TABLE OF CONTENTS Live Music..................................................................................... 8 DJ & Dance...................................................................................18 Barfly’s Find Your Bar..................................................... 24
c i t y g u i d e s
Beer...................................................................................................36
nightlife guide
Bars...................................................................................................30 Fun & Games................................................................................40 Additional Listings............................................................ 44 index................................................................................................46
PUBLISHER: Kevin McKinney (kmckinney@nuvo.net) EDITOR: Laura McPhee (lmcphee@nuvo.net) ARTS EDITOR: Jim Poyser (jpoyser@nuvo.net) NEWS EDITOR: Austin Considine (aconsidine@nuvo.net) MUSIC EDITOR: Scott Shoger (sshoger@nuvo.net) CALENDAR MANAGER: Chi Sherman (calendar@nuvo.net)
Nightlife Guide 2011
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Danielle Look, Wayne Bertsch PHOTOGRAPHY: Page 42 by Charlie Clark; pages 8, 9, 12 (Rev. Peyton), 17 (Tru), 20, 21 by Stacy Kagiwada; pages 28, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37 by Mark Lee; page 26 by Stephen Simonetto; all other photos submitted. LAYOUT & DESIGN: Melissa Carter (mcarter@nuvo.net) PRODUCTION MANAGER: Melissa Carter (mcarter@nuvo.net) DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Christa Phelps (cphelps@nuvo.net) PROMOTIONS MANAGER: Sarah Myer (smyer@nuvo.net) DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING: Josh Schuler (jschuler@nuvo.net) BUSINESS MANAGER: Kathy Flahavin (kflahavin@nuvo.net)
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nightlife guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% recycled paper
Welcome to the 2011 NUVO Nightlife CityGuide — our annual survey of the best local venues for hanging out in after dark. This year we picked 100 of our favorite bars, pubs and clubs around the city. While there is a lot of overlap, we focused on the best venues for live music, dance beats and craft brew, rounding out the big list with our favorite neighborhood watering holes. Music is a big focus, and there’s no shortage of venues in Indianapolis for those interested in getting their music, drink or dance groove on. While larger venues are best bets for national acts, great local and up-and-coming bands can be found almost any night of the week at clubs like Radio Radio, Birdy’s, the Jazz Ktichen and Slippery Noodle Inn. And if the names don’t give it away, variety is key. Excellent jazz at Chatterbox or Jazz Kitchen, world-class blues at the Noodle, the punkest of all punk at the Dojo and saucy burlesque at White Rabbit are standard fare. To help quench your grown-up thirsts, we’ve included our favorite local watering holes – the bars, pubs and clubs that never let us down when we’re looking for good drinks, good friends and, ultimately, good times. The legendary Alley Cat tops that list when we feel like hitting the Best Dive Bar in the city. For slightly more upscale occasions there’s Northside Social or Nicky Blaine’s. And new establishments like Ball and Biscuit and the Bar at the Ambassador have found a place alongside Old Point Tavern and Brass Ring as favorites, as well. Beer is big in Indy these days. To that end, we’ve included some mighty fine breweries and brew pubs that have set up shop in the city. And for those who live to dance – we’ve got it broken down for you by Indy’s best DJs. Don’t see your favorite club? Drop us a line at cityguides@nuvo. net and let us know what me missed. We’re always happy to expand out nightlife horizons in the name of journalistic research.
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The crowd at Earth House prepares for Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s.
LIVE MUSIC 8 Seconds Saloon The cavernous 8 Seconds transports urban cowboys right back to the Wild West with photos of storefronts and shoeshine shops lining the walls and an enormous mural that must be seen to be believed. Line dancing is a staple, as is a hell of a good time. Bring your friends and your boots. Live music has included national acts like Gretchen Wilson and Chris Young. www.8secondssaloon.com, 111 N. Lynhurst Dr., 486-1569.
Birdy’s Bar + Grill Nestled amidst a sea of fast food restaurants along Keystone Avenue, Birdy’s is one of the premier live music venues in the city. Boasting an excellent sound system and a room that holds a good-size crowd, there’s not been a weekend night in recent memory when there wasn’t great music going on here. The venue books and hosts both national acts and emerging local artists, as well the biggest and best annual battle of the bands in Indy. If you like music, sooner or later you’ll end up at Birdy’s. www. birdyslive.com, 2131 E. 71st St., 254-8971. Cabaret at The Columbia Club Located in the historic Columbia Club on Monument Circle, The Cabaret features intimate performances in the classic cabaret style. While beloved local performers like Deb Mullins, Shannon Forsell and Brenda Williams can be regularly seen, The Cabaret also brings in top performers from around the country and beyond. Expect a wide range of musical genres, from bebop and blues to boogie and Broadway musical tunes. All the amenities are in place: a variety of hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, a full dinner and luscious desserts. Plus, you can choose from an array of fine wines — or just enjoy a martini. www.thecabaret.org, 121 Monument Circle, 275-1169. Chatterbox Jazz Club The Chatterbox, a live jazz staple for 25 years in the Mass Ave Cultural District, is one of the
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city’s smallest and hottest nightspots. You’re never going to get anything less than a great set from whomever is performing, especially if that’s Chatterbox regular Cynthia Layne, or any number of headliners who seem to wind up here after playing one of the nearby bigger venues. The Chatterbox is a rarefied breed in Indy’s nightlife scene: thoroughly sophisticated, yet entirely proletarian. Not coincidentally, it’s also a regular NUVO Best of Indy winner. www.chatterboxjazz.com, 435 Massachusetts Ave., 636-0584. Clowes Memorial Hall This 2,200-seat hall opened in 1963 to national architectural news coverage. Unique interior elements include no interrupting aisles for center seats, proximity to the stage (only 113 feet from stage to the last row) and a special acoustic design for symphonies. Butler Ballet, Butler Symphony and other music groups perform regularly at Clowes, but the concert hall hosts such diverse attractions as Broadway Across America, Bill T. Jones’ dance ensemble and a recent double-bill featuring Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt. www.cloweshall.org, 4602 Sunset Ave., 940-6444. The Dojo All-ages, collectively run, DIY to the bones and not always climate-controlled, The Dojo plays host to a steady diet of hardcore, punk and metal — filling a much-needed role for fans 21 and younger — and will accept a booking from any local promoter who can follow a level headed code of conduct (no blatant sexism, racism or homophobia). Now based in an old storefront just north of downtown after a move last year from the east side, the venue became a membership-only club in January; first-time attendees are asked to pay a one-time, $1 fee. www.diydojo. com, 2207 N. College Ave. Earth House Collective A great place for concerts, film screenings, community meetings/projects, dance lessons, and more,
nightlife guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% recycled paper
Earth House is created by and for peace activists, conservationists, artists, musicians, Methodists, teachers and many more dedicated to peace, wellness, community and culture. Open mic nights create opportunities for poets and musicians, and their renovated concert space upstairs is one of the gems of Indianapolis. www.earthhousecollective. org, 237 N. East St., 636-4060. Emerson Theater The granddaddy of Indy’s hardcore scene, national and regional acts ranging from the All American Rejects and Coheed and Cambria to Kill Hannah and Mindless Self Indulgence have toured through this all-ages venue in recent years. With a holding capacity of 400 people, the former art moderne neighborhood theater had its seats removed for an in-your-face glimpse of your favorite punk, hardcore and metal bands. Regularly voted Best AllAges venue by NUVO readers, the crowd is largely and predictably determined by the names on the marquee. www.emersontheater.com, 4630 E. 10th St., 357-0239. ES Jungle One of the city’s few all-ages venues, ES Jungle, located in the basement of Trinity Church, is the work of Piradical Productions — an organization that helps promote local punk rock acts and books a healthy mix of fledging high school groups and established punk groups playing the basement scene. Lots of hits (on-stage and in the pit) and the predictable misses, the raw energy and talent usually make up for the lack of experience and personal hygiene. www.myspace.com/esjungle, 6151 N. Central Ave., 289-4293. Howl at the Moon If you’re old enough, the allusion to Shakey’s Pizza Parlor might resonate. Otherwise, you’ll just have to imagine a chain establishment boasting dueling piano bars and audience participation, all while serving
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copious amounts of alcohol. Potential for great fun, popular for birthdays and bachelorette parties. www.howlatthemoon.com/indianapolis, 20 E. Georgia St., 955-0300. Indy Folk Series A “nonprofit venture presenting selected acoustic music in a comfortable coffeehouse setting.” Music performed by both local and touring artists includes mainly Celtic, folk and bluegrass. Held in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis, these soothing, refreshment-providing concerts are sometimes converted to open mic nights in order to give beginning artists a chance to showcase their music. www.indyfolkseries.org, 615 W. 43rd St. The Jazz Kitchen The Jazz Kitchen is a quintessential jazz supper club in the heart of Meridian-Kessler; a must-stop spot for national and local acts, voted one of the city’s best live music venues every year by NUVO readers. Any night with Frank Glover or Rob Dixon on the marquee is a guaranteed winner. Enjoy excellent food and service during the show in the main room or at the bar. The outdoor patio deck is a particularly nice spot to watch the 54th & College world go by. The cuisine has a distinctly New Orleans accent with an emphasis on fresh ingredients; the crab cakes are terrific and the cocktails are sincere. www.thejazzkitchen.com, 5377 N. College Ave., 253-4900. Locals Only Despite the cliquish name, Locals Only is a neighborhood bar that welcomes everyone, particularly when it opens up its stage with host Jethro Easyfields on Wednesdays for open mic night. Easyfields and the folks at Locals Only have made the best of a good thing, attracting a diverse crowd of roots, blues and hard rock performers to a stage with pretty good sound and a charmingly battered old upright piano. Blues Jam on Thursdays and Recon Wednesdays feature revolving lineups of some of the best local talent. www.localsonlyindy.com, 2449 E. 56th St., 255-4013. The Melody Inn With walls lined with band stickers and the dark ambience of a rock show, The Historic Melody Inn is the place for rockers in Indy. It features live local music most nights, including its notorious Punk Rock Night every Saturday, and has racked up more NUVO Best of Indy awards than any other club in recent years. When the hardcore gets a little much and you need something quieter, retreat to the PBR lounge in the back for more intimacy. There’s usually a low cover charge, and parking is free and easy to find. www. melodyindy.com, 3826 N. Illinois St., 923-4707. Moon Dog Tavern Named after DJ Allen Freed’s 1950s radio show, Moondog’s Rock ‘N Roll Party, credited with giving birth to rock and roll, the music at this watering hole is a good dose of local rock, R&B and cover bands, with the occasional karaoke night thrown in for good measure. Great drink specials each night make it easy on the wallet and an outdoor patio in the summer makes us want to move in. Food is decent, people are great and the music keeps the party going. www.moondogtavern.com, 4825 E. 96th St., 575-6364. The Mousetrap Bar & Grill The city’s most famous hippie-friendly bar hosts live jam bands every Friday and Saturday night. Entry is usually free, although a small charge of $3 or $5 is sometimes imposed. Renovations over the last few years have yielded an increase in the size of the dance floor, yet the space is always packed with twirling skirts and flying dreadlocks amid a sea of tie-dye clothing, macramé jewelry, and glassy eyes. Electronic dance music on Thursdays draws a similar subset of the Mousetrap’s free-spirited clientele who
