Red Key Tavern

5170 N College Ave, Indianapolis
(317) 283-4601

Recent Reviews

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kristin sambor

A wonderful little bar with. Great service and selection of drinks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

ron moser

Cash only. Amazing cheeseburger. A must visit. Friendly and unbelievable atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger

Vance Rees

An old tavern with lots of history. Cash only. This place has fair rules you must follow. The food menu is limited but their burgers are some of the best in town.

Atmosphere: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger

Douglas Moses

My new favorite pub in Indianapolis! I feel like I’m walking into the past. The staff is really friendly and genuinely wanted us to have a great time. We had the burgers and we’re not disappointed.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger

Rebecca K.

Red Key is one of those unassuming spots that has managed to carve out a loyal following despite being a “hole in the wall.” Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it’s a place where strangers often end up as friends over a couple of cheap drinks. It’s been around for years, offering a nostalgic, no-frills vibe that draws in regulars and newcomers alike.

First off, the drinks are reasonably priced, a big plus in an age where many bars tend to overcharge. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that Red Key operates on a cash-only basis, which might be inconvenient for some. If you’re heading out here, make sure you’ve got cash in hand.

The bar itself is small, and while it may not offer the most luxurious experience, it’s packed with character. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a versatile spot depending on the weather, but parking can be a challenge. The lot is cramped, and there’s a tricky back lot situation where spaces get blocked, so you’ll want to make sure you park with care—not to mention, be mindful of the houses and garages in the area. No one likes a bad neighbor.

While the bar is great for a low-key night out, there are a few notable downsides. The jukebox has been broken for months, which means you won’t have music unless there’s live entertainment, which can be hit or miss. If you’re someone who enjoys a good playlist while sipping on your drink, this could be a dealbreaker.

Also, be aware that Red Key has a strict no-cursing policy. It’s an unusual rule for a dive bar, but it helps maintain a certain vibe. If you tend to let the occasional expletive slip, you might want to curb that before heading in.

The service is definitely a bit of a mixed bag. Some bartenders are friendly and welcoming, creating a warm atmosphere, while others can come off as less than enthusiastic. It’s a bit of a gamble in that regard, but when you hit it right, it feels like you’re visiting a long-lost friend.

All things considered, Red Key is a great spot if you’re looking for an unpretentious bar with a chill atmosphere. It’s not perfect, but that’s part of its charm. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, there’s something endearing about this little dive, as long as you’re prepared for its quirks.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 3

D'Quan Rogers

Great little hole in the wall. Cash only. Neighborhood vibes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger

Alwin Ramirez

Love the vibes, great service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jordan Buck

Always amazing

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger

Christiana Watson

Really, chill spot to stop in for a simple beer and satisfying bite to eat! The few menu items available are really well made and yummy! Nothing fancy, just plain good! Great cheeseburgers! I personally enjoyed the BLT! I love the location and the staff is great! A lot of the Broad Ripple old timers know this low key casual spot .A relaxed and easy atmosphere! Highly recommend to add this stop to your out and about !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Karen Lucas

Chris always greets you with a smile! And Davey and The Midnights provide incredible music.

Vegetarian options: Delicious grilled cheese

Parking: Street parking is available within a short walk

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger

Seth Lastname

A unique place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger

Abbie G

I went here for my very first drink. Seems like a decent bar despite that I don’t have much perspective on bars! Our waitress was very nice and popped around here and there. The environment was pretty average, but not bad! The prices were really nice!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Jens-Peter Mollenhauer

Great old school

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Seth Andrews

A unique place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger

Joe Tutterrow

Limited menu but our sandwiches were good. Friendly service and fun atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

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