Alley Cat Lounge

Really great local brews on tap served in glass. Super cool atmosphere with nice lighting. Great date location!

For the last 2 years I’ve been coming in with my small dog to grab a drink and study. The bartender would say hi and the cooks would bring treats. Today after seating myself and settling in, I was sharply informed, without greeting or anything, that my dogs are not allowed. It was curt and unapologetic and made me feel like I had done something wrong. There is no sign out front and there have been others with dogs (regulars) which was why I started bringing mine. When I tried to ask about what has changed or of this was always a thing, the bartender was incredibly passive aggressive, refusing to acknowledge me or my question. She made very clear that I was unwelcome and a bother. Would not even engage with my questions. Just straight gaslit me, like I’d never been in. I understand policy changes, and I respect rules. I have no problem with dogs not being allowed. What was disappointing and hurtful was the complete lack of kindness and passive aggressive dismissal I received. She could have simply been kind, said hello first or even smiled. But instead I left feeling humiliated in front of everyone there and I will never return, with or without my dog. It was already a rough day, so much for being compassionate towards each other. Thanks to the other 3 male bartenders who have always been welcoming.

Literally my favorite bar in Indy (shitty kitty side) - have been going for over 20 years. I enjoy the diverse crowd, the bartenders are nice, and I always feel comfortable and relaxed there!

Good was great...our bartender Matt was excellent...after his shift he went to the back bar where we got corned been n cabbage and had another great bartender...with a rockin mohawk! We will be back! Happy St Patrick's Day!

Good place to relax and hand out. Friendly staff and nice service. Food is good, specially Thursday is steak night. If you like steak , you shouldn’t miss it. Forgot to take pic because it’s too good. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 the chicken wing is amazing, try the everything sauce, you will love it.

You gotta stop by this place! OG Mike is amazing! He has been there since before I was born, and he knows his stuff. And the new bartender Hannah is also the bees knees!! Go check it out.

Just a blast from the past when I used to hang out in my punk n drunk days. I've never eaten here.... maybe next time I'm in Indy!

Delicious food, attentive wait staff, and a lovely atmosphere. Plus, it's all reasonably priced. I wholeheartedly recommend it and will definitely return.

The Alley Cat has a rare combination of great bar food, stiff cocktails, beer on tap, and cheap prices. I'm sick of so many restaurant bars being corporate sellouts and charging an arm and a leg for crap food and weak drinks. Alley Cat is for the people! The burgers and wings are solid and taste freshly prepared. They also have high quality yet affordable steaks supplied by our local butcher, you'll be hard pressed to find a better deal. Even the greens in the salads are pristine. They can actually make some decent cocktails too, great place to grab a solid old fashioned or bloody mary without being completely robbed. They have a few different bar areas: a pub/dining area, then a sports bar vibe to the right, and of course the dive bar off the alleyway and pool tables. A place for everyone!

It has been a minute (cough*25 years*cough) since I've been to what locals call a "dive bar." Alley Cat Lounge is considered by many to be that, and I won't disagree...but let me tell you it is not the dingy, drab bar that I had pictured. It was fresh, clean, cozy, and had excellent service. Although I didn't get any food, I did get a couple of cocktails and they were not only delicious, but were also SO cheap compared to bougie bars that I've frequented. Don't tell anyone else how good the Alley Cat Lounge is, though, so I can still have a seat. ;)

They have some the best burgers in the city for a dive bar. With an exquisite burbon selection on a regular so always excited to see my people. Service is great definitely recommend.

The chicken wings alone are the best late night spot to get them. Very delicious. Every sauce.

This place is a gem and if I ever go back it may earn a full 5 star from me. Maybe there's some bias on my part as in Nashville where I'm from everything is 2-3x as much as it is here, lol. Stopped in after a show at the Vogue as it's steps away. 3 drinks and a late night chicken tender and fries snack for less than $30 which is insane. $4 drinks, $8 meals! Friendly talklative bartender and customers. Honestly surprised it wasn't more crowded after a full show nearby. Late hours (open til 3 am?!). Clean, comfy, everything you need in a local bar.

