Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Indianapolis lights up with a wealth of nightlife options. In fact, there are probably more after-dark diversions and destinations than you ever imagined. Just take a glance at this chapter, keeping in mind that this is only a small sampling of what Indy has to offer. I’d probably still be typing and we’d need another book if I tried to include every nightlife venue.
You can dance the night away, catch a game with the gang at the neighborhood sports bar, watch a movie, grab a bite to eat with friends in a cozy pub, laugh at a comedy club, or savor a drink while people-watching in some bustling tavern. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here or if you have discovered some great spot that I haven’t spotlighted, let me know. I’ll try to feature it in the next update.
Three things to remember:
1. If you’re going to drink, do it in moderation.
2. The drinking age is 21.
3. A designated driver is a good thing—if you don’t have one, don’t drink.
The Indianapolis night scene is ever-changing, with new venues coming and going regularly, so give a place a call if you really have your heart set on going there. Otherwise, there are so many nightspots in party areas that you can easily change gears to slip into another nearby place that may turn out to be a treasure. Unless otherwise noted, the following establishments do not require a cover charge. This chapter is divided into areas of Indianapolis. But no matter what part of the city you are in, you’re never far from a sports bar. Indianapolis is one sports-crazed town—with good reason—and you can always find a place to watch a game or talk sports.
1. Chatterbox Jazz Club
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (317) 636-0584
Address: 435 Massachusetts Ave.
Description: For almost three decades, the Chatterbox has been offering live jazz from some of the area’s best musicians. A tiny hole-in-the-wall dive in the Mass Ave arts district, the Chatterbox can get quite loud, crowded, and smoky, but that’s how many folks like their jazz. Bring money for the tip hat when it’s passed around and $5 for the cover charge when a live group is playing. If you get there early, you might get a better seat. If you get there late, you might catch sight and sounds from musicians who like to drop by and sit in after their evening gigs are done.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Address: 234 S. Meridian St.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Address: 247 S. Meridian St.
4. The Elbow Room
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (317) 635-3354
Address: 605 N. Pennsylvania St.
Description: An old-time bar, the Elbow Room could probably tell some whopping stories if it could talk. Opened shortly after the repeal of prohibition in 1933, the Elbow Room is located in one of the few historic flatiron buildings remaining in Indy. The building was constructed in 1893 and is situated in the historic St. Joseph’s neighborhood. A favorite with the after-work crowd and weekend drinkers, The Elbow Room serves a good one-half pound Elbow Room Burger, complete with Cajun spices, sautéed onions, and hot-pepper cheese on Texas toast. Onion rings are a cut above average and full dinners are also among the choices on a larger-than-usual bar menu. Play pool in the upstairs bar or watch sporting events on the televisions.
5. Forty Five Degrees
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (317) 635-4545
Address: 757 Massachusetts Ave.
Description: A restaurant and sushi bar by day, Forty Five sports a different vibe at night. The place features plasma screens with films playing as well as some oldie-but-goodie movies. Of course, most of those television channels are turned to sporting events when games are on. DJs spin tunes on Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights. Named for the odd angle at which Massachusetts Avenue meets North College Avenue, Forty Five Degrees has angled walls, odd seating areas and tubular light pendants. Forty Five is nonsmoking. Every Friday is rumba night, with free dance lessons at 10 p.m.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Address: 20 E. Georgia St.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Address: 17 W. Jackson Place
8. Level One at the Hyatt Regency
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (317) 632-1234
Description: A perfect place to mix business with pleasure, Level One is has a great location in the downtown Hyatt Regency. Slide into a comfy seat in front of a huge video wall with more than a dozen plasma televisions and savor a signature martini. Classic cocktails and a tasty bar menu with specialties such as seared ahi tuna and mini-meatball subs make this a popular place. Stop by Level One for happy hour Thurs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Listen to live music and enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers. Take time to stroll through the light-filled atrium lobby of the hotel with its soaring 21 stories, cascading greenery, and waterfall.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Address: 20 N. Meridian St.
10. No Name Lounge at the Westin Indianapolis
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (317) 262-8100
Address: 50 S. Capitol Ave.
Description: Relaxed, comfortable, and quiet, the No Name Lounge is not pretentious or a trendy hangout for the hip-hop crowd. It’s a great upscale setting for unwinding with a martini or glass of wine. It also offers one of the best menus in town because it is located right next to Shula’s Steak House at the Westin and shares the Shula menu. Dubbed “one of America’s best steak houses,” Shula’s is named after Don Shula, former pro football coach for the NFL, best known for guiding the Miami Dolphins to the NFL’s first and only perfect season. Shula’s serves certified Angus beef, fresh Florida seafood, lamb, and poultry. As might be expected, bar service at No Name Lounge is very good.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Address: 40 W. Jackson Place
12. Rock Bottom Brewery
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (317) 681-8180
Address: 10 W. Washington St.
Description: A sprawling two-story entertainment center built around a working brewery, Rock Bottom has plenty of room for everyone. The first floor is home to the main bar and restaurant. Large plasma-screen televisions make sure no one misses the action in this sports-crazy city. The second level of Rock Bottom is in the basement with 3,500 feet of action, including five pool tables, Nintento Wii, Mega Touch Bar Top Trivia, two big-screen televisions, and six more television screens. Produced on-site, the beer is fresh and seasonal. The food menu features plenty of choices, like the favorite jambalaya with Red Ale rice—shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage in a spicy tomato and poblano sauce, served over Red Ale rice.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Address: 1 Virginia Ave.
14. Talbott Street Disco-Cabaret
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (317) 931-1343
Address: 2145 N. Talbott St.
Description: High-energy and raucous, Talbott Street is a disco and cabaret that really comes to life late at night. Open until the wee hours on the weekends, Talbott Street features enthusiastic disc jockeys and has one of the state’s largest dance floors, along with a massive copper bar. A popular part of the gay scene, Talbott Street has an adjacent cabaret show bar named Legends that features the best of area female impersonators with the Ladies of Legends and their guests. The Sky Bar offers a cool-white heavenly perch overlooking people dancing below. The cover fee is $5 on Sat; no cover fee for Fri or Sun.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Nightlife
Address: 50 W. Washington St.