I came back to update my review. Previously (see below), I said that Ralston's was 3.5 stars but lacked that "something special." Well, that something special is their patio. Today was one of the first days for great spring weather, and I enjoyed lunch at Ralston's patio bar. Mass Ave. is seriously lacking in nice patios (hello, rooftops?!?) and Ralston's is probably the best there is. They also happened to be serving brunch! ('til 1pm on Sundays) Oh and ALSO... their sweet potato fries. MY LAWWD they are good. So, FOUR stars because at Ralston's you can sit outside, try a beer you've never had before, and eat crispy sweet potato waffle fries dipped in cinnamon cream cheese dip or house-made ketchup. Do these things and you can't possibly leave unhappy. 8/29/14: If you're looking for casual fun downtown, Ralston's is the place. This bar has an excellent selection of draft beers that's different each time I visit. The food is great- certainly a step above typical bar grub. (Most sandwiches are served on pretzel buns, their flatbreads are awesome, and they serve house-made ketchup!) The "fun" is thanks to a shuffleboard table, dart boards, and plenty of TVs that will always be showing the big game. If I could give Ralston's 3 1/2 stars, I would. For some reason, this place is just lacking that "something special." Since Mass Ave has a lot to offer, Ralston's can get lost in the mix. read more

All you need to know: nachos. And sweet potato waffle fries with cinnamon and brown sugar cream cheese. Cool atmosphere both inside and out on the patio and a good list of local and regional beers and ciders on draft. Bushelhead! Our server was slow as all heck and when he was actually at our table, he recommended a really bad sour Lambic to our table. I have no idea why I listened to him - maybe I'd been a tad over served on cider at that point, but there was $6 down the drain on a drink I didn't finish. I have a hunch that some of the other reviews complaining about a specific male server are about him, but I guess I may never know. Hopefully he sees these reviews and improves his customer service. Definitely will come back for the good food, beer list (no Lambic), as well as for the darts and shuffleboard. read more

Holyoke flat bread Tasty and ample portions Crispy and cheesy Cous cous for a side With avocado salad Service was quite good Hipster chic decor Patio comfortable Lots of TVs yeah! read more

The service was great, however I only ordered drinks. The atmosphere wasn't all that great on the patio. The food didn't look all that stellar except for the nachos that everyone was ordering. Based on the drinks and service I would give 5 stars. The atmosphere and appearance of food for the cost bumps it down to 3. Not great, but not horrible either. However, they do have a patio that looks out and has seating right on the sidewalk which is pretty neat. read more

Ah, Ralstons...one of my favorite Mass Ave places to go! All that I could ask for in drafthouse... They have a great, comprehensive beer menu that rotates and has allot of local beers on tap. They are always willing to let you try their draft beers on tap prior to you ordering a pint. They have plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. I especially love the outdoor seating for a little drinking/people watching when the weather is nice outside. For those sports fans there are plenty of large flatscreen TVs in the bar area to watch whatever game you so choose. Their menu is excellent and extremely reasonably priced. They even give you beer pairings based on your menu item. You can get a great meal for $10 that would cost much more at other places. One of my favorites is the Drowning Trout, which is trout with raspberry reduction, toasted pecans and goat cheese on flatbread for $9.50. Get out of town!! Seriously cheap for the quality of food that you get here. They also have traditional bar fare for those that want something basic. Great food, great beer and decent service. I will certainly be back! read more

We were wandering around the area aimlessly trying to decide where to eat, and for some reason we picked Ralston's. I wasn't disappointed. Clean inside, reasonably fast getting seated on a Friday, and friendly service. I had a liege waffle with chicken strips. Chicken was nice and crisp outside, waffle slightly sweet. Also, if you're looking for a decent selection of beers this is a good place for you to check out. Not my thang, but worth a note. read more

I've tried this place more than once, but I can't go above a 3 star rating. PROS: Good draft selection, decent menu options (I thoroughly enjoyed my nachos), and room for groups. Pretty solid location and an abundance of outdoor seating. CONS: The staff. Sad face. I'm usually forgiving on food or drinks if the service is decent. Unfortunately, most times I've been in the servers are not happy and don't seem pleased to have guests in their sections. This last time in particular, I was in with a group and we got the third degree about WHY we needed a few extra chairs for a table. Now, at that moment, the restaurant side was NOT busy, but the host couldn't understand that there were only FIVE of us coming in at that moment, but that we would have 3-4 more joining us very soon. We had to wait several minutes (while there were lots of empty seats near the door) to get that whole ordeal straightened out. After that, we just seemed to have a very dry and unhappy server. I like the place, I just wish that I could expect better experiences with the staff. read more

