About
- AJ'S BAR & GRILL
About Us
Welcome to AJ’s Bar & Grill, a fixture in the local dining scene since 1993, and under our proud ownership, Kevin and Cora LaBarr, since September 2017. While the establishment had a rich history, our chapter began with a lifelong dream of mine, Kevin: a deep-seated passion for bringing people together through great food and genuine hospitality.
For over forty years, my career was in the automotive industry. Alongside that, my passion for cooking always simmered. It was more than a hobby; it was a way to connect and share joy. The dream of owning a restaurant, a place to share my culinary creations, was ever-present. When the opportunity to take over this established restaurant arose, it felt like the perfect moment to turn that aspiration into reality. We saw incredible potential to build upon its foundation and infuse it with our vision.
The name “AJ’s Bar & Grill” honors its past. We purchased the bar from Ajer Mann, and keeping “AJ’s” felt like a fitting tribute to his legacy and the establishment’s history. Since its inception as a restaurant in 1993, and throughout our tenure, AJ’s has remained in this same location, a testament to its enduring appeal.
A unique part of our story is my dedication before we even owned AJ’s. I worked here, unpaid, for ten months prior to our acquisition. This immersive period allowed me to meticulously craft a new menu, envision and oversee remodeling, and implement my business practices. This hands-on approach ensured that when we officially took over, we were intimately familiar with the restaurant’s potential and the path to realizing our vision.
- Our Owners & Our Team
The Backbone of AJ's
AJ’s Bar & Grill is proudly owned and operated by us, Kevin and Cora LaBarr. As a husband-and-wife team, we are deeply involved in the daily rhythm of the restaurant. Being a family-run and locally owned business is a source of immense pride. Our roots are firmly planted in this community, which we are dedicated to serving.
The values guiding AJ’s are consistency and quality. We believe our guests deserve a consistently excellent experience. This means consistent quality in our food, with every dish meeting our standards, and in our service, with a friendly and attentive team. Quality is the bedrock of our offerings, from ingredients to preparation.
Our team is remarkable, and we cherish that multiple families work together on our staff. This creates a unique, familial atmosphere that extends to our guests. It fosters trust, understanding, and camaraderie. They are the friendly faces and skilled hands ensuring your time with us is enjoyable.
- Our Food & Menu
A Gastropub Adventure
Think of AJ’s Bar & Grill as your neighborhood gastropub with a commitment to scratch-made goodness. Our philosophy: if we can make it in-house, we do. This dedication to freshness is evident across our diverse menu, offering something for every palate.
We’re known for signature dishes like our flavorful Cajun Meatloaf, a hearty twist on a classic. Our hand-cut steaks are a testament to quality, cooked to perfection. And our homemade sauces and dressings elevate every meal. Our entire menu is designed to offer exciting and delicious options.
We seize every chance to use local, organic, or homemade ingredients, supporting local producers and ensuring freshness. This commitment is a difference you can taste.
To keep things exciting, our main menu is refreshed once a year, while our specials menu changes every 10 days. This allows our chefs to showcase creativity with seasonal ingredients, meaning there’s always something new for our regulars to discover.
- Our Atmosphere & Experience
Your Local Hangout
Step into AJ’s Bar & Grill and feel a sense of relaxed comfort. We’ve cultivated an Indianapolis-themed atmosphere, a local hangout where everyone feels welcome. We pride ourselves on embracing regulars and newcomers alike, making them instantly part of the AJ’s family.
Our vibe is decidedly casual and family-friendly. Whether for lunch, dinner, or catching the game, you’ll find an unpretentious, comfortable environment. We believe great food and good company are best enjoyed where you can unwind. The décor reflects our local pride, creating a familiar and engaging space.
Our ultimate goal: we want everyone who walks through our doors to feel “they were never a stranger.” From arrival to departure, we want you to feel welcomed, valued, and that you’ve spent time in a place where you truly belong. We aim for AJ’s to be an extension of your own living room.
- Our Community & Philosophy
Giving Back, Standing Out
At AJ’s Bar & Grill, we believe in being an active, supportive community member. We consistently contribute to local schools and charities, understanding these institutions are vital. It’s an honor to give back and participate in local events and sponsorships.
What makes AJ’s different? It’s our unwavering commitment to a scratch menu, using fresh, quality ingredients. It’s our great service, with a team ensuring every guest feels well cared for. Plus, we offer an engaging atmosphere with regular live music and popular poker nights, creating a vibrant environment. This combination of exceptional food, genuine service, and engaging entertainment makes AJ’s a standout destination.
- Our Customer Experience
Why You'll Be Back
Customer loyalty is fostered by consistency and our dynamic, ever-changing menu. Guests rely on AJ’s for a high-quality meal and positive experience every visit. Coupled with this is the excitement of our rotating specials, ensuring even frequent visitors find something new. This balance of reliable favorites and exciting discoveries keeps customers returning. We’ve been the backdrop for countless celebrations and gatherings, each contributing to our rich history as a community hub.
- Fun Extras
The AJ's Secrets You Should Know!
We offer catering services, bringing AJ’s flavors to your special events, and host private parties within the restaurant.
A few “secrets”: Kevin worked here for free for 10 months pre-purchase, meticulously crafting our approach. We often feature live music – check our schedule! For brunch aficionados, our 21-item Bloody Mary is a Saturday and Sunday must-try. And yes, our weekend brunch is a highlight! When weather permits, our inviting patio seating offers a wonderful outdoor option.
We invite you to experience all AJ’s Bar & Grill offers – from our scratch-made food and welcoming atmosphere to our community spirit. We’re more than a bar and grill; we’re a place where you’re never a stranger.