Jonathon's Guide to The Circle City
Places to Eat and Drink
This is a list of my favorite places in town. I generally prefer more interesting and local fare, so you won't see many chain restaurants in this list. But if a Chili's or Chipotle is more your thing, there are plenty here and Google Maps is your friend!
Mayfair is hands down my favorite food joint in the neighborhood. They have a delicious gastropub menu with burgers, fish and chips and other tasty victuals. Plus a stellar beer menu with plenty of local and regional favorites. Friendly neighborhood tavern feel, and an easy walk from the house.
Plan: Mayfair is an easy ten minute walk from the house. Open Thurs - Sun.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mayfair Taproom
2032 E 10th StMayfair is hands down my favorite food joint in the neighborhood. They have a delicious gastropub menu with burgers, fish and chips and other tasty victuals. Plus a stellar beer menu with plenty of local and regional favorites. Friendly neighborhood tavern feel, and an easy walk from the house.
Plan: Mayfair is an easy ten minute walk from the house. Open Thurs - Sun.
Nearly right across the street from Mayfair is Rabble, a great community coffee shop with delicious pastries, and a nice quiet place to read or work.
Plan: Rabble is an easy ten minute walk from the house.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rabble Coffee
2119 E 10th StNearly right across the street from Mayfair is Rabble, a great community coffee shop with delicious pastries, and a nice quiet place to read or work.
Plan: Rabble is an easy ten minute walk from the house.
10th Street Diner is one a handful of vegan restaurants in town. Their menu is 100% vegan, but even if you're not, 10th Street Diner is a delicious option.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
10th Street Diner
3301 E 10th St10th Street Diner is one a handful of vegan restaurants in town. Their menu is 100% vegan, but even if you're not, 10th Street Diner is a delicious option.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Great pizza joint nearby. King Dough specializes in brick-fired thin crust pizza. Good place to bring a crew to eat and enjoy the skyline.
Plan: You could drive or rideshare, but it's also a nice 20 minute walk through a cool neighborhood.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
King Dough
452 N Highland AveGreat pizza joint nearby. King Dough specializes in brick-fired thin crust pizza. Good place to bring a crew to eat and enjoy the skyline.
Plan: You could drive or rideshare, but it's also a nice 20 minute walk through a cool neighborhood.
An amazing brewery and a place I go to multiple times per week to get a cold one. Centerpoint is pet-friendly and hosts trivia. Great place for a good afternoon hang.
Plan: Literally in the backyard. Walking is a no-brainer.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centerpoint Brewing
1125 E Brookside AveAn amazing brewery and a place I go to multiple times per week to get a cold one. Centerpoint is pet-friendly and hosts trivia. Great place for a good afternoon hang.
Plan: Literally in the backyard. Walking is a no-brainer.
A quaint high-quality coffee joint and bodega built in a former corner gas station. Awesome pour-over coffee and ecologically friendly food options. Their focus is on fair trade and sustainability, and their prices may see a little high but that's because they have a no tipping policy (they pay their employees more).
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Amberson Coffee & Grocer
401 S College AveA quaint high-quality coffee joint and bodega built in a former corner gas station. Awesome pour-over coffee and ecologically friendly food options. Their focus is on fair trade and sustainability, and their prices may see a little high but that's because they have a no tipping policy (they pay their employees more).
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
New pizza place very close by. Futuro specializes in Detroit-style deep dish, but has thin crust tavern-style as well. Delicious.
Plan: You could easily bike here, but otherwise probably best to drive or rideshare.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Futuro
19 Cruse StreetNew pizza place very close by. Futuro specializes in Detroit-style deep dish, but has thin crust tavern-style as well. Delicious.
Plan: You could easily bike here, but otherwise probably best to drive or rideshare.
It still says "Black Market" on the sign from the last business, but Bohdi is a brand new Thai-fusion restaurant with delicious cocktails. 21+.
