In a new space at 331 Mass Ave you'll find the Ball and Biscuit. When you walk in, you'll find dimly lit spaces with comfy chairs, tables, candles, and "a great vibe" (to quote one of my drinking companions that night). The decor and especially the menu makes me think of New Orleans and pre-prohibition era speakeasys where the whiskey was flowing and the cops looked the other way. But no shenanigans here; this is just a great place with vintage cocktails, delicious small plates, and enough space for the cool kids to gather after work or after the other pubs close.And it turns out the name is a nod to that vintage era as well. Ball and Biscuit is a reference to the first voice transmitting device ever built. If you look on the shelf behind the bar, you'll see why--a clunky looking thing that inspired the great decor around you. Notice the microphone graveyard hanging on the wall.
The vintage cocktails are a lot of fun too. When is the last time you ordered a sidecar? The signature cocktail is a sazerac--the first cocktail ever invented in the United States. But here it's given a classic touch with blood orange bitters. Whiskey drinkers, this is a must!
The small plates are lovely and very tasty. Sometimes I don't like small plate restaurants because they spend more time on the pretty plate rather than the taste of my overly priced nibble. But not at the Ball and Biscuit. Taste is great, but don't expect to go there for dinner. They do mean small plates and they have a limited menu, which means they focus on just a few things they do well. You can have everything from twice baked fingerling potatoes to trout spread to a great selection of cheeses to whet your appetite.
We went simple for our first visit and started with the twice baked fingerling potatoes and artichoke dip. Both yummy, especially when you dip the potatoes in the creme fraiche! Wow. Big chunks of tender artichoke and creamy cheese are in the dip. The pita was a little tough, which was disappointing, but I'm not sure they have a full-fledged kitchen in the back. This is clearly a place that specializes in drinks and food that can be prepped ahead, so keep that in mind when ordering. Finally, we ordered the garlic chips--twice. Not sure how they do it without a deep fryer that I could see when I peaked into the kitchen, but these things are yummy and crispy and garlicy.
So be sure to check out Indy's newest addition to the restaurant scene, the Ball and Biscuit on Mass Ave. A fun new place with a vintage vibe that is NOT named after the White Stripes Song!
