloin skewers and salad. We were seated right next to the piano player so it was a little difficult to hear each other at the table but if tinkling ivory is your thing during dinner they have it going on about every night.
(4)
Michael B.
An AWESOME under the radar spot with an old-school atmosphere. Loved the piano playing a huge range of classics and newer songs to accompany a great heart-clogging meal. Shared a few entrees and combinations with a group - all were delicious. As mentioned in every other review the Hot Pot Pig is a must. Also tried the grilled bbq chicken and beef tenderloin skewers. Looking at the menu the prices were a little higher than I expected, then you realize how much food you get with each entree (mine included two sides and dessert). All in all, a great spot to try for anyone that hasn't - I don't think there's any way you'd go for a first time and not come back. Family-owned with a great vibe and service with excellent homestyle food like your mom or grandma made at their best.
(5)
Amy H.
This place is phenomenal. Period. The only downside is that it's not close enough to my house so that I could easily become a regular. Dive bar exterior (literally, no windows), local low key neighborhood bar interior. Think a mix of Nascar signs and nick-nacks, a few strategically placed tv's (muted), hand-written specials over the bar and then, a surprisingly nice menu and a piano player! We started with the jalapeno pretzel (awesome!) and then shared the "pick 2" option. We had a crab cake and beef tips with the rosemary potatoes. The crab cake was tender, flaky and very well done and the beef tips actually came out perfectly pink in the middle, a feat I have to admit surprised me. We also had 2 dinner salads which were exceptionally well done for "bar" food - large, pretty and with more than your standard fare of bagged lettuce and carrot shavings. This was fluffy, fresh greens with red onions, olives, tomatoes, cheese, egg and a side of garlic bread. Already stuffed, we still managed to devour the included dessert, the coconut cream pie. It rivaled my mothers (which is saying A LOT), except without the over the top sweetness that some may associate with CCP. Service was fantastic - attentive, informed and friendly. They take reservations! We will be back... often!
(4)
Ben B.
If your one that looks for the unique places to eat in a larger city than this place fits that description. Old school atmosphere, with local flavor sprinkled in, makes this place a top destination for someone who travels to indy a lot. The outside appearances adds to the mystique of this place...you'll know what I mean when you drive up to the place. Food is good...probably 4 star rating, it gets 5 stars for the atmosphere and experience. Get the aged sirloin
(5)
Missy F.
This is my favorite restaurant in Indianapolis! Excellent food! Excellent service! Amazing atmosphere! My favorite part? It's locally owned, a mom and pop operation. This is our go to spot for special occasions.
(5)
Austin G.
Ralph's is the best. The food is top notch as i have yet to have a bad meal there and have been there many times. The service is what we go back for. Im convinced Ralph's has the best staff in any restaurant in Indianapolis. They are kind, thoughtful, and respectful. I frequently go to Ralph's with my 80+ year old grandparents, and they ALWAYS offer their arm for support and walk them to their table, I just love it. Good environment, great food, and phenomenal staff make for my favorite place to chow in indy.
(5)
Jim B.
So working / school downtown and living on the eastside = I've driven by Ralph's Great Divide a billion times. And never stopped. Until last night (after hearing so many times how great a place it is!). Chips and salsa - The BEST I've ever had. The chips were really warm - I mean so tasty warm and also just the right crispiness. This is the first time I think I've ever done a Yelp review that mentions the chips that are served - but this place had the best. Ordered the shrimp entree that included a much larger salad than I expected (along with one other side option) that was very good. All the reviewers here on Yelp mentioned the dessert so of course had to try the cake and it was very good. Short wine list but had the essentials. Highly recommended - will become a regular no doubt.
(4)
Gary E.
My wife and I went there for dinner. The piano player is really good and we enjoyed the music during dinner. That is a definite reason to go back. I had the balsamic chicken. It was very tasty but over cooked. The chicken was very chewy. Had it been cooked properly, it would have been awesome. The hot pot aug was good but I have had better potato soup. The pea salad was pretty good. My wife had the cheese burger club. She though it was adequate. We had desert. She had the coconut cream pie and thought it was ok. I had the butterscotch cream pie and it was good. The service was good until the end. It took forever to get a check which put a damper on things. We will go back. It is a small charming dive that is a Indianapolis icon. The piano is a reason to return.
(3)
PJ S.
Saturday dinner featured a special comprised of Prime Rib, the Hot Pot Aug, and some coco crime pie. And a piano player to boot. Everything was great..I'll be back
(4)
Christian R.
I love this place!! I frequent Ralph's on my lunch breaks and it's so nice to find a hole in the wall with great food! I recommend any of their soups!
(4)
Karen J.
Great service (our group is the acid test for tolerance in servers) delicious meals for the 8 people in our party. Nothing pretentious or hoity hoity here. Not even the piano player. In an out of the way location near the spaghetti bowl downtown. Order the beef tips with all the dipping sauces. GO!
(5)
Nancy P.
5 stars plus!!!! We went on a Fri and David Meeks waa playing piano....awesome! Food was good and reasonable. Best part was the charm and entertainment. New favorite place!!!!!!
(5)
Greg D.
Great food, great staff! Everything on the menu is delicious! All deserts are homemade in house, try the Mandarin orange white chocolate cake! I personally love their bourbon baked ham. I order it for parties and holidays as often as possible! You should definitely check it out!
(5)
Jon C.
Ralph's Great Divide is a little bit off the beaten path compared to other downtown restaurants, but it's one well worth visiting for a no-nonsense, top of the line meal in a casual bar-like atmosphere with just a touch of additional class. Just make sure you save room for dessert or you'll be kicking yourself at the end! I can't quite recall how long I've been coming to Ralph's, or how I even found it to begin with. It's been many years, but the menu has pretty much stayed the same, and I think I've ordered the same thing every time I've come here. The Bourbon Baked Ham Sandwich is simply amazing. Throw it together with a side of the Hot Pot Pig (Potato soup with bacon) and you've got one hell of a meal. Add in a piece of the homemade coconut cream pie and you'll roll out of the place happier than a tornado in a trailer park.
(5)
Alicia F.
Why have I lived in this town for nine months and never heard about this place? Thank you, Yelp, for leading me here. RGD is like your mom's kitchen, your office water cooler, and your neighborhood bar rolled into one--Good food, chatter, and drinks for all! Our server, Annie, was hilarious (think mom realtalk with a snarky edge) and helpful with her menu recs. Taking a cue from fellow Yelpers, I started with the Aug. That is some damn good soup! We're talking cold-night, stick-to-your-ribs comforting goodness in a bowl. The beef tips were also on point--cooked to order and accompanied by some rosy rosemary potatoes. Freaking delicious. Feel free to accompany your steak with wine, beer, or a cocktail--they've got it all here. Now let's talk about the reason I came here in the first place: PIE. Being that it's Pi Day, I was looking for a place that had pies and was still open after 5. RDG was the only one who fit the bill, and dessert did not disappoint. Two slices of butterscotch pie later (don't judge), my tummy was happy and so was I. I can't wait to come back here!
(5)
Andrew D.
I live only a few minutes away from this wonderful awesome place. I love that they have a piano player that got me hooked then their food is really really good especially the hot pig soup wow amazing my steak tips were very good. I just love the home feel of this place and the great sizes in good. Love this place alot
(5)
Nick R.
I've been to Ralph's multiple times for lunch before writing this review. The staff members there are friendly and were eager to please. They also made sure to give me exactly what I wanted. I visited Ralph's on another occasion just to visit the bar in the evening. It was a very laid back atmosphere with friendly people. I had never met any of the people there, but they made sure to make me feel welcome. It felt a little like Cheers!
(4)
Scott H.
Cool working class dive. I went there for lunch on a Monday and it was crowded. The servers were nice, but they were a little bit slow. Lots of regulars. It seems like most of the people there knew each other. I ordered their specialty: T&A - tips and aug, which means beef tenderloin tips and cheesy potato soup. It cost $12.00. The tenderloin tips were DELICIOUS! They seriously tasted about as good as a St. Elmo steak. I was pleasantly surprised. If Ralph's is that good at cooking meat, I'll have to go back to give their hamburger a try.
(4)
Sqirrl B.
Don't take a kid under 14. I've never been thrown out of a restaurant before, and certainly wasn't expecting to be when we met a business associate here for lunch. My business lets me take my 7 week old with me, and I'm grateful that he's a happy, quiet, well-behaved baby. I was looking forward to trying this place, the reviews here were so complimentary. But we barely got inside the door and one of the workers asked if we had a baby in the carrier. Yep. Well, you can't have him in here, no kids under 14. I was so embarrassed!! I never saw a sign, and didn't see anything about it here... Well, apparently it's on their website. How nice. Not going back, though, even if I can get a sitter. We went to the Claddagh instead, and had a very tasty lunch, no problems about taking in the baby, and he never made a sound the whole time.
(1)
Brad K.
As good as it gets. For me. Five stars, really? For a dive? Yes, because I LOVE dives. And Ralph's is the best kind. Friendly, warm, cozy, fun, you get me, right? Drive up along New York Street and I already know what you're thinking. Run down, rickety old shack with steel bars on the door and front windows. Great. DON'T BE FOOLED, FOOL! Atmosphere: Think your buddy's dad's basement bar. Not your buddy's bar, your buddy's DAD'S basement bar. Old neon, framed B&W pictures, historic Indy memorabilia, US military chachkies, etc. Think TGI Friday's, but all 'garage sale' and no Target. Food: Outstanding. Actually, its a pretty big menu. You can't go wrong anywhere, but my habit is to stay in the middle of the menu (the entrees). That section gets you two sides (soup is an up-charge; its worth it) AND dessert. I usually opt for the Beef Tenderloin Skewers. My wife prefers the "T&A" (that's Tips and Aug for you gutter dwellers) and then she 'shares' my dessert (of which I get NO say in). My (read: our) favorite finisher is the Cobbler of the Day served hot with a scoop of ice cream. Sometimes blackberry, sometimes peach, sometimes cherry, always delicious. My father-in-law ALWAYS goes for the coconut cream pie and my mother-in-law can't pass on the multi-layer chocolate cake. Drinks: Sodas, great iced tea, lots of beers, both bottle and tap, including our favorite local, Sun King, and a full bar. My only suggestion is to add a single barrel bourbon to the shelf, or Indiana's own W.H. Harrison, Governor's Reserve, to keep it local. :-) Clearly, we love Ralph's. We go a couple times a month and sometimes I make it for lunch if I'm downtown. Call it good for any occasion, i.e., out-of-town guests, client lunch (if your client is cool), before a Colts game or after a Pacers game. If I was leaving, I'd want my going-away-party at Ralph's. But since I'm staying, you know where I'll be.
(5)
Scott M.
SLIGHTLY OVER-PRICED, SLIGHTLY OVER-RATED Service and food are good. Place is purposely a dive. Despite the quality and taste, prices may still be too high for what you get. Ralph's Great Divide is slightly over-rated.... Some people rave about the place, because they think they should. If you need a unique place to go downtown and want to say you've been to this little landmark... check it out.
(3)
D A.
Tips and Aug is amazing! The Aug soup, is potato and cheese and croutons, and is one of the most delicious meals I ever tasted. The Tips are so tender. The shrimp and corn chowder was delicious as well. It's also close to Sun King Brewery, so make a guys day of it. They know what they are doing here!!
(5)
Tonya S.
Most people probably don't even know this place even exists.....even the locals. Tucked away in downtown Indy is this really neat place. A friend from NYC was coming into town and we were meeting for dinner. He is previous Indy folk, so when I let him pick our dinner destination, he said, "I know where we are going!!". We ended up at Ralph's. This place isn't fancy, by any means. It has a small town pub feel to it and when you walk in, you almost feel like everyone in there knows one another and you are the "out of towner", but in minutes, they all make you feel like part of the clan. The menu offers quite a variety, but we stuck with the more pub-like food. I got a ham sandwich, which is something I would NEVER order at a restaurant. Um, yeah.....BEST EVER!! It was so flavorful. I was excited about a ham sandwich. We also had the Bacon Horsey Dip with chips. OMG, this is a must if you go here. So darn good! The service was great and this place is definitely a great quiet place to catch up with an out of town friend. In fact, I have been back with another friend. Also tried the Hot Pot Pig (a staple soup) and Coconut Cream Pie (also a staple). Both were delish.....obviously staples. Great hidden restaurant in downtown Indy and I sincerely recommend that anyone give it a try!
(5)
Edward C.
The food was ok. The problem is service. The guy waiting on us seemed to be waiting on the whole place. He took 20min to ask us what drinks we wanted and dropped the menus off. When he came for our orders he put his foot up in a chair which placed his groin over the table. We finally got our food after an hour. The food was not bad. The service was atrocious. I won't be going back.
(2)
Mia M.
We went to Ralph's on a Thursday afternoon based solely on Yelp reviews. Thank you, fellow Yelpers - you were right on the money. Ralph's is delicious, affordable and 100% pretense-free. It looks like a total dive bar, complete with a ceiling that may or may not be caving in. We were greeted by a man whose demeanor and haircut led me to believe he is responsible for all the USMC memorabilia on the walls. He brought us our bottled/canned drinks (IBC root beer for me, Sun King Wee Mac for Kyle) wrapped in Ralph's coozies - a nice touch. He also quickly brought our order of horseradish-bacon dip, a dish I expected to be served warm. Rather, it's a cold, picnic-style dip, served with real-deal Ruffles. It's just as addictive as everyone's said. After realizing I was going to fill up on the dip, I ordered just a bowl of chili (with cheese and onions) and a side of pea salad. Kyle got the filet tips and cup of Hot Pot Pig (the potato au gratin soup). Someone else had mentioned here that the chili was bland and devoid of meat; I didn't really pick up on either of those faults. It definitely had a lot of beans, which is how I like my chili anyway, and the cheese and onion helped to kick it up a notch, but it was far from tasteless. The pea salad, however, was a bit disappointing. I think that's a matter of me being unfairly biased on pea salad thanks to my mom's one-of-a-kind recipe, though. I didn't try the filet tips, but Kyle was very impressed. The Hot Pot Pig... wow. The topping itself, crunchy and cheesy and potato-y, is worth its weight in gold. Our server, a very efficient and nice guy who called me "dear" a lot, recommended the mandarin orange cake that Debbie raved about. I couldn't resist... and it was just heavenly. Kind of a weird dessert to serve at a place that is primarily known for gourmet bar food, but I'm not complaining. I had to take quite a bit of my piece home due to being stuffed from everything else. Truly, my only complaint (or perhaps regret) is that I wish we'd come here in the fall or winter. I can just imagine how amazing that food would taste after coming in from the chilly weather.
(4)
Mark S.
The food is good and the atmosphere is a nice dive restaurant. The issue is that the female owner with short hair is one of the nastiest people I have ever met in the service industry. We actually got up and left after interacting with her. Our server apologized for the owners behavior but her hands were obviously tied about doing anything to stop her. We will not be back until a "under new management" sign is hung on the front door. I recommend Tick Tock Lounge as an alternative.
