Review: Yats
Author: WIBIA | Filed under: Food Reviews, Location: Indianapolis, IN, Recommended: Hall of Fame
http://www.yatscajuncreole.com/
It is difficult to imagine that this blog has been in existence for about eleven months and we have yet to say one word about Yats! Most people in Indy will breeze past this review because they know that it rocks, but let’s follow normal protocol here. Long story short on the history: Joe owns the place, it has four locations and does quickserve, cheap, tasty cajun/creole food.
I was in the neighborhood and stopped in at the 96th Street location. First time to Yats? Get the full flavor and head to the original store in Broad Ripple. The menu changes daily, but it does have a few standards. You can check online beforehand to see what is up with the menu for that day.
Chili Cheese Etouffe
What I Got: Chili Cheese Etouffe with Crawfish/White Chicken Chili and extra bread. About $7.00
IMO, the Chile Cheese Etouffe with Crawfish is their flagship dish. Creamy and just well balanced with a proper amount of crawfish sprinkled in. If you bought the Channel 13 Cookbook last year, this recipe was in there. Really tasty and a must have. As with most of the items on the menu, this was served over rice.
The white chicken chili was nice as well. There was a ton of shredded chicken. I would really like to highlight some of the flavors, but I can’t because I scarfed it down so quickly that it waved at my tongue on the way down. Yats bread is ridiculously good as well. Buttered with some cajun seasoning that I would really like to know the mix of spices that they use. If you know what makes up the mix, hit me up on e-mail or Twitter. If I have been fooled by Tony Chachere’s, please kill me.
Look, I have never been to New Orleans, though I will probably go in 2010. I am not sure how authentic it is, but frankly I don’t give a shit because I love their food. If you are in Indy for a few days, you have to give Yats a try. It is truly one of my favorite places in Indianapolis to eat.
Would I Buy It Again? Yes and Hall of Fame.
Fun Yats Story:
About four years ago I was in Yats in Broad Ripple at about 2:00. Joe, the owner, was walking around busing tables and this conversation followed:
Joe: How was lunch?
wibia: Great, when are you going to put the white chicken chili on the menu? It is my girlfriend’s favorite item.
Joe: Do you have about 10 minutes to spare?
wibia: Yup
Joe (10 minutes later arriving at my table with a to go order of white chicken chili): Here you go man, this one is on the house and I hope she enjoys it.
I mean, who has this customer service model anymore? Not only is the food excellent, every person there seems to be cut from the same cloth, loves the food and loves what this represents.
-WIBIA
Tags: cajun, chili cheese etouffe, creole, Food, yats
“I am not sure how authentic it is, but frankly I don’t give a shit because I love their food.”
Sometimes, you guys will write something that just cracks my shit up. This is one of those times.
On topic, I’m really interested in trying this place now. I’ve never heard of it, but it’s on my list now!
You’ve never heard of Yat’s? What, you live under a rock?
Seriously, Joe is one of the coolest guys ever. Love this place.
I LOVE Yats! I just wish it were open on Sundays (mass ave location) because we usually get take out on Sundays.
I had a similar experience a little bit ago. Joe thought we waited too long for our food (maybe 5 minutes, nothing outrageous) so he gave us each two gift certificates for a free meal. I actually was sort of suprised and tried to give them back because, really, it wasn’t long at all, but he insisted.
Everyone in there is as awesome as the food. My personal favorite is the Chicken Maque Choux.
I had a similar experience with Joe about 6 years ago. It was about 8:45 and I was JONESIN’ for the B&B (carmelized corn and beans and SOOOO GOOOD). I popped in on my way home from class and they had JUST run out. He says “Pick something else, it’s on the house.”
I love that he still maintains a presence at the BR store. He truly cares about his business. Can’t wait to check out BarYats when it opens!
Doesn’t IndianapolisEater claim Yats is “overrated?”
Great story about the white chicken chili, by the way. That’s incredible that he whipped some up like that for you.
I say that it is overrated (again, in my opinion) because while it was good, I don’t believe it to be as good as the majority of people believe it to be. That said, if I did end up at Yats with a group of people, I would not be upset. It would just not be my first choice.
I agree with Indianapoliseater. Yats is fine for something cheap, filling and spicy, but great cajun/creole it is not. If you’re in Houston, try Treebeards–slightly more expensive bu light years better food.
That’s a good story about the chili. That alone would keep me loyal forever.
One of my top 5 favorite places in Indianapolis and probably my favorite locally owned place. From good food to great service, Yat’s gets it!
The seasoning on the bread has always reminded me of Lawry’s Garlic Spread. They might add a bit of something else, but that is the base.
One of those interesting things – I can’t help but wonder if the same food was presented in a more formal setting… at a more expensive price… if thoughts might change.
Thank Goodness for what it is – I love Yats.
And love the thought of said BarYats.
Cheers
T
Good question. Ever been to Zydeco’s in Mooresville? Fancy it up a little and it still seems to work. I picked up John Besh’s cookbook a month ago and we don’t have anything like it around here. So who knows, I think that the Bar Yats! concept could work well.
However, I go there (or anywhere) because the food is good… it is a bonus if it is cheap. I bet that you can find a few posts here that would contradict that statement!?
What a wonderful blog! Please continue this great work I will be sure to check back regularly…
I agree completely with your review – if I had to send an out-of-towner somewhere to eat in Indy, it would undoubtedly be Yats. I also love that they have (really really good) items both for the carnivore and the vegetarian. Something for everyone at Yats!
Yats – possibly the only place left in town that will let you order on credit (as in, oh, you don’t have cash? Pay us next time).
What?! Is it still the 1950s and no one told me? LOL, that is hilarious!
I went to Yats today (haven’t been there in a long time) and the gumbo was delightful (fragrant and a little spicy). I’ll definitely go back.