I love this place just because I can sit down enjoy food with my fur baby. We didn't have to wait to long despite it being race the cure day. They were able to accommodate my chops and bf outside on the patio within 10 mins on a Saturday noon. The food was average, but I would come back just because I could eat, drink, and have my dog nearby. If I could I'll come here every weekend so I have a nice place to sit down with my chop chop. Service was fine, just didn't understand why fries are an extra 2 dollar charge??? I don't like sweet potatoes fries, why charge me the extra. And it didn't even seem like a good amount of fries. They were good? But could of had more. Food was good. I would come back. But maybe pay attention to sides they offer that doesn't charge extra. read more

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I love this new place!! I went here a few weeks ago with some friends and work folks and had some yummy food for amazingly great prices. The El Guapo (chorizo tacos) is a steal at $5 and absolutely worth every calorie! The Recession Burger and Holyoke Sliders were a huge hit at our table. The only thing I would not recommend was the calamari--it was that weird uniformly stick shaped calamari that makes you question its origins. Other than that, the service was great, there are bar games (darts, shuffleboard, etc) and I love the bottlecap doors on the restrooms. Will be back soon! read more

While there isn't anything terrible about Ralston's, there isn't anything remarkable either. The menu seems to have a heavy reliance of reductions. The first time I came here for lunch I ordered the trout sandwich and it had this raspberry sauce that overpowered the sandwich. It did come with some black bean chips that were pretty good! The second time I came was on a Saturday and I had the fortune of getting there for the brunch menu. French toast banana fosters was pretty good. One slice but it was a very thick (~2 inches), comes with 2 slices of bacon and a side (I had the fruit salad). The fruit salad was ok - over reliance on apples which were mixed with red grapes, mandarin oranges and pineapple. I suspect that most of it came from a can (boo for the added sodium). Service has always been really slow each time I've been there but the staff is friendly. read more

A nice atmosphere indoor and out (patio). Great tap selection, some local brews available too. From the very cool steel-can adorned hostess station to the subtle styling, Ralston's gives off a hip yet very relaxed vibe. The beers on tap offer Pilsner to IPA's, most are well thought out and at good prices. Be aware that not many are offered in full Pints. So you may be paying $5 for anywhere from an 8 oz glass to a 13 oz glass. The recession burger, on a pretzel bread bun is fantastic. Served on a wooden cutting board with a handful of fries (29 to be exact) at $10 it's a bit pricey but probably worth it. Overall, a good experience. I will definitely be going back!!! read more

I really enjoy the atmosphere at Ralston's. It's great for a summer night or happy hour and the beer and liquor selection is expansive. As for the food, I can only speak for the brunch. I can say that it was not for me. I prefer a more savory breakfast and theirs is very sweet. I wasn't into the apple butter at all, but they fry a mean egg. I'd give it a shot for dinner. read more

So, this was my first experience here at Ralstons's Drafthouse and as a Rookie to the "downtown life" I would not recommend this joint. Service is below par. The food, well let's just say the flatbread brought tears to my eyes and not enjoyable tears. My first cranberry vodka tasted like watered down expired juice. 10/10 do not recommend. the nachos were the only thing worth even exploring. read more

HORRIBLE service! I took out of town guests and staff was so rude it was embarrassing.

I love Ralston's. They have the greatest beer selection and even better chorizo quesadillas. I have recently discovered their pretzel bites as well. Great place to chill out and watch a game or meet with a group of friends! read more

Overall I enjoyed my experience there. Mass. Ave. has become rather one-sided with the large number of brewpubs. I am not a drinker, and frequently like to have my teenage son with me, so I dislike the fact that so many places are for ages 21 and up only. Ralston's posted on their door that the age 21 thing doesn't start until 8 pm, which was really nice to know. I had done a little research on their menu, and knew I wanted a flatbread. Anything resembling pizza gets my attention because I am a confirmed pizzaholic. I ordered the pepperoni and peppadew flatbread, and was delighted to be able to order a side dish. I chose the lemon champagne cucumber slaw. Both were delicious. The flatbread was baked to a nice level - not soggy, not overly crisp. I loved the combination of the pepperoni with the sweet yet hot peppers. My only negative on the slaw was I would have liked more cucumber and less chopped romaine in it. By the time we left around 6:30 pm, the noise level had increased substantially, and if they really had been packed, I believe conversation would have been impossible. I know restaurant overhead is high enough without spending money on sound-dampening materials, but I hate that so many places are loud like this. I am hearing impaired, and excessive noise causes me great physical pain even when I turn down my hearing aids. I want to come back and try their Sunday brunch, but I will be cautious if the place is too crowded to hear myself think. read more

I have not had anything bad at this place. Having been for brunch, lunch and dinner the food has not been a disappointment. The Flying Pig (flash fried pork shanks) with a flight of sauces/cheeses was good. I am not a of the fact the 3 of the 4 sauce/cheese offerings are spicy but either way it's good. If you don't like spice pick raspberry with goat cheese option. The Indy is probably my favorite sandwich. The meet is cooked perfectly and the cheese sauce pairs well with it. When does cheese sauce not pair well with something? Peachy Pig flatbread is another one of my favorite go tos. The combo of flavors is awesome. One of my favorite places in Indy. read more

