Fat Dan's Deli
A Chicago-style deli in Indianapolis serving up hearty smoked meats, iconic sandwiches, and legendary wings in a cool, casual atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Fat Dan's Deli
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Chicago-style deli in Indianapolis serving up hearty smoked meats, iconic sandwiches, and legendary wings in a cool, casual atmosphere.
"This place is lit. Great vibe. Chicago oriented. The food? Good stuff."
Portion Sizes
Dishes are large; consider sharing to sample more of the menu!
Off-Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Deli
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Award-Winning Smoked Chicken Wings
Fall-off-the-bone smoked chicken wings, praised for their unique homemade hot sauce and exceptional flavor. A must-try! [^M1]
Authentic Chicago-Style Deli Experience
Experience a true Chicago-style deli with a menu packed with iconic sandwiches, hearty smoked meats, and classic comfort food. [^M5]
The Famous Dirty Tots
Indulge in loaded tater tots smothered in cheese and other toppings for a truly decadent and shareable experience. [^M3]
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Portion Sizes
Dishes are large; consider sharing to sample more of the menu!
Off-Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Don't Skip the Fries
Fresh-cut fries are a popular choice, but be sure to eat them hot!
Local Brews
Explore their extensive tap list featuring local Indiana and surrounding state beers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Portion Sizes
Dishes are large; consider sharing to sample more of the menu!
Off-Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Don't Skip the Fries
Fresh-cut fries are a popular choice, but be sure to eat them hot!
Local Brews
Explore their extensive tap list featuring local Indiana and surrounding state beers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fat Dan's Deli is celebrated for its hearty, Chicago-style comfort food, particularly its signature smoked wings and loaded tater tots. Diners appreciate the casual, sports-bar atmosphere and friendly service. However, some reviews mention an excessive amount of grease in certain dishes, especially with takeout orders, leading to a less than ideal experience.
"This place is lit. Great vibe. Chicago oriented. I was in town for the night but hope to return with friends for an even better time. Has outdoor seating, which is covered. Oh and the food? Good stuff. I'm not sure if they are the best fries. But they are tasty hot. Not so much if you let them get cold. My sandwich was the best BLT I've had. But it was my first. Good stuff all the way around. They could spruce the place up with some Purdue stuff though."
Kevin Werner
"Awesome open air bar and deli in downtown Indy. Fantastic cheeseburgers and hot dogs. The best fries in all of Indiana, maybe in the U.S. of A.
Great wait staff, cool eclectic sports, and comic memorabilia on the walls."
Alex Swihart
"Amazing restaurant that has an amazing beer line up and food menu. We got the burger, melt and loaded fries and a few local brews and the food was hot, fresh, and great quality. The service was nice and made sure to give good recommendations for their beer selection. They try to only buy beers within Indiana or the local states surrounding Indiana. The place has seating indoors and outdoors and has a cool bar dive ambiance. I would go here again anytime I’m in the area!"
Keylee Valarino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Fat Dan's Deli is famous for its hearty Chicago-style comfort food, including fall-off-the-bone smoked chicken wings, loaded tater tots, Italian beef sandwiches, and burgers. [^M1, ^M2]
Yes, the portion sizes are generally generous, so sharing dishes among friends is often recommended.
The restaurant has a casual, lively sports bar atmosphere with Chicago-themed decor and outdoor seating available. [^R3, R1]
The menu primarily focuses on meat-centric dishes. It's best to inquire directly about specific dietary accommodations.
Yes, it's considered a kid-friendly place with food served on butcher paper, and options like mini corn dogs and fries. [^M5]
To avoid crowds, it's advisable to visit during off-peak hours, though the atmosphere is lively regardless. [^data]
They have an extensive tap list featuring local Indiana and surrounding state beers, as well as a full bar. [^R1, R3]
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Sandwich Shops in Indianapolis
Trying to tell someone which sandwich to get at Fat Dan’s is like trying to tell them which adorable puppy they should adopt from the shelter: it’s rude that you even have to choose. But if we must, we’d always pick either the smoked meatloaf or the Reuben as a safe bet. Wing lovers will also lose their minds for the fall-off-the-bone smoked chicken wings, which taste great alone or sauced.
Here’s Where to Find the Best Sandwiches in Indy
Fat Dan’s is a favorite of mine when I’m happy, sad, hungover, sober, tired, wired… it’s good all the time. When I’m craving an Italian beef sandwich but don’t want to make the drive to Chicago, this is where I head. They’re famous for a lot of things — the Dirty Tots, Old Style on tap, smoked meatloaf, smoked wings… but we’re here for the beef.
The 25 Essential Eats Of Indy
Fresh-cut and fried with their skins on, the spuds at this big-shouldered house of beef arrive hot, salty, and proud of their potato lineage. Order for the table, and the server will dump them hot from the fryer into sharable piles atop paper sheets that bear witness to their deep-fat preparation. Multiple locations, fatdansdeli.com
The Best Delis Around Indianapolis
Fat Dan’s Deli has a little of everything from an Italian beef sandwich to wings and French fries. This is the place to go for a burger in Indy, and the brisket is also a favorite with the locals. If you get the Italian beef, make sure to get it with the hot peppers; you won’t be disappointed.
Mass Ave Neighborhood Guide
The name more than matches the food, which is Chicago personified: meat-centric, with lots of smoked options. It's also one of the more kid-friendly places to dine on Mass, as all the food is served on sheets of butcher paper, and they'll serve you a mound of mini corn dogs and hand-cut fries.
Shake Shack has tough competition for best burger in Indianapolis
410 Michigan St., 317-600-3008, 5410 College Ave., 317-600-3333, fatdansdeli.com. Do the planet a favor and pack a cloth napkin because the juicy burgers here require a pile of paper napkins. Options come decked in all kinds of stuff.
50 Best Restaurants in Indianapolis, IN for 2025 (Top Eats!)
5410 N College AveIndianapolis, IN 46220(317) 600-3333 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Fat Dan’s Deli serves burgers, hot dogs, and smoked meats in a laid-back atmosphere with outdoor seating and Chicago-themed decor.
The 7 Best Spots For Chicken Wings In Indianapolis
This Chicago-style deli serves up more than just tasty wings. But, their wings are such a foodie hit that it’d almost be sinful to start off your visit with anything else. What’s so special about them?
Highest-rated Barbecue Restaurants in the Indianapolis Area by Diners
- Rating: 4.2/5 (551 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 5410 North College Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana - Categories: Delis, Barbecue, Chicken Wings- Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit