If your fridge selection feels stale, Shallo's Antique Restaurant & Brewhaus revives the fun with a 500-strong beer lineup, a quirky beer…
8811 Hardegan St (Indianapolis)
“If your fridge selection feels stale, Shallo's Antique Restaurant & Brewhaus revives the fun with a 500-strong beer lineup, a quirky beer museum and antique gallery, plus over 300 bottles and 40 drafts importing tastes from 21 countries. Make it your midweek treat, explore something rare.”
Mel's at Commission Row is a cozy speakeasy where the cocktail is the main event. Sip an Upstairs Tea or the Y.G.D.R. milk punch and snack…
110 S Delaware St Lower Level (Indianapolis)
“Mel's at Commission Row is a cozy speakeasy where the cocktail is the main event. R. milk punch and snack on truffle parmesan fries, oysters, or Dirty Martini Deviled Eggs, then call it the most civilized weeknight you’ve had in a while.”
Next time you find yourself in downtown Indy, Plat 99 at The Alexander is a sleek, art-soaked lounge where mornings mean locally roasted…
333 S Delaware St (Indianapolis)
“Next time you find yourself in downtown Indy, Plat 99 at The Alexander is a sleek, art-soaked lounge where mornings mean locally roasted coffee and grab-and-go bites, and evenings switch to craft cocktails, wine, and shareable small plates beneath Jorge Pardo’s glowing glass pendants and a breezy terrace.”
Indy’s original craft cocktail bar, Ball & Biscuit mixes classics and inventive sips with always fresh, homemade touches, then pairs them…
331 Massachusetts Ave (Indianapolis)
“Indy’s original craft cocktail bar, Ball & Biscuit mixes classics and inventive sips with always fresh, homemade touches, then pairs them with shareable small plates built from locally sourced ingredients. When you want a stylish, low-key night that still feels special, this Mass Ave standby quietly nails it.”
Start your morning with a perfectly brewed espresso and circle back after work for elevated, award-winning cocktails at The Alchemist, the…
1660 Bellefontaine St (Indianapolis)
“Start your morning with a perfectly brewed espresso and circle back after work for elevated, award-winning cocktails at The Alchemist, the sleek spot near Mass Ave that flips from specialty coffee bar to vibey lounge with ambient lighting and smooth music. Perfect for catching up, unwinding, or low key celebrating.”
Aberdeen Social House mixes a curated, globe-spanning wine list with a bourbon-loving bar and a menu where American comfort gets a smart,…
150 W 96th St (Indianapolis)
“Aberdeen Social House mixes a curated, globe-spanning wine list with a bourbon-loving bar and a menu where American comfort gets a smart, modern twist. It’s the spot when you want refined without fussy, thoughtful pairings, and flavors bold enough to make you linger.”
From the West Lafayette newsletter, September 10, 2026
Indy’s Original Retro Bar where you can actually hear yourself, Nicky Blaine's Cocktail Lounge nails classic cocktails, a cigar list, and…
20 N Meridian St (Indianapolis)
“Indy’s Original Retro Bar where you can actually hear yourself, Nicky Blaine's Cocktail Lounge nails classic cocktails, a cigar list, and small plates in a vintage, low-light lounge beneath the city lights. Great for date nights or a grown-up hang when you want conversation to outshine the bass.”
Books & Brews mixes a legit indie bookstore vibe with a rotating lineup of seasonal craft beers, so you can sip while you browse and feel…
9402 Uptown Dr #1400 (Indianapolis)
“Books & Brews mixes a legit indie bookstore vibe with a rotating lineup of seasonal craft beers, so you can sip while you browse and feel cultured about it. Grab friends for board games, live trivia, or open mic, then leave with a new read and the satisfied glow of a weeknight well spent.”
Indianapolis-based Centerpoint Brewing Company leans into its engineering roots to turn out balanced, approachable beers that win over both…
1125 E Brookside Ave Ste 2B (Indianapolis)
“Indianapolis-based Centerpoint Brewing Company leans into its engineering roots to turn out balanced, approachable beers that win over both craft diehards and macro loyalists. If you like precision in your pint and easygoing taproom hangs like trivia, flag it for your next quick hop from Muncie.”
Pronto by Iozzo's does the classy-but-comfortable thing right, with Italian deli-style light bites, espresso when you need a lift, and…
915 S Meridian St Ste 131 (Indianapolis)
“Pronto by Iozzo's does the classy-but-comfortable thing right, with Italian deli-style light bites, espresso when you need a lift, and crafted cocktails and wine when the day needs a victory lap. It’s a relaxed hang for catching up, nibbling something real, and lingering longer than planned.”