Plan: An easy 15-minute walk, or you could grab a bike and be here in 5-10.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BODHI : Craft Bar + Thai Bistro
922 Massachusetts AvenueIt still says "Black Market" on the sign from the last business, but Bohdi is a brand new Thai-fusion restaurant with delicious cocktails. 21+.
Plan: An easy 15-minute walk, or you could grab a bike and be here in 5-10.
Classic American diner. The Steer In has been around forever and has even been featured on Guy Fieri's show. Good place for biscuits and gravy, pancakes, grits, and anything else you'd find at a proper greasy spoon. Family-friendly.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Steer-In
5130 E 10th StClassic American diner. The Steer In has been around forever and has even been featured on Guy Fieri's show. Good place for biscuits and gravy, pancakes, grits, and anything else you'd find at a proper greasy spoon. Family-friendly.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
The best milkshakes you'll ever slurp. Very close to the house, and perfect for a hot day of walking on the Cultural Trail.
Plan: A nice 20-minute walk or bike ride on a nice day. Parking is tricky.
Gordon’s Milkshakes
865 Massachusetts AveThe best milkshakes you'll ever slurp. Very close to the house, and perfect for a hot day of walking on the Cultural Trail.
Plan: A nice 20-minute walk or bike ride on a nice day. Parking is tricky.
Award-winning establishing from acclaimed Food and Wine-honored chef Jonathan Brooks. The city's most adventurous small plates with delicious wine pairings.
Plan: An easy 10-minute walk.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beholder
1844 E 10th StAward-winning establishing from acclaimed Food and Wine-honored chef Jonathan Brooks. The city's most adventurous small plates with delicious wine pairings.
Plan: An easy 10-minute walk.
Award-winning breakfast and brunch joint in Fletcher Place. It might be hard to get a seat quickly, as this place fills up quick. The locals know.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
182 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Milktooth
534 Virginia AveAward-winning breakfast and brunch joint in Fletcher Place. It might be hard to get a seat quickly, as this place fills up quick. The locals know.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
The closest thing we have in the neighborhood to a classic pâtisserie. And imho, Leviathan nails it!
Plan: 15-20 minute walk or bike.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Leviathan Bakehouse
1101 N College AveThe closest thing we have in the neighborhood to a classic pâtisserie. And imho, Leviathan nails it!
Plan: 15-20 minute walk or bike.
Serving up the best donuts in the city since 1955. You have not had a donut until you’ve had a warm yeast donut from this bakery. Bring cash and expect a line.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Long's Bakery
1453 N Tremont StServing up the best donuts in the city since 1955. You have not had a donut until you’ve had a warm yeast donut from this bakery. Bring cash and expect a line.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Indiana has a rich history of German influence from a huge influx of German immigrants in the previous century. One place where it can be experienced most strongly is at the Rathskeller. Built in 1893 as part of a larger complex called The Athanaeum, it was called Das Deutsche Haus until the anti-German sentiment during the World Wars caused it to change names. Today it houses a YMCA, a theater, Coat Check Coffee, an outdoor biergarten with live music, and a great traditional beer hall called The Rathskeller, where you can get your fill of authentic German food and beers.
Plan: You could drive, but parking is hit or miss especially on a weekend. Walking would be a good 30 minutes, but you'd be on Mass Ave where everything is happening, so it could be fun.
111 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Rathskeller
401 E Michigan StIndiana has a rich history of German influence from a huge influx of German immigrants in the previous century. One place where it can be experienced most strongly is at the Rathskeller. Built in 1893 as part of a larger complex called The Athanaeum, it was called Das Deutsche Haus until the anti-German sentiment during the World Wars caused it to change names. Today it houses a YMCA, a theater, Coat Check Coffee, an outdoor biergarten with live music, and a great traditional beer hall called The Rathskeller, where you can get your fill of authentic German food and beers.
Plan: You could drive, but parking is hit or miss especially on a weekend. Walking would be a good 30 minutes, but you'd be on Mass Ave where everything is happening, so it could be fun.