Few friends and i popped in prior to a concert for some beverages and food. They had a decent selection of beers and liquor. The bartender was friendly and got drinks made pretty quickly even as it got a bit busier. We ended up ordering some apps and a pizza.. the apps were average (cheese poppers i believe?) but the pizza was above average and really hit the spot. Cooked very well and had a ton of flavor with banana peppers, bacon and pepperoni. I'd be happy to come back!

Always great drinks, the food I've had there has been fresh and top notch. Busy late at night but typically fast service on anything once you order. Loud and fun late at night.

So being part of a crawl...this place was very welcoming. Bathrooms are clean and my drink was pretty good!

Alley Cat is a fixture of Broad Ripple! I've been here somewhere between 1 and 175 times over the past 15 years. They have expanded to have 3 spots that all have slightly different hours. Great breakfast in the front area. Great steak night on Thursday's in the "Speakeasy" portion (you can get the steak in any of the 3 hah) Back area has 2 pool tables and pull tabs. Great bartenders and staff! I attached a picture of one of the blue plate specials I absolutely loved! Blue plate is every Wednesday, highly recommend.

I've visited Alley Cat about 3-4 times and let me tell you, they never disappoint. There's always a mixed crowd. Different ages and ethnicities and we always have a good time! We've broken out in song together and have had great conversations. Even got invited to a kickback. The vibe is great! The bartenders are nice and the food is so delicious! I always get the wings and fries. The wings are always crispy which I love. I get them plain with the sauce on the side. In my pic, I ended up just pouring the sauce on them myself. And the fries, omg! They definitely have THE BEST FRIES. They come seasoned so you don't have to ask and fresh out of the grease! I had 2 blackberry whiskey sours. It was my first time having one and I really liked it. It was so cute and delish. I also tried an old fashioned. I didn't like that one at all lol but I gave it a shot. Great job Alley Cat!

Conveniently located in Broad Ripple this lounge offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's all reasonably priced and pretty good for bar food. They open early and serve breakfast. The biscuits and gravy are really tasty and flavorful. The chicken strips and fries were pretty standard. They advertise blue plate specials on their social media. They also say they're Broad Ripple's oldest neighborhood bar. I read that they opened in 1976. I've had their food, but not their drinks so I can't review those. I need to change that soon!

The alley cat has expanded into the an entire second half of what the front of their bar used to be in the past year or so. It has a ton of tables on both sides now and a second bar top. I recently tried Thursdays special for the first time and it's such a good deal! Steak Night! You have 3 steak options, 6oz filet, 10oz filet or 12oz ribeye. It comes with a salad (your choice of dressing) a potato (fries or twice baked) and a piece of Texas toast. The best part? The price. 6oz is $16.95, 10oz is $19.95 and the 12 is $21.95. really hard to beat with today's prices even if you were to buy all the ingredients at home. The steak was cooked to order and cooked properly!

Great place to meet friends for food and drinks ! Matt has great customer service and makes a great mocktail ! They have three sides so whatever ambiance you decide upon , they have !

How have I not written a review for Alley Cat yet? This has been our favorite spot in ripple for almost 8 years. We've watched it transform from the original back room to the now expanded space. The lounge is my favorite side and really gives some speakeasy vibes. Typically great bartenders, however, it seems the newer staff could use some improvement. Drinks are really reasonably priced and the food is surprisingly delicious. They have one of my favorite fish sandwiches in the city!! It's definitely a go to for us.

Sooooo I've been trying to take meat out of my diet and my friend told me about their bean burger. So what did I do?? I called in an order (while I was at sultana) and took advantage of this delicious meal. The presentation of the BEAN burger was amazing. It was hot, had napkins, and condiments ready to go! I loved the fries too. They were also really hot and seasoned well. I liked how fresh the food taste; it didn't taste like it was frozen deep in a freezer. I am so happy I find ally got to try the bean burger. It will definitely be my go to while on this meatless journey. . Pros Customer service Food was hot Food was delicious Cons N/a A lady was drunk there and was annoying everyone at the tables. Might need to cut people off if showing signs of intoxication.

Only giving it 4 stars because it wasn't cooked evenly and was slightly overcooked but it was still delicious. Wish they had vegetables as a regular side but overall 4/5 stars is very fitting.

