The Most Delectable Cocktail Bars in Indianapolis

River Oak Chophouse

★★★★☆ 3.8 (31)

"Excellent food and service. Menu is excellent..sushi as well. Fish .. fried rice. Japanese beer."

The Governor Modern Diner

★★★★☆ 4.4 (315) • $$

"We have made the Governor a staple for our weekend brunches because of the amazing food. It is definitely not your ma-and-pa greasy spoon, but rather a place that serves refined dishes with a cozier atmosphere. The modernized takes on classic dishes offer some intriguing new flavors packaged in a familiar appearance to all...especially the "fromlettes" (frittata / omelette hybrid). The service is consistently great for a diner and willing to run the menu with you. Always follow their advice and you're in for a treat. P.s. don't miss out on the lobster roll, when available. Higher price tag, but absurd amounts of lobster and delicious."

The Silo

★★★★☆ 4.1 (28) • $$

"Visited the Silo when we traveled back home. It was fantastic. I had smothered chicken and it was awesome. The service was great and it is such a cute place."

SOB Steakhouse

★★★★☆ 4.2 (261)

"We had an exceptional experience for our first time at SOB! Our server, Matt, was very knowledgable about the steaks and gave us great recommendations for each course. We ultimately went with the Japanese crab cakes for an appetizer, the domestic wagyu filet, the Brussel sprouts, the au gratin potatoes, and the go bananas dessert. All of it was phenomenal, though our winners were definitely the crab cakes, steak, and bananas dessert; we found both side dishes to be a bit oily. From start to finish, our dining experience did take about 2.5 hours due to a large party that night, and the wait for food felt a bit long because there wasn't music playing for most of the time we were there. The friendliness of the waiter and the quality of the food will have us returning!"

W XYZ Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (10)

"Such a nice and clean please! The bartender was very nice and pleasant! Good prices on alcohol, good selection as well. Nice fire pits on the patio!"

Derailed At Hotel Nickel Plate

★★★★☆ 4.2 (51)

"We as a group had a great time. Zoey was a great server. She had great recommendations on food and drinks. The Nickel Plate hotel bar is nice. So is the hotel. I wish they had a couple TV's in the bar. I know they're not going for a sports bar but a few more TV's would be nice and not hurt their intended vibe. The drinks, service, and food were great. Look forward to taking more people there."

Turner's Bar

★★★★★ 4.7 (31)

"Love Turner's. They offer seasonal themed drinks as well as their regular delicious concoctions. You can order tacos next door and get a cocktail here to enjoy with your dinner. If you order a drink, you can get a hotdog for a dollar! They offer some really unique beverages too - a couple even include an egg white. The presentation is always pleasing - notice the beautiful orchid. Very enjoyable here."

The Coterie

★★★★☆ 4.2 (39) • $$

"My review is a little overdue as I was here in April of 2022. I chose The Coterie online because they had a Beyond burger on the menu, and the person I dined with didn't want to eat at the other places I found with vegan options. This was a bit of a dive bar more than a restaurant, which was fine, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting for a birthday meal. It'd be a cool place to visit on a date or with friends on a weekend though. The Beyond burger was good. I just didn't realize it came with cheese, as I didn't see that on the menu, and asked for it without. I also left off the aioli and asked for mustard. A little strange to me that a Beyond burger would come with dairy. Server didn't understand my request exactly. It seemed a little overpriced at the time, but now in 2023, it costs the same as going to BK but tastes much better. (Dang inflation is killing me.) Food in baskets. Nothing fancy. Pretty good fries. I can't remember the name of it now, but I had a beer from NW Indiana which I chose just because it was from "Da Region." Decent selection of draft beers as I recall with several from different parts of the state. My dining companion had a Moscow Mule but didn't really care for how it was made. The ambience and decor were interesting. I especially liked the neon state of Indiana which changed colors. The bar glasses and plastic water cups had far out there and funny sayings on them. I remember the restroom being small and having a line. I believe they had a whiskey bar upstairs which I did not check out. In a pretty convenient location in downtown Kokomo. Easy walk to street parking and other establishments. I don't mind divey. It wasn't bad. It just didn't particularly stand out as a favorite. I might return at some point for the beer and the sandwich as well as the sign. I'd rather sit at the bar next time instead of the tall table we had. They had a long booth toward the front underneath the Indiana sign as well."