One of the quirkiest eateries on Mass Ave, Love Handle serves up all kinds of filling comfort food with unique twists. The lovechild of a skater turned restauranteur, Love Handle has a weekly fish fry, plus insane biscuits and gravy, brunch sandwiches, loveably trashy beer, and great pastries. Sometimes you can catch a Z-grade flick projected on the wall with your meal.
Plan: Easy 20-minute walk down Mass Ave and next door to Gordon's Milkshakes. Biking is also recommended.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Love Handle
877 Massachusetts AveOne of the quirkiest eateries on Mass Ave, Love Handle serves up all kinds of filling comfort food with unique twists. The lovechild of a skater turned restauranteur, Love Handle has a weekly fish fry, plus insane biscuits and gravy, brunch sandwiches, loveably trashy beer, and great pastries. Sometimes you can catch a Z-grade flick projected on the wall with your meal.
Plan: Easy 20-minute walk down Mass Ave and next door to Gordon's Milkshakes. Biking is also recommended.
Quintessential farm-to-table establishment in Fletcher Place and a James Beard semifinalist. Delicious food. Superb wine. Inventive cocktails. The godfathers of the Indy foodie scene.
169 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bluebeard
653 Virginia AveQuintessential farm-to-table establishment in Fletcher Place and a James Beard semifinalist. Delicious food. Superb wine. Inventive cocktails. The godfathers of the Indy foodie scene.
Local favorite located in the burgeoning 16th Street corridor. Absolutely fantastic fine dining.
131 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tinker Street Restaurant
402 E 16th StLocal favorite located in the burgeoning 16th Street corridor. Absolutely fantastic fine dining.
Great bakery and coffeeshop tucked away in Windsor Park. Lots of outside patio seating, and a great selection of pastries and warm drinks to start your morning. Awesome rustic breads baked daily too. Open 8-8 every day.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Amelia's Windsor Park
1637 Nowland AveGreat bakery and coffeeshop tucked away in Windsor Park. Lots of outside patio seating, and a great selection of pastries and warm drinks to start your morning. Awesome rustic breads baked daily too. Open 8-8 every day.
Dive bars
The city’s best hidden watering holes.
Dorman is the neighborhood corner bar you wish your neighborhood had. Tucked away in a cozy corner just outside the city skyline, Dorman St has been a tavern in various iterations for over a century. If you want a taste of the true Indianapolis dive bar scene, go to Dorman.
Plan: 10-15 minute walk through Indy's coziest downtown neighborhood, Cottage Home.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dorman Street
901 Dorman StDorman is the neighborhood corner bar you wish your neighborhood had. Tucked away in a cozy corner just outside the city skyline, Dorman St has been a tavern in various iterations for over a century. If you want a taste of the true Indianapolis dive bar scene, go to Dorman.
Plan: 10-15 minute walk through Indy's coziest downtown neighborhood, Cottage Home.
Blue-collar joint serving up beer and bar food with a quintessential Midwestern atmosphere and clientele. If you want to experience the gritty real side of Indianapolis, head over to Working Man's Friend.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Working Man's Friend
234 N Belmont AveBlue-collar joint serving up beer and bar food with a quintessential Midwestern atmosphere and clientele. If you want to experience the gritty real side of Indianapolis, head over to Working Man's Friend.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Catch a band or a striptease show at this genuine honky tonk on the south side.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Duke’s Indy
2352 S West StCatch a band or a striptease show at this genuine honky tonk on the south side.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Indy's most legit Irish pub. The Golden Ace has been in business for almost a hundred years with the same Donegal family in the Irish Hill neighborhood, the landing spot for almost all Irish immigrants to Indianapolis in the 1800s. Easy to miss this hole in the wall on Washington, but you're gonna want to check it out before you leave.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Golden Ace Inn
2533 East Washington StreetIndy's most legit Irish pub. The Golden Ace has been in business for almost a hundred years with the same Donegal family in the Irish Hill neighborhood, the landing spot for almost all Irish immigrants to Indianapolis in the 1800s. Easy to miss this hole in the wall on Washington, but you're gonna want to check it out before you leave.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Humble little place near an overpass just as you exit downtown. The full name is "Ralph's Great Divide," and it's definitely the kind of place where everybody knows your name.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Great Divide
743 E New York StHumble little place near an overpass just as you exit downtown. The full name is "Ralph's Great Divide," and it's definitely the kind of place where everybody knows your name.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Low-key bar that features regular live music of the punk/avantgarde/drone/noise variety.
