The best cafes in Indianapolis

7 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 7 places · showing the latest additions first

Strange Brew

Cafes

Espresso drinks, unique vegan donuts & baked goods offered in a warm, arty atmosphere.

4800 Smith Valley Rd (Greenwood)

“Espresso drinks, unique vegan donuts & baked goods offered in a warm, arty atmosphere.”

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Coffeehouse Five

Cafes

Micro-roaster and bakery serving coffee drinks and baked goods in a casual space.

323 Market Plaza (Greenwood)

“Micro-roaster and bakery serving coffee drinks and baked goods in a casual space.”

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7 Brew Coffee

Cafes

Trendy shop featuring a drive-thru, a broad range of tea and coffee drinks, energy drinks and smoothies.

4420 S Emerson Ave

“Trendy shop featuring a drive-thru, a broad range of tea and coffee drinks, energy drinks and smoothies.”

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7 Brew Coffee

Cafes

Drive-thru coffeehouse offering a variety of caffeinated drinks, plus smoothies, teas, and milkshakes.

3710 S East St

“Drive-thru coffeehouse offering a variety of caffeinated drinks, plus smoothies, teas, and milkshakes.”

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Nine Lives Cafe & Cat Lounge

Cafes

Whether you’re craving an artistically curated latte, a pastry from local bakeries, or quality time with adoptable cats, Nine Lives Cafe &…

1315 Shelby St

“Whether you’re craving an artistically curated latte, a pastry from local bakeries, or quality time with adoptable cats, Nine Lives Cafe & Cat Lounge has you covered this week. Their IndyAdopts foundation powers the kitty love, and the cafe doubles as a small gallery of local consignment art.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Pawz Pet Cafe

Cafes

Pawz Pet Cafe pairs coffee, tea, bubble tea, and easy snacks with a cat lounge full of friendly, adoptable floofs, plus an event space and…

481 Gradle Dr (Carmel)

“Pawz Pet Cafe pairs coffee, tea, bubble tea, and easy snacks with a cat lounge full of friendly, adoptable floofs, plus an event space and pet supplies. They closed for renovation on July 27, 2026, so use this week to follow updates and plan your first sip-and-snuggle back.”

From the Hamilton County newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Smitten Kitten Cat Cafe and Coffee Shop

Cafes

Relaxed cafe where guests can drink coffee, eat treats, and interact with adoptable cats.

7852 E 96th St (Fishers)

“Relaxed cafe where guests can drink coffee, eat treats, and interact with adoptable cats.”

Website ↗

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