I was really bummed when Scotty's closed, but we still had The Ram. Now with that gone, all the special gamer friendly places are no more. I hope something steps up and makes gamers feel welcome, because that honestly was something that made GenCon and Indianapolis special. 
I have gone to the big convention in Columbus, OH before, but once you step out of the convention center, it is like the city would just rather you go away. There is no good atmosphere.
I hope Indy can rebuild its wonderful atmosphere soon.

I'm from Columbus and I also agree regarding Origins. I wouldn't say the downtown wants you to go away, but the local establishments certainly do not embrace the convention the way Indianapolis does Gen Con. Origins is also (traditionally, but not this year) competing with Pride Week, which takes away some attention from it. Regardless Indy does seem to really try creating a welcoming environment for Gen Con and I hope the restaurant closures don't start to take away from that. 

Also unfortunate that "Munchkin Tavern" got axed. 
 

The Ram is on life support with the few remaining restaurants they have in the Pacific Northwest

Now on to the good news, it was just out today that Goodwood Brewing is moving into the old RAM location they should be opened by July 5th

https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/goodwood-brewpub-to-open-indianapolis-location-in-former-ram-restaurant/

I don’t know anything about that chain (if you could call 3 current locations a “chain”). But I’m always up for trying a new place. Here’s to hoping it’ll be good! There’s never too many good eating spots.

I will definitely give whatever ends up in the Ram's spot a chance!  Well, maybe on Tuesday night, assuming it might instantly end up as popular as the Ram with people who did not even realize it closed and try to go there ;)

On the reason steak and shake is popular for con-gamers, is cause its pretty much the ONLY source of food after 11pm, within a few miles of the con...

I've often remarked, that CAUSE of gencon (and other conventions indi holds), maybe downtown needs MORE fast food joints in a 3-4 block radi of the con center, that DO stay open till say 2-3 am...

I remember when I went to EVO in 2019, there was a 24 hour McDonald's across the street from Mandalay Bay. Really handy to have a cheap, quick dining option so conveniently available. Wish there were more places like that in Indy.

There used to be a McDonald's diaganol from the Convention center -- in the ground floor of the Hyatt. Been gone a few years now, I guess. Maybe more, time flies.

Anyway, I imagine downtown rent in that area is bonkers and it is probably not as in-demand the other 51 weeks of the year.  So, it's not like no one thought of it.  It's just likely that the math doesn't add up.  

Not sure if there is currently a dining curfew in Indy that may be lifted by September...

Arby's, White Castle, BDubs, Kilroy's, etc., are all open past 11PM and within 0.5 mile of the con.

Arby's? I know there used to be one across from the Hilton Garden Inn, but that closed almost a decade ago. Is there another one?

OK, so technically exactly 0.5mi away from the ICC as google maps flies.

My bougie-hipster yet slightly ogling heart also misses Punch Bowl Social and Tilted Kilt for late-night food and drinks near the ICC.

Nice. Thanks! I'll have to check that out.

does no one use Clustertruck? 

I am usually more surprised that anyone is still eating that late when Gen-Con is the time of year I go to bed earliest!  Gotta get to the breakfast buffet before the lines start really forming, and then stand in line at the Consignment Store before those lines really start forming!  Haha.

(Also I always jump to Steak 'n' Shake's aid because I am from its hometown and I have loved it my entire life, but yeah, being closed from Midnight to 10 is definitely not going to help continue endearing that location to the congoers)

as we get closer to opening day I will post a a discount code for 50% off for first-time customers only