Guidebook for Indianapolis
Drinks & Nightlife
Local brew, one block over, one block up. You can almost see the neon from the porch. Large outdoor seating area. Kristina at Hoagies n Hops has given us $2 off coupons for her great sandwiches next door. (Looks like something just as cool is being build at the corner, blocking out line of site! I hear it's a Pizza place? Can't wait!)
40 locals recommend
Flat12 Bierwerks
414 Dorman StLocal brew, one block over, one block up. You can almost see the neon from the porch. Large outdoor seating area. Kristina at Hoagies n Hops has given us $2 off coupons for her great sandwiches next door. (Looks like something just as cool is being build at the corner, blocking out line of site! I hear it's a Pizza place? Can't wait!)
This is where we generally go for cheap drinks and nachos. Dorman Street is not a dinner place, but it has great atmosphere, has many regulars and is characteristic of the neighborhood. And there is a big seating area out back! It's our go-to meet up place.
30 locals recommend
Dorman Street
901 Dorman StThis is where we generally go for cheap drinks and nachos. Dorman Street is not a dinner place, but it has great atmosphere, has many regulars and is characteristic of the neighborhood. And there is a big seating area out back! It's our go-to meet up place.
Melody Inn
3826 N Illinois St Warning! Live Punk! Watch your head!
A fun atmosphere for a night out with friends, food, and drinks, particularly for the flexible, fluid, colorful crowd!
32 locals recommend
Metro Nightclub & Restaurant
707 Massachusetts AveA fun atmosphere for a night out with friends, food, and drinks, particularly for the flexible, fluid, colorful crowd!
Retro club with tables made out of pinball machines. Often super crowded, mostly with an older crowd come to dance to hits they knew in high school! (That would be classic 80s & 90s! You know, the good stuff! Original Mtv Gold!)
Ike & Jonesy's
17 W Jackson PlRetro club with tables made out of pinball machines. Often super crowded, mostly with an older crowd come to dance to hits they knew in high school! (That would be classic 80s & 90s! You know, the good stuff! Original Mtv Gold!)
The german food - wundervollsten!! A fantastic restaurant/music venue both indoors, and outside in the beergarden (biergarten?) during those warm summer nights.
111 locals recommend
The Rathskeller
401 E Michigan StThe german food - wundervollsten!! A fantastic restaurant/music venue both indoors, and outside in the beergarden (biergarten?) during those warm summer nights.
For Latin dancing and fun times! Live jazz nightly in a cozy music club serving American fare with Cajun-Creole accents.
106 locals recommend
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 North College AvenueFor Latin dancing and fun times! Live jazz nightly in a cozy music club serving American fare with Cajun-Creole accents.
Ash & Elm Cider Company
1301 E Washington StGreat food and quality brewed ciders in creative flavors!
Very eclectic, creative food and drink. A great place to go with a friend or alone. Cafeteria style tables make it easy to meet others!
31 locals recommend
Black Market
Very eclectic, creative food and drink. A great place to go with a friend or alone. Cafeteria style tables make it easy to meet others!
Sightseeing
Our property owner runs this place with his gf. Just a little hole in the wall that is quietly becoming an Indy icon! 50cents gets you in.
Indy's Teeny Statue Of Liberty Museum
East 10th StreetOur property owner runs this place with his gf. Just a little hole in the wall that is quietly becoming an Indy icon! 50cents gets you in.
Links up with the Cultural Trail just under the overpass at 10th street.
80 locals recommend
Monon Trail
Links up with the Cultural Trail just under the overpass at 10th street.
It winds around all the historical and touristy places in downtown Indy
26 locals recommend
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Indianapolis Cultural Trail It winds around all the historical and touristy places in downtown Indy
One of the coolest things in the City! Famous fun for all ages.
362 locals recommend
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N Meridian StOne of the coolest things in the City! Famous fun for all ages.
Essentials
They are a bit expensive, but close and open very late. Decent salad bar. There is a Kroger at Michigan & Capitol that I prefer, but maps doesn't seem to know it yet (it used to be one of the Marsh stores, which closed). Also a very good salad bar.
102 locals recommend
Needler's Fresh Market
320 N New Jersey StThey are a bit expensive, but close and open very late. Decent salad bar. There is a Kroger at Michigan & Capitol that I prefer, but maps doesn't seem to know it yet (it used to be one of the Marsh stores, which closed). Also a very good salad bar.