Plan: You'll most likely want to drive or rideshare, but a bike or walk wouldn't be unheard of, especially if you really want to get a sense of the neighborhoods of downtown.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
State Street Pub
243 N State AveLow-key bar that features regular live music of the punk/avantgarde/drone/noise variety.
Plan: You'll most likely want to drive or rideshare, but a bike or walk wouldn't be unheard of, especially if you really want to get a sense of the neighborhoods of downtown.
Indy's oldest jazz club. A gritty hole in the wall on Mass Ave with great jazz combos throughout the week and an intimate vibe. Highly recommended.
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chatterbox Jazz Club
435 Massachusetts AveIndy's oldest jazz club. A gritty hole in the wall on Mass Ave with great jazz combos throughout the week and an intimate vibe. Highly recommended.
Things to See and Do
Even though Indianapolis may seem like a humble little Midwestern city, there is still plenty to do if you're willing to look. And I've done half the work for you with this list!
The CCIC is a repurposed factory that now houses a number of art studios, galleries, and maker spaces. The growing list of businesses includes a brewery, a meadery, a distillery, a chocolate maker, recording studio, winter farmers' market, dance studio, and sports complex. Galleries are open the first Friday of every month for First Friday. A must see, and quite literally in my backyard! Join the neighborhood for a festive hang every Friday evening at Fletcher Park outside 8th Day Distillery, just a block north on Arsenal.
Plan: No car or bike necessary. You can almost see it from the house.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Circle City Industrial Complex
1125 E Brookside AveThe CCIC is a repurposed factory that now houses a number of art studios, galleries, and maker spaces. The growing list of businesses includes a brewery, a meadery, a distillery, a chocolate maker, recording studio, winter farmers' market, dance studio, and sports complex. Galleries are open the first Friday of every month for First Friday. A must see, and quite literally in my backyard! Join the neighborhood for a festive hang every Friday evening at Fletcher Park outside 8th Day Distillery, just a block north on Arsenal.
Plan: No car or bike necessary. You can almost see it from the house.
The historic center of downtown Indianapolis. Great views of the city and fountain. Lots of history to enjoy here. Plus, there's always something exciting happening on the steps of the monument.
Plan: Getting to the circle is 1) a nice but 45-minute long hike, 2) a nice 25-minute bike ride down the cultural trail, 3) an easy rideshare call away, 4) an annoying drive with no guarantees of a place to park. Your call!
170 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monument Circle
Monument CircleThe historic center of downtown Indianapolis. Great views of the city and fountain. Lots of history to enjoy here. Plus, there's always something exciting happening on the steps of the monument.
Plan: Getting to the circle is 1) a nice but 45-minute long hike, 2) a nice 25-minute bike ride down the cultural trail, 3) an easy rideshare call away, 4) an annoying drive with no guarantees of a place to park. Your call!
Indy has a great zoo just across the river. Check the website for the latest activities and exhibits. Kids love the Indy Zoo!
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
311 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico de Indianápolis
1200 W Washington StIndy has a great zoo just across the river. Check the website for the latest activities and exhibits. Kids love the Indy Zoo!
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
This bike/pedestrian trail runs through a number of historic downtown neighborhoods and is a great way to see the city on foot. Lots of shopping and food options all along the way.
Plan: The trail starts a block from the house, and there is a bikeshare dock located right there.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
132 W Walnut StThis bike/pedestrian trail runs through a number of historic downtown neighborhoods and is a great way to see the city on foot. Lots of shopping and food options all along the way.
Plan: The trail starts a block from the house, and there is a bikeshare dock located right there.