(1)
Chris M.
Pretty much everything that needs to be said has been mentioned in reviews before. My $0.02 is that I am normally not one to order soup, but the cheesy creamy bowl they pass off as the Hot Pot Pig is awesome. The place is cool. They have an interesting menu and a sense of humor. The service is quick and polite. Blah blah blah. other notes: they have a parking lot in which I did not park. The drink cups are pretty tall, so your straw sinks down below the rim. I got a peppermint patty with my food.
(4)
Eric N.
This restaurant is a terrific hole-in-the-wall with great service and atmosphere. You have to get the au gratin potato soup! I will be going back as much as possible. Hopefully next time someone will playing some piano.
(5)
Jonathon M.
My dear Indianapolis dwellers, what more can I say regarding the cultural landmark we call Ralphs Great Divide? It's cramped, old, the menu is interesting to say the least, there is a piano crammed in there straight from 1945, and in a building that is so in descript that one can drive by it 100 times and still not find it....it is also one of the greatest places in the city for a comforting meal. Ralphs is the kind of place you take people from out of town to give them a true taste of Hoosier hospitality and the quirky spirit that is part of Indianapolis heritage. The menu consists of mostly Ham and Bacon based products, but you will also find things like crab cakes. The ham is amazing and will most likely be the best you have ever eaten. I know families that put in orders with The Great Divide for whole hams to take home for holiday dinners. The ham sandwiches are with no doubt the star of the show at Ralphs. The co-star of the performance would have to be a bowl of the famous Big Pot Pig. It is a hearty soup consisting of bacon, potatoes, cheese, and ham. It is absolutely the perfect soup for the slight chill of a late fall Hoosier day. The homemade desserts are also a reason people love The Great Divide. Most enjoy the Coconut Cream Pie, but I have also had a carrot cake there that is the absolute best carrot cake I've had. Bottom Line: If you live here in the Circle City then you must have eaten at Ralphs Great Divide or make immediate plans to do so. The place is a landmark and the food is good enough to take home to family for holidays, and that should say it all. Next time you have an out of town visitor looking to experience some local flavor you can say "I've got just the place. "
(4)
Wayne M.
We found this restaurant on Yelp while travelling from Baltimore, MD onthrough to Wichita Falls, Texas. We walked in and asked our friendly waiter what he recommended. After kindly informing us that "everything is good" he suggested two stellar dishes. I would continue on to describe them, but its more important to know that they have amazing homemade blue cheese and their meat is cooked as requested. Ask for medium rare and thats what you're gonna get! The decor leaves nothing wanting and is one of those places that leaves you scanning the walls from one object to another. Also, request the Coconut Cream Pie! If in the area, stop into the Sun King Brewery as well. It's only 3 minutes from Ralphs!
(5)
Robert F.
Great food reasonable price. Full service bar, great soups, apps, steak and shrimp were all very good. I tasted them all. Deserts cooked on site. Don't let the plain outside fool you. This is one of those secrets that only the locals know about until Yelp, check it out!
(4)
Patrick R.
Good food.. But not great. Went with the filet. Was cook semi-well. A little dry. A little chewy. Nothing to write home about. Sides were good. Onion soup was tasty. Coconut cake was a little more dense than I like. I like mine lite, airy and People were friendly. Patio is nice and quaint. A little pricey. Meh.. Might go back.
(3)
Jon A.
Ralph 3. Your Grandma 0. Your Grandma, or Mother teetering into the AARP Arena, just lost an upper hand in the market place. Ralph's coconut cream pie evokes the wholeness of a soothing Easter Sunday on an 18th green of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Whispy Atlantic breezes. Cool, calm & collected, that coconut cream makes me feel completely at peace. This is my new last supper -- stacks of 'em. After eating this pie, I now feel I could defeat Hemingway in a pie-eating - slash - syntactical battle in the thick of the Spanish-American War. Your Grandma just lost another point to that 1960s picnic-style horseradish-bacon dip (yes, served with Ruffles). This dip harks back to times where a future of above-ground pools was possible, where Schlitz what's for dinner, where people were proud of hood ornaments, and empowered by them, too. In fact, that's what Ralph's Great Divide stirs up entirely. A time where a rich alchemy of historic pride and, 'if we stick together at our small-town community establishments, a bright, prosperous future lies ahead.' When I walk into this place, I'm not surprised when my heart feels it's JFK sitting at that piano in Wayfarers; and I'll keep JFK in mind when Sean Baker hosts his Monday night Pianoke (that's Piano Sing-Alongs). If New York has dimly lit red-vinyl Italian eateries with the ghosts of Sinatra & the Rat Pack, then you can look at Ralph's Great Divide as Indy's more-humble version. (Yes, the review is over and you're asking, "where'd that 3rd point come from?" Ralph had the gumption grandma didn't when he said "No!" to allowing children in his establishment.)
(4)
Chris S.
We went here for Dining Out For Life. We got the Two For U entree'. My partner got Beef Skewer and Chicken with Baked Potato. He said it was pretty good. I took a bite of his chicken and it was superb. I got the Beef Skewer and Grilled Shrimp with grilled vegetables. My beef skewer and shrimp was very good however the vegetable medley, the broccolli could have been cooked a little longer. Then we got our dessert, he got the blackberry cobbler a la mode and I got the white chocalate madarin orange. It was the best cake I had in a long time. The staff was great, very apologetic for the food takin too long. Kept us informed on when the food will be up. I strongly recommend this restaurant. If you decide to go and eat at Ralph's, be sure to get their famous ham sandwich as well as the HOT POT AUG soup. Very delish.
(4)
Nikki B.
It's all about the ham. It's pretty good ham! And the potato soup's good with all the fixings. They *pile* on the ham on the sandwiches, so it's a great serving and therefore the pricing makes sense. I even saw that you can order hams for the holidays if you don't feel like cooking (preorder of course). I got super excited about this place because I never get to eat ham, so I was siked. It's got a great atmosphere, a little dinky place on New York, but I've been dying to try it for years. Will definitely be taking ham lovers here!!
(4)
M W.
A friend and I went to Ralph's last night for dinner and it was great! I had a chicken club with their rosemary potatoes. My friend had the very, VERY special SPECIAL, which she really enjoyed, especially the Butterfinger pie.
(4)
Katie C.
My husband and I stumbled in after not being able to choose where we wanted to go for date night... and I am so happy we finally did. He had the Sirloin with the roasted potatoes and the pasta with marinara. I had the beef skewers, the side salad and the hot pot pig (everything I ordered was recommended by our waitress who was phenomenal.) Everything we ate and drank was unbelievable, even the side salad was ridiculously good with the homemade blue cheese dressing, fresh veggies and hard-boiled egg (a meal of it's own.) Both steaks were cooked perfectly at medium rare, the hot pot pig was UNBELIEVABLE, my husband took one bite and continued to pound the entire cup. It didn't matter though, because there was no way you could leave hungry with all of the food that we got. Nothing was even mediocre, from the hot rolls served before dinner to the angle hair pasta to the steaks EVERYTHING was superb. Now onto the desserts... RIDICULOUSLY good. They are apparently known for their pies and they didn't support. Imagine your grandmother's best homemade pie and times it by 10... that's how good these pies were. We left full and content, and raving about this gem. I almost don't want to write this review because I would like to keep this place my secret... but some things are just too good not to share, and RGD definitely fits that mold. Don't be like us and keep putting off trying this place... drop everything and go... right now!
(5)
Kjirsten K.
I had been to Ralph's for lunch before and thought it was pretty good, but last night we went for dinner and had an AWESOME time. We're still talking about it today. We were able to get a seat at the bar and right away were greeted by the friendly staff. They were really busy, but were quick to get us our drinks. Everyone was really nice and attentive; we had three different people check in on us to ask how we're doing. For dinner I had the Tips and Aug, which is beef tips and a bowl of their potato au gratin soup as well as an additional side. I chose the Hot Pot Pig, which means the soup includes bacon and hot pepper cheese. Everything was so good!! The beef was cooked perfectly, was tender, and flavorful. The soup was velvety, cheesy, and bacony. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back this evening and order the same thing. A couple special "treats" were the man playing piano in the dining room and the beers being served in coozies. This is my kind of place!
(5)
Tamara D.
Wonderful place for lunch. Go early. It fills up fast. Good food and prices.
(5)
Terri B.
Wow what a great meal. Eclectic joint with personable staff and food was awesome. I would definitely recommend this fun experience.
(5)
James S.
Very decent dive bar with nice people working. Beers are cold, but don't go for the Scotch selection. It's a good neighborhood joint with OK bar food. I'll be back.
(3)
Brittany L.
Great environment, wonderful food, and excellent service. I've been here plenty of times and have never been disappointed either with the service or the food. I've even eaten out on their little patio twice. The twinkle lights add charm and the fountain drowns out the sound of the interstate. There are even smoking and non-smoking areas on the patio! What follows is my original review from the first time I visited. Ralph's remains one of my favorite spots in Indy. Both members of the wait staff were very friendly to us, answered questions knowledgeably, and promptly bussed our dirty dishes. We were also warmly greeted when we entered. As a bonus, even though we were sitting near the door on one of the coldest days of the year, we weren't cold. On to the food! We each started out with a bowl of Hot Pot Aug (potato soup with melted cheese on top. Heavenly and absolute perfection on that cold February night. I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, which was grilled to a lovely golden brown, and the ham was evenly placed, rather than being piled up all in one place. Our waiter asked me what kind of cheese, bread, toppings, and even asked about preparation. I was shocked! It was awesome to get exACTly what I wanted. My partner ate the ribs. A half rack with 2 sides and dessert was $19.99. They were the best ribs I've had in YEARS. Fell right off the bone, full of flavor, not fatty but also super moist. We wished the sauce had been just a tad spicier or smokier, but the sauce wasn't even really necessary because the meat was SO wonderful. Moving on to the coconut cream pie: you MUST save room for this dessert! Even the crust is worth eating, and we usually leave that behind. Lots of coconut, not too much topping, velvety in texture and buttery in flavor. It's rich without being too sweet. This is now my favorite dessert in the city of Indianapolis. Hands-down. Full bar, no draft beers, but a great selection of local brews in bottles and cans. Also, the alcohol prices are kind of high, but once you see the location (right on the near east side) it'll make sense. For the 2 of us, 2 soups, sandwich, entree, 3 drinks, dessert, and good tip was just under $60. Ribs aren't available every day, so if you're set on those you might call ahead. Ralph's Great Divide is on New York Street, a one-way east-bound street that runs out of downtown. It's just off the Michigan/New York exit off I-65. The exit ramp turns into Davidson St (one way south)....so it's on the corner of Davidson and New York. Parking lot access is off Davidson. This bar is totally worth your while to seek out. Also, no children allowed...it's a bar! Ralph's used to not be open on weekends but is now and they close fairly early by bar standards through the week. Also, last time I tried to go on a Tuesday, I was sad and angry to learn that they'd traded out being open on Saturday for being closed on Tuesday. Weird, weird, weird choice.
(5)
Jeff R.
One of my favorite places in Indianapolis. If you are a regular they know you and remember how you like things. Great service and if you want some sass just throw some out to the server and they will give it right back at you! I have never had a bad meal, the broccoli salad when they have it is the best ever. The raspberry cream cake is amazing. Burgers served on bread but I love them that way. The bourbon baked ham is something I crave! I must stop by when I am in town.
(5)
Rachael W.
I have taken a few friends here over the course of 6 years and they have always come out big fans of Ralph's. The food is really great. Hot Pot Pig is my personal favorite, potato soup with bacon, pepper jack and then topped with loads of cheddar cheese, AWESOME! Homemade blue cheese dressing, perfectly cooked beef skewers, the ham sandwich is surprisingly delicious, sirloin that looks more like a fillet and cooked to the finest medium rare I have ever seen. Then we come to desserts. I hate coconut or so I thought. This was the one of the finest pieces of pie I have ever had. I could really come here and just eat dessert and maybe coffee and leave with a huge grin on my face. Love sitting at the bar chatting with the bartenders. Always super friendly and willing to make you feel like part of the Ralph's Family. I really like coming here, it's like a secret undiscovered treasure, but I want to share it.
(4)
Mark W.
After reading Tommy O's review had to go try the coconut cream pie, and yes it was as good as he said! What a great place, warm and cozy on a cold winter night. Comfort food, mashed potatoes, gravy, roast beef, cream pies, it is like a home away from home.
(4)
Irvington O.
Really Great food! Nice laid back atmosphere. Great mix of people with a Cheers-like bar atmosphere (kind of feels lke a big group of friends hanging out in someone's cozy den). Very cool vintage 1930s walk in cooler behind the bar. I've had the steak skewers (so tender, great dipping sauces), grilled shrimp (excellent), crab cakes (tasty & hearty), pea salad (great classic find!), penne Alfredo (yumm), cheesy potato soup (thick cheesy rich), bacon dip (rich & tangy but not too rich - easy to eat tons of this), chocolate cake (amazing ganache icing), and, of course, the coconut cream pie (toe curling). We went on a Friday once (make reservations, yep it's that good) and there was a piano man singing. Oh -and I LOVE that dessert comes with your meal. And excellent service. And great beer selection.
(5)
Richard H.
Always friendly service and delicious food. Never a bad experience. Ever. Although it can get crowded on Friday night and at lunch.
(4)
cecille p.
love the easy but cozy ambience with a pianist...visited in my days while with my boyfriend on Valentines night..awesome!!! He makes all places just great...
(5)
Debbie S.
I can't stop eating here! I just moved here from Chicago and already I am a regular and they know me. This is a find and I hesitate to even write the review because I don't want other people knowing about it! But I can't help but spread the love for Ralph's. Okay - now to the food: yes - they have the greatest "hot pot aug" and "hot pot pig" cheese/potatoe/bacon soup ever! Plus - they have a Friday night Supper Club, homemade bleu cheese and french dressing, homemade bacon/horseradish dip- so creamy and delicious. But the DESSERTS! Also home-made on the premises - cakes such as carrot with an ever so light cream cheese icing topping tjhree layers of moist, gingery carrot cake. The other night - they had a Mandarin Orange cake that was to die for...another three layer, light as air - covered in icing that melted in your mouth. Also on the menu that night was a Chicken Pot Pie that had the absolute lightest, flakiest crust. Another winner. Where else can you go and get buckets of beer with tiny little glasses to drink it in? It's the small things in life...
(5)
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Address :743 E New York St
Indianapolis, IN, 46202
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Austin G.
Ralph's is the best. The food is top notch as i have yet to have a bad meal there and have been there many times. The service is what we go back for. Im convinced Ralph's has the best staff in any restaurant in Indianapolis. They are kind, thoughtful, and respectful. I frequently go to Ralph's with my 80+ year old grandparents, and they ALWAYS offer their arm for support and walk them to their table, I just love it. Good environment, great food, and phenomenal staff make for my favorite place to chow in indy.
(5)Robert D.