Family-owned Brandywine Creek Vineyards & Winery pours Indiana-grown, farm-to-table wines in a cozy tasting room, with flights, live music,…
12524 Southeastern Ave #1152 (Indianapolis)
“Family-owned Brandywine Creek Vineyards & Winery pours Indiana-grown, farm-to-table wines in a cozy tasting room, with flights, live music, and nearly-weekly events.”
8th Day Distillery - Bottle Shop & Cocktail Bar leans into locally sourced, handcrafted spirits with seasonal cocktails and mocktails for…
1125 E Brookside Ave Ste D06 (Indianapolis)
“8th Day Distillery - Bottle Shop & Cocktail Bar leans into locally sourced, handcrafted spirits with seasonal cocktails and mocktails for the designated heroes. Pop-up collabs, quarterly artist features, and a hip living room vibe keep it interesting, so book a tour and tasting, then snag bottles or cans to go.”
Ralston's Drafthouse is winning brunch this week with a scratch-made lineup that swings from Angel Biscuits and Gravy to decadent Elvis…
635 Massachusetts Ave (Indianapolis)
“Ralston's Drafthouse is winning brunch this week with a scratch-made lineup that swings from Angel Biscuits and Gravy to decadent Elvis French Toast, and if you’re plotting a get-together soon, their room rental setup makes hosting friends or coworkers a whole lot easier.”
Gather 22 hits that sweet spot between kid-friendly and treat-yourself, pouring legit espresso in the morning and shaking crafty cocktails…
22 E 22nd St (Indianapolis)
“Gather 22 hits that sweet spot between kid-friendly and treat-yourself, pouring legit espresso in the morning and shaking crafty cocktails at night. Slide in for chef-driven brunch with breakfast pizza, then come back for grilled pizzas at lunch and dinner, because weeknight cravings are real.”
Solely Wine champions small producers with a curated lineup of low-intervention bottles and by-the-glass pours that actually taste like…
1106 E 16th St Ste 100 (Indianapolis)
“Solely Wine champions small producers with a curated lineup of low-intervention bottles and by-the-glass pours that actually taste like where they’re from. Drop in for tastings, casual classes, and weekly happenings, then snag a bottle for the couch later...”
Mass Ave Wine nails the sweet spot of curated, affordable bottles you can sip by the glass or share by the bottle, alongside charcuterie,…
878 Massachusetts Ave (Indianapolis)
“Mass Ave Wine nails the sweet spot of curated, affordable bottles you can sip by the glass or share by the bottle, alongside charcuterie, artisan pizzas, and small plates. Friendly guidance, local art, and non-alcoholic options make it an easy weeknight hang on Mass Ave.”
Cardinal Spirits turns Indiana-grown ingredients into award-winning gins, whiskeys, rums, and canned cocktails, with a distillery…
922 S Morton St
“Cardinal Spirits turns Indiana-grown ingredients into award-winning gins, whiskeys, rums, and canned cocktails, with a distillery restaurant pouring creative drinks and elevated New American bites. Go for a tour and tasting, then linger over a Creekbend Brandy cocktail or try the new Songbird Spiked Cold Brew.”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 8, 2026
Southern Indiana’s first craft brewery, Bloomington Brewing Company still nails the basics and the bangers, from Rooftop IPA and Ruby Bloom…
2234 W Industrial Park Dr
“Southern Indiana’s first craft brewery, Bloomington Brewing Company still nails the basics and the bangers, from Rooftop IPA and Ruby Bloom Amber to easygoing Kirkwood Cream. Grab their full lineup at Lennie’s this week, and keep an eye on their brewery events for a fun excuse to sample something fresh.”
Upland classics like Dragonfly IPA, Wheat Ale, and Champagne Velvet just hit different when poured at The Tap Room at Upland Profile…
4060 Profile Pkwy
“Upland classics like Dragonfly IPA, Wheat Ale, and Champagne Velvet just hit different when poured at The Tap Room at Upland Profile Brewery, an adults only spot with a chill patio, fire pit, and a lineup of snacks and sandwiches to keep the session rolling.”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 15, 2026
Part bar, part pinball hangout, part neighborhood hub, The Orbit Room has kept Bloomington fun since 2018 with events, music, good…
107 N College Ave #001
“Part bar, part pinball hangout, part neighborhood hub, The Orbit Room has kept Bloomington fun since 2018 with events, music, good libations, and solid food to soak it up. It’s all ages with a food or drink purchase, so rally your crew and flipper away an evening.”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 11, 2026
Mike's Music & Dance Barn keeps the honky-tonk heartbeat going with a big solid-oak dance floor, live country bands, DJ nights, and…
2277 IN-46 (Nashville)
“Mike's Music & Dance Barn keeps the honky-tonk heartbeat going with a big solid-oak dance floor, live country bands, DJ nights, and real-deal dance lessons, plus tasty pub grub and cold beverages, making it an easy weeknight or weekend escape for Columbus folks who want to two-step, laugh, and unwind.”
