Tinker Street Restaurant

My wife and I visited for Valentine’s Day while in town. I am happy to say every single part of the experience was phenomenal. The service, food, drinks, etc. were excellent and Chef Tyler Shortt and his crew deserve recognition for the restaurant they have built. We will be visiting any time we are in Indy!

I’ve been to Tinker several times now, and it’s always a great experience from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. The food is consistently delicious, and I love that their menu constantly rotates; every new iteration is beautifully executed. I always leave happy and already looking forward to the next visit!

Amazing from start to finish. The Korean mushroom appetizer could have been a meal in and of itself. Ive never had a scallion pancake, but don't overlook it, because it pairs so nicely with the slightly spicy sauce on the mushrooms. We were seated in a roomy and comfortable booth in the back corner somewhat away from the traffic which was great. Immediately upon being seated we were greeted with water and a champagne toast. Important to note our water glasses were never dry. They must have come by 10 times to refill them which was a really nice touch. For our main course we chose the duck confit and shrimp pasta, both highly recommended by our server, Nick. The duck was out of this world. Fall off the bone tender and just as flavorful as you could imagine. I believe it came on a carrot rissoto which was a perfect pairing. The pasta was also great. For cocktails we both had tequila. He had a take on a Paloma that was the special. It was a little different but still good. I thoroughly enjoyed my spicy marg. We really had not anticipated getting dessert but he couldn't help himself and ordered the ricotta donuts with espresso ice cream and chocolate pearls. He picked the plate clean. Everyone we encountered was attentive and helpful and the food was delicious. We can't wait to go back next time we are in downtown indy.

My husband and I came in for the first time this weekend. The service was nothing short of spectacular! Having a bubbles toast to start the evening was chef's kiss! We started with two cocktails off their specials menu and both were insanely delicious and each offered a new take. My husband's steak was cooked perfectly and he nearly cleaned the plate. As a vegan, I ordered the curried cauliflower. The cauliflower steak was cooked well and delicious. The sauce, however, was very sweet and acidic, almost like pure apple juice with a hint of cinnamon (I assume it was the pomegranate molasses). My potatoes were a little under, as well as my rice. I wanted to love it, but couldn't. We were so excited for the peanut parfait but it was unfortunately not being offered when we went to order desserts. While I wasn't 100% satisfied with my food, we agreed we would love to come back when the next iteration of the menu comes out. We really loved everything about our experience except for my main plate. I can't say enough about the wonderful service!!

Have much nostalgia going to Tinker Street back in 2017 on a date (with my now spouse) - that when we ended up visiting Indy to walk down memory lane we just had to try it again. Did not disappoint - even after 8 years this restaurant is a testament to consistency and quality. Started with the summer salad which was fresh and delicious. Got the Salt of the Earth cocktail to pair -super interesting and deceptively strong. Got the crab scampi and black cod as mains. Scampi was delicious, and the cod was truly special-most tender and buttery fish I have ever had - the texture is just on another level. For dessert, our waitress recommended the Pavlova, which was absolutely the right call - just a beautiful fruity palate cleanser; which I subsequently washed down with an equally phenomenal espresso martini. Long live Tinker Street - would love to come yet again whenever we get a chance to do Indy again.

4-Star Review for Tinker Street Tinker Street nails it with exceptional service and solid food in a cozy, intimate setting. The restaurant is definitely on the smaller side—think charming, not cramped (unless you’re claustrophobic, then… maybe charming and cramped). The food? Good. Not "write home to grandma" good, but definitely "text your foodie friend" good. Creative flavors, nice presentation, and portions that won’t leave you hangry. Now, let’s talk about the unsung hero of the night: the Water Guy. I don’t know his name, but this man treats hydration like a calling. I swear I never saw the bottom of my glass. He refilled it like he was defusing a bomb—calm, precise, and absolutely not here for your thirst. Give that man a raise. Or a cape. Only odd thing? The bathrooms are just a few steps from the kitchen. Not a huge deal, but it’s a little weird when your path to the restroom feels like you might accidentally be mistaken for a sous-chef. Overall, a great experience. Come for the food, stay for the water.

Great restaurant close to downtown. The service is great and the servers are knowledgeable about the menu and wine. They always have a vegan and gluten free entree. When you first sit down you get a small glass of champagne which is a nice touch. On our last visit we got the smoked carrots and they were shockingly good. The carrot soup was excellent and then for entrees I got long trumpet mushrooms and my wife got the Sacchetoni en Brodo. She said hers was good. The peanut parfait is amazing and a must get to finish the meal. It is on the pricier side but it is with it in my opinion.