The Flavors That Define Gather 22
- Madeline Curtis-Long
- May 2
- 2 min read
Tucked along the edges of downtown Indianapolis, Gather 22 isn’t the kind of restaurant that shouts. It simmers. And for those who know, it’s a place where the details matter — where the dish you’ve had three times still surprises on the fourth. Here’s what to try if it’s your first visit (or your fifteenth):
Standout Dishes You’ll Come Back For
The Rice Bowl
Call it comfort food with a passport. A study in balance: jasmine rice, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and house-pickled vegetables, layered with either fiery Pica chicken or seitan that doesn’t apologize for being meatless. Add the miso egg-rich, savory, just a touch sweet.
Banh Mi-LT
A sandwich with memory. The crackle of toasted baguette, thick-cut bacon, and bright hits of pickled carrot and radish. Chili mayo cuts through the fat while jalapeño and cilantro keep it awake. It doesn’t need to reinvent the genre — it just perfects it.
Smokey Wedge
At once smoky, crunchy, and cold. Romaine anchors the salad, but it’s the poblano ranch and smoked bleu cheese that steal the scene. Bacon and pickled onion add texture and tang, proof that indulgence can still feel edited.
Cocktails That Make Gather 22 a Destination in Indianapolis
Whether you’re looking for one of the best cocktail bars in Indianapolis or simply a perfect pre-dinner drink, the cocktail list at Gather 22 holds its own with finesse and originality.
Opuntia Cloud
Botanist gin and prickly pear float beneath crème de violette and lemon, shaken to a lavender foam. It’s light, floral, and surprisingly structured — a martini’s dreamier cousin.
Blue Sage Sangria
A rethink of sangria: white wine and Remy Martin V cooled with blueberry, sage, and citrus. It drinks clean, herbaceous, and barely sweet — more Amalfi than backyard pitcher.
Talihina Sky
Smoke, spice, and sunlight in a glass. Chorizo-washed mezcal, Chinola passionfruit, thyme liqueur, and lime. The kind of cocktail you tell someone about the next day.
The Fitzgerald
A restrained, bitter-leaning classic. St-Germain and Italian amaro with lemon and agave. Subtle sweetness, sharp edges, and the confidence of a well-cut suit.
Zorra Mora
Dark fruit and desert warmth. Reposado tequila, Chambord, blackberry sage, and triple sec — sultry, balanced, and made to sip with intention.
Why Gather 22 Deserves a Spot on Your Must-Try List
Gather 22 isn’t trying to be a destination — it’s becoming one. It’s the place you stumble into and return to with purpose. Where nothing screams for attention, but everything earns it. Whether you’re celebrating or just grabbing a weekday lunch, this is the kind of place that invites you to linger.
Planning a Visit?
Gather 22 is located in downtown Indianapolis with free parking, indoor-outdoor seating, and a rotating slate of events.
Reservations are recommended, especially during weekend dinner and brunch hours. Find them on OpenTable or follow along on Instagram @gatherindy