Cari Ray & The Loaners perform at Locals Only. are seeking heavy bass and industrial groove music. www.themousetrapbar.com, 5565 N. Keystone Ave., 255-3189. Murat Theatre at Old National Centre The long-standing, beloved Murat theater is home to Ballet Internationale, as well as numerous Broadway Across America shows and an eclectic bill of touring musicians and entertainers. Everyone from the Black Crowes to comedian Kathy Griffin has visited this grand location. An all-encompassing rental venue including the legendary Egyptian Room, which regularly hosts all-ages shows featuring up-and-coming national acts, as well as established bands. www.livenation.com, 502 N. New Jersey St., 231-0000. The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts The new concert hall in Carmel has finally opened with a full lineup of classical, contemporary and country music performances for the debut season. The Palladium is just one of four performance spaces at The Center. There are also a 500-seat proscenium theater, a 200-seat studio theater and an outdoor amphitheater. www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org, 355 City Center Dr., Carmel, 843-3800. Radio Radio Thanks to the experience and expertise of owner and Zero Boy David “Tufty” Clough, Radio Radio in Fountain Square is consistently one of the best live music venues in the city. The club not only gives local acts the chance to play on a regular basis, but it also features great national acts working their way up the ladder of success as they criss-cross the country in search of new fans. Hang out here and you’re bound to see the “next big thing” while enjoying great music, great drinks and great people – all in a smoke-free atmosphere. www.futureshock.net, 119 E. Prospect St., 955-095. Rock House Cafe For those about to rock, we salute you. And if you’ve chosen to rock at Rock House, you’ve come to the right place. Live music every weekend on a 20,000watt sound system means ear-splitting nirvana in this otherwise typical neighborhood bar. House and local bands are the norm, but look for regional and national acts as well like Black Cat Rebellion and BulletBoys. www.rockhouseindy.com, 3940 S. Keystone Ave., 780-8890. The Rock Lobster This uber-popular Broad Ripple hotspot always seems to have a long line out the door. Originally an
‘80s-themed bar, it has expanded to include a more diverse music format (including one-off shows by everything from avant-techno to metal bands). The outdoor patio is open year-round with garage doors yawning to the Lobster Lounge — complete with an upscale VIP room and a cool, speakeasy-style back bar. www.rocklobster.ws, 820 Broad Ripple Ave., 253-5844. Slippery Noodle Inn During the day, it’s an unassuming place to knock back a few drinks. But at night, Slippery Noodle is one of the top blues clubs in the country, if not the world. There’s live blues seven nights a week, featuring a mixture of local, regional and national acts. The city’s oldest bar, rumor has it those holes in the brick are from Dillinger and his gang’s target practice; it was also one of the city’s first and most successful brothels. Soak up the legend and believe the hype about the music. www.slipperynoodle. com, 372 S. Meridian St., 631-6974. The Vollrath Tavern One of the city’s oldest and most historic bars, The Vollrath functioned as a speakeasy for seven years before Prohibition was lifted in the ‘30s. Over time, The Vollrath has endured as the local watering hole for the south-of-downtown neighborhood where it resides. More recently, however, the bar has seen a shift in clientele as a result of regularly booked live entertainment. Acting as a sort of “downtown Melody Inn,” The Vollrath bills out-of-town, up-andcoming rock’n’roll bands, as well as local favorites. An elevated stage and ample room for dancing makes The Vollrath a perfect destination for a little bodyshakin’. www.vollrathindy.com, 118 E. Palmer, 632-5199. White Rabbit Cabaret Fountain Square’s newest nightspot has quickly become one of the city’s most popular. A throwback in all the best possible ways, White Rabbit Cabaret is more speakeasy than ultra-lounge, which fits just fine with the retro/rockabilly vibe Fountain Square is known for. With a superb lineup of live music and performances, from burlesque to banjo and roots to rock, not to mention $2.50 Pint Night on Tuesdays, there is no excuse not to hop on down and discover White Rabbit for yourself. Closed Mondays. www.whiterabbitcabaret.com, 1116 Prospect St., 686-9550.
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BEST OF INDY WINNERS – Musicians
to jam music). Speaking of Owl, Dixon also works A&R for the Indy-based jazz/jam label, creating opportunities for other Indy artists to record and distribute their work. www.owlstudios.com
In addition to determining your Nightlife plans by venue, keep an eye out for shows by these crowd favorites. With the exception of the mostly retired Zero Boys, these musicians are frequently found on marquees across town and come highly recommended by NUVO readers!
[Best] Local musican/band With this year’s win, Jennie DeVoe has collected a total of eight NUVO Best of Indy awards in various music categories over the past ten years. This year she holds on to the title of Best Local Musician across all genres by a mere one vote over Rev. Peyton and his Big Damn Band, an award previously given to local music favorites like The Why Store, Slurs, Mudkids and Cousin Brothers. We’re still digging DeVoe’s 2009 release, entitled Strange Sunshine, recorded with longtime P.J. Harvey collaborator John Parish on the board, and anxiously awaiting whatever comes next from this talented singer-songwriter. www.jenniedevoe.com
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[Best] Rock artist/group Power-pop golden boys Stereo Deluxe are back for a second time to win the Best Local Rockers designation. Looks like the band is still riding the wave of success following the release of last year’s CD, When The Party’s Over, a collection of solid alt-rock-inspired tunes that includes the civic pride anthem “Southside Stomp,” devoted to the land where the four Perry Meridian graduates grew up and still call home. This year’s repeat win means Stereo Deluxe joins previous multiple winners in this category: Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos, Spanky’s Clubhouse, The Pieces and Push Down & Turn as your favorite local rockers. www.stereodeluxemusic.com [Best] Jazz artist/group The “musical mayor of Indy” isn’t a huge fan of his nickname, but Rob Dixon certainly deserves it: Name a jazz musician in town with whom saxophonist Dixon hasn’t collaborated, either as a sideman or equal partner. He’s connected scenes by recording albums for Owl Studios with esteemed organist Melvin Rhyne (and thereby celebrating our Indiana Ave. tradition) and, more recently, with jammy drummer Todd Harrold (introducing the world of straight-ahead jazz
nightlife guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% recycled paper
[Best] Blues artist/band Blues guitar wunderkind Max Allen has grown up on the job, forging his own sound after first appearing on the scene as a precociously talented electric bluesman, or blueskid as it were. His most recent record, Ending Sun, stretches into jam band territory, matching earthy and sometimes funny vocals (“Lazy” being an ode to couch-surfing, belching and masturbating) with his wide-ranging but focused solos. And the album’s cover of Tupac’s “California Love” demonstrates that, while Allen has mastered the blues form, he’s willing to stretch a little outside of his comfort zone. www.maxallenmusic.com
[Best] Roots artist/group Everyone loves Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band — perhaps because of the sold-out performance at the NUVO 20th Anniversary Party last March or that Thanksgiving show at The Vogue, or perhaps because of the excellent new CD they released in 2010. Whatever the impetus, lots of people are
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liking this band’s brand of solid music via a ‘30sera resonator guitar and some quick fingers to play both treble and bass; not to mention Washboard Breezy using an instrument of women’s work for a decidedly unfeminine use and Jayme maintaining a pounding attack on the set and marching bass drum. www.bigdamnband.com
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Ever since the early ‘80s, when the band surprised hardcore fans who didn’t think anything decent could come out of a sleepy Midwestern town, Zero Boys have remained a favorite of a far-flung fanbase, including some locals who have gotten the best chance to see the band’s periodic shows and hear new studio albums released since the band’s initial reunion in the early ‘90s. www.zeroboys.net [Best] Metal artist/group One of this city’s greatest metal bands was almost a stillborn. Back in 2003, Devil to Pay frontman Steve Janiak was on top of the local scene — but also short two feet of intestine, and not so far away from death’s door. He recovered, with a quite a story to tell about botched intestinal surgery, and he’s since achieved elder status without sitting on his laurels: Witness the band’s most recent album, 2009’s Heavily Ever After, which NUVO’s Jeff Napier called “the best guitar record Indy has produced in quite some time.” www.deviltopay.net
[Best] Punk artist/group Another repeat from last year, though this one reaches back even further into the local music scene archives, the Zero Boys have enjoyed a resurgence over the past few years with the release of the entirety of the band’s early recordings on Secretly Canadian. Not that they were ever forgotten.
[Best] Hip-hop artist/group Mudkids have won this category seven of the ten times that it has been on the ballot, putting the legendary group well on its way to the Best of Indy Hall of Fame. While they have made some personnel changes in recent years, the group’s core — emcee Rusty Redenbacher and DJ Elp-Mass — has remained intact, as has the group’s politically-conscious, reliably soulful and verbally facile work. A new full-length work by Mudkids has been promised for the fall, not that the group hasn’t released a steady stream of work since 2006’s Basementality in the interim. www.myspace.com/mudkids [Best] Club DJ Slater Hogan may have been a relative latecomer to the DJ world (he started DJing in his mid-20s),
but he’s made quite a mark since then, helping to put Indianapolis on the map with projects like the house label Muzique Boutique (founded with John Larner) and his recently-inaugurated club night Keepin’ It Deep, held every Thursday at Blu Lounge. Hogan celebrated his 40th birthday at Blu this February with guests The Hood Internet, just one of the many big-name headliners he’s brought to town this year (including King Britt and The Glitch Mob). www.facebook.com/slater.hogan
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Matt Allen An enduring love for UK hardhouse blended with fresh hip hop beats and electro samplings.