Ralphs is a cozy pub - style place with live piano music on the weekend and scratch made food. What a great place! We are coming back soon.
(5)Dawn Z.
We came for dinner on Friday night at 6 so we beat the rush. They do take reservations. Service was friendly and welcoming. Of course, you have to get either hot pot aug (potato cheese soup with croutons) or hot pot pig (potato cheese soup with bacon and pepper jack). Dinner salad was fresh and dressings are home made. They're also known for their ham - very flavorful. Lots of good beer options. And of course save room for dessert! Coconut cream and butterscotch cream pies were awesome as was the Heath toffee cake which was a special. They also always have blackberry cobbler.
(5)Brittany S.
I have easily driven by Ralph's a hundred times and never realized it was there. Fortunately, my friend chose it for it her birthday rendezvous. As soon as the five of us walked in the door I was thrown back to Randolph County, Indiana (my hometown) - Ralph's couldn't be more comfortable, laid back and decorated like home. As all of the previous reviews composed by brilliant Yelpers noted, I was sure to have the Hot Pot Pig soup (potato on steroids - bacon, loaded cheese). I was hoping for a little more bacon action. But I suppose I'm always hoping for a little bacon action in general. We also shared the horseradish bacon dip (see the bacon theme at work here?) with potato chips. By this point, I was probably hitting 1500 calories+, so I thought - what the hell? and ordered a Sun King Wee Mac. Next time I'll have to try the highly-acclaimed coconut cream pie. Oh! and how could I forget the cherry on the top? The experience was complete with a charming Ben Folds-esque piano player clad in plaid and thick frames. Yep, we were sold.
(4)Erin D.
Staff was a riot, food was fantastic, local beers in bottles... and I'm eating my butterscotch pie this morning and couldn't be happier. I ordered the special and items the staff recommended - too much food but I have no regrets. My true test - the vegetables were fresh and not overcooked. Winning.
(5)Bill B.
Finally made it to this place. Took my Valentine's date as we tend to prefer this type of place. The weather was harsh, which was the only reason we got in. It was quite busy. Waited to long to write this review, so I can't even remember what we had. I do know it was unremarkable. We tried the soup they're known for. It was ok, not amazing. Service was not great, but still friendly. I think things were a little off due to holiday crowd and weather. Atmosphere was unique and enjoyable. We'll go back in the summer.
(3)Jim B.
So working / school downtown and living on the eastside = I've driven by Ralph's Great Divide a billion times. And never stopped. Until last night (after hearing so many times how great a place it is!). Chips and salsa - The BEST I've ever had. The chips were really warm - I mean so tasty warm and also just the right crispiness. This is the first time I think I've ever done a Yelp review that mentions the chips that are served - but this place had the best. Ordered the shrimp entree that included a much larger salad than I expected (along with one other side option) that was very good. All the reviewers here on Yelp mentioned the dessert so of course had to try the cake and it was very good. Short wine list but had the essentials. Highly recommended - will become a regular no doubt.
(4)Gary E.
My wife and I went there for dinner. The piano player is really good and we enjoyed the music during dinner. That is a definite reason to go back. I had the balsamic chicken. It was very tasty but over cooked. The chicken was very chewy. Had it been cooked properly, it would have been awesome. The hot pot aug was good but I have had better potato soup. The pea salad was pretty good. My wife had the cheese burger club. She though it was adequate. We had desert. She had the coconut cream pie and thought it was ok. I had the butterscotch cream pie and it was good. The service was good until the end. It took forever to get a check which put a damper on things. We will go back. It is a small charming dive that is a Indianapolis icon. The piano is a reason to return.
(3)PJ S.
Saturday dinner featured a special comprised of Prime Rib, the Hot Pot Aug, and some coco crime pie. And a piano player to boot. Everything was great..I'll be back
(4)Christian R.
I love this place!! I frequent Ralph's on my lunch breaks and it's so nice to find a hole in the wall with great food! I recommend any of their soups!
(4)Karen J.
Great service (our group is the acid test for tolerance in servers) delicious meals for the 8 people in our party. Nothing pretentious or hoity hoity here. Not even the piano player. In an out of the way location near the spaghetti bowl downtown. Order the beef tips with all the dipping sauces. GO!
(5)Nancy P.
5 stars plus!!!! We went on a Fri and David Meeks waa playing piano....awesome! Food was good and reasonable. Best part was the charm and entertainment. New favorite place!!!!!!
(5)Greg D.
Great food, great staff! Everything on the menu is delicious! All deserts are homemade in house, try the Mandarin orange white chocolate cake! I personally love their bourbon baked ham. I order it for parties and holidays as often as possible! You should definitely check it out!
(5)Sqirrl B.
Don't take a kid under 14. I've never been thrown out of a restaurant before, and certainly wasn't expecting to be when we met a business associate here for lunch. My business lets me take my 7 week old with me, and I'm grateful that he's a happy, quiet, well-behaved baby. I was looking forward to trying this place, the reviews here were so complimentary. But we barely got inside the door and one of the workers asked if we had a baby in the carrier. Yep. Well, you can't have him in here, no kids under 14. I was so embarrassed!! I never saw a sign, and didn't see anything about it here... Well, apparently it's on their website. How nice. Not going back, though, even if I can get a sitter. We went to the Claddagh instead, and had a very tasty lunch, no problems about taking in the baby, and he never made a sound the whole time.
(1)Brad K.
As good as it gets. For me. Five stars, really? For a dive? Yes, because I LOVE dives. And Ralph's is the best kind. Friendly, warm, cozy, fun, you get me, right? Drive up along New York Street and I already know what you're thinking. Run down, rickety old shack with steel bars on the door and front windows. Great. DON'T BE FOOLED, FOOL! Atmosphere: Think your buddy's dad's basement bar. Not your buddy's bar, your buddy's DAD'S basement bar. Old neon, framed B&W pictures, historic Indy memorabilia, US military chachkies, etc. Think TGI Friday's, but all 'garage sale' and no Target. Food: Outstanding. Actually, its a pretty big menu. You can't go wrong anywhere, but my habit is to stay in the middle of the menu (the entrees). That section gets you two sides (soup is an up-charge; its worth it) AND dessert. I usually opt for the Beef Tenderloin Skewers. My wife prefers the "T&A" (that's Tips and Aug for you gutter dwellers) and then she 'shares' my dessert (of which I get NO say in). My (read: our) favorite finisher is the Cobbler of the Day served hot with a scoop of ice cream. Sometimes blackberry, sometimes peach, sometimes cherry, always delicious. My father-in-law ALWAYS goes for the coconut cream pie and my mother-in-law can't pass on the multi-layer chocolate cake. Drinks: Sodas, great iced tea, lots of beers, both bottle and tap, including our favorite local, Sun King, and a full bar. My only suggestion is to add a single barrel bourbon to the shelf, or Indiana's own W.H. Harrison, Governor's Reserve, to keep it local. :-) Clearly, we love Ralph's. We go a couple times a month and sometimes I make it for lunch if I'm downtown. Call it good for any occasion, i.e., out-of-town guests, client lunch (if your client is cool), before a Colts game or after a Pacers game. If I was leaving, I'd want my going-away-party at Ralph's. But since I'm staying, you know where I'll be.
(5)Scott M.
SLIGHTLY OVER-PRICED, SLIGHTLY OVER-RATED Service and food are good. Place is purposely a dive. Despite the quality and taste, prices may still be too high for what you get. Ralph's Great Divide is slightly over-rated.... Some people rave about the place, because they think they should. If you need a unique place to go downtown and want to say you've been to this little landmark... check it out.
(3)Nick R.
I've been to Ralph's multiple times for lunch before writing this review. The staff members there are friendly and were eager to please. They also made sure to give me exactly what I wanted. I visited Ralph's on another occasion just to visit the bar in the evening. It was a very laid back atmosphere with friendly people. I had never met any of the people there, but they made sure to make me feel welcome. It felt a little like Cheers!
(4)Scott H.
Cool working class dive. I went there for lunch on a Monday and it was crowded. The servers were nice, but they were a little bit slow. Lots of regulars. It seems like most of the people there knew each other. I ordered their specialty: T&A - tips and aug, which means beef tenderloin tips and cheesy potato soup. It cost $12.00. The tenderloin tips were DELICIOUS! They seriously tasted about as good as a St. Elmo steak. I was pleasantly surprised. If Ralph's is that good at cooking meat, I'll have to go back to give their hamburger a try.
(4)D A.
Tips and Aug is amazing! The Aug soup, is potato and cheese and croutons, and is one of the most delicious meals I ever tasted. The Tips are so tender. The shrimp and corn chowder was delicious as well. It's also close to Sun King Brewery, so make a guys day of it. They know what they are doing here!!
(5)Tonya S.
Most people probably don't even know this place even exists.....even the locals. Tucked away in downtown Indy is this really neat place. A friend from NYC was coming into town and we were meeting for dinner. He is previous Indy folk, so when I let him pick our dinner destination, he said, "I know where we are going!!". We ended up at Ralph's. This place isn't fancy, by any means. It has a small town pub feel to it and when you walk in, you almost feel like everyone in there knows one another and you are the "out of towner", but in minutes, they all make you feel like part of the clan. The menu offers quite a variety, but we stuck with the more pub-like food. I got a ham sandwich, which is something I would NEVER order at a restaurant. Um, yeah.....BEST EVER!! It was so flavorful. I was excited about a ham sandwich. We also had the Bacon Horsey Dip with chips. OMG, this is a must if you go here. So darn good! The service was great and this place is definitely a great quiet place to catch up with an out of town friend. In fact, I have been back with another friend. Also tried the Hot Pot Pig (a staple soup) and Coconut Cream Pie (also a staple). Both were delish.....obviously staples. Great hidden restaurant in downtown Indy and I sincerely recommend that anyone give it a try!
(5)Mia M.
We went to Ralph's on a Thursday afternoon based solely on Yelp reviews. Thank you, fellow Yelpers - you were right on the money. Ralph's is delicious, affordable and 100% pretense-free. It looks like a total dive bar, complete with a ceiling that may or may not be caving in. We were greeted by a man whose demeanor and haircut led me to believe he is responsible for all the USMC memorabilia on the walls. He brought us our bottled/canned drinks (IBC root beer for me, Sun King Wee Mac for Kyle) wrapped in Ralph's coozies - a nice touch. He also quickly brought our order of horseradish-bacon dip, a dish I expected to be served warm. Rather, it's a cold, picnic-style dip, served with real-deal Ruffles. It's just as addictive as everyone's said. After realizing I was going to fill up on the dip, I ordered just a bowl of chili (with cheese and onions) and a side of pea salad. Kyle got the filet tips and cup of Hot Pot Pig (the potato au gratin soup). Someone else had mentioned here that the chili was bland and devoid of meat; I didn't really pick up on either of those faults. It definitely had a lot of beans, which is how I like my chili anyway, and the cheese and onion helped to kick it up a notch, but it was far from tasteless. The pea salad, however, was a bit disappointing. I think that's a matter of me being unfairly biased on pea salad thanks to my mom's one-of-a-kind recipe, though. I didn't try the filet tips, but Kyle was very impressed. The Hot Pot Pig... wow. The topping itself, crunchy and cheesy and potato-y, is worth its weight in gold. Our server, a very efficient and nice guy who called me "dear" a lot, recommended the mandarin orange cake that Debbie raved about. I couldn't resist... and it was just heavenly. Kind of a weird dessert to serve at a place that is primarily known for gourmet bar food, but I'm not complaining. I had to take quite a bit of my piece home due to being stuffed from everything else. Truly, my only complaint (or perhaps regret) is that I wish we'd come here in the fall or winter. I can just imagine how amazing that food would taste after coming in from the chilly weather.
(4)Mark S.
The food is good and the atmosphere is a nice dive restaurant. The issue is that the female owner with short hair is one of the nastiest people I have ever met in the service industry. We actually got up and left after interacting with her. Our server apologized for the owners behavior but her hands were obviously tied about doing anything to stop her. We will not be back until a "under new management" sign is hung on the front door. I recommend Tick Tock Lounge as an alternative.
(1)Jonathon M.
My dear Indianapolis dwellers, what more can I say regarding the cultural landmark we call Ralphs Great Divide? It's cramped, old, the menu is interesting to say the least, there is a piano crammed in there straight from 1945, and in a building that is so in descript that one can drive by it 100 times and still not find it....it is also one of the greatest places in the city for a comforting meal. Ralphs is the kind of place you take people from out of town to give them a true taste of Hoosier hospitality and the quirky spirit that is part of Indianapolis heritage. The menu consists of mostly Ham and Bacon based products, but you will also find things like crab cakes. The ham is amazing and will most likely be the best you have ever eaten. I know families that put in orders with The Great Divide for whole hams to take home for holiday dinners. The ham sandwiches are with no doubt the star of the show at Ralphs. The co-star of the performance would have to be a bowl of the famous Big Pot Pig. It is a hearty soup consisting of bacon, potatoes, cheese, and ham. It is absolutely the perfect soup for the slight chill of a late fall Hoosier day. The homemade desserts are also a reason people love The Great Divide. Most enjoy the Coconut Cream Pie, but I have also had a carrot cake there that is the absolute best carrot cake I've had. Bottom Line: If you live here in the Circle City then you must have eaten at Ralphs Great Divide or make immediate plans to do so. The place is a landmark and the food is good enough to take home to family for holidays, and that should say it all. Next time you have an out of town visitor looking to experience some local flavor you can say "I've got just the place. "
(4)Vee F.
Man!!!!! What a Great place the service great and our server Ann was very friendly we recommend asking for Ann if you decide to stop by Ralph's this is truly one of Indy's best kept secrets everything is made in house and made to perfection I recommend you try the beef tenderloin skewers tender and succulent chunks of beef grilled to perfection don't let me forget about the coconut cream pie to die for. We will return to try their lunch and most definitely dinner again
(5)Scott P.
I had gone to this place for many a work lunches. I went back in after a while, and was glad to see that its the same Ralph's. Hot pot aug. Incredible. This is one of few places I'll double up on potato dishes. Amazing. The sandwiches (HAM!) are also a nice pleasant meal. The building itself? Quite a bit of seating, a little cramped, but full of awesome little trinkets on the wall. I spot something I didn't notice each time I go in here. All in all; a nice pleasant place to get a meal, and then staff is a lot of fun too.
(4)Bill K.
Killer Reuben, great service from Stefani at super reasonable prices. Wish we had found this jewel sooner! And don't pass on the pickled beets. As they say at home in NYC, "to die faw!"
(5)Alicia F.
