My BartenderLooking for the best bars in Indianapolis? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite spots, so you can enjoy a night out on the town without spending hours online researching.
Whether you’re looking for a laid-back pub or a dance club, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Read on for the best bars Indy has to offer!
Best Bars in Indianapolis, IN
- 1933 Lounge
- Howl at the Moon Indianapolis
- Killroy’s Bar & Grill
- Ball & Biscuit
- Tomlinson Tap Room
- Alley Cat Lounge
- Hotel Tango Distillery
- Nicky Blaine’s Cocktail Lounge
- Plat 99
- The Exchange Whiskey Bar
- Tini
- Wiseguy Lounge
- The HandleBar
- A Taproom
- 1205 Distillery
- The Commodore
- Sundry and Vice
1933 Lounge
127 Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
(317) 635-0636
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1933 Lounge by St. Elmo was founded when the 2nd floor above the famous St. Elmo Steak House was converted to a speakeasy style lounge in 2011. They offer elevated cocktails & bar bites.
I really loved this place, so I’ll be coming back soon. When I was here I ordered the Herb Your Enthusiasm with Wheatley Vodka, basil, rosemary syrup, and lime. Some other drinks that the bartender recommended were the Espresso Martini, The Whistler, or Lemondrop.
Howl at the Moon Indianapolis
20 E Georgia St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 955-0300
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Howl at the Moon is the perfect location for bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, holiday parties, corporate events, private parties, meetings, cocktail parties, networking events, fundraisers, team building events, graduation parties, award ceremonies and more.
If you stop by this place, I would recommend trying the Kentucky Peach; Marker’s Mark Bourbon, finest call peach puree, lemon sour, and soda. Other drinks that caught my eye were the Cosmo, Trash Can, and Funky Monkey. I’ll be ordering those next time I pop into this spot!
Killroy’s Bar & Grill
201 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
(317) 638-9464
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Killroy’s Bar & Grill is an American pub grub supplements barbecue in this brick-&-wood space with TVs for watching sports.
This is one of the most popular bars in the area, so you’ll be sure to have a good time. I ordered a few drinks, but my favorite ended up being the Bell’s Two Hearted Ale.
Ball & Biscuit
331 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 636-0539
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Ball & Biscuit is Indy’s original cocktail bar specializing in classic and creative craft cocktails. The bar is an arty cocktails & small plates served amid pendant bulbs, a copper bar & a speakeasy vibe.
My all time favorite drink at this spot is the CBD Blueberry Spritz. It comes with CBD infused pasubio amaro, lemon, simple, and club soda and is absolutely delicious! I also tried the Abusement and Chloe which were equally as good.
Tomlinson Tap Room
222 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 423-2337
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Reminiscent of your favorite neighborhood pub, Tomlinson Tap Room offers an intimate atmosphere as comfortable as your favorite chair—a perfect respite after a long day at work or as a weekend spot to gather with friends. From the moment you step inside Tomlinson, it’s clear this is no ordinary pub, featuring only Indiana craft beer by the pint, can, or growler fill!
I highly recommend trying the Zombie Dust, Cocomungo, and Redrum. My favorite cocktail was the Space Peanut.
Alley Cat Lounge
6267 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 257-4036
This hole-in-the-wall is situated in one of Broad Ripple’s alleys, hence the name. Call it grungy or just an incredible dive bar. You’ll find yourself huddled around the Alley Cat’s large bar, listening to music on the jukebox, talking with folks from all walks of life.
My friends and I tried the Harvest Mule and Bloody Mary and both cocktails were delicious!
Hotel Tango Distillery
702 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
(317) 653-1806 ext. 2
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Hotel Tango is an artisan distillery in Indianapolis, and the first combat-disabled, veteran-owned distillery in the nation. The distillery is a warehouse-style tasting room of a craft spirits distillery with stone & brick walls & a fireplace.
Enjoy craft cocktails like the Funky Brewster with rye, tango amaro, and cold brew. Other great drink options include the The Wrong Corey, Toxic Avenger, and Stu Pickles.
Nicky Blaine’s Cocktail Lounge
20 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 638-5588
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Nicky Blaine’s is a full service nightclub and lounge, featuring our well known selection of martinis, a fully stocked scotch bar, and an extensive array of cigars.
Indy’s “Original Retro Bar” offers a unique experience in the city, catering to those looking for an intimate evening or the perfect atmosphere for a social night out downtown.