Walked by Ralston's so many times before I realized I hadn't checked it out yet. Beer selection and quality is excellent! Any place that has Ommegang on tap gets a nod from me... Had the prohibition sandwich and was good. Service was excellent. Will go again... read more

This is my first time here at Ralstons, and I must say it did not disappoint! Started off with the crab and spinach dip and I must say, it was amazing. I ordered the "El Guapo" with pork and it was also fantastic. My date ordered the crab cake sliders. It's a lot of mayo but I'm not really complaining! The beers are cold and I love that! Some places around mass ave don't have super cold beers. A huge variety of draft beers which is awesome! I had the sun king cream ale ( always a must, unless three Floyds is available ) and an Oberon. I'd recommend Ralstons to any of my friends. Perfect for late night food and drinks with out loud in your grace music. read more

Ralston's Drafthouse - El Guapo with pork and Rosemary potatoes - Gastropubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Great restaurant on Mass Ave. I've been here twice and have ordered the same thing: grilled tenderloin sandwich on a cornbread bun. It is so good! I got a side of rosemary potatoes which were also delicious. They make their own ketchup here so if you order any type of potatoes it's a must try. I also love the atmosphere. They have big windows that open up to an outdoor patio. Being in the heart of Mass Ave it's a great spot to sit at people watch. They have dozens of beer on tap and an ever changing local beer menu. The food comes out a little slow so if you are in a rush or can't take a slightly longer lunch, then this isn't the place for you. But if you have time to chill and take it all in, I highly recommend Ralston's Drafthouse. read more

Ralston's Drafthouse - Grilled tenderloin sandwich on a cornbread bun and rosemary potatoes. My friend ordered the crab cake sliders. - Gastropubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

No...my partner and I came here for lunch and sat out on the patio. We were greeted quickly by our server who then only attended to us 4 more time later after that. Though she was very kind, she seemed not to care too much about our needs and service as she did everyone else behind us. We ordered coffee and requested shots of Bailey's to accompany it and it took nearly 15 minutes to get the shots of Bailey's with no check in to let us know what was happening. By the time we got the shots our coffee was cold. I ordered the Good Morning 'Murca and it same out extremely cold, not even like warm just cold. I want to give credit to the male server who was much more attentive to us even though he was not our server. He was lovely, and helped me to get a fresh order that did come out nice and hot. Overall, not a great experience and again, I'm not sure why but our server was not at all attentive to us to the point where we had to count how many times she came over...4 times in the hour and 14 minutes we were there. We probably won't come back! read more

Sooo good! Their pulled pork is to die for. Fun atmosphere and great food. Also a great area to walk around! Comfortable outdoor seating is a plus too! read more

Tasty appetizers and a perfect atmosphere. Ralston's has a huge beer selection to thumb through while you play darts or relax on the front porch! This is my default location to meet up with friends from all walks of life. read more

We are frequent visitors of Ralston's and have always had good quality fresh food and pleasant staff experiences. This holds true today with respect to the food and host staff, but not with our server. From the beginning, she acted as if she was doing us a favor and was bothered when I asked if it was okay that we placed our appetizer order first then wait to order our entree. She seemed put out that we did not want to order the entire meal at once. This seems to be standard protocol having been a server myself, but not for her. Should I really have to ask "Is it okay that we order and enjoy our appetizer before ordering the entree." We will return as it is one of our favorite Mass Avenue restaurants but we hope she is not our server. read more

I'll have to say that the stouts I've had at Ralston's tasted top-notch. Plus, they were locally brewed stouts, which is extra-awesome. It's important to note that (in my opinion) their appetizers are much better than their entrees. I really enjoyed the appetizers, but my entree experience with Ralston's has been just "meh." They have friendly staff and a pleasant interior. I think I'll visit again, but I doubt I'll do any more serious dining there. read more

My fiancée and I went to the restaurant for dinner only, no drinks at all. The look of the place was nice and seemed like it would be a lot of fun in a group and the beer list was quite extensive and very reasonable price, which would bring me back for a drink with friends. The food, however, was mediocre at best. I ordered the pork tenderloin and what I received did nothing for me. It was a simple sandwich that someone over thought far too much. The only thing I could actually taste was the spicy brown mustard the whole time I was eating it, the corn bread bun fell apart before it got to the table, and when I finally tasted the tenderloin it was under seasoned and tasteless with everything else on the sandwich. My fiancée tomato salad left a similar bad taste in her mouth. The only reason I give the place three stars is the beer list is long and offers a solid selection for those of us that like beer and the prices are very reasonable for them, but as far as the food goes, I would not go back soon. read more