Court House Grounds

★★★★☆ 4.4 (26)

"I stopped here on a rainy day and was greeted by a man seated near the entrance at one of the small tables there. He asked if I was there for coffee or food and let me know the coffee was self-serve (tea cups, not styrofoam/paper). I decided to go ahead and dine in and grabbed a spot at another table. Fortunately, there was a menu on the table already as I waited for signs of someone to take my order. The restaurant is long and narrow (shotgun) and has a quaint look with lots of china/decoration adorning the space and tablecloths. After another guest came in, who was also greeted by the man seated near the entrance, the man got up and brought me water and asked what I wanted to eat. I gave him my order of a half turkey club sandwich and a side salad and then helped myself to a cup of coffee.It was very odd that he sat there while I waited (several minutes). I've never experienced anything like it. Turns out he was one of the owners.After that unusual start, the food plate came out rather quickly and looked great. The side salad looked fresh and colorful with mixed greens, but leaves where full sized and needed to be cut before eating. I did like that the dressing came on the side.The half turkey club had turkey, bacon, and cheese on toasted white bread, and though the sandwich was okay, it lacked any condiments or seasoning to add layers to the sandwich. So, it was okay, but not something I would probably order again.I will say that the drip coffee (I got Hazelnut) was really tasty and ready to drink right away which I appreciated because of the damp chill in the air from a January rain. The space was quiet and inviting. Just needs a little tweaking to service/taste. When finished, I simply went to the counter by the pastry options and let the man and another staff member (he showed up about half way through my visit) know I was ready to check out instead of waiting for a bill to be brought to me. That seemed to work well.I would suggest that this is a place to visit if you aren't in a rush to get anywhere. Maybe a place for meeting a friend and spending time chatting.They do have alcohol for evening dining and offer breakfast options for morning folks as well.Review #3527"

Liberty Street

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Yes they're open again! The best cocktails in Mass Ave in my opinion. Perfect atmosphere and terrific bartenders. This is a place that you'll come back to as a go-to watering hole."

J Miller Steak Company

★★★★☆ 3.7 (27)

"We are from out of town so first time here. We had 20 in our party and they were able to get us in and handle the large party with ease. Melissa was our server and she was great. If we lived here we would most definitely be back. Give them a try."

Strange Bird

★★★★★ 4.6 (336) • $$

"I previously left a review that went into more depth, but I got to try their ramen and take pics so I had to leave these here:-) The Saturn is my go-to drink. It's so so so good. The ramen was actually crazy. I've had ramen at other places before, and trying strange bird's made me realize that I have not been eating good ramen lol. It was delicious, unlike anything I've ever had before. Thank you, Strange Bird!! Until next time--"

Mr Pulpo Marisqueria

★★★★☆ 3.8 (24) • $

"Went here on a International Marketplace Lunch Tour with Mary Clark Executive Director of International marketplace Coalation. Arturo the owner set up a buffet for the group probably 30 of us. They don't have a buffet that was just a way for us to taste the food and the food was amazing. Everything we at is on the menu. The quesadilla had pork and lots of cheese. Enchiladas the green salsa was a little spicy but I enjoyed it. Red sauce also good. The chicken fajitas lots of chicken red and green peppers and onions. I didn't have room on my plate for the beef so didn't try it. Corn tortillas rolled in foil were soft and hot. Refried black beans and the Mexican rice very good. Arturo staff fixed us a desert that was chocolate cake with flan on top. I cant wait to go back and get to he flan it was really good. The staff was great the food was good and they serve alcohol."

Proof 124 Table and Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.2 (187) • $$

"The service was great. The restaurant was open air. It was about 85 degrees but the fans kept us cool enough. The outside chairs were comfortable. The food was even better. We had just come from the Spartan race our group of six was starving. The soft pretzel with cheese was delicious. We ordered their undecided fries and we devoured them along with the homemade ranch. I hade the coconut shrimp basket it was great.Everyone else had a cheeseburger. We will make our way back to this place."