The Rob Roy was absolutely delicious and had Johnnie Walker Black, sweet vermouth, and two dashes of orange bitters. Other great cocktails I tried were the Vodka Press, Gin Sling, and Sidecar. This spot is a must-visit!
Plat 99
333 Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 624-8200
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Newly updated, Plat 99 serves up fresh, flavorful fare against a backdrop of floor-to-ceiling skyline views and colorful glass pendant lamps by acclaimed artist Jorge Pardo.
Bartenders keep the mood light and lively while spinning records and stirring drinks, whether you’re sipping an old fashioned made with lovingly created bourbon from Indianapolis’ own West Fork Whiskey Co., exploring our rotating cocktail menu, savoring a house-made pastry, or sampling a flight of Indiana craft beers and small plates.
This spot has always been on my list of best bars. Whenever I’m here I get the same drink, the Applejack. It comes with pomegranate, old hamer rye, lairds applejack, and lemon.
The Exchange Whiskey Bar
301 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 943-5000
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The Exchange Whiskey Bar is a craft cocktail and whiskey bar with over 450 of the best whiskeys you can find anywhere in the country. Enjoy a prohibition night out with vintage speakeasy cocktails based on authentic, era-style recipes.
I really loved the drink I ordered, Other Side of Paradise with Copper & Kings Brandy, woodford rye, and cedar. Our bartender also recommended a few of the other drinks on the menu; Let’s Get Freaky Tiki, Dearly Beloved, and Love is a Drug.
Tini
717 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 986-6603
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Every night of the week, this stylish, friendly martini bar on Mass Ave is famed for its large-scale video wall, which plays music videos from a different genre.
I got the The Chorizo May cocktail which has grapefruit vodka, serrano, and lime! Other drinks I would recommend are the Corpse Cobbler, Morning Star, and Pina Colada.
Wiseguy Lounge
545 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 602-3401
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Wiseguy Lounge is your local speakeasy featuring bourbon, craft cocktails, and craft beers on draft. The bar uses only fresh pressed juices and homemade syrups to complement their prestigious cocktails.
On my visit I tried the The Wumbo with pineapple rum, pineapple, lavender, blood orange, and lime. It was absolutely amazing so I definitely recommend ordering this. Other drinks that sounded great were the Our Broken Hatchet, Northern Lights, and Hang 10.
The HandleBar
501 Madison Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225
(317) 620-1448
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The HandleBar operates 8 of the Worlds Original-From-Amsterdam 16-Passenger Pedal Pubs that you can rent (and BYOB) for 2 hour tours on the streets of Indianapolis.
A Taproom
2505 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 623-4217
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Ever wish your favorite Brewery had an Indianapolis taproom? Wait no more, A Taproom is a unique month long Taproom Takeover! Not your typical tap takeover, all month long you will get to experience a new brewery’s beers, merchandise, glassware & more!
If you’re looking for one of the best spots to go out for drinks, this is the spot! I had the Phoenix, a Strawberry Daiquiri.
1205 Distillery
634 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
(317) 974-9862
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1205 Distillery is an Indiana craft distillery making award winning spirits with tasting rooms in Indianapolis and Westfield. You can enjoy delicious craft cocktails with handmade spirits that are distilled just feet from your table.
We had so much fun at this place! My friends ordered the Rhubarb Mule and Negroni, and I opted for the Whiskey Sour. My drink came with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
The Commodore
1107 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203
The Commodore is a modern speakeasy, a secretive spot with no easily-specified entrance, plush leather, and a variety of cocktails from classics to new spirits and combinations.
This place is one of my favorites! I came here with a group of co-workers and had a great time. I ordered the Hoosier Saturn.
Sundry and Vice
850 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Located just behind the lobby of the stunning Bottleworks Hotel in the Bottleworks District of Downtown Indianapolis. They are purveyors of fine tinctures, tonics, remedies, and elixirs.
My favorite drink is the Voodoo Chile with Blanco Tequila, Lime, Poblano, Cinnamon, Ginger, Sea Salt. Or you can try the Spicy Paloma, Pastime Paradise, and Chet Baker.
Final Thoughts
Indianapolis has no shortage of great bars, and we’ve only just scratched the surface with this list. If you think we missed your favorite spot, let us know in the comments! And if you’re visiting Indy and looking for a place to drink, these are some great places to start. Cheers!
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