The most beautiful performance venue in Indianapolis.
The Alley, free summer concert series.
Maureen B.
Sep 25, 2024
Attended Malcolm-Jamal Warner with Miles Long that was part of Indy Jazzfest and was pleasantly surprised. I've driven past the location and been at a building across the street but didn't realize where this was located. They also have parking available at a lot behind the venue if you don't want to try on street parking.I didn't get any entree but got a mocktail and some carrot cake. Both were good but the performance was the best. Hope to visit again soon!
Read More
Antonia F.
Nov 7, 2024
My husband and I went here to see Titus Burgess and I can't say enough good things about it. Not only was he spectacular but the ambiance, food, service and sound system were all wonderful. Upon entry we were immediately greeted by two friendly hosts and taken to our booth that was we found to be the perfect seat. A waistress promptly took our order and each item came out in a timely manner. The whipped feta dip was delicious and the chocolate cake was perfectly moist and rich. The shrimp were a little over cooked, but the other items made up for it. My only complaint is my wine glass was a bit dirty around the stem with hard water build up. Other than that little detail it was a wonderful night and I can't wait to visit again soon.
Read More
Brady R.
Jul 26, 2022
Love the Cabaret! Only been one time, but had a great time. Love the variety of and the ample seating available. Great, diverse artists brought to the venue and love the change from downtown to the Pennsylavania Street location. Highly recommend checking a show out here!
Read More
Richard P.
Sep 20, 2021
To call The Cabaret an extraordinary space is an understatement. Under the leadership of Executive Director Shannon Forsell, a longtime Indy-based entertainer and all around cool human being, The Cabaret is everything you want a cabaret to be. With high-tops and wraparound booths, a single delightful piano, and a stage that makes you feel as if you're part of it, The Cabaret is an exquisite and delightful space designed by, led by, and centered around entertainers. I had the opportunity to spend a good majority of the day in the space filming the 2021 Heartland International Film Festival Awards. As a creative type, I've long ago gotten used to having to struggle around stages. They are seldom, almost never, truly what I'd call wheelchair friendly. Bless you Shannon and all. The Cabaret is wheelchair friendly with accessible dressing rooms, an accessible bathroom, and a ramp onto the stage that is truly ADA compliant and will actually host Ali Stroker during The Cabaret's 2021-2022 season. Stroker is a wheelchair using actress/singer who won a Tony Award for her performance in the Oklahoma! revival a couple years back. Parking is a little tricky here - The Cabaret is located at 9th and Penn. It shares a space with the Arts Council of Indianapolis and is next door to the Living Room Lounge (one of my college hang-outs). It's not completely clear if the businesses share a parking lot or not. I found easy parking on the street and had no issues. The front door is a double-sided glass door. Because we were filming, there was a little bit of maneuvering for the wheelchair that needed to be done but the facility itself is incredibly impressive. The actual room is similarly impressive. The wraparound tables do have a step up into them, though there's plenty of accessible tables. If you were approaching the stage from the audience, there'd be a couple steps. But, the ramp is close by. The facility is just absolutely beautiful with tremendous acoustics and you can even rent it for weddings or events. They also have established an outdoor space called The Alley at Library Square. All performances at The Alley are also free to attend (reservations are recommended but not required, though from what I've read shows for 2021-2022 are sold-out. You can still show and bring your own chair. I honestly can't believe it took me so long to get to this space. I'm a longtime fan of Shannon Forsell's and everything one loves about Forsell comes to life at The Cabaret - it's stylish, beautiful, intelligently constructed, and filled with hospitality. The Cabaret is no doubt one of Indy's true indie gems.
Read More
Samantha P.
Dec 10, 2022
It is honestly ridiculous that I haven't updated my review for The Cabaret since they moved to their new, permanent home. I shouldn't have taken such a long break from Yelp!This might be my favorite place/venue in the entire city. It is stunning. There isn't really a bad seat in the whole place and it is just so intimate and welcoming. The food and drinks are stellar. The staff is great. I could go on and on. If I wasn't already married by the time this venue opened, I'd have probably done my wedding here (which they offer), it is that beautiful. I also have to say that the variety and level of talent they bring to little ole' Indianapolis is just crazy! Alan Cumming, Jeremy Jordan, Stephanie Block, Jessica Vosk, etc. etc. So many incredible artists! Every time I am sitting there seeing a star sing to me, I almost have an out of body experience and feel like it can't be real that I am experiencing this in Indiana and not New York. They also do a jazz series that this little Broadway addict hopes to check out more in the coming years! Oh but unlike New York, they don't have a food or drink minimum for their Cabaret stage, score one for Indiana. To quote Broadway Star Matt Doyle at the end of his show: "This is magic, you are so lucky". We really are.
Read More
Kacey C.
Oct 8, 2022
This is Indianapolis' best kept secret for Broadway fans. From Megan Hilty to Santino Fontana, the team at The Cabaret works tirelessly to bring world class Broadway to our city. It is an evening of luxury and music that always lifts my spirits.This intimate venue is stunning with its art deco décor. There is also an art gallery to peruse when you arrive. Free parking is available off of St. Joseph Street.I've been to three shows here. I usually have drinks or dessert, but there is no food and beverage minimum. Get the blood orange margarita! The service is excellent. While I have not had a full dinner, it looks delicious. It is a higher priced menu. They recommend arriving an hour before show time if you plan to eat. Depending on your seating choice, you will be seated at tables with people you don't know. As an extrovert, this is no problem for me! For people under 35, their SophisTix program gives you 25% two tickets. Subscribe to their emails and purchase quickly because its not uncommon for shows to sell-out!
Read More
Carly G.
Sep 26, 2021
How have I lived in Indy for 10 years and never been here? I loved everything about it. My mom and I went to see Megan Hilty here after the show was postponed from June of 2020. First of all, they took covid very seriously which I appreciated. You had to show your vaccine card at arrival and wear a mask unless you were taking a bite or sip.The venue is very intimate, and it's a beautiful space. They had a great food and drink selection, but I just stuck to a glass of wine. The service was excellent and I cannot wait to come back for another show!
Read More
Judi K.
Jun 4, 2023
Always a pleasure, food very good and entertainment fantastic. We go at least three times a season.
Read More
Celeste M.
Feb 19, 2019
Lovely venue to enjoy dinner, drinks, and great musical performances. I had the pleasure of seeing Gavin Creel on Friday night. Not only was he an amazing performer, but our seats were great and very comfortable. The atmosphere is very classy and the room fits quite a few people. I only had dessert and drinks here so I cannot attest to their dinner menu. I did have two gin and tonics, as well as a chocolate cake. The reason The Cabaret gets 4 stars from me is because when I ordered dessert, the waiter had to tell me that it was possible they ran out (the night had just begun) and that struck me as weird. They have a vanilla bean creme brûlée, the chocolate cake, and I believe a key lime pie. The selections are small but out of all of them, the chocolate cake is going to be the most ordered and popular. I felt they could've been better prepared for that. The cake was pretty much frozen when served but the flavor was good. When I'm in town I'd love to come back and see another show.
Read More
Anna B.
Oct 7, 2023
Best venue in Indy. Great entertainment, great food, great management. Best hidden gem.
Read More