Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 25+ Indy patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.
Restaurants
BODHI | 922 Mass Ave. | Partially shaded
The vibe on Bodhi’s patio transports you to an urban jungle surrounded by a wall of greenery + a roof of vines, topped off with string lights to set the mood. While you’re there, you can sip on the refreshing cocktail or mocktail.
Gather 22 | 22 E. 22nd St. | Mostly sunny
This new spot to gather for coffee, cocktails, and bites has a full patio out back — complete with tables, chairs, space heaters (if needed), and grass for your furry friends.
Vicino | 350 Mass Ave., Ste. 150 | Partially shaded
It’s hard to miss this patio on Mass Avenue with its blue umbrellas and perfect view of Ann Dancing. Cheers to patio weather, good vibes, and Italian eats. Try the meatball bolognese or pear + brie crudo to get you started.
Public Greens’ patio is also open when it’s cooler out — it lights the bonfire.
Photo by @publicgreens
Public Greens | 902 E. 64th St. | Mostly sunny
After a walk on the Monon Trail, you can stroll right up to the cozy patio at Public Greens. This spot is a modern cafeteria featuring locally-grown produce.
Bocca | 122 E. 22nd St. | Partially shaded
Enjoy your vino and pasta on this near north side patio. For added ambiance, visit on Tuesdays for live music. We also recommend pairing warm weather with a frosé.
Gallery Pastry Shop | 4573 N. College Ave. | Partially shaded
This chic SoBro spot offers creative dishes + European-inspired pastries with ample outdoor seating and a bar. Add this to your brunch or happy hour rotation.
Bluebeard | 653 Virginia Ave. | Shade available upon request
While taking a stroll on the Cultural Trail in Fountain Fletcher, there’s no better place to stop for a bite than Bluebeard. Try some of the best + most inventive drinks and cuisine in the country — right here in Indy. Make room for dessert with a unique creation by pastry chef Youssef Boudarine.
La Margarita | 1043 Virginia Ave. | Partially shaded
Enjoy some birria tacos at this Mexican spot that’s been in business since 1984. The restaurant — connected to the Murphy Arts Center in Fountain Square — gave its dog-friendly patio a little facelift last season with new tables + chairs, privacy walls, and a new overhang roof. Pro tip: This spot does not take reservations.
Petite Chou Bistro | 823 Westfield Blvd. | Fully covered
Get in the spring spirit with beautiful floral arrangements by RK Florals + champagne cocktails on deck — creating the perfect atmosphere for a Sunday brunch with your gal pals. Pro tip: Tables for breakfast + lunch are first come, first served. Dinner reservations are available Wednesday-Saturday.
1933 Lounge | 9707 District N. Dr., Fishers | Fully covered
Did you know 1933 Lounge was founded when St. Elmo converted its second floor into a speakeasy-style lounge in 2011? St. Elmo expanded the concept with this second location in Fishers + it raised the walls on its classy patio space. The Fishers location offers a full lunch and dinner menu. Pro tip: Guests must be 21 or over to dine at either location.
Bars and breweries
Metazoa Brewing Co. | 140 S. College Ave. | Mostly sunny
This spot is known for its dog park, but even if you don’t have a dog — it’s got a nice space to hang out and watch the dogs play.
Upland Brewing | 1201 Prospect St. | Partially shaded
Being in the heart of Fountain Square, this is a prefect stop while walking the Cultural Trail or around the neighborhood. It’s a small-batch brewery with 22 beers on tap + a locally-focused menu. Pro tip: Well-behaved dogs are welcome outside.
The Tap | 306 N. Delaware St. | Partially shaded
This is a great spot to hang out with friends, watch a game, enjoy craft beer and food, and the patio offers great people watching just off the south end of Mass Avenue.
Dugout Bar | 621 Virginia Ave. | Mostly sunny
This friendly neighborhood bar has been offering a relaxed vibe, TVs for watching sports games + hearty pub grub since 1954.
The Rathskeller | 401 E. Michigan St. | Mostly sunny
The beer hall offers Bavarian-style decor, German food, drinks, and live music in an outdoor space that is perfect for summer outings with friends.
Coffee shops
Provider | 1101 E. 16th St. | Partially shaded
This patio space is plentiful with tables and chairs. If it’s a hot day, there’s also an awning that creates some shade to make it more comfortable.
Parlor Public House | 600 E. Ohio St. | Partially shaded
This popular spot gets so busy that it even expanded it’s outdoor seating options.
Bovaconti |1042 Virginia Ave. | Shade available upon request
If you’ve driven through Fountain Square, you can’t miss this outdoor patio space by the blue mural. It’s decently sized + gets a good amount of shade tucked in the corner with the awning.
Amelia’s | 1637 Nowland Ave. | Partially shaded
This bakery shop’s Windsor Park location has a nice little patio to hang out on while you munch on a pastry + sip some coffee.
Foundry Provisions | 236 E. 16th St. | Partially shaded
This near north side cafe offers coffee, sandwiches, ice cream, outdoor seating, and Wi-Fi. What more could you need?
Blue Mind Coffee | 646 E. 38th St. | Mostly sunny
This coffee shop at the historic Rose Building recently added a few tables and chairs outside the shop — just in time for nice weather. There’s also a new bike rack if you arrive on two wheels. Keep in mind there’s only a few tables and no shade.
Accessible options
Baby’s | 2147 N. Talbott St. | Shade available upon request
Enjoy your burger and boozy shake outside in Baby’s colorful outdoor space. There’s both shaded seating with fans and a green space with picnic tables where furry friends are welcome.
BRU Burger Bar | 410 Mass Ave. | Fully covered
There’s nothing like eating a good burger outside on a sunny day. No matter what day of the week it is, if it’s nice out — you’ll probably have to wait a second to get a seat. But it’ll be worth the wait if you love burgers and a patio vibe.
Livery | 720 N. College Ave | Mostly sunny
Here at INDYtoday, we love a rooftop and a patio — and this spot has the best of both worlds. The rooftop patio is strung with lights to set the mood while you enjoy Latin-inspired dishes.
101 Beer Kitchen | 1200 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel | Fully covered
This north side spot provides a comfortable and friendly atmosphere featuring craft brews + American plates.
Got a go-to patio that we didn’t mention? Add it to our list.
📣 Your recs
- “I highly recommend Flatwater Restaurant in Broad Ripple, which boasts a large outdoor dining deck right along the Canal. Very dog-friendly, and always lots of fun. Locally-owned, with terrific food.” — Tim M.
- “My Go-to Patio is Half Liter in Broad Ripple. It’s right on the Monon, has great food and drinks (brisket and a new shandy beer called Drugstore are my favorites) and is dog friendly! A must visit in the summer, especially when they have a band playing in the Beer Garden area! Such a great atmosphere!” — Jen S.
- “Iozzos. Revolucion. The Rooftop Garden.” — Gretchen W.
- “Pier 48 in downtown Indianapolis has an awesome corner patio!” — Jenna S.
