50 Best Cocktail Bars in Indianapolis

“Thee spot on Mass Ave to hang! Best espresso martinis in town!“

“Had dinner with a friend on a busy Thursday night. Luckily she got there early and grabbed a table for us before the rush started. Our waitress, Courtney O was awesome! We had the spring rolls, and chicken wings both were perfectly crunchy the sauces were delicious. For dinner, my friend had the Bodhi fried rice, which was made fresh - there was steam rolling off of it the whole time we ate. I had the Stir-fried glass noodles with shrimp (medium.) The shrimp were cooked perfectly, seasoned well and the medium heat was just right for me. Overall the food was fabulous, love the atmosphere, will definitely be back.“

“Really excellent and exciting food like heirloom rice and beans from new Orleans, Oaxacan mole, and dishes inspired by local produce. The cocktails and wine selection are world class!!! A shocking amount of rare spirits from Mexican mezcals to Austrian aquavits. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. Could not recommend more if you are in Indy!“

“They have a great atmosphere with a staff to make you feel like a regular. I do love their whiskey, but feel like their other products don't live up to the same standards. If you're a whiskey person I 100% recommend you check this place out especially during the fall and winter where you'll never be cozier. However, I would avoid the other spirits and stick to beer or wine.“

“I just love Byrne's Pizza's crust. So thin and SO good. Atmosphere was awesome too. I was able to have a nice quiet conversation and really relax and unwind from a busy week. Service was good and price is right. Very reasonable priced.“

“Great experience & excellent service!!“

“Great atmosphere. Brian was a GREAT bartender“

“Relaxing and fun to be in“

“I recently attended Whiskeyfest at West Fork Whiskey hosted by Indiana Liquor Group, and I have to say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a beautifully arranged space that made it perfect for mingling. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their offerings, guiding us through each tasting with enthusiasm and expertise. They shared fascinating insights into the history and production processes of each whiskey, which added depth to the experience. The selection was impressive, featuring a variety of local and national brands that showcased the diverse flavors of whiskey and bourbon. Each pour was thoughtfully curated, allowing us to explore everything from rich, full-bodied bourbons to lighter, more nuanced whiskeys. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to compare different expressions side by side, which helped to highlight the unique characteristics of each. The tasting notes provided were helpful, and I appreciated the chance to ask questions and learn more about pairing suggestions. It was evident that Indiana Liquor Group takes pride in promoting quality spirits, and they succeeded in making the evening both educational and enjoyable.“

“We had the BEST time 1205 Distillery Indy for a Bachelorette Party mixology class! Brad was fantastic and entertaining! Brian's kangaroo balls are a must see! The drinks were delicious and we all laughed so much. Thank you so much for a fun afternoon! I highly recommend it.“

“Everything and everyone from start to finish ish were exceptional Our waitress Mckensy (Grace) was amazing. Tim who was at the front went above and beyond in making us feel welcomed and assured everything went well! I cannot say enough positive things about the food, people,service and ambience!“

“We recommend Salt on Mass for its incredible consistency. The experience is always welcoming and forever delicious. My husband David treated us to a delightful dining experience for Valentine's Day Eve. (I love dining "off holiday" for a more peaceful pace.) We've dined at Salt on Mass many times and continue to be thrilled with our experience. We reserved through Open Table and were seated immediately with our on-time arrival. I love a table with a view of the room's comings and goings, so #41 was ideal, again. We were welcomed by our server Ryan, who explained he was also our bartender. (Love it - special insights on cocktails and wines.) He served us well, attentive but not too much so, and we loved his creative chocolate martini as our "appetizer." :-) We chose our dinner favorites - Chilean Sea Bass with delectable risotto for David and Salmon with expertly grilled asparagus for me. The portions remain appropriately generous, so we split the Key-Lime Chiffon Cake for dessert. Congratulations Johnny and crew for delivering another memory-making visit. Each one leaves us craving the next! Here's to you all! Sincerely satisfied, Garnet and David 2-13-25“

“Plat 99 is my go-to bar in Indy, located inside the stylish Alexander Hotel. The interior is luxurious and beautifully designed, creating an upscale yet comfortable vibe. They serve high-quality drinks, with a particularly good wine selection and well-crafted cocktails. The atmosphere is always pleasant, whether you're inside enjoying the chic setting or out on the terrace for some fresh air. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a classy evening out without being too formal.“

