Ever explored past Fountain Square? Travel west and you’ll find the Bates-Hendricks Neighborhood. You may recognize it as a centerpiece of the HGTV series “Good Bones” — but you’ll decide to stay awhile because of its small charm.
The neighborhood was part of the first sanctioned land sale in Indianapolis in 1821 + is home to the Bates-Hendricks House on the National Register of Historic Landmarks — named after former owners Hervey Bates, a prominent banker, and Thomas A. Hendricks, an Indiana governor and US vice president.
Now, it’s gained new interest and revitalization as it sits in an ideal location close to downtown, Fountain Square, and Garfield Park.
Eat + Drink
The Vault | 1542 S. East St.
The Vault isn’t just a speakeasy — it’s a journey back to the roaring 20s and 30s. The bar space was reportedly once a refuge for the Midwest’s most infamous bank robbers. As such, the doors aren’t wide open; you’ll need to figure out the current code (hints are on Instagram) to unlock the vault door.
Lincoln Lane Coffee | 516 Lincoln St.
Established in November 2016, this coffee shop operates out of The Lincoln Center, which aims to create space for all of its neighbors regardless of socioeconomic status. It’s fueled by a local dream team: Coffee is roasted by Calvin Fletcher Coffee Co. + espresso is roasted by Tinker Coffee Co., while fresh pastries are provided by Circle City Sweets and 4 Birds Bakery.
Bates Ice Cream | 1740 S. East St.
This family-owned ice cream shop serves up scoops of Hershey’s ice cream all summer long. The cheery establishment has both indoor and outdoor patio seating — your furry friends are welcome too.
Indy All Night | 1324 S. East St.
Got the late night munchies? Open from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., Indy All Night will cure your overnight cravings + deliver to your door (or you can pick up yourself). The menu has a variety of dishes to choose from, including pastas, sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
Pamper Yourself
City Nail Bar | 1710 S. East St.
With the huge success of its original location downtown, City Nail Bar expanded with a second location in a 125-year-old building, formerly home to Moore’s Market. The salon specializes in manicures + pedicures and uses natural nail enhancements with gel.
Epicenter Indy | 1609 S. East St.
This woman-owned holistic center offers everything from massage to reiki healing to guided meditation to yoga. If you’re interested in learning more, its upcoming Fall Equinox Open House + Block Party is a free way to experience some of the offerings.
Smudge Salon | 1725 S. East St.
Owned by two women, this salon’s great energy is matched by amazing hair. It offers hand tied extensions, vivid colors, curated cutting, and curly cuts in a beautiful space that seeks to provide the perfect self-care experience.
Half Moon Brow Studio | 1544 S. East St., Suite 2A
Half Moon Brow Studio is a permanent makeup + skincare studio specializing in brow, lash, face, and body treatments — with the goal to help you make the most of your natural beauty and make your morning routine easier. City Editor Shea is a dedicated client here and loves how chill + welcoming the space and artists are.
Fun fact: While you’re exploring Bates-Hendricks, you may notice irises everywhere — whether it’s live plants, murals, signage, logos, etc.
It’s a historical tradition to plant irises in the neighborhood + today, it’s translated to other imagery that will continue to be part of the neighborhood’s future identity.
