Welcome to Friend’s Diner
Nestled on Madison Avenue in Indianapolis, Friend’s Diner is more than just a local eatery; it's a welcoming hub where comfort food meets community spirit. Known for its homemade delights like fried pickles, chicken and dumplings, and perfectly cooked steaks, this mom-and-pop establishment quickly dazzles diners with generous portions and reasonable prices. The inviting atmosphere fosters connections, making it ideal for gatherings, as seen in rave reviews about the attentive service and exceptional meals. Friend’s Diner captures the essence of nostalgia—where each dish feels like a warm embrace from a friend, making it a must-visit for anyone craving hearty American fare.
- 3915 Madison Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227, United States Hotline: +1 317-757-5962
Welcome to Friend’s Diner, a delightful culinary haven nestled at 3915 Madison Ave, Indianapolis, IN. This independent small business embodies the charm of a classic mom-and-pop diner, where the atmosphere is warm, inviting, and filled with the hustle and bustle characteristic of great home cooking.
At Friend’s Diner, the commitment to quality is evident in every dish. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can indulge in a comforting array of offerings that cater to every palate. Highlights from the menu include:
- Grilled Tilapia & Shrimp - a refreshing and flavorful option for seafood lovers
- Fried Pollock - crispy and golden, perfect for those seeking a classic frying experience
- Coconut Shrimp - a tropical twist that’ll tantalize your taste buds
- Bacon Cheddar Fries - indulgent and hearty, ideal as a shareable starter
- 8 Oz. Sirloin Steak - cooked to perfection, offering rich and robust flavors
Many patrons boast about the generous portion sizes and reasonable pricing that make dining here a fantastic value. Amanda Page, a first-time visitor, noted, “The staff put a bunch of tables together for us... and we all felt we will come back.” It’s this community spirit and attentiveness that set Friend’s Diner apart.
Aside from the delicious food, the diner’s ambiance echoes a sense of nostalgia with a simple but clean aesthetic. Customers like Tammy Mast have praised the environment, stating it feels like home with dishes that remind them of family kitchens. From chicken and dumplings that taste made-from-scratch to satisfying cheeseburgers, the home cooking here is deeply appreciated.
Despite the occasional bustling noise, which adds to the lively diner vibe, diners have found the service consistently friendly and efficient. Chris Richardson remarked on a recent visit, “You could hardly tell they were short-staffed,” a testament to the professionalism displayed by the team.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, don’t miss the chance to experience Friend’s Diner. Their commitment to serving delightful American comfort food in a friendly atmosphere means you won’t just leave satisfied; you’ll want to return again and again. As James Campbell put it, this place truly is a "hidden gem." Make sure to swing by and see what all the buzz is about!
For a delicious meal in a nostalgic setting, give Friend’s Diner a try. You won’t regret it!

This was my first time here, and I met with a large group of friends for lunch. The food was great and we had a good time. The staff put a bunch of tables together for us, even though we gave them no notice. Service was good, and we all felt we will come back. Portions were more than generous, and prices were reasonable for the huge plates of food! They serve breakfast all day and are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

independent small business. I was impressed with the quality of the food and friendly service.

Simple mom and pop diner. The atmosphere is simple and clean, but the did is fabulous home cooking. Chicken and dumplings taste like they were made in mom's kitchen.

Excellent Fare with decent service. Open concept, so could get noisy. In that, diners are hustle and bustle for the nostalgia anyways. Give it a chance.

Relaxing environment. Quick service. Great food. Great prices! I'll definitely be back

We are from out of town and decided to stop here to try the fried tenderloin sandwich. I can’t speak to how the tenderloin compares to others, as this was my first, but from a picky home chef’s point of view it was awesome. My family was very pleased with their meals as well. They were short staffed, but you could hardly tell. Very professional and comfortable dining experience.

This 'hidden gem' is amazing! The caramel pancakes were delicious. The environment was very inviting and friendly (lived up to the name). Can't wait to go back!

We went there on a whim because the restaurant we had planned on going to was unexpectedly closed. The diner was close by. And it was a super experience! — food- OMG, you HAVE to get the breaded mushrooms as an appetizer! You can tell that these were made on site because the mushrooms were huge and moist, and the breading was light enough that it did not hide the taste of the mushrooms. One of us got the steak sandwich, expecting just little Steak ‘Ums for the meat. No, this was a large thick piece of meat cooked to perfection. The other meal was a huge cheeseburger also cooked to perfection. And don’t forget to order the onion rings, which are also made on site. — service was good. The waitresses were all very friendly and helpful. Their food suggestions were spot on. They kept refilling our sodas and checking to see if we needed anything else. — atmosphere was a little plain. No bad, just nothing to write home about. I gave the stars because they have pictures of customers on the wall; they support many local activities and fund raisers; and because it was actually more to expect from just a diner. So if you if you want some good hot and fresh American food in a comfy nice place, you gotta check this place out!!