“Date night at Bocca never disappoints. My wife and I live near downtown, and it’s become one of our favorite spots. We grabbed seats at the bar last night, where Maritza proved she can shake a cocktail like nobody’s business. The carbonara is my go-to—hands down the best I’ve had this side of, well, Italy. The oysters are my favorite in Indy, always perfectly shucked, and the wine list makes me grin every time I spot my favorite Vermentino. You don’t have to be a neighbor to feel like one once you’re at Bocca!“

“Great food and drinks. Very hospitable service and environment.“

“We had what may very well have been the most extraordinary dining experience in our 15+ years living in Indianapolis, thanks to the unmatched hospitality of Sean. He is, without question, the best server we have ever had. His attention to detail, warmth, and genuine care elevated an already phenomenal evening into something truly memorable. From the moment we sat down, everything was flawless. We began with oysters and the French onion soup. Do not skip the soup—it is a masterpiece in a bowl. The Chateaubriand arrived perfectly prepared, accompanied by impossibly good fries and glazed carrots that were simply next level. And just when we thought it could not get any better, the chocolate cake arrived. Rich, decadent, and absolutely unforgettable. Geraldine’s is a gem. But it was Sean who turned our night into something we will be talking about for years. We cannot wait to return, and we will be asking for Sean by name.“

“The service provided by Jacob was both amazing and admirable. The receipt reads, “Jacob.” However, I saw a bracelet that reads, “Jake.” The calm under pressure displayed by Jake maintained a positive atmosphere. The restaurant experienced increased foot traffic due to The Queens Concert June 1, 2025. Then the computer system shut down. In the midst of it all Jake went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was electric. It was the Sunday following the Saturday that the Indiana Pacers won the Eastern Conference Championship. If you are in the downtown Indianapolis, Indiana area this restaurant is a great choice! It is where great food and great people meet to maintain a great atmosphere.“

“The owners are so nice and the food is the best anywhere around!!“

“Initially they seated us at a table tucked away in a corner. Terrible location. My view was Aldi’s dumpster. Then we found that the staff use the door for their smoke breaks. Constant traffic. We were a bit chilly so we asked to move to a different table. They accommodated us but then we had to change servers. We felt bad for our first server.“

“Tiny has been a staple to the LGBTQ+ community for many years! Back here after 4 years and this establishment still provides some of the best cocktails and amazing atmosphere. Came here on a Friday night with a group of 4 and sure was busy. Didn’t take long to get a drink at the bar. We were able to get a table to sit, talk, and enjoy the evening. Prices are moderate but not outrageous. We weren’t charged a cover but they do card at the door. Unsure about bar food. Must try if down Mass Ave!“

“We absolutely LOVE!!! We come up every year from Evansville for our Daughters birthday We love it so much, see you tonight !“

“Young up and coming, Chef Mikaela is a culinary force to be reckoned with!“

“I ate at Goodfellas before a show, and noticed this little place hiding in the back! I stopped for a drink, and it one of the best amaretto sours I have ever had! The bartender was attentive to everyone and was so kind. I can’t wait to be back!“

“Come see the awesome staff! Cody’s drinks are out of this world!“

“Amazing personal customer service. Food is excellent and staff is very accommodating. Highly recommend!“

“Great mocktails! 👍 Lovely shows! Amazing musical 🎼 talent 🌟 🤩“

“Amazing handcrafted drinks“

“Always love going to Saint Elmo’s steakhouse. Best steaks around!“

“Staff was so nice and accommodating. The espresso martini was fabulous. The whole vibe is so good there.“

“Had dinner on Monday for a private event. I’m still thinking about it days later. Best meal I’ve had in a while. The brisket was cooked so uniquely I’ve never had anything like it. 15/10. Service was excellent.“

“Visited today while looking for local coffee shops. I had the warm honey and burnt orange lattes. Both had very unique flavor profiles which I enjoyed. I’d recommend both for the coffee enthusiast looking for something different than the usual latte, cortado, or flat white.“

“Server Odyssey was "Off The Chain" professional!“

“We love Pins! The atmosphere is always so fun for adults and kids! Today though we ran into KD who was putting tinsel pieces in hair. She was literally so sweet! She even put tinsel pieces in my son’s short hair and made his whole day! We love it here!“

“This Indianapolis born business continues to expand its brunchian dominance over the Indianapolis food landscape. This newest addition to their empire is perhaps the most aesthetically appealing inside. If you're familiar with the other locations, the menu is the same. The Stutz building has been very nicely renovated with mini cool places now on the ground floor. Think bottleworks vibes, kind of like the garage there. If you haven't been to the stutz since the renovation, getting some brunch at Patachou is a good excuse to check it out.

