Marco's Restaurant & Lounge

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  I never understood the popularity of this place even under the previous ownership.  It was never bad but certainly never memorable.  Lunched there under the new ownership, and the server was very attentive and friendly.  The menu lookd serviceable.  The food was pretty mediocre.  The clam chowder did not taste at all of clams -- it was like watery potato soup.  The salads were OK.  Coleslaw was awful.  Corned beef and chicken on sandwiches were both tough.  The HUGE (and unnecessary) steak knife had a loose handle.  And the place just looks tired.

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  Posted on 12.07.12 Richard H.

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  We went their with a group for the first time to hear the live music.  Good singer that singing a style to enhance the atmosphere.  Was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food.  The minestrone had a unique smoky flavor.  The Greek salad was average. However, the chicken saltimboca was great as well as my wife's chicken pompadour a pasta. Both pastas had great sauces. Saving the best for last was the modest bill.  I forgot to mention on jWednesdays wine bottles are half price.  We would definitely go back.

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  Posted on 11.13.12 Robert W.

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  Lunch time.  Where to go?  Ah, not that same old place - want to try somewhere new.  Marco's?  Okay, I'll give it a shot.  Hey this is cozy, very friendly wait-staff too.  Interesting menu, prices look right, this outdoor seating is pretty great!  Oh, here comes our food; holy mackerel!  Look at the size of our helpings, I'll have enough for leftovers for sure!  My chicken stew is delicious, tasty corn bread.  How's yours?  I can't believe we didn't try this place sooner, is this a locals' hangout?  Maybe I need to do the same, lets come back here again soon!

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  Posted on 08.23.12 Scot C.

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  Pros: Generous portions (you get way more than what you pay for here!), yummy specials, outdoor dining
  Cons: Confusing entrance/seating situation
  
  I've been eying this little gem since moving to SoBro, and I got the chance to visit for lunch on a recent weekday.  There is no obvious front door to this place, so we accidentally went into the dining room while looking for outdoor dining.  We walked in to find no hostess at the hostess stand.  We turned around and just walked onto the patio.  There wasn't a sign directing you to wait for seating or go inside for the hostess so we kind of walked around searching for some help for a little too long.  Finally we walked in to the bar and someone told us to sit wherever we wanted.  It's a peeve of mine when restaurants aren't clear regarding seating, and this place was pretty confusing.
  
  However, once we sat down the rest of the experience was great.  We were handed menus, along with daily specials printed on paper.  We both chose from the specials, as they were very reasonably priced.  I ordered the chili and grilled cheese special ($7.95) and my boyfriend got the chicken stew with cornbread which came with salad and dinner roll ($7.95).  For the price, I was expecting a cup of chili and half a sandwich, but we both got large bowls of soup and I received a full sandwich.  I was surprised at with the generout portions.  I felt like i got a great value for lunch.  
  
  Service was also pretty good.  Water was refilled quickly and food was out in a timely manner (a plus for lunch on weekedays).  
  
  All in all: I will come back (regularly!) for the great prices, generous portions and prompt service!  Once you figure out where to sit, you'll have an enjoyable experience.

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  Posted on 08.23.12 Kinsey E.

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  Average quality food n average quality service.  
  
  Would eat here again, but definitely won't go out of my way to come back here.

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  Posted on 05.27.12 Alex K.

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  Holy servings batman...make sure you come to Marco's hungry or prepared to take an entire second meal home with you, this place doesn't skimp on anything.
  
  The crowd in Marco's (especially the bar) is die hard regulars. It's loud and boisterous but with a mostly middle-aged clientele who obviously love it here. Cheers...yes, it is like Cheers. Totally. :)
  
  Bartenders are ON IT and work their assess of getting drinks, running food and bussing their own bartop. The smokers routinely leave their drinks (and even food) to go outside to smoke with not a thought as to losing their spots at the bar no matter how long they take. And the bartenders are fine with that. There's a code of operation going on here people.
  
