Sugar Factory’s Indianapolis location has permanently closed. Find more dining options near downtown in the Bottleworks District.
If you’re like me, I imagine you’re navigating the whirlwind of parenthood, balancing the tightrope between routine and the occasional sprinkling of magic into your young children’s lives. I have some good news for those of you who are always looking for fun restaurants for kids in Indianapolis. Sugar Factory Indianapolis is a place that captures the essence of childhood wonder while offering sugary treats that tickle your senses.
Known as the most Instagrammed restaurant in the world (thanks in part to its locations across major cities in the United States and abroad), The Sugar Factory is well known for its celebrity-endorsed Couture Pops and over-the-top atmosphere and desserts. Appealing to the eyes and taste buds, it’s a place that will bring out your inner child with its giant candies and colorful food.
Sugar Factory in Indianapolis
The long-awaited Sugar Factory is now open in Downtown Indy at 49 W. Maryland St, the former Palomino restaurant space in Circle Centre Mall. This restaurant, bar, and retail store is a colorful, candy-coated dream!
The Indianapolis location of Sugar Factory offers indoor seating as well as outdoor patio seating along Illinois Street. Like other famous Sugar Factory locations, the Indianapolis restaurant location offers unique Instagrammable backgrounds with neon wall art, a candy heart art installation, a large flower wall, and a video wall. This restaurant concept is a fun offering in downtown Indianapolis and it appeals to all ages from toddlers to parents to grandparents.
Where do I Park for Sugar Factory?
Parking is available for $3 for three hours in the Circle Center Mall parking lots. The most convenient parking for Sugar Factory is on Illinois Avenue.
Where is Sugar Factory?
Sugar Factory is located at 49 W. Maryland, Indianapolis. It is on the outside of Circle Center Mall, but there is no access from inside the Mall. Sugar Factory is on the corner of Illinois and Maryland Streets, catty corner from Steak N’ Shake and across the street from the Regal Cinemas Movie Theater.
Sugar Factory Restaurant & Shop
Making reservations through Open Table was a breeze, a tip I’d recommend to anyone planning a visit to avoid the wait. As we were escorted to our table.
There’s an explosion of colors and a buzz of excitement that’s infectious. The Pretty in Pink Cafe is to your left, with its pink accented furniture and gorgeous flower wall, a perfect backdrop for those memorable family photos that are iconic for a Sugar Factory visit. The candy store, with its walls lined with hundreds of candies and the famous yellow rubber duckies, was a hit with the kids even before we sat down to eat. There’s a dessert to-go case packed with treats like ice cream, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and donuts. Everything is over the top and glitzy, and you’ll see references to celebrities who have visited various locations.
The restaurant atmosphere and environment are fun and inviting, sort of like the vibe of a family-friendly dance club, with popular music setting the mood, glittering chandeliers adding a touch of glamour, and comfy booth seating that made us feel right at home. The eye-appealing treats served around us only heightened our anticipation.
The Sweet & Savory Menu
As you settle into the plush seating, a menu that seems to have been crafted in a dream is presented. The Sugar Factory is renowned for its kaleidoscope of flavors, and as you pore over the options, you understand why. The signature Goblet drinks catch your eye first, oversized cocktails brimming with candies, creating a visually stunning tableau with clouds of dry ice. It’s not just a drink; it’s a declaration of joy, a spectacle that marries taste and aesthetics. You order one for the table, non-alcoholic, so the kids can partake in the magic, their anticipation building as they wait for the show. The menu includes brunch, lunch, dinner, shakes, GIANT drinks, and of course lots of delicious desserts. The portions are a generous size, and full of trendy flavors.
Breakfast & Brunch at Sugar Factory Indianapolis
The Breakfast and Brunch menu serves up one-of-a-kind items such as a high stack of rainbow pancakes, it includes a side plate of whipped butter, whipped topping, colorful gummy bears, chocolate chips, and strawberries, everything to make your breakfast extra colorful. The restaurant also makes fresh donuts daily, one of its most unique donuts is the rainbow donut; made of colorful rainbow layers topped with marshmallow glaze and sprinkled with candy and edible glitter, a donut that will truly sparkle your morning.
Lunch & Dinner at Sugar Factory
The Lunch and Dinner menus feature colorful delectable items as well, such as fried mac n cheese balls in a delicious sauce, Rainbow sliders, monster mac n cheeseburgers, fried chicken, and waffles. The menu includes an array of soups and salads, sandwiches, various monster burgers, grilled meats, seafood, entrees, and pasta. The menu also caters to those who are Vegan or Vegetarian and gluten-free. Every colorful platter on the menu is brought out with a signature yellow Sugar Factory rubber ducky that you can keep.
Sugar Factory Drinks & Desserts
The desserts are a testament to The Sugar Factory’s ethos of indulgence. You’re tempted by the towering milkshakes, each a masterpiece adorned with slices of cake, cookies, and candy. But it’s the King Kong Sundae, boasting 24 scoops of ice cream and a rainbow of toppings, that you decide to share, a challenge and a promise of delight rolled into one. There are numerous milkshakes to choose from, the old-fashioned milkshakes are your typical hand-spun milkshake in various flavors, but then there are the Insane Milkshakes. These milkshakes truly live up to their name — they’re large and adorned with all sorts of candy, cookies, cake, or even a slice of cheesecake! Deliciously over the top.
During our trip to Sugar Factory Indianapolis, our family ordered a large 64-ounce smoking goblet drink. These drinks are such a unique item to order that I recommend anyone visiting the restaurant try one. There are several flavors, and the hardest part will be deciding what flavor suits everyone. We ordered the Passion Fruit goblet that was topped with unicorn candy and candy bracelets, and my boys and their grandparents loved it. When the drink comes out the waiter also adds dry ice to add that extra smoking flare to the drink. The goblets can be ordered with or without alcohol, making it a drink all ages can enjoy. Plus, they are so big, you’ll have to share them with two or three other people!
The Sugar Factory offers more than just food; it’s an experience. The atmosphere is charged with energy, encouraging interaction, celebration, and the kind of joy that comes from shared moments of wonder. Your children are not just eating; they’re embarking on an adventure.
While we’ve focused mostly on why to take your children to the Sugar Factory Indianapolis, it has to be mentioned that a date night at Sugar Factory, a girls’ night out, or even a Mother’s Day brunch would also be enjoyable.
Sugar Factory is truly a unique restaurant concept that will bring lots of attention to Downtown Indianapolis.
Aishah Eljirby contributed to this article and photographs.