Describe your sound in 10 words or less: Music you’ve heard in a way you’ve never heard before.
DJ & DANCE
What’s unique about your DJ style: It introduces various electronic genres and producers with broad based appeal.
Slater Hogan
Action Jackson
Slater Hogan caters to local taste with open format electronica at clubs across Indy while maintaining a preference for house wherever possible.
Indy’s most-frequently gigging DJ offers an eclectic repertoire that refuses to be pigeonholed.
How do you challenge yourself: My style attempts to bring club energy to every track. Through video/audio production and presentation, I try to take a song and/or samples everyone knows and amp it up. What song/artist is in your rotation as of late: Anything that creates energy and embodies the club experience. Standing gig(s): Blend at Tru on Friday nights.
Adam Jay One of Indy’s most famous electronic geniuses, with nearly 15 years of experience as a techno DJ and a sought-after knack for live PA performances.
Describe your sound in 10 words or less: Toetappin’, booty-slappin’ madness! What’s unique about your DJ style: I bring a world-music flavor to the “open format” style that I play. In a typical set you will hear American Top 40, hip-hop, reggaeton, salsa, dancehall, bhangra, and house music. How do you challenge yourself: There is an old DJ mantra that states “If you do not clear the dance floor at least one time a night, then you are not challenging your audience.” To be a great DJ, you must entertain and educate. I try to listen to DJ sets from all over the world; it keeps me up to date on global music trends. What song/artist is in your rotation as of late: Chromeo feat. La Roux, “Hot Mess”; Martin Solveig, “Hello”; Lupe Fiasco, “The show goes on”; A-Trak, “Ray Ban Vision”; Tony Rebel, “The Bare Necessities.” Standing gig(s): Keepin’ It Deep at Blu Lounge on Thursdays, Guilty Pleasures at Blu Lounge on Fridays, and Saturdays at Hyde (except the last Saturday of every month, in which case he’s DJing at The Vogue). Hogan also operates two record labels with John Larner — Muzique Boutique and Herbal Essence.
Describe your sound: a ride in a white leatherupholstered Caddy on a silk highway, with a strawberry milkshake in the cup holder. What’s unique about your DJ style: I’d like to think I’m really versatile. I like a very broad range of music and I try to share that when I play. How do you challenge yourself: Since I play a lot of genres, it’s really a lot of work to stay up on everything. It does help that I get to travel frequently, so I hear other DJs and musicians fairly often. That really inspires me when I come back home. What song/artist is in your rotation as of late: Everything on Turquoise Jeep Records. Standing gig(s): Manic Monday (‘80s Night) every third Monday at Rock Lobster, Let Go every first Tuesday at Lockerbie, Pub Life every fourth Tuesday at Connor’s Pub, OMG! every Wednesday at Casba, $3 Thursdays at Kilroy’s Sports in Bloomington. Be on the lookout for: Action Jackson’s first proper release, a forthcoming album with Oreo Jones.
Describe your sound in 10 words or less: Soulinfused techno, constantly moving forward, devoid of cheap gimmicks. What’s unique about your DJ style: When I perform, I am always mixing. I tend to create my own breakdowns and transitions creatively rather than letting an 8 minute-long track ride out all the way. How do you challenge yourself: It is important to be constantly working toward specific, concrete, tangible goals. I concentrate on producing great music and performances, not abstract objectives like “success” or “recognition.” The key is to always push yourself to improve your work. What song/artist is in your rotation as of late: DJ Shiva’s recent original tracks and remixes have been blowing me away this year. Upcoming gig(s): Futuristique at White Rabbit Cabaret in Fountain Square on March 12, as well as gigs in Holland, Spain, and Germany later this summer.
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Rudy Kizer A local EDM authority who “caught the DJ bug” some 25 years ago while part of Chicago’s growing house and hip-hop scene. Describe your sound in 10 words or less: A guided tour through underground and left-of-center dance music. What’s unique about your DJ style: Rather than try to play your favorite song, I feel like my job is to play your favorite song from six months in the future. How do you challenge yourself: Dance music is constantly evolving and staying connected to the bleeding edge is difficult. Doing the research, constantly honing the craft
and taking risks by playing new music keeps me sharp. What song/artist is in your rotation as of late: Ellie Goulding. I have a feeling she’s about to break big here in the U.S. Pendulum are doing big things, and beatbox grandmaster Beardyman has a debut album coming that I’m really amped for. Standing gig(s): Host and producer of “Hit The Decks” on WRZX and American Forces Networks DriveFX
Gabby Love An open-format DJ mixing house, disco, funk and hip-hop
Describe your sound in 10 words or less: My sound gives you the unshakable urge to dance. What’s unique about your DJ style: I play a wide range of genres and throw in songs with international styles and flair, mixing disco, funk, ‘80s dance, rock, old school hip-hop, pop and EDM. I’m big on themes and lyric association, almost as if I’m telling a story through music within my sets. How do you challenge yourself: I’m constantly working on new tricks, scratching and turntablism. To further challenge myself, I’m always looking at different song combinations to blend live and create a totally different sound, like a live mash-up or remix.
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What song/artist is in your rotation as of late: “Barbra Streisand” by Duck Sauce and Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite” are two definite crowd pleasers. Swedish House Mafia have a few great dance tracks out now, too. Recent accomplishments: Winner of December 2010 “So You Think You Can DJ?” Battle at 4th St. Live! in Louisville, Ky., beating 10 of the Midwest’s best up-and-coming DJs. Standing gig(s): (T)hank (G)abby (I) t’s (F)riday at Room 929 at The Ripple Inn and a monthly show at Hotel Nightclub in Louisville, Ky.
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DJ Hollow Point Fusin the groove of breaks and dubstep with the speed of D&B
Describe your sound in 10 words or less: Making drum & bass fun again. What’s unique about your DJ style: I am constantly switching it up to keep my performances fresh, from a jazzy, laid-back liquid drumand-bass set on my radio show to dark, brooding techstep at Altered Thurzdaze. I don’t want people to be able to guess what sub-subgenre I’ll play at any given event; I want people to expect fun. How do you challenge yourself: As the first drum-and-bass DJ on the Boost.FM roster, I’ve added Serato Scratch Live, a laptop, and a MIDI controller to my toolkit and branched
out to play more dubstep, house, breaks and techno. Without the challenge of having a scheduled show with dedicated listeners every week, I may never have taken that next step in my DJ career. What song/artist is in your rotation as of late: Lately, Joe Syntax has been on my watch list. Specifically, “Leave Your World Behind VIP.” Upcoming gig(s): Altered Thurzdaze at The Mousetrap March 10 and the 4/20 Showcase at The Mousetrap in April.
DJ OhBeOne More than 10 years of experience in helping Indianapolis discover the music they never knew existed
Describe your sound in 10 words or less: Dirty crunk dance music with a twist of lime. What’s unique about your DJ style: I blend many styles of music from hip-hop, dubstep, dance, rock, and everything in-between to make for an exciting club experience. How do you challenge yourself: I challenge myself by listening to mixtapes of my favorite DJs (A-trak, Craze, Jazzy Jeff, DJ AM, DJ Green Lantern, and DJ Semtex). By listening to these guys, I learn a lot of new music that no one plays around here, but should.
What song/artist is in your rotation as of late: Ellie Goulding, “Under The Sheets,” Chiddy Bang remix; Kanye West, “Monster,” Kingdom’s Nicki-Centric edit; Kid Sister ft. Gucci Mane, “Gucci Rag Top”; DJ Teenage Wolf, “Cuerno de Sonido,” Udachi remix; Rusko ft. Amber Coffman, “Hold On,” Sub Focus remix Standing gig(s): The B.B.Q. every Thursday at The Casba, P.B.W. (Penny Beer Wednesdays) on the 4th Wednesday of the month at Tru and a monthly at Juxtapoze at The Melody Inn with DJ-partner-in-crime Mike B.
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Casba This underground bar strikes a happy medium between upbeat club dancing and laid-back grooving. Fridays and Saturdays are often packed with jukebox dancers, while Wednesday offers the electro stylings of DJ Action Jackson. Thursday’s live music night affords a more relaxed environment for dance, gravitating towards honest rock’n’roll. Great drink specials and rare cover make The Casba an affordable stop, while universally appealing tunes guarantee to please most members of your Broad Ripple dance posse. www. casbaindy.com, 6319 Guilford Ave., 251-3138.
We Are Hex at Casba during 2010’s Broad Ripple Music Fest.
VENUES Blu/Hyde Lounge In the midst of a string of downtown bars whose sole purpose of is to facilitate drunken hookups, Blu and her sister club Hyde provide a classy alternative to jean-jamming and Top 40 music. When they’re not hosting nationally and internationally recognized DJs, Blu and Hyde proudly present local DJs who play
a variety of electronic genres, although house music remains a constant among most mixes. Affluentlypriced drinks and elegant décor result in an exclusivefeeling club experience that is, in reality, within the reach of anyone seeking a sophisticated night of dancing. www.bluindy.com, 240 S. Meridian St., 955-8585.
