Plainfield Indiana’s Best-Kept Secret Is Inside a Hotel

If you’re looking for a spot in Plainfield, Indiana, that delivers great food, drinks and an easygoing atmosphere, The Local Kitchen & Tap might just surprise you.

Tucked inside the Embassy Suites By Hilton Plainfield Indianapolis Airport Hotel, this hidden gem isn’t just for hotel guests. It’s a place — and I can't stress this enough — locals can (and should) have on their radar, despite there being no signage on the hotel's exterior or a separate entrance for it.

The restaurant also doesn't serve breakfast or lunch, but boasts an amazing setting and great food for a night out.

Let's get to my experience and why this restaurant is worth visiting.

For Starters

The Local Kitchen & Tap offers a little bit of everything, making it easy to find something no matter what you’re in the mood for. The menu ranges from shareable starters to hearty entrees, with options like wings, burgers, steaks, onion rings, hand-battered fried pickles, flatbreads, salads and more.

We started with the smoked gouda & bacon mac and cheese bites, served with an apple maple bacon jam. They were the perfect mix of savory and sweet, and definitely a must-try if you’re looking to kick things off with something shareable.

Our Entrees

For entrees, the peppercorn steak frites stood out right away. Topped with a rich peppercorn sauce, the steak was tender and cooked to perfection.

Another standout was the smoked pork chop, locally sourced from Fischer Farms and glazed with bacon-maple jam. It struck that perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, and paired well with sides of garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli.

To top it off, the restaurant also features a strong selection of craft beers and cocktails, making it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal.

The Experience

Located inside the Embassy Suites in Plainfield, The Local Kitchen & Tap has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that feels just as inviting for locals as it does for hotel guests.

During our visit, it wasn’t overly busy, which made for a laid-back dining experience. Service was quick, and our server was friendly and helpful when it came to recommendations, adding to the overall ease of the evening.

Plan Your Visit

One of the best things about The Local Kitchen & Tap is its convenient location. Situated near the Indianapolis International Airport, it’s an easy stop for travelers looking for a quality meal close by.

And while it’s located inside the Embassy Suites, you don’t have to be a hotel guest to dine here, making it a great option for locals in Hendricks County and beyond who may not have realized it was there.

The Local Kitchen & Tap

• Hours: Open Monday through Saturday 5-10 p.m. and Sunday 5-9 p.m.
• Location: Inside the Embassy Suites By Hilton Plainfield Indianapolis Airport Hotel, 6089 Clarks Creek Road, Plainfield, IN
• Tip: You will need to go through the main front entrance of the hotel and head to your left to get to the restaurant.