Indianapolis often finds itself in the shadow of Chicago, though not for lack of merit. The third most populous Midwestern city, Indy boasts a thriving visual and performing arts scene, including one of the largest and oldest art museums in the country, and a deep jazz history that translates to a vibrant live music scene today. Sports fans will find no shortage of entertainment with two professional teams\u2014the Colts and the Pacers\u2014not to mention the world\u2019s largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500. <\/p>\n
More and more, Indy\u2019s culinary scene is being recognized for just how underrated it\u2019s been, with the city\u2019s restaurants and bars finally seeing the long-deserved spotlight. \u201cIt\u2019s a vibrant, close-knit scene fueled\u00a0by an influx of young talent,\u201d says Chris Coy, co-owner and operator with Ed Rudisell of beloved tiki destination The Inferno Room. From historic neighborhood bars to modern craft cocktail dens, Indianapolis proves that it is operating in the shadows no longer. \u201cI would say that we have nowhere to go but up.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Inferno Room<\/a><\/h4>\nOpened in 2018 in the bustling cultural hub of Fountain Square, The Inferno Room offers \u201cescapism at its finest,\u201d says Coy. While old-school tropical classics like the Jet Pilot<\/a> and the Painkiller<\/a> are on point, adventure seekers can opt for one of their \u201cHouse Potions\u201d like Wolf in the Fold (rum, Calvados, oloroso sherry, walnut, pear) or Six Demon Bag (g\u00e9n\u00e9py, Batavia arrack, mezcal, dragonfruit liqueur, pineapple, lime). But the drinks\u2014and 300-plus-bottle rum collection\u2014aren\u2019t the only draw. \u201cWe\u2019re also home to one of the largest collections of Papua New Guinea artwork you\u2019ll experience outside of a museum,\u201d explains Coy. The collection was purchased from anthropologist Jack Edler, who was instrumental in working with the national museum in Port Moresby to ensure the legitimate trade of artwork and carvings fromthe indigenous tribes. The 1,100-piece collection includes everything from large carvings to small woven baskets.<\/p>\nThe Slippery Noodle<\/a><\/h4>\nFounded in 1850, The Slippery Noodle stands as Indiana\u2019s oldest continually operating bar. \u201cFrom a hub on the Underground Railroad to a brothel and hangout for John Dillinger, the Slippery Noodle is full of history\u2014and haunted, too!\u201d says Coy. Sidle up to the 100-year-old tiger oak bar to grab a pint (or a Fruity Pebbles shot if you\u2019re feeling feisty) and settle in for the nightly live music. \u201cIt\u2019s a great place to grab a beer with friends and check out some live blues,\u201d says Coy. \u201cIf it isn\u2019t too busy, and you ask nicely, you just might get a tour to hear all about the history and explore the haunted basement catacombs to top off your experience.\u201d <\/p>\n
Strange Bird<\/a><\/h4>\nOn Indy\u2019s eastside, in the historic Irvington neighborhood (located, fittingly, on Audubon Road), Strange Bird is a cozy roost for pan-Asian cuisine and creative, rum-centric cocktails. \u201cStrange Bird offers fantastic house-made ramen from their shoyu shop and excellent tropical cocktails,\u201d says Coy. \u201cAlso, if you love oysters, this is the place.\u201d The drinks menu offers familiar favorites alongside some crafty house originals like the Decent Swimmer, with grassy rhum agricole and earthy mezcal comingling with kiwi, honeydew, cucumber, and lime. For rum and oyster enthusiasts who prefer their education on the hedonistic side, Strange Bird co-owner Neal Warner offers regular tasting classes on both.<\/p>\n\n![\"\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxMzMzIDIwMDAiIHdpZHRoPSIxMzMzIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjIwMDAiIGRhdGEtdT0iaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZpbWJpYmVtYWdhemluZS5jb20lMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMjUlMkYwNSUyRnNjZW5lc2NvdXQtaW5kaWFuYXBvbGlzLVN0cmFuZ2ViaXJkLW95c3RlcnMtY3JkdC1SZWJlY2NhLVNoZWhvcm4tUGhvdG9ncmFwaHktLmpwZyIgZGF0YS13PSIxMzMzIiBkYXRhLWg9IjIwMDAiIGRhdGEtYmlwPSIiPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
The Slippery Noodle<\/a><\/h4>\nFounded in 1850, The Slippery Noodle stands as Indiana\u2019s oldest continually operating bar. \u201cFrom a hub on the Underground Railroad to a brothel and hangout for John Dillinger, the Slippery Noodle is full of history\u2014and haunted, too!\u201d says Coy. Sidle up to the 100-year-old tiger oak bar to grab a pint (or a Fruity Pebbles shot if you\u2019re feeling feisty) and settle in for the nightly live music. \u201cIt\u2019s a great place to grab a beer with friends and check out some live blues,\u201d says Coy. \u201cIf it isn\u2019t too busy, and you ask nicely, you just might get a tour to hear all about the history and explore the haunted basement catacombs to top off your experience.\u201d <\/p>\n
Strange Bird<\/a><\/h4>\nOn Indy\u2019s eastside, in the historic Irvington neighborhood (located, fittingly, on Audubon Road), Strange Bird is a cozy roost for pan-Asian cuisine and creative, rum-centric cocktails. \u201cStrange Bird offers fantastic house-made ramen from their shoyu shop and excellent tropical cocktails,\u201d says Coy. \u201cAlso, if you love oysters, this is the place.\u201d The drinks menu offers familiar favorites alongside some crafty house originals like the Decent Swimmer, with grassy rhum agricole and earthy mezcal comingling with kiwi, honeydew, cucumber, and lime. For rum and oyster enthusiasts who prefer their education on the hedonistic side, Strange Bird co-owner Neal Warner offers regular tasting classes on both.<\/p>\n\n
On Indy\u2019s eastside, in the historic Irvington neighborhood (located, fittingly, on Audubon Road), Strange Bird is a cozy roost for pan-Asian cuisine and creative, rum-centric cocktails. \u201cStrange Bird offers fantastic house-made ramen from their shoyu shop and excellent tropical cocktails,\u201d says Coy. \u201cAlso, if you love oysters, this is the place.\u201d The drinks menu offers familiar favorites alongside some crafty house originals like the Decent Swimmer, with grassy rhum agricole and earthy mezcal comingling with kiwi, honeydew, cucumber, and lime. For rum and oyster enthusiasts who prefer their education on the hedonistic side, Strange Bird co-owner Neal Warner offers regular tasting classes on both.<\/p>\n