Indianapolis restaurants that opened and closed in October.

Just as orange and yellow colors have transformed the trees of Central Indiana, so too has the face of the Indianapolis dining scene changed.

October welcomed a slew of eateries, cafes and drinking establishments to Marion and Hamilton counties, and a couple of businesses near downtown said goodbye. Here are the restaurants that opened and closed in Indianapolis last month, plus a couple that slipped by in September.

Restaurants that have opened

Ka-ne Sushi Thai Fusion

5858 N. College Ave., (317) 559-3259, kanesushithai.com, open 12 September

Taking over the former home of Blupoint Coastal Kitchen, which closed in April, Ka-ne Sushi Thai Fusion introduces Meridian Kessler to new sushi and South Asian dishes. Fried rice, curry and several Thai and Thai-American dishes round out the extensive sushi menu, ranging from $14 to $22 per dish.

Sahm’s Tavern and Sports Bar

5632 E. Washington St., (317) 388-5228, sahmstavernirvington.com, open October 4

Four years after Sahm’s Hospitality Group closed the original Sahm’s Tavern in the Gibson Building downtown, Sahm’s Tavern and Sports Bar has arrived in Irvington to offer pub food along with a robust selection of Big Lug Canteen beers. The menu features bar staples such as sandwiches and fried appetizers, as well as some unusual items such as charred Pittsburgh steaks and fish lasagna.

Songbird Social House

7245 E. 146th St., Carmel, (463) 273-2218, opening Oct. 5.

Pasta, brick oven pizza and wine fill the tables at this restaurant and live music venue on Carmel’s east side. Songbird features a fully stocked bar, multiple televisions and a garage door that opens on warm evenings.

Ash and Elm Carmel

525 N. End Drive, Carmel, (317) 740-1991, ashandelmcider.comopened October 14th.

A popular Fountain Square cider retailer has made a foray into Hamilton County with its Carmel taproom. In addition to Ash and Elm’s fruity hard ciders, the Carmel location serves upscale pub food like wings ($12), roasted Brussels sprouts and sandwiches ($13), including Ash and Elm’s famous grilled cheese.

BuffaCarmel Louis

43 W. Main St., Carmel, (317) 533-0488, buffalouies.com, open October 21

One of Bloomington’s favorite spots has expanded north, opening an outpost in the heart of the Carmel Arts and Design District. Indiana University alumni who once filled the booths of BuffaLouie’s in The Gables will feel right at home with the Carmel restaurant’s menu full of wings, tenders, subs and sandwiches.

Coffee Tinker at the fire station

5555 N. Illinois St. Tinkercoffee.com, open October 25

Six months later, a ski lodge-themed cafe and wine bar Chalet is closedCoffee Tinker took his place at the old fire station in the Butler Tarkington area. The new Tinker Café, dubbed the Firehouse, serves a variety of hot drinks during the day as well as a limited breakfast menu, before moving on to alcoholic beverages and a food menu including salads, sandwiches and desserts in the evening.

Shin Dig

st. Roosevelt, 1351, (317) 907-6100, shindigindy.com, open October 28

Fire pits and lawn games dot the 7,000 square foot patio. Cunningham Restaurant Groupthe latest family-owned business in North Mass County. Shin Dig Restaurant serves artisan pizza, wings, ice cream, salads and sandwiches, as well as beer, wine and cocktails in the restaurant for all ages.

Restaurants that have closed

West Fork Whiskey Co., Indianapolis

1660 Bellefontaine St., closed Sept. 28.

After ten years in Marion County, West Fork Whiskey closed its only Indianapolis distillery because plans ambitious expansion in Westfield. However, the absence shouldn’t last long: West Fork recently announced plans to open a cocktail bar at Fountain Square this winter.

Lifting grill

2412 E. Raymond St., closed Oct. 31.

After more than five years in the Middle Southeast, this heaven of smoked meats and fried comfort closed due to installation costs and uncertainty regarding the future of its lease. Despite the closure of its brick-and-mortar location, the Grill still plans to cater events in the near future.

Contact reporter Bradley Hohulin at [email protected]. You can follow him on Twitter/X @BradleyHohulin.