My picks for the top three bars in Indianapolis offers a bit of variety to suit your mood. All offer entertainment, food and its own particular atmosphere. Interestingly enough, all three are in downtown Indianapolis and are within walking distance of each other in what is known as the Wholesale District, an area which once housed warehouses and businesses long since gone and now converted into various restaurants, bars and dance clubs.
My first choice is a great hang out for the younger crowd and the energy is always alive there. This is a fun, noisy place so if you’re in the mood to sit and think and enjoy a beverage, this wouldn’t be the place. I’m talking about The Ugly Monkey located at 373 South Illinois St. While this is a place for the younger set, a lot of people visiting town for various events seem to drift in and enjoy it. The music is loud, the dancing is furious but there is a dress code that is enforced. Not suits and ties or business casual, not this place. It enforces basically a no ‘gang’ or ‘street punk’ attire. Visit their website for more information about this and be sure to stop by on Thursday night for Karaoke with a prize of $50. The regular drinks are served here with daily specials and food of various types. There is also an outside area to enjoy.
My next choice is the Claddagh Irish Pub located at 234 South Meridian. This is a beautiful place to relax and talk, have some great food and wonderful Irish ales and beers. The bar is a work of art which was completely hand made in Ireland and shipped here to be installed. The main area has two fireplaces and cozy booths, but as you drift through the building different areas have different vibes. All the typical drinks are served with an emphasis on Irish beers. Be sure to stop in to watch World Cup Soccer and enjoy almost nightly live music. There is a full service menu and also a menu called ‘pub bites’ that has some great Irish type appetizers on it that will fill you up without breaking your budget. Visit here for more information.
I think the best bar of all in Indianapolis is the Slippery Noodle Inn located at 372 South Meridian. This bar has been in continuous operation since 1850 in this location. The building was originally a German social club, then a stop on the underground railroad for slaves heading north. At one time it was also an infamous bordello until a customer was shot and the city closed them down. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth the visit just for that if you like old buildings. The bar itself is Tiger Oak and original to the building. There is live music most nights and you can visit their website for a schedule. Their stage has hosted such greats as Buddy Miles, Luther Allison and Savoy Brown. Don’t be surprised if you rub elbows with celebrities that are in town as many visit ‘The Noodle’ as a matter of course when they’re in town. Dave Matthews, John Entwistle, Billy Joel and Liza Minelli have all been spotted here. The prices are very reasonable and if you visit on Thirsty Thursday virtually every drink in the house is half price. Visit their website at www.slipperynoodle.com/.
