50 Best Cocktail Bars in Indianapolis

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

“Best crab Rangoon I’ve ever had. They called them crab puffs. Very large portions,drunken noodles were enough for three people. Can’t wait to try more things on the menu.“

“Fantastic experience at magdalena tonight. Food and cocktails were both outstanding and inventive. Some of things on the menu aren't for me but on the flip side, you can't get things like Turtle Soup anywhere else in the city. I'd recommend it to anybody looking for a great classy dinner.“

“Great atmosphere. Brian was a GREAT bartender“

“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.“

“Great experience & excellent service!!“

“Relaxing and fun to be in“

“Holey shit, this place feels like Indy’s hidden gem for bourbon lovers and cocktail nerds alike. From the moment you walk into Hotel Tango Distillery, you know you’re somewhere with soul. It’s not just another bar. It’s a working distillery with history, personality, and a vibe that is equal parts cozy cabin and urban bourbon lab.
The atmosphere here is rustic and welcoming: high ceilings, brick and stone walls, comfy seating, and even a giant fireplace for colder days. It is the kind of place where you want to sink into a couch with a drink and just relax. Plenty of locals and visitors rave about how inviting it feels, almost like sipping whiskey in a friend’s cool loft.
The staff we encountered were super friendly and clearly passionate about what they do. Even if it was a slow night, you could tell they genuinely love this place and want you to have a great time. That energy comes through in the cocktails.
Speaking of drinks, they are creative as hell. Sure, they make classic bourbons and spirits, but the standout is the flavored stuff like their Shmallow (toasted marshmallow) bourbon. Many bourbon snobs dismiss flavored bourbon before trying it, but it delivers more nostalgia and smooth sweetness than you would expect. I usually avoid flavored bourbons, but this one hit the spot.
And I can’t forget Freddie the cat. He graced me with his presence, a true honor for anyone lucky enough to encounter him. This adds an extra quirky, personal touch that makes the distillery feel alive.
Beyond Shmallow, Hotel Tango mixes up seasonal and inventive cocktails that make the most of their spirits. Whether you are into smoky sweet drinks or something more balanced, their menu shows real craft and imagination.
The vibe is casual but not sloppy. It is cool in that unpretentious hipster distillery way. Great for a date, a night out with friends, or just chilling solo with a drink. Plus, it has that backstory, the first combat disabled, veteran owned distillery in the U.S., which gives it character you do not find everywhere.“

“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.“

“Excellent food and service. We were celebrating a dental school graduation. Our main server was attentive, charming and very professional. Supporting wait staff were awesome!Our dinner and celebration experience was very enjoyable! Thank you!“

“Plat 99 is a chill place to have a meeting or have a cocktail and unwind while enjoying the views downtown. The atmosphere is artsy, calming, open and clean.

Servers are attentative to there guest (from personal experience and looking around)

The old fashion is delicious, smooth and warm.

The menu is perfect 👌
Everything I had there was delectable. Not only that you can tell the chef has a passion and love for what he does as he shares his talent/skill with those that stop by.

Definitely give this place a try, nothing wrong with trying out a new spot to break out of your routine.“

“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“

“Great food & wonderful service by Kaylee !“

“Beautiful environment almost Magic with clean fresh smell and delicious food ..Great service gid bless“

“we went to the location in Indy on 82nd street and it was amazing, we went twice during our vacation. Super friendly staff and they were great with my son. food was incredible!“

“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!“

“Courtland showed us the different low top tables inside and out so we could choose the safest for our little ones. He told us his favorite meals and other customer favorites. The food was very good. Conveniently located in our hotel. Good service and food. Will eat here again.“

“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.“

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

“The bartenders are always nice, but some of the clientele can be a little creepy. The bathroom line doesn’t usually get too long, and it is one co-ed bathroom. We’ve never had any problems but just something to keep in mind. The music is always great! Change nothing! We love the drag nights they do and are always sure to show up with dollar bills. Prices are higher here, one double vodka diet is about $15 without tip. The atmosphere makes up for it though, they have a big dance floor and people actually dance here.“

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

“Just stoped in for a few drinks waiting for my wife and granddaughter while they were enjoying an Indiana Fever game. Great atmosphere and the service was great (Andrew the bartender was awesome nice meeting you my friend) highly recommend if your in downtown Indianapolis and you like bourbon.“

“My husband and I went to Italy for our honeymoon and their food definitely took us back! The food was authentic, delicious, excelent service, and the chef was amazing and very heartwarming. If you love Italian fine dining food, this is the spot. Grazie mille 🇮🇹“

“Excellent food and service. We were celebrating a dental school graduation. Our main server was attentive, charming and very professional. Supporting wait staff were awesome!Our dinner and celebration experience was very enjoyable! Thank you!“

“Solid people, solid food, solid drinks...it doesn't matter who you run into, people will be kind, accepting and lovely“

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

“Amazing handcrafted drinks“

“Never disappoints! You can tell a great restaurant by its coffee. Their coffee is always strong and robust.“

