Lucas BrennanCheering for your favorite team alongside a lively crowd brings an energy that makes any game day better. The right spot to grab a cold beer and celebrate a big win can completely shape your weekend plans.
For locals and visitors alike, finding the right venue is key to soaking in the city’s sports culture.
If you’re not sure where to go, we’ve got you! We explored Indianapolis to find the best sports bars that pair great comfort food with an atmosphere built for game day excitement.
Below are the best sports bars in Indianapolis to gather your friends and catch every winning moment.
How much do food and drinks cost in a sports bar in Indianapolis?
Food and drinks in a sports bar in Indianapolis cost anywhere between $3 and $12.The final price depends on the bar, the type of food or drink, and if there are promotions happening.
| Item | Average Cost |
| Domestic Beers | $3 – $6 |
| Food Specials (burgers, wings, pizza) | $5 – $12 |
1. Tom’s Watch Bar – Indianapolis
Website: https://tomswatchbar.com/indianapolis/
Address: 140 S. Illinois Street Indianapolis, IN 46225
Contact: 317-559-2049
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Thursday to Sunday 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Game day feels completely different when you are surrounded by passionate fans, and Tom’s Watch Bar – Indianapolis brings that full stadium-style energy right to your table.
The venue features a 360-degree layout with more than 140 high-definition screens, so it is easy to keep up with every major play while enjoying elevated bar favorites like their well-known prime rib dip.
Being one of the largest sports pubs in the city, it easily accommodates massive fan groups eager to cheer on the Pacers or Colts.
The beverage selection is just as impressive, with over 50 beers on tap along with a long list of specialty cocktails.
Unfortunately, early-week day-drinkers will need to alter their plans, as the doors remain locked until 4:00 PM on Monday through Wednesday.
Those driving downtown should also prepare for premium pricing at nearby parking garages.
Place was great! Quick services, excellent drinks and over 100 tvs. Liz was so much fun! She ask if I needed a tv changed and got it done instantly to watch the game I wanted. Go Lady Vols!
- JoHila Roach Google Review
Came here to watch the Colts game in Berlin, has been a great atmosphere. Chicken and cornbread pancake is delish and the Hibiscus Margarita is the perfect blend of tequila and fruit flavor. Very refreshing!
- JENNIFER BURGETT Google Review
2. Kilroy’s Bar N’ Grill
Website: http://www.kilroysindy.com/
Address: 201 S Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46225
Contact: (317) 638-9464
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 AM–1 AM; Friday to Saturday, 11 AM–2 AM; Sunday, 11 AM–12 AM
Game days call for a place that can handle big crowds without sacrificing good food, and Kilroy’s Bar N’ Grill manages to strike that balance well.
They’re best known for their iconic hand-rolled breadsticks stuffed with pepperoni and mozzarella. They also offer house-smoked favorites like fresh beef brisket.
We actually swung by their downtown location for a Pacers game last season and absolutely demolished a plate of those famous breadsticks while soaking in the electric energy.
Their setup also works for different crowds, with a 21-and-older downtown location near the stadiums and an all-ages option available in Broad Ripple.
Keep in mind that the downtown spot enforces a strict age limit, restricting options for families traveling with younger fans.
The sheer popularity of this location also translates to heavy crowds and long wait times during major events.
Headed here to watch the Iowa State/Washington State NCAA Game. LOTS OF TVs. Big crowd but all very friendly and excited to be there. Bartenders were polite and accommodating, food was good and came out quickly after we ordered. We’d been here before, this was a great visit. We’d highly recommend coming here to enjoy your game day.
- Chris Graue Google review
Kilroy’s is a fantastic place to watch games. Food is great, atmosphere is incredible, and there’s not a bad seat in the house. Bartenders are exceptional, especially Marissa, hands down she’s pro and on top of her game.
- Jeff Bond Google Review
3. Empire Street Bar and Grill Downtown INDY
Website: https://www.empirestreetindy.com/
Address: 419 S. West St., Indianapolis, IN 46225
Contact: (317) 419-3331
Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Walking out of a stadium and straight into a lively bar keeps the game-day excitement alive, and Empire Street Bar and Grill Downtown INDY makes that transition easy.
