Paul Kushner
Indianapolis, commonly known as Indy, is a bustling city with many things to do and see. From their famous sporting teams, museums, and excellent food scene, it’s no wonder more people are visiting this Midwest city.
When you need a place to grab a drink between sightseeing or other activities, you’ll be blown away by the number of bars to choose from.
If you’re looking for a great place to get drinks, these are the best bars in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Bluebeard
653 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Phone: (317) 686-1580
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Out in Fletcher Place is Bluebeard. This bar is in a converted 1924 warehouse and has a lot of character. It’s mainly a New American restaurant, but they have a bar if you enjoy a nice drink with your meal.
They have beer, wine, and cocktails, but their Old Fashioned are divine.
Ball & Biscuit
331 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 636-0539
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Ball and Biscuit is an artsy bar just east of University Park. It’s Indy’s original cocktail bar, so you’ll have to try a cocktail while they have beer and wine.
The place is casual yet refined so you can come for a night out or a relaxed evening. I love the coconut lemon refresher.
Tappers Arcade Bar
501 Virginia Ave #102, Indianapolis
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One of the most fun places to get drinks is Tappers Arcade Bar. You’ll find the bar just outside downtown, filled with pinball machines and other arcade games you can play while sipping your favorite drink.
Their draft list is extensive, and they have a handful of cocktails. I recommend going with a local Indy beer while you play.
Tomlinson Tap Room
222 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 423-2337
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If you’re looking for a place where to get a drink, next to the Indianapolis Historic Market is Tomlinson Tap Room. This brewhouse sits in a historic building which adds to the charm.
It’s a prime spot to sample craft beer from Indiana and the surrounding areas. I love their local beers and that you can take your beer with you while you walk around the market.
Hotel Tango Distillery
702 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Phone: (317) 653-1806 ext. 2
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Hotel Tango Distillery is in the Fletcher Place neighborhood. This vast brick building houses a distillery featuring all types of liquor.
You can sign up for a tasting, my favorite thing to do, or purchase cocktails or a bottle to take with you. The toasted marshmallow bourbon is heavenly.
Alley Cat Lounge
6267 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: (317) 257-4036
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To get to Alley Cat Lounge, you’ll need to travel about seven miles north of downtown. This hole-in-the-wall bar is the perfect dive for great bar snacks and cold beer.
They have a full bar, too, if you prefer something simple like a rum and Coke cocktail.
The Rathskeller
401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 636-0396
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If you’re looking for a bar that almost makes you forget you’re in Indy and not Germany, then The Rathskeller is your bar. This is one of the most fun places to go out for the evening to enjoy comforting food and great beer.
They have 12 imported beers on draft and over 50 bottled options. I highly recommend trying the Hofbrau Dunkel.
Howl at the Moon Indianapolis
20 E Georgia St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 955-0300
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Howl at the Moon is a premier music venue and bar in downtown Indy. This is the place to be when you’re looking for a night on the town with great music.
They don’t have food, so you’ll want to eat beforehand, but the drinks are top-notch. Their small liquor buckets are popular. I like the Adios Mofo and Howlin’ Punch.
1933 Lounge
127 Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: (317) 635-0636
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Above St. Elmo’s Steakhouse is a beautiful speakeasy, 1933 Lounge. It’s the perfect date night spot, a spot to celebrate, or for a fun night out.
They have a fine selection of beer, wine, and cocktails for drinks and great appetizers to munch on. You can’t stop in without trying their signature Elmo Cola.
Chatham Tap Mass Ave
719 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 917-8425
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There’s nothing like a British pub, and Indy has Chatham Tap Mass Ave to cover that. I love this English-style pub because the atmosphere is laid-back unless a soccer game is on.
It’s a local hangout and comes with a fully stocked bar and food menu. This is mainly a beer bar, so I’d go with Fuller’s London Pride.
Dorman Street
901 Dorman St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: (317) 237-9008
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Located on historic Dorman Street, this bar is affectionately named after the street. The bar has been around since before prohibition, so it’s a historic spot and a great place to get drinks in Indianapolis.
This is the type of place you go with a mixed drink like rum and coke or vodka sprite.
Duke’s Indy
2352 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: (317) 643-6403
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Duke’s is one of the best places to go out in Indy. Just south of downtown, this live music venue is perfect for dancing the night away, listening to music, and drinking incredible drinks.
Duke’s Indy has a fully stocked bar so you can order almost anything. Be sure to check out their music lineup!