A beautiful conservatory and outdoor garden just south of downtown. The park hosts a farmer's market every Saturday in the summer.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Conservatorio del Parque Garfield
2505 Conservatory DrA beautiful conservatory and outdoor garden just south of downtown. The park hosts a farmer's market every Saturday in the summer.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
An art space in the Garfield Park neighborhood. Check their website for the latest info on showings. They always have really cool stuff going on.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare, although there are bikelanes on the road. Are you up for an adventure?
Tube Factory Artspace
1125 Cruft StAn art space in the Garfield Park neighborhood. Check their website for the latest info on showings. They always have really cool stuff going on.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare, although there are bikelanes on the road. Are you up for an adventure?
Great cozy gift shop right in the neighborhood. Good place for Indianapolis-themed merchandise, candles and incense, plants, and sustainability-focused literature.
Plan: An easy ten-minute walk through the neighborhood of Windsor Park.
Stomping Ground
1625 Nowland AveGreat cozy gift shop right in the neighborhood. Good place for Indianapolis-themed merchandise, candles and incense, plants, and sustainability-focused literature.
Plan: An easy ten-minute walk through the neighborhood of Windsor Park.
Quite possibly the best place for an afternoon nap or picnic in the city. Highland Park overlooks the skyline in a way no other place in Indy does. Pro tip: Get a pizza from King Dough, then walk it over to Highland Park and enjoy.
Plan: A nice 30-minute walk through the neighborhood, quicker if on bike. Driving is a bit silly.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Highland Park
1100 E New York StQuite possibly the best place for an afternoon nap or picnic in the city. Highland Park overlooks the skyline in a way no other place in Indy does. Pro tip: Get a pizza from King Dough, then walk it over to Highland Park and enjoy.
Plan: A nice 30-minute walk through the neighborhood, quicker if on bike. Driving is a bit silly.
The best antique/oddities store in the Midwest. Midland is in an old factory near downtown and consists of two floors of some of the craziest stuff you'll see in a while. Artwork, old estate sale stuff, creepy old photos, it's all there.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
43 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Midland Arts & Antiques Market
907 E Michigan StThe best antique/oddities store in the Midwest. Midland is in an old factory near downtown and consists of two floors of some of the craziest stuff you'll see in a while. Artwork, old estate sale stuff, creepy old photos, it's all there.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Brand new entertainment district that just opened mere minutes from the house. Includes The Garage food hall, the Bottle Works boutique hotel, The Living Room theater, PINs bowling and much more. Don't miss this place. Included in Time Magazine's "Top 100 Places in the World" for 2021.
Plan: Easy walk or bike from the house.
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bottleworks District
850 Massachusetts AveBrand new entertainment district that just opened mere minutes from the house. Includes The Garage food hall, the Bottle Works boutique hotel, The Living Room theater, PINs bowling and much more. Don't miss this place. Included in Time Magazine's "Top 100 Places in the World" for 2021.
Plan: Easy walk or bike from the house.
Massive art installation and music venue tucked away in an abandoned strip mall. Definitely check it out if you're the adventurous type.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Healer
3631 E Raymond StMassive art installation and music venue tucked away in an abandoned strip mall. Definitely check it out if you're the adventurous type.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Formerly known as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Newfields hosts revolving exhibits of some of the world's best artists. Highly recommended.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
364 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Newfields
4000 N Michigan RdFormerly known as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Newfields hosts revolving exhibits of some of the world's best artists. Highly recommended.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
LUNA is the place where Indy gets its music.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Luna Music
5202 N College AveLUNA is the place where Indy gets its music.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Do you like board games? Role-playing games? Settlers of Catan? Good old fashioned Monopoly? Moonshot is the place. Go with a group of compadres, get a round of beers and roll the twenty-sided dice.
Plan: Nice walk or bike from the house to the north end of Mass Ave. Next to Love Handle.
Moonshot Games
50 N 9th StDo you like board games? Role-playing games? Settlers of Catan? Good old fashioned Monopoly? Moonshot is the place. Go with a group of compadres, get a round of beers and roll the twenty-sided dice.