The only bar in Broad Ripple. Amazing hamburgers - better than that hyped place down the street. Get the Cat Burger with cheddar cheese and a runny egg. Try it on Texas toast. No drama. No dumb college students. Good drinks.

This is orobably the best dive-bar in Broadripple! No frills, just straight drinking business. Small and plain digs; the well-stocked bar and skilled bartender are the highlights! Friendly crowd made our group feel welcome; we met some fun people and saw a lot more! Excellent spot for people-watching; better than Walmart or the zoo! This place is right in my wheelgouse, and I hope to return soon!

a local favorite. the service can crawl on weekends but i mean this is a bar and we are in a pandemic that's turning into an endemic .. the staff that i've encountered is nice. the wings are so bomb whew . literally cooked to perfection. from what i see and have heard the other food is really good too. the music is jumping and this is a pretty nice spot to just have a drink and chill with some friends. on this night i actually didn't drink i ordered my food while sitting at the bar ( to go ) enjoyed someone selecting some throwback tunes and waited. there's a somewhat private lot across the street that a few of the businesses own. it's busy depending on the night. like the name says this place is in the alleyway

No exaggeration here: the best steak I've ever had! Perfectly seasoned, and the consistency week after week is remarkable. The staff is fantastic, always accommodating, and even remember my order - a definite bonus!

My husband, my friends, and my favorite bar! I went in by myself just for a quick drink and a bite to eat. The service is always great..so great my husband and the bartenders are on a first name basis! lol I ordered the berry cider special and my go to favorite, the Top Cat Burger..I ate every single bite. The bar was pretty quiet last night, and I was surprised as the weather was nicer for Indiana. I also ordered my husband their famous wings with the signature sauce, formerly known as 'everything sauce'. He ate them so quickly I could not even ask for one. I appreciate the workers in this bar, and I'm sure I'll be back before the week is over !

This is my home bar! The staff and bartenders are the dopest mfas you will ever meet!!! You will either love them or hate them but its all in getting to know them. Its love everytime i come into this ruggish yet acceptable place. The fact that they stop selling chicken after 11pm because black people dont know how to act bothered me but it is what it is... i still mess with them tho.

Sad I missed out on this fine watering hole the first few months living in broad ripple, but glad we know of it now. The front room looks nice and welcoming, but the back room is where it's at. The decoration, staff and ambience is all amazing. If you like dive bars, you can't pass up this spot. They also have a food menu with a lot to offer. My husband and I went near St Pattys day and had the best corned beef meal we've ever had. All prices on food and drink are great. All around a home run establishment.

the best steak I have had in a very long time. cooked perfectly . service was great Emily

My favorite bar in Broad Ripple. Drinks are no-frills, but strong. Can snag two well drinks for $12. Pool in the back makes for a casual hang. Best spot to end a night out.

Alley Cat is so chill and such a vibe! Whenever I've been here I have great service and the bartenders have great attitudes. My favorite part is the back area, they have reasonably priced bar food and always different drink specials.

Words will never be enough to describe this amazing establishment. Look em up on Google if you want to see the articles and awards this perfect dive bar has received and deserves. Food? Amazing. The cheeseburger is legendary in these parts and always the best choice in Broad Ripple if not the whole damn city. Surprisingly the salads are amazing as well for the sugar free team. Plenty of fried options for those that want a nice base for the drinks you will be consuming. Also, open in the AM for the stragglers and the third shifters for a decent breakfast. About those drinks, they are strong and perfect. If you want a craft cocktail (especially a daiquiri or an old fashioned) head to the Front Room. If you are looking for shots and beers, head to the classic old school back side. But it's the behind the bar talent that really makes this bar feel like home (if you're not a drunk jerk, that is.) So, Maurie (aka Mo, Mo James, or Hey Man, but never Murray or Monty lol) has been tending this bar for as long as I can remember and Tully has been here longer. Know someone in Indy? They do, too. Be respectful and they will be your friend. Otherwise, GTFO asap! The rest of the night team: Emily, Chay, Jeremy, Roper and many more may rotate but they all earn their spot in the top tender league. Honors and all. I have traveled the world and had drinks at so many amazing places, but Alley Cat will always be #1 amongst a rotating cast of #2s. Do yourself a favor!