Hard Truth Bar at the Garage Food Hall

★★★★☆ 3.7 (31)

"drinks are AMAZING. highly recommended the lost in the woods. it has a light refreshing lemon taste with a kick."

Lone Pine

★★★★☆ 4 (23)

"We've eaten here twice and had great meals and service both times. You can tell they are adapting to feedback and putting a lot of effort in as a new restaurant - I appreciate that! Food ordered has included: bbq carrots, pizza mushrooms, wedge salad, French onion soup, reserve cut filet, ribeye, miso greens, pine purée, panna cotta. There wasn't a bad dish - it was all amazing. Unique spins on classics, and nice execution. The red wine demi is to die for. As was the reserve cut filet- soooooo worth it. The French onion soup was also killer. I appreciated our servers patience as I selected a wine during our second visit (he brought me tastes of a couple of the wines by the glass so I could select). And our servers were also accommodating to my gluten allergy - helping me navigate nuances (cocktail sauce not GF). We'll be back and wish Lone Pine success!"

Cafe Patachou At The Stutz

★★★★★ 4.7 (42)

"We visited yesterday for a day date and it was probably our third time at this newer Patachou location. The interior is stunning and we love that it's located within the Stutz complex. Who wouldn't love a Patachou neighboring a bakery, coffee shop, the best tacos in town and a plant shop? You really can't go wrong.The staff was friendly throughout our experience. You'll find a variety of seating options like booths, countertop and a small private room that's ideal for meetings and private events. Parking can be found along the street (metered) or across the street in the Stutz lot.The menu has all of your Patachou favorites- cinnamon toasts, excellent omelettes served with dress arugula, veggie/vegan friendly offerings, broken yolk sandwiches and more. I was also impressed by the number of gluten free and vegan baked goods in the front case. Coffee is serve yourself at the front bar with a variety of milks and sweeteners. Another lovely Patachou experience. PS: if you're looking to beat the wait of their other locations, I suggest going here (it's always easy to grab a table)."

Lucky Turtle

★★★★★ 4.6 (33) • $$

"I hate using the phrase "hidden gem" because it's such a cliché, but it's the only way to describe the Lucky Turtle! This speakeasy is hidden behind a liquor store and an Arby's in Finneytown, and it is one of the chillest beer and bourbon bars in Cincinnati. They have an amazing draft list (23 beers on tap, many of them local and seasonal!), 60+ bourbons, and many more beers in bottles/cans. I was there on 4/20 (lol) and they had the Wanna Get Rye red IPA with CBD from 50 West, plus cool drink specials like the Stone + NOFX Punk in Drublic can for $3. If you're looking for rare/unique beers and friendly, knowledgeable bartenders, this is your place.The inside is no frills. They have a few games, darts, and a small outdoor space with corn hole. But this place is more about the drinks than it is about the decor, and I appreciate that."

The Office Lounge & Liquor Store

★★★★☆ 4.2 (35) • $

"The food and the service is very, very good. For a tiny kitchen, they do a great job with simple food. The tenderloin is amazing, the patty melt (get a side of 10000 Island) is fabulous and the steak specials on Friday and Saturday night are a bargain! No frills here, just a divey-ish bar that is clean and has amazing bar food. Highly recommend!!"

Hotel Tango

★★★★☆ 4.4 (574) • $$

"We visited Hotel Tango last night. What a great atmosphere! The staff was friendly and helpful. They took the time to tell us about their drink menu and made suggestions. We liked everything we tried with 'Shmallow being my favorite!When we found out they offer mixology classes we immediately put that on our list of things to do!"