Plan: Nice walk or bike from the house to the north end of Mass Ave. Next to Love Handle.
The award-winning Children’s Museum is a great place to check out even if you don’t have kids. Consistently voted one of the top museums in the country, you should check it out if you can!
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
362 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Infantil de Indianápolis
3000 N Meridian StThe award-winning Children’s Museum is a great place to check out even if you don’t have kids. Consistently voted one of the top museums in the country, you should check it out if you can!
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
The sole remaining building of the old Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane. In its heyday, it was a multi-acre complex of dormitories, administration buildings, lobotomy labs, underground tunnels, and controversy. Today, only the building housing the museum exists, but there is plenty to view in terms of Shutter Island-esque paraphernalia within. Good place to check out if you're into the creepier side of things.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Indiana Medical History Museum
3270 Kirkbride WayThe sole remaining building of the old Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane. In its heyday, it was a multi-acre complex of dormitories, administration buildings, lobotomy labs, underground tunnels, and controversy. Today, only the building housing the museum exists, but there is plenty to view in terms of Shutter Island-esque paraphernalia within. Good place to check out if you're into the creepier side of things.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
A cool new addition to the neighborhood for all the film buffs. Kan Kan features mostly limited run movies of the art/indie/international variety. The attached restaurant and bar offers some fabulous dining and cocktails as well.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kan Kan Cinema and Brasserie
1258 Windsor StA cool new addition to the neighborhood for all the film buffs. Kan Kan features mostly limited run movies of the art/indie/international variety. The attached restaurant and bar offers some fabulous dining and cocktails as well.
Hip neighborhood bodega just down the street from the house next to Rabble Coffee. They carry all kinds of great organic snacks, fresh produce, cool drinks, and a wide assortment of hard to find music and obscure reading material.
Dear Mom
2121 East 10th StreetHip neighborhood bodega just down the street from the house next to Rabble Coffee. They carry all kinds of great organic snacks, fresh produce, cool drinks, and a wide assortment of hard to find music and obscure reading material.
Groceries and Supplies
Your guide to where to get the necessities.
If you need toothpaste, breakfast cereal, fresh fruit, potato chips, or anything else you'd find at a normal supermarket anywhere else in the world, Needler's is the place. And it's nearby.
Plan: You could walk or bike here if you have a bit of time and don't need to pick up a lot of things. If you are doing a full grocery run, you'll want to drive.
102 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Needler's Fresh Market
320 N New Jersey StIf you need toothpaste, breakfast cereal, fresh fruit, potato chips, or anything else you'd find at a normal supermarket anywhere else in the world, Needler's is the place. And it's nearby.
Plan: You could walk or bike here if you have a bit of time and don't need to pick up a lot of things. If you are doing a full grocery run, you'll want to drive.
If you prefer organic foodstuffs, we have a Whole Foods.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whole Foods Market
320 E Market StIf you prefer organic foodstuffs, we have a Whole Foods.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Not the fanciest place, but Family Dollar is nearby if you just need to grab some toiletries or some snacks.
Plan: Drive or rideshare if you're picking up a lot, otherwise it's an easy ten-minute walk down the street.
Family Dollar
611 W 11th StNot the fanciest place, but Family Dollar is nearby if you just need to grab some toiletries or some snacks.
Plan: Drive or rideshare if you're picking up a lot, otherwise it's an easy ten-minute walk down the street.
The local hardware store. They won't carry everything a big box store has, but they do have a lot. Plus you get that small town hardware store feel. Support a small business!
Plan: You could walk or bike here, but if you are going to pick up something heavy it's probably best to drive or rideshare. Next door to Needler's Fresh Market.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fusek's True Value Hardware
350 E New York StThe local hardware store. They won't carry everything a big box store has, but they do have a lot. Plus you get that small town hardware store feel. Support a small business!
Plan: You could walk or bike here, but if you are going to pick up something heavy it's probably best to drive or rideshare. Next door to Needler's Fresh Market.