Penn Sixty Minute Cleaners
2175 N Pennsylvania StDry cleaners. Pretty good reviews.
Natural Foods, organics. Wonderful deli sandwiches, soup and salad bar!
10 locals recommend
Pogue's Run Grocer
2828 E 10th StNatural Foods, organics. Wonderful deli sandwiches, soup and salad bar!
THE MECCA OR GROCERY STORES! Perhaps I just don't get out much, but I LOVE this place. It is also a great place to go for lunch, with upper level seating, a Bistro counter, Deli counter, Salad Bar, 6 different hot soups. And a bakery case like you wouldn't believe. I'm never buying groceries anywhere else ever again! Ha. I'm only half joking. Free parking garage attached to the store. Open until midnight.
116 locals recommend
Kroger
524 E 16th StTHE MECCA OR GROCERY STORES! Perhaps I just don't get out much, but I LOVE this place. It is also a great place to go for lunch, with upper level seating, a Bistro counter, Deli counter, Salad Bar, 6 different hot soups. And a bakery case like you wouldn't believe. I'm never buying groceries anywhere else ever again! Ha. I'm only half joking. Free parking garage attached to the store. Open until midnight.
Whole Foods Market
320 E Market StFree parking garage. Huge salad bar, hot foods and deli.
Food Scene
King Dough
It's a bar & restaurant, and the food is amazing! And they have this giant bloody mary that costs 10 bucks. But trust me, it's 10 bucks worth.
17 locals recommend
Tick Tock Lounge
2602 E 10th StIt's a bar & restaurant, and the food is amazing! And they have this giant bloody mary that costs 10 bucks. But trust me, it's 10 bucks worth.
A very cool Indy icon in Fountain Square. A little greasy spoon to go to for breakfast, brunch, lunch, supper, dinner, or "night lunch" as my daughter calls it. Finished at the bar and need some pancakes or fries? Go here.
20 locals recommend
PEPPY GRILL
3401 Virginia AveA very cool Indy icon in Fountain Square. A little greasy spoon to go to for breakfast, brunch, lunch, supper, dinner, or "night lunch" as my daughter calls it. Finished at the bar and need some pancakes or fries? Go here.
A tiny little diner kind of in the middle of nowhere. Great retro ambiance. Pretty good food, & Choc-Ola!
Rock-Cola 50'S Cafe
5730 S Brookville Rd A tiny little diner kind of in the middle of nowhere. Great retro ambiance. Pretty good food, & Choc-Ola!
OMG my favorite. Don't let the out-the-door line scare you. It's just a small place inside, but they work fast! Pick your base, your mixers, your flavors, your everything. They dump it in a big stainless steel bowl and blast it with liquid nitrogen right in front of you. Not only do you get your exact favorite flavor every time, but it's so cool to watch. I've even had the almond milk base, and it was delicious!
28 locals recommend
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
427 Massachusetts AveOMG my favorite. Don't let the out-the-door line scare you. It's just a small place inside, but they work fast! Pick your base, your mixers, your flavors, your everything. They dump it in a big stainless steel bowl and blast it with liquid nitrogen right in front of you. Not only do you get your exact favorite flavor every time, but it's so cool to watch. I've even had the almond milk base, and it was delicious!
MMMM. I love their food. Things like meatloaf and green beans, but done up fancy and elegant. It's my favorite place to take a date. And Irvington has so much character, especially in the fall! (We have a library branch right there!) There's a bar for casual drinks, and a delicious Sunday brunch too.
18 locals recommend
The Legend Classic Irvington Cafe
5614 E Washington StMMMM. I love their food. Things like meatloaf and green beans, but done up fancy and elegant. It's my favorite place to take a date. And Irvington has so much character, especially in the fall! (We have a library branch right there!) There's a bar for casual drinks, and a delicious Sunday brunch too.
The best BLT in the city! It's an old-school diner that has been in the neighborhood for years. The pizza is surprisingly fantastic. I highly recommend the beef and noodles too. I've been going here my whole life, and I can't recall ever having a bad meal! Oh wait, my waffle was cold that one time, because they were SO busy, but that's still a pretty good record. The bacon is always perfect!
