July 26, 2024

Today’s Forecast

🥃 This guide will lift your spirits

Looking for vintage speakeasy vibes? The Exchange is the spot. | Photo by @theexchangemassave

On the rocks, neat, dirty, frozen, or zero proof — we’re spilling the Long Island iced tea on the best spots to grab a drink after work in Indy.

Get ready to drink up. Here are 20 places lifting spirits with their sip-worthy beverages.

Late-night gems

The Exchange, 301 Mass Ave.
The Exchange transformed one of downtown’s oldest buildings into a whiskey bar with speakeasy vibes and over 450 of the best whiskeys you can find anywhere in the country.

the ball & biscuit, 331 Mass Ave.
Looking for a good place to hang out? This cocktail bar has an extensive drink menu — including alcohol-free options — and bites to eat if you plan to stay awhile.

INDY_Bocca froze and pasta_2022 — A perfect pairing — bolognese pasta and a frosé.
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Photo by INDYtoday team

Stay for dinner

BODHI, 922 Mass Ave.
If you’re a fan of Thai food, you’ll love this spot at the far end of Mass Ave. It has a wide selection of drinks from seasonal cocktails to sake — there’s even a non-alcoholic section.

Bocca, 122 E. 22nd St.
This modern restaurant serves up Italian cuisine that will draw you in with its trendy, intimate, and classy ambiance, but don’t forget to look for the speakeasy while you’re there.

275432681_666150511105496_2703245192493087657_n — Check out Cannon Ball Lounge’s summer featured drinks before they’re gone.
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Photo by @cannonballlounge

Raise the roof

Plat 99, 333 Delaware St.
This newly updated space serves up local craft beers and a rotating cocktail menu that can be paired with house-made pastries and small plates.

Rooftop Garden Cocktail Lounge, 1105 Prospect St.
It’s the top tier view of the skyline for us — especially during sunset. This cocktail lounge on the top floor of the Fountain Square Theatre Building is open seasonally seven days a week, weather permitting.

City Guides are presented by Life In Indy.

10+ more drink spots

Asked

I am most proud of my city’s…

A. Bubbling craft beer scene
B. Delicious distilleries
C. Mocktail masterpieces
D. Vines and wines

Cheers

Events

Friday, July 26

Elevance Health Roller Rink | Friday, July 26-Sunday, Sept. 29 | 11 a.m. | Bicentennial Unity Plaza, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $4-$10 | Get active with a 90-minute skating session.
Indy Shorts International Film Festival | Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28 | 12 p.m. | Living Room Theaters, 745 E. 9th St., Ste. 810, Indianapolis | $12 | Get tickets to 200+ short films and the coolest parties in town for the six-day film festival.
Clay Class | Friday, July 26 | 6-8 p.m. | uPaint Pottery Studio, 3113 W. Smith Valley Rd., Ste. D, Greenwood | Prices vary | Join this fun clay class where you’ll be guided step-by-step through creating a canister.

Saturday, July 27

Laughing Matters featuring Iliza Shlesinger | Saturday, July 27 | 9:15-10:15 p.m. | Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis | $35 | Laughing Matters is the signature comedy fundraiser for Cancer Support Community Central Indiana.

Sunday, July 28

Music Bingo | Sunday, July 28 | 2-4 p.m. | Punch Bowl Social, 120 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis | Free | Test your music knowledge and sing along for a chance to win prizes.

Monday, July 29

Global Eats – An Indianapolis Monthly Tasting Event | Monday, July 29 | 6-8 p.m. | West Fork Whiskey, 1660 Bellefontaine St., Indianapolis | $50-$70 | Circle City culinary enthusiasts are invited to enjoy the flavors of the world one bite at a time at this inaugural event.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Traffic

INDOT launched a new pilot program, called “Indiana Safe Zones,” aimed at keeping drivers + construction workers safe. Over the next five years, cameras will capture the license plates of cars traveling more than 11 miles per hour above the speed limit in construction zones. (WTHR)

Watch

The Summer Olympics officially kick off in Paris with a first-of-its-kind Opening Ceremony today. More than a billion people are expected to watch, and live coverage begins at 12 p.m. local time on NBC and Peacock. Get more info on how to watch. (WTHR)

Opening

Crumbl Cookies is opening a new location in the Indianapolis area — and to celebrate, customers can get a free cookie. The Southport location at 6905 S. Emerson Ave. is set to officially open at 8 a.m. today. (WTHR)

Edu

Believe it or not, back to school season is already here. Beech Grove Schools kicked it off and went back to the classroom this week. See the full list of back to school dates for central Indiana school districts. (IndyStar)

Announced

Carmel Christkindlmarkt announced Wundernacht, an exclusive experience that will offer food + drink samples from market vendors, specialty cocktails, photo opportunities, entertainment, and the first chance to shop. It will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. Get tickets.

Drink Up

How refreshing. Drink Up Week sponsored by Social Cantina and The Tap runs through today — our annual celebration of Indy’s drink culture. Local businesses are offering buzzy deals like $4 pints all day at Upland Brewing and 20% off all lattes at Provider, so treat yourself and toast to our town’s vibrant bevvy scene.

Sports

The Pacers agreed to a contract extension with Andrew Nembhard and re-signed James Johnson this week. Why are those great moves + what do they mean for the Pacers’ future? Locked On host Tony East breaks it all down.

Health

Did you know? Signs of depression in men are different than those in women. See common symptoms (and how you can seek or refer help for 25% off).*

Finance

2024’s “it card” is here. Not only does it offer a $200 bonus, but also unlimited 1.5% cash back and 0% intro APR until 2025. (Annual fee? We don’t know her.)*

Drink

Speak easy about these drink spots

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Have you visited this bar behind the lobby of the Bottleworks Hotel? | Photo via @sundryandvice + @amyelisabethphotog

We’re a solid 100 years out from the time speakeasies flourished in the Prohibition era — but the more things change, the more they stay the same. Today, speakeasy-style bars act as a nod to the past. Except this time, it’s totally legal.

🍸 For speakeasy vibes

Sundry & Vice | 850 Mass Ave.

Step behind the lobby of the Bottleworks Hotel + you’ll find an intimate bar with draft cocktails, beer, and wine.

🗝️ For the real deal

The Barrel Bar | Downtown

This underground microspeakeasy features six seats, 12 barrels, and one bartender. You must make a reservation — you’ll get the address and a secret passcode to get in once you do so.

8 more speakeasies

The Buy

A foldable lap desk — it’s great for those who work from home, college students heading back to school, or anyone looking to read, write, or stream while they sip coffee in bed (read: us).

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicole

From the editor

I’m a sucker for a speakeasy vibe and the one I’ve visited the most recently is Nowhere Special. I appreciate that it has a few zero proof drinks on the menu.

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