On a slow weekday morning the room feels almost private — but on weekends, every seat is earned.
Set in Indianapolis, IN, Claypool Coffee & Ice Cream has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
Order the pancakes and you'll get a stack tall enough to make you reconsider lunch — fluffy, lightly tangy from buttermilk, and finished with a generous pour of warm maple syrup.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Claypool Coffee & Ice Cream. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, beans, cheese, and salsa roja
- Veggie scramble with spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese
- Crab cake Benedict with old-bay hollandaise (regional specialty)
- Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
- House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
- Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
Service is friendly without being chatty, refills come without asking, and nobody rushes you out of your seat.
Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.
Local tip: they take walk-ins only, but the host will quote you a realistic time and call your phone — go grab a coffee and explore the block.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Indianapolis, Claypool Coffee & Ice Cream is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. It is not the cheapest brunch in town, nor the trendiest — but it might be the most consistent, and that counts for a lot on a Sunday morning.
Tips from the regulars
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Claypool Coffee & Ice Cream.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
Hours
| Mon | 11:00-23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00-23:00 |
| Wed | 11:00-23:00 |
| Thu | 11:00-23:00 |
| Fri | 11:00-23:00 |
| Sat | 11:00-23:00 |
| Sun | 11:00-23:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Claypool Coffee & Ice Cream open for brunch?
Posted hours are: 11:00-23:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Claypool Coffee & Ice Cream take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Indianapolis are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Claypool Coffee & Ice Cream kid-friendly?
Yes — Claypool Coffee & Ice Cream welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Claypool Coffee & Ice Cream serve?
It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Indianapolis.
Is there outdoor seating at Claypool Coffee & Ice Cream?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 110 West Washington Street. Coordinates: 39.7676, -86.1601. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.