Why have I lived in this town for nine months and never heard about this place? Thank you, Yelp, for leading me here. RGD is like your mom's kitchen, your office water cooler, and your neighborhood bar rolled into one--Good food, chatter, and drinks for all! Our server, Annie, was hilarious (think mom realtalk with a snarky edge) and helpful with her menu recs. Taking a cue from fellow Yelpers, I started with the Aug. That is some damn good soup! We're talking cold-night, stick-to-your-ribs comforting goodness in a bowl. The beef tips were also on point--cooked to order and accompanied by some rosy rosemary potatoes. Freaking delicious. Feel free to accompany your steak with wine, beer, or a cocktail--they've got it all here. Now let's talk about the reason I came here in the first place: PIE. Being that it's Pi Day, I was looking for a place that had pies and was still open after 5. RDG was the only one who fit the bill, and dessert did not disappoint. Two slices of butterscotch pie later (don't judge), my tummy was happy and so was I. I can't wait to come back here!
(5)Andrew D.
I live only a few minutes away from this wonderful awesome place. I love that they have a piano player that got me hooked then their food is really really good especially the hot pig soup wow amazing my steak tips were very good. I just love the home feel of this place and the great sizes in good. Love this place alot
(5)Ryan L.
I've been here twice. My breakdown of the restaurant is as follows: Service: 2/5 Food: 2/5 Entertainment: 6/5 Their food is okay. The first time I came I had a sandwich which was made on grocery store bread and served with Ruffles potato chips. The second time I came I ordered their most popular combo, the T&A. This included 6oz skewered Beef Tenderloin Tips (tender but not really seasoned) and a cup of their Hot Pot Aug (not sure what the hype is about). Everything was a little bland. My drink was never refilled and the waitress questioned what someone in my party ordered and tried to upsell them. They are very nice though, just a little aloof. The entertainment is great though. The main dining area has a piano and David shows up to play at 7:00pm sharp. If it hadn't been for his musical talent I would not have come back here a second time (and realistically I'm sure I'll be back again). He's friendly, approachable and takes requests. He greets his guests as they come and go and engages his audience from time to time (but it's not invasive). He really elevates an otherwise unremarkable restaurant. I don't know if he'd go for it, but I actually recommended that one of my friends look into hiring him for live music at their wedding. It doesn't really matter what the food is that they're serving, their piano entertainment steals the show.
(3)Matt B.
You might drive by this place about a million times and not think about stopping in but you'd be making a mistake. Hole in the wall bar that serves good food. I had the Hot Pot Pig soup and the ham sandwich, both keepers. Others in my party had the tenderloin skewers and salad. We were seated right next to the piano player so it was a little difficult to hear each other at the table but if tinkling ivory is your thing during dinner they have it going on about every night.
(4)Wanda M.
After reading the reviews and seeing the popularity on Yelp we decided we had to check out Ralph's. The atmosphere is one of those little restaurants with generations of history. The main dining area quickly filled up with regulars at dinner and the staff was terrific. The bar is comfortable for drinks, appetizers or even dinner. We had the pleasure of Sean Baker entertaining us on the piano and several regulars taking center stage throughout the evening. When the pianist asked for request I prompted my husband to ask for his all time favorite Charlie Brown music. Most don't take the request seriously or don't know the songs but Sean did. He played several to the pleasure of my husband and the crowd. Perfect birthday treat for him and icing on the cake. The bacon horseradish dip was tasty with the horseradish not overpowering the bacon flavor. Served with a large basket of ripple potato chips and re-heats well for leftovers. My Hot Pot was excellent and I'll be ordering again in the future. One of the dinner specials was a Beef Manhattan with soup and dessert. Again, one of birthday boys favorite being an old fashion meat and potato guy. Plenty of tender beef accompanied by an extra large serving of mashed potatoes. The high light of dinner for me was the delicate and fluffy coconut cream pie. So much so I'm ordering a birthday pie this Friday for my sister in law. Delicious, light pie with a flaky crust perfect after a large meal or by itself. Excellent service, terrific food, fun, warm atmosphere, nice mixture of ages and personalities. Parking on street or in lot behind restaurant.
(4)Jon C.
Ralph's Great Divide is a little bit off the beaten path compared to other downtown restaurants, but it's one well worth visiting for a no-nonsense, top of the line meal in a casual bar-like atmosphere with just a touch of additional class. Just make sure you save room for dessert or you'll be kicking yourself at the end! I can't quite recall how long I've been coming to Ralph's, or how I even found it to begin with. It's been many years, but the menu has pretty much stayed the same, and I think I've ordered the same thing every time I've come here. The Bourbon Baked Ham Sandwich is simply amazing. Throw it together with a side of the Hot Pot Pig (Potato soup with bacon) and you've got one hell of a meal. Add in a piece of the homemade coconut cream pie and you'll roll out of the place happier than a tornado in a trailer park.
(5)Jelly R.
I've driven by this place hundreds, if not thousands, of times, and never thought much of it. From the outside, it does not look like much, and even gives the appearance of being in a rough neighborhood (it is near east side, after all, and is a windowless building with a metal security door in front of the entrance door). The inside tells a different story. This is a sit-down restaurant as you enter, and what appears to be a bar area in divided-off section to the left. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. It was apparent that most of the other customers were regulars, and I can see why: The staff is great, and they make you feel right at home. They have a piano in the dining area, and live music certain nights. We were lucky we wandered in on one such night, when David Meek (???) was playing piano. They have a somewhat limited menu, and are best known for the hot pot aug (a scalloped potato soup) and the hot pot pig (a potato-cheddar soup with bacon and jalapeno cheese) and their various pies made in-house. The entrees are mainly club sandwich or other sandwich-type offerings, though I noticed they also have alfredo and marinara pastas. The entrees come with a side, but for a couple dollars more, you can substitute a cup of the hot pot aug or hot pot pig. . . and it's totally worth it. As far as pies, we've tried the popular coconut pie, and the English toffee pie, and both were made with a whipped frosting that wasn't overly sweet or heavy. They have several other kinds of pies, but availability is limited to whatever they've made and still have on hand.
(4)Kathleen M.
We read the reviews on Yelp and decided to hop over for dinner our first night in Indy. Thanks to what everyone had written we came early and were able to find it and parking. We had fun meal and a show that really wasn't par of the night. Things got a little crazy and our appetizers ended up being given to another table. (My question is why did the other table not say, no we did not order these?) The cook and the server were so darn personable and apologetic I was actually glad it had happened. We tried a variety of plates and everything was really good. I enjoyed it very much except I wasn't blown away by the dessert. Rats. I will have to go back and try something else!
(4)Kasey L.
I saved Ralph's Great Divide to be my 100th review! Yippee! I came here with a large group on a Saturday night. We called in advance for a reservation, which turned out to be very important because the place was packed. It's sort of a two part restaurant on the inside--half is clearly the eating area and the other half is more of a bar. Smoke free! The gentleman playing piano was fantastic, playing a variety of music and singing occasionally. I'd go back just for him. My personal food choices were DELICIOUS. I got the tips and aug on the recommendation of other reviewers, and it did not disappoint. Curiously, I almost felt like the soup had too much bacon (is that really a thing?), but that can't honestly be a real complaint. The steak was cooked really well and was super tender. The coconut cream pie was pretty tasty. As for the food of my other seven dining companions, some were disappointed and some were really pleased. There were several eventually clean plates that started out with pasta and sandwiches. However, my husband wasn't crazy about his BLT. All the ingredients were there, but none of them were great (think Wonder bread, boring/thin cut bacon, etc.). We also noticed that the potato chips they served were straight out of a bag of Ruffles, so that's kind of a bummer. Our waitress was very friendly and funny, and she did a great job managing such a large group. However, the service was generally slow. She mentioned that they were in the midst of training a new cook, and that things were moving more slowly than usual. I appreciated her explanation. I thought the pricing was fair. I think a more honest review might be a 3.5, but I'm willing to round up for this local joint. It's totally unassuming on the outside (one of our friends actually thought it was a liquor store when he drove up), but just embrace that it's part of the charm. If you go here expecting some sort of fine dining experience, you'll be disappointed. It's a little divey but quite tasty!
(4)Emily H.
I was on prop pick up duty for Yelp today and had the opportunity to stop at this small hole-in-the-wall establishment. David, the mastermind in the kitchen, welcomed be back to not only take me step by step as to how they assemble the absolutely mouthwatering and delicious Hot Pot Pig soup, but he also offered me a cup of this delectable, potato goodness. The melted cheese, bacon, and soggy croutons were exactly what my stomach was calling out for on this chilly February day. Not only is the food wonderful, but the people here are such a delight! I was able to chat with David and his sister as I enjoyed my soup. They are so welcoming and treat ya just like family. I cannot wait for my next visit! I have heard only great things about the coconut creme pie and we all know I have a sweet tooth. So I'm coming for ya pie.
(5)Michael B.
An AWESOME under the radar spot with an old-school atmosphere. Loved the piano playing a huge range of classics and newer songs to accompany a great heart-clogging meal. Shared a few entrees and combinations with a group - all were delicious. As mentioned in every other review the Hot Pot Pig is a must. Also tried the grilled bbq chicken and beef tenderloin skewers. Looking at the menu the prices were a little higher than I expected, then you realize how much food you get with each entree (mine included two sides and dessert). All in all, a great spot to try for anyone that hasn't - I don't think there's any way you'd go for a first time and not come back. Family-owned with a great vibe and service with excellent homestyle food like your mom or grandma made at their best.
(5)Amy H.
This place is phenomenal. Period. The only downside is that it's not close enough to my house so that I could easily become a regular. Dive bar exterior (literally, no windows), local low key neighborhood bar interior. Think a mix of Nascar signs and nick-nacks, a few strategically placed tv's (muted), hand-written specials over the bar and then, a surprisingly nice menu and a piano player! We started with the jalapeno pretzel (awesome!) and then shared the "pick 2" option. We had a crab cake and beef tips with the rosemary potatoes. The crab cake was tender, flaky and very well done and the beef tips actually came out perfectly pink in the middle, a feat I have to admit surprised me. We also had 2 dinner salads which were exceptionally well done for "bar" food - large, pretty and with more than your standard fare of bagged lettuce and carrot shavings. This was fluffy, fresh greens with red onions, olives, tomatoes, cheese, egg and a side of garlic bread. Already stuffed, we still managed to devour the included dessert, the coconut cream pie. It rivaled my mothers (which is saying A LOT), except without the over the top sweetness that some may associate with CCP. Service was fantastic - attentive, informed and friendly. They take reservations! We will be back... often!
(4)Ben B.
If your one that looks for the unique places to eat in a larger city than this place fits that description. Old school atmosphere, with local flavor sprinkled in, makes this place a top destination for someone who travels to indy a lot. The outside appearances adds to the mystique of this place...you'll know what I mean when you drive up to the place. Food is good...probably 4 star rating, it gets 5 stars for the atmosphere and experience. Get the aged sirloin
(5)Missy F.
This is my favorite restaurant in Indianapolis! Excellent food! Excellent service! Amazing atmosphere! My favorite part? It's locally owned, a mom and pop operation. This is our go to spot for special occasions.
(5)Debbie S.
I can't stop eating here! I just moved here from Chicago and already I am a regular and they know me. This is a find and I hesitate to even write the review because I don't want other people knowing about it! But I can't help but spread the love for Ralph's. Okay - now to the food: yes - they have the greatest "hot pot aug" and "hot pot pig" cheese/potatoe/bacon soup ever! Plus - they have a Friday night Supper Club, homemade bleu cheese and french dressing, homemade bacon/horseradish dip- so creamy and delicious. But the DESSERTS! Also home-made on the premises - cakes such as carrot with an ever so light cream cheese icing topping tjhree layers of moist, gingery carrot cake. The other night - they had a Mandarin Orange cake that was to die for...another three layer, light as air - covered in icing that melted in your mouth. Also on the menu that night was a Chicken Pot Pie that had the absolute lightest, flakiest crust. Another winner. Where else can you go and get buckets of beer with tiny little glasses to drink it in? It's the small things in life...
(5)Wayne M.
We found this restaurant on Yelp while travelling from Baltimore, MD onthrough to Wichita Falls, Texas. We walked in and asked our friendly waiter what he recommended. After kindly informing us that "everything is good" he suggested two stellar dishes. I would continue on to describe them, but its more important to know that they have amazing homemade blue cheese and their meat is cooked as requested. Ask for medium rare and thats what you're gonna get! The decor leaves nothing wanting and is one of those places that leaves you scanning the walls from one object to another. Also, request the Coconut Cream Pie! If in the area, stop into the Sun King Brewery as well. It's only 3 minutes from Ralphs!
(5)Robert F.
Great food reasonable price. Full service bar, great soups, apps, steak and shrimp were all very good. I tasted them all. Deserts cooked on site. Don't let the plain outside fool you. This is one of those secrets that only the locals know about until Yelp, check it out!
(4)Patrick R.
Good food.. But not great. Went with the filet. Was cook semi-well. A little dry. A little chewy. Nothing to write home about. Sides were good. Onion soup was tasty. Coconut cake was a little more dense than I like. I like mine lite, airy and People were friendly. Patio is nice and quaint. A little pricey. Meh.. Might go back.
(3)Eric N.
This restaurant is a terrific hole-in-the-wall with great service and atmosphere. You have to get the au gratin potato soup! I will be going back as much as possible. Hopefully next time someone will playing some piano.
(5)Nikki B.
It's all about the ham. It's pretty good ham! And the potato soup's good with all the fixings. They *pile* on the ham on the sandwiches, so it's a great serving and therefore the pricing makes sense. I even saw that you can order hams for the holidays if you don't feel like cooking (preorder of course). I got super excited about this place because I never get to eat ham, so I was siked. It's got a great atmosphere, a little dinky place on New York, but I've been dying to try it for years. Will definitely be taking ham lovers here!!
(4)Jon A.
Ralph 3. Your Grandma 0. Your Grandma, or Mother teetering into the AARP Arena, just lost an upper hand in the market place. Ralph's coconut cream pie evokes the wholeness of a soothing Easter Sunday on an 18th green of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Whispy Atlantic breezes. Cool, calm & collected, that coconut cream makes me feel completely at peace. This is my new last supper -- stacks of 'em. After eating this pie, I now feel I could defeat Hemingway in a pie-eating - slash - syntactical battle in the thick of the Spanish-American War. Your Grandma just lost another point to that 1960s picnic-style horseradish-bacon dip (yes, served with Ruffles). This dip harks back to times where a future of above-ground pools was possible, where Schlitz what's for dinner, where people were proud of hood ornaments, and empowered by them, too. In fact, that's what Ralph's Great Divide stirs up entirely. A time where a rich alchemy of historic pride and, 'if we stick together at our small-town community establishments, a bright, prosperous future lies ahead.' When I walk into this place, I'm not surprised when my heart feels it's JFK sitting at that piano in Wayfarers; and I'll keep JFK in mind when Sean Baker hosts his Monday night Pianoke (that's Piano Sing-Alongs). If New York has dimly lit red-vinyl Italian eateries with the ghosts of Sinatra & the Rat Pack, then you can look at Ralph's Great Divide as Indy's more-humble version. (Yes, the review is over and you're asking, "where'd that 3rd point come from?" Ralph had the gumption grandma didn't when he said "No!" to allowing children in his establishment.)
(4)Chris S.
