On a cold, rainy day walking along Massachusetts Avenue I popped into MacNiven’s Scottish-American Restaurant. I was greeted immediately by staff and everyone at the bar watching an Olympics Curling match. I met with Stuart Robinson, aka Mr. MacNivens, the owner of the wee cozy pub. He moved to the States from Scotland in 1987 and landed in Indianapolis in 1992. His American dream came to fruition when he opened MacNiven’s in 2004, after remodeling the former Brother Junipers and putting together a great team for the best customer experience.
The reason for my visit was the Scotch Egg. For a late lunch I could have asked for a double order of the Scotch Egg appetizer, but with Stuart’s recommendation, I only ordered one and the MacNiven’s Fish & Chips. Stuart uses his Mum’s recipe: a hardboiled egg wrapped in pork sausage, rolled in breadcrumbs, baked, and then a quick flash fry. It was served with his house-made spicy red pepper aioli sauce. The Scotch Egg was good by itself but the aioli sauce added another layer of flavor. The MacNiven’s Fish & Chips is made with cod and a Belhaven Scottish Ale batter served with steak fries and tartar sauce. The fish & chips were delicious considering I’m not a big fan of cod. The batter took away the fishy taste.
Another visit is in store, I didn’t have the room for dessert. I want to try the MacNiven’s Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream and warm butterscotch sauce or Toffee Wee Mac ice cream, where Sun King brewery meets Lick Ice Crème exclusive to MacNiven’s.
MacNiven’s
339 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Indianapolis
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WHERE I DINE
Allison Dixon, Avon
Where do you like to dine?
Claddagh Irish Pub. It’s around the corner from my Schakolad Chocolate Factory.
What do you like there?
I like the salmon salad, fish tacos or veggie burger. Their fish and chips are good. I love the bread pudding.
What do you like about this place?
I like the variety of food and the fun atmosphere.
The staff is quick to seat you and your food arrives promptly. I frequent for carry out or meet up with my family for dinner after busy day.
Claddagh Irish Pub
2539 Futura Park Way
Plainfield
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BEHIND THE BAR
White Leprechaun
1 oz. Makers Mark
1 oz. Kahlua
2 oz. Half & Half
Whipped cream
Pour over ice, stir and top with whipped cream.
Wild Eggs
314 N. Delaware
Indianapolis
