VOL. 29 ISSUE 32 ISSUE #1283
NEWS+VIEWS / 6 ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT / 12 SHOPPING / 20 FOOD+DRINK / 28 MUSIC+NIGHTLIFE / 39 // SOCIAL
What’s Indy’s best hidden gem?
Kyle Casteel FACEBOOK
Indiana Youth Group.
Rally Mash Langolf FACEBOOK
The Mousetrap.
Chris Mayo FACEBOOK
Antelope Club or Carniceria Guanajuato #1.
// OUR TEAM
IN THIS ISSUE BARFLY.................................... NUVO.NET FREE WILL ASTROLOGY.......................47
39
Cavan McGinsie
Brian Weiss
ARTS EDITOR
FOOD EDITOR
ENGAGEMENT EDITOR
kcoplen@nuvo.net @tremendouskat
dgrossman@nuvo.net @nuvoartsdan
cmcginsie@nuvo.net @CavanRMcGinsie
bweiss@nuvo.net @bweiss14
Indy Boxing Club. Let’s go punch some stuff!
Bagel Fair
Tuesday night bluegrass at McGinley’s Golden Ace Inn
Little Free Libraries
Will McCarty
Haley Ward
Caitlin Bartnik
Kathy Flahavin
CREATIVE MANAGER
DESIGNER
ACCOUNT PLANNER
BUSINESS MANAGER
wmccarty@nuvo.net
hward@nuvo.net
kflahavin@nuvo.net
Cottage Home neighborhood
Me. I’m the hidden gem
317.808.4615 cbartnik@nuvo.net
Music+Nightlife
ONLINE NOW
IN NEXT WEEK
ACLU GETS HOW MUCH TAXPAYER PAYOUT?! By: NUVO Editors
SPOOKY SHIT By: NUVO Editors
GADFLY
The reading box by Yolk/Irsay YMCA
Scottish Rite Cathedral
PRESS SINCE 1990
FRESH
BY WAYNE BERTSCH David Searle
Vicki Knorr
Jessie Davis
Kevin McKinney
SALES MANAGER
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
PUBLISHER
317.808.4613 jdavis@nuvo.net
kmckinney@nuvo.net
317.808.4607 dsearle@nuvo.net
Erika’s Place. Cheap and cheerful is a compliment where I come from.
317.808.4612 vknorr@nuvo.net
Gallery Pastry Shop
DISTRIBUTION SUPPORT: Mel Baird, Lawrence Casey, Jr., Bob Covert, Mike Floyd, Zach Miles, Steve Reyes, Harold Smith, Bob Soots, Ron Whitsit, Dick Powell and Terry Whitthorne WANT A PRINT SUBSCRIPTION IN YOUR MAILBOX EVERY WEEK? Mailed subscriptions are available at $129/year or $70/6 months and may be obtained by emailing kfahavin@nuvo.net. // The current issue of NUVO is free and available every Wednesday. Past issues are at the NUVO office for $3 if you come in, $4.50 mailed. MAILING ADDRESS: 3951 N. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46208 TELEPHONE: (317) 254-2400 FAX: (317)254-2405 WEB: nuvo.net
HARRISON ULLMANN (1935-2000) Editor (1993-2000) ANDY JACOBS JR. (1932-2013) Contributing (2003-2013)
COPYRIGHT ©2017 BY NUVO, INC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission, by any method whatsoever, is prohibited. ISSN #1086-461X
Want to see more Gadfly? Visit nuvo.net/gadfly for all of them.
The Whit
Durp, it’s hidden… I can’t find it.
FILM EDITOR: Ed Johnson-Ott, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: David Hoppe, CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Wayne Bertsch, Mark Sheldon, Mark A. Lee, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Rita Kohn, Kyle Long, Dan Savage, Renee Sweany, Mark A. Lee, Alan Sculley, Jessica Davenport, Breanna Cooper
2 // THIS WEEK // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
FREE
INDEPENDENT
Food+Drink
Dan Grossman
EDITOR
She grew up in an Indiana town Had a good-lookin’ mama who never was around But she grew up tall and she grew up right With them Indiana boys on them Indiana nights
28
Katherine Coplen
ALL PHOTOS are submitted by event organizers and venues or on file unless otherwise noted.
NEED MORE NUVO IN YOUR LIFE? Contact Kathy Flahavin, kflahavin@nuvo.net, if you’d like NUVO distributed at your location.