  You'll wait. It's busy as hell in here and with everyone having this much fun no one is in a rush to leave.
  
  When you finally get seated here's what you should bear in mind before you order:
  
  1. You'll get bread. Hot bread. Good bread. Yum
  2. You might order an appetizer - they are generously sized
  3. You'll go to order your main course and find out that you get BOTH soup and salad with it and a side (veggies, fries, rice pilaf, etc)
  4. You'll feel like a pig (or like you hit the lottery) b/c you'll be getting full by the time you're halfway through the jalapeno poppers with a lot more food coming to you shortly
  
  We had the seafood combo (crab cakes, butterfly shrimp, lobster mac and cheese) and the prime rib. The food is solid, the service good and the price reasonable. While this isn't gourmet or even high end, I have to say I found myself really loving Marco's and looking forward to going back.

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  Posted on 11.12.11 Amy H.

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  $10 steak dinner special on Tuesdays~~Went to visit my sister in July and she took me to this place because of this great deal.  And that it was!!  place was packed and hot but what do you expect for a $10 steak deal in July in Indy.  
  
  Came with a salad and a choice for potatoes :)  I was one happy gal besides the summer heat wave the hit.

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  Posted on 08.23.11 Cynthia N.

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  I think I'm in love!  I went to dinner there for Chow Down Midtown (<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fchowdownmidtown.com%2F&s=40ab7450a7600401bf1edbc80fe8224ca4e3e8355f96deaedda1197a52a70b8f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://chowdownmidtown.c…</a>).  We were greeted by Brad, the new owner of the restaurant.  Turns out that Mark, the original owner, was sitting in the bar, so he apparently must approve of the new ownership.  
  
  Our table had calamari and stuffed mushrooms for appetizers.  The calamari practically melted in your mouth, and the stuffed mushrooms were mostly cheese and crab (yum!).  I then had a greek salad, which was also delicious.  But the entree was the best by far.  It was parmesan crusted pork medallions with fetuccini in a roasted red pepper sauce.  And it was perfect in every way.  It was also just as good reheated for lunch the next day!
  
  Marco's has great deals too.  Half priced martinis on Thursdays.  There's a $10 steak dinner special, which I think is on Tuesdays.
  
  The atmosphere is very authentic.  You could be walking into a family restaurant in Little Italy.  I love this place and will definitely be back again!

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  Posted on 06.07.11 Cindy L.

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  There wasn't a single "Andretti" around....
  
  Wow...that sums it up.  This place is a hidden gem.  It's not in Carmel, Greenwood, or any other suburb you might expect...it is almost missed as you travel Keystone.  The aroma alone should catch your attention, but you just aren't expecting this place located at 54th and Keystone.
  
  One of the best outdoor seating areas I have seen in Indy, and the inside dark, but full of charm.  
  
  I wasn't sure what to expect when my daughter said.."you have to go there mom"...well I am glad I did.  I only wish I didn't live so far away from this place as I think I would become a regular fixture of the place.
  
  The food is well prepared and the presentation is good too.  The real "up one on other places" is it still offers everything with the meal.  Not ala carte...you get soup, salad and choice of side with your meal...tip:  the Walleye is tops !!
  
  The wine selection is one of the best.  This non chain establishment is on my radar now.  This is the type of place everyone should experience.
  The service was stellar.....did you take note:  I can't say a bad thing about this place....and the price -- good too.

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  Posted on 06.05.11 Mary A.

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  Looking for a new place to eat, my friend Rachel found Marco's on Yelp and we decided to give it a try.  The menu looked very appealing and the fact they have outdoor seating helped too.
  From the drink menu, to the three course meal, to the service, everything was great!  I was highly excited about the walleye entree and when it was served, I couldn't wait to dig in.  (Neither could my husband, as he actually had the first bite!)
  Everyone at the table was very impressed.  Great drinks, great food, perfect service.  A great place to eat!