EVERY WEDNESDAY! “HUMP DAY” DANCE PARTY w/ DJ Orion, 9pm - 1am featuring $3 U-Call It’s.... The hottest midweek dance party on the far Northside! EVERY THURSDAY! Live Acoustic Jam’s 8:30pm - 11:30pm featuring $2 Domestic Bottles and 1/2 Price Martini’s EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY! Live Music featuring Indy’s Top Party Bands!!! Party Starts @ 10:00. NEW! LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR! 1/2 Price Apps 10 - 1 Sunday - Thursday
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Greg’s Over the course of three decades, Greg’s has gone from being almost literally a hole-in-the-wall to one of the largest and best-known gay clubs in the city. Oddly enough, it also wins the “best place for line dancing” each year in our Best of Indy poll. And who can blame readers? Every Monday, Greg’s offers the same great line dancing as the designated “country” bars, but here it’s little less dingy and, well, a little less country, surrounded by men who are, well, a little less dingy and a little less country. Don’t be intimidated by the show-offs: all levels of boot scooting going on here. Other nights and other dance floors within the club offer all the house, techno and Top 40 you can imagine. Another plus, Greg’s is smoke-free. www.gregsindiana.com, 231 E. 16th St., 638-8138. Room 929 at The Ripple Inn Formerly The Upper Room, this upscale dance lair is the perfect getaway for those seeking an intimate and elegant night out in Broad Ripple. Located in a relatively small space above The Ripple Inn, there are multiple modestly-sized rooms and a cozy dance floor in front of the DJ booth. A word of caution: The upstairs dance den gets rather warm due to its
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Tru Nightclub Previous incarnations of the bar above Buffalo Wild Wings in Broad Ripple (Eden, 7, Buckwildz) have come and gone, supposedly at the will of spirits rumored to inhabit the bar. Tru, however, is proving to have defeated the curse and continues to prosper as one of the Ripple’s hottest dance clubs. Offering guests three levels of dance floor options (including a VIP loft), Tru is a playground for clubbers in search of something different. Affordable cover and drink prices paired with local electro DJs make Tru worthy of consideration for any night out. www. trunightclub.com, 6235 Guilford Ave., 257-0777. The Vogue One of Indy’s most established concert venues doubles as a night club. Visit early enough on nearly any night of the week and you’ll find local and nationally-touring bands that range from bluegrass to rock’n’roll to hip-hop to singer/songwriter. Come on Wednesday or Saturday night if you prefer nightclub dancing. Retro Rewind (every Wednesday) consistently draws the biggest mid-week crowd in Broad Ripple with cheap drinks, familiar songs of past and present and a line that wraps around the block. Sometimes, Retro Rewind even celebrates hump day with special contests, games, and party favors. www.thevogue.com, 6259 N. College Ave., 259-7029.
Tru Nightclub altitude (dress accordingly if you plan to shake your groove thing all night long) and the dance floor is slick (step with care!). www.therippleinn.com, 929 E. Westfield Blvd., 252-2600. Talbott Street Nightclub Talbott Street plays host to a variety of events, including drag shows on Fridays and national and
international DJs and concerts on Saturdays. Most varieties of electronic music can be found on the club’s spacious dance floor, but techno and house remain the king and queen of the court. It makes no difference if you’re straight, gay or bi; you’re guaranteed to find dance-worthy music and friendly vibes inside this fabulous just-north-of-downtown nightclub. www.talbottstreet.com, 2145 N. Talbott St., 931-1343.
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During the day, Pearl Bistro is a casual café, offering healthy food choices, with the lunch hour in mind. In the evening, Pearl transforms into an eclectic bistro, providing a relaxing and unique dining experience with healthy choices and good flavor in mind.
Mon – Sat 11am – 2:30pm Tues – Thur 5pm – 9pm Fri and Sat 5pm – 10pm 1475 W. 86th st. 86th and Ditch Road 317-876-7990
Do you have SCHIZOPHRENIA? IU Med Center is seeking people with Schizophrenia to participate in a research study of an investigational drug. If you qualify, all study procedures are confidential and provided at no cost to you. Risks will be disclosed prior to study enrollment. Call (317) 274-0474 for more information.
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LIVE TRIVIA Starts at 7pm
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POKER NIGHT $100 Cash 1st Prize
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THE FAMILY JAM
feat. Adam Catron and Josh Oldham
-THURSDAY-
ALTERED THURZDAZE
pres. by Indy Mojo/G9 Collective
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THE BEST JAM BANDS IN THE MIDWEST -SUNDAY-
NFL SUNDAY, EVERY GAME! and Cornhole Tourneys and cookouts when the weather is warm!
5 POOL TABLES, DARTBOARDS, BOARDGAMES, 20 TVS, HIDEF, 130” BIG SCREEN
www.themousetrapbar.com
5565 N Keystone Ave • 255-3189 (Parking located on 56th St)
Check out our new website! www.themousetrapbar.com
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Bier Brewery
LOCAL BREW Barley Island Brewing Co. Founded in 1999 in a 19th-century livery and stable that became a depository for liquor during Prohibition, and a beer warehouse after Repeal, Barley Island has appropriately gained notice as “party central” for historic Noblesville, though it calls itself “Home of the Fifth Basic Food Group.” In 2009, owner Jeff Eaton expanded operations to Broad Ripple, where special brews from other breweries are introduced during monthly tappings and are available alongside house brews. When long-time brewmaster Jon Lang co-founded Triton Brewing, Mike Hess stepped in to continue making brews named for legendary Hamilton County characters and events. www.barleyisland.com, 639 Conner St., Noblesville, 770-5280; 701 Broad Ripple Ave., 257-5600. Bier Brewery The latest and perhaps smallest of the local breweries to pop up in Indy, Darren Connor’s Bier Brewery offers a selection of nanobrews, roughly eight 40-gallon batches a week, for craft-beer lovers to sample and purchase. Stop by Thursday through Sunday (one of the only places to snag beer on the holy day!) to try something tasty and take home a growler or ten. www.bierbrewery.com, 5133 E. 65th St., 2532437.
Bloomington Brewing Company Founded in 1994 as the first microbrewery in Southern Indiana, Bloomington Brewing Company joined Lennie’s Restaurant, which introduced gourmet pizza to Indiana in 1989. With its brewing operation in plain sight behind the cozy bar and tables, BBC joined Lafayette Brewing Company to introduce the concept of quality over quantity for beer in college towns. With sustainability as his business model, brewmaster Floyd Rosenbaum has been nurturing hops plants for use in BBC brews. Having celebrated its 1000th brew, BBC is expanding capacity for statewide distribution with brewster Eileen Martin and a support staff brewing at a new facility. www.bbcbloomington.com, 1795 E. 10th St., Bloomington, 812-323-2112.
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Broad Ripple Brewpub Founded in 1990 by John Hill as the first Indiana brewpub, Broad Ripple Brewpub celebrated its 20th anniversary throughout 2010 with a weekly team quiz, inspired by the pub’s British roots, and with retrospective brewings by Kevin Matalucci. BRBP’s English-pub ambience belies the building’s former life as an automotive shop. Referred to as “the best neighbor anyone can have,” BRBP opens its adjacent parking space to dog festivals, farmers’ markets and anything anyone wants for the good of the community. BRBP remains a homebrewer’s haven and a founding force for the State Fair Brewer’s Competition and Brewers Guild of Indiana beer festivals. www.broadripplebrewpub.com, 840 E. 65th St., 253-2739. Brugge Brasserie Founded in 2005 by Ted Miller, Brugge introduced Indiana to Belgium beer and changed the landscape of the state’s craft beer industry. With distinctive holes in the middle of its tables to hold paper cones of pommes frites, outdoor seating and an expansion to the upper-level party room, Brugge has become a noted destination by the sheer force of Miller’s persona writ large. The Brugge brand grows from Miller’s derring-do, including a revamping of the Terre Haute facility that produced the world famous Champagne Velvet brand as a modern brewery to grow Indiana’s craft beer production. www.bruggebrasserie.com, 1011A E. Westfield Blvd., 255-0978. Flat 12 Bierwerks Newly opened in December 2010, Flat 12 Bierwerks is the newest kid on the block catering to the craftbeer lover. Its current brew lineup includes Upside Down Blonde, a hybrid pilsner/wheat; American Amber, hopped at the top end of the style; the Half Cycle IPA and its most popular brew, the Pogue’s Run Porter. Rob Caputo, head of brewery operations and co-founder, and his partners took an eyesore of a building and refurbished it into a retro/industrial theme tied to Indianapolis’ past. With strong ties to the
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bicycling scene in Indy, Flat 12 will make a big splash in 2011. www.flat12.me, 440 N. Dorman St., 635BEER (2337) Oaken Barrel Brewing Company Oaken Barrel Brewing Company’s found its impetus in 1994 at Broad Ripple Brewpub during Ted Miller’s tenure as brewmaster. Oaken Barrel is equally connected with the Indiana Brewing Company’s historic legacy, which includes the family of Kurt Vonnegut. Making OB a destination place is its exhibition of late 19th- and early 20th-century posters and bottle labels. Owner Kwang Casey proudly presides over all this history in a former day care facility where brewmaster Mark Havens heads a team of assistant brewers and interacts on a weekly basis with The Bucket Brigade, members of the lauded MECA Homebrew Club. www.oakenbarrel.com, 50 N. Airport Dr., Greenwood, 887-2287. Ram Restaurant and Brewery The Ram opened downtown in 1996 and in Fishers in 2005, but unlike Rock Bottom (see below), both locations are supplied by the downtown brewing operation. Brewmaster Andrew Castner follows in the footsteps of his recent predecessors, Jon Simmons and Dave Colt, creating daring flavor profiles to grow the palates — not only of loyal local customers but also of visitors who stop at The Ram in search of a familiar, homey place. Approaching its 40th corporate anniversary, The Ram’s presence in Indiana will be rolling out a series of festive events. www.theram. com, 140 S. Illinois St., 955-9900; 12750 Parkside Dr., Fishers, 596-0079. Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery Since opening downtown in 1996, and in College Park in 2005, Rock Bottom has been showing Indianapolis how a chain can provide distinctive brews. You’ll find different sets of flavor profiles emanating from the art and craft of brewmaster Jerry Sutherlin (downtown) and brewmaster Liz Laughlin (College Park). Each has a following, but there is a core of craft lovers visiting both locations that can expound on the merits of
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each. www.rockbottom.com, 10 W. Washington St., 681-8180; 2801 Lake Circle Dr., 471-8840. Scotty’s Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Company This newest Scotty’s location brings brewmaster Omar Castrellon from his former home at the now-closed Alcatraz (the first downtown brewpub), where he was founding brewer. Castrellon now brews a distinctive lineup for all Scotty’s sites, served on tap or in carryout in growlers. The décor features picnic tables, a huge bar, a wall cooler with other craft beer for sale, and viewing access to the brewing operation, as well as large-screen televisions. Everything about the location is expansive and open, including Castrellon’s brews. www.thr3ewisemen.com, 1021 Broad Ripple Ave., 255-0978. Sun King Brewing Company Since opening in 2009 just south of Easley Winery, founding brewers Clay Robinson and Dave Colt have introduced a new generation of bar-hoppers and diners to craft beer. They’ve also managed to bring their canned beers to Indianapolis’ Victory Field. But Sun King Brewing Company equally prevails at arts venues, including the Athenaeum, Fringe and the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Building on their dynamicduo reputation as award-winning brewers at The Ram downtown, Robinson and Colt have created a resounding buzz for beer with myriad flavor profiles. Their on-site tastings draw attention to the historic Cole Noble neighborhood. www.sunkingbrewery.com, 135 N. College Ave., 602-3702. Tomlinson Tap Room Featuring craft brews from across Indiana on a rotating basis means there’s always something new, fresh and unexpected on tap at the newly opened Tomlinson Tap Room. A partnership between City Market and the Brewers of Indiana Guild, the intent is to bring
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Tomlinson Tap Room standards, specials and seasonals to Indianapolis from each of Indiana’s craft breweries. With more than a half dozen new brewing operations poised to open across the state, Tomlinson’s 16 tap lines sport an ever-changing array of handpulls. www.indycm.com/tomlinsontaproom, City Market, 222 Market St., 423-BEER. Upland Brewing Company Founded in 1998, Upland Brewing Company pushes the “green” envelope throughout its operation, finding ways to grow while leaving the smallest footprint. Upland strives to connect with its geographic location and to be involved with regional philanthropy,
FOND du LAC BOUTIQUE!
