While it may not have a big reputation, if there is one thing you’ll find here in Indianapolis is a variety of bars. Depending on your mood or preference for bars in Indianapolis, they have just about everything you could ask for in great nightlife watering hole options.
Here’s our top picks of where to quench that thirst for cocktails…
The best bars in Indianapolis
How do these rankings work?
1. Tappers Arcade Bar
Unleash the inner child in you, except do so with some alcohol, at Tappers Arcade Bar. This is one of Indy’s most popular bars and is usually pretty full every night, so try and get here before the night rush comes.
With an impressive list of beers on tap, drink and play the night away with some classic arcade games you grew up with and some new ones.
2. Spoke & Steel
Spoke & Steel is a great hotel bar at Le Meridien. Enjoy some of the best craft cocktails in Indy in a rustic vibe in tune with the hotel’s vintage architecture.
If you’re a fan of well-presented cocktails, then you’ll definitely enjoy the fresh herbs and cedar smoke that take these cocktails to the next level.
3. Ball & Biscuit
Ball & Biscuit is a Prohibition-style speakeasy in downtown Indy. The vintage vibes from the old music equipment to the brick walls make having a drink here feel like you’re in the 1930’s.
Rum fans will love their Corn and Oil cocktail which also comes with almond syrup and some fresh lime.
4. Libertine
Libertine is one of the more hip and sophisticated bars in Indy with bartenders that come decked out to work in three-piece suits and carefully coiffed hair. This bar is popular for the creative cocktails they serve as well as the character and charm here.
With cocktails, wine, and beer to choose from, grab a drink of your choice and carefully make your way downstairs to the basement bar for another.
5. Tomlinson Tap Room
Tomlinson Tap Room serves up some of the best beers in this second-floor bar of the Indianapolis City Market. They usually have over 15 taps local brews on rotation here and often range in flavours.
Depending on your beer tastes, ask the bartenders about the best beers that Indy has to offer. The Belgian Black Ale and Oatmeal Stout are two of the better ones.
6. Alley Cat Lounge
Alley Cat Lounge is one of Indianapolis’ oldest bars and features an extensive list of inexpensive drinks. More affectionately known as “Indy’s Favourite Dive Bar,” the people and bartenders are friendly and are what makes this bar a lively atmosphere every night.
This is the perfect place to grab a beer on tap and chat it up with the locals.
7. Slippery Noodle Inn
The Slippery Noodle Inn is over 170 years-old and is Indiana’s oldest bar. Incredible charm and character live in this bar from the very old architecture to the run-down decor in this bar.
With live blues music playing every night at the Inn, come to this gem of a bar for a relaxing evening of tunes and some great drinks.
