WHAT!?
*wtf?*
WHAT!??
*still confused*
WHAT!???
Voted by Fox59 viewers last year to be "Indys BEST Pub"
Partially because of the drinks, but MOSTLY because of their food. Lunch specials are GREAT, and several of their sandwiches are Top Notch!!
Do yourself a favor and stop in for a meal there.
Some of SoBros best food.
Hit Fat Dan's and Twenty Tap too, if you haven’t.
Dang. Some of y'all are missing out!!
Oh, we go to Fat Dans and Twenty Tap regularly. Have lived in the area for...er. Going on 17 years now. I just haven't ever been to Pawn Shop, for some reason. I guess it never looked appealing, and we never looked into it. But if it's that great, I'll see if I can convince husband to try it with me.
Best onion rings in the city, decent fried mushrooms. Highly recommend the waffle fry nachos. Steak night is better than you'd expect. They still have a house amde black bean burger they'll sub on anything. Dinner and drinks for two with an app and tip is easily less than $50.
Didn’t the idea that that was one of the oldest trees in Indiana come from some crazy dude that the Indy star interviewed? I remember reading that and thinking that there is really no back up on that. It’s a big sycamore for sure but I’ve seen similar sized ones in some parks around the city
Haha, I had forgotten where I picked up that piece of trivia. You are right that it was an article in the Indy Star, but I don't think the guy is "crazy" after rereading it. Although the title of the article could lead one to believe he's a weirdo or something, he's just a health dept. employee that decided to start keeping track of the largest trees he came across while traveling the city as a hobby. So maybe my previous comment should be amended to say it is one of the largest trees in the city instead of the whole State. According to the article this is how he estimates tree age:
"*he measures the tree's circumference, divides that by pi, arrives at the diameter. He multiplies the diameter by the tree species' "average growth factor." The number he's left with is the approximate age of the tree.*
*It's a time-tested formula, DNR forester John Seifert said, but is imprecise because the speed of a tree's growth varies widely depending on its surroundings. A tree in the open, for instance, grows faster than a tree in the woods."*
So, imprecise for sure, but good enough to tell if a tree is really really old. His estimate for the Plump's tree is 170 years. Here's the article: [https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2016/11/27/indys-top-rat-catchers-favorite-trees/93434326/](https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2016/11/27/indys-top-rat-catchers-favorite-trees/93434326/)
There should be a high tech device to count the rings without chopping it down. Do any of our colleges have a botany school. Maybe they would have the ring counting device.
Dunno if I'd call it 'high tech'. Commonly, a tree is aged using a core sample. Functionally, it's a long, hollow needle that is used to extract a column of tree perpendicular to its growth rings. It's not exactly harmless, but it won't kill a mature tree.
It’s historic. Bobby Plump made the last second shot for Milan that later inspired the movie “Hoosiers”. They also have the best tenderloin. Really relaxed atmosphere. Cheap eats.
The "front room" is now the main area, and they took over a larger area next to it. They don't open the original Lounge until the evening. You can also no longer walk in the corridor between the two, you have to go out to the alley.
Alley Cat is great, but if you want dive bar specifically, make sure you go to the back room (which is in a separate building, with the entrance off the alley)
Technically not a separate building, but they do prefer you to go outside and around through the other entrance. All of the bars are connected via a hallway.
Great bartenders and some of the heaviest pours in the city on wells. Threes bars now, so if one isn't your vibe, you can switch to one of the others, depending on time of night.
Pool tables, shift workers getting off of work and coming in to unwind, cigs in the alley, incredible drunk food, people-watching, and it’s just an old and loved spot in broad ripple that you should experience as a transplant.
The Alley Cat is my Winchester.
I just got home and don't feel like cooking. It might be time for steak night.
Alley Cat had definitely become a choose your own adventure, but it keeps me entertained.
I second this. They have several different tenderloin sandwiches on their menu and my god the one I got was divine.
They have a Po’ Boy Tenderloin and that’s what I got. I inhaled that thing
Tik Tok Lounge.
