Indiana State Government Center Cafeteria

If there’s one thing to learn about government, it’s that with each new administration you go through a period of the newly elected officials bringing in their own leadership team and support professionals.
So, it wasn’t particularly surprising when Mike Pence was elected governor that the Indiana Government Center also ended up with a new cafeteria service provider. The switch from TreatAmerica to Taher wasn’t a particularly traumatic change for most who frequent the IGC cafeterias. If you’re familiar with former Governor Daniels and current Governor Pence, then it won’t surprise you that we switched from a more «nuts and bolts» cafeteria service provider to a provider with a bit more style and a focus on wellness.
Much was made about the fact that with Taher, the IGC cafeterias would have an onsite chef but, for the most part, changes were more stylistic than substantial. The IGC Cafeterias are essentially two cafeterias — one in the South Building and one in the North building. Additionally, Au Bön Pain has an area in the South building but this review will not address them.
As I primarily frequent the South building, this review focuses on their offerings including a grill, a carvery, a sandwich area, a classics area, and a more salad-​focused area. They serve meals starting at breakfast (I believe 7:30am) and ending about 1:30pm for meals and 2pm for the entire cafeteria). They typically have five specials per day ranging in price from the $ 5+ — $ 7. Salads are charged according to weight and, yes, you’d be amazed how quickly it all adds up. Grill items can be ala carte or you can combo your meal. They also offer pizza by the slice on a daily basis with the usual price being $ 2.99, but it can go up during times when specialty pizza types are offered.
The current incarnation of the IGC cafeteria is an incredibly hit-​and-​miss experience, and I must confess that I’m bothered by prices that did, for the most part, increase. I’ve long believed that an employer should provide some basic perks and for an employer that emphasizes wellness consistently, I find it troubling that the most affordable items in the cafeteria are the least healthy.
That said, the food under Taher is healthier and, for the most part, tastier than it was under their predecessor. I’d gotten to the point under the previous vendor that I could frequently not eat in the cafeteria because the excessive grease made me ill. For the most part, that does not occur now (with the exception of the french fries — they still kill my system). As is frequently true of cafeteria type settings, one of the key tricks is arriving at a time when those items that are «out» are actually hot. This is especially true with the pizza. The pizza, when fresh, is quite tasty. The pizza, when it has been sitting out for a bit, is downright godawful.
I’m a huge fan of the grill’s chicken tenders (three tenders for $ 3.95, but they are nicely sized). I’ve also found I really enjoy their meatloaf, though the fried chicken is hit-​and-​miss. If you try to buy things a la carte, you’re likely going to spend too much and be disappointed.
The staff is always friendly and helpful, though if you think you can sweet-​talk your way into deviations from specials you will also be disappointed. They are definitely a «by the book» group.
The cafeteria also offers Starbucks coffee, though Au Bön Pain also is available. When I get my iced coffee craving, I head to Au Bön Pain. The atmosphere is your fairly typical cafeteria style decorations. There’s tables identified as wheelchair accessible (I’ll admit I find this a tad tacky as it encourages segregation).
The IGC Cafeteria is pretty much a middle-​of-​the-​road cafeteria. With all the comparably priced food options downtown, there’s no reason at all to go out of your way to dine in the cafeteria but, if you happen to be in the government center it’s a reasonable option and you should be able to eat a fairly tasty meal for under $ 10​.As you might expect, you will occasionally run into legislators in the cafeteria and, one of my favorite parts of the dining experience, you’ll also frequently be surrounded by schoolchildren who are in the building getting a tour. It adds a certain energy and spark to the experience that I really enjoy.

I worked in the government center for 7 years. I admit to not eating very often under the managers of the current vendor. I preferred the previous vendor due to the availability of vegetables without meat cooked in them. One of my biggest complaints about the vegetarian options is the fact they do offer a veggie burger; however, it is cooked on the same grill with the same grease and utensil as the hamburgers and other meats.
Also, there are many days when I would get lettuce from the salad bar, nearly the same amount to go with lunch I packed. However, the price they charged me would vary .50 to 1.00. Quite a lot for just romaine lettuce leaves. They never could explain the fluctuation in charges, other than it seemed to me the scales weren’t calibrated from line to line.
The atmosphere was typical cafeteria. Clean with mostly friendly staff.
The cost is fairly high for what you get considering there are so many other options downtown. They do offer occasional and daily specials but no state employee discounts. Expect to pay at least $ 8 – 10 of you get a meal with a drink. I often saw people pay $ 12 or more adding dessert or a salad.

I agree with Jill H. They have dropped/​changed things for the worse.
Turkey round (Turkey with shredded lettuce) and thin round bun is no longer offered. At least it was palatable.
The ‘Ham’ round is occasionally offered but the ‘ham’ is terrible.
They use to offer full sized wraps pre-​made for convenince, now they only offer ½ sized wraps at about the same price.
The ‘hamburgers’ are sitting open in a vat of juicy slop, pre-​cooked.
Small pizza’s are covered with an un-​healthy glop of heavy cheese.
I could go on forever…
Au Bön Pain has an ‘outlet’ there but everything is calorie-​laden. You won’t see an egg white and cheddar on whole wheat bagel for 210 calories even though this is an offering at a regular full-​sized ABP. No full-​sized sandwiches… only ½ sized at nearly full-​sized prices. Greasy sausage and bacon are on their pre-​wrapped sandwich’s in the gov’t center — nothing healthy there except for the over-​priced soup…
Brown-​bagging it is the only real choice… so much for the state gov’t pushing a wellness plan…

Convenient location in the government building and many options to choose from. It was very busy so I just picked a line and hoped for the best. Ended up in the entrée’ line and ordered spaghetti and meatballs. It was okay but afterwards discovered there was a pasta line where i could’ve picked my own ingredients (and it was about the same price). Clean tables and friendly staff. (I visited the South location).

There are two cafeterias in the Government Center complex. One of which has a nice grill where you can get a decent breaded tenderloin. Don’t be ashamed. Add the fries on the side.