Indianapolis Spotlight: Café Patachou

Café Patachou is an iconic institution in Indianapolis, known for its commitment to quality and community.¹ Here is a comprehensive overview of the cafe.

🍳 What Makes Café Patachou Unique

Café Patachou is often described as “a student union for adults” due to its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and role as a local gathering place.² Its uniqueness stems from several core principles established by its founder:

• Pioneering Farm-to-Table: Opened in 1989, Patachou was committed to using premium, scratch-made ingredients and partnering with local vendors and farmers years before “farm-to-table” became a common phrase.³

   

• Commitment to Quality: Customers can expect a world-class breakfast and lunch experience featuring dishes prepared to-order with locally sourced, often organic, products.⁴

   

• A Longer Table (The Patachou Foundation): The cafe’s commitment extends beyond its walls.⁵ Founder Martha Hoover established A Longer Table (formerly The Patachou Foundation) in 2013 to combat childhood food insecurity in Indianapolis, serving over a million scratch-made meals and investing in youth leadership.⁶

   

• Acclaim: It has garnered local, regional, and national accolades, including being named one of the “Top Ten Places for Breakfast in the Country” by Bon Appétit Magazine.⁷

   

📜 History

• Founding: Café Patachou was founded in 1989 by Martha Hoover in her Meridian-Kessler neighborhood.⁸ Hoover, with no formal culinary training but a law degree, wanted to create a place to spend time with her children and serve her community the simple, healthy meals she made for her family.⁹

   

• Early Days: The first location was at the corner of 49th and Pennsylvania streets.¹⁰ The name “Patachou,” which is French slang for “cream puff,” was a nickname given to Hoover.¹¹

   

• Growth and Recognition: The brand grew steadily, and by 2002, the cafe was recognized by Bon Appétit.¹² Patachou, Inc. (now Won’t Stop Hospitality) became an umbrella for a variety of restaurant concepts in Indianapolis.

   

• Philanthropic Efforts: The establishment of A Longer Table in 2013 cemented the organization’s dedication to its community mission, becoming a significant part of its legacy.¹³

   

• Recent Nominations: Martha Hoover has been recognized multiple times, including being a six-time nominee for Restaurateur of the Year by the James Beard Foundation.¹⁴

   

🍽️ Highlight Menu Items

Café Patachou is celebrated for its elevated comfort food. Must-try specialties include:

• Cinnamon Toast: Affectionately nicknamed “Breakfast Cake,” this is one of their most iconic items—thick-cut mild sourdough heavily buttered and heaped with their house blend of cinnamon sugar.¹⁵

   

• French-Style Omelettes: Made with organic, pasture-raised eggs and served in the classic French preparation with your choice of local proteins and seasonal vegetables.¹⁶

   

  • Popular options include The California Dreamer (Avocado, white cheddar, sour cream, jalapeños).¹⁷

     

• Cuban Breakfast: A savory favorite featuring a fried egg served over seasoned black beans and rice, topped with fresh avocado, white cheddar, sour cream, and their signature spinach-jalapeño pesto.¹⁸ (A vegan option is also available.)

   

• Tomato Artichoke Soup: Served daily since 1989, it’s a housemade staple topped with Parmesan and croutons.¹⁹

   

• Chicken Salad Patachou: The famous chicken salad served with lightly dressed arugula, fresh fruit, and a slice of their iconic Cinnamon Toast.²⁰

   

⭐ Customer Feedback

Customer reviews generally praise Café Patachou for its:

• High-Quality Food: Patrons consistently laud the fresh, scratch-made food, particularly the signature omelettes and coffee.²¹

   

• Vibrant Atmosphere: The cafe’s cozy, energized, and welcoming decor is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect of the dining experience.²²

   

• Friendly Service: The staff is often described as attentive and personal, with many diners feeling a sense of community.

However, some common points of critique include:

• Price: A few reviews mention that certain items can be considered priced on the higher side.

• Wait Times: Given its popularity, long wait times are common, especially during peak brunch hours and on weekends (the cafe generally does not take reservations).²³

   

📅 Significant Events

While the cafe itself hosts private events and catering, the most significant long-term “events” and milestones revolve around its founder and the Patachou organization:

• 30th Anniversary: The organization celebrated its 30th year of business in 2019, highlighting its enduring commitment to its founding principles.

• James Beard Nominations: Martha Hoover’s repeated nominations for the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurateur of the Year award showcase the national recognition of the Patachou brand and its ethical business practices.²⁴

   

• Founding of A Longer Table (2013): This is arguably the most significant community event, transforming the cafe from a successful business into a major philanthropic engine dedicated to improving food access for Indianapolis children.²⁵

   

📍 Contact and Location Information

Café Patachou has multiple locations in Indianapolis.²⁶ The information below focuses on a couple of key locations and the general corporate contact details.