Shuffleboard! The games are just so much fun. The beer selection is excellent. Lots of fun people having a good time. Definitely a great bar read more

This is a great place for casual drinks and super awesome food. Food can be pricy, but worth it. The beer selection is excellent and bar tenders/staff are friendly and helpful in making selections. Definitely recommend it!! read more

Ralston's Drafthouse - Extra spicy has a lot of kick. - Gastropubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Very chill place to go and have a drink with friends! Well it was at least chill when I went on a week night! We all just split some appetizers. We got the sweet potato fries and the Yogi fries and they were on po read more

Got in early and seated right away. staff very friendly. Ordered a couple of salads for dinner, very good portions and quite tasty. Ordered the wings with a sampler of sauces, good sauces but wings not very crispy and we are fans of crispy! Our second visit here and recommend others to dine here. read more

I've been to Ralston's three or four times since it opened, but oddly enough have not tried their food yet. So this review is strictly about the drinks & atmosphere. I love that their is an area to play darts, real darts. I can't stand the electronic versions. Also the shuffleboard is a nice touch, although I haven't had a chance to play it yet as the game is always occupied. The bar is open and inviting and can accommodate a lot of people without feeling crowded. I love the wine selection, and did I mention the pours are very liberal. Can't complain about that. And of course the patio rocks. UPDATE: I had the "Sauced Duck"...."rocked my socks off" good read more

As a foodie, this place for the value ROCKS! Only negative thing is the extremely relaxed uniforms of the staff. read more

Ralston's Drafthouse - 3 time this week dinner at Ralston's! - Gastropubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I loved the sweet potato fries. I usually don't like cream cheese dips but the cinnamon and brown sugar went really well with the salt on the fries. YUM. I got the Pomegranate Balsamic Salad which was good. I did get food envy though when I tasted my friend's salad- the house made mustard dressing on the Cobb Salad is amazing. It has a really nice kick but isn't too spicy. We shared a Recession Burger after hearing so many good things about it. The burger didn't disappoint! It also had that house made spicy mustard which was great on the burger. This place has a gorgeous porch area-- I will be sure to check Ralston's out again in the spring! read more

Pros: GREAT food and beer. Cons: TERRIBLE service. I've tried the outside, inside, and the bar. They have all been awful. The servers along with bartenders are both slow and rude. read more

Great drinks. I dig the place Huge draft beer list for a decent price. I did not eat food but it looked great but i wasnt hungry. But i will go back and try at some point. read more

Love this place especially in the summertime. The food is always wonderful and staff are friendly! One of my favorite places!

Ralston's is consistently delicious. The food they are serving is always just what I wanted even though I didn't know I wanted it. I always feel like i'm trying something new there. Great place to take a date or a good friend. Although I'm not usually into fries, their beer fries are the perfect fries. Seriously - try them! The shape and thickness is unique / airy. Not greasy. Not flimsy. It also has one of the best patios on Mass Ave.. read more

I always eat weird at Ralston's and they are amazing at it! I order every salad they have with grilled fish on it every time I go. Last night I had the heirloom tomato salad with grilled fish. It was amazing! The tomatoes weren't perfect but I should know better to order Big tomatoes when it isn't tomato season! Tuesday nights are the best with a dollar off any wine glass and 4 dollars off of bottles. Ralston's is definitely not your ordinary bar food! read more

I went to this place with my mother back in March. The service was so bad that we left and went to Chatham Tap. We walked into the waiting area and the host asked us to give him a few minutes. He came back 5 minutes later and was like, "How can I help you." We told him we were there to dine. Why else would we be there besides TO DINE? So a young woman waits our table. She asked if we wanted physical menus and my mother said yes instead of using the QR codes. She brought us physical menus & glasses of water. When she came back, we asked for straws. A few minutes later, she came back with two straws that were not packaged. The straws were in her bare hands and she sat them directly on the menus. We left shortly after because the service was not good and the vibes were bad. I was upset because I'd invited my mother to that area and we felt mistreated and uncomfortable. At Chatham Tap, we actually felt welcome there so it ended up working out. read more

Stopped in for lunch today-assumed it would be flooded with downtown folks but not so. Opted to sit outdoors as that goes away soon. Seated at a two top on the way into the restaurant. No service. Other people seated and served drinks. Waiting. Hailed somebody passing by and ordered. Other people seated after us now have food we have nada. Staff kinda starts to know things are not going well so apologies start. The two entrees ordered were very bland- trying for creative yet not well thought out. Bland greens, nothing to write home about. Tables waiting to be cleared as staff read a recent delivery of newspapers? $6 for less than a pint- small glass of draft beer? This place will flame out due to poor management, or slog along due to low expectaction Mass Ave traffic. read more