ALS Restaurant Review #1

For me, one of life’s pleasures is going out to eat.  My wife and I have loved trying new foods and new venues here in Indianapolis.  We also have fun whittling down the list to a few that we return to time and again.

Like you, changes in my body have sharply limited what I can do—but have not curtailed my enjoyment of restaurants.  Those changes have, however,  altered what I deem important in restaurant dining.    Great food and good prices, but poor access?  Off my list. If I can get in, get seated comfortably, and easily use the bathroom-- HUGE POINTS.  Even if the place specializes in Brussel Sprouts.

I do not like Brussel Sprouts.

So, from time to time I will post reviews.  I will mention food, prices, and service, but will focus on access.  After all, dining out should be comfortable and without stress.

My rating system will be based on my scooter (thank you Mitch).

4 scooters:  Great!  Do not miss this.

3 Scooters:  (I have a suggestion (or two).

2 scooters: meh.

1 scooter:  AVOID!   

Hope these are helpful.  Would love some feedback.  Here is my first.

MCL CAFETERIAS

I have been going to MCL forever.  In the late 1950’s and early ‘60s, my parents took my brother and me to the 10^th and Arlington location regularly.   Later, we took our kids.  Later still, we took our adult children and their kids. 

Until it closed, we frequented the Broad Ripple location.

Now our go to spot is the Castleton location, 5520 Castleton Corner Lane.  (north on Allisonville, past the entrance to 465, next right is Castleton Lane.)  Surprisingly easy access for a place in Castleton.  There is ample parking, although the handicapped spaces fill quickly.  (There is a reason MCL is called “Medicare Lounge.”)    

The food is typical MCL fare.  Good selection, fair prices, always well prepared and flavorful.   If you are a lover of fried chicken, draw comfort and joy—it is always on the menu.  Good salad selections and a wide variety of dessert items. 

Now some words about access:

The entrance area leading to the front doors is wide and easily navigated, but the doors themselves are heavy and lack automatic openers.  It’s good to have a companion to help out; although I can manage the doors by myself, with a bit of under the breath griping.

The staff is great!  The line servers are helpful in loading my tray (I am on a scooter), and the line moves quickly.  I have no problem using my scooter in the line.  The floor servers are quick to carry my tray and helpful about unloading.  They help me transfer into a booth or move a chair so that I may remain in my scooter at a table.  Most are quick to refill drinks and bring extra napkins and other supplies.  (Leave a tip).

There is ample space between tables to navigate my scooter.

The bathroom is spacious.  Occasionally I do some backing and filling but all in all it is well designed for my use.  But the door is really heavy and, of course, there is no automatic opener.  I grab the door handle and use my scooter to tease an opening, then use the scooter and my hands to finish entrance and exit.

Concluding remarks:  MCL is timeless.  There is always good food, decent prices, and a friendly and helpful staff.   Access is really pretty good, except for the entrance and bathroom doors.  Given the typical age of the patrons, automatic openers would be a wise investment.

Until that happens, MCL Castleton gets 3 scooters.