Proper barber shop in Bottleworks for anyone needing a quality mop crop or beard trim. Cash only, appointment recommended. Ask for Nate or Kyle.
Plan: Located inside Bottleworks, so an easy walk or bike ride.
Brick & Mortar Barber Shop
906 Carrollton AvenueProper barber shop in Bottleworks for anyone needing a quality mop crop or beard trim. Cash only, appointment recommended. Ask for Nate or Kyle.
Plan: Located inside Bottleworks, so an easy walk or bike ride.
The only big box store I will recommend, simply because sometimes you need one, and this one is relatively close. So if you absolutely need a Target, this one is the one I go to.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Target
6101 N Keystone AveThe only big box store I will recommend, simply because sometimes you need one, and this one is relatively close. So if you absolutely need a Target, this one is the one I go to.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Local Neighborhoods
Here are some historic neighborhoods you might want to check out. They all exemplify the personality of the city in some way.
One of the great entertainment districts of Indianapolis, just southeast of Monument Circle. Lots of great restaurants, galleries and music venues.
Plan: It's a bit of a haul, but the bike path route down to Fountain Square is pretty fun with lots of great views of the city.
225 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fountain Square
One of the great entertainment districts of Indianapolis, just southeast of Monument Circle. Lots of great restaurants, galleries and music venues.
Plan: It's a bit of a haul, but the bike path route down to Fountain Square is pretty fun with lots of great views of the city.
A longtime cultural mecca just north of the city. Lots of places to eat, shop and see live music.
Plan: Great bike ride northward on the Monon Trail if it's a nice day. Otherwise, probably best to drive or rideshare.
210 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Broad Ripple
A longtime cultural mecca just north of the city. Lots of places to eat, shop and see live music.
Plan: Great bike ride northward on the Monon Trail if it's a nice day. Otherwise, probably best to drive or rideshare.
Historic suburb a short drive east of downtown on Washington Street. Lots of great old architecture, beautiful Ellenberger Park, plus shopping and food on the main strip.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Irvington Historic District
Historic suburb a short drive east of downtown on Washington Street. Lots of great old architecture, beautiful Ellenberger Park, plus shopping and food on the main strip.
Plan: Probably best to drive or rideshare.
Indianapolis's first planned suburb. At one time the most luxurious neighborhood in the city, but fell into decline in the 60s and 70s. Today, many of the houses, fountains and statuary have been restored and the neighborhood has the magical feel of a forgotten time.
Plan: You can almost see it from the house. Easy walking distance.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Woodruff Place
Indianapolis's first planned suburb. At one time the most luxurious neighborhood in the city, but fell into decline in the 60s and 70s. Today, many of the houses, fountains and statuary have been restored and the neighborhood has the magical feel of a forgotten time.
Plan: You can almost see it from the house. Easy walking distance.
The Sunset Strip of Indianapolis. This is where everything happens. Food, drink, people getting all fancy and dressed up. The good news is my house is within walking distance of it all!
Plan: Walk or bike. Parking is a headache.
223 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Massachusetts Avenue
Massachusetts AvenueThe Sunset Strip of Indianapolis. This is where everything happens. Food, drink, people getting all fancy and dressed up. The good news is my house is within walking distance of it all!
Plan: Walk or bike. Parking is a headache.
Windsor Park is the neighborhood you are in, and one of Indianapolis's original streetcar suburbs. Beyond the fact that you are staying at historic The Prosser House, one of the neighborhood's many claims to fame, there is plenty to see and do in your immediate vicinity. Be sure to check out Stomping Ground, Kan Kan Arts Cinema, Spades Park Library, Beholder, Mayfair Taproom, and the Circle City Industrial Complex.
Windsor Park
Windsor Park is the neighborhood you are in, and one of Indianapolis's original streetcar suburbs. Beyond the fact that you are staying at historic The Prosser House, one of the neighborhood's many claims to fame, there is plenty to see and do in your immediate vicinity. Be sure to check out Stomping Ground, Kan Kan Arts Cinema, Spades Park Library, Beholder, Mayfair Taproom, and the Circle City Industrial Complex.
