Best Bars in Indianapolis (2025)

A transportive tiki bar in Fountain Square, its Papua New Guinea art and serious rum program draw national attention; The World’s 50 Best Discovery and Visit Indy both spotlight its immersive experience and cocktail craft. Expect 21+ and no reservations. ([theworlds50best.com](https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/US/Indianapolis/The-Inferno-Room.html?utm_source=openai), [visitindy.com](https://www.visitindy.com/directory/the-inferno-room/?utm_source=openai), [theinfernoroom.com](https://theinfernoroom.com/location/?utm_source=openai))

Tiny room, big legacy: a Mass Ave fixture for nightly jazz and stiff drinks. Thrillist and TripSavvy praise its dive-bar charm, while public radio WFYI has chronicled its cultural role and long-time ownership. Cash cover some nights. ([thrillist.com](https://www.thrillist.com/venues/drink/indianapolis/bars/chatterbox-jazz-club?utm_source=openai), [tripsavvy.com](https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-nightlife-in-indianapolis-4776530?utm_source=openai), [wfyi.org](https://www.wfyi.org/programs/cultural-manifesto/radio/the-chatterbox?utm_source=openai))

A retro, subterranean martini and cigar lounge just off Monument Circle—polished, low-lit, and proudly old-school. Featured by Thrillist and highlighted by Visit Indy; the lounge touts classic cocktails and a deep scotch list. ([thrillist.com](https://www.thrillist.com/venues/drink/indianapolis/bars/nicky-blaines?utm_source=openai), [visitindy.com](https://www.visitindy.com/directory/nicky-blaines-cocktail-lounge/?utm_source=openai), [nickyblaines.com](https://nickyblaines.com/?utm_source=openai))

A rule‑bound, cash‑only classic dating to 1933—model planes, 45s on the jukebox, and legendary burgers. Celebrated by Esquire’s Best Bars list, praised by Indianapolis Monthly, and documented in the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. ([esquire.com](https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a2947/bestbars2007/?utm_source=openai), [indianapolismonthly.com](https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/food-and-drinks/drinks/holy-lit-red-key-tavern-lands-on-buzzfeed-list/?utm_source=openai), [indyencyclopedia.org](https://indyencyclopedia.org/red-key-tavern/?utm_source=openai))

Indy’s historic German beer hall and Biergarten inside the Athenaeum, designed by Bernard Vonnegut. Visit Indy and the Athenaeum Foundation spotlight its heritage; expect live bands and one of the city’s broader beer lists. ([visitindy.com](https://www.visitindy.com/listing/the-rathskeller/4565/?utm_source=openai), [athenaeumindy.org](https://athenaeumindy.org/about/the-building/?utm_source=openai), [rathskeller.com](https://rathskeller.com/menus/beer-menu/?utm_source=openai))

Flagship tasting room for the nation’s first combat‑disabled veteran‑owned distillery; seasonal cocktails, community events, and a fireplace lounge. Verified by Hotel Tango and profiled by Military.com; TripAdvisor users rank it among Indy nightlife favorites. ([hoteltangodistillery.com](https://hoteltangodistillery.com/locations/fletcher-place-tasting-room?utm_source=openai), [military.com](https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/marine-combat-disabled-vets-distillery-american-first.html?utm_source=openai), [tripadvisor.com](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g37209-d7175267-Reviews-Hotel_Tango_Artisan_Distillery-Indianapolis_Indiana.html?utm_source=openai))

Irvington’s tropical‑leaning rum bar pairs meticulous cocktails with ramen and oysters. Indianapolis Monthly’s review raves about the drinks and playful food; current hours show nightly service. Locals regularly recommend it alongside the city’s tiki stalwarts. ([indianapolismonthly.com](https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/food-and-drinks/reviews/review-strange-bird?utm_source=openai), [restaurantji.com](https://www.restaurantji.com/in/indianapolis/strange-bird-/?utm_source=openai), [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/cocktails/comments/1dj5juq?utm_source=openai))

A century‑old neighborhood bar with a jukebox, patio, and a fondness for cheeky cocktail riffs. Listed by Do317 and IndyToday among the city’s best dives; open late and reliably local. ([do317.com](https://do317.com/p/indys-50-best-bars?utm_source=openai), [indytoday.6amcity.com](https://indytoday.6amcity.com/six-dive-bars-indianapolis-in?utm_source=openai))

Fountain Square stalwart for cold beer and hot pizza since 1938. Recognized by USA Today’s national best‑bars roundup via Axios; Visit Indy lists it as a neighborhood favorite with memorabilia‑lined walls. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/07/30/sams-silver-circle-makes-best-bars-list?utm_source=openai), [visitindy.com](https://www.visitindy.com/listing/sams-silver-circle-bar/200632/?utm_source=openai))

Since 1935, this Butler‑Tarkington bar doubles as a small venue—home to the long‑running Punk Rock Night. Its 2025 calendar confirms regular shows, and Indianapolis Monthly salutes it among the city’s well‑loved dives. ([punkrocknight.com](https://punkrocknight.com/wp/?utm_source=openai), [melodyindy.com](https://melodyindy.com/event/?utm_source=openai), [indianapolismonthly.com](https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/food-and-drinks/drinks/old-fashioneds-well-worn-well-loved-dives/?utm_source=openai))

Family‑run Irish pub since 1934 with weekly trad sessions and bluegrass. Mirror Indy and WISH‑TV recently marked its milestone anniversaries; the bar’s site lists current hours and sessions. Cash is king and the cheeseburger has a local following. ([mirrorindy.org](https://mirrorindy.org/on-the-old-irish-hill-the-golden-ace-inn-bar-celebrates-91-years/?utm_source=openai), [wishtv.com](https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/on-the-old-irish-hill-the-golden-ace-inn-bar-celebrates-90-years/?utm_source=openai), [goldenaceinn.com](https://goldenaceinn.com/events/?utm_source=openai))

Broad Ripple’s late‑night legend for strong pours, a jukebox, and a cult‑favorite tenderloin. Thrillist calls it a classic dive; the bar’s site shows near‑around‑the‑clock hours. ([thrillist.com](https://www.thrillist.com/venues/drink/indianapolis/bars/alley-cat-lounge?utm_source=openai), [alleycatlounge.com](https://alleycatlounge.com/?utm_source=openai))