After Indianapolis was named one of the best cities for young professionals, we really need show off what Downtown has to offer. In recent years, Downtown Indianapolis has sprouted some pretty intriguing new hangouts. Whether it be dining, grabbing a drink or just enjoying some entertainment, there are plenty of places to soak up the Indianapolis atmosphere.
Drink
There is nothing better than ending a long day with a cold one. I recommend stopping by Nada – a new modern Mexican restaurant off Maryland Street – for a tasty margarita (Nadarita), cocktail or cold brew. While you are at it, you might as well pair your drink with a bowl of their homemade chips and salsa.
Snack on seriously good chips and salsa at Nada. Wash it down with a perfectly sweet and salty Nadarita.
The next drink destination is Hotel Tango, central Indiana’s first artisan distillery and the first disabled veteran owned distillery in the country. Located in Fountain Square, Hotel Tango has made their mark on the distillery scene by utilizing Indiana-grown corn and other local ingredients to make their artisanal spirits. Stop by the tasting room and enjoy a cocktail by the wood burning fireplace or purchase a bottle to take the party home with you.
The HandleBar is not the average bar scene. This Peddle Pub seats 16 passengers and takes a two-hour tour around Downtown Indy. Bring your own beer or wine and music (each HandleBar is equipped to plug in iPhones or iPods) and come prepared to pedal hard. Book a tour just in time for the spring months – it is sightseeing and beverage enjoyment all wrapped into one!
The HandleBar is a 16 passenger moving bar – a must do in Downtown Indy!
Eat
An open patio is a large draw when good weather rolls around. The Tap offers just that plus one of the most extensive beer menus with over fifty on tap each day plus nearly 400 bottles. The outdoor patio features tall tables and chairs, a wall of plants, festive lighting and hip tables with built-in fire pit centerpieces. So grab a brew and Tap Fries as you sit on their patio to enjoy spring Indy nights.
The Rathskeller has several different traits that qualify it as a “hip hangout.” Hang out in the dining room, the Kellerbar or the Biergarten for live entertainment. All three of these sections offer a different style of eating and drinking which allows you to lose track of time.
Hang out
The Slippery Noodle Inn may be the oldest bar in Indy but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a hit with young locals. This historic landmark has grown into one of the best blues and jazz clubs around and offers live music seven night a week. And for those looking for late night snack, The Noodle offers a full service menu until the wee hours of the morning. The bar has also been praised by one of the nation’s top blues bars by Rolling Stone magazine.
The Slippery Noodle offers live music seven nights a week.
During the spring and summer, Indianapolis residents and visitors flock to The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River to enjoy live outdoor summer concerts. This venue has been putting on concerts for 13 years and they aren’t stopping. Some of this summer’s must see acts include: Ellie Goulding, Dashboard Confessional and Walk the Moon.
The picturesque setting at the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park is an ideal place to enjoy your favorite big-name band.
Baseball season is a sign of summer and Victory Field is known for being a great place to watch some ball. The Indianapolis Indians are back and their weekly specials continue to be a hit. Head to a Thursday evening game for Craft Beer Night – the Tribe’s way of getting a jumpstart on Friday. Bonus: visit the Sun King mobile tap room in Victory Field’s PNC Plaza for complimentary sampling.
Post written by Sarah Pelko, communications and marketing intern.
