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 ” + Two Chicks and a Hammer — 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 from Downtown, Fountain Square, and Garfield Park.
Eat + Drink
🍸 1718 House Bar | 1718 S. East St.
This little house bar run by a husband + wife team offers a menu of small bites, hand-crafted sandwiches + a list of old-school cocktails, craft beers, and cask-crafted wines. It has an outside heated area, inside seating and carry-out.
Lincoln Lane Coffee Co. also shares space with a community center where neighbors can do their laundry or just hang out. | Photo by INDYtoday team
☕ Lincoln Lane Coffee | 516 Lincoln St.
Established in November 2016, this little coffee shop operates out of The Lincoln Center, which aims to create space for all of its neighbors regardless of socioeconomic status. Its coffee is roasted by Calvin Fletcher Coffee Co. + its espresso is roasted by Tinker Coffee Co.
🍕 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 it up yourself). The menu has a variety of dishes to choose from, including pastas, sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
Pamper Yourself
💅 City Nail Bar | Coming soon to 1710 S. East St.
With its original location downtown, City Nail Bar announced it’s expanding with a second location in Bates-Hendricks + will be moving into a 123-year-old building,formerly home to Moore’s Market. City Nail Bar specializes in manicures and pedicures and uses natural nail enhancements with gel.
Smudge Salon opened in January 2021 + is owned by Shelby and Tabatha. | Photo via Smudge Salon + @huffphotography
✂️ Smudge Salon | 1725 S. East St.
Owned by two women— it just celebrated its one-year anniversary last month. Smudge Salon 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.
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.