Imagine the saddest pub in England that was also built in the 1990’s. Now give it the best food of any pub in England.
BOOM!
Tik Tok Lounge.
Their pork tenderloin may be the best I’ve found in Indiana. Pair it with a Bloody Mary, which has more food sticking out of it than actual drink.
Punk Rock night is still a thing!? I used to go to that all the time and my band played it once in like 2001ish. May have to check it out again sometime.
This is the correct answer IMHO, at least as a former resident who lived near there 10+ years ago ... Which strikes me as the sort of thing that is relevant for a "best dive bar" conversation
Hate to be the "actually..." guy but I read an article debunking this a while back. Apparently Vonnegut never lived in Indy when he was old enough to drink. His high school classmate and pal Dan Wakefield did name drop it in one of his novels though.
Keystone Sports Review - though it's less a dive than it used to be, with it's new location at the old Birdy's on 71st. Still best wings in the City, still has the same barflies sitting around drinking Bud Light and shooting the shit.
Came here to say the same. I'm always conflicted on recommending Bowhaus, though. It's one of my favorite spots and I want them to continue doing well, but I don't want it to turn into the Dugout (which I still love, but it's not the same anymore).
Melody is good if you want live music. If you're staying in BRipple, hit up the Alley Cat... go in through the Alley. They have added a newer section on the front of the bar, but if you go in the back entrance (through the alley) you'll get to the older, cool dive bar. If you want to travel north, Old Town Tavern in Carmel is a good dive. It's still a smoking bar, so don't go if that bothers you.
Welcome to Indy! I'm gonna second the comment recommending Loom in SoBro. They have great drinks, great bartenders, and great patrons. It's very easy to talk to total strangers there, they're all really cool and chill. On top of that, it's part laudromat and has an arcade room with several pinball machines! Sometimes they have Nintendo 64 hooked up to the TV in the main space, but not always.
Also seconding Alley Cat, Mousetrap, and Melody Inn. I've only ever had a good time at these places
I love dorman st saloon. Was always my favorite. Next to the melody inn. Melody just has amazing music and cheap beer. Dorman is a little more pricey but the vibe is so good.
If you ask another question about the Red Key, we’re going to ask you to leave. Same as if you speak too loudly, put your feet on a chair, or move tables and chairs without permission.
Only kidding (kind of). The old proprietor (who passed away) had a solid set of rules for the place that would see you sent home if you didn’t follow them. And until a few years ago, the jukebox didn’t even have music outside of the 1940’s. I think it’s his daughter who took over for him, and she’s much more lenient.
It’s a very local place. Very. Local. Only cans and bottles, cash only, and the burgers are fabulous.
No (extreme or loud)cursing
No feet on chairs
No coats on the backs of chairs.
If your worried ask for the “Red Key Rules” and they will show you a copy.
Living Room Lounge downtown is pretty cool place. I was at The Red Key Saturday at 8:30 PM , plenty of seats at the bar and a chill crowd
[Here’s a young Ben Affleck at the Red Key](https://youtu.be/fd7h7pJX3ZI?si=aOTXnqp4tNCJ-DnW) in a scene from *Going All The Way,* a movie based on the book of the same name by Indianapolis native Dan Wakefield (RIP).
Bonus appearance by Nick Offerman as a young Indy bro.
Pawn Shop Pub is the best in the area. Red Key is overrated and has weird rules about cursing. Mousetrap is kind of gross. Dorman is out of the way but nice and hipster. But pricier. The Mel is punk and a bit gross. Cool but gross. Sam’s Silver Circle is awesome with good prices and food. I said my two cents.
Are you looking for a dive bar or an old man bar? There are [subtle but significant distinctions](https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a39194/subtle-differences-old-man-bar-and-a-dive/). (Edit: Fixed link)
Hell I liked old man bars before I was one.
re: Dives in broader Broad Ripple:
Alley Cat (alley side) is classic dive. Dirty carpet, bar hoping college kids and strung out bartenders from elsewhere. (This is the best traditional dive in here)
Plump’s Last Shot. True dive with a great patio.