Red Key Tavern
5170 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Phone: (317) 283-4601
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In the Canterbury neighborhood is a local cash-only bar, Red Key Tavern. If you ask me, this is a great dive and has one of the best atmospheres in town.
It’s definitely one of the best bars in Indianapolis, Indiana. It’s casual and fun, and you’ll probably leave with new friends even if you show up alone.
They have beer, wine, and liquor here, so you can order whatever you want.
16-Bit Bar+Arcade
110 E New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 939-6916
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16-Bit Bar+Arcade is next to University Park and is a fun place to go out in Indy. It’s filled with food, all kinds of drinks, and plenty of arcade games to keep you entertained.
You can sip your favorite beer, wine, or cocktail while playing over 50 classic games.
Chatterbox Jazz Club
435 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 636-0584
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If you love a jazz bar, then you’ll love Chatterbox. This local jazz bar features beautiful music, great food, and even better drinks.
The atmosphere is perfect, and you’ll love stopping in for a drink, even if you’re not a massive jazz fan.
Plat 99
333 Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 624-8200
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Inside the Alexander hotel, Plat 99 is a stunning and refined lounge in Indy. It’s the perfect spot for a drink before a nice dinner or a night on the town.
I highly recommend looking at their crafted cocktail list and ordering the Plat 99 Punch.
Tastings – A Wine Experience
50 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 423-2400
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Next to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is Tastings – A Wine Experience. You can’t miss this spot in Indy if you’re a wine lover.
They have a full bar, too, if you’re not interested in the wine, but booking a wine tasting and enjoying a meal here is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Slippery Noodle Inn
372 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: (317) 631-6974
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The Slippery Noodle Inn is a historic bar with a great atmosphere. It’s rustic yet has undergone improvements throughout the years.
It’s known as Indy’s oldest bar, opening originally in 1850. Their food is fantastic; nothing beats a local beer to kick back with her.
Broad Ripple Tavern
745 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: (317) 257-6030
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The Broad Ripple neighborhood features a local watering hole, Broad Ripple Tavern. It has a dive bar vibe, pool tables, music, and great company.
They have a full bar but going with a pitcher of beer to share with friends is most people’s move here. If you’re hungry, their tavern fries are perfect for sharing.
Tini
717 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 986-6603
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Tini is a cocktail bar in downtown Indy. It has everything you’d expect: dim lighting, a comfortable yet chic sitting area, and unique cocktails.
I love their classic cocktail options, but the New York sour is my favorite. Their greatest hits options are delicious, and the Tini Collins is popular.
The Brass Ring Lounge
1245 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Phone: (317) 635-7464
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The Brass Ring Lounge is a speakeasy in the Fountain Square neighborhood. It’s intimate, relaxing, and a great place for date night.
They have beer, wine, and liquor, but when you’re here, you can’t go wrong with their Bucca with a Beautiful Busch, a can of Busch beer with a shot of sambuca.
Foyt Wine Vault
1182 N Main St, Speedway, IN 46224
Phone: (317) 672-4246
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Foyt Wine Vault is just outside Indy in Speedway. It’s across the street from the Indiana Speedway, so the decor is racing-themed.
They have food and all types of alcohol, but you can’t go wrong with their wine since it’s a wine vault.
Kilroy’s Bar & Grill
201 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: (317) 638-9464
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Kilroy’s is downtown and is your classic American gastro pub. It’s a casual spot to meet up with friends or dine and enjoy a drink when traveling solo.
I love their discounted beer, wine, and food happy hour specials.
Final Thoughts
Indy is jam-packed with some of the best bars in the Midwest. With everything from English pubs to speakeasies to neighborhood hangouts, you can’t go a few feet without finding a great place to get a drink.
Next time you’re in town, give one of these best bars in Indianapolis, Indiana, a try and leave us a comment on what you think!
Best Bars in Indianapolis
- Bluebeard
- Ball & Biscuit
- Tappers Arcade Bar
- Tomlinson Tap Room
- Hotel Tango Distillery
- Alley Cat Lounge
- The Rathskeller
- Howl at the Moon Indianapolis
- 1933 Lounge
- Chatham Tap Mass Ave
- Dorman Street
- Duke’s Indy
- Red Key Tavern
- 16-Bit Bar+Arcade
- Chatterbox Jazz Club
- Plat 99
- Tastings – A Wine Experience
- Slippery Noodle Inn
- Broad Ripple Tavern
- Tini
- The Brass Ring Lounge
- Foyt Wine Vault
- Kilroy’s Bar & Grill
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