“Kaitlyn is amazing server. She’s so personable and she made me feel right at home. We shared hair tips and crafting works-in-progress…all while she staffed the bar by herself. (Also, my old fashioned was perfect) Y’all should give her a raise.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ John and I had the absolute pleasure of dining at St. Elmo Steak House for Mother’s Day last year, and it was truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The atmosphere felt classic, welcoming, and full of history, which made the evening feel even more special. Our steaks were absolutely incredible — perfectly cooked, flavorful, tender, and honestly some of the best we’ve ever had. You can absolutely tell why St. Elmo’s is so well known. And of course… we have to talk about the famous horseradish cocktail sauce. WOW. It absolutely lives up to the hype. It has the perfect kick and flavor, and it’s one of those things you keep thinking about long after dinner is over. Definitely a must-try experience all on its own. What made the evening even more meaningful was celebrating Mother’s Day there together. Great food always creates memories, and this was one of those dinners we will always look back on fondly. If you’re looking for an amazing steakhouse experience with exceptional food, wonderful service, and a memorable atmosphere, St. Elmo’s is absolutely worth the visit. ❤️“

“You can tell a lot of thought and care went into the design and aesthetics of this place. It's concrete floors and exposed ducts, but somehow they've made it super cozy, mellow and welcoming.

My coffee was great and the folks working the counter were perfectly friendly and fast. I'm looking forward to coming back to try some of the baked goods and cocktails.

This is a nice chill place to start your morning or end your evening. The coffee and cocktail menu appears to include the classics along with a constantly changing creative mix of non-alcoholic and alcoholic options. It's the Radiohead of coffee/cocktail shops with friendly baristas and bartenders.“

“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.“

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

“I was in from out of town several days before Xmas, and was in the vicinity so from Googling, we ended up here for a quick and basic breakfast. We got basic croissant with egg and cheese buy still, I was impressed! Croissants tasted fresh. There were only a few other people there so I hope it makes more business because its a charming spot and is WOMAN OWNED! The atmosphere is that of a lounge, with several pretty red sofas.. and they've got a few of those popular lit up phrase-signs. It definitely has a different, more unique vibe than most places in Indy. Oh, and make sure you use the restroom, because the decor in there made me giggle out loud to myself!! There you'll find the cat photos that I attached here!“

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

“Enjoyed lunch here, friendly service, good portions, great food 💯“

“Jesse and Deann Are the absolute best.“

“This was my first visit and definitely will be returning. We had the most marvelous waiter (London). He made us feel right at home and there for anything we needed or wanted. Gave us tour of building which was amazing. Would not have expected so big inside with downstairs. Food and drinks were great. Highly recommend!“

“Just had a late lunch as a solo diner. Was treated very kindly by the staff (server Arthur was absolutely delightful), food was delicious, and I think the banana cream tart was possibly the best dessert I’ve ever had. Thanks, Arthur!“

“Went to Nowhere Special with friends and absolutely loved it! The vibes were great — super fun atmosphere and really well-crafted cocktails. I tried the goat cheese–infused gin cocktail with honeydew and lime on a whim, and it was honestly life-changing. I can’t stop thinking about it! Definitely planning to go back soon.“

“Food was awesome, environment was nice!“

“I ate here since I was staying at the Wyndham. This is the in house restaurant. I initially did not have high expectations for how it would go because it took a few minutes for anyone to come to the host stand, and when they did, they said they had gotten “a little busy” (despite the place not appearing anywhere near full) and suggested I sit at the bar for better service. So I did, and it was very smooth from there. My bartender was excellent, attentive and warm but not at all overbearing. Food didn’t take too long either. I think I was in and out with a drink, entree, and dessert within an hour.
I got the Overhead Light cocktail to drink (Beefeater gin, crème de violette, maraschino liqueur). I usually get beer when I drink but this cocktail sounded good, and I did not regret my choice. Very floral and very strong.
I had the grilled salmon entree and cheesecake chimichanga for dessert. I really liked the sweet chili glaze on the salmon. Everything was cooked well. The dish as a whole could have used more seasoning, but it was easily redeemable with some black pepper. The rice pilaf was more flavorful than it looked - it tasted like there was parmesan cheese in there which made it pleasantly creamy. The cheesecake chimichanga was also great. It looks expensive, but it is a large portion that would be ideal to share even if I did manage to clear the plate by myself. I loved the crispy wraps with the cream cheese and strawberry sauce inside, and it actually wasn’t too overwhelmingly sweet.
Prices seem to run a little high. I thought the price for my entree was fair, and other entrees seemed to also be reasonably priced for what they were, but the drinks and desserts were expensive than expected.
It was really loud inside even though the place was only about half full. It didn’t help that the Wyndham lobby also had a loud group in it and the sound carried. The place would greatly benefit from some sound panels in the ceiling or on the walls. It’s an exposed ceiling and all hard surfaces and sound just bounces around.
I wouldn’t say the food was anything to write home about and probably wouldn’t recommend it if you’re local since Indy has plenty of more impressive eateries at this price point, but if you’re staying at one of the airport hotels and want somewhere convenient but classy, this might be your place.“

“Fun and delicious dinner. My daughter loved the decor and the circular bar. My husband even noticed details of decor like period boxing fights from jimmy Braddock. Famous Shrimp cocktail was delicious and pizza, salmon , salads and sliders were delicious. Wonderful family dinner when we arrived in Indianapolis for first time.“

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

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

“Easily the best sushi we’ve had in the U.S. Very authentic and delicious, and the service is wonderful.“

“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!“