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especially through efforts to preserve natural resources and support the Exotic Feline Rescue Center. In 2006, brewmaster Caleb Stanton developed Upland’s first Lambics, using fruits from local Huber Orchards. Its release in 2007 garnered national attention and moved brought Upland’s beer to expanding markets — most recently at its pet-friendly Midtown Tasting Room, south of Broad Ripple. www.uplandbeer. com, 350 W. 11th St., Bloomington, 812-336-2337; 4842 N. College Ave., 602-3931.
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The Bar at the Ambassador
BARS, CLUBS & PUBS The 501 A low-key leather-and-Levi gay bar popular with the local bears and just plain locals, The 501 is a great place to play pool, shoot darts and spark up a conversation with someone new or simply hang with friends. Nightly drink specials, free pool on Wednesday and the always-risky “Topless Tuesdays” only add to the inevitable good time. Bartenders are genuinely friendly and the music is typically bumping. And just so you know, they describe Friday nights as “A little darker, a little more cruisy,” not us. www.501eagle.com, 501 N. College Ave., 632-2100.
Ale Emporium Deep in the heart of Castleton, this pub is a favorite stop for guys and gals looking to grab a beer on their way home. Always buzzing on game nights, the Ale Emporium has a warm pub atmosphere and offers a solid beer selection. While enjoying a drink, order one of their deep dish pizzas…you’ll end up dying of a heart attack, but you’ll die happy. www.ale-emporium. com, 8617 Allisonville Road, 842-1333. Alley Cat Ah, our beloved Alley Cat. What can we say about an establishment that won the “best dive bar” award from NUVO readers so many years in a row, we finally just retired the jersey. A hole-in-the-wall to beat all holesin-the-wall, you can’t even get here without threading through Broad Ripple’s back alleys. With cheap drinks, good music and lots of pool playing, the Cat is the best place in the city to be at last call for a variety of reasons – not least of which is you usually don’t have to go home alone. 6267 Carrollton Ave., 257-4036. Ball & Biscuit The Ball & Biscuit’s theme is nostalgic, with decor from the time of speakeasies. The drinks also harken to another time, in more ways than one. Hamhattan, Silver Gin Fizz, Sidecar, and Aviation are all classic
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cocktails with small twists. But you’ve also seen them at Euphoria, the Indianapolis haunt where chef Brad Gates and mixologist Zach Wilks formerly held court. You can always count on top shelf, small batch alcohol at The Ball & Biscuit and a solid lineup of choice cheeses for noshing. As with any good speakeasy, there’s good contraband off the menu — if you know to ask. www.ballandbiscuit.com, 331 Massachusetts Ave., 636-0539. Bar at the Ambassador Chic speakeasy: that’s the vibe emitted by The Bar, a welcome new lunch/dinner/late night spot in the St. Joseph neighborhood on the ground level of the 1924 Ambassador apartment building. Slide into a corner booth and you feel like you’re in a 1930s tavern frequented by only the classiest mobsters. The Bar is the perfect place to make a big business deal, to sip a cocktail with dignity after you’ve just been dumped or simply enjoy the company of friends. Atmosphere is excellent, drinks are strong and affordable, food is getting better. 43 E. 9th St., 602-2279. Bartini’s Downtown Indy’s newest and trendiest nightspot, Bartini’s has helped bring a bit of swank to the cavernous space occupied by Cadillac Ranch in historic Union Station. Boasting 30+ types of martinis (S’mores, Sweet Tart and Key Lime Pie, for example), the real allure here is the ratio of young, horny men to young, horny women. Careful attention to detail and more earnest-than-snobby staff help make Bartini’s feel less chain-like, though there is practically one in every large U.S. city. www.bartinisindy.com, 39 Jackson Place, 636-0100. Beer Sellar Don’t let the name fool you — you can order mixed drinks at the Beer Sellar — but why would you? With 50 beers on tap and another 100 in bottles, the Sellar
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is a beer connoisseur’s dream. Features a full counter of cigars and occasional live music. www.beersellar. net, 6466 E. 82nd St., 849-2739. Blu Martini Voted Indy’s best ultra lounge by NUVO readers, this trendy, ultra-chic Northeast side nightspot serves up artfully prepared steaks and seafood, as well as impeccable sushi. The drink selection is impressive, and, with the thoroughly modern decor, you definitely won’t feel like you’re in a strip mall. This bar’s psychedelic setting and high-fashion music — lucid beats and acid jazz — make us wonder: Are we still in Indiana? Martinis, wines, you name it, with sushi, sushi and more sushi on the menu. DJ Fred Lockett provides the beats every Wednesday (get there early for halfprice sushi from 5 – 7 p.m.!). www.blumartini.net, 4705 E. 96th St., 566-8850. Bourbon Street Distillery One of the only remnants of the Indiana Avenue of long ago, Bourbon Street recalls the jazz roots of Indianapolis in both its French Quarter architecture and constant buzz. Plenty of drink specials and menu favorites such as the pulled pork sandwich, fish n’ chips and cajun burger, plus ample indoor and outdoor seating for comfortable socializing and people watching, make this a must-stop for downtown goers. Get here early in good weather if you want to sit outside, which you do. Call ahead for reservations or carry-out. www.bourbonstreetdistillery.com, 361 Indiana Ave., 636-3316. Brass Ring Although the interior evokes the famous bar scene from Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, this lounge is hardly all work and no play. The menu is full of the usual bar staples, but the ingredients aim to elevate the cuisine, with offerings such as Asian-style quesadillas and the ambitious extra-extra-thin crust pizza. The full
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devouring their huge wraps and sandwiches, your clothes and, most importantly, your stomach, will thank you for it. www.brothersbar.com, 910 Broad Ripple Ave., 252-5530. BuDa Lounge One of Mass Ave’s hippest nightspots, BuDa is an intimate, Asian-infused cigar/martini bar offering drinks and a relaxing setting. Featuring specialty martinis like the Dirty Geisha, Ricksaw, and Flying Grasshopper, the drinkery also features a 12-foot tall cigar humidor and a broad range of cigars. The upscale BuDa Lounge also offers a selection of unique, artsy sushi rolls, like the Kamikaze, with lobster and crab meat, rolled in rice, topped off with avocado, or the popular special lobster roll, topped off with crab meat and wasabi before being torched like a crème brûlée. www.budalounge.com, 429 Mass. Ave., 602-3643.
Chumley’s bar, its off-the-menu specialty drink, “Love,” along with the weather-permitting street-front seating are a few reasons to add the Brass Ring to your list of watering holes. www.thebrassringlounge.com, 1245 S. Shelby St., 635-7464. Britton Tavern If you like variety, check out this upscale bar featuring 30 different beers on tap and 33 large screens tuned to more sports programming than you can possibly consume in a month. Its calendar is packed with live music gigs (by high-quality cover bands like Dave and
Rae), karaoke (every Sunday) and free pool (every Monday). www.thebrittontavern.com, 14005 Mundy Drive, Fishers, 774-3188. Brothers This regional chain seems to have established itself as a popular destination for food, drinks, and sports since opening up in Broad Ripple. Expect to find the usual bar food appetizers and Bud and Coors products on tap, with a few surprises, such as blackened salmon and tilapia, along with Bell’s and Peroni beers. If you can figure out an appropriate attack plan for
Chumley’s Beer House Undoubtedly the best location in Broad Ripple for people-watching, no matter the time of day or night, Chumley’s street side seating is outdone only by the selection of 50 delicious beers on tap. You don’t have to be a beer snob or drop a lot of cash to enjoy some good brew at this laid-back and no-frills bar with friendly staff and prime views. If you’re so inclined, or if the weather’s crappy, there are plenty of alternatives to people-watching for entertainment: pool tables, televised sports, and a jukebox. www.chumleysbeerhouse.com, 838 Broad Ripple Ave., 466-1555. Claddagh Irish Pub One of the best pubs in the city, particularly if you like Irish atmosphere, hospitality and beer, Claddagh also has Indy’s best fish n’ chips, according to NUVO readers. It uses Wild Pacific Cod fillets, coated with a special Bass Ale batter and then cooked to a golden-
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forty-five° brown perfection and served with pub chips, cole slaw and a creamy and dreamy tartar sauce. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it. Most everything is good here, particularly when accompanied by a Guinness, and there’s a great take-out menu as well. www.claddaghirishpubs.com, 234 S. Meridian St., 822-6274.
