Indianapolis, the capital and the most populous city of Indiana, plays host to the Indy 500 Motor race each year. This picturesque city, with its stunning waterways, greenery all around and historical memorials, has some amazing watering holes if you are looking for a bar that serves beers, cocktails or wine. Downtown Indy is just plush with amazing bars, lounges and breweries. But Mass Ave. and Fountain Square have some great choices too. These are 20 of the Best Bars in Indianapolis to drink at right now.
20 Best Bars in Indianapolis
Bakersfield
📍 Address: 334 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 635-6962
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 11 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 10 pm Sun, Closed on Fri & Sat
Bakersfield serves over 100 tequilas and American Whiskeys, along with authentic Mexican street fare. They also have several craft beers and large format cocktails for the cocktail lovers. The food makes a perfect accompaniment to any drink you order off here. They have a large beer selection too.
The wait staff is friendly, engaging and helpful with recommendations. The ambience is trendy and classy. The Queso and Short Rib are some of the best you would have ever tasted. They have outdoor dining and they offer takeout.
If you are looking for an authentic full-on Mexican street fare experience, the Bakersfield is your place.
Ale Emporium
📍 Address: 8617 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46250 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 842-1333
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 12 am Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 5 pm Fri, 12 pm – 12 am Sun, Closed on Sat
Ale Emporium features wine, draft beer and cocktails. Their wings and pizzas are super-tempting and obsessive. You have been warned! The ambience is relaxed and laid back and they are kiddo friendly!
They have outdoor seating and they offer sit-down dining, takeout and delivery. Oh, and did I tell you yet, they have a great deal on Tuesdays where you get to nosh on steak, baked potato, chilli and salad, all for $7! That’s a steal, people!
This is a Sports Bar, so there are a lot of TVs. This place is plenty popular, so if you’re going to head out there to catch the game, I’d go there well in advance because the place is always packed!
Livery-Indianapolis
📍 Address: 720 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 383-0330
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 4 pm – 9 pm Sun, Closed on Fri & Sat
Can you imagine dining at a place where the old building used to be a horse stable? Yes! The Livery is housed in an 1890’s building that once had stable horses. You can almost hear the neighing! I’m just kidding. That aside, let me tell you upfront that this place is all about the Tequilas! The drinks are authentically Latin and so is the cuisine. They also have a wide selection of beverages from margaritas, to Cervezas and Vinos!
The ambience is upscale, trendy and classy. If you are in luck, get a place up on the roof patio. No better place to enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon. If you couldn’t, don’t fret it. The inside is adorable as well. They have outdoor seating and offer takeout and delivery.
The service is outstanding. The food is stellar. You will be left wishing you had a bit more room in your belly to try more of their delicious food. It IS that good! If I got you convinced, check them out with the details below.
Yard House
📍 Address: 15 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 917-4408
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 10:30 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 10 pm Fri, Closed on Sat
The Yard House is an upscale, casual eatery that offers a massive selection of draft brews – over 100 from which to choose. They also have a great list of craft cocktails, wine, whiskey and other spirits. But this is not the only reason for its popularity.
They have great food and they are known for classic rock music and artsy decor. You cannot miss the energetic and uplifting vibe of the Yard! They have outdoor seating, sit-down dining and offer takeouts and deliveries. Check out their happy hour offers; the deals are on the food as well as drinks!
The bartenders are friendly, attentive and engaging. This is the spot to check out when you are in Downtown, Indy!
Union 50
📍 Address: 620 N East St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 610-0234
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 5 pm – 8 pm Fri, Closed on Sat & Sun
This bar is a bit hard to spot. Located in the Mass Ave Neighborhood in Indi, you have to get through some residential areas before you can find this hidden gem! They have a full-service bar offering beer, wine, whiskeys, handcrafted cocktails and spirits. The wine and whiskey selections, in particular, are massive! The food menu is chef-inspired and seasonal.
The ambience is trendy and classy. Charcuterie boards are plenty popular here. The wait staff is patient, friendly and very accommodating. The outdoor seating is lovely, but the indoor sit-down dining is just as good. Union 50 features takeout and live music too.
So just satisfy your curiosity already and check out this hidden gem. You won’t be disappointed!
Kuma’s Corner
📍 Address: 1127 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 929-1287
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Tue, 12 pm – 10 pm Wed & Thurs, 12 pm – 9 pm Sun, Closed on Fri- Sat & Mon
Kuma’s Corner is located in fountain square across the street from the revolution. Kuma’s serves some of the best craft beer and burgers available in..well, just anywhere! They have 30+ beers on draft/deck, 85+ beers on bottles/cans and a few liquors. If you are a metal and burger fan, then double the delight for you! The burgers are named after heavy metal bands! They play live…you guessed it, heavy metal music!
