Few Greenwood neighborhoods blend convenience, hospitality, and flavor the way Auburn Trace does. Nestled just north of Smith Valley Road and bordered by the gentle charm of Averitt Road, Auburn Trace isn’t just a peaceful residential haven—it’s a surprising treasure trove for food enthusiasts seeking everything from classic comfort food to adventurous global flavors. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a recent transplant, or a hungry explorer eager to eat like a local, Auburn Trace’s dining scene boasts standout restaurants, quirky cafés, gourmet bakeries, and legendary food trucks. Ready for a mouthwatering neighborhood tour? Let’s dig in!
Neighborhood Favorites: Auburn Trace’s Most-Loved Restaurants
1. Matteo’s Italian Grill (Smith Valley Rd & Averitt Rd)
Type: Italian | Price: $$ | Must-Try: Lasagna al Forno, Garlic Knots
Matteo’s, at the intersection of Smith Valley and Averitt, is Auburn Trace’s beloved home for classic Italian fare. With cozy booths and romantic lighting, it’s perfect for both family dinners and date nights. Locals rave about their handcrafted pastas, generous portions, and authentic sauces. Don’t skip the garlic knots—they’re pillowy, drenched in herb butter, and worth the trip alone. Matteo’s also boasts an impressive wine list that pairs beautifully with their veal marsala and homemade tiramisu.
2. The Locavore Java House (Cambridge Dr near Auburn Trace Park)
Type: Café & Coffeehouse | Price: $ | Must-Try: Cold Brew, Egg Soufflé Sandwiches, Vegan Scones
Morning in Auburn Trace starts at The Locavore Java House. This cheerful café sources its beans from Indianapolis roasters and features a display case of scratch-baked pastries. Regulars recommend the rich cold brew, almond croissants, and their locally-famous “maple waffle sandwich”—a sweet-and-savory breakfast layering eggs, cheese, and bacon on a maple-infused waffle. Vegan and gluten-free options are plentiful, making this a community favorite for all diets.
3. Kojiro Sushi Bar (Stonegate Rd next to Auburn Trace’s eastern entrance)
Type: Japanese | Price: $$ | Must-Try: Firecracker Roll, Pork Ramen, Tempura Udon
Craving sushi or ramen? Kojiro Sushi Bar is a local secret for top-notch Japanese cuisine. The intimate décor, creative rolls (the “Greenwood Garden” roll is a must), and warm service bring repeat visitors, especially during their unbeatable weekday lunch specials. Their pork ramen is slow-simmered and deeply savory, while the tempura udon hits all the right comforting notes.
Sweet Spots: Best Bakeries and Dessert Havens
1. Sugared Magnolia Bakeshop (Auburn Trace Blvd & Brandywine Dr)
Type: Bakery | Price: $ | Must-Try: Red Velvet Cupcakes, Lemon Bars, Custom Celebration Cakes
Just a block off Auburn Trace Park, Sugared Magnolia fills the air with the smell of butter and nostalgia. Their cupcakes—especially the red velvet and the seasonally-rotating specialty flavors—are the stuff of neighborhood parties. For birthdays or any milestone, locals trust their artistic custom cakes, crafted with edible hand-painted details. Early risers love the gooey lemon bars and soft snickerdoodle cookies.
2. Sundae Social (Food Truck at Auburn Trace Community Center on weekends)
Type: Ice Cream/Truck | Price: $ | Must-Try: Build-Your-Own Sundae, Locally-Made Ice Cream Sandwiches
For a sweet treat on sunny afternoons, the Sundae Social food truck often parks at the Auburn Trace Community Center. They serve up creamy, small-batch ice cream from Indiana dairies with a DIY sundae bar so kids and adults can sprinkle, drizzle, and top to their hearts’ content. The ice cream sandwiches—two homemade cookies, stuffed at order—are irresistibly nostalgic and not to be missed.
Lunch Bites & Hidden Gems: Casual Eats, Global Flavors
1. Pita Porch (Near Brentwood Dr & Averitt Rd)
Type: Mediterranean | Price: $ | Must-Try: Shawarma Wraps, Hummus & Veggie Bowls, Baklava
Small but mighty, Pita Porch is a neighborhood secret tucked in a strip plaza. They sling flavorful, made-to-order wraps and hearty salad bowls bursting with falafel, grilled chicken, and fresh veggies. Everything is prepared with a genuine Mediterranean twist—house-made tzatziki, fluffy pita, and baklava with just the right touch of honey. It’s a solid option for a healthy, quick lunch or easy weeknight takeout.
2. Little Chili Express (Food Truck at Smith Valley Park & Rotating Spots)
Type: Tex-Mex | Price: $ | Must-Try: Brisket Nachos, Chili Cheese Fries, Vegetarian Chili Bowl
Every few days, the Little Chili Express truck makes its way near Smith Valley Park or through Auburn Trace’s quieter streets. This bright red truck specializes in hearty Tex-Mex with a local touch. Their brisket nachos (topped with house-pickled jalapeños) and from-scratch chili—vegetarian or classic—pack deep, spicy flavors that are ideal for a quick pickup or an after-game treat.
3. Grandma’s Pierogi Platter (Stonegate Rd, seasonal pop-up at local farmers market)
Type: Polish Comfort Food | Price: $ | Must-Try: Potato & Cheese Pierogi, Cabbage Rolls, Kielbasa Sandwich
A nod to the area’s Midwest roots and changing demographics, Grandma’s Pierogi Platter sets up at farmers markets seasonally, including pop-ups along Stonegate Road. Everything is handmade by two sisters using their grandmother’s recipe—the potato and cheese pierogi are buttery, golden, and heartwarming. If you see their stall, line up early—locals know they often sell out by noon!
Dining Traditions & Neighborhood Vibes
Every spring and fall, Auburn Trace hosts a “Taste of the Neighborhood” food walk, giving residents sample bites from each culinary hotspot. Besides seasonal celebrations, you’ll find picnic tables around Auburn Trace Park filled with takeout containers and happy families most weekends—food is the glue that brings the community together here.
And unlike other parts of Greenwood, where culinary chains dominate, Auburn Trace prides itself on celebrating independent, small-batch, and hand-crafted flavors. Here, “dining out” doesn’t just mean eating—it’s about storytelling, meeting new friends, and savoring what makes Greenwood unique.
Final Tips for Foodies Exploring Auburn Trace
- The best time for bakery finds is midmorning, right when everything’s just out of the oven.
- For sushi, arrive early for dinner or make a late lunch stop—Kojiro’s fills up fast!
- Food trucks usually update their location on neighborhood social media pages; weekend evenings are your best bet to catch them.
- Most spots are family-friendly, with kid-friendly menus and outdoor seating in nice weather.
Whether you’re after comfort food, new culinary adventures, or simply a taste of Greenwood hospitality, Auburn Trace delivers on all fronts. Next time you visit—or wander your own neighborhood—come hungry, and don’t be afraid to ask locals for their secret favorites. They’ll point you to a dish, pastry, or treat that makes Auburn Trace truly delicious.