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  Posted on 05.02.11 Angi C.

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  I'd passed by Marco's millions of times and never had time (or anyone with me) to stop in. Last night my husband, myself, son, and in-laws finally went to Marco's. Wow. Let me say that it was AMAZING. I ordered the Chicken Piccata and it was absolutely superb (I would've licked the plate if I could've!). Entrees are served as a three-course meal, with a choice of minestrone or NE clam chowder, a choice of salads, and of course, your entree. I went for the minestrone and it was definitely one of the best minestrones I've had. The salad was excellent, and as I said before, the chicken piccata was to die for. Juicy, tender chicken and for a side I ordered wild rice, which was okay (I didn't want to overdo it by ordering a large baked or mashed potato!), but the chicken was more than enough (especially after the soup, salad, and bread!). My husband ordered the veal parmesan and nearly inhaled it. My son had a child's order of spaghetti with one meatball and couldn't finish it. The only real complaints are that the dining room is a tad on the small/cramped side, and is quite dark. Other than that, it's superb. I definitely can't wait to drag my own parents here!

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  Posted on 04.02.11 Sarah K.

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  Lets cut to the chase:
  
  This place is really just average American-Italian fare.  Notice that I put the American BEFORE the Italian.  To me, just because its pasta doesn't mean its Italian.  And this place, well, it was quite run of the mill.
  
  I was not wowed by the menu, so I decided to create my own dish.  I have worked at an Italian place before, and I know that creating your own pasta (sub this sauce for this sauce, etc) is easily accommodated.  Anyway, I saw that the tortellini only came with either marinara or alfredo sauce.  No veggies, nothing.  I also noticed that there was a ravioli special with a gorgonzola and sundried tomato cream sauce, so I decided I wanted that with the tortellini instead.  Well, when I asked for that, the waiter seemed to think it would be impossible.  I told him, ever so nicely, to just give it a whirl.  
  
  The best part of my meal was the caesar salad I got with my pasta.  The dressing was creamy, and on every single piece of tossed lettuce.  
  
  My pasta came in a bowl drenched with about a gallon of the cream sauce I asked for.  It seemed that they dumped an entire serving of bertoli tortellini into one bowl.  Yes, the tortellini tasted like it was from a grocery store (I really enjoy handmade tortellini's and pasta) Can't win em all I guess.
  
  Oh, and the bread was good too.  Good for dipping in abundant sauce.
  
  Basically, although I found my pasta to be edible and somewhat enjoyable, it didnt blow my mind or anything.  I'm pretty sure I've made better at home with the bertoli and store bought sauce.

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  Posted on 08.04.10 Halleh C.

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  Marco's is a pretty nice restaurant...if you can find it.  But that's part of the charm.  Most people pass by it all the time on the busy intersection of 54th & Keystone and don't know it exists.  
  
  Marco's has a great $10 Tuesday special that comes with filet, a greek house or ceasar salad and a side.  I usually get the baked potato.  I'm a pretty big guy, but the portions are a good size to fill you up without feeling like you can't move afterward.  
  
  On any other night, you'll find a pretty interesting menu with items that you won't normally find at your average steakhouse.  The fish is always surprisingly fresh and the Chicken Oscar is a winner winner chicken dinner.
  
  The venue itself is cozy and dark.  It reminds me of a place where the Rat Pack might hang out and smoke cigars at the bar after a show.  The decor has a lot of wood and leather that gives it a 1950's feel.  If you're going with a group of more than 6, I would suggest making reservations (definitely make reservations on a Tuesday) as the seating is somewhat limited.  During the warmer months, the patio is a nice place to hang out and have a glass of wine and spend a few hours.  
  
  They have a very nice wine selection and the bartenders are friendly and pour good drinks.  I've always had good experiences here.

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  Posted on 05.25.10 Douglas B.