Vegetarian options: I recommend the broken yolk William style. William style is when it's on sourdough, the eggs are over medium, you add tomato and mayonnaise, and replace the arugula for fried breakfast potatoes. I'm actually trying to popularize this one and get the official name on the menu. So if you go there and order William style maybe that'll help and eventually they'll add it. You'll have to actually tell them the individual components because it's not an official item on the menu yet.“

“Really love this place and happy to have it in Broad Ripple. It’s a bit pricey + the service is slow on the weekends because they only have one person working the floor (at least the 2 times I’ve been there). Will definitely keep supporting because they have great cocktails, atmosphere, and BR needs this type of bar. Plus….cocktails and coffee in one spot is always a win.“

“Refreshing juices coupled with tasty dishes that make brunch time your favorite time of day. For amazing services see Jordan at the bar! Pleasant and attentive and caring.

Went back today and sandy took care of us with an amazing energy and smile. Great costumer service.“

“Hard Truth Bar, centrally positioned within The Garage Food Hall in Indiana, offers a distinctive drinking experience that beautifully complements the diverse culinary landscape of the hall. This bar stands out for its carefully curated menu, featuring unique drinks that pay homage to the bar's own creations and the region's flavors. The ambiance, marked by its prime location, invites guests to immerse themselves in a social and vibrant setting, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore local libations.During my visit, the bartender suggested the peach highball, a recommendation that showcased the bar's inventive approach to crafting cocktails. While the drink was on the sweeter side for my taste, it was undeniably tasty, demonstrating a balance of flavors that was both refreshing and enjoyable. The peach highball exemplifies Hard Truth Bar's commitment to offering distinctive beverages that might not be found elsewhere, encouraging patrons to step outside their comfort zones and try something new.Hard Truth Bar's presence in The Garage Food Hall enhances the overall experience of the venue, providing a central gathering spot for friends, family, and solo adventurers alike to unwind and enjoy a drink. The bar's focus on unique, regionally inspired drinks adds an extra layer of appeal, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the local drink scene. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet, like the peach highball, or something more traditional, Hard Truth Bar is equipped to satisfy your cravings with its innovative and diverse menu.“

“This location holds wonderful memories (former Libertine). I expected to be disappointed but was pleasantly surprised.

The bar tender (Leo - who is likely a high level mixologist) asked for my drink preferences and then made the BEST whiskey and malort based cocktail. I typically don't love either.

Excellent.“

“Not a bad place for a 20th anniversary reunion!!“

“Great bourbon and whiskey selection ,cozy atmosphere“

“This is a fantastic dinner-date restaurant. It has the right vibe, great food, and incredibly thoughtful service. And as long as you don't get a steak, not going to completely drain your bank account either lol! 10/10, can't recommend enough.“

“Magnifica vista ☺️y la atención es A-1“

“Super cool atmosphere! Will definitely be coming back.“

“My wife's and my daughter-in-law requested the Blue Sushi Sake Grill, when we asked her where she would like us to take her - with our son, granddaughter, and grandson - to celebrate her birthday last week, and our family enjoyed the experience thoroughly. When we arrived, we received a very friendly greeting from the hostess. Our food and drinks were delicious, well prepared, and attractively presented. My wife had asked, when she made our reservation, that a dessert with a candle be brought to our daughter-in-law to conclude our meal, and the restaurant not only did so, they kindly covered the cost of the treat. We appreciated most of all the outstanding service provided to us by Jannelyn, our server, who was cheerful, helpful, and attentive even though the restaurant was extremely busy and she was responsible for a number of tables, in addition to ours. Thank you!“

“First time for my wife and myself, what a great experience!“

“Great place to hang out and listen to music. Nice deck and we enjoyed the breeze. :)T“

“Zach was cool and attentive!“

“Great food and large portions. If you leave hungry, it’s your fault. 😀“

“Awesome food and staff. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“