MONDAY
TEXAS HOLDEM
$100 CASH PRIZE • $5 12” PIZZAS • $2 DOMESTICS • $4 JACK DANIELS
WENDESDAY Open Mic Night $100 CASH PRIZE • 35¢ WINGS • $4 CROWN ROYAL • $11 DOMESTIC BUCKETS
THURSDAY
Acoustic Night
$3 IMPORT PINTS • $3 23OZ MILLER & COORS LIGHT DRAFTS • $2.50 WELLS
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Live Music
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Corner Wine Bar A little bit of Paris bistro on an otherwise very Midwestern corner. NUVO readers have been so impressed they’ve voted it as having the Best Wine List a total of eight times, going back to an early win in 1995. With more than 150 wines and champagnes to choose from, this tiny bistro has something for every taste and budget. Thankfully, this includes several excellent house wines. It also features a menu that is both imaginative and a perfect accompaniment to the wine. A bit pricey, but excellent and well-worth the splurge. www.cornerwinebar.com 6331 Guilford Ave., 255-5159. Downtown Olly’s Known as the “sports bar with a twist,” we’re tempted to make a million puns about scoring when recommending Downtown Olly’s, but that would be taking the easy route. Yes, it’s a gay sports bar, right down to the big-screen TVs, beer specials, pizza and room full of jersey-clad men rooting on the home team. Ah, but it’s so much more! The menu is actually quite impressive, with lots of fresh ingredients. Best of all – Olly’s is open 24 hours on the weekend and serves a fantastic breakfast. www.downtownollys.com, 822 N. Illinois, 63-OLLYS. Easley Winery Indiana’s oldest family-owned winery, Easley provides wine grown from vineyards located in Southern Indiana and offers a rotating list of about 25 varieties, depending on the season. The downtown headquarters provides a convenient way to stop in and pick up a few bottles or take part in wine tastings, classes and even tours of the winery. There’s also a gift shop with lots of great options to accompany that bottle of red or
white. Summers bring live music to the Easley patio for “Groovin in the Garden” events on Tuesdays and Saturdays. www.easleywinery.com, 205 N. College Ave., 636-4516. English Ivy’s Located just a few blocks north of Mass Ave, Ivy’s is a great gay-friendly pub with a wide selection of great dinner and lunch options that’s as warm and welcoming as any bar you’re likely to find in Indianapolis. Excellent service from a genuinely friendly wait staff only complements the overall easygoing vibe and outstanding drinks. Try the cosmos – they are affordable ($5 on Monday and lethal). Things can get a little crowded and good-heartedly rowdy around the bar some nights, but that’s when it can also be the most fun. www.englishivys.com, 944 N. Alabama St., 822-5070. forty-five° Sitting at the far end of Massachusetts Ave., right where it meets College, this triangle-shaped venue offers swanky indoor seating and a cool patio on the fringe of your favorite cultural district. There’s plenty of neon and pulsating beats, as well as fancy drinks and a host of beautiful people, not to mention some of our favorite wait staff in the city! Not too swanky to be accessible. www.fortyfiveindy.com, 765 Massachusetts Ave., 635-4545. J Clyde’s Pub For almost 70 years, J Clyde’s, just around the corner from the Emerson Theater on the city’s Eastside, has been a watering hole for all who stop by, neighborhood clientele and punk rock royalty alike. Just ask bartender Clark Giles about some of the aftershow parties with the likes of Morbid Angel, Everclear, The Business, NOFX and Green Day. Cheap beer, a kickass jukebox (chock-full of punk and local music), a couple of televisions and occasional live music keep J Clyde’s hoppin’, especially on the weekends. 1008 North Bosart Ave., 351-8860.
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Faith Marie of Endless Summer Band performs at Mickey’s Irish Pub Living Room Lounge A few blocks north of the trendier downtown bar district, the Living Room Lounge is a retreat from the mainstream in both location and attitude, with its relaxed and friendly environment, good kitchen and great karaoke. Live music most nights of the week, darts and a great selection of tunes on the jukebox help round out the standard options. 934 N. Pennsylvania Ave., 635-0361. Locals Only Despite the clique-ish name, Locals Only is a neighborhood bar that welcomes everyone. The folks at Locals Only have made the best of a good thing, attracting a diverse crowd of roots, blues and hard rock performers to a stage with pretty good sound and a charmingly-battered old upright piano. Blues jams on Tuesdays and Recon Wednesdays feature revolving lineups of some of the best local talent. www.localsonlyindy.com, 2449 E. 56th St., 255-4013. MacNiven’s This addition to the Mass Ave pub scene offers some of the best pub food around, including great fish and chips, authentic neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), mince (well-braised beef) and one of the best burgers in the city—a huge, crisp disc you have to fold over to get on the bun. With an impressive selection of imported beers, including more than 15 Scottish beers (many of
them on tap), MacNiven’s atmospheric sound of clinking mugs raised in toasts sets the mood in this loud, raucous, and fun place to watch the game—even if it’s not soccer. www.macnivens.com, 339 Massachusetts Ave., 632-7268. Mickey’s Irish Pub Mickey’s is not far from home for Noblesvillians and Carmelites but still feels old world with its stained glass windows and heavy wood interior. The 300-person bar houses pool tables and a great stage which features live music from the likes of local favorites Peace Train, Zannadoo and Living Proof on the weekends. www.mickeysirishpub.com, 13644 N. Meridian St., 573-9746. Metro With a prime location on Mass Ave, Metro is a high-end pub with the hippest clientele and best ambiance in the city. It’s a favorite of NUVO readers for having the best karaoke in the city. The competition is stiff and so are the drinks, but no matter how good a crooner you are or aren’t, it’s a friendly place to hang out and enjoy yourself. Pool tables and bar-top video games are other options, as is a good dose of people watching. The clientele is mostly gay, but everyone is welcome and everyone should try this place at least once. www.metro-indy.com; 707 Massachusetts Ave., 639-6022.
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Dart Leagues & Blind Draw Pool Table, Golden T, Silver Strike ATM, Carry-out, Free Wi-Fi Daily Drink & Food Specials w/Full Menu till Close. Breakfast on Saturday
$2 Pitchers
(Select Draft) Every Thursday
$3 Pitchers
(Select Draft) Every Friday & Saturday Nicky Blaine’s
50 Taps 100 Bottles New Beers Every Week MONDAY $3 Pint Night TUESDAY Live Professional Stand Up Comedy...FREE WEDNESDAY $3 Indiana Pints $4 Indiana Bottles THURSDAY Live music, No cover. $6, $7, $8 Pitchers FRIDAY Karaoke and DJ $1 jello shots $7.50 Pitchers of Miller Lt SATURDAY $13 Bells Pitchers SUNDAY $7, $8, $9 Pitchers WWW.BEERSELLAR.NET
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Monkey’s Tale One of at least two bars in town named for our simian friends, the Monkey’s Tale attracts a similar crowd to the Ugly Monkey, but is way more laid-back and slightly more sober than its downtown counterpart. An impressive variety of bands play on an outdoor stage (weather permitting). www.themonkeystale.net, 925 E. Westfield Blvd., 253-2883. Moon Dog Tavern Named after DJ Allen Freed’s 1950s radio show credited with giving birth to rock and roll, the music at this local watering hole is a good dose of local rock, R&B and cover bands, with the occasional karaoke night thrown in for good measure. Great drink specials each night make it easy on the wallet and an outdoor patio in the summer makes us want to move in. Food is decent, people are great and the music keeps the party going. www.moondogtavern.com, 4825 E. 96th St., 575-6364. Nicky Blaine’s Swankiest of the swank, hippest of the hip, coolest of the cool, Nicky Blaine’s is the martini and cigar headquarters for Indy’s most fashionable urbanites. NUVO readers call it the best bar for suits, as well as calling it out for the city’s best martinis. Just off Monument Circle and deep underground, Blaine’s offers visitors fantastic drinks (start with a martini) and a top-drawer selection of cigars (they have their own humidor!). This is the place to go when you’re looking for that Rat Pack vibe (or just
want a good martini and/or cigar!). www.nickyblaines.com, 20 N. Meridian St., 638-5588. Northside Social The new Northside Social has a very particular allure: comfort-chic. The place goes beyond yesterday’s craft beer flights and gourmet burgers to new terrain like aromatherapeutic aperitifs. Social sources locally made infusions — scents like Thai basil, lemon, and cucumber — to impart strong smells and a hint of flavor to some of their choiceier cocktails. Everything on the beer list is priced around $5, which helps to counteract the sticker shock of the $10-plus martinis. In the latter’s defense, some libations boast acai, matcha and other healthful additions, so they’re clearly looking to carve out a niche with these premium offerings. www.northsidesocial.com, 6525 N. College Ave., 253-0111. Old Point Tavern The Old Point Tavern, where Julian Opie’s electronic go-go dancer does her thing at the corner of Massachusetts and Alabama, is a time-tested place to start the evening — or finish it off. Great chili and well-packed sandwiches made with topnotch ingredients have made this a Mass Ave institution. Is there a better spot to sit and watch the downtown world go by? This pivotal intersection features theater goers, music revelers and just plain big-city revelers. Sit outside and enjoy the good life. 401 Massachusetts Ave., 634-8943.
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The Ten Peppers Located next to the Vogue on College Avenue, Peppers has long been a spot for the young co-ed crowd to party it up after-dark. Upstairs, you’ll find some of the best up-and-coming local and regional acts several nights a week. Downstairs, a huge basement dance floor is always packed to the brim with sweaty kids enjoying house beats. Additional location with the same basic appeal and amenities down south in Greenwood (229 State Road 135 South, 887-0461). www.pepperslive.com, 6283 N. College Ave., 257-6277. Rathskeller Indy’s premier biergarten pairs one of the best beers to meet draft form, the Spaten Optimator, with expertly done German food. A must-try: Brat n’ Kraut Balls, a blend of juicy brats, sausage and beef, lightened by just the right amount of sour, delivered via modest amounts of kraut, served with a brilliant beer-infused cream sauce. Set in the historic, 19th-century Athenaeum Building downtown, The Rathskeller is reminiscent of both a quaint inn tucked in the Bavarian hills and a lively beer hall in Munich. The Rathskeller also features the Kellerbar, stocked with 12 imported draft beers, over 50 imported bottled beers, and hosts Indy’s best bands. www.rathskeller.com, 401 E. Michigan St., 636-0396 Red Room Passion rules at this Broad Ripple hotspot, particularly on Wednesdays when DJ Shawn Juan heats up Pure Salsa night. $5 cover and the hottest salsa, merengue, bachata and cha cha cha you’re likely to find in these parts. Wanna pick up some moves? Come early for salsa lessons from 6-9 p.m. We’re also a big fan of Thirsty Thursdays: Top 40 dance tunes, no cover and Miller drafts for 50 cents a pop. www.theredroomindy.com, 6335 Guilford Ave., 257-1344. Scotty’s Brewhouse Conveniently located within walking distance of Lucas Oil Stadium, Victory Field and Conseco Fieldhouse, Scotty’s offers year-round opportunities for pre, post or in-lieu of the game drinking and eating opportunities. A great place to visit before or after the game, Scotty’s also has a great crowd eager to root
on the home team when tickets aren’t available or a bar is the preferred vantage point to take in all the action. The Sunday morning brunch menu is a big hit for those who don’t find tailgating as exciting as good food, good brew and good people. Warning: Scotty’s gets full fast, so get here early. www. scottysbrewhouse.com, 1 Virginia Ave., 571-0808. Tastings at the Conrad If you like wine, this wine bar is the place to come and discover new adventures in taste that you might have otherwise missed. With more than 100 bottles available, drinkers move from station to station sampling small amounts of choice wines from around the world. As an added bonus, food offerings are tailored to the different types of wine and help open up new flavors and experiences you’re sure to want to repeat. Located at the downtown Conrad Hilton, the price tag can get steep, but it doesn’t have to. Even a small budget can yield delicious results. www.conradindianapolis.com, 50 W. Washington St., 713-5000.
