Lucas BrennanFinding the best bar in Indianapolis transforms a basic evening into a memorable night. The city’s drinking scene offers everything from high-energy sports hubs to quiet, tucked-away speakeasies.
You might want to catch the big game with a cold draft or sip a carefully crafted martini in a vintage lounge. But navigating the options can be overwhelming if you’re new to the area.
I explored the city’s top watering holes to help you decide exactly where to pull up a stool.
How much does going to a bar in Indianapolis cost?
A standard night out at an Indianapolis bar typically costs between $20 and $40 per person for a few drinks and an appetizer, with prices varying based on the venue’s atmosphere and neighborhood.
| Drink / Expense Type | Average Price Range |
| Domestic Drafts & Cans | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| Craft & Import Drafts | $7.00 – $12.00 |
| Specialty Stouts & Rare Pours | $14.00 – $45.00 |
| Well Drinks | $6.00 – $9.00 |
| Standard Mixed Drinks | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| Premium Craft Cocktails | $16.00 – $22.00 |
| Wine (by the glass) | $8.75 – $17.25 |
| Non-Alcoholic Cocktails | $8.00 – $10.00 |
| Custom Shots | $3.00 – $8.00 |
| Cover Charges | ~$10.00 (during special events) |
1. Tom’s Watch Bar
Website: https://tomswatchbar.com/indianapolis/
Address: 140 S Illinois St
Contact: +1 317-559-2049
Hours: Monday, Thursday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 12:00 am; Tuesday to Wednesday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
Tom’s Watch Bar delivers an immersive game-day atmosphere with its massive array of screens providing a 360-degree viewing experience.
Here, you’ll never miss a crucial play while surrounded by other energetic fans. I recently met some friends here for a playoff game, and the energy was incredibly contagious from the moment we walked in.
They pour an extensive selection of beers on tap to pair with their elevated pub food.
Situated right downtown, it’s highly convenient for an after-work meetup or a weekend outing.
Just keep in mind that the environment gets intensely loud and crowded during major sporting events, which makes casual conversation a bit difficult.
If you want a quiet evening, this is not your place, but it perfectly hits the mark for high-energy viewing.
Customer Reviews:
A great place to watch anything!! Food is a bit overpriced. $10 for a side salad, at least $20 for any starter or entree. Our server Savannah was amazing though! Loved chit chatting with her; very personable. I’ll definitely come back here to watch more sporting events in the future.
Emma Rosen | Google Review
Lex was great! She didnt miss a beat, full drinks the whole time and even though she was busy she made us feel like her only table. The food here is incredible and the overall vibe and atmosphere was amazing. Never seen so many tvs and games in one place! Family friendly sports bar without the grimey feel of a typical sports bar. We’ll make this a stop every year we’re in Indy!
Alycia Reid | Google Review
2. 1933 Lounge
Website: https://www.1933lounge.com/location/indianapolis/
Address: 127 S Illinois St
Contact: +1 317-635-0636
Hours: Mon–Thu: 4pm–10pm, Fri: 4pm–11pm, Sat: 3pm–11pm, Sun: 4pm–9pm (Happy Hour Sun–Thurs: 4pm–6pm)
Sometimes an evening calls for a touch of historic elegance. Sitting right above the famous St. Elmo Steak House, this venue offers a sophisticated, prohibition-era speakeasy experience featuring classic elevated cocktails.
The intimate, upscale ambiance makes it a popular choice for date nights and important business conversations.
Plus, the bartenders here are highly knowledgeable, mixing exceptional craft drinks with precision. You also get access to high-quality menu items straight from the renowned kitchen downstairs.
This level of refinement does come with a higher price point compared to standard local drinking spots. So expect to spend a little more for the premium atmosphere and top-shelf spirits.
Still, it serves as a fantastic retreat for anyone wanting a polished, relaxed environment away from the typical weekend noise.
Customer Reviews:
We love the 1933 lounge! The shrimp cocktail is everything that is advertised, the steak was so tender we can cut through it with a plastic fork and a plastic knife. Everyone claims to be the best but st elmos is definitely the best and that extends to the 1933. The lollipop chicken wings are also to die for! Can’t recommend this place enough especially for anyone who is not from Indiana.
Jonathan Stevens | Google Review
We ate lunch here on a Sunday before the Colt’s football game. I ordered the combination meal with the best delicious salmon, 3 gigantic shrimp with the famous St. Elmo’s cocktail sauce, and a small salad. I also ordered an expresso martini, which was the best I’ve ever had! My husband ordered the Wagu and filet sliders, the 3-shrimp cocktail, and salad. were impressed by how reasonable the prices were too!