21 locals recommend
Steer-In
5130 E 10th StThe best BLT in the city! It's an old-school diner that has been in the neighborhood for years. The pizza is surprisingly fantastic. I highly recommend the beef and noodles too. I've been going here my whole life, and I can't recall ever having a bad meal! Oh wait, my waffle was cold that one time, because they were SO busy, but that's still a pretty good record. The bacon is always perfect!
This great shop has unfortunately moved to the near north side. Still not too far away though! Kristen makes some amazing sandwiches! And they've got Chilly Water brewed beverages on tap!
4155 Boulevard Pl.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
9 locals recommend
Hoagies and Hops
4155 Boulevard PlThis great shop has unfortunately moved to the near north side. Still not too far away though! Kristen makes some amazing sandwiches! And they've got Chilly Water brewed beverages on tap!
4155 Boulevard Pl.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
All meatballs all the time! A variety of meat/non combinations and different sauces. Very close, right at the NE end of Mass Ave!
39 locals recommend
Mimi Blue Restaurants
870 Massachusetts AveAll meatballs all the time! A variety of meat/non combinations and different sauces. Very close, right at the NE end of Mass Ave!
I don't know much about the place, but it's in a cool location. The owner just came into the library and we got talking. I told him I'd give him a mention, because soup is delicious! I need to make it in there.
Circle City Soups
222 E Market St I don't know much about the place, but it's in a cool location. The owner just came into the library and we got talking. I told him I'd give him a mention, because soup is delicious! I need to make it in there.
Quaint little local establishment with awesome baked goods and art & poetry
27 locals recommend
Rabble Coffee
2119 E 10th StQuaint little local establishment with awesome baked goods and art & poetry
Yats
885 Massachusetts AveNew Orleans on a plate! Also good on a budget.
The best pizza, and such great ambiance! Do try the Quatro
Fromaggio with a glass of red wine!
95 locals recommend
Bazbeaux
329 Massachusetts AveThe best pizza, and such great ambiance! Do try the Quatro
Fromaggio with a glass of red wine!
Each of these is operated by a different family member. Fantastic breakfast and anytime eats! There is also one downtown at 24th & Meridian, but IRV is my favorite.
23 locals recommend
Lincoln Square Pancake House - Irvington
5648 E Washington StEach of these is operated by a different family member. Fantastic breakfast and anytime eats! There is also one downtown at 24th & Meridian, but IRV is my favorite.
Food & Drinks at Ralph's Great Divide! Homey, historical hole in the wall. Low to medium priced, great ambiance. Love that Hot Pot Aug!
7 locals recommend
The Great Divide
743 E New York StFood & Drinks at Ralph's Great Divide! Homey, historical hole in the wall. Low to medium priced, great ambiance. Love that Hot Pot Aug!
I love this place! Traditional, authentic, festive Mexican...Of course, the quirky carved and brightly painted tables and chairs create just my kind of ambiance. I was driving by Acapulco Joe's Mexican restaurant yesterday (downtown to the west) and thought I should add them. Naw... They may be well known, and the food is alright, but this little place is SO much better! Mmmm... I may just have to slip over and order the "Alambres" and some chips and cheese to go!
35 locals recommend
La Parada
1642 E New York StI love this place! Traditional, authentic, festive Mexican...Of course, the quirky carved and brightly painted tables and chairs create just my kind of ambiance. I was driving by Acapulco Joe's Mexican restaurant yesterday (downtown to the west) and thought I should add them. Naw... They may be well known, and the food is alright, but this little place is SO much better! Mmmm... I may just have to slip over and order the "Alambres" and some chips and cheese to go!
If you're looking for "clean" food, this place is one of a kind! Everything they serve is organic, gluten and additive free. And it's delicious. Buried deep in the heart of Broad Ripple north of the strip, it is well worth the trip!
Broad Ripple is pretty far up there, and from town you can't get to it from any highway really, but it is a tourist draw so it needs a place on the list! Many unique and arty establishments. Once you are there, you will find great shops and restaurants in every direction.
11 locals recommend
Ezra's Enlightened Cafe
6516 Ferguson StIf you're looking for "clean" food, this place is one of a kind! Everything they serve is organic, gluten and additive free. And it's delicious. Buried deep in the heart of Broad Ripple north of the strip, it is well worth the trip!
Broad Ripple is pretty far up there, and from town you can't get to it from any highway really, but it is a tourist draw so it needs a place on the list! Many unique and arty establishments. Once you are there, you will find great shops and restaurants in every direction.