We went here for Dining Out For Life. We got the Two For U entree'. My partner got Beef Skewer and Chicken with Baked Potato. He said it was pretty good. I took a bite of his chicken and it was superb. I got the Beef Skewer and Grilled Shrimp with grilled vegetables. My beef skewer and shrimp was very good however the vegetable medley, the broccolli could have been cooked a little longer. Then we got our dessert, he got the blackberry cobbler a la mode and I got the white chocalate madarin orange. It was the best cake I had in a long time. The staff was great, very apologetic for the food takin too long. Kept us informed on when the food will be up. I strongly recommend this restaurant. If you decide to go and eat at Ralph's, be sure to get their famous ham sandwich as well as the HOT POT AUG soup. Very delish.
(4)M W.
A friend and I went to Ralph's last night for dinner and it was great! I had a chicken club with their rosemary potatoes. My friend had the very, VERY special SPECIAL, which she really enjoyed, especially the Butterfinger pie.
(4)Jeff R.
One of my favorite places in Indianapolis. If you are a regular they know you and remember how you like things. Great service and if you want some sass just throw some out to the server and they will give it right back at you! I have never had a bad meal, the broccoli salad when they have it is the best ever. The raspberry cream cake is amazing. Burgers served on bread but I love them that way. The bourbon baked ham is something I crave! I must stop by when I am in town.
(5)Katie C.
My husband and I stumbled in after not being able to choose where we wanted to go for date night... and I am so happy we finally did. He had the Sirloin with the roasted potatoes and the pasta with marinara. I had the beef skewers, the side salad and the hot pot pig (everything I ordered was recommended by our waitress who was phenomenal.) Everything we ate and drank was unbelievable, even the side salad was ridiculously good with the homemade blue cheese dressing, fresh veggies and hard-boiled egg (a meal of it's own.) Both steaks were cooked perfectly at medium rare, the hot pot pig was UNBELIEVABLE, my husband took one bite and continued to pound the entire cup. It didn't matter though, because there was no way you could leave hungry with all of the food that we got. Nothing was even mediocre, from the hot rolls served before dinner to the angle hair pasta to the steaks EVERYTHING was superb. Now onto the desserts... RIDICULOUSLY good. They are apparently known for their pies and they didn't support. Imagine your grandmother's best homemade pie and times it by 10... that's how good these pies were. We left full and content, and raving about this gem. I almost don't want to write this review because I would like to keep this place my secret... but some things are just too good not to share, and RGD definitely fits that mold. Don't be like us and keep putting off trying this place... drop everything and go... right now!
(5)Kjirsten K.
I had been to Ralph's for lunch before and thought it was pretty good, but last night we went for dinner and had an AWESOME time. We're still talking about it today. We were able to get a seat at the bar and right away were greeted by the friendly staff. They were really busy, but were quick to get us our drinks. Everyone was really nice and attentive; we had three different people check in on us to ask how we're doing. For dinner I had the Tips and Aug, which is beef tips and a bowl of their potato au gratin soup as well as an additional side. I chose the Hot Pot Pig, which means the soup includes bacon and hot pepper cheese. Everything was so good!! The beef was cooked perfectly, was tender, and flavorful. The soup was velvety, cheesy, and bacony. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back this evening and order the same thing. A couple special "treats" were the man playing piano in the dining room and the beers being served in coozies. This is my kind of place!
(5)Tamara D.
Wonderful place for lunch. Go early. It fills up fast. Good food and prices.
(5)Terri B.
Wow what a great meal. Eclectic joint with personable staff and food was awesome. I would definitely recommend this fun experience.
(5)James S.
Very decent dive bar with nice people working. Beers are cold, but don't go for the Scotch selection. It's a good neighborhood joint with OK bar food. I'll be back.
(3)Brittany L.
Great environment, wonderful food, and excellent service. I've been here plenty of times and have never been disappointed either with the service or the food. I've even eaten out on their little patio twice. The twinkle lights add charm and the fountain drowns out the sound of the interstate. There are even smoking and non-smoking areas on the patio! What follows is my original review from the first time I visited. Ralph's remains one of my favorite spots in Indy. Both members of the wait staff were very friendly to us, answered questions knowledgeably, and promptly bussed our dirty dishes. We were also warmly greeted when we entered. As a bonus, even though we were sitting near the door on one of the coldest days of the year, we weren't cold. On to the food! We each started out with a bowl of Hot Pot Aug (potato soup with melted cheese on top. Heavenly and absolute perfection on that cold February night. I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, which was grilled to a lovely golden brown, and the ham was evenly placed, rather than being piled up all in one place. Our waiter asked me what kind of cheese, bread, toppings, and even asked about preparation. I was shocked! It was awesome to get exACTly what I wanted. My partner ate the ribs. A half rack with 2 sides and dessert was $19.99. They were the best ribs I've had in YEARS. Fell right off the bone, full of flavor, not fatty but also super moist. We wished the sauce had been just a tad spicier or smokier, but the sauce wasn't even really necessary because the meat was SO wonderful. Moving on to the coconut cream pie: you MUST save room for this dessert! Even the crust is worth eating, and we usually leave that behind. Lots of coconut, not too much topping, velvety in texture and buttery in flavor. It's rich without being too sweet. This is now my favorite dessert in the city of Indianapolis. Hands-down. Full bar, no draft beers, but a great selection of local brews in bottles and cans. Also, the alcohol prices are kind of high, but once you see the location (right on the near east side) it'll make sense. For the 2 of us, 2 soups, sandwich, entree, 3 drinks, dessert, and good tip was just under $60. Ribs aren't available every day, so if you're set on those you might call ahead. Ralph's Great Divide is on New York Street, a one-way east-bound street that runs out of downtown. It's just off the Michigan/New York exit off I-65. The exit ramp turns into Davidson St (one way south)....so it's on the corner of Davidson and New York. Parking lot access is off Davidson. This bar is totally worth your while to seek out. Also, no children allowed...it's a bar! Ralph's used to not be open on weekends but is now and they close fairly early by bar standards through the week. Also, last time I tried to go on a Tuesday, I was sad and angry to learn that they'd traded out being open on Saturday for being closed on Tuesday. Weird, weird, weird choice.
(5)Chris M.
Pretty much everything that needs to be said has been mentioned in reviews before. My $0.02 is that I am normally not one to order soup, but the cheesy creamy bowl they pass off as the Hot Pot Pig is awesome. The place is cool. They have an interesting menu and a sense of humor. The service is quick and polite. Blah blah blah. other notes: they have a parking lot in which I did not park. The drink cups are pretty tall, so your straw sinks down below the rim. I got a peppermint patty with my food.
(4)Edward C.
The food was ok. The problem is service. The guy waiting on us seemed to be waiting on the whole place. He took 20min to ask us what drinks we wanted and dropped the menus off. When he came for our orders he put his foot up in a chair which placed his groin over the table. We finally got our food after an hour. The food was not bad. The service was atrocious. I won't be going back.
(2)TOMMY o.
i walked into the party with a whole Coconut Creme Pie, they all said, i'd Never pay $23 for a pie UNTIL they tasted it YES you would thanks to Ralph's for whipping up a pie (literally in ~45 minutes) on a busy Friday night, usually it's not this much, but i think they added a tip for the cook? No Problem!!! thee Best Coconut Pie in the World (as said that night by a Southern chef @ the party) your fork will shake watch the First Step
(5)Aric F.
Went there with a small group of four people and had a sandwich. Our server gave use a hard time when we ordered for not knowing the menu and when we asked for napkins. The food was just run-of-the mill and nothing to phone home about. The interior is pretty slapstick with old wood paneling and old photos. Overall I think it was overpriced for the quality and atmosphere of the place. I paid somewhere around $15 for an average sandwich and chips.
(3)sarah S.
This place is delightful. The Sir Ralph's Sir Loin is awesome. I worked in a steakhouse for 5 years, and they never cooked a sirloin this beautifully. I love the Hot Pot Pig. (think cheese, bacon, cheese, creamy potato...mmm) I also love the support of local brewery sunking. Osiris is a favorite beer, and a lovely to such a heavy meal. The thing that topped it off for me was the seasonal cobbler. I totally lucked out in that the seasonal ingredient is blackberries. My God was that a fantastic cobbler! The crust made me think of my mom & gramma's homemade crusts, buttery and just thick enough. the blackberries were so flavorful and had just that bit of sweetness to them. The ice cream was a lovely compliment. My husband, although he loved his brownie, was quite sad that he did not order it.
(4)Wally M.
I've never been to this place but I gave it 5 stars because if Jeff Reuter gave it 5 stars it has to be good because he has been in the business of making and serving great food in Indianapolis. So, I'll be going to Ralph's Great Divide very soon. There's another reason and that is to see if the Hot Pot Pig soup is as good as that which I make. I always thought mine was world famous.
(5)Trevor Y.
This place is good when you want some "comfort" food. Try the hot pot aug and steak tips. Great meal for under $10. If you like peas, make sure to try the pea salad. It is one of the best that I've had.
(4)Jeremy B.
always a great lunch place
(5)John A.
Coconut cream pie and any desert awsome
(5)Kevin A.
(((SCRATCHES HEAD))) I'm lost on this one. This place has a lot of character and is obviously a local favorite, but I left very disappointed. I walked in without knowing what their specialties were, and ordered the Bon Appetit acclaimed chili, a ham sandwich, and a slice of coconut cream pie. The chili was not good at all and I actually struggled to finish it. It wasn't spicy, it wasn't meaty, and while I'm sure they make it fresh, it had a canned quality to it. Not looking good so far. Next up was the bourbon-baked ham sandwich. This was much better than the chili and had a nice balance between briny and sweet flavors, but at the end of the day it was still just a ham sandwich. Finally, I tried the coconut cream pie which was fantastic and among the best I've ever had. Rich, decadent, and creamy from the first bite. If I ever return, it will be for this pie.
(2)Katie B.
Ralph's Great Divide is delicious! A small place with a random assortment of decorations. The veggie club and coconut cream pie are my favorites. I have also heard raves about their hot pot aug (but haven't tried it myself since it's not veggie). Their bleu cheese dressing is also good.
(5)Tim G.
On a visit to Indy, cousin-in-law and wife took me, the mrs., and sis-in-law to this tiny hole-in-the-wall DIVE--didn't look like much, but man, appearances do deceive! We went on a Monday night, which was a bonus, because Sean was at the piano banging out standards, and then it was sing-along and karaoke, and we had a blast! On the down side (the reason for not making 5 stars) it was a hot summer night in July, and the A/C just wasn't up to the job, so we were uncomfortably warm. My shirt was soaking wet by the time we left. But the food is out of this world good. When I say this place is tiny, I mean, in the non-smoking area where we were sitting, there couldn't have been room for more than 25 people. So if we hadn't been so lucky with our timing, arriving as they were clearing a table, and just before some other folks got there, we might have had a long wait. Be aware this place will fill up fast. Now to the food and beverage: no beers on draft, but a large selection of bottled beers, so you can get what you like. A full-service bar, if you want mixed drinks, with different specials nightly. A variety of wines, if that's your thing. I ordered grilled grouper with mac n cheese, and they kindly let me sub grilled veggies for the house salad. The veggies were perfectly done, just slightly al dente--for me it could not have been better. The fish was fantastic, great flavor, I could have used tartar sauce, but the fish had enough flavor that t.s. was not necessary. The mac n cheese very creamy, and again perfect flavoring. Cuz-in-law went for the ham sandwich, said it was wonderful. The ladies all had meat w salad combos: one w steak skewer, two with grilled tuna steak. All gave high praise to their plates, and I also got to sample both the tuna and steak; very savory! Save room for dessert! The coconut cream pie is everything other reviewers have said. I had a butterscotch cream pie: absolutely to DIE for. We get back to Indy to visit fam every summer. We will definitely go back to Ralphs, probably a Monday night for the pianoke. We visit Indy most every summer to see family. We will for sure go back to Ralphs, probably on a Monday for the pianoke!
(4)Andy L.
Great, simple food. Hot pot pig, awesome. Blue cheese dressing- real bite and not overly creamy. BLT- simple and great. Should have gone for the $1.50 extra layer. Coconut cream pie- amazing. Bad for physical health, good for mental health. The server was busy but did a fine job. I'd highly recommend it.
(5)Shawn M.
Ralph's is a quaint little bar on the east side of Downtown. They do a wonderful job of serving up a creative menu devoid of fried food which seems to be the fare at every other bar in town. They have great specials and lots of homemade deserts and other things that you simply don't find anywhere else. The servers are very friendly and attentive, the atmosphere is quite unique- old bar oriented- you can tell this place has been here a long time. When you are tired of the normal pub fare Ralphs is a great alternative.
(4)Rachael W.
I have taken a few friends here over the course of 6 years and they have always come out big fans of Ralph's. The food is really great. Hot Pot Pig is my personal favorite, potato soup with bacon, pepper jack and then topped with loads of cheddar cheese, AWESOME! Homemade blue cheese dressing, perfectly cooked beef skewers, the ham sandwich is surprisingly delicious, sirloin that looks more like a fillet and cooked to the finest medium rare I have ever seen. Then we come to desserts. I hate coconut or so I thought. This was the one of the finest pieces of pie I have ever had. I could really come here and just eat dessert and maybe coffee and leave with a huge grin on my face. Love sitting at the bar chatting with the bartenders. Always super friendly and willing to make you feel like part of the Ralph's Family. I really like coming here, it's like a secret undiscovered treasure, but I want to share it.
(4)Mark W.
After reading Tommy O's review had to go try the coconut cream pie, and yes it was as good as he said! What a great place, warm and cozy on a cold winter night. Comfort food, mashed potatoes, gravy, roast beef, cream pies, it is like a home away from home.
(4)Irvington O.
Really Great food! Nice laid back atmosphere. Great mix of people with a Cheers-like bar atmosphere (kind of feels lke a big group of friends hanging out in someone's cozy den). Very cool vintage 1930s walk in cooler behind the bar. I've had the steak skewers (so tender, great dipping sauces), grilled shrimp (excellent), crab cakes (tasty & hearty), pea salad (great classic find!), penne Alfredo (yumm), cheesy potato soup (thick cheesy rich), bacon dip (rich & tangy but not too rich - easy to eat tons of this), chocolate cake (amazing ganache icing), and, of course, the coconut cream pie (toe curling). We went on a Friday once (make reservations, yep it's that good) and there was a piano man singing. Oh -and I LOVE that dessert comes with your meal. And excellent service. And great beer selection.
(5)Richard H.
Always friendly service and delicious food. Never a bad experience. Ever. Although it can get crowded on Friday night and at lunch.
(4)cecille p.
love the easy but cozy ambience with a pianist...visited in my days while with my boyfriend on Valentines night..awesome!!! He makes all places just great...
(5)Robert D.
Ralphs is a cozy pub - style place with live piano music on the weekend and scratch made food. What a great place! We are coming back soon.
(5)Dawn Z.
