Fork and Ale House — Restaurant in Carmel

UPDATE: Returned with our family of 4 for a Monday / Labor Day lunch and it was a much improved experience from our 1st visit. Our server, Chloe F, was awesome at tending to us, in spite of the fact that the place got pretty busy while we were there. She was extremely friendly and consistently kept our waters topped off. She even noted a small issue with my wife's order as she was bringing our food to the table and quickly rectified it.

We started with their Cauli Curds ($13.50), which were a mix of cauliflower and cheese curds that were all breaded and tossed in a buffalo sauce. It was a decent-sized platter that we didn't even finish before our main order arrived, although we did finish it promptly.

We each ordered their daily Monday Special, which was an option of an individual 1-topping pizza or calzone for $8. Daughter selected the pizza with extra-cheese, which was very evident and looked pretty good. Son orded the calzone with italian sausage, which he enjoyed. Wife also did the calzone with spinach. I chose the calzone with pepperoni, which came with a side container of tomato sauce. I was very pleased with the flavor and felt that the size was an excellent value for the $8 special price. I would order it again in a heartbeat.

We also decided to finish with a Skillet Cookie ($9.50). I'm guessing it was a 6-8" cookie with a scoop of vanilla on top in the middle. It was a little over baked as it appeared to be slightly burnt on the edges (wife thought it reminded her of the cereal Cookie Crisp possible due to the overbake), but it still hit the spot and was enjoyed by all. It was a great lunch experience for the family.

Sort of a mixed review for my wife and I. They offer outdoor dining in front in addition to their indoor open bar area. Due to the weather, we chose to eat indoors. It's fine, although the acoustics can be a little challenging as the noise seems to magnify and made things difficult to hear on occasion. Our server, Ashley, was attentive and personable.

It did seem to take a decent bit for our orders to come out after they were placed. My wife chose the Veggie Wrap ($14). She said it was fine, although it was drenched in the sauce they used, which pooled on her plate. She didn't think it was worth the price. I decided to go with the day's specials, which included their beer of the day pilsner and their CYO burger cheeseburger. The beer was OK, but I did very much enjoy the burger. It was thick and the basic toppings were good. The bun was pretty weak and disintegrated quickly as I ate the sandwich. We both thought their fries were just OK and would choose a different side in the future if we return. I would like to try their...

We recently had the pleasure of dining at Fork + Ale House in Carmel, IN, and it was an unforgettable experience nothing short of spectacular. Dining with my husband and special friends, we experienced a delightful evening filled with excellent food and warm hospitality for all of us! This gem of a restaurant effortlessly combines a cozy, inviting atmosphere with an innovative and delectable menu that caters to every palate & offers reasonable prices. From the moment we walked in, the warm and welcoming staff made us feel right at home. Despite it being a very busy Sunday, the service was impeccable—attentive without being intrusive, and the staff was knowledgeable about the menu, offering excellent recommendations, providing swift service both indoors and on the outdoor patio, welcoming to both children and four-legged family members, making it an ideal spot for whole families. We began our culinary journey with the fried pickles and a delightful Brussels sprouts dish. The fried pickles were perfectly crispy, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. The Brussels sprouts were a standout, cooked to perfection crispy as well, and bursting with flavor. For the main courses, we sampled a variety of dishes. The fillet mignon, ordered medium-rare, rivaled the quality of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, with its tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. The pulled pork dish was equally impressive, offering a rich, savory taste that left us wanting more. The salmon was another hit, cooked just right: flaky and tender, and served with a delightful citrus glaze and flavorful, creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Lastly, the Hawaiian calzone was incredibly appetizing, with its blend of sweet and savory ingredients wrapped in a perfectly baked crust. The ale selection was also noteworthy, with a variety of tasty options to complement our meals. We couldn't resist dessert, and we're so glad we didn't! The chocolate lava cake with vanilla bean ice cream was a decadent finish to our meal, leaving us thoroughly satisfied. Moreover, the owner went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly and timely, personally checking in with us to make sure we were having a great experience, which is testament to their commitment to excellent Overall, Fork + Ale House offers a fantastic dining experience, with high-quality food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to...

Several foodies and beer nuts reported this place as a highly recommended stop to check out. While their in-house brews weren't available for some reason (?) We went with tap IPA tasted great, yet it was not as cold as I had hoped for on an 86°F day in May. The chorizo wrappers appetizer was a smidge overcooked in the fryer--and to be honest, I probably should have just ordered what the bartender girl recommended which were the pizza style ones--so kudos to her for making a good call there. The fries weren't really my style, and it could just be the type of fryer oil used, time cooked, or heat they fry them at. However, my pork belly Reuben was surprisingly delicious despite how it appeared on the plate [see photos]. Basically, the meat to bread ratio was just right (more meat than bread), which I ordered with the "smoked pineapple" as a side, expecting to get a smoked + grill marked pineapple patty. Instead received chunks of cut pineapple that...(sorry Fork + Ale, I'm sure you guys really aimed to please here), fell short of what I had hoped for. My plan was to slice the patty in half and shove it into my Reuben since it was a hot day, and that sounded like a delicious flavor profile combination with the BRILLIANT PORK BELLY REUBEN SANDWICH (seriously, you guys are geniuses for that culinary creation). I give you guys a very strong 4.6-4.7/5 stars because your service was TOP NOTCH, the atmosphere modern and comfortable, the food decent and interesting, and you carried a good enough IPA selection I could survive on for our visit. But can I make one small suggestion..? (Okay maybe 2) 1. Offer marble pumpernickel/rye bread for the Reuben sandwich. 2. Make those as "smoked pineapple patties," grill + serve in an aluminum foil wrap, then offer the option to have them sprinkled with either Tajin or Chili powder seasoning (see photo suggestions). I bet you a Reuben sandwich, on the house, those suckers will sell like hotcakes in the summer --with a cold beer or two, of course!! I gave you a 5/5 star rating because your customer service will bring me back again to try something else. Looking forward to another...