His Place Eatery - Chicken & Waffles, Ribs & Soul Food (86th & Ditch Rd) — Restaurant in Indianapolis

I have been a fan of His Place Eatery since moving here in 2017, having eaten carryout at the location on 30th Ave many times. The food is always amazing and fulfilling. So when I heard there was a second location, I had to go there to see if the great food and service would travel well.

Well, it does! The same southern flavors and dishes with more space to sit down and enjoy your food before facing the cold, hard world again ( it was cold and rainy the day I went). The food was delectable as always, and the service was quick and courteous.

Here are some areas of opportunity:

Upon entry, the carry out line and hostess booth are really tight at the door. There is this quirky photo booth setup, but there is no backdrop to encourage the usage, and if there are more than 3 adults standing in the doorway, it feels crowded.

Other than the carry out area, there is no decor. Bare walls and tables adorned only with clear crystal salt and pepper shakers. I could have been in any buffeteria and wouldn't know it. I was expecting a wow factor or a bit more pizzazz, with this being the second location. The atmosphere was soul food on speed, but I expected to want to linger and chat, as I do at most comfort food restaurants. I'm sure the goal is to get people in, seated, fed, and out the door. But there is money in creating a space where people can linger and order dessert.

There are no appetizers on the menu. That was alarming to me as I've never sat down to eat at the one on 30th Ave, I never noticed the lack of starter options. We drove 20 minutes to get to the restaurant and spent 45 minutes inside. Typically, with an appetizer, drinks, main course, and dessert, a trip to a sit-down restaurant is not less than an hour and a half.

The grilled chicken breast was unappealing and small for the added $1.99 to the 2 Meat Combo Dinner. More baked or grilled options for protein would be amazing.

Overall, the food was good, so I...

His Place embodies everything that makes a small business work. We walked in and my family was immediately warmly greeted during the end of the rush period with a smile as she was working to take care of others. We were seated soon after and had a fantastic and attentive server. He made recommendations and was so helpful. This was our first time, so we were unsure what was the go-to item. We each ordered something different, and we were satisfied with the food presented to us. The mac and cheese was probably the best I have ever had, and I wanted to order some to take home but they were closing, and I didn't want to add more work. The chef, who is also the owner, came out to greet us and check on us. Like what?! Is that even a thing anymore? He cared about the customer experience and wanted to provide a unique experience for us at the table. Even when I know his kitchen was slammed. He was impressive and I knew I wanted to share about this restaurant. The restaurant business is hard. It takes hard work and often working with low margins, and it very competitive. If my review could sway someone to consider this amazing family restaurant I wanted to help get the word out. Do not pass up His Place. The food was fresh and cooked to perfection. The staff were welcoming and truly seemed to enjoy where they worked, and the place was packed. OH! And clean! Go and support this family restaurant. Thank you, His Place, for serving our community and bringing back quality service with the customer in mind. We...

It was almost closing time so I just stopped in for a peach cobbler to go. They brought it out and it was just syrup and peaches I then requested extra crust and said I would pay for it. The server went to fix it and brought it out without extra charges. When I got home I opened it up and it was just full of burnt to a black/brown pieces of something. I put itin the refrigerator and next day when. I was finished working I took it back in the original container and bag. The server went to credit my card since I didn't want anything else. A lady Camelot and told me I had to take something else or a store credit. I said no I'd like my card credited She said no so I asked for the owner and she informed me that she was the owner and she wasn't changing what her stance. She said that was her policy but it's not posted any where. She said she heard the conversation the night I came in but she didn't stop her employee from doing it It was totally inedible. I don't think I'll ever dine there again. To be the owner her customer service skills need work. She did all this in front other customers and Employees. I hope that taking $8.63 from a 78 year old customer gave her satisfaction and I pray her business is not in that much need. So my word to you is check your To Go order before you leave. Because there is no recourse in the customer's favor I'm attaching a picture...