Sushi Boss
803 W 10th StBurger King
2122 E 10th StSometimes you just want something fast. And it's yummy.
Subway
2181 N Meridian StYummy. Fast, good & good for you.
Rally's
4420 S Emerson AveFast & tastey
If you love cool old buildings, this is for you. Spacious and bright, in the Atheneum near the YMCA and the Rathskellar!
39 locals recommend
Coat Check Coffee
401 E Michigan StIf you love cool old buildings, this is for you. Spacious and bright, in the Atheneum near the YMCA and the Rathskellar!
Beer and Pizza! Just a stones throw away! You can actually see it from the porch! If you're up for something different, this is the place. Stone fired pizza with some truly weird combinations on top! You must try it! Salads, pasta and burgers for the less daring.
39 locals recommend
King Dough
452 N Highland AveBeer and Pizza! Just a stones throw away! You can actually see it from the porch! If you're up for something different, this is the place. Stone fired pizza with some truly weird combinations on top! You must try it! Salads, pasta and burgers for the less daring.
Arts & Culture
Indy Public Library is one of the best libraries in the world. And it's not just me who thinks so! I work there and love it, and patrons tell us this all the time. It is a fun place to take the kids, or just wander and browse. We just added the Center for Black Literature and Culture!! Central is huge and very cool, but we also have 24 unique branches around the city. Spades Park branch is right around the curve from the Circle City Industrial Complex, down the street from my place. My daughter works at the little Fountain Square branch. A quaint little place to check out, so to speak. But once you are there, you will want to stay in the neighborhood all day! We have an amazing system.
26 locals recommend
Indianapolis Public Library - Central Library
40 E St Clair StIndy Public Library is one of the best libraries in the world. And it's not just me who thinks so! I work there and love it, and patrons tell us this all the time. It is a fun place to take the kids, or just wander and browse. We just added the Center for Black Literature and Culture!! Central is huge and very cool, but we also have 24 unique branches around the city. Spades Park branch is right around the curve from the Circle City Industrial Complex, down the street from my place. My daughter works at the little Fountain Square branch. A quaint little place to check out, so to speak. But once you are there, you will want to stay in the neighborhood all day! We have an amazing system.
They've movied!
705 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Avant garde plays and entertainmet!
"Our new home will function as a community center and hub for cultural, intellectual, and political thought, anchoring a beautiful link to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and providing a performing arts and cultural destination in the city’s downtown north side. The contemporary design of the building reflects the Phoenix Theatre’s programming and serves as an artistic statement unto itself."
19 locals recommend
Phoenix Theatre
705 N Illinois StThey've movied!
705 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Avant garde plays and entertainmet!
"Our new home will function as a community center and hub for cultural, intellectual, and political thought, anchoring a beautiful link to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and providing a performing arts and cultural destination in the city’s downtown north side. The contemporary design of the building reflects the Phoenix Theatre’s programming and serves as an artistic statement unto itself."
The grounds are exquisite. Mini golf within the museum during the summer!
364 locals recommend
Newfields
4000 N Michigan RdThe grounds are exquisite. Mini golf within the museum during the summer!
The Center for Ray Bradbury Studies is one of the larger single-author archives in the United States, and a hub for scholarship on the work of Ray Bradbury and science fiction. The broader collection of papers includes manuscripts, typescripts, screenplay and teleplay drafts, story concepts, photographs, correspondence, scrapbooks with original drawings and printed comic strips from his youth, and ephemera he collected documenting his travels. The Bradbury artifacts gifted in 2013 include his original office furniture and equipment, as well as three of his typewriters used over a forty-year period...The Bradbury Center welcomes scholars, students, and members of the public.
IU School of Liberal Arts
425 University BlvdThe Center for Ray Bradbury Studies is one of the larger single-author archives in the United States, and a hub for scholarship on the work of Ray Bradbury and science fiction. The broader collection of papers includes manuscripts, typescripts, screenplay and teleplay drafts, story concepts, photographs, correspondence, scrapbooks with original drawings and printed comic strips from his youth, and ephemera he collected documenting his travels. The Bradbury artifacts gifted in 2013 include his original office furniture and equipment, as well as three of his typewriters used over a forty-year period...The Bradbury Center welcomes scholars, students, and members of the public.
Renowned author Kurt Vonnegut took an unflinching look at the world, tempered with a satirical eye and sardonic sense of humor.