We stayed up front b/c the back was pretty busy - Emily was super sweet and explained the specials to us thoroughly - she also made us some amazing drinks! Emily used Malfy in my Arnold Palmer and it was amazing! We also ordered a Manhattan and Boulevardier - all great! Attentive staff and nice atmosphere - will be back again!

Bartender was horrible and racist. I went for a holiday social and paid for the entire first tab of 13. I did not put a tip on the first bill because I intended on starting another and paying the tip on the second. I ordered a second round of drinks and the bartender pictured said "you're cut off" I responded "that's strange because I haven't actually had any drinks here" he said "because you didn't leave me a tip" I let him know that I planned on paying my final bill and he was still disrespectful. Horrible. Bad service.

Your typical hole in the wall joint. It's a great place to stop in and get some under priced hella strong drinks.

I came here because of the reviews, and wasn't disappointed. I definitely expected this to be a slightly grimy college bar like others on this block, but woooo it was classy! Gorgeous interior with beautiful seating options. Tables, cozy chairs, the bar - so many options. Things to know: 1. Other reviews say it is cash only...huh? Guess they changed policies because as of Sept 2019, they were taking credit cards. 2. They don't have a bar menu. Tell the bartender what you want or - if you want to throw caution to the wind and trust him - say what you generally like and he'll create something. For my drink, I said I wanted tequila, so he made me a berry margarita. Definitely tasted that tequila! Short glass and the drink was $7.50 total. A bit pricey compared to some other options nearby but it's fun to just trust the bartender to make you something fun.

Was across the street and told someone I was hungry, they said give the alley cat a try if I want an awesome burger... so that's what I did! Burger was delicious. My drink was good. Bartenders were very friendly!

The bar is very chill and friendly, staff is fantastic, and the food is even better!!

Alley Cat is a hidden gem in Broad Ripple. The drinks are strong and cheap (Cap'n and Coke for $5!!) the food is great (try the patty melt and fries with beer cheese on the side). Plus, the staff is always friendly.

The Alley Cat Front Room is distinctively different from The Alley Cat Lounge we've grown to love over the years, despite what the signage above the beautiful new lounge exudes. The ambiance portrays class with several comfortable seating options that extend to the back, where door to the 'other side' of the business is located, through the kitchen, only accessible by employees. We took a spot at the bar and got the scoop from the friendly bartender on duty. The prices were much more reasonable than I'd expected and certainly a value compared the other upscale lounges Indy. The location is prime, across from the main Broad Ripple parking lot on the strip. It's unfortunate that a business with this space could go under utilized or appreciated. It would be ideal for a private party or reception. Did I mention they have a nice restroom with more than one stall and no writing on the walls? Whodathunk?! Considering the vast contrast between the Alley Cats two location, my honey came up with a clever duo of 'The Cat' and 'The (top) Hat' to associate the two halves. I personally looked forward to visiting sooner, but the fact that there is no entrance from one side to the other prevented us from taking a peek the last time we were at 'The Cat'. I understand wanting to keep the areas separate, but wonder if it's hurting their new and improved side of the business. Some of the high points of this location; upscale cocktails, the same Alley Cat menu AND they accept credit cards. I'd opt for a little music to keep it fresh, rather than (if not in addition to) the television. Perhaps a Touch Tunes might liven it up a little and certainly a more worthy sign to indicate that this is a place you should certainly spend some time inside. If they decide to add patio tables in the near Spring, I think they'll have better luck luring newcomers.

I was actually pleasantly surprised by this place I had been in the back area once very late at night so it was cool to check out the front area as well. Had a very friendly and attentive bartender who was happy to make suggestions about gin, and I was pleasantly surprised by the food offerings as well, mind you its bar food but it was enjoyable I had a great grilled cheese and a friend had some great pizza. The best part is the price! I was really shocked with how inexpseive things were. Can't wait to go back!

