Stuck On What to Order From The Jazz Kitchen’s Menu? Here’s Our list of Most-Loved Dishes

With the word ‘kitchen’ in our name, we know we can’t skimp on our menu.

That’s why our mighty culinary team has spent the last 28 years perfecting The Jazz Kitchen’s NOLA-inspired menu with flavors that also take inspiration from different parts of the globe.

But with so many solid options, we know it’s difficult to choose the dish you’ll enjoy for the night. To help you decide on your favorite, we’re breaking down our greatest culinary hits. Your new go-to might be included, so let’s dig in.

Not-So-Cajun Chicken

A staple of our menu since we opened our doors almost 30 years ago, our Not-So-Cajun Chicken is a longtime favorite and some might say a local obsession. Maybe it’s that creamy, spicy, Cajun-inspired sauce draped over pasta. Or perhaps it’s the tender, perfectly seasoned roasted chicken. All we know is this dish is the ultimate combination of Midwest comfort food with Southern flavors.

Paella

Indy diners know The Jazz Kitchen’s paella as one of our most special dishes. Available only on Thursday nights during the restaurant’s Latin Dance Party, our take on this classic Spanish rice dish adds spicy andouille sausage to the mix of chicken, vegetables, and a collection of seafood, including shrimp, calamari, mussels, and Tilapia fish. The recipe was inspired by a paella enjoyed by club owners David and Jami Allee during their travels to Panama, and today it’s the VIP of The Jazz Kitchen’s menu. You’re going to want to clear your Thursday schedule to try this one out (and dance the night away after dinner, of course).

Satchmo’s Etouffe

A legendary dish deserves a legendary name, and Satchmo’s Etouffee is everything you want in this South Louisiana staple. Chicken and andouille sausage is simmered for hours in a roux-based sauce that comes to life with bold Creole flavors. To make it even more irresistible, we recommend adding grilled shrimp. This favorite has also remained on our menu since we opened our doors, and we don’t see it fading away anytime soon.

Homemade Crab Cakes

Our crabcakes are a popular appetizer and entree here at The Jazz Kitchen. One of our best sellers, the large chunks of crab are the star of the show here. We serve the cakes with a Creole mayonnaise and a Tomato Horseradish dip that both deliver a kick and amp up the spice level. Pair it with a side like our sweet corn maque choux, and it’s the perfect entree for dinner and a live music show.

Roasted Vegan Bowl

We may be a jazz club with a foodie personality, but we also appreciate the plant-based approach to cooking. Now more than ever before, it’s not uncommon to hear, “what’s vegan at The Jazz Kitchen?” from Indy diners, and we answered the call with a vibrant bowl that’s equal parts healthy and filling. Seasonal roasted vegetables are served atop tri-color quinoa, with our house-made red bell pepper sauce infusing next-level flavor to this vegan favorite. If you’re craving something lighter, our veggie tacos with corn, portobello mushrooms, and sweet potato also hit the spot.

In the mood for something else? Take a closer look at our menu and find out why The Jazz Kitchen is one of the best places to eat in Indianapolis. Photo: Michael Durr