We came here their last week of operations and had a fantastic meal. We made a reservation but still waited 25 mins to be sat due to social distancing and decrease in staff. It was bittersweet that they were selling out of things but sad to see that they were closing. You could tell the staff was very overwhelmed and understaffed for the turnout. We got one fried avocado bun and a spam one which went too quickly! Then we got scallion pancakes which were crispy and flavorful. My husband and I had our taste buds numbed by the Szechuan green beans - they had a KICK! However, the star of my meal was the Dan Dan Noodles - creamy, thick and chewy noodles with crunch peanuts and all the fixings. This place will be missed!
Arispa W.
Wow! This place is a must visit in downtown Indy. I had high expectations, and they were exceeded. Rook delivers on flavor and does not shy away from spice. I ordered take out during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I can't wait to have a dine-in experience. My partner and I decided to order several of their "snack" dishes to share for lunch. We went with the spicy rice cake, szechuan green beans, and the pork kimcheeze sliders. The food was prepare quickly and was still piping hot by the time we got home with it. The spam buns were good, but the other items were so incredible they overshadowed them. This is not a complaint. The buns were amazing, the other items were just absolutely perfect. My favorite item was the szechuan green beans - these delivered on spice and tongue numbing szechuan peppercorn. You know they mean business when you see the amount of chiles in the dish. The rice cakes were like a crispy tteokbokki and were my partners favorite dish. We did not get pictures because everything was so good, we couldn't stop ourselves from eating it all quickly. I am so excited to try more from Rook - those Dandan noodles will have to be my next meal there. Go to Rook if you haven't and if you have, go again.
Brittany F.
Dined out on the patio during COVID-19 restrictions. Our server Shannon was attentive and took care of us! We got the Korean Fried Chicken and the Dan Dan Noodles, both were amazing. I can't wait to come back and leave room for dessert next time.
Chandra Ferguson
Another great local find. I had my server select their favorite steamed bun and main dish and it was delicious! I'm not usually a spam fan, but their spam steamed bun was rather tasty.
Ashton Harpel
Everything we tried was fantastic! Friendly staff and unique flavors well executed. We loved it. Definitely plan to go back :)
Kara R.
I went here with my wife and a good friend of ours. A lot of the food looked good, so we decided to eat family style and just share a lot of the dishes. I started with a Suffering B****** cocktail (tasty) and we shared a variety of steamed buns, including a shrimp and an avocado one. We then split scallion pancakes (which were a special for the night), Laing, and the Bulgogi Lamb rice bowl. I was not sure I'd like the Laing, but I ended up loving it, so thanks to our server for the recommendation! It was similar to a spinach artichoke dip with the texture and creaminess. The bulgogi bowl had a bit of a kick to it, but even my wife, who can't handle a lot of heat, liked it. We finished the meal spliting Halo Halo. SO GOOD. The Fruity Pebbles, the fluff, the Ube ice cream. Don't leave Rook without trying this dish! I honestly have no complaints about any of the dishes that we had since everything was delicious.
Hayley M.
I love Rook for its unique fusion flavors and unique atmosphere. It definitely feels like something you could find in an upscale LA neighborhood, but I'm glad it's here in Indy. When we went, we weren't vegetarian yet, so we enjoyed some dumplings, egg rolls, and pork belly tacos out on their small patio space. It was so flavorful and like nothing I've ever tasted. I definitely enjoyed it and would love to come back and try more of their options that would fit the vegetarian diet.
Ashanti M.
I wasn't super impressed with this place. I've heard so many great things but to be honest, I was disappointed. I'll likely not be coming back.
Karen Wong
Service is great!
Camille Miller
All the menu items we ordered were VERY good. Everything may be a little spicy if you're sensitive (my mom is very sensitive lol). But will most definitely be going back!
the food, the service, and the atmosphere at Rook is absolutely 100% amazing!! love this place.
Alicia R.
Restaurant has interesting cocktail menu, and has different cuisine you won't find elsewhere, if you enjoy trying different foods. As others have mentioned, all the buns are really tasty. The app w/ dip and Amelia bread is yummy warm; didn't hold up so well as a leftover:). The server recommended the chicken tartine. It was good, but nothing special. Friend ordered lamb dish, and she didn't seem bowled over. Other two friends ordered trout, said very good. Service was slow, and server not apologetic about order inaccuracies. Really botched the bills, after waiting too long to receive. I intend to give Rook another chance, as want those buns again, and there are other menu offerings I'd like to try, but this place needs to improve its service.
John Mullen
Awesome restaurant, one of Indianapolis' best lunch spots.
Shyla K.
Each dish is uniquely prepared with that Filipino flare! The menu is small, but really this is about quality versus quantity. Amazing food, the vibrant red and black ambiance, and flawless playlist are what make Rook top 3 on my favorite restaurant list.
Lauren Summers
I like spice, but the Dandan noodles were too spicy for my liking. The $12 salad was very small. The fried avocado bun was just okay. I was looking forward to some asian/Asian fusion food while in Indianapolis, but this wasn't what I was expecting.