The wait staff is excellent and the ambience is classy, casual with a chill, comfortable vibe. They have sit-down dining, outdoor seating and offer delivery and takeout. I’ll go as far to say that this is the best burger spot in Indy! But you don’t have to take my word, just try them yourself!
Twenty Tap
📍 Address: 5406-08 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 602-8840
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 9:30 pm Mon-Thurs, 12 pm – 9 pm Sun, Closed on Fri & Sat
Twenty Tap if your friendly, neighborhood bar that serves beer and wine. The beer list is massive, there’s no other word for it! There is something for everyone, from light and sweet to dark, complex and strong. They have a great cider variety, which to be honest, is a little hard to find in many places.
They have outdoor seating as well with heaters for when it gets a bit chilly. A nice touch! The service is warm, considerate and welcoming. Start with beer and cheese curds, and work your way up to burgers, and yet more beer. Cheers!
The District Tap
📍 Address: 3720 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 288-8251
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 12 am Sun-Tue, 11 am – 1 am Wed & Thurs, 11 am – 2 am Fri & Sat
The District tap specializes in craft beer on tap. This is the go-to place for local live music, sports or to celebrate a special occasion with your special peeps! They have almost 70 beers on tap and upward of 50 in Growlers! There are endless options from IPAs, ales, lagers, stouts to ciders, wheat and fruit.
When it comes to the food menu, there is variety here too. Whether you go for pizza, sandwiches, salads, burgers, wraps, fries, or tater tots, you cannot go wrong with any selection. But they already had me at tater tots! Ha!
They have sit-down dining and outdoor dining as well. Delivery and takeout options are available. The wait staff is friendly and personable. Looking for a family-friendly sports bar to catch the game? Then check yourself and your tribe into the District!
St. Joseph Brewery & Public House
📍 Address: 540 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 602-5670
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 10 am – 10 pm Sun, Closed on Fri & Sat
St. Joseph is known for its craft beers. The building was, many decades back, an old Catholic Church! The outdoor seating can be lovely to chill and catch up with friends.
The ambience is classy and trendy and they are kid-friendly. They offer takeout and delivery. The names of the beers are rather religious and the whole concept is fun and amusing. If you happen to go there on Sundays, they have a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar! How cool is that!
You can watch a sports event on one of their large but unobtrusive screens as you sip on your beer and nosh on some delectable and hearty food. The architecture and history, not to mention the beer and food, are all rad! So, visit already!
Hotel Tango
📍 Address: 702 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 653-1806
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Tue-Thurs, 2 pm – 8 pm Fri, 11 am – 9 pm Sun, Closed on Sat & Mon
Hotel Tango is a veteran-owned distillery in the US, located in the historic Fletcher Place neighborhood of Indi. They offer craft cocktails and specialize in spirits, offering a whole slew of spirits like Victor Vodka, Whiskey, Bravo Bourbon, Romeo Rum, Gold Gin and a whole lot more.
The ambience is trendy and hipster. Their house distilled spirits are a local favorite. They have outdoor seating as well, which is dog-friendly, so take your furry friends along and enjoy! Detox to Retox, candle-making trivia – you can check out more such fun events from their website.
If you are only into beers, then this is not the place for you! But if you like cocktails, you will be here for more I guarantee you!
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Big Lug Canteen
📍 Address: 1435 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 672-3503
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 11 pm Fri, 10 am – 11 pm Sat, 10 am – 9 pm Sun
Big Lug is located in Nora, Indianapolis. They specialize in brews along with a solid food menu to match. The Nashville chicken is delicious and filling, with great flavors! They have sit-down dining and the outside patio overlooks the Monon trail. The patio is pet-friendly too.
Their beer selection includes ciders as well, which is great. They also serve 10 signature cocktails and a dozen wines. The service is seamless and prompt. They have takeout for those who want to enjoy some delicious food and beer in the comfort of their home.
Cycling in the trail and looking for a spot to unwind with a chill beer and good bites, check yourself into the Big Lug. They also have Circle City Kombucha on their menu! Enough said!
The Ball & Biscuit
📍 Address: 331 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 636-0539
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 12 am Tue-Thurs, 5 pm – 2 am Fri & Sat, 4 pm – 12 am Sun, Closed on Mon
Vintage, yet modern, laidback, yet sophisticated the Ball & Biscuit is an eclectic bar in keeping with the eclectic surroundings. The place specializes in craft beers, boutique wines and unique cocktails. The names of the cocktails are fun and amusing. There’s a cocktail named “You Get Murdered First”! But don’t let that put you off! A mix of tequila, apricot liqueur, lemon, lime crema, orange, and hibiscus-habanero syrup, it is delicious! The Whiskey selection is extensive too.
