Restaurant Review: Hoosier Park's Winner's Circle Pub, Grille & OTB

Hoosier Park's Off-Track Betting establishment, Winner's Circle Pub, Grille & OTB, opened its new location in downtown Indianapolis quietly during the 2011 holidays. I was invited to check out the menu at Indy's newest eatery, located at 20 N. Pennsylvania St.

Upon entering the horseshoe-shaped interior, you are greeted by the pub ahead of you and the restaurant to your left. Individual betting is located to the right and beyond a door is a private party room and a smoker's betting lounge.

The pub is high energy with large screen televisions and a rather cool under-counter lighting system, which I was allowed to change the colors from pink to blue, etc. Although there are martinis on the menu, patrons tend to drink single liquors over ice at this establishment. The wine list is well appointed and local beers are always in rotation.

The dining area is more of a horse country's relaxed country club atmosphere enhanced by over-sized, black and white equine photography displayed on the far wall.

The menu is American comfort food, including faves like baked mac 'n cheese, southern fried chicken and steaks. A few twists, such as appetizers of roasted peppers, sweet potato chips and Asian-inspired beef and pineapple skewers keep the choices fresh and interesting.

An absolute must-try is Executive Chef Brian Seal's dessert menu highlight, Chocolate Brownie with Peanut Butter Ganache (see photo above). It is large enough for two, but too good to share. I'll leave that decision to you.

Bottom Line: Hoosier Park's Winner's Circle Pub, Grille & OTB serves up comfort food with a side of fun.

Images: Izzy Evans; Hoosier Park Racing & Casino
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.