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  Went to Marco's on a rainy Friday night in March 2010.  Although we were slightly under dressed, none of the staff seemed to mind.  It was odd, however, because we noticed that many of the couples seemed to be men.  This left us wondering if perhaps Marco's was a preferred dining spot for homosexual men in the area.  Of course, we were not going to complain.  We are a "sight" for most people as well: an "age gap" relationship with 20 years between us.  She is almost 23 and I will be 43 this year.  So, maybe we just fit right in?  Who knows.  Regardless, the atmosphere is fairly intimate, despite the wall-mounted televisions throughout the place catering to "March Madness" with college basketball games on in the background.  :P  The pesto chicken and the ravioli bake were both quite tasty.  The clam chowder was a bit salty, however.  Luckily, we saved room for dessert because the choice we made was heavenly!  I believe it was called Copa Saronno.  Essentially, vanilla ice cream with Di Saronno Amaretto, whipped cream and almonds.  VERY yummy!

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  Posted on 03.13.10 Tim R.

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  So I was introduced to Marco's by a date.  We went on a Tuesday after bowling.  This place is pretty popular especially on Tuesdays.  They have steak specials for around $10 and this includes a salad and a side.  Marco's have a dining area that has the decor of a meat and 3 restaurant.  There is also a lounge that is a little darker and with more interesting customers.  For those days when the weather is nice there is also a good sized deck.  The staff was friendly, the $10 steak was great, and the wine was good.
  
  What more can you ask for?

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  Posted on 07.09.09 Tita P.

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  If you're looking for a locally owned restaurant (not easy in Indy) that offers good food for a good price, you've found it. Marco's does a great job combining quality and value, but you have to know what to order. The soup is outstanding, I prefer the minestrone, but the chowder is good too. When it comes to entrees, my wife and I have tried many of the items on the menu and when we stray from steaks, we're often disappointed. The long and short of it is, if you're interested in a full meal that includes red meat, try Marco's. If you're dining on a Tuesday, you can even get a small filet and salad for a great price, just call ahead to get a table.

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  Posted on 02.18.09 J. W.

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  Marco's is a solid Italian restaurant.  I have been here too many times to recall the dishes I ordered, but all of the food is good (although nothing special), huge portions, good service, and reasonable prices.  Terrific value all around, even if you don't go on Cheap Meat Night.  The owners are great people and take care to ensure every guest has a good experience.  Don't be deterred by the location or appearance of the building - I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

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  Posted on 01.19.09 Beth K.

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  Our friends took us to a "thank you" dinner at Marco's last Saturday night after we helped them move into the neighborhood.
  
  The location is pretty nice.  It's an older building with lots of dark wood and low lighting.  Almost too romantic for a group of friends *grin*
  
  Everything was fantastic.  I had the chicken alfredo bake with sundried tomatos, pesto and loads and loads of cheese.  Man, it was so good.  My fiance sneaked some while I was in the restroom and then was a little sad when I finished it.  He was hoping to get the leftovers!
  
  Unless you SERIOUSLY have an appetite - you can probably skip the appetizer.  Almost all the entrees come with soup, salad and bread.  I had the corn chowder, which was a little thin for my liking.  I think of corn chowder having the consistency closer to chili than soup - but it was still tasty.  The chopped salad isn't anything to write home about, but it's decent.
  
  The prices are very reasonable.  I think my entree was $14.95.  My buddy paid so I have no idea what the drinks + dinner came to.
  
  We'll probably be back, if only when we hang out with our friends.

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  Posted on 11.25.08 Nichole H.

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  Marco's is an amazing place.  It has been around for decades, but it seems that most people are not familiar with this terrific eatery and bar.  The food is great and the prices are better.  I also think the wait staff is friendly and courteous.  They don't make places like Marco's anymore.  Be sure to check them out.

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  Posted on 09.28.08 Mike F.