Get out of town
Some suggested day trip recommendations if you have the time and means to get out of the city and explore parts of the rest of the state.
Fun college town about an hour south of Indianapolis. Home to Indiana University, Secretly Canadian Records and a plethora of great cuisine options. Bloomington is an island of culture in a sea of cornfields. Monroe County also has lots of amazing parks and nature preserves to explore. Don't miss it.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bloomington
Fun college town about an hour south of Indianapolis. Home to Indiana University, Secretly Canadian Records and a plethora of great cuisine options. Bloomington is an island of culture in a sea of cornfields. Monroe County also has lots of amazing parks and nature preserves to explore. Don't miss it.
About an hour northeast of Indianapolis and home to the Bob Ross exhibit at the Minnestrista Cultural Center. Not a lot to do in Muncie, but it's worth the drive to see Bob.
Muncie
About an hour northeast of Indianapolis and home to the Bob Ross exhibit at the Minnestrista Cultural Center. Not a lot to do in Muncie, but it's worth the drive to see Bob.
Tiny little Indiana town where James Dean was born. A good day trip to see what life is like out in the sticks. The James Dean museum is also a good time.
Fairmount
Tiny little Indiana town where James Dean was born. A good day trip to see what life is like out in the sticks. The James Dean museum is also a good time.
This is, well, where the speedway is. If you are a fan of Indycar racing or race lore in general, there’s lots to see and do here. Including driving your car around the track (at certain times).
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Speedway
This is, well, where the speedway is. If you are a fan of Indycar racing or race lore in general, there’s lots to see and do here. Including driving your car around the track (at certain times).
After driving miles upon miles of remote country roads, arriving at Story is like pulling into a place time forgot. The tiny main street general store and mill, and all the old houses that dot the land are pretty much exactly as they appeared (excluding some added modern amenities, of course) when the town went quiet during the Depression.
Now the general store hosts a fantastic restaurant on the first floor, a great pub in the basement, and rustic old rooms to sleep in on the second floor.
Additionally, they have a great wine festival. If you have time, be sure to book a night or two in Story. It's a vanishing part of the Old Midwest experience you don't want to miss.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Story Inn
6404 IN-135After driving miles upon miles of remote country roads, arriving at Story is like pulling into a place time forgot. The tiny main street general store and mill, and all the old houses that dot the land are pretty much exactly as they appeared (excluding some added modern amenities, of course) when the town went quiet during the Depression.
Now the general store hosts a fantastic restaurant on the first floor, a great pub in the basement, and rustic old rooms to sleep in on the second floor.
Additionally, they have a great wine festival. If you have time, be sure to book a night or two in Story. It's a vanishing part of the Old Midwest experience you don't want to miss.
Consejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Be aware: lots of construction
Due to a ton of construction projects being kicked off this year, there is slated to be a lot of road closures for the foreseeable future. I will do my best to provide you with the info you need to get around the mess.
Qué debes empacar
Bring bug spray in the summer
Indiana can get pretty muggy in the summer, and when it's muggy the mosquitoes come out to play.
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
We have a city bike share!
If you'd rather grab a bike and hit the streets, there are docks of bikes set up at various points around the city for a small fee.
Go to https://www.pacersbikeshare.org/ for more info.
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
We also have dockless scooters…
Yep, there's always a discarded scooter somewhere nearby. If you have the app, go get some.
Qué debes empacar
We have "seasons"
We have all four seasons here in Indiana. (My favorite is fall). But that also means we have brutally hot, humid summers as well as biting cold winters. Check the forecast and dress appropriately.
Costumbres y cultura
Mask advice
As of June, Marion County has lifted the mask mandate. However, some businesses still may require masks under certain conditions. Consider bringing one with you just in case.
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
They call us the crossroad of America for a reason...
If you want to get out of town for a day or three, the following cities are within 2-3 hours driving:
-Cincinnati, OH
-Louisville, KY
-Columbus, OH
-Dayton, OH
-Detroit, MI
-Chicago, IL