The best bars & nightlife in Indianapolis

“Unassuming option offering familiar draft beer & cocktails, as well as pub fare.”

“Bustling neighborhood pub serving a menu of classic American fare & daily specials. No kids allowed.”

“Restaurant & bar serving Chicago-style pub grub & cocktails in a contemporary brick-walled space.”

“Elevated, casual outlet with a brick patio offers New American fare & live jazz, folk & blues.”

“Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.”

“Classic Thai dishes & cocktails served in a comfortable, chandelier-lit space lined with artwork.”

“Nigh Brewpub is a family-owned Plainfield spot pouring house made beer alongside a from scratch, beer infused menu built by local food creators, delivering classic pub comfort with a modern twist. Round up the crew or let them handle catering and private parties so you can just enjoy.”

From the Plainfield newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Mom-&-pop steakhouse with a live-music lounge serves hefty mains & a selection of lighter fare.”

“Chain for gourmet burgers & other American comfort fare.”

“Relaxed sports bar serving wings & beer.”

“Locally owned and built for comfort, class, and camaraderie, Villa Havana Cigar Lounge nails the true lounge vibe with a full-service bar and more than 40 cigar brands to sample. Grab a seat, pair your favorite pour with a new stick, and settle in like it's your living room.”

From the Plainfield newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Relaxed sports bar serving wings & beer.”

“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.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 21, 2026

“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.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 22, 2026

“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.”

From the Muncie newsletter, September 2, 2026

“With an ever-changing tap list that swings from bright IPAs to roasty stouts and tart sours, MashCraft Greenwood nails the variety thing. Add solid bar grub and pizza, relaxed vibes, and regular trivia or live music, and you’ve got a neighborhood spot that keeps weeknights interesting.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 14, 2026

“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.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 26, 2026

“SmockTown Brewery LLC keeps things lively right here in Greenwood with a craft beer lineup, a tasty food menu, and weekly events and live music. Bonus points for Attic Hardware, their cozy upstairs speakeasy that feels like a secret even when your neighbor's already texting you from a barstool.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 7, 2026

“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.”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 19, 2026

“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

“If you want a calm, low-key spot to actually hear your friends or get a little work done, C&C Lounge - Cocktail & Cigar Lounge - Greenwood pairs premium cigars with expertly crafted cocktails in a refined room. Memberships add perks like preferred pricing, private event access, and cedar-lined lockers.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 18, 2026

“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.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, September 4, 2026

“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.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, September 1, 2026

“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.”

From the Muncie newsletter, September 6, 2026

“SIP Cocktails on Main keeps Greenwood buzzing with handcrafted cocktails like a smoked old fashioned or Blackberry Bourbon Sidecar, small bites that play nice, and weekly entertainment from music bingo to open mic to live sets. Easygoing vibe, solid drinks, and you’ll probably stay longer than planned.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Trendy spot for American eats (including vegan fare), coffee, cocktails and live acts.”

“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.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 11, 2026

“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.”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Nailers Brewing & Distilling Co. is the neighborhood brewery, distillery and eatery crafting its own rum, vodka, blue agave spirits, gin, whiskey and bourbon, then shaking them into cocktails that actually hit.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 25, 2026

“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.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Cozy spot for casual dining featuring international-influenced American fare and wine from their own winery.”

“Planetary Brewing Company Tap Room keeps it local with beers from its 7 Barrel Electric Brewhouse at "Mission Control," then poured in the heart of Old Town Greenwood. It’s the kind of easygoing spot where the tap list invites a little exploration and neighborly conversation.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Sports-bar chain known for its waitresses, serving American comfort food in lodgelike surroundings.”

“Ale Emporium nails the local sports bar sweet spot with wall-to-wall TVs, fresh local beers, and their World Famous Hermanaki Wings plus Honest Pizza that actually lives up to the name. Family-run since 1982, the Greenwood spot is perfect for catching the game and crushing cravings.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 10, 2026

“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.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 7, 2026

“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.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 7, 2026

“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...”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 8, 2026

“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.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Famous TV comics draw laughs at this stand-up comedy club with a variety of American eats.”

“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.”

“Teams of improvisers compete during this show for all ages, which also offers classes.”

“Relaxed speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a wide selection of bourbon and handcrafted drinks.”

“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, 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 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.”

From the Muncie newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.”

“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.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 11, 2026

“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

“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.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 20, 2026

“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.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, September 6, 2026

“New American outpost with a patio serving wines, brews & seasonal fare in a warm, upbeat setting.”

“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.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, August 23, 2026

“After a Monon spin, roll into Upland Carmel Tap House for a craft beer adventure paired with seasonal, locally sourced fare. Expect bright sours, classic Upland favorites, and a menu built to hang with your pint... a low-key spot that feels equal parts Bloomington quirk and Carmel polish.”

From the Hamilton County newsletter, August 18, 2026