On Bloomington’s south side, The Sinkhole Craft Beer Bar keeps taps full of hard-to-find, fresh releases from breweries across the country.…
313 E Winslow Rd
“On Bloomington’s south side, The Sinkhole Craft Beer Bar keeps taps full of hard-to-find, fresh releases from breweries across the country. Roll in for live music, trivia, and that cozy, make-a-friend vibe that turns a quick beer into "okay fine, one more".”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 6, 2026
Upland Brewing Wood Shop is where Upland’s experimentation shows up in your glass, from wood-aged sour ales to classic styles brewed with…
354 W 11th St
“Upland Brewing Wood Shop is where Upland’s experimentation shows up in your glass, from wood-aged sour ales to classic styles brewed with unique local ingredients. It’s a laid-back, Bloomington-through-and-through hang when you want a flight that surprises and a pour you’ll keep thinking about.”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 1, 2026
Owen Valley Winery keeps it easy with dinner, brunch, and happy hour alongside a solid current wine list and even library wines. Check…
491 Timber Ridge Rd (Spencer)
“Owen Valley Winery keeps it easy with dinner, brunch, and happy hour alongside a solid current wine list and even library wines. Check their annual band calendar for laid-back live tunes, then treat yourself to dessert because yes, whole cheesecakes are part of the plan.”
Heartwork Brewing is the rare combo of great beer, legit community vibes, and reasons to linger. Join their Sunday Run Club at 11:30am,…
1703 N College Ave
“Heartwork Brewing is the rare combo of great beer, legit community vibes, and reasons to linger. Join their Sunday Run Club at 11:30am, stick around for pizza, and check out Bloomington Beer School if you want to sip smarter this week.”
Bloomington’s first arcade bar, The Cade pairs a laid-back, family-owned vibe with free-to-play cabinets, N64 throwbacks like Mario Kart…
217 N Walnut St
“Bloomington’s first arcade bar, The Cade pairs a laid-back, family-owned vibe with free-to-play cabinets, N64 throwbacks like Mario Kart and GoldenEye, pinball, and rotating boozy slushies. Grab a Mario Tart or Red Dead Bourbon, rally the crew, and turn weeknights into high-score therapy.”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 23, 2026
Lennie's Brewpub pours Bloomington Brewing Company beers and serves the gourmet pizzas they put on the map here back in 1989. This week,…
514 E Kirkwood Ave
“Lennie's Brewpub pours Bloomington Brewing Company beers and serves the gourmet pizzas they put on the map here back in 1989. This week, make it your low-key spot for catching up with friends, splitting a pie, and sipping something local that tastes like Bloomington on a good day.”
Blockhouse Bar is a cozy basement bar with a diverse lineup of live entertainment that actually feels like Bloomington. Hit open mic and…
205 S College Ave
“Blockhouse Bar is a cozy basement bar with a diverse lineup of live entertainment that actually feels like Bloomington. Hit open mic and Honky Tonk on Tuesdays, then swing back for karaoke every Saturday, and let the room do its magic.”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 12, 2026
The Bluebird keeps the week lively with a mix of tribute nights, rising country voices, jam bands, indie favorites and the occasional 2000s…
216 N Walnut St
“The Bluebird keeps the week lively with a mix of tribute nights, rising country voices, jam bands, indie favorites and the occasional 2000s party. If you need an easy plan with friends, it’s the kind of room where the chorus finds you before your drink’s empty.”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 18, 2026
Root Cellar keeps the late-night energy alive with a creatively decorated cellar lounge packed with Chef Daniel’s Americana, beer can…
108 E Kirkwood Ave
“Root Cellar keeps the late-night energy alive with a creatively decorated cellar lounge packed with Chef Daniel’s Americana, beer can trophies, and a not-so-ordinary picnic mural. Drop in for karaoke, DJ dance parties, and cheeky cocktails like Cheap Sunglasses, Bill Effing Murray, and Captain Underpants.”
Ash & Elm Cider Co. Indianapolis Taproom pours Indiana’s largest selection of ciders on tap, all-natural and never from concentrate,…
1301 E Washington St (Indianapolis)
“Ash & Elm Cider Co. Indianapolis Taproom pours Indiana’s largest selection of ciders on tap, all-natural and never from concentrate, crafted with Midwest apples. Grab a flight, match it with their elevated classics, then debate your favorite seasonal like it’s a Pacers trade rumor.”