Don't let the cat out of the bag! I love, love, LOVE Alley Cat Lounge's back room. The back room is one of my favorite hidden gems in Broad Ripple. It's technically a part of the main bar, but has a much cozier, upscale feel. From exposed brick to leather seats, and a variety of standard tables and high-top seating, it's a perfect spot for quiet conversation and time away from the "main drag" of Broad Ripple. The bartenders in the back room KNOW THEIR STUFF, and the drinks are more than reasonably priced. You can also order food and snackables off of the main Alley Cat Lounge menu. If you're out for an evening in Broad Ripple, but don't want to be bothered with the traditional college-age crowds, Alley Cat's back room may be just the spot for you. Order the New York Sour or a Negroni, and thank me later.

I love this place! Wandered upon this little gem the other day for the first time and got an in-depth tour and history lesson on the place from Russ. The drinks are good, and I hear the food is good too although I have yet to try it. It's cool because the back part of Alley Cat is a totally different vibe from the front so you can have the best of both worlds if you choose. I'll def be returning!

Cool lounge and bar area in Bripp! Love the chill vibes and atmosphere. Good drinks and food choices. Have seating for parties of 6 which is nice. Modern twist to 1920s vibe.

Wow what a find. We went in a couple weeks ago and have been back several times. Mike is an awesome bartender and very friendly. We ordered the corned beef at his suggestion over St Patrick's day weekend and it was hands down the best I have ever had and I come from a large Irish family. It had the most flavor you could pack in a corned beef and it was tinder. We spilt the dinner for $9.50 and we were both full. We have also tried the boneless wings here. They are good and they have several sauce options.

Ah, the Alley Cat. Haven't been here in over 20 years and was not surprised to learn that very little has changed inside this little Indianapolis dive bar gem. The staff was polite, the sign clearly stated that this is a "cash-only" establishment, and Robocop 2 was playing on the TVs overhead. We ordered a couple of Yeunglings, which we couldn't do 20 years ago, so that was fun. Looks like domestics run $3.75 here, and craft beers are a flat $5. The pool table was still over on the side, and there's still a jukebox, though now it's Touch Tunes. Before we left, we had to quickly check out the girls bathroom to see how much it had changed from our memories. We are pleased to report that it has a fresh coat of grey paint, keeping the graffiti at bay. Alley Cat, I still love you.

Signature wings are BOMB! Very cool staff and nice mix of folks who hang out. Recommend 11/10.

Great craft cocktails! The backside of the house is a super laid back dive bar feel with pool tables, etc. The front is a lot nicer but still laid back. So you have options! Great cocktails either way

This place is classic! I'm not talking about the front bar. I'm talking about the original. It's a true to life dive bar that was such before it was cool to be a dive bar. Even the location, in a dark, creepy back alley, is perfect. The food is good, the drinks are good, and the staff knows how to handle it. It's one of the very few places left in Broad Ripple with a true grit character. When you go, it makes you feel like you're in on a well kept secret, and like you're doing something kind of shifty. Sometimes it feels good to be bad.

I heard that this was the place to go from a few locals...drinks were strong and cheap and that's always a nice surprise. I only gave this place two stars because the drinks were so strong. I asked the bartender, who was husky and had a beard (who seemed like everything we asked for was an inconvenience), if they were selling the shirt that he was wearing. He told me that they only had bigger sized shirts and he "wasn't playing baby gap tonight" or going to the basement to look for me. I was going to buy 4-5 shirts from this business in the larger sizes he said he had, I was also going to leave the him a hefty tip before he decided to insult me. He could've just said they didn't have shirts if he didn't want to go get them for me.

If you're looking for a dive bar in the Broadripple area I would suggest Alley Cat. They only take cash on the back side bar, however, in the front lounge they will let you use your debit/credit card. I would highly suggest a whiskey pickle back shot and surprisingly they have pretty good bar food. I got a burger and fries last time and it was good! I've had their wings before too and they were good too! You can also play your own music for a small fee, which makes the atmosphere enjoyable.

This place has become my fave lol dive bar on the strip. Laurie the owner went above and beyond for me when I left something at the bar. The staff is always cool and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. (Their bbq chicken flatbread and burgers are my fave if you're in need of some good food!)

Go on Saturday when Maurey is working! The best bartender! We didn't have food... nice low key place off the beaten path. Quiet enough that we could talk! Nice neighborhood bar!

So many things to love about this place. Cheap, strong drinks and good company. Do yourself a favor and order some of the cheese balls. Maurie is the best bartender!