Located right next to Lucas Oil Stadium, this spot leans into a fun coliseum-style theme and keeps the energy going with nightly events like trivia and karaoke.
The space encourages friendly competition, especially with pool tables and darts available on a heated patio. It’s actually our go-to spot after watching games.
The oversized pizzas are another highlight. They make iit easy to share a meal while settling into the lively atmosphere.
Just keep in mind that the kitchen closes at 11:00 PM, so late-night diners may miss the chance to grab food even though the bar stays open.
Great drinks, great food and lively entertainment from karaoke to trivia to all the biggest games. Right next to Lucas Oil is the perfect spot to have a drink, watch a game and play some pool.
- Jake Talcott Google Review
Service was amazing and the General manager is especially inviting and top notch professional! Menu is perfect for the location!! Great restaurant / bar for sports events and after work drinks and parties. Definitely would recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to visit regularly!
- Juan Sullivan Google Review
4. High Velocity
Website: https://www.highvelocityindy.com/
Address: 10 South West St. Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Contact: (317) 860-6500
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 6:30 AM–12 AM; Friday, 6:30 AM–1 AM; Saturday, 7 AM–1 AM; Sunday, 7 AM–12 AM
A sports outing feels different when the setting leans more upscale, and High Velocity delivers that polished game-day experience.
The interior feels modern and stylish. There are plenty of high-definition screens and a full-day menu, including breakfast options for early arrivals.
We stopped by for Sunday brunch before an afternoon kickoff, and the lively crowd added to the excitement. The sleek setting made a simple morning burger feel like part of a bigger event.
Its location inside the JW Marriott is another perk, especially since they rotate seasonal specials and offer up to three hours of complimentary downtown parking.
Expect premium pricing across the board, though. The upscale hotel setting drives costs noticeably higher than a typical local pub.
The heavy foot traffic from convention attendees also means it gets exceptionally loud and crowded during major home games.
The service was exceptional, with the staff being very friendly and accommodating. We split the pretzel sticks appetizer which was phenomenal in both the pretzels and the beer cheese! Fun but upscale atmosphere where you can enjoy the view from floor to ceiling windows or watch the game!
- Kaitlyn Rood Google Review
Loved watching the games here–Really great vibe! I would call it classy/comfortable. Service was amazing, (shout-out to Brooke!), drinks were on point, and the food was an upscale twist on classic bar selections.
[OMG, get the short rib grilled cheese!! 🤩]
Chairs are comfortable and TVs are plentiful and large enough to easily watch.
- Laura Barton Google Review
5. The Hangar
Website: https://hangarindy.com/
Address: 501 Madison Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Contact: 317-620-1448
Hours: Wednesday to Thursday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Saturday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A night out feels more exciting when entertainment goes beyond just watching the game. That’s why we love that The Hangar combines high-tech activities with classic pub energy.
Known as one of the original pioneers of pedal pubs in the city, this venue upgrades the usual viewing setup with professional simulators that double as massive 15-foot screens
Groups that enjoy hands-on fun will find plenty to do here. The space leans into interactive entertainment, offering creative workshops and even themed romance packages for couples who want a more active date night.
The venue, though, closes completely on Mondays and Tuesdays, which limits early-week visits.
The food menu is also intentionally small, so options are somewhat limited.
Street parking is also the main option nearby, as paid meters can add a bit of inconvenience during busier evenings.
We’ve enjoyed our experiences in the several times we’ve been there this year from St Patty’s event, Pacers watch parties or simply the handlebar rides. Great drinks, great atmosphere, great food and a friendly amazing staff! Shoutouts to Erika, Dillion, Bethany to name a few along with the driving experiences from Al, Noah, and Henry! Would absolutely recommend and there’s just something special about their Indy Fashioned that’s near and dear to my heart
- Andre L Google Review
Went for the Pacers watch party, best place in the city to catch the game! Great vibes and even better staff. Walking distance from Gainbridge if you want to pregame before going in person for the NBA finals this week
- Janel Baylor Google Review