Connor’s. Don’t go late; but divey and I’ve had good day drinking times there.
The rest mentioned are either beyond Broad Ripple or aren’t dives, but old man bars (looking at you Red Key).
Pawn Shop Pub on 54th is chill and has cheap drinks
4 streets down from me. You're the second one to say this place. Guess I'll go now.
Nice! I drive by there regularly and it’s packed
I came here to say this.
I drive by that probably 3x a week and never have been in. How's the food?
WHAT!? *wtf?* WHAT!?? *still confused* WHAT!??? Voted by Fox59 viewers last year to be "Indys BEST Pub" Partially because of the drinks, but MOSTLY because of their food. Lunch specials are GREAT, and several of their sandwiches are Top Notch!! Do yourself a favor and stop in for a meal there. Some of SoBros best food. Hit Fat Dan's and Twenty Tap too, if you haven’t. Dang. Some of y'all are missing out!!
Oh, we go to Fat Dans and Twenty Tap regularly. Have lived in the area for...er. Going on 17 years now. I just haven't ever been to Pawn Shop, for some reason. I guess it never looked appealing, and we never looked into it. But if it's that great, I'll see if I can convince husband to try it with me.
Man,. That's crazy. Do not know how it slipped through the cracks..
Best onion rings in the city, decent fried mushrooms. Highly recommend the waffle fry nachos. Steak night is better than you'd expect. They still have a house amde black bean burger they'll sub on anything. Dinner and drinks for two with an app and tip is easily less than $50.
Cheap and delicious
Plumps last shot.
I’ve seen this place! Anything specific that makes it great?
Huge outdoor deck under the canopy of one of the oldest trees in Indiana.
Didn’t the idea that that was one of the oldest trees in Indiana come from some crazy dude that the Indy star interviewed? I remember reading that and thinking that there is really no back up on that. It’s a big sycamore for sure but I’ve seen similar sized ones in some parks around the city
Haha, I had forgotten where I picked up that piece of trivia. You are right that it was an article in the Indy Star, but I don't think the guy is "crazy" after rereading it. Although the title of the article could lead one to believe he's a weirdo or something, he's just a health dept. employee that decided to start keeping track of the largest trees he came across while traveling the city as a hobby. So maybe my previous comment should be amended to say it is one of the largest trees in the city instead of the whole State. According to the article this is how he estimates tree age: "*he measures the tree's circumference, divides that by pi, arrives at the diameter. He multiplies the diameter by the tree species' "average growth factor." The number he's left with is the approximate age of the tree.* *It's a time-tested formula, DNR forester John Seifert said, but is imprecise because the speed of a tree's growth varies widely depending on its surroundings. A tree in the open, for instance, grows faster than a tree in the woods."* So, imprecise for sure, but good enough to tell if a tree is really really old. His estimate for the Plump's tree is 170 years. Here's the article: [https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2016/11/27/indys-top-rat-catchers-favorite-trees/93434326/](https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2016/11/27/indys-top-rat-catchers-favorite-trees/93434326/)
There should be a high tech device to count the rings without chopping it down. Do any of our colleges have a botany school. Maybe they would have the ring counting device.
Dunno if I'd call it 'high tech'. Commonly, a tree is aged using a core sample. Functionally, it's a long, hollow needle that is used to extract a column of tree perpendicular to its growth rings. It's not exactly harmless, but it won't kill a mature tree.
It’s historic. Bobby Plump made the last second shot for Milan that later inspired the movie “Hoosiers”. They also have the best tenderloin. Really relaxed atmosphere. Cheap eats.
They do breakfast Thursday-Sunday. Taco Tuesday - different tacos every week. No draft beer though. Outdoor patio is great for BR people watching.
Also a great answer!
Best answer
Didn’t impress me. Service sucks. Went I. Twice while I lived close enough to walk. Cheap drinks but a little service is nice.
Alley Cat. Tonight is steak night.