Retired “Foodie” Lady | Google Review
3. Nicky Blaine’s Cocktail Lounge
Website: http://www.nickyblaines.com/
Address: 20 N Meridian St
Contact: 317-638-5588; [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Sat 4:00 PM-2:00 AM, Sun 4:00 PM-12:00 AM
Stepping down into this classic, vintage-style lounge instantly transports you to a refined environment designed for enjoying premium cigars, martinis, and jazz music.
The cozy seating and retro aesthetic create a fantastic space for late-night relaxation. During my last visit, I sank into one of their plush leather sofas with a properly chilled martini. It felt like an absolute escape from the busy streets above.
They maintain an extensive list of scotch and spirits to satisfy serious aficionados. Patrons also frequent the spot for its high-quality cigar selection.
But because smoking is permitted and actively encouraged indoors, the cigar smoke can be quite overwhelming for non-smokers. If you’re sensitive to heavy smoke, you might want to consider grabbing drinks elsewhere.
Otherwise, it remains a charmingly moody destination for long, unhurried conversations.
Customer Reviews:
Nicky Blaine’s Cocktail Lounge is one of my favorite spots in Indianapolis. Great cigar selection, comfortable seating, and an excellent bar. The atmosphere is classic and relaxed just a great place to unwind. Love this place and would highly recommend it.
Doug Farr | Google Review
Had a wonderful cocktail here with my brother! It’s got the best vibes and even better worker! Brian is a great and makes good recommendations and then a good cocktail. You can’t go wrong here. Highly recommend taking a date here or go out with friends if you want somewhere fancier and high class.
Ally Bright | Google Review
4. The Hangar
Website: https://hangarindy.com/
Address: 501 Madison Ave
Contact: +1 317-620-1448
Hours: Wed-Thu 4:00 PM-10:00 PM, Fri 4:00 PM-11:00 PM, Sat 11:00 AM-11:00 PM, Sun 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Finding a spot that caters to a broad group of friends without feeling overly stiff is always a win. This establishment provides a unique hangout space with creative cocktails and a laid-back vibe perfect for casual get-togethers.
The spacious layout encourages mingling and relaxed socializing. You can even converse with the friendly staff while they serve up a uniquely themed drink menu.
Overall, I think it’s an excellent space for group gatherings. We went here once after playing laser tag in Indianapolis, and the welcoming atmosphere provided a highly enjoyable setting for unwinding with my favorite people.
One downside to keep in mind is their limited operating hours during the early part of the week. They remain closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Customer Reviews:
We recently celebrated my birthday at The Hanger and completed a Handlebar tour. The tour was fun! We reserved a table and gulf simulation are for a few hours. The staff and management was amazing. Our tour guide was great as well. I highly recommend booking and celebrating with The Hanger.
Joline Terhune | Google Review
We had our work end of year/staff appreciation party at The Hangar and I can’t recommend it enough! The attention to detail was amazing, the staff; all the way from the owner to the GM to the bartenders were outstanding! Our crew had so much fun and so many compliments! We will definitely be back for another party in the future! Thank you all and keep up the outstanding work!
Cassity Fisher | Google Review
5. The Vault Indy
Website: http://www.vaultindy.com/
Address: 1542 S East St
Contact: +1 317-419-2030
Hours: Tue-Thu 4:00 PM-10:00 PM, Fri 4:00 PM-11:00 PM, Sat 4:00 PM-12:00 AM
Tucked away from the usual nightlife traffic, this hidden gem offers a cozy, speakeasy vibe with expertly crafted drinks. The unique atmosphere features clever decor that deeply enhances the secretive feel of the room.
It’s the sort of quiet, intimate setting you might seek out after organizing a hectic event with professional catering in Indianapolis.
The ambiance is complemented by the attentive and skilled mixologists, who are always on hand to prepare excellent, inventive cocktail creations tailored to your preferences.
However, the venue features a very limited seating capacity, which can make it quite difficult to secure a spot during peak weekend hours. Arriving early is strongly advised if you want to grab a comfortable table.
But for those who appreciate well-made drinks in a secluded environment, the effort to get a seat is absolutely worth it.
Customer Reviews:
Our go-to spot for an old fashioned or nice pour of whiskey is now going to be our neighborhood go-to for a a delicious, quick bite.
Burgers were great, really appreciated the vegetarian option for my partner.
Fries were incredible, great blend of fresh herbs and grated cheese.
Can’t wait to try more of the menu. Thanks, Erica!
Aaron Stroude | Google Review
One of the coolest bars in the state of Indiana. A must go to. Best Tequila Old Fashion in the state. Great inviting atmosphere and an easy place to relax a few hours at. Huge selection of whisky, bourbon, and tequila. Jason is one of the best bartenders as well. Love the $4 pie and have some very good appetizers.
Phil Pettigrew | Google Review
