Garage Food Hall is one of the nation's best. These are the top things to eat there.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly described Azucar Morena's cuisine. It is Venezuelan.

The Garage Food Hall in the Bottleworks District has made an indelible mark on the Indianapolis dining scene since its 2021 opening. As many as 150,000 visitors step inside a month for its 19 food vendors, and the rest of the country is also taking notice.

Ranked second in the country on USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards list for the best food halls in the nation, The Garage boasts some of the best fast casual international restaurants in town.

Here is why we think the Garage Food Hall should have been No. 1, and the dishes you should try when visiting the food stands inside.

Lil Dumplings Noodle Bar and delicious dan dan noodles

With acclaimed Chef Carlos Salazar (of Rook and Oakley’s Bistro fame) at the helm, the food is going to be intriguing and flavor-forward. If you are hungry and in the mood for comfort, the DanDan Noods are all you will need.

It is a hefty bowl of vermicelli rice noodles, topped with pork soboro (minced meat), wok-fried shiitakes and bok choy, pickled red onions, scallions, crushed peanuts, crushed red pepper, chili oil and a sesame tare. Topped with a soft boiled egg this dish is an explosion of tastes and textures that will leave you thoroughly content.

Eat here now: Traditional Mexican street food made by family at Julieta

J’s Lobster and a lobster roll worth its price

The first thing you will want to know about the lobster roll here is this “Is it worth the price?”

The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Cold Maine lobster meat and claws packed into a buttery New England split top roll then drizzled with melted butter sounds simple right? And yet it is rich and light, clean and creamy all at the same time. If you’ve ever been to Maine, you’ll know J’s has gotten it right.

The last thing you will ask is “When can we come back?”

Azucar Morena and attention-grabbing arepas

This Venezuelan hot spot is known for its arepas (stuffed white cornmeal patties).

The Sweet Spicy Chicken Arepa is an attention-grabber. Slow-cooked shredded chicken in a spicy broth has the kind of slow burn that takes up residence in the back of your mouth. It hits all the flavor elements of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy. Crispy on the outside and moist in the middle, add avocado for richness and you have the perfect traditional Venezuelan lunch.

Poke Guru and a tuna dish that makes you feel healthy and good

If you are looking for a healthier option that is nutrient dense then this may be your new favorite.

At Poke Guru, you can build your own bowl or choose one of their signature bowls. You cannot go wrong with any of them but the Spicy Citrus Ponzu with tuna is, in my mind, just how a poke bowl should taste. Served over brown rice with sushi-grade tuna, edamame, seaweed salad, cucumber, pickled pear, scallions, and crispy fried wontons this is the kind of food that makes you feel like you are doing something good for yourself.

The Harbour and a not-so-traditional fish and chips with salmon

If your waxing nostalgic for the Scottish comfort that was MacNivens on Mass Ave, then look no further than The Harbour.

The same owners have brought all the MacNiven’s recipes to The Garage along with their wildly popular Scottish fish and chips. We all know the traditional fish and chips, made with cod, is the favorite.

But if you try the salmon version you may never eat cod again! Crisp on the outside and tender and juicy in the middle, paired with the creamiest tartar sauce you will find, it is a win-win.

Palvana Cubana for a Reuben (it's popular for a reason)

This Cuban café has a fresh take on traditional Cuban dishes. Of all of these, The Cuban Reuben is the most popular and now I know why.

A classic Cuban sandwich with the addition of corned beef, Swiss, chow-chow and thousand island? Sign me up! Pressed and grilled inside Cuban bread (akin to a baguette), this sandwich is an essential of The Garage dining experience.

Panadas

This little place is home to some of the most inspiring empanadas I have experienced. Panadas takes the classic empanada and adds modern flair and surprising flavors.

The Colombia fried yellow corn masa empanada, stuffed with slow cooked shredded beef, potato, cilantro, tomato, and onion is a best seller. But I think it is all about the sauces! A mild verde, a garlic sauce (mayo based), guasacaca (Venezualen version of guacamole), pico de gallo or habanera salsa add just the right kick to the rich beef and corn combo.

Use them all or just one, game changer.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Best restaurants in Indianapolis: Garage Food Hall among best in US