Friday Foodie: Newk’s Eatery

Hi, Friends,

I gave you the heads up last week that I have a backlog of reviews to write and then promptly got distracted with statistics homework before writing more. Happy times! I hope everyone is enjoying the start to their weekend. I’m up late tonight doing (you guessed it!) more statistics. This review is a result of my “me time” while Husband is fixing my statistics software. Nothing says quality time like bonding over some spreadsheets. ANYWAY… I’m excited to tell you about Newk’s Eatery today because I just visited last week for the very first time AND it’s a large chain, so there’s a strong possibility that my readers outside of Indianapolis will be able to visit. I had never heard of Newk’s until they reached out to me and invited me for a a visit, but I guess it’s a pretty big deal. We have two locations in Indianapolis and there are over 116 locations across the USA.

I’m not usually a fan of chain restaurants unless they come in the variety of Panera or Chipotle, BUT there’s good news! Because Newk’s is in that same camp of a chef-driven menu with hearty sandwiches, entree salads, and kettle-batch soups available for lunch and dinner. During my recent visit, I learned how the restaurant makes all their own salad dressings, chops their own vegetables, slices their own meats, and rolls their own pizza dough every single day. They also have an ICED TEA BAR, which I am obsessed with because I drink approximately one gallon of iced tea a day. Like many other modern restaurants, they offer online ordering, mobile app/skip the line options, and a to-go cooler with pre-made sandwiches, salads, and soups. And did I mention there is CAKE?! Because they make dozen-layer cakes in flavors like strawberry, chocolate, and lemon.

I love trying new restaurants because the menu is a complete surprise and I want to try one of everything. Thankfully, the manager at Newk’s understood my needs and let me sample SO many things! I was most excited about the Ahi Tuna Salad ($13.49), but also ordered a Newk’s Q Pizza ($8.49), The Royal Sandwich ($8.29), a side of Six Cheese Pimiento Mac & Cheese with Bacon ($6.29), and a piece of Chocolate Cake ($3.79)! Whew! So much food! Since this is a fast-casual option, you order at the counter and the food is brought to your table via a table number (the founder of Newk’s also founded McAlister’s Deli, so the concept is pretty similar, even if the menu items are very different).

The salad was the definite stand out as I really tasted the freshness and flavor. The sandwich was better than expected and I liked the flavors of the melted cheese and mustard paired together. The mac and cheese disappeared the fastest, so I think that was a positive sign that both Husband and I were fans. I think the portion size was a little small for the price, but it was delicious! The pizza was just OK for me-I thought it was a little thin and dry. And the cake was lovely, but I always love cake, so that’s not a huge surprise.

Overall? I really liked Newk’s. The northside location recently opened, so it was nice and quiet. The staff were very friendly and checked on us multiple times throughout our meal. This spot could definitely bring competition to my regular Panera trips. My only complaint is that is seems a bit pricey for a casual lunch. I feel that all lunch spots are slowly creeping up higher and higher in price and I can end up paying $15-$20 just for a salad and an iced tea. If I’m spending that much, I could get something fancier at a number of other quality restaurants in Indianapolis. Since Newk’s hosted me for this first visit, I didn’t feel the wallet pinch this time, but I definitely would in the future, especially if I want to add a side or dessert to my lunch.

Well, that’s all for now. I’m back to statistics. Wish me luck.

Has anyone else been to Newk’s?

Newk’s Eatery
9510 N Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 848-5900

1279 N. Emerson Avenue Suite A-1
Greenwood, IN 46143
(317) 882-2300

Sunday – Thursday: 10:30am-9:30pm
Friday – Saturday: 10:30am-10:00pm