Saxony Pizzeria

★★★★☆ 4.2 (54)

"Last minute decision on pizza night, so used the app to choose our pizza toppings which made it efficient and easy to pick up at the restaurant and enjoy a relaxing night at home! Yum-it tastes good too"

Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael

★★★★☆ 3.5 (36)

"An opportunity to check out Feinsteins fell in my lap via invitation from a friend with an extra ticket to the Anthony Nunziata show. We were in the "cheap seats" at the bar but the venue is small enough that visibility was still excellent and the performer came out through the bar area so that was especially nice. The show was great, and I liked hearing the Italian classics.The atmosphere is intimate and had a nice dinner theater feel. Service at the bar was as good as it could be considering the one bartender was prepping all of the drinks and taking care of food orders for those of us seated at the bar. He was quite a multi-tasker.I had a filthy martini which was good but not worth a second at the cost. My butternut bisque was interesting but in hindsight not something I'd spend another $8/cup on. I enjoyed my scallops and was too full for the dessert I was eyeing before dinner. The food had some interesting flavor pairings and was good but I had some "eh" moments; the risotto was a bit smooshier than I like and both the bisque and risotto were butternut squash based but both didn't have much of the squash flavor I love or it was hidden with the other flavors in the dishes.I had a good time at Feinstein's and would like to see another show but would likely eat dinner elsewhere first and have drinks and dessert there next time."

Oakleys Bistro

★★★★☆ 4.4 (364) • $$$

"We randomly happened upon Oakleys after a hot Costco date. Place was busy and we grabbed seats at the bar. Amazing drinks, had a vieux carre and a Long Island. For dinner we both had the specials. Mine was prawns and pork cheek, with cheese grits and veggies. Also had a lobster waffle which had tons of lobster and was really special. Hubby had the beef medallions, which were the best thing he's eaten in a while. Amazing spot that you wouldn't expect just driving by. Will be back."

Mellotone Beer Project

★★★★☆ 4.1 (26)

"After visiting 3 times in less than two weeks, I wanted to share photos of the delicious food at Mellotone Brewing Project, formerly Taft's Ale House. We're always thrilled to see new life spring up in a shuttered restaurant. But especially in an historic venue. All the menu items are unique but the appetizers are my favorite. There is enough to share and the variety is interesting. The atmosphere is refreshed with a sleek modern look on the first floor. Upstairs, there is ample seating with plank tables and benches. The service is good. Our server Ellie was awesome!"

Margarita Factory Mexican Cuisine

★★★★☆ 3.6 (30)

"I've only been here once and I must say that the margarita flight will bring me back real soon! I love Mexican food and this place did not disappoint. It is located off of the Pendleton Pike exit. I sat at the bar and had the three taco dinner with a margarita flight. The food was fresh and hot. The service was efficient, the ambiance was chill and parking is free!"

Yuca By Cedar

★★★★★ 4.7 (93)

"This is my second time coming to Yuca for brunch. I love how bright it is inside! I came in around 10 am and there was no wait time. I ordered the Fajita Greens, which I didn't have high expectations for because well salads for brunch is not my go to. The server asked me how I wanted my steak, and I was pleasantly surprised (Usually restaurants just have a default for the steak in a salad). The salad itself was great! The tortilla strips gave a nice crunch; the dressing was light and flavorful; and the steak was nicely cooked. I paired it with a mimosa. (You can also choose to get just a bottle of Prosecco with juice for $30). I was left feeling full, but not overly full where I would need a nap. On Sundays, the restaurant hands out flowers to the females! This is a nice little touch. If you like tequila, they have a vault, which opens up and you can see the tequila they have. It's a solid brunch in my opinion."

Che Bello Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (101)

"We decided to try Che Bello which has recently claimed to be "under new management" since all the backlash from the old corporate owners, Endeavor. We made reservations for a Friday night. Host and waitress were kind. Inside was clean and beautiful - decorated in an upscale, midcentury modern fashion. My partner had "the best old fashioned" he's ever had (in town). This was the highlight of our night! We had calamari fritte as an appetizer, served with a sweet sauce - crispy and tasty.I had the Tuscan Shrimp pasta entree and was not that impressed for how much I paid... the sauce was pretty sweet. The shrimp were almost translucent looking, glossy, and smooth? At first, I thought it was not cooked all the way through but the inside was opaque white so it must've been. I've never had shrimp like that so I'm wondering if it wasn't a good quality shrimp? My partner had the lobster ravioli and we agree that it was better than my pasta. The slice of bread that came with each of our entrees was better than our pastas - crispy soft with savory butter.Overall, we weren't too impressed with how much we paid for two people $120 (with tax and tip as well as the 3% surcharge for using card). Based on our entrees, we would probably not go back, especially for the price, but we loved the old fashioned and the bread!"

