2017 could have been... better.





From some of our favorite local restaurants to our nation's sense of dignity, there's some things we lost this year that we all wish we could have back. Take a stroll down memory lane back through the year that seemed to never end, and join us as we help build a better 2018.





LongBranch... and then 22nd Street Diner





You're a very lucky person if you managed to grab a bite at LongBranch during its six months of operation. The forward-thinking Asian food was something uncommon in Indy's food scene, and was so good it was named IndyStar's best new restaurant of 2016. I was on the verge of tears when I found out I wouldn't be able to get those pork dumplings or green beans anymore.





After its closing, 22nd Street Diner opened a mere 3 months later. With the creator of the dazzling Tongue N Cheek food truck at the helm, it seemed too good to be true. The diner opened its doors in July to good reviews.





It shut down 4 months later. We didn't even get to try it, and will never let ourselves live without regretting it.

Sinking Ship II





The original Sinking Ship on College Ave boasts a dedicated regular crowd, a variety of events, a locally famous menu, and a reputation for being a little more rough around the edges than most bars - just the way their patrons like it. So when this second location opened on the north side in the space that used to be Moon Dog Tavern, it seemed destined for good things.





Alas, after just over a year in business, they closed their doors in January of 2017. Mysterious and sudden as it was, we're just thankful they're still up to the same 'ole ship shit down in SoBro.









The spooky Kroger on 16th Street





Yes, that Kroger, in all of its straight-out-of-the-1950s glory, has gotten a facelift. It now matches the contemporary apartments next door, and symbolizes just how much the 16th Street corridor is changing.

The Warehouse in Carmel





One of 2017's biggest mysteries, the 150 person-capacity music venue known as The Warehouse abruptly closed in late January and cancelled all remaining shows on the calendar. Even stranger, refunds were not offered to ticket-buyers for any of the cancelled shows. IBJ and Indy Star both reported on the bizarre incident, but neither could reach owner Heather Ramsey for comment, and our sources suggest that she fled the city altogether. We're still trying to figure out what happened with that one. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Champps at Keystone





It's no surprise when a company that has filed bankruptcy twice since 2013 starts shutting down businesses. Still, this Champps location has been a mainstay in Indy for 22 years. Fans of Champps can still frequent their location in Circle Centre Mall.





That absolutely insane cup of corn kiosk in Circle Centre Mall





Look, we understand. Sometimes you're just really in the mood for some elote. But we have a feeling that craving doesn't hit you when you're toting around six bags of H&M jeans and Finish Line shoes. Apparently they're popular in Europe, though! RIP to the most Indiana thing that has ever existed. Maybe it would've survived if it was Korn themed.

Bartini's and Cadillac Ranch





Rest In Peace to two of the hottest bars downtown for people who just turned 21. The real question on everyone's mind though: what happened to the electric bull????

Monon Food Co. (kinda)





Known for their tacos, mac and cheese and pet-friendly patio just off the Monon Trail, this Broad Ripple restaurant abruptly closed in early October to focus on their new quick-service downtown location (72 W. New York Street) bearing the nickname MoFoCo the locals gave to the original spot. We miss tossing back cold ones with the boys and eating fish tacos on the cozy deck of that house-turned-restaurant up north, but hey - we're just glad they're still around to cook for us.

Colts Grille





Following the trajectory of their namesake, 2017 was a rough year for the Colts Grille. But man, we'll miss those burgers.





Marsh Supermarkets





The once prominent supermarket chain went bankrupt this past year and closed all locations. The chain employed nearly 2,800 people at 44 store locations and was open for almost 90 years. Some locations have already been bought and turned into a new store like the downtown location on Michigan St. Most locations have been purchased with future plans, but some still remain un-purchased. Guess that's what happens when CEOs regularly blow money on vacation homes and Super Bowls!

Broad Ripple Crackers





The comedy club where Jim Gaffigan, Marc Maron, and Daniel Tosh performed closed in October, ending its 18-year run. The original Crackers opened in 1982 at the intersection of Broad Ripple and College Avenues. The downtown location of Crackers is still open for business.

Spice Box on Virginia Avenue





One of Indy's best spots to grab a vegetarian or vegan dish sadly closed its Virginia Avenue location in September. Luckily, the Indian-inspired favorites can still be found in the City Market just a few blocks north.

PRINTtEXT





The cutest little periodicals shop in the world shut its doors in December so the owners could pursue creative studio projects full time. Gone, but certainly not forgotten.