DAILY NUVO.NET @NUVO_NET
BEST BROADCASTERS AND BOBCATS
HOLLIDAY PARK // PHOTO BY BRIAN WEISS
DEAR READERS,
BY BRIAN WEISS // BWEISS@NUVO.NET
Welcome to your 2017 edition of Best of Indy, a mega-sized issue of our city’s best, funniest, most delicious, beautiful, excellent persons, places and things. And it was all — yes, all of this monstrous issue of favorites — created by you, reader. It was a two-part process. First, you wrote in nominations beginning in August; then, we took a list of the most nominated things and made a ballot in September. You got one vote in each category (just one! that was different this year!)
E
very year a few deserving winners are edged out by other deserving winners. It’s bound to happen in a city with so many amazing people, places and things. Therefore we take it upon ourselves to highlight our faves that fell a few votes short, many of mine being social media or outdoors related, because both of those things are close to my heart.
and bing-bang-boom, your winners are here.
city is filled to the brim with excellence. We’re
BEST PERSONALTY TO DECIDE IS YOUR ADOPTED UNCLE
surprised, delighted and sometimes confused
TRACY FORNER
by the winners you pick. But we wouldn’t trade
Need some slightly above average advice on what to wear to a social mixer? Got last minute tickets to a show at whatever the Noblesville venue is called these days and can’t find anyone to go? Or maybe you just want to kick back and enjoy a few beers at the local watering hole? Ring up the Indy Style host, he’s your guy.
Putting together our annual Best of Indy issue is a great time to remember that our
ya for the world, reader. The Best of Indy issue is all picked by you. But your opinionated editors couldn’t let it loose without throwing in a couple of staff picks, too. So, every section starts off with a couple of extra-special hyper-specific editors’ picks, dreamed up by us. Obligatory disclaimer: Don’t agree with some of your fellow readers’ choices? Lucky for you, we’ll be doing this whole thing over again in 2018.
- NUVO EDITORS
BEST PLACE FOR A PICTURESQUE PHOTOSHOOT HOLLIDAY PARK’S RUINS Opening late last year after being closed for nearly two decades, the ruins provide the perfect backdrop for family photos, graduation photos,
6 // NEWS+VIEWS // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
engagement photos … you get the idea. Bonus if you’re lucky enough to catch it during a sunset.
BEST INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT TO FOLLOW IF YOU LOVE THE OUTDOORS NATURAL INDIANA From Indiana Dunes in the north to Clifty Falls in the south, this account has a great collection of photos from Indiana State Parks, recreation areas, lakes and more. A few weeks following this page and you’ll want to grab your camera, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails.
BEST SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR FOR AN INDY PUBLICATION OTHER THAN OURS ALLISON CARTER There’s a reason you see IndyStar stories on your Facebook feed and Twitter timeline at all times every day of the year, Allison is that reason. When she’s not keeping you up to date on all things Indianapolis, she’s writing stories for the “this isn’t news” beat, which, in her defense, is a beat because people click on the stories at an insane rate.
BEST INSTAGRAMMABLE BATHROOM NADA In the lady’s, it’s all pink and black and chande-
liers and awesomeness. In the gentlemen’s, it’s dinosaurs fighting aliens. Break out your phone while you’re trying to avoid your terrible Tinder date (she didn’t seem nearly as obsessed with her dog via text …) and selfie away, bro.
BEST MONTHLY MEETUP TO PRETEND YOU CARE ABOUT MEETING NEW PEOPLE CIRCLE CITY CONNECT’S AROUND TOWN Do you REALLY want to engage in another awkward first conversation and then lie to get away when things go downhill quickly? Us either. But these are a great excuse to drink beer on Tuesday night and explore different places throughout the city.
BEST NONPROFIT THAT ALSO DOUBLES AS A CONCERT PROMOTER SECOND HELPINGS Second Helpings helps hungry Hoosiers by rescuing unwanted food and providing more than 4,000 meals daily. They also run a Culinary Job Training program that prepares disadvantaged adults for careers in the foodservice industry. They also put on one of Indy’s best concerts, Tonic Ball, which sells out every year.
News+Views Continued...