We came for dinner on Friday night at 6 so we beat the rush. They do take reservations. Service was friendly and welcoming. Of course, you have to get either hot pot aug (potato cheese soup with croutons) or hot pot pig (potato cheese soup with bacon and pepper jack). Dinner salad was fresh and dressings are home made. They're also known for their ham - very flavorful. Lots of good beer options. And of course save room for dessert! Coconut cream and butterscotch cream pies were awesome as was the Heath toffee cake which was a special. They also always have blackberry cobbler.
(5)Brittany S.
I have easily driven by Ralph's a hundred times and never realized it was there. Fortunately, my friend chose it for it her birthday rendezvous. As soon as the five of us walked in the door I was thrown back to Randolph County, Indiana (my hometown) - Ralph's couldn't be more comfortable, laid back and decorated like home. As all of the previous reviews composed by brilliant Yelpers noted, I was sure to have the Hot Pot Pig soup (potato on steroids - bacon, loaded cheese). I was hoping for a little more bacon action. But I suppose I'm always hoping for a little bacon action in general. We also shared the horseradish bacon dip (see the bacon theme at work here?) with potato chips. By this point, I was probably hitting 1500 calories+, so I thought - what the hell? and ordered a Sun King Wee Mac. Next time I'll have to try the highly-acclaimed coconut cream pie. Oh! and how could I forget the cherry on the top? The experience was complete with a charming Ben Folds-esque piano player clad in plaid and thick frames. Yep, we were sold.
(4)Erin D.
Staff was a riot, food was fantastic, local beers in bottles... and I'm eating my butterscotch pie this morning and couldn't be happier. I ordered the special and items the staff recommended - too much food but I have no regrets. My true test - the vegetables were fresh and not overcooked. Winning.
(5)Bill B.
Finally made it to this place. Took my Valentine's date as we tend to prefer this type of place. The weather was harsh, which was the only reason we got in. It was quite busy. Waited to long to write this review, so I can't even remember what we had. I do know it was unremarkable. We tried the soup they're known for. It was ok, not amazing. Service was not great, but still friendly. I think things were a little off due to holiday crowd and weather. Atmosphere was unique and enjoyable. We'll go back in the summer.
(3)TOMMY o.
i walked into the party with a whole Coconut Creme Pie, they all said, i'd Never pay $23 for a pie UNTIL they tasted it YES you would thanks to Ralph's for whipping up a pie (literally in ~45 minutes) on a busy Friday night, usually it's not this much, but i think they added a tip for the cook? No Problem!!! thee Best Coconut Pie in the World (as said that night by a Southern chef @ the party) your fork will shake watch the First Step
(5)Aric F.
Went there with a small group of four people and had a sandwich. Our server gave use a hard time when we ordered for not knowing the menu and when we asked for napkins. The food was just run-of-the mill and nothing to phone home about. The interior is pretty slapstick with old wood paneling and old photos. Overall I think it was overpriced for the quality and atmosphere of the place. I paid somewhere around $15 for an average sandwich and chips.
(3)sarah S.
This place is delightful. The Sir Ralph's Sir Loin is awesome. I worked in a steakhouse for 5 years, and they never cooked a sirloin this beautifully. I love the Hot Pot Pig. (think cheese, bacon, cheese, creamy potato...mmm) I also love the support of local brewery sunking. Osiris is a favorite beer, and a lovely to such a heavy meal. The thing that topped it off for me was the seasonal cobbler. I totally lucked out in that the seasonal ingredient is blackberries. My God was that a fantastic cobbler! The crust made me think of my mom & gramma's homemade crusts, buttery and just thick enough. the blackberries were so flavorful and had just that bit of sweetness to them. The ice cream was a lovely compliment. My husband, although he loved his brownie, was quite sad that he did not order it.
(4)Wally M.
I've never been to this place but I gave it 5 stars because if Jeff Reuter gave it 5 stars it has to be good because he has been in the business of making and serving great food in Indianapolis. So, I'll be going to Ralph's Great Divide very soon. There's another reason and that is to see if the Hot Pot Pig soup is as good as that which I make. I always thought mine was world famous.
(5)Kevin A.
(((SCRATCHES HEAD))) I'm lost on this one. This place has a lot of character and is obviously a local favorite, but I left very disappointed. I walked in without knowing what their specialties were, and ordered the Bon Appetit acclaimed chili, a ham sandwich, and a slice of coconut cream pie. The chili was not good at all and I actually struggled to finish it. It wasn't spicy, it wasn't meaty, and while I'm sure they make it fresh, it had a canned quality to it. Not looking good so far. Next up was the bourbon-baked ham sandwich. This was much better than the chili and had a nice balance between briny and sweet flavors, but at the end of the day it was still just a ham sandwich. Finally, I tried the coconut cream pie which was fantastic and among the best I've ever had. Rich, decadent, and creamy from the first bite. If I ever return, it will be for this pie.
(2)Katie B.
Ralph's Great Divide is delicious! A small place with a random assortment of decorations. The veggie club and coconut cream pie are my favorites. I have also heard raves about their hot pot aug (but haven't tried it myself since it's not veggie). Their bleu cheese dressing is also good.
(5)Shawn M.
Ralph's is a quaint little bar on the east side of Downtown. They do a wonderful job of serving up a creative menu devoid of fried food which seems to be the fare at every other bar in town. They have great specials and lots of homemade deserts and other things that you simply don't find anywhere else. The servers are very friendly and attentive, the atmosphere is quite unique- old bar oriented- you can tell this place has been here a long time. When you are tired of the normal pub fare Ralphs is a great alternative.
(4)Tim G.
On a visit to Indy, cousin-in-law and wife took me, the mrs., and sis-in-law to this tiny hole-in-the-wall DIVE--didn't look like much, but man, appearances do deceive! We went on a Monday night, which was a bonus, because Sean was at the piano banging out standards, and then it was sing-along and karaoke, and we had a blast! On the down side (the reason for not making 5 stars) it was a hot summer night in July, and the A/C just wasn't up to the job, so we were uncomfortably warm. My shirt was soaking wet by the time we left. But the food is out of this world good. When I say this place is tiny, I mean, in the non-smoking area where we were sitting, there couldn't have been room for more than 25 people. So if we hadn't been so lucky with our timing, arriving as they were clearing a table, and just before some other folks got there, we might have had a long wait. Be aware this place will fill up fast. Now to the food and beverage: no beers on draft, but a large selection of bottled beers, so you can get what you like. A full-service bar, if you want mixed drinks, with different specials nightly. A variety of wines, if that's your thing. I ordered grilled grouper with mac n cheese, and they kindly let me sub grilled veggies for the house salad. The veggies were perfectly done, just slightly al dente--for me it could not have been better. The fish was fantastic, great flavor, I could have used tartar sauce, but the fish had enough flavor that t.s. was not necessary. The mac n cheese very creamy, and again perfect flavoring. Cuz-in-law went for the ham sandwich, said it was wonderful. The ladies all had meat w salad combos: one w steak skewer, two with grilled tuna steak. All gave high praise to their plates, and I also got to sample both the tuna and steak; very savory! Save room for dessert! The coconut cream pie is everything other reviewers have said. I had a butterscotch cream pie: absolutely to DIE for. We get back to Indy to visit fam every summer. We will definitely go back to Ralphs, probably a Monday night for the pianoke. We visit Indy most every summer to see family. We will for sure go back to Ralphs, probably on a Monday for the pianoke!
(4)Trevor Y.
This place is good when you want some "comfort" food. Try the hot pot aug and steak tips. Great meal for under $10. If you like peas, make sure to try the pea salad. It is one of the best that I've had.
(4)Jeremy B.
always a great lunch place
(5)John A.
Coconut cream pie and any desert awsome
(5)Andy L.
Great, simple food. Hot pot pig, awesome. Blue cheese dressing- real bite and not overly creamy. BLT- simple and great. Should have gone for the $1.50 extra layer. Coconut cream pie- amazing. Bad for physical health, good for mental health. The server was busy but did a fine job. I'd highly recommend it.
(5)Ryan L.
I've been here twice. My breakdown of the restaurant is as follows: Service: 2/5 Food: 2/5 Entertainment: 6/5 Their food is okay. The first time I came I had a sandwich which was made on grocery store bread and served with Ruffles potato chips. The second time I came I ordered their most popular combo, the T&A. This included 6oz skewered Beef Tenderloin Tips (tender but not really seasoned) and a cup of their Hot Pot Aug (not sure what the hype is about). Everything was a little bland. My drink was never refilled and the waitress questioned what someone in my party ordered and tried to upsell them. They are very nice though, just a little aloof. The entertainment is great though. The main dining area has a piano and David shows up to play at 7:00pm sharp. If it hadn't been for his musical talent I would not have come back here a second time (and realistically I'm sure I'll be back again). He's friendly, approachable and takes requests. He greets his guests as they come and go and engages his audience from time to time (but it's not invasive). He really elevates an otherwise unremarkable restaurant. I don't know if he'd go for it, but I actually recommended that one of my friends look into hiring him for live music at their wedding. It doesn't really matter what the food is that they're serving, their piano entertainment steals the show.
(3)Wanda M.
After reading the reviews and seeing the popularity on Yelp we decided we had to check out Ralph's. The atmosphere is one of those little restaurants with generations of history. The main dining area quickly filled up with regulars at dinner and the staff was terrific. The bar is comfortable for drinks, appetizers or even dinner. We had the pleasure of Sean Baker entertaining us on the piano and several regulars taking center stage throughout the evening. When the pianist asked for request I prompted my husband to ask for his all time favorite Charlie Brown music. Most don't take the request seriously or don't know the songs but Sean did. He played several to the pleasure of my husband and the crowd. Perfect birthday treat for him and icing on the cake. The bacon horseradish dip was tasty with the horseradish not overpowering the bacon flavor. Served with a large basket of ripple potato chips and re-heats well for leftovers. My Hot Pot was excellent and I'll be ordering again in the future. One of the dinner specials was a Beef Manhattan with soup and dessert. Again, one of birthday boys favorite being an old fashion meat and potato guy. Plenty of tender beef accompanied by an extra large serving of mashed potatoes. The high light of dinner for me was the delicate and fluffy coconut cream pie. So much so I'm ordering a birthday pie this Friday for my sister in law. Delicious, light pie with a flaky crust perfect after a large meal or by itself. Excellent service, terrific food, fun, warm atmosphere, nice mixture of ages and personalities. Parking on street or in lot behind restaurant.
(4)Bill K.
Killer Reuben, great service from Stefani at super reasonable prices. Wish we had found this jewel sooner! And don't pass on the pickled beets. As they say at home in NYC, "to die faw!"
(5)Jelly R.
I've driven by this place hundreds, if not thousands, of times, and never thought much of it. From the outside, it does not look like much, and even gives the appearance of being in a rough neighborhood (it is near east side, after all, and is a windowless building with a metal security door in front of the entrance door). The inside tells a different story. This is a sit-down restaurant as you enter, and what appears to be a bar area in divided-off section to the left. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. It was apparent that most of the other customers were regulars, and I can see why: The staff is great, and they make you feel right at home. They have a piano in the dining area, and live music certain nights. We were lucky we wandered in on one such night, when David Meek (???) was playing piano. They have a somewhat limited menu, and are best known for the hot pot aug (a scalloped potato soup) and the hot pot pig (a potato-cheddar soup with bacon and jalapeno cheese) and their various pies made in-house. The entrees are mainly club sandwich or other sandwich-type offerings, though I noticed they also have alfredo and marinara pastas. The entrees come with a side, but for a couple dollars more, you can substitute a cup of the hot pot aug or hot pot pig. . . and it's totally worth it. As far as pies, we've tried the popular coconut pie, and the English toffee pie, and both were made with a whipped frosting that wasn't overly sweet or heavy. They have several other kinds of pies, but availability is limited to whatever they've made and still have on hand.
(4)Scott P.
I had gone to this place for many a work lunches. I went back in after a while, and was glad to see that its the same Ralph's. Hot pot aug. Incredible. This is one of few places I'll double up on potato dishes. Amazing. The sandwiches (HAM!) are also a nice pleasant meal. The building itself? Quite a bit of seating, a little cramped, but full of awesome little trinkets on the wall. I spot something I didn't notice each time I go in here. All in all; a nice pleasant place to get a meal, and then staff is a lot of fun too.
(4)Kathleen M.
We read the reviews on Yelp and decided to hop over for dinner our first night in Indy. Thanks to what everyone had written we came early and were able to find it and parking. We had fun meal and a show that really wasn't par of the night. Things got a little crazy and our appetizers ended up being given to another table. (My question is why did the other table not say, no we did not order these?) The cook and the server were so darn personable and apologetic I was actually glad it had happened. We tried a variety of plates and everything was really good. I enjoyed it very much except I wasn't blown away by the dessert. Rats. I will have to go back and try something else!
(4)Vee F.
Man!!!!! What a Great place the service great and our server Ann was very friendly we recommend asking for Ann if you decide to stop by Ralph's this is truly one of Indy's best kept secrets everything is made in house and made to perfection I recommend you try the beef tenderloin skewers tender and succulent chunks of beef grilled to perfection don't let me forget about the coconut cream pie to die for. We will return to try their lunch and most definitely dinner again
(5)Kasey L.
I saved Ralph's Great Divide to be my 100th review! Yippee! I came here with a large group on a Saturday night. We called in advance for a reservation, which turned out to be very important because the place was packed. It's sort of a two part restaurant on the inside--half is clearly the eating area and the other half is more of a bar. Smoke free! The gentleman playing piano was fantastic, playing a variety of music and singing occasionally. I'd go back just for him. My personal food choices were DELICIOUS. I got the tips and aug on the recommendation of other reviewers, and it did not disappoint. Curiously, I almost felt like the soup had too much bacon (is that really a thing?), but that can't honestly be a real complaint. The steak was cooked really well and was super tender. The coconut cream pie was pretty tasty. As for the food of my other seven dining companions, some were disappointed and some were really pleased. There were several eventually clean plates that started out with pasta and sandwiches. However, my husband wasn't crazy about his BLT. All the ingredients were there, but none of them were great (think Wonder bread, boring/thin cut bacon, etc.). We also noticed that the potato chips they served were straight out of a bag of Ruffles, so that's kind of a bummer. Our waitress was very friendly and funny, and she did a great job managing such a large group. However, the service was generally slow. She mentioned that they were in the midst of training a new cook, and that things were moving more slowly than usual. I appreciated her explanation. I thought the pricing was fair. I think a more honest review might be a 3.5, but I'm willing to round up for this local joint. It's totally unassuming on the outside (one of our friends actually thought it was a liquor store when he drove up), but just embrace that it's part of the charm. If you go here expecting some sort of fine dining experience, you'll be disappointed. It's a little divey but quite tasty!
(4)Emily H.