Gabe the Bork Dog





This real-life-dog-turned-meme inspired countless YouTube video remixes after his owner posted a couple of short and simple videos of the dog barking and staring into the camera. The miniature American Eskimo and Pomeranian doggo passed away on January 20, 2017 and the Internet responded with an outpouring of condolences and tribute videos.

Hardwick's Hardware on the Circle





The thought of a hardware store on the Circle is kind of hilarious, now that we think about it. RIP.









The Owner's Wife





A menu from Jonathan Brooks + beer pairings and management from the people behind Outliers and Brugge Brasserie = a surefire recipe for success, right? Apparently not. When it opened in February, it was expected to be the darling of Indy's food scene, offering up food and beer pairings with some of the biggest names in the city's food scene at the helm. Unfortunately, according to the IndyStar, the people just didn't come. The off-the-beaten-path location, small signage, and lack of advertising all contributed to its regrettable demise.

Marrow





Fountain Square's adventurous soul food spot Marrow dished out classic American dishes with a global perspective, and was considered one of the best restaurants in the city before closing in June. The restaurant was even mentioned in one of Conde Nast Traveler's features on Indianapolis this past year.





Boogie Burger





Perhaps the only closing restaurant on this list revealed via a tweet storm, Boogie Burger humbly announced that they were closing shop on the morning of September 11. No details were provided about the owners' next projects and endeavors, leaving us wondering if we'll ever get another taste of those heavenly garlic fries again.





BARcelona Tapas





After ten years of serving Spanish small plates at the corner of Delaware and Ohio, BARcelona Tapas cooked its last meal on September 3rd of this year. Citing an inability to renegotiate its lease on terms that would allow the restaurant to continue operating profitably, owner Frank Schmitz woefully decided to close. The good news? They're actually headquartered in St. Louis, and that location remains open.

Photo via Aaron M. on Yelp

Bourbon Street





2017 started off with an unfortunate bang when Bourbon Street (at the corner of Vermont & Indiana) announced a sudden closure after 15 years of service. Celebrated for their tenderloin, upstairs patio with a view, and dollar beers on Mondays - we're still mourning the loss of this divey downtown staple

Elbow Room





One of the longest-tenured bars in Indy, the closing of Elbow Room hurts. Open since 1933(!) shortly after the repeal of prohibition, it was a hotspot hangout for Colts quarterback Andrew Luck or anyone looking to get in a game of pool.

Mama Irma's





The foodie scene in Fountain square lost a bit of its diversity in October when Hilda Cano, owner and mastermind behind the authentic Peruvian dishes, decided to retire and close her restaurant. Tears filled the room when we stopped by on its final day, but we know Mama will always be there in spirit.





Pizzology





Local pizza restaurant Pizzology closed the doors of its Mass Ave location in February. While the location had been open since 2014, fans of the eatery can still visit the Carmel location at 13190 Hazel Dell Pkwy in Carmel.





Recess





The restaurant that ignited Indy's booming food scene came to a close in February this past year. Without Chef Greg Hardesty behind the wheel, there's a very good chance we wouldn't have Neal Brown - the mastermind behind Stella and the upcoming Ukiyo - and Jonathan Brooks of Milktooth fame. Gone, but certainly not forgotten.

La Chinita Poblana





The quaint standing-room-only Asian-Mexican taco shop on Westfield Boulevard closed on November 18th after just four years in the heart of Broad Ripple Village. Known for their tilapia tacos, chunky guac and fresh fruit bubble teas, fans of La Chinita Poblana will be glad to hear owner George Munoz is working on a new restaurant that won't be the same concept, but will feature some familiar favorites. Keep your eyes peeled next summer, too, as Munoz continues running his taco cart and sells La Chinita Poblana food at fairs and festivals.

B's Po Boy





When B's announced its closing at the end of November 2017, the entire city was (and still is) in collective mourning. Over the past five years, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone complaining about bad service or unsatisfying food at B's. Known just as much for their spacious, covered outdoor patio and bocce ball courts as their tasty cajun food, owners Deb and Ryan Borchelt explained on social media that "The summers were always profitable, but the winters consistently erased those." News of the closing traveled quickly and the restaurant was bustling nearly every minute of every day during their last few weeks of operation - a subtle nod of respect and appreciation to one of Fountain Square's best restaurants in its final days.

Plow & Anchor





The much-hyped farm-to-table seafood restaurant shut its doors due to parking problems in the area as one of the first restaurants to close this past year. The owner, Craig Baker of Bent Rail and Local fame, plans on opening a new lunch option in the same spot.

Did we miss something? Let us know at [email protected] !