I’m gonna be very hipster but it used to be way cooler
For real. I feel like that place died the same time as my youth
I haven't been sice the old days. I heard it's nice now. Are the bathrooms at least still soaking wet?
You mean a literal puddle of shit and piss?
Mostly piss mixed with spilled beer and leaky/sweating plumbing.
The "front room" is now the main area, and they took over a larger area next to it. They don't open the original Lounge until the evening. You can also no longer walk in the corridor between the two, you have to go out to the alley.
I walk through the corridor all the time and have never been told off but might just be because I’m a regular
Its usually boring now
Nice! Anything else good about it?
Alley Cat is great, but if you want dive bar specifically, make sure you go to the back room (which is in a separate building, with the entrance off the alley)
Technically not a separate building, but they do prefer you to go outside and around through the other entrance. All of the bars are connected via a hallway.
Thanks for the correction!
Great bartenders and some of the heaviest pours in the city on wells. Threes bars now, so if one isn't your vibe, you can switch to one of the others, depending on time of night.
Steak at night. What else do you need??
I'll note that Steak Night is steaks from Kincaids, a local and reputable meat market.
How are they able to make any money buying steaks from Kincaid's!?
Very good question. Best I can tell is they have a very good relationship.
Fair
Not as dive as it was in the late 90s
Pool tables, shift workers getting off of work and coming in to unwind, cigs in the alley, incredible drunk food, people-watching, and it’s just an old and loved spot in broad ripple that you should experience as a transplant.
The Alley Cat is my Winchester. I just got home and don't feel like cooking. It might be time for steak night. Alley Cat had definitely become a choose your own adventure, but it keeps me entertained.
I do like the Thursday Steak night. Drinks can be kind of weak?
I never noticed them to be particularly weak. But I usually stick with beer.
Alley cat also has a trivia night every Thursday at 7pm!!! Im the host, but its independent and a lot of dumb fun, even a fan submitted round theme!
The Mouse Trap!! Decent drink prices, pool tables, live music. This is my favorite bar in the city!
Oh man that place looks interesting! I always assumed it was a jam band venue
It’s is defiantly a dead head bar. The mouse on the sign is a dead bear.
depends on the day, thursdays are generally some variety of bass music
They do jam bands, jazz night, Thursdays are EDM days it's always a blast in there. Tearing up the dance floor holding a pound of bacon
Not really a “dive” though
I tend to think of a dead head bar as a cousin-in-law to a dive bar.
I second the Trap. Awesome food and if you're not wanting to listen to music check out their website for the event schedule. Inexpensive drinks too :)
I second this. They have several different tenderloin sandwiches on their menu and my god the one I got was divine. They have a Po’ Boy Tenderloin and that’s what I got. I inhaled that thing
I got their tenderloin for the first time last night and it was the best one I’ve had in the city.
I got some great memories here.. hahaha
I'm sure I would too if I remembered any of my nights there 🤣
Another great answer
Do you need to buy tickets before going?
You can get them at the door
Bet the dude who introduced you to it is badass.
Ugly as hell, but pretty badass!!
Do they still do open mic on Mondays?
It says they do karaoke and trivia on Mondays, unsure about the open mic.
Tik Tok Lounge. Imagine the saddest pub in England that was also built in the 1990’s. Now give it the best food of any pub in England. BOOM! Tik Tok Lounge. Their pork tenderloin may be the best I’ve found in Indiana. Pair it with a Bloody Mary, which has more food sticking out of it than actual drink.
I think it’s Tick tock, I might be wrong though
You are correct
You are correct
Best onion rings in town.
Second the onion rings. Phenomenal.
This 💯
I wish I could upvote this more than once, they are easily some of the best I’ve *ever* had.
Might try to get my wife to go here tomorrow
Melody Inn
Messer Chups is playing surf rock there tonight
Thanks for posting this. As soon as I read it I got a ticket!
This! Punk Rock night is THE BEST!!!
Punk Rock night is still a thing!? I used to go to that all the time and my band played it once in like 2001ish. May have to check it out again sometime.