The Comedy Attic keeps Bloomington’s comedy scene humming, and this week they’re hosting Maria Bamford for two nights August 19 and 20,…
123 S Walnut St
“The Comedy Attic keeps Bloomington’s comedy scene humming, and this week they’re hosting Maria Bamford for two nights August 19 and 20, followed by Laura Peek August 21 and 22. Grab a seat, snag something from the Food & Bev menu, and let the pros and local open mic regulars reset your mood.”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 20, 2026
When you want a laid-back hang with actually good bar food, The District Tap nails it with hearty burgers, saucy wings, and shareable pies,…
141 S Meridian St (Indianapolis)
“When you want a laid-back hang with actually good bar food, The District Tap nails it with hearty burgers, saucy wings, and shareable pies, plus live music and an easygoing patio. Two Indy spots, Northside and Downtown, make it a reliable meet-up when your group chat can’t decide.”
If you like your cocktails with a little mystery, The Vault Indy hides behind a code in Bates-Hendricks and rewards you with classic,…
1542 S East St (Indianapolis) · ✓ checked Sep 12
“If you like your cocktails with a little mystery, The Vault Indy hides behind a code in Bates-Hendricks and rewards you with classic, carefully mixed drinks, a fun Prohibition Surprise pick-your-spirit gamble, weekday live music, and shareable bites like charcuterie.”
From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 16, 2026
If you're craving a night where the weirdly elegant thrive, White Rabbit Cabaret keeps Fountain Square lively with an ever-changing mix of…
1116 Prospect St (Indianapolis)
“If you're craving a night where the weirdly elegant thrive, White Rabbit Cabaret keeps Fountain Square lively with an ever-changing mix of national music acts, stand-up and improv, cabaret and burlesque, plus culty movie nights. Watch for The Burlesque Bingo Bango Show, Let’s Make A Date, and Frankie’s Flicks.”
Great Legs Wine + Spirits is the resident wine + cocktail bar at The Garage Food Hall, pouring a curated lineup that swings from familiar…
906 Carrollton Ave #417 (Indianapolis)
“Great Legs Wine + Spirits is the resident wine + cocktail bar at The Garage Food Hall, pouring a curated lineup that swings from familiar favorites to unexpected surprises. Post up between bites, pick a glass that pairs with whatever you're craving, and call it a weeknight win.”
Oliver Winery pairs landscaped gardens with relaxed reserved tastings, so you can linger over fruit-forward pours without the pretense.…
200 E Winery Rd
“Oliver Winery pairs landscaped gardens with relaxed reserved tastings, so you can linger over fruit-forward pours without the pretense. Snag a picnic package, sip a Real Fruit Moscato or Spritz Collection favorite, then swing through the shop for wine and picnic bites to keep the afternoon going.”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 9, 2026
Come for guided tastings with thoughtful food pairings, stay for game nights, book swaps, and the occasional Sunshine Sangria cocktail of…
8440 W 82nd St (Indianapolis) · ✓ checked Sep 12
“Come for guided tastings with thoughtful food pairings, stay for game nights, book swaps, and the occasional Sunshine Sangria cocktail of the month. The Rejoicing Vine also runs winery tours, a chill tasting room that stays open during most events, plus picnic packages and a friendly wine club.”
From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 19, 2026
Friendly Beasts Cider Company keeps it honest with hard ciders fermented and blended in Bloomington using juice pressed from Indiana…
222 W 2nd St
“Friendly Beasts Cider Company keeps it honest with hard ciders fermented and blended in Bloomington using juice pressed from Indiana apples. Expect blends that lean dry, made with traditional methods and 100% natural ingredients, plus enough variety to make your IPA friend admit cider can be legit.”
From the Bloomington newsletter, September 3, 2026
In the mood to keep it low-key but tasty this week? Easley Winery lines up self-guided tasting flights from crisp dry picks to sweet Reggae…
205 N College Ave (Indianapolis)
“In the mood to keep it low-key but tasty this week? Easley Winery lines up self-guided tasting flights from crisp dry picks to sweet Reggae favorites, plus wine slushies and even a mocktail flight. Bonus points for their award-winning 2023 Chardonnay that’s worth a dedicated pour.”
Whether you want wings that mean business, burgers that actually sizzle, or a heated patio where pool, darts, and cornhole get weirdly…
419 S West St (Indianapolis)
“Whether you want wings that mean business, burgers that actually sizzle, or a heated patio where pool, darts, and cornhole get weirdly competitive, Empire Street Bar and Grill Downtown INDY delivers. Add bingo, trivia, karaoke, DJs, live bands, and game-day action, and you’ve got your new sports-night headquarters.”
When you want a low-key night with serious cocktails, Wiseguy Lounge - Mass Ave delivers seasonal pours, a deep bourbon list, and that…
545 Massachusetts Ave (Indianapolis)
“When you want a low-key night with serious cocktails, Wiseguy Lounge - Mass Ave delivers seasonal pours, a deep bourbon list, and that tucked-away vibe behind Goodfellas. Pair a New York-style slice with a well-made old fashioned, call it self-care.”