INDY’S PREMIERE DESIGNER RESALE BOUTIQUE
The Ten Finally, one for the ladies! Indy’s only club dedicated to lesbians, The Ten continues to offer some of the best dance nights and drink specials in town, as well as great karaoke nights, excellent DJs and weekly drag shows. Closed Monday and Tuesday, check out the open mic talent show on Sundays, featuring music, poetry and comedy. DJ Vanillasoul controls the house and the beats Friday and Saturday. Beer is always available for a buck or two and the crowd is mostly friendly to just about everyone who drops in. www.the-ten.com, 1218 N. Pennsylvania St., 638-5802. Ugly Monkey When you’re lonely, put on your beer goggles and head for the Monkey! With copious drink specials and a frat party vibe, you’ll have everything you need to relive your college years. Well, except for the worthless piece of paper at the end. A lot less crowded than the Noodle, especially when overrun with tourists and/or sports fans, the Monkey is just across from the city’s bus terminal and just up the block from downtown’s only “gentlemen’s club,”
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Classic Las Vegas Atmosphere & Cocktail Lounge Steaks, Seafood & Pasta
Voted Best Martinis
Try a mini martini flight today
HAL’S VEGAS IS SMOKE-FREE • YOUNG ADULTS WELCOME
1133 N. SR 135 Greenwood, Indiana
South on Meridian St. (SR 135) 1 blk past County Line Road
PH: (317) 88VEGAS www.halsvegas.com
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Vogue with all the glamour and adventure you might expect from such an urban location. www.theuglymonkey.com, 373 S. Illinois St., 636-8459. The Vogue There’s no better place to get your dance groove on than at the Vogue in Broad Ripple. At least that’s what NUVO readers have indicated eight of the last ten years in choosing the Vogue as having the Best Dance Floor in Indy.
While the weekend schedule is typically filled with live bands, there are a good number of nights set aside for DJs. Case in point - the weekly Retro Rewind dance party with DJ Marcus. And if you’re not into dancing or even rocking out, keep in mind the Wednesday-night $1.50 Bud and Bud Light specials. www.thevogue.com, 6259 N. College Ave., 259-7029.
Best OF Indy Live Music (Bar/Club): Radio Radio
Drink Specials: Scotty’s Brewhouse
Live Music (Theater/ Amphitheater): The Vogue
Bar Food: Scotty’s Brewhouse
Live Music (All ages): Murat Egyptian Room Mid-week Venue: Jazz Kitchen Dance Floor: The Vogue Open Mic Night: Slippery Noodle Inn Karaoke: Living Room Lounge Jukebox: Alley Cat
Place for Sports Fans: Scotty’s Brewhouse Place for Suits: Nicky Blaine’s Place for Punks: Melody Inn Place for Hipsters: Mousetrap Ultra-Lounge: Blu LGBT club/bar: Talbott Street
Billiards/Pool: Alley Cat
Place for Hooking Up: Howl at the Moon
Place to People Watch: Alley Cat
Place for a Lap Dance: PT’s
Bartenders: Melody Inn
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presents
CRAWL CAUSE for a
benefitting
NUVO continues the charity bar crawl series with support from i94, HotBox Pizza, PRN Graphics, and IndyHub!
SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH | 7PM-12:30AM DOWNTOWN $20 ADVANCE, $25 NIGHT OF EVENT INCLUDES UPLAND BEER, COVER AND A T-SHIRT! participating bars:
Sign up at http://crawlcause.eventbrite.com
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grown-up fun & games Indiana Live Casino
Comedy ComedySportz Indy’s quirkiest improv comedy group, ComedySportz makes two teams of comedians go head to head in an improv showdown, battling for laughs, cheers and audience votes. Because each match-up includes new games and new suggestions from the audience, every night is a different show. The entertainment at ComedySportz is also family-friendly and there are new showdowns every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In addition, original works from local writers and ComedySportz actors wow the crowds — and poke fun at Indianapolis. www.indycomedysportz.com, 721 Massachusetts Ave., 951-8499. Crackers Crackers Comedy Club has managed to stick around for nearly thirty years while competitors have come and gone. Undoubtedly, booking A-list talent is the not-so-secret key to its success. Where else could you have seen Chris Rock and Ellen Degeneres back in the day, or Jennifer Coolidge just last week? Two locations featuring headliners, open-mic nights and guaranteed funny, plus a great website that always has an updated schedule. www.crackerscomedy.com, 6281 N. College Ave. (Broad Ripple), 255-4211 and 247 S. Meridian St. (downtown), 631-3536. IndyProv The Emmy-nominated IndyProv has been bringing the laughs to venues around the city and laughter to in-theknow residents for as long as we can remember. While they’ve been at it longer than any other comedy troupe in town, IndyProv doesn’t like to settle down in any one place and performs at a variety of venues – from Talbott Street to the Second Story Playhouse. The group provides chuckles while raising big bucks through annual charity events like Laff-a-Thon, a 12-hour comedy marathon benefiting more than a dozen local charities and community organizations. Their website, with regularly updated information, is your best source for tracking these jesters down. www.indyprov.com.
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Games and gambling Duckpin Bowling One of those things you’re obligated to try at least once, and perfect for those nights when the six of you can’t think of anything else to do, Fountain Square’s Duckpin Bowling is a guaranteed night of fun. Born in 1900 as an alternative to indoor bowling, duckpin was all the rage at the early part of the last century. These two retro-duckpin houses (one in the basement, one on the fourth floor) inside the Fountain Square Theatre are some of the remaining few in the country. www.fountainsquareindy. com, 1105 Prospect St., 686-6010. Hal’s Fabulous Vegas Bar & Grille Good if you want total commitment to the theme, Hal’s Vegas is a swanky, Rat Pack-inspired evening of Vegas, baby. Owned and operated by the same folks who bring us the Slippery Noodle Inn, the food is good, the drink specials are worth the drive just over the border into Johnson Co. to the south, and the atmosphere is all-encompassing. With Sinatra perpetually crooning in the background, you can’t help but be transported to another place and time. If you’re up for the trip, you’ll certainly enjoy the ride. www.halsvegas.com, 1133 N. State Road 135 (Greenwood), 888-3427. Indiana Live Casino Oh sure, they’ve got poker, slots, electronic Blackjack and roulette. But when you’re tired of gambling at Indiana Live, head to any one of the on-site bars for drinks, dancing and a guaranteed high-energy crowd. Mosaic provides an ultra-chic ultra lounge experience with techno, hip-hop and Top 40 DJs keeping the dance floor packed. Like your casino nightlife to have a little more grit? Check out Angel’s Rock Bar. With a décor that seems as if Sharon & Ozzy must have had a hand in it somehow, classic rock is the musical
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mainstay. www.indianalivecasino.com, 4300 N. Michigan Road (Shelbyville), (877) 386-4463. Jillian’s Three floors of eating, drinking and playing in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. If you aren’t having fun at Jillian’s, you just aren’t trying hard enough. In addition to the arcade games, there’s neon bowling upstairs and ample pool tables down. Lunch and dinner menus offer standard restaurant fare that’s tasty and moderately priced. The real draw here is the great energy from the non-stop party, perpetually in full swing. Birthday parties, bachelor parties as well as a good date spot, Jillian’s is where big kids go to play. www.jilliansindianapolis.com, 141 S. Meridian St., 822-9300. Pinheads & Louie’s An amusement center for grownups (even though they let kids bowl, too), Pinheads, in Noblesville, is part bowling alley and part nightclub thanks to Louie’s, the in-house bar that’s never short on entertainment. Whether you’re knocking down pins or knocking back drinks, odds are you’re having fun. Leagues, tournaments and cosmic bowling are all here, as are live performances by local bands rotating with Thursday dance parties, Friday karaoke and the occasional comedian. www.bowlatpinheads.com, 13825 Britton Park Road, 773-9988. Old Pro’s Table A Broad Ripple staple for nearly two decades, OPT is all about playing pool, drinking beer and hanging out with your (mostly college-age) friends. Never a cover, always a drink special, and usually an open table and a willing opponent, Old Pro’s is often as popular on a weekday at lunch as it is on the weekend. Even if you aren’t chalking up, you can enjoy a great jukebox, more than a dozen wide-screen televisions and endless conversations about sports. Voted best place for billiards time and again by NUVO readers. www.oldprostable.com, 827 Broad Ripple Ave., 255-5417.
BUCKET OF 6 BABY BUDS $10 ALL WEEK! TUE: $3 Wells $5 Long Islands WED: $3 Single Drafts $7 Domestic Pitchers
3512 MADISON AVE. 783-6144 renovated to be the best in indy our regular customers will be pleasantly surprised with our new look. our new visitors we are sure will be won over. to the top notch dancers: check us out! You will LOVE to entertain here.