I was on prop pick up duty for Yelp today and had the opportunity to stop at this small hole-in-the-wall establishment. David, the mastermind in the kitchen, welcomed be back to not only take me step by step as to how they assemble the absolutely mouthwatering and delicious Hot Pot Pig soup, but he also offered me a cup of this delectable, potato goodness. The melted cheese, bacon, and soggy croutons were exactly what my stomach was calling out for on this chilly February day. Not only is the food wonderful, but the people here are such a delight! I was able to chat with David and his sister as I enjoyed my soup. They are so welcoming and treat ya just like family. I cannot wait for my next visit! I have heard only great things about the coconut creme pie and we all know I have a sweet tooth. So I'm coming for ya pie.
(5)Matt B.
You might drive by this place about a million times and not think about stopping in but you'd be making a mistake. Hole in the wall bar that serves good food. I had the Hot Pot Pig soup and the ham sandwich, both keepers. Others in my party had the tenderloin skewers and salad. We were seated right next to the piano player so it was a little difficult to hear each other at the table but if tinkling ivory is your thing during dinner they have it going on about every night.
(4)Michael B.
An AWESOME under the radar spot with an old-school atmosphere. Loved the piano playing a huge range of classics and newer songs to accompany a great heart-clogging meal. Shared a few entrees and combinations with a group - all were delicious. As mentioned in every other review the Hot Pot Pig is a must. Also tried the grilled bbq chicken and beef tenderloin skewers. Looking at the menu the prices were a little higher than I expected, then you realize how much food you get with each entree (mine included two sides and dessert). All in all, a great spot to try for anyone that hasn't - I don't think there's any way you'd go for a first time and not come back. Family-owned with a great vibe and service with excellent homestyle food like your mom or grandma made at their best.
(5)Amy H.
This place is phenomenal. Period. The only downside is that it's not close enough to my house so that I could easily become a regular. Dive bar exterior (literally, no windows), local low key neighborhood bar interior. Think a mix of Nascar signs and nick-nacks, a few strategically placed tv's (muted), hand-written specials over the bar and then, a surprisingly nice menu and a piano player! We started with the jalapeno pretzel (awesome!) and then shared the "pick 2" option. We had a crab cake and beef tips with the rosemary potatoes. The crab cake was tender, flaky and very well done and the beef tips actually came out perfectly pink in the middle, a feat I have to admit surprised me. We also had 2 dinner salads which were exceptionally well done for "bar" food - large, pretty and with more than your standard fare of bagged lettuce and carrot shavings. This was fluffy, fresh greens with red onions, olives, tomatoes, cheese, egg and a side of garlic bread. Already stuffed, we still managed to devour the included dessert, the coconut cream pie. It rivaled my mothers (which is saying A LOT), except without the over the top sweetness that some may associate with CCP. Service was fantastic - attentive, informed and friendly. They take reservations! We will be back... often!
(4)Ben B.
If your one that looks for the unique places to eat in a larger city than this place fits that description. Old school atmosphere, with local flavor sprinkled in, makes this place a top destination for someone who travels to indy a lot. The outside appearances adds to the mystique of this place...you'll know what I mean when you drive up to the place. Food is good...probably 4 star rating, it gets 5 stars for the atmosphere and experience. Get the aged sirloin
(5)Missy F.
This is my favorite restaurant in Indianapolis! Excellent food! Excellent service! Amazing atmosphere! My favorite part? It's locally owned, a mom and pop operation. This is our go to spot for special occasions.
(5)Austin G.
Ralph's is the best. The food is top notch as i have yet to have a bad meal there and have been there many times. The service is what we go back for. Im convinced Ralph's has the best staff in any restaurant in Indianapolis. They are kind, thoughtful, and respectful. I frequently go to Ralph's with my 80+ year old grandparents, and they ALWAYS offer their arm for support and walk them to their table, I just love it. Good environment, great food, and phenomenal staff make for my favorite place to chow in indy.
(5)Jim B.
So working / school downtown and living on the eastside = I've driven by Ralph's Great Divide a billion times. And never stopped. Until last night (after hearing so many times how great a place it is!). Chips and salsa - The BEST I've ever had. The chips were really warm - I mean so tasty warm and also just the right crispiness. This is the first time I think I've ever done a Yelp review that mentions the chips that are served - but this place had the best. Ordered the shrimp entree that included a much larger salad than I expected (along with one other side option) that was very good. All the reviewers here on Yelp mentioned the dessert so of course had to try the cake and it was very good. Short wine list but had the essentials. Highly recommended - will become a regular no doubt.
(4)Gary E.
My wife and I went there for dinner. The piano player is really good and we enjoyed the music during dinner. That is a definite reason to go back. I had the balsamic chicken. It was very tasty but over cooked. The chicken was very chewy. Had it been cooked properly, it would have been awesome. The hot pot aug was good but I have had better potato soup. The pea salad was pretty good. My wife had the cheese burger club. She though it was adequate. We had desert. She had the coconut cream pie and thought it was ok. I had the butterscotch cream pie and it was good. The service was good until the end. It took forever to get a check which put a damper on things. We will go back. It is a small charming dive that is a Indianapolis icon. The piano is a reason to return.
(3)PJ S.
Saturday dinner featured a special comprised of Prime Rib, the Hot Pot Aug, and some coco crime pie. And a piano player to boot. Everything was great..I'll be back
(4)Christian R.
I love this place!! I frequent Ralph's on my lunch breaks and it's so nice to find a hole in the wall with great food! I recommend any of their soups!
(4)Karen J.
Great service (our group is the acid test for tolerance in servers) delicious meals for the 8 people in our party. Nothing pretentious or hoity hoity here. Not even the piano player. In an out of the way location near the spaghetti bowl downtown. Order the beef tips with all the dipping sauces. GO!
(5)Nancy P.
5 stars plus!!!! We went on a Fri and David Meeks waa playing piano....awesome! Food was good and reasonable. Best part was the charm and entertainment. New favorite place!!!!!!
(5)Greg D.
Great food, great staff! Everything on the menu is delicious! All deserts are homemade in house, try the Mandarin orange white chocolate cake! I personally love their bourbon baked ham. I order it for parties and holidays as often as possible! You should definitely check it out!
(5)Jon C.
Ralph's Great Divide is a little bit off the beaten path compared to other downtown restaurants, but it's one well worth visiting for a no-nonsense, top of the line meal in a casual bar-like atmosphere with just a touch of additional class. Just make sure you save room for dessert or you'll be kicking yourself at the end! I can't quite recall how long I've been coming to Ralph's, or how I even found it to begin with. It's been many years, but the menu has pretty much stayed the same, and I think I've ordered the same thing every time I've come here. The Bourbon Baked Ham Sandwich is simply amazing. Throw it together with a side of the Hot Pot Pig (Potato soup with bacon) and you've got one hell of a meal. Add in a piece of the homemade coconut cream pie and you'll roll out of the place happier than a tornado in a trailer park.
(5)Alicia F.
Why have I lived in this town for nine months and never heard about this place? Thank you, Yelp, for leading me here. RGD is like your mom's kitchen, your office water cooler, and your neighborhood bar rolled into one--Good food, chatter, and drinks for all! Our server, Annie, was hilarious (think mom realtalk with a snarky edge) and helpful with her menu recs. Taking a cue from fellow Yelpers, I started with the Aug. That is some damn good soup! We're talking cold-night, stick-to-your-ribs comforting goodness in a bowl. The beef tips were also on point--cooked to order and accompanied by some rosy rosemary potatoes. Freaking delicious. Feel free to accompany your steak with wine, beer, or a cocktail--they've got it all here. Now let's talk about the reason I came here in the first place: PIE. Being that it's Pi Day, I was looking for a place that had pies and was still open after 5. RDG was the only one who fit the bill, and dessert did not disappoint. Two slices of butterscotch pie later (don't judge), my tummy was happy and so was I. I can't wait to come back here!
(5)Andrew D.
I live only a few minutes away from this wonderful awesome place. I love that they have a piano player that got me hooked then their food is really really good especially the hot pig soup wow amazing my steak tips were very good. I just love the home feel of this place and the great sizes in good. Love this place alot
(5)Nick R.
I've been to Ralph's multiple times for lunch before writing this review. The staff members there are friendly and were eager to please. They also made sure to give me exactly what I wanted. I visited Ralph's on another occasion just to visit the bar in the evening. It was a very laid back atmosphere with friendly people. I had never met any of the people there, but they made sure to make me feel welcome. It felt a little like Cheers!
(4)Scott H.
Cool working class dive. I went there for lunch on a Monday and it was crowded. The servers were nice, but they were a little bit slow. Lots of regulars. It seems like most of the people there knew each other. I ordered their specialty: T&A - tips and aug, which means beef tenderloin tips and cheesy potato soup. It cost $12.00. The tenderloin tips were DELICIOUS! They seriously tasted about as good as a St. Elmo steak. I was pleasantly surprised. If Ralph's is that good at cooking meat, I'll have to go back to give their hamburger a try.
(4)Sqirrl B.
Don't take a kid under 14. I've never been thrown out of a restaurant before, and certainly wasn't expecting to be when we met a business associate here for lunch. My business lets me take my 7 week old with me, and I'm grateful that he's a happy, quiet, well-behaved baby. I was looking forward to trying this place, the reviews here were so complimentary. But we barely got inside the door and one of the workers asked if we had a baby in the carrier. Yep. Well, you can't have him in here, no kids under 14. I was so embarrassed!! I never saw a sign, and didn't see anything about it here... Well, apparently it's on their website. How nice. Not going back, though, even if I can get a sitter. We went to the Claddagh instead, and had a very tasty lunch, no problems about taking in the baby, and he never made a sound the whole time.
(1)Brad K.
As good as it gets. For me. Five stars, really? For a dive? Yes, because I LOVE dives. And Ralph's is the best kind. Friendly, warm, cozy, fun, you get me, right? Drive up along New York Street and I already know what you're thinking. Run down, rickety old shack with steel bars on the door and front windows. Great. DON'T BE FOOLED, FOOL! Atmosphere: Think your buddy's dad's basement bar. Not your buddy's bar, your buddy's DAD'S basement bar. Old neon, framed B&W pictures, historic Indy memorabilia, US military chachkies, etc. Think TGI Friday's, but all 'garage sale' and no Target. Food: Outstanding. Actually, its a pretty big menu. You can't go wrong anywhere, but my habit is to stay in the middle of the menu (the entrees). That section gets you two sides (soup is an up-charge; its worth it) AND dessert. I usually opt for the Beef Tenderloin Skewers. My wife prefers the "T&A" (that's Tips and Aug for you gutter dwellers) and then she 'shares' my dessert (of which I get NO say in). My (read: our) favorite finisher is the Cobbler of the Day served hot with a scoop of ice cream. Sometimes blackberry, sometimes peach, sometimes cherry, always delicious. My father-in-law ALWAYS goes for the coconut cream pie and my mother-in-law can't pass on the multi-layer chocolate cake. Drinks: Sodas, great iced tea, lots of beers, both bottle and tap, including our favorite local, Sun King, and a full bar. My only suggestion is to add a single barrel bourbon to the shelf, or Indiana's own W.H. Harrison, Governor's Reserve, to keep it local. :-) Clearly, we love Ralph's. We go a couple times a month and sometimes I make it for lunch if I'm downtown. Call it good for any occasion, i.e., out-of-town guests, client lunch (if your client is cool), before a Colts game or after a Pacers game. If I was leaving, I'd want my going-away-party at Ralph's. But since I'm staying, you know where I'll be.
(5)Scott M.
SLIGHTLY OVER-PRICED, SLIGHTLY OVER-RATED Service and food are good. Place is purposely a dive. Despite the quality and taste, prices may still be too high for what you get. Ralph's Great Divide is slightly over-rated.... Some people rave about the place, because they think they should. If you need a unique place to go downtown and want to say you've been to this little landmark... check it out.
(3)D A.
Tips and Aug is amazing! The Aug soup, is potato and cheese and croutons, and is one of the most delicious meals I ever tasted. The Tips are so tender. The shrimp and corn chowder was delicious as well. It's also close to Sun King Brewery, so make a guys day of it. They know what they are doing here!!
(5)Tonya S.
Most people probably don't even know this place even exists.....even the locals. Tucked away in downtown Indy is this really neat place. A friend from NYC was coming into town and we were meeting for dinner. He is previous Indy folk, so when I let him pick our dinner destination, he said, "I know where we are going!!". We ended up at Ralph's. This place isn't fancy, by any means. It has a small town pub feel to it and when you walk in, you almost feel like everyone in there knows one another and you are the "out of towner", but in minutes, they all make you feel like part of the clan. The menu offers quite a variety, but we stuck with the more pub-like food. I got a ham sandwich, which is something I would NEVER order at a restaurant. Um, yeah.....BEST EVER!! It was so flavorful. I was excited about a ham sandwich. We also had the Bacon Horsey Dip with chips. OMG, this is a must if you go here. So darn good! The service was great and this place is definitely a great quiet place to catch up with an out of town friend. In fact, I have been back with another friend. Also tried the Hot Pot Pig (a staple soup) and Coconut Cream Pie (also a staple). Both were delish.....obviously staples. Great hidden restaurant in downtown Indy and I sincerely recommend that anyone give it a try!
(5)Edward C.
The food was ok. The problem is service. The guy waiting on us seemed to be waiting on the whole place. He took 20min to ask us what drinks we wanted and dropped the menus off. When he came for our orders he put his foot up in a chair which placed his groin over the table. We finally got our food after an hour. The food was not bad. The service was atrocious. I won't be going back.
(2)Mia M.
We went to Ralph's on a Thursday afternoon based solely on Yelp reviews. Thank you, fellow Yelpers - you were right on the money. Ralph's is delicious, affordable and 100% pretense-free. It looks like a total dive bar, complete with a ceiling that may or may not be caving in. We were greeted by a man whose demeanor and haircut led me to believe he is responsible for all the USMC memorabilia on the walls. He brought us our bottled/canned drinks (IBC root beer for me, Sun King Wee Mac for Kyle) wrapped in Ralph's coozies - a nice touch. He also quickly brought our order of horseradish-bacon dip, a dish I expected to be served warm. Rather, it's a cold, picnic-style dip, served with real-deal Ruffles. It's just as addictive as everyone's said. After realizing I was going to fill up on the dip, I ordered just a bowl of chili (with cheese and onions) and a side of pea salad. Kyle got the filet tips and cup of Hot Pot Pig (the potato au gratin soup). Someone else had mentioned here that the chili was bland and devoid of meat; I didn't really pick up on either of those faults. It definitely had a lot of beans, which is how I like my chili anyway, and the cheese and onion helped to kick it up a notch, but it was far from tasteless. The pea salad, however, was a bit disappointing. I think that's a matter of me being unfairly biased on pea salad thanks to my mom's one-of-a-kind recipe, though. I didn't try the filet tips, but Kyle was very impressed. The Hot Pot Pig... wow. The topping itself, crunchy and cheesy and potato-y, is worth its weight in gold. Our server, a very efficient and nice guy who called me "dear" a lot, recommended the mandarin orange cake that Debbie raved about. I couldn't resist... and it was just heavenly. Kind of a weird dessert to serve at a place that is primarily known for gourmet bar food, but I'm not complaining. I had to take quite a bit of my piece home due to being stuffed from everything else. Truly, my only complaint (or perhaps regret) is that I wish we'd come here in the fall or winter. I can just imagine how amazing that food would taste after coming in from the chilly weather.