Nowhere Special Cocktail Lounge

★★★★★ 4.6 (45) • $$

"I LOVE this place. It has speak easy energy - you enter and walk down the stairs to the basement. There's exposed brick, low light, and a shocking amount of seating! My advice: sit at the bar. The bartenders are phenomenal and make it such a fun, memorable experience. I've been probably 10 times now and each time has been great. Their apps are also delicious! The ribs are a very generous portion and so tasty (I didn't take a picture). I really enjoyed the cucumbers too. I'd pass on the noodles - they just didn't do much for me. The army & navy and the dill, celery cocktails are my favorite but their menu changes pretty often so there's always something new to try! Cocktails can get kind of pricey here, but it's well worth it. 10/10 favorite cocktail bar in Indy!"

Papi Chulo's Cantina

★★★★★ 4.5 (8)

"The BEST thing that EVER came to Spencer, Indiana. I'm originally from Southern California and this is the first time I've had California Mexican... like super authentic! Do yourself a favor and get the Dip Trio (Salsa, Queso & Guacamole), and the Queso-Birria-Pizza... talk about flavor and one of the best things you'll ever eat!!! It's practically a Mexican pot roast, melted into a quesadilla with birria sauce to dip it in. Don't forget the napkins!!!! The atmosphere is so cool too! We have always had excellent service, practically reading our minds before we ask for anything."

Los potros mexican restaurant

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Great Atmosphere, friendly employees. Their patio area is huge. There is a restaurant building too, within walking distance. This is on a golf club, Kelly's Hidden Acres."

Hacienda Vieja

★★★★☆ 3.6 (59) • $$

"I feel compelled to knock this down a star. Yeah the atmosphere is good, nice tables, quick service, and everyone in Pendleton seems to go there (if you want to see them). Place is seemingly always busy.The food just isn't very good. You really can do better if this style of chain Mexican is your thing. I swear every time I have been (and it has been at least a half dozen times) the food is DRY. Asada tacos are an absolute stay away, meat over cooked to the point of being super chewy then sprinkled with cilantro. Same for the chicken...just dry. Loco burrito (supposed to be wet) was half wet. Even the Micheladas aren't very good. Fajitas are pretty safe but...fajitas...meh.For an average of $17 person assuming with a drink it just isn't worth it. I will come here with friends to get some beer or whatever but it isn't good and I don't get the hype.Sorry."

Fifty Fifty Gin Club

★★★★★ 4.8 (8)

"Small place with great gin selections . They die other cocktails Having a Subtropical - if you're into cucumber this is your cocktail. A quaint atmosphere and just a few steps off Vine. St down 13th street . Unique spirits here.... Marigold infused bourbon...."

The Quarter Bistro

★★★★☆ 3.9 (137) • $$$

"We love this place! It's such a great ambiance! The cocktails were awesome! The service was a little slow, but we only had cocktails not dinner so that could be why. We will definitely go back, it's such a great vibe."

Stave

★★★★☆ 4.3 (12)

"Made it to West Fork Whiskey in Westfield for the first time. In particular, we were hanging out at the Stave Cocktail Lounge. It's an enclosed area within the building and has a more chilled vibe than the open-concept restaurant. There are some nice comfortable couches as well as bar-top seating.The cocktail menu is pretty extensive. The drinks are divided into different categories, from classics to more seasonal and eclectic choices. You can also order a whiskey flight or simply do a called drink. The bartenders will hook you up. What's interesting to me is the lounge has a somewhat different drinks menu than the restaurant. In theory you have even more choices to choose from.Coming from Metro Indy, the Westfield location feels like a far-flung area. It's kind of a destination visit but I would not hesitate to come back again. One tidbit I learned is that they are looking for tour guides for facility tours. It's like a volunteering thing but you get some perks in return I believe."

Mojo's Hideaway

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Great service and atmosphere. Stopped in on a whim and felt like it was just all friends.cocktails were excellent and reasonably priced. Stop here!"