The wait staff is attentive and professional. The Ball & Biscuit is sure to satisfy your late-night craving for a great drink! So splurge without guilt it’ll be worth it!
The Tap
📍 Address: 306 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 820-5880
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 12 am Sun-Wed, 11 am – 1 am Thurs, 11 am – 2 am Fri & Sat
The Tap is all about the beers. That’s where they shine. The selections are wide-ranging and extensive with over 90 beers on tap and more than 400 bottled beers, and styles ranging from regional faves to popular imports.
They have sit-down dining and outdoor seating along with delivery and takeaway. The patio is gorgeous. The food is solid and the service impeccable. Here’s a secret. Order the fries to go with your beers. They come with 4 dipping sauces. They are mouth-watering!
There are TVs galore to watch the game. Planning a night out in Downtown Indy? Make a pitstop at The Tap first!
Chatham Tap Mass. Ave.
📍 Address: 719 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 917-8425
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Sun-Thurs, Closed on Fri & Sat
The atmosphere here is that of an authentic British pub. They offer full bar service, but the food here is the bomb! Fish and chips and Angel Wings are both remarkable in taste and flavours.
The draft beer selection is incredible. The ambience is casual and they have outdoor seating, takeaway and delivery. A perfect place to catch soccer or rugby, as you savor your beer with wings on the side.
Thunderbird
📍 Address: 1127 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46203 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 974-9580
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 1 am Tue-Sun, Closed on Mon
This place is a must-visit for affordable drink options – signature cocktails and canned beer. This hipster bar has wonderful almost mysterious vibes, exposed brick and fun globe-shaped lighting. The service is friendly and attentive. Whiskey cocktails, vodka cocktails and gin cocktails – they are all equally delicious.
The ambience makes it a great place for a date night. But hey, if you’re coming with a group you will have a great time too!
Repeal Restaurant
📍 Address: 630 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 520-3500
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 9:30 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 10 pm Sat, 11 am – 8 pm Sun
Repeal used to serve some of the best cocktails and wines, along with some draft beer selections as well. The ambience – prohibition-style speakeasy vibes. The BBQ options were just as great as the drinks and the service, always stellar.
Brick walls, cute chandeliers, glass wall view into the distillery next door, metal tile ceilings and dark wood accents added to the charm of the place.
Noticed the past tense, did you? Yes, this place closed for good towards the end of October.
The 1205 Distillery next door and a Greek’s Pizzeria chain restaurant will take its place.
Spoke & Steele
📍 Address: 123 Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 737-1616
🕐 Hours: 6:30 am – 11 am & 5 pm – 9:30 pm Mon-Fri, 8 am – 1 pm & 5 pm – 9:30 pm Sat, 8 am – 1 pm Sun
Located in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis, Spoke & Steele specializes in craft cocktails and features an extensive and well-thought-out wine list too. They offer almost 50 varieties of wine, around a dozen craft cocktails and some beers on drafts and in bottles/cans.
The dishes are French and European-inspired with a Mid-western twist. The ambience is trendy and classy, with modern decor, cozy seating and low lights. The bartenders are very skilled and the service is friendly and prompt.
A special occasion coming up? I recommend the Spoke & Steele! The experience will be unparalleled!
Festiva
📍 Address: 1217 E 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 635-4444
🕐 Hours: 4:30 pm – 9 pm Tue-Thurs, 10 am – 2:30 pm Sun, Closed on Fri-Sat & Mon
At Festiva, the drink menu includes specialty Cocktails, Wine, Beer and an extensive Tequila and Mezcal list. The food is all authentic Mexican cuisine. There are the obvious Guacamole, Chips & Salsa and whole other Mexican food you have never heard of and probably never dreamed of!
They have sit-down dining, outdoor seating and offer delivery and takeout. The staff are attentive, courteous and friendly. The ambience is trendy, classy and casual. They are kid-friendly, so don’t leave the little munchkins at home!
And Sunday means Funday! They offer a Sunday bottomless menu that is definitely worth trying!
Black Acre Brewing
📍 Address: 5529 Bonna Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46219 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (317) 207-6266
This is a small batch brewery that is a local favorite! The outdoor area is beautiful to enjoy a Chai Guy Milk Stout, Saucy Intruder Rye Beer or One Ten Coffee Stout. The beer options are great. The food is good and the service is incredible.
The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back. So, chill with your mate, date or coworkers after work. Hand down, one of my favorite breweries in Indy! Pop in, this place is always hopping!
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