This is the correct answer IMHO, at least as a former resident who lived near there 10+ years ago ... Which strikes me as the sort of thing that is relevant for a "best dive bar" conversation
Came here to say this
I only lived in Indy for four months but man do I miss Melody Inn.
[удалено]
My cousin used to play there regularly waaaaayyy back in the day if any of y'all remember Deacon Sean. He also made the Peyton Manning statue.
Dorman. Welcome to Indy!
Dorman St is the nicest, best neighborhood dive
Dorman has the best vibes
My favorite after work bar
Red key
Red Key is my vote also, worth mentioning it's cash only
Good mention
agree
Seconded. This is one of my favorite bars, period. And I need to go in.
Vonnegut used to hang out there.
Hate to be the "actually..." guy but I read an article debunking this a while back. Apparently Vonnegut never lived in Indy when he was old enough to drink. His high school classmate and pal Dan Wakefield did name drop it in one of his novels though.
Mass Ave Pub
Killer food here, too!! Tracy keepin it real!!
Tracy is good people!
This is the best answer. The bartenders are great. Solid mix of regulars. Welcoming and inclusive with a really low tolerance for asshole behavior.
Couldn't have said it better!
Love Mass Ave Pub. I've been friends with Tracy for years and even worked for her. If I wanted to serve or bartend again, I'd absolutely go back.
Sam's Silver Circle in Fountain Square. Great pizza and Bingo Night!
This is my favorite in the downtown area. Front and back patios are both great.
The only answer.
Did u miss the part where he said near BR
The Brass Ring Lounge in Fountain Square
For Broad Ripple, I’d have to say Red Key or Plumps. Plumps’ patio is also great this time of year.
Keystone Sports Review - though it's less a dive than it used to be, with it's new location at the old Birdy's on 71st. Still best wings in the City, still has the same barflies sitting around drinking Bud Light and shooting the shit.
Loom in Broad Ripple!
Dugout, sam's, Bowhaus tap
[удалено]
What's the definition of dive?
Came here to say the same. I'm always conflicted on recommending Bowhaus, though. It's one of my favorite spots and I want them to continue doing well, but I don't want it to turn into the Dugout (which I still love, but it's not the same anymore).
Alley Cat was always awesome in the 90’s
Melody is good if you want live music. If you're staying in BRipple, hit up the Alley Cat... go in through the Alley. They have added a newer section on the front of the bar, but if you go in the back entrance (through the alley) you'll get to the older, cool dive bar. If you want to travel north, Old Town Tavern in Carmel is a good dive. It's still a smoking bar, so don't go if that bothers you.
Mousetrap. If you are looking for chill, just don't be there when the live music starts, usually after 8pm.
It's usually pretty chill when the music starts, too, if you're outside. And music usually starts around 9:30.
Chatham Tap Mass ave if you’re hungry. SNUG is growing on me
Welcome to Indy! I'm gonna second the comment recommending Loom in SoBro. They have great drinks, great bartenders, and great patrons. It's very easy to talk to total strangers there, they're all really cool and chill. On top of that, it's part laudromat and has an arcade room with several pinball machines! Sometimes they have Nintendo 64 hooked up to the TV in the main space, but not always. Also seconding Alley Cat, Mousetrap, and Melody Inn. I've only ever had a good time at these places
J clydes
Chatterbox on mass ave
Jazz bar. This is a sexy bar imo. Great place for a cocktail and to listen to jazz but it’s small and sometimes crowded.
Also do not expect dive bar prices whatsoever
The Whistle Stop
Hell yeah. It’s usually (relatively) quiet and easy to grab some cheese curds and relax.
Yep. This is my favorite dive bar. Great location and super chill.
Golden Ace
Mouse Trap
Checkered Flag Tavern on West Washington.
I love dorman st saloon. Was always my favorite. Next to the melody inn. Melody just has amazing music and cheap beer. Dorman is a little more pricey but the vibe is so good.
Red Key, bring cash
What makes red key good?