Grand Opening March 2011
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ADDITIONAL LISTINGS
Given more time and space, we would have like to have waxed poetic about the virtues of many more nightspots that have shown us a variety of good times over the years. Here are 50 more recommendations, in case you haven’t found what you’re looking for elsewhere in this guide or just want that many more choices. Check web sites for information about live music, drink and menu specials. n 6 Lounge www.6indy.com 247 South Meridian St., 638-6660 (Downtown)
n Elbow Room www.elbowroompub.com 605 N. Pennsylvania St., 635-3354 (Downtown)
n 86th St. Pub www.myspace.com/86thstpub 3661 W. 86th St., 872-1019 (Nora/Castleton)
n El Bodegon www.elbodegon-indy.com 8510 E. 96th St., 841-3350 (Fishers)
n Aristocrat Pub www.aristocratpub.com 5212 N. College Ave, 283-7388 (Midtown)
n Fox and Hound www.foxandhound.com 4901 E. 82nd St., 913-1264 (Nora/Castleton)
n Average Joes www.averagejoes.com 814 Broad Ripple Ave., 253-5844 (Broad Ripple)
n Front Page Sports Bar & Grill www.frontpagesportsbar.com 310 Massachussettes Ave., 631-6682 (Mass Ave)
n BARcelona Tapas barcelonatapas.com 201 N. Delaware St., 638-8272 (Downtown)
n Ice Lounge www.iceultralounge.com 253 S. Meridian St., 951-2174 (Downtown)
n Barringer’s Tavern www.facebook.com/BarringersTavern 2535 S. Meridian St., 783-3663 (South)
n Ike & Jonesy’s www.ikeandjonesys.com 17 Jackson Place, 632-4553 (Downtown)
n Basey’s Downtown Grill & Spirts www.baseysdowntown.com 419 S. West St., 637-4514 (Downtown)
n John Wayne’s 2367 E. Stop 11 Road, 882-8124 (South)
n Binkley’s Kitchen and Bar www.binkleyskitchenandbar.com 5902 N. College Ave., 722-8888 (Broad Ripple) n Blue Crew Sports Grill www.indybluecrewsportsbar.com 7035 E. 96th St., 841-3901 (North) n Broad Ripple Tavern www.broadrippletavern.com 745 Broad Ripple Ave., 257-6030 (Broad Ripple) n Cadillac Ranch www.cadillacranchindy.com 39 W. Jackson Place, 636-0100 (Downtown) n Coaches Tavern www.coachestavern.com 28 S. Pennsylvania St., 917-1191 (Downtown) n Connor’s Pub 6331 Ferguson St., 255-5039 (Broad Ripple) n Dorman Street Saloon www.dormanstreet.com/saloon 901 N. Dorman St., 237-9008 (Downtown) n Drifty’s Sports Bar 2362 E. Stop 11 Rd., 881-4487 (South)
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n Kilroys Bar and Grill http://kilroysindy.com 201 S. Meridian St., 638-9464 (Downtown)
n Muldoon’s Irish Pub & Restaurant www.muldoons.net 111 W. Main St., 571-1116 (Carmel) n Olive’s Martini Bar 40 W. Jackson Place, 396-3626 (Downtown) n Pawn Shop Pub www.pawnshoppub.com/ 2222 E. 54th St., 255-5430 (Broad Ripple) n Peppers www.pepperslive.com/ 6238 N. College Ave., 257-6277 (Broad Ripple) n Red Key Tavern 5170 N. College Ave., 283-4601 (Midtown) n Red Lion Grog House www.redliongroghouse.com 1043 Virginia Ave., 822-4764 (Fountain Square) n Sahm’s Bar & Grill www.sahms.com 7870 E. 96th St., 841-3014 (Fishers) n Stables Night Club 6125 Southeastern Ave., 356-8040 (East) n Stadium Tavern www.spencerstavern.com 802 S West St., 916-8888 (Downtown)
n Lockerbie Pub www.facebook.com/The-Lockerbie-Pub 631 E. Michigan St., 631-9545 (Downtown) n Louie’s Bar & Restaurant 13825 Britton Park Rd., 773-9988 (Fishers) n Longacre Bar and Grill 4813 Madison Ave., 784-0975 (South) n Maggie’s Lounge 453 N. Rural St., 634-8290 (Downtown) n Mass Ave. Pub http://massavepub.com 745 Massachusetts Ave., 974-0745 (Mass Ave) n Midtown Grille and Lounge 815 E Westfield Blvd., 253-1141 (Broad Ripple) n Moe & Johnny’s Bar and Grill www.moeandjohnnys.com 5380 N. College Ave., 255-6376 (Midtown) n Mo’s Irish Pub www.mosirishpub.com 13193 Levinson Lane , 770-9020 (Noblesville)
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Next: Green Guide Coming April 20, 2011 - . our favorite of the CityGuide series – the one where we get to let our inner-treehugger dictate the editorial content and implore you, our friends and neighbors, to live a more earth-friendly lifestyle.
n Stasia’s Supper Club 2441 Lafayette Road, 920-8614 (West) n Subterra Lounge www.subterralounge.com 250 S Meridian St., 472-8600 (Downtown) n Taps & Dolls www.tapsanddolls.com 247 S. Meridian St., 638-8277 (Downtown) n Union Jack Pub www.unionjackpub-broadripple.com 924 Broad Ripple Ave., 257-4343 (Broad Ripple) n Usual Suspects www.usualsuspectsindy.com 6319 Guilford Ave., 251-3138 (Broad Ripple) n Whistle Stop 375 S. Illinois St., 639-1605 (Downtown) n Wild Beaver Saloon www.wildbeaversaloon.com 20 E. Maryland St., 423-3080 (Downtown) n Working Man’s Friend 234 N. Belmont Avenue, 636-2067 (West)
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Index The 501.......................................................................................... 30 8 Seconds Saloon............................................................................. 8 Ale Emporium................................................................................. 30 Allen ,Max...................................................................................... 12 Allen, Matt..................................................................................... 17 Alley Cat......................................................................................... 30 Ball & Biscuit................................................................................... 30 Bar at the Ambassador................................................................... 30 Barley Island Brewing Co................................................................ 26 Bartini’s.......................................................................................... 30 Beer Sellar...................................................................................... 30 Bier Brewery................................................................................... 26 Birdy’s Bar + Grill.............................................................................. 8 Bloomington Brewing Co................................................................ 26 Blu Martini...................................................................................... 30 Blu/Hyde Lounge............................................................................ 20 Bourbon Street Distillery................................................................. 30 Brass Ring....................................................................................... 30 Britton Tavern................................................................................. 31 Broad Ripple Brewpub.................................................................... 26 Brothers.......................................................................................... 31 Brugge Brasserie............................................................................. 26 BuDa Lounge.................................................................................. 31 The Cabaret at The Columbia Club................................................... 8 Casba............................................................................................. 20 Chatterbox Jazz Club........................................................................ 8 Chumley’s Beer House.................................................................... 31 Claddagh Irish Pub.......................................................................... 31 Clowes Memorial Hall....................................................................... 8 Comedy Sportz............................................................................... 40 Corner Wine Bar............................................................................. 32 Crackers......................................................................................... 40 Devil to Pay..................................................................................... 13 DeVoe, Jennie................................................................................. 12 Dixon, Rob...................................................................................... 12 DJ Hollow Point.............................................................................. 19 DJ OhBeOne................................................................................... 19 The Dojo........................................................................................... 8 Downtown Olly’s............................................................................ 32 Duckpin Bowling............................................................................ 40 Earth House Collective...................................................................... 8 Easley Winery................................................................................. 32 Emerson Theater............................................................................... 8 English Ivy’s.................................................................................... 32 ES Jungle.......................................................................................... 8 Flat 12 Bierwerks............................................................................ 26 Forty-five°....................................................................................... 32 Greg’s............................................................................................. 20 Hal’s Fabulous Vegas Bar & Grille................................................... 40 Hogan, Slater............................................................................ 13, 17 Howl at the Moon............................................................................ 8 Indy Folk Series................................................................................. 9
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nightlife guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% recycled paper
IndyProv.......................................................................................... 40 J Clyde’s Pub.................................................................................. 32 Jackson, Action............................................................................... 17 Jay, Adam....................................................................................... 17 The Jazz Kitchen............................................................................... 9 Jillian’s............................................................................................ 40 Kizer, Rudy..................................................................................... 18 Living Room Lounge....................................................................... 33 Locals Only................................................................................. 9, 33 Love, Gabby................................................................................... 18 MacNiven’s..................................................................................... 33 The Melody Inn................................................................................. 9 Metro............................................................................................. 33 Mickey’s Irish Pub........................................................................... 33 Monkey’s Tale................................................................................ 34 Moon Dog Tavern....................................................................... 9, 34 The Mousetrap Bar & Grill................................................................ 9 Mudkids......................................................................................... 13 Murat Theatre at Old National Centre.............................................. 9 Nicky Blaine’s.................................................................................. 34 Northside Social.............................................................................. 34 Oaken Barrel Brewing Co............................................................... 26 Old Point Tavern............................................................................. 34 Old Pro’s Table............................................................................... 40 The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts........................ 9 Peppers........................................................................................... 35 Pinheads & Louie’s.......................................................................... 40 Radio Radio...................................................................................... 9 Ram Restaurant and Brewery.......................................................... 26 Rathskeller...................................................................................... 35 Red Room....................................................................................... 35 Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band................................................. 12 Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery............................................. 26 Rock House Cafe.............................................................................. 9 The Rock Lobster.............................................................................. 9 Room 929 at The Ripple Inn........................................................... 20 Scotty’s Brewhouse......................................................................... 35 Scotty’s Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Co............................................. 28 Slippery Noodle Inn........................................................................... 9 Stereo Deluxe................................................................................. 12 Sun King Brewing Co..................................................................... 28 Talbott Street Nightclub.................................................................. 21 Tastings at the Conrad................................................................... 35 The Ten.......................................................................................... 35 Tomlinson Tap Room...................................................................... 28 Tru Nightclub.................................................................................. 21 Ugly Monkey.................................................................................. 35 Upland Brewing Co........................................................................ 28 The Vogue................................................................................ 21, 37 The Vollrath Tavern........................................................................... 9 White Rabbit Cabaret....................................................................... 9 Zero Boys........................................................................................ 13