Where to Drink in Indianapolis
Indianapolis often finds itself in the shadow of Chicago, though not for lack of merit. The third most populous Midwestern city, Indy boasts a thriving visual and performing arts scene, including one of the largest and oldest art museums in the country, and a deep jazz history that translates to a vibrant live music scene today. Sports fans will find no shortage of entertainment with two professional teams—the Colts and the Pacers—not to mention the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500.
More and more, Indy’s culinary scene is being recognized for just how underrated it’s been, with the city’s restaurants and bars finally seeing the long-deserved spotlight. “It’s a vibrant, close-knit scene fueled by an influx of young talent,” says Chris Coy, co-owner and operator with Ed Rudisell of beloved tiki destination The Inferno Room. From historic neighborhood bars to modern craft cocktail dens, Indianapolis proves that it is operating in the shadows no longer. “I would say that we have nowhere to go but up.”
The Inferno Room
Opened in 2018 in the bustling cultural hub of Fountain Square, The Inferno Room offers “escapism at its finest,” says Coy. While old-school tropical classics like the Jet Pilot and the Painkiller are on point, adventure seekers can opt for one of their “House Potions” like Wolf in the Fold (rum, Calvados, oloroso sherry, walnut, pear) or Six Demon Bag (génépy, Batavia arrack, mezcal, dragonfruit liqueur, pineapple, lime). But the drinks—and 300-plus-bottle rum collection—aren’t the only draw. “We’re also home to one of the largest collections of Papua New Guinea artwork you’ll experience outside of a museum,” explains Coy. The collection was purchased from anthropologist Jack Edler, who was instrumental in working with the national museum in Port Moresby to ensure the legitimate trade of artwork and carvings fromthe indigenous tribes. The 1,100-piece collection includes everything from large carvings to small woven baskets.
The Slippery Noodle
Founded in 1850, The Slippery Noodle stands as Indiana’s oldest continually operating bar. “From a hub on the Underground Railroad to a brothel and hangout for John Dillinger, the Slippery Noodle is full of history—and haunted, too!” says Coy. Sidle up to the 100-year-old tiger oak bar to grab a pint (or a Fruity Pebbles shot if you’re feeling feisty) and settle in for the nightly live music. “It’s a great place to grab a beer with friends and check out some live blues,” says Coy. “If it isn’t too busy, and you ask nicely, you just might get a tour to hear all about the history and explore the haunted basement catacombs to top off your experience.”
Strange Bird
On Indy’s eastside, in the historic Irvington neighborhood (located, fittingly, on Audubon Road), Strange Bird is a cozy roost for pan-Asian cuisine and creative, rum-centric cocktails. “Strange Bird offers fantastic house-made ramen from their shoyu shop and excellent tropical cocktails,” says Coy. “Also, if you love oysters, this is the place.” The drinks menu offers familiar favorites alongside some crafty house originals like the Decent Swimmer, with grassy rhum agricole and earthy mezcal comingling with kiwi, honeydew, cucumber, and lime. For rum and oyster enthusiasts who prefer their education on the hedonistic side, Strange Bird co-owner Neal Warner offers regular tasting classes on both.
Left to right: Oysters and a Hurricane at Strange Bird; the Foxtail (cognac, rum, spices, and passionfruit) at Strange Bird. | Photos by Rebecca Shehorn Photography
The Commodore
When asked where they like to go after work, the team at Inferno Room regularly points guests to neighboring Fountain Square bar The Commodore. “It’s a little tricky to find since there is no signage,” notes Coy. However, once located, what awaits is “a swanky, dimly lit interior with a killer back bar and top-notch cocktails.” It’s no surprise that Indy’s fellow bartenders are fans of the space. “Our aim has always been to offer a program that hospitality colleagues can have fun with on either side of the bar,” says Julian Leal, marketing director for Ambrosia Hospitality Group, which opened the space in 2020.
But the program offers wide appeal to cocktail enthusiasts with a rotating menu of originals like the Absinthe Mojito (cantaloupe-infused absinthe, ginger syrup, lime, cucumber) and the Gochugaru Sazerac (apple brandy, tequila, gochugaru honey, chocolate, Angostura). Don’t head out the door before sampling one of the house shots like the strawberry-infused Montenegro served on nitro, or the beloved Oreo-infused fernet.
Square Cat Vinyl
“With one of the best selections of new and used vinyl in the city, it’s a great place to have some coffee and lose a couple hours while listening to and digging for records,” says Coy, himself an admitted vinyl enthusiast. Opened in 2016 in Fountain Square, Square Cat has since been named one of the best record stores in the country by Vinyl Me, Please magazine. With beans sourced from local roaster Tinker Coffee, the shop’s full coffee bar makes it easy to grab a drip or cold brew while you browse (or lean indulgent with a Peanut Butter Mocha or Honey Lavender Latte). Local beer and cider from Indy makers like Centerpoint and Ash & Elm are also available when you pop in for one of the regular live performances or listening parties.
Beholder
Indianapolis native Jonathan Brooks opened his first restaurant in the city, Milktooth, in 2014 to national acclaim. In 2018, he partnered with sommelier Josh Mazanowski to open Beholder, which has since seen multiple James Beard Award nominations for both its food and the wine program. “Guaranteed one of the best meals you will have in Indianapolis,” says Coy. “The menu is always full of fantastic options and the wine list is amazing.” Leaning mostly European, the list emphasizes small wineries and hands-on winemakers, with fun options like skin-contact “Lapideus” from Paolo Bea in Umbria. Don’t sleep on the cocktails either, which range from the playful Pink Russian (Bazooka bubblegum–infused vodka, coffee liqueur, Averna, cream) to fan favorites like the Gator Boots (mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, cumin syrup, lime leaf).
Left to right: Sommelier Josh Mazanowski at Beholder. | Photo by Mallory Talty; bartender Niki Royal at The Inferno Room. | Photo by Candice Connor
Bluebeard
A farm-to-table restaurant proudly reimagining modern Midwestern cuisine, Bluebeard (named in homage to Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut) opened in 2012 and has since seen multiple James Beard nominations. “Bluebeard is just one of those places where everything is excellent: Food, wine, cocktails—all superb,” says Coy. With flavors and ingredients changing frequently with the seasons, expect a new gastronomic adventure each time, cocktails included, like the Full Nelson (tequila, yellow Chartreuse, Jägermeister, apple cinnamon gomme, egg) or the spirit-free Yuzu Trippin’ (yuzu, prickly pear, lemon, orgeat, honey).
Chatterbox Jazz Club
“It’s almost forgotten to most people outside of Indy these days, but Indianapolis once had a thriving jazz scene from the 1920s to the 1960s. The Chatterbox keeps that spirit alive,” says Coy. Operating since 1896, the historic tavern still welcomes visitors with live music every night of the week. “It’s a quaint spot with live jazz and history seeping from the walls. I like to grab a beer, hide off in the corner, and imagine that I’m on Indiana Avenue back in the day.”
The Ball & Biscuit
Self-proclaimed to be “Indy’s original cocktail bar”—a fair assertion given the bar opened in 2010, when the craft cocktail revolution was still gaining steam in larger markets—The Ball & Biscuit keeps the drinks fun and the hospitality warm. Getting playful with house-made syrups and infusions, the rotating menu features a long list of staff originals, like Ah… You Brought a Snack (mezcal, reposado tequila, Nixta corn liqueur, popcorn syrup) and Sanguine Thirst (thyme and olive oil–washed aquavit, Génépy, blood orange syrup, pilsner, and fennel foam).
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