(4)Mark S.
The food is good and the atmosphere is a nice dive restaurant. The issue is that the female owner with short hair is one of the nastiest people I have ever met in the service industry. We actually got up and left after interacting with her. Our server apologized for the owners behavior but her hands were obviously tied about doing anything to stop her. We will not be back until a "under new management" sign is hung on the front door. I recommend Tick Tock Lounge as an alternative.
(1)Chris M.
Pretty much everything that needs to be said has been mentioned in reviews before. My $0.02 is that I am normally not one to order soup, but the cheesy creamy bowl they pass off as the Hot Pot Pig is awesome. The place is cool. They have an interesting menu and a sense of humor. The service is quick and polite. Blah blah blah. other notes: they have a parking lot in which I did not park. The drink cups are pretty tall, so your straw sinks down below the rim. I got a peppermint patty with my food.
(4)Eric N.
This restaurant is a terrific hole-in-the-wall with great service and atmosphere. You have to get the au gratin potato soup! I will be going back as much as possible. Hopefully next time someone will playing some piano.
(5)Jonathon M.
My dear Indianapolis dwellers, what more can I say regarding the cultural landmark we call Ralphs Great Divide? It's cramped, old, the menu is interesting to say the least, there is a piano crammed in there straight from 1945, and in a building that is so in descript that one can drive by it 100 times and still not find it....it is also one of the greatest places in the city for a comforting meal. Ralphs is the kind of place you take people from out of town to give them a true taste of Hoosier hospitality and the quirky spirit that is part of Indianapolis heritage. The menu consists of mostly Ham and Bacon based products, but you will also find things like crab cakes. The ham is amazing and will most likely be the best you have ever eaten. I know families that put in orders with The Great Divide for whole hams to take home for holiday dinners. The ham sandwiches are with no doubt the star of the show at Ralphs. The co-star of the performance would have to be a bowl of the famous Big Pot Pig. It is a hearty soup consisting of bacon, potatoes, cheese, and ham. It is absolutely the perfect soup for the slight chill of a late fall Hoosier day. The homemade desserts are also a reason people love The Great Divide. Most enjoy the Coconut Cream Pie, but I have also had a carrot cake there that is the absolute best carrot cake I've had. Bottom Line: If you live here in the Circle City then you must have eaten at Ralphs Great Divide or make immediate plans to do so. The place is a landmark and the food is good enough to take home to family for holidays, and that should say it all. Next time you have an out of town visitor looking to experience some local flavor you can say "I've got just the place. "
(4)Wayne M.
We found this restaurant on Yelp while travelling from Baltimore, MD onthrough to Wichita Falls, Texas. We walked in and asked our friendly waiter what he recommended. After kindly informing us that "everything is good" he suggested two stellar dishes. I would continue on to describe them, but its more important to know that they have amazing homemade blue cheese and their meat is cooked as requested. Ask for medium rare and thats what you're gonna get! The decor leaves nothing wanting and is one of those places that leaves you scanning the walls from one object to another. Also, request the Coconut Cream Pie! If in the area, stop into the Sun King Brewery as well. It's only 3 minutes from Ralphs!
(5)Robert F.
Great food reasonable price. Full service bar, great soups, apps, steak and shrimp were all very good. I tasted them all. Deserts cooked on site. Don't let the plain outside fool you. This is one of those secrets that only the locals know about until Yelp, check it out!
(4)Patrick R.
Good food.. But not great. Went with the filet. Was cook semi-well. A little dry. A little chewy. Nothing to write home about. Sides were good. Onion soup was tasty. Coconut cake was a little more dense than I like. I like mine lite, airy and People were friendly. Patio is nice and quaint. A little pricey. Meh.. Might go back.
(3)Jon A.
Ralph 3. Your Grandma 0. Your Grandma, or Mother teetering into the AARP Arena, just lost an upper hand in the market place. Ralph's coconut cream pie evokes the wholeness of a soothing Easter Sunday on an 18th green of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Whispy Atlantic breezes. Cool, calm & collected, that coconut cream makes me feel completely at peace. This is my new last supper -- stacks of 'em. After eating this pie, I now feel I could defeat Hemingway in a pie-eating - slash - syntactical battle in the thick of the Spanish-American War. Your Grandma just lost another point to that 1960s picnic-style horseradish-bacon dip (yes, served with Ruffles). This dip harks back to times where a future of above-ground pools was possible, where Schlitz what's for dinner, where people were proud of hood ornaments, and empowered by them, too. In fact, that's what Ralph's Great Divide stirs up entirely. A time where a rich alchemy of historic pride and, 'if we stick together at our small-town community establishments, a bright, prosperous future lies ahead.' When I walk into this place, I'm not surprised when my heart feels it's JFK sitting at that piano in Wayfarers; and I'll keep JFK in mind when Sean Baker hosts his Monday night Pianoke (that's Piano Sing-Alongs). If New York has dimly lit red-vinyl Italian eateries with the ghosts of Sinatra & the Rat Pack, then you can look at Ralph's Great Divide as Indy's more-humble version. (Yes, the review is over and you're asking, "where'd that 3rd point come from?" Ralph had the gumption grandma didn't when he said "No!" to allowing children in his establishment.)
(4)Chris S.
We went here for Dining Out For Life. We got the Two For U entree'. My partner got Beef Skewer and Chicken with Baked Potato. He said it was pretty good. I took a bite of his chicken and it was superb. I got the Beef Skewer and Grilled Shrimp with grilled vegetables. My beef skewer and shrimp was very good however the vegetable medley, the broccolli could have been cooked a little longer. Then we got our dessert, he got the blackberry cobbler a la mode and I got the white chocalate madarin orange. It was the best cake I had in a long time. The staff was great, very apologetic for the food takin too long. Kept us informed on when the food will be up. I strongly recommend this restaurant. If you decide to go and eat at Ralph's, be sure to get their famous ham sandwich as well as the HOT POT AUG soup. Very delish.
(4)Nikki B.
It's all about the ham. It's pretty good ham! And the potato soup's good with all the fixings. They *pile* on the ham on the sandwiches, so it's a great serving and therefore the pricing makes sense. I even saw that you can order hams for the holidays if you don't feel like cooking (preorder of course). I got super excited about this place because I never get to eat ham, so I was siked. It's got a great atmosphere, a little dinky place on New York, but I've been dying to try it for years. Will definitely be taking ham lovers here!!
(4)M W.
A friend and I went to Ralph's last night for dinner and it was great! I had a chicken club with their rosemary potatoes. My friend had the very, VERY special SPECIAL, which she really enjoyed, especially the Butterfinger pie.
(4)Katie C.
My husband and I stumbled in after not being able to choose where we wanted to go for date night... and I am so happy we finally did. He had the Sirloin with the roasted potatoes and the pasta with marinara. I had the beef skewers, the side salad and the hot pot pig (everything I ordered was recommended by our waitress who was phenomenal.) Everything we ate and drank was unbelievable, even the side salad was ridiculously good with the homemade blue cheese dressing, fresh veggies and hard-boiled egg (a meal of it's own.) Both steaks were cooked perfectly at medium rare, the hot pot pig was UNBELIEVABLE, my husband took one bite and continued to pound the entire cup. It didn't matter though, because there was no way you could leave hungry with all of the food that we got. Nothing was even mediocre, from the hot rolls served before dinner to the angle hair pasta to the steaks EVERYTHING was superb. Now onto the desserts... RIDICULOUSLY good. They are apparently known for their pies and they didn't support. Imagine your grandmother's best homemade pie and times it by 10... that's how good these pies were. We left full and content, and raving about this gem. I almost don't want to write this review because I would like to keep this place my secret... but some things are just too good not to share, and RGD definitely fits that mold. Don't be like us and keep putting off trying this place... drop everything and go... right now!
(5)Kjirsten K.
I had been to Ralph's for lunch before and thought it was pretty good, but last night we went for dinner and had an AWESOME time. We're still talking about it today. We were able to get a seat at the bar and right away were greeted by the friendly staff. They were really busy, but were quick to get us our drinks. Everyone was really nice and attentive; we had three different people check in on us to ask how we're doing. For dinner I had the Tips and Aug, which is beef tips and a bowl of their potato au gratin soup as well as an additional side. I chose the Hot Pot Pig, which means the soup includes bacon and hot pepper cheese. Everything was so good!! The beef was cooked perfectly, was tender, and flavorful. The soup was velvety, cheesy, and bacony. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back this evening and order the same thing. A couple special "treats" were the man playing piano in the dining room and the beers being served in coozies. This is my kind of place!
(5)Tamara D.
Wonderful place for lunch. Go early. It fills up fast. Good food and prices.
(5)Terri B.
Wow what a great meal. Eclectic joint with personable staff and food was awesome. I would definitely recommend this fun experience.
(5)James S.
Very decent dive bar with nice people working. Beers are cold, but don't go for the Scotch selection. It's a good neighborhood joint with OK bar food. I'll be back.
(3)Brittany L.
Great environment, wonderful food, and excellent service. I've been here plenty of times and have never been disappointed either with the service or the food. I've even eaten out on their little patio twice. The twinkle lights add charm and the fountain drowns out the sound of the interstate. There are even smoking and non-smoking areas on the patio! What follows is my original review from the first time I visited. Ralph's remains one of my favorite spots in Indy. Both members of the wait staff were very friendly to us, answered questions knowledgeably, and promptly bussed our dirty dishes. We were also warmly greeted when we entered. As a bonus, even though we were sitting near the door on one of the coldest days of the year, we weren't cold. On to the food! We each started out with a bowl of Hot Pot Aug (potato soup with melted cheese on top. Heavenly and absolute perfection on that cold February night. I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, which was grilled to a lovely golden brown, and the ham was evenly placed, rather than being piled up all in one place. Our waiter asked me what kind of cheese, bread, toppings, and even asked about preparation. I was shocked! It was awesome to get exACTly what I wanted. My partner ate the ribs. A half rack with 2 sides and dessert was $19.99. They were the best ribs I've had in YEARS. Fell right off the bone, full of flavor, not fatty but also super moist. We wished the sauce had been just a tad spicier or smokier, but the sauce wasn't even really necessary because the meat was SO wonderful. Moving on to the coconut cream pie: you MUST save room for this dessert! Even the crust is worth eating, and we usually leave that behind. Lots of coconut, not too much topping, velvety in texture and buttery in flavor. It's rich without being too sweet. This is now my favorite dessert in the city of Indianapolis. Hands-down. Full bar, no draft beers, but a great selection of local brews in bottles and cans. Also, the alcohol prices are kind of high, but once you see the location (right on the near east side) it'll make sense. For the 2 of us, 2 soups, sandwich, entree, 3 drinks, dessert, and good tip was just under $60. Ribs aren't available every day, so if you're set on those you might call ahead. Ralph's Great Divide is on New York Street, a one-way east-bound street that runs out of downtown. It's just off the Michigan/New York exit off I-65. The exit ramp turns into Davidson St (one way south)....so it's on the corner of Davidson and New York. Parking lot access is off Davidson. This bar is totally worth your while to seek out. Also, no children allowed...it's a bar! Ralph's used to not be open on weekends but is now and they close fairly early by bar standards through the week. Also, last time I tried to go on a Tuesday, I was sad and angry to learn that they'd traded out being open on Saturday for being closed on Tuesday. Weird, weird, weird choice.
(5)Jeff R.
One of my favorite places in Indianapolis. If you are a regular they know you and remember how you like things. Great service and if you want some sass just throw some out to the server and they will give it right back at you! I have never had a bad meal, the broccoli salad when they have it is the best ever. The raspberry cream cake is amazing. Burgers served on bread but I love them that way. The bourbon baked ham is something I crave! I must stop by when I am in town.
(5)Rachael W.
I have taken a few friends here over the course of 6 years and they have always come out big fans of Ralph's. The food is really great. Hot Pot Pig is my personal favorite, potato soup with bacon, pepper jack and then topped with loads of cheddar cheese, AWESOME! Homemade blue cheese dressing, perfectly cooked beef skewers, the ham sandwich is surprisingly delicious, sirloin that looks more like a fillet and cooked to the finest medium rare I have ever seen. Then we come to desserts. I hate coconut or so I thought. This was the one of the finest pieces of pie I have ever had. I could really come here and just eat dessert and maybe coffee and leave with a huge grin on my face. Love sitting at the bar chatting with the bartenders. Always super friendly and willing to make you feel like part of the Ralph's Family. I really like coming here, it's like a secret undiscovered treasure, but I want to share it.
(4)Mark W.
After reading Tommy O's review had to go try the coconut cream pie, and yes it was as good as he said! What a great place, warm and cozy on a cold winter night. Comfort food, mashed potatoes, gravy, roast beef, cream pies, it is like a home away from home.
(4)Irvington O.
Really Great food! Nice laid back atmosphere. Great mix of people with a Cheers-like bar atmosphere (kind of feels lke a big group of friends hanging out in someone's cozy den). Very cool vintage 1930s walk in cooler behind the bar. I've had the steak skewers (so tender, great dipping sauces), grilled shrimp (excellent), crab cakes (tasty & hearty), pea salad (great classic find!), penne Alfredo (yumm), cheesy potato soup (thick cheesy rich), bacon dip (rich & tangy but not too rich - easy to eat tons of this), chocolate cake (amazing ganache icing), and, of course, the coconut cream pie (toe curling). We went on a Friday once (make reservations, yep it's that good) and there was a piano man singing. Oh -and I LOVE that dessert comes with your meal. And excellent service. And great beer selection.
(5)Richard H.
Always friendly service and delicious food. Never a bad experience. Ever. Although it can get crowded on Friday night and at lunch.
(4)cecille p.
love the easy but cozy ambience with a pianist...visited in my days while with my boyfriend on Valentines night..awesome!!! He makes all places just great...
(5)Debbie S.
I can't stop eating here! I just moved here from Chicago and already I am a regular and they know me. This is a find and I hesitate to even write the review because I don't want other people knowing about it! But I can't help but spread the love for Ralph's. Okay - now to the food: yes - they have the greatest "hot pot aug" and "hot pot pig" cheese/potatoe/bacon soup ever! Plus - they have a Friday night Supper Club, homemade bleu cheese and french dressing, homemade bacon/horseradish dip- so creamy and delicious. But the DESSERTS! Also home-made on the premises - cakes such as carrot with an ever so light cream cheese icing topping tjhree layers of moist, gingery carrot cake. The other night - they had a Mandarin Orange cake that was to die for...another three layer, light as air - covered in icing that melted in your mouth. Also on the menu that night was a Chicken Pot Pie that had the absolute lightest, flakiest crust. Another winner. Where else can you go and get buckets of beer with tiny little glasses to drink it in? It's the small things in life...
(5)