We came here their last week of operations and had a fantastic meal. We made a reservation but still waited 25 mins to be sat due to social distancing and decrease in staff. It was bittersweet that they were selling out of things but sad to see that they were closing. You could tell the staff was very overwhelmed and understaffed for the turnout. We got one fried avocado bun and a spam one which went too quickly! Then we got scallion pancakes which were crispy and flavorful. My husband and I had our taste buds numbed by the Szechuan green beans - they had a KICK! However, the star of my meal was the Dan Dan Noodles - creamy, thick and chewy noodles with crunch peanuts and all the fixings. This place will be missed!
Wow! This place is a must visit in downtown Indy. I had high expectations, and they were exceeded. Rook delivers on flavor and does not shy away from spice. I ordered take out during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I can't wait to have a dine-in experience. My partner and I decided to order several of their "snack" dishes to share for lunch. We went with the spicy rice cake, szechuan green beans, and the pork kimcheeze sliders. The food was prepare quickly and was still piping hot by the time we got home with it. The spam buns were good, but the other items were so incredible they overshadowed them. This is not a complaint. The buns were amazing, the other items were just absolutely perfect. My favorite item was the szechuan green beans - these delivered on spice and tongue numbing szechuan peppercorn. You know they mean business when you see the amount of chiles in the dish. The rice cakes were like a crispy tteokbokki and were my partners favorite dish. We did not get pictures because everything was so good, we couldn't stop ourselves from eating it all quickly. I am so excited to try more from Rook - those Dandan noodles will have to be my next meal there. Go to Rook if you haven't and if you have, go again.
Dined out on the patio during COVID-19 restrictions. Our server Shannon was attentive and took care of us! We got the Korean Fried Chicken and the Dan Dan Noodles, both were amazing. I can't wait to come back and leave room for dessert next time.
Another great local find. I had my server select their favorite steamed bun and main dish and it was delicious! I'm not usually a spam fan, but their spam steamed bun was rather tasty.
Everything we tried was fantastic! Friendly staff and unique flavors well executed. We loved it. Definitely plan to go back :)
I went here with my wife and a good friend of ours. A lot of the food looked good, so we decided to eat family style and just share a lot of the dishes. I started with a Suffering B****** cocktail (tasty) and we shared a variety of steamed buns, including a shrimp and an avocado one. We then split scallion pancakes (which were a special for the night), Laing, and the Bulgogi Lamb rice bowl. I was not sure I'd like the Laing, but I ended up loving it, so thanks to our server for the recommendation! It was similar to a spinach artichoke dip with the texture and creaminess. The bulgogi bowl had a bit of a kick to it, but even my wife, who can't handle a lot of heat, liked it. We finished the meal spliting Halo Halo. SO GOOD. The Fruity Pebbles, the fluff, the Ube ice cream. Don't leave Rook without trying this dish! I honestly have no complaints about any of the dishes that we had since everything was delicious.
I love Rook for its unique fusion flavors and unique atmosphere. It definitely feels like something you could find in an upscale LA neighborhood, but I'm glad it's here in Indy. When we went, we weren't vegetarian yet, so we enjoyed some dumplings, egg rolls, and pork belly tacos out on their small patio space. It was so flavorful and like nothing I've ever tasted. I definitely enjoyed it and would love to come back and try more of their options that would fit the vegetarian diet.
I wasn't super impressed with this place. I've heard so many great things but to be honest, I was disappointed. I'll likely not be coming back.
Service is great!
All the menu items we ordered were VERY good. Everything may be a little spicy if you're sensitive (my mom is very sensitive lol). But will most definitely be going back!
Restaurantji Recommends
the food, the service, and the atmosphere at Rook is absolutely 100% amazing!! love this place.
Restaurant has interesting cocktail menu, and has different cuisine you won't find elsewhere, if you enjoy trying different foods. As others have mentioned, all the buns are really tasty. The app w/ dip and Amelia bread is yummy warm; didn't hold up so well as a leftover:). The server recommended the chicken tartine. It was good, but nothing special. Friend ordered lamb dish, and she didn't seem bowled over. Other two friends ordered trout, said very good. Service was slow, and server not apologetic about order inaccuracies. Really botched the bills, after waiting too long to receive. I intend to give Rook another chance, as want those buns again, and there are other menu offerings I'd like to try, but this place needs to improve its service.
Awesome restaurant, one of Indianapolis' best lunch spots.
Each dish is uniquely prepared with that Filipino flare! The menu is small, but really this is about quality versus quantity. Amazing food, the vibrant red and black ambiance, and flawless playlist are what make Rook top 3 on my favorite restaurant list.
I like spice, but the Dandan noodles were too spicy for my liking. The $12 salad was very small. The fried avocado bun was just okay. I was looking forward to some asian/Asian fusion food while in Indianapolis, but this wasn't what I was expecting.