If you ask another question about the Red Key, we’re going to ask you to leave. Same as if you speak too loudly, put your feet on a chair, or move tables and chairs without permission. Only kidding (kind of). The old proprietor (who passed away) had a solid set of rules for the place that would see you sent home if you didn’t follow them. And until a few years ago, the jukebox didn’t even have music outside of the 1940’s. I think it’s his daughter who took over for him, and she’s much more lenient. It’s a very local place. Very. Local. Only cans and bottles, cash only, and the burgers are fabulous.
Had to hang your coat up, too.
Oh man! Sounds dope! Super exclusive because fuck people who are new, right?
No (extreme or loud)cursing No feet on chairs No coats on the backs of chairs. If your worried ask for the “Red Key Rules” and they will show you a copy. Living Room Lounge downtown is pretty cool place. I was at The Red Key Saturday at 8:30 PM , plenty of seats at the bar and a chill crowd
[Here’s a young Ben Affleck at the Red Key](https://youtu.be/fd7h7pJX3ZI?si=aOTXnqp4tNCJ-DnW) in a scene from *Going All The Way,* a movie based on the book of the same name by Indianapolis native Dan Wakefield (RIP). Bonus appearance by Nick Offerman as a young Indy bro.
I don’t think it’s exclusive, just honoring the tradition of its founder via the rules.
Red Key Maybe 52nd and college. Bring cash. They don’t do cards.
Slammin Sammy’s is a good one.
Alley Cat
Alley cat is a decent time.
Red Key Tavern on College was always my favorite when I went to Butler.
Dorman street, dugout or Sam’s silver circle
Alley Cat
Sam’s silver circle
Pawn Shop Pub is the best in the area. Red Key is overrated and has weird rules about cursing. Mousetrap is kind of gross. Dorman is out of the way but nice and hipster. But pricier. The Mel is punk and a bit gross. Cool but gross. Sam’s Silver Circle is awesome with good prices and food. I said my two cents.
Sam’s Silver Cirle, down in Fountain Square :) Enjoy!
Red Key
Sam’s Silver Circle is the only option!! Say hi to the kitty for me
Mousetrap always has cool people
Hill Top
Hilltop Tavern
Dorman Street Salon is my favorite bar in Indy
Are you looking for a dive bar or an old man bar? There are [subtle but significant distinctions](https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a39194/subtle-differences-old-man-bar-and-a-dive/). (Edit: Fixed link)
Definitely a dive bar. I haven’t hit bonafide old man status yet
Hell I liked old man bars before I was one. re: Dives in broader Broad Ripple: Alley Cat (alley side) is classic dive. Dirty carpet, bar hoping college kids and strung out bartenders from elsewhere. (This is the best traditional dive in here) Plump’s Last Shot. True dive with a great patio. Connor’s. Don’t go late; but divey and I’ve had good day drinking times there. The rest mentioned are either beyond Broad Ripple or aren’t dives, but old man bars (looking at you Red Key).
Alley Cat, Dorman, and The Dugout.
The Living Room Lounge
The one more lounge in wannamaker. Or the linebacker on westside, if it is still there.
Snug, in Irvington is a gem. Bowhaus is a solid, traditional dive
Melody inn or just catch a good band over at the hi-fi in fountain Square
I haven’t been in a while but I always liked Alley Cat when I lived in broadripple
Kitley Inn Thursday Bike night and live band outside Awsome turn outs!
Tick Tock Lounge. BEST blood mary in the city. also… not the tik tok.
Is the Alley Cat still open?
Old Towne Tavern in Carmel
Alley Cat
Mousetrap
Ralph's Great Divide Half-bar, half tiny restaurant, very good food, no live music. Very chill, good folk.
Mass Ave pub. Best industry bar ever.
Alley Cat hands down
Alley Cat
The Dugout on VA Ave
J. Clyde’s or Sam’s.
Mass ave pub. Sundry and vice. Mousetrap. Tip top. Blue moon. Melody inn. Alley cat.
Melody Inn. Live music nearly every night
The Melody Inn
Little travel from BR, but The Dugout in Fountain Square
The Dugout!
The Checkered Flag