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  An old friend took me to Marco's for the first time, because apparently I was the only person in the entire city who had no idea what "Cheap Meat Night" was all about.
  
  I went. I saw. I ate. I agree. It's worth it.
  
  Tuesday nights are the night to enjoy the filet, potato and salad for $10. Very filing and a lot of fun. Very busy, though. And for some reason, very dark and very loud.
  
  I was surprised where the restaurant is ... you'd miss it if you didn't know it was there. It's a bit of a dive.

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  Posted on 09.27.08 Kasey J.

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  Marco's.....Rocks! This place is as cool as it gets. Although it is sans one star from me because I don't dig the interior. But the food is awesome, the service is awesome, that patio is awesome and they have Peroni on draft.
  
  Our server was Chris, and he has at least one thing up on most of the servers in this town...he knows the menu and knows the food at his restaurant, no stuttering, not covering up, just answers, and I totally respect that. He answered my questions and was on top of things pretty well, although we were a little on the early side so there wasn't much activity.
  
  We had calamari as our appetizer, it was pretty decent, not the best, but passable. I had a cup of Minestrone that rocked and a Greek salad that could have used some more ingredients but was tasty. The misses had a garden salad that she said was good. For main courses she had a enormous bowl of tortellini that was stunningly forgettable, nothing special about it, but it wasn't bad either. I had a special for the night, a generous portion of pork chops topped with Brie and the most amazing sauce I have ever had in my life, Mango, Pomegranate with Chipotle... a triumph among sauces. The chops were cooked to a perfect medium and were very tender. Oh, I had a side of rice that was really good too, but, rice is rice i suppose.
  
  No dessert, because we ate a ton as it was, though I don't think any of the desserts on the menu really popped out as something I had to have.
  
  Aside from amazing food, this place has my new favorite patio. Spacious and well decorated with some awesome landscaping. The patio is covered although if you're a sun worshiper there are some seats in the sun, but something about being able to dine outside in the rain really appeals to me.
  
  This place rocks out loud...Marco really nailed it.

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  Posted on 08.28.08 Byron J.

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  Most commonly known to locals for its Tuesday Filet Night, Marco's is a low-lit, neighborhood restaurant with a great outdoor patio. Located near the corner of 54th and Keystone, it sits with few other establishments for good eating in the area.
  
  The Tuesday night deal is basically a $10 steak, which is an filet migon, cooked to your order, served up with salad and potato. I can't even imagine how many of these steaks they've slanged over the years, as this place can be very crowded on Tuesday nights because of its famous cheap meat night.
  
  The bar here is great, so don't be afraid to order a martini, or a manhattan, served 'up' to go with your steak. They know how to make 'em.  
  
  Regardless of what night you go, Marco's serves up a great meal and has a nice ambiance for a date.

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  Posted on 08.13.08 Ryan H.

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  I like Marco's.  The food & service are consistently good and you can't beat "Cheap Meat Night" on Tuesdays where you get a salad, 6 oz filet and potato or pasta for under $10.
  
  Even though the lounge area can be quite crowded, I prefer to sit there for the full effect of the place.
  
  Make a reservation (especially on Tuesday) and try it for yourself.

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  Posted on 03.26.08 Jamison R.

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  This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I rarely order from the main menu, as their specials prepared daily are always fantastic. The service is nearly always very good, if not terrific. Tuesdays are always busy, as they have a $9.99 filet mignon special. Personally, I've found their chicken and pork medallion specials to be my favorite dishes.

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  Posted on 09.17.07 Matthew E.

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  I am in Indy this week and had dinner with a friend that lives here and he recommended this great place.  He said every Tuesday they have a special deal for filet mignon and baked potato and salad for about $8 and it was really awesome.  They offer you a variety of choices if steak is not your thing and they have a long list of desserts for you to choose as well.
  
  Give it a shot  but call to make a reservation the place gets packed when they have the special dinners.

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  Posted on 09.05.06 Tom K.

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