Whether you’re looking for a place to party on St. Patrick’s Day, or just a local pub to call your own, Indianapolis is crawling with Irish bars. Here are the best Irish/ Scottish pubs and bars in the Indianapolis area.
We’ll start off downtown with the Claddagh Irish Pub on 234 South Meridian Street. Open 11am – midnight Monday – Thursday, 11am – 3am Friday and Saturday, and 11am – 10pm on Sunday, the Claddagh Irish Pub offers Irish and Scottish meals late into the night. Although a little on the pricey side – look to spend between $16 – $ 25 – the casual, 21+ pub accepts reservations. Smoking and non-smoking sections are available, as well as outdoor seating and carryout. The Claddagh Irish Pub also has occasional live performances. Call 317-822-6274 for more information.
O’Reilly’s Bar & Grill can be found just a few blocks away at 36 South Pennsylvania Street, in downtown Indianapolis. O’Reilly’s keeps later hours through the week, open 11am – 3am Monday – Saturday, and 11am – midnight on Sunday. This bar is set up in a part sports, part neighborhood, part Irish theme. The food is more typical bar food than authentic Irish cuisine, but it’s also inexpensive. Expect to pay $9 – $15 for a good meal. O’Reilly’s Bar & Grill sports televisions, outdoor seating, and smoking sections. Call them at 317-974-0674.
On the east side of Indianapolis, check out the Golden Ace Inn at 2533 East Washington Street. According to people in the know, “This cozy Irish bar has been run by the same family for more than 70 years.” St. Patrick’s Day at the Golden Ace Inn is something to remember! The Golden Ace Inn is open from 11am to 11pm Monday – Saturday, serving lunch and dinner. No reservations are accepted. Parking is free, and there are smoking sections. The pub is cash only, but with sandwiches starting at under $4, you shouldn’t have any trouble covering your tab. The Golden Ace Inn has a jukebox and hosts live music as well. Every Tuesday, starting at 8pm, the pub hosts free Irish Music Sessions. All patrons and musicians are welcome. Call 317-632-0696 for details.
Move to the Speedway side of Indianapolis for Kelly’s Pub Too, at 5341 West 10th Street. Although this pub serves Irish and Scottish food, its décor also sports smashed up bits of NASCAR and Indy cars. Kelly’s Pub Too is open from 11am – 3am Monday – Saturday, and noon – midnight on Sunday. Expect to pay between $9-$15 for the Celtic Cuisine. Reservations are not accepted; smoking is permitted. Come to Kelly’s Pub Too for the pool tables and darts, or for the dancing and live music. Every night the pub features Karaoke, DJs, or a live band, usually starting around 8 or 9pm and usually without a cover charge. Call 317-244-5822 for a schedule.
J.E. McGilvery’s Pub and Eatery is at 8315 U.S. 31 S. Open from 11am – 3:30am Monday – Saturday, and noon – 12:30am on Sunday, this Indianapolis bar has an Irish theme with familiar American food. Meals are served late into the night, and can range from $16 – $25. Parking is free, and smoking is permitted. Reservations are not accepted, but carryout is available. McGilvery’s sports video games, pool tables, darts, a jukebox, and televisions. Call them at 317-885-0818.
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