In honor of his wit and wisdom, the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library champions the literary, artistic and cultural contributions of the late writer, artist, teacher and Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut. The library and museum serves as a cultural and educational resource unique to the nation.
13 locals recommend
Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
543 Indiana AveRenowned author Kurt Vonnegut took an unflinching look at the world, tempered with a satirical eye and sardonic sense of humor.
In honor of his wit and wisdom, the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library champions the literary, artistic and cultural contributions of the late writer, artist, teacher and Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut. The library and museum serves as a cultural and educational resource unique to the nation.
Everything Else
Indianapolis City Market
222 E Market StGreat food, plays, art, shops... Perfect for people watching! From my place, go north down the street to the light @ 10th, turn left under I70. Big :"Mass Ave sign pointing left. You're there! (so close to Mimi Blue! mmm)
Alternately, you can go west on Michigan, which will find you intersecting Mass at the Murat (Old National Center). Look left and there's the grocery, and hardware store and over-priced dry cleaner's.
223 locals recommend
Massachusetts Avenue
Massachusetts Avenue Great food, plays, art, shops... Perfect for people watching! From my place, go north down the street to the light @ 10th, turn left under I70. Big :"Mass Ave sign pointing left. You're there! (so close to Mimi Blue! mmm)
Alternately, you can go west on Michigan, which will find you intersecting Mass at the Murat (Old National Center). Look left and there's the grocery, and hardware store and over-priced dry cleaner's.
There's Ruckus the Maker Space, LICK Ice Cream, Centerpoint Brewing Company, Private Art Galleries & shopping... It's still being developed, so there is a lot of emptyish industrial space that sometimes houses cool events! I saw Zirkus Grimm there! I hear an actual theater is in the works somewhere in the space. Free parking too. I haven't really explored what's all there at this point, but you can start at the brewery, and explore their website.
9 locals recommend
Circle City Industrial Complex
1125 E Brookside AveThere's Ruckus the Maker Space, LICK Ice Cream, Centerpoint Brewing Company, Private Art Galleries & shopping... It's still being developed, so there is a lot of emptyish industrial space that sometimes houses cool events! I saw Zirkus Grimm there! I hear an actual theater is in the works somewhere in the space. Free parking too. I haven't really explored what's all there at this point, but you can start at the brewery, and explore their website.
That's the big campus that is to the east of my place, in case you're curious.
Arsenal Technical High School
1500 E Michigan StThat's the big campus that is to the east of my place, in case you're curious.
This is the place! There's a bbq restaurant, duckpin bowling (it's not normal!) and a beautiful hall that hosts dances, classes, live music, and other stuff we all want. Definitely look them up! There's swing dancing, and live music on the square in the summers!
12 locals recommend
Fountain Square Tattoo
1104 Virginia AveThis is the place! There's a bbq restaurant, duckpin bowling (it's not normal!) and a beautiful hall that hosts dances, classes, live music, and other stuff we all want. Definitely look them up! There's swing dancing, and live music on the square in the summers!
My favorite flower shop and the most talented florist around. I love the character of the place, and Amy comes up with some breathtaking arrangements! And be sure to seek out Max the shop cat while you're there.
Watt's Blooming
615 Massachusetts AveMy favorite flower shop and the most talented florist around. I love the character of the place, and Amy comes up with some breathtaking arrangements! And be sure to seek out Max the shop cat while you're there.
Wine & weird hours. I really want to go to one of their events, but haven't been able to line it up...
32 locals recommend
Easley Winery
205 N College AveWine & weird hours. I really want to go to one of their events, but haven't been able to line it up...
Grove Haus
1001 Hosbrook StDancing lessons & events in Fountain Square.
Parks & Nature
I guess they are calling themselves "Newfields" now- it's the grounds of the Art Museum. And I guess it's not free anymore. But, it actually may be worth the price- the gardens are absolutely GORGEOUS. Wonderful for a long walk and maybe a picnic with good company."
48 locals recommend
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres at Newfields
1850 W 38th St I guess they are calling themselves "Newfields" now- it's the grounds of the Art Museum. And I guess it's not free anymore. But, it actually may be worth the price- the gardens are absolutely GORGEOUS. Wonderful for a long walk and maybe a picnic with good company."
Fort Harrison State Park
6000 N Post RdFort Harrison State Park
6000 N Post RdFood, Lodging, Park stuff. Quaintness.