READERS PICKS BEST NEIGHBORHOOD OR CULTURAL DISTRICT FOUNTAIN SQUARE Fountain Square has quickly become the place to be in Indianapolis. Whether you’re looking to dance your shoes off, imbibe on copious amounts of craft beer, chow down on delicious food, sift through buckets of records, take in a drag show, go duckpin bowling, or just have a damn good night, Fountain Square has you covered.
2ND // BROAD RIPPLE 3RD // MASS AVE
BEST HOUSE OF WORSHIP UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF INDIANAPOLIS All are welcome at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis regardless of their race, religion, or sexuality, so it’s no wonder that it is the best house of worship winner. Located just near the Butler campus this church focuses on open hearts and open minds to lend healing and help to those in need through faith-based services. They seek to be “a light in the world” and that’s a pretty noble cause in these troubled and dark times.
2ND // ST. JOAN OF ARC 3RD // CENTRAL CHRISTIAN
BEST LOCAL PLACE TO VOLUNTEER HUMANE SOCIETY OF INDIANAPOLIS If you’ve ever volunteered at the Humane Society you know exactly why they win this category year after year. Why, you ask? Because you get to spend hours upon hours in a building full of adorable kittens and puppies. Trust us, a few hours at the Humane Society can turn your whole week around.
2ND // BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL INDIANA 3RD // GLEANERS FOOD BANK
BEST LOCAL NON-PROFIT HUMANE SOCIETY OF INDIANAPOLIS Did we mention that the Humane Society is full of adorable kittens and puppies? The Humane Society team does amazing work finding homes for all their occupants and we know firsthand just how rewarding it is when you walk out the doors with a newly adopted family member.
2ND // SECOND HELPINGS 3RD // BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL INDIANA
BEST PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING GROUP INDYHUB Winner of the category yet again this year is IndyHub. Founded in 2005 from a small series of meetings, IndyHub has become
FOUNTAIN SQUARE //
8 // NEWS+VIEWS // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
WHERE THE CRESCENT CITY MEETS THE CIRCLE CITY...
od o f r u o r s fo r a e y 6 1 ll, n o i p s d ’s r r a e d w a a e r 42 We’ve won nual “Best of Indy” estaurant!” n r A l l ’s a O r V e U v N o t n s i “be r o f s n i w 6 including
15 Locations!
Broad Ripple • Mass Ave • Carmel • Fishers • IUPUI • Greenwood • Midtown • Traders Point • Avon • Noblesville • Notre Dame • Valparaiso • Columbus IN • Columbus OH • Nashville TN
yatscajuncreole.com like us on facebook
News+Views Continued...
MUTT STRUTT //
the premier networking group for young professionals in the Indy area. They do this by seeking to “attract, engage and motivate young professionals of all varieties to make Indianapolis an even greater place to live, work and play.” With the variety and benefits networking has never been easier for their community.
2ND // CIRCLE CITY CONNECT 3RD // CREATIVE MORNINGS
BEST LOCAL CHARITABLE EVENT MUTT STRUT
SMILEY MORNING SHOW Things that make mornings better: coffee, Smiley Morning Show, coffee — in that order. Nikki co-hosted Next Hop Model and she knocked it out of the park, a mic and her are a dangerously funny combo. Add in Producer Will, Smiley and Toni and a case could be made for changing the show name to The Fantastic Four.
2ND // CHICK MCGEE 3RD // STEVE STUART
The Indianapolis 500 is known as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. The Mutt Strut is called the Greatest Spectacle in Dog Walking. Hoosiers love this event so much that not even Mother Nature (2017 Mutt Strut was canceled due to severe weather) could stop it from winning. And don’t worry, Mutt Strut will return to IMS in 2018.
BEST LOCAL TV STATION
2ND // 501ST LEGION BLAST-A-TROOPER AT POP CON 3RD // TONIC BALL
2ND // WTHR 3RD // WFYI
BEST LOCAL POLITICAL ACTIVIST(S) SATCHUEL COLE Cole is the vice-president of Indy-based activist group DON’T SLEEP, which aims to end all “incidents of social injustice and political indifference by Deconstructing Oppression Now Through Solidarity Liberation Empowerment Equity and Perseverance.” Cole and Don’t Sleep have played a key part in many of the rallies and marches that have taken place around Indy over the past year. Salute to Satchuel, who is constantly getting it done for Indy’s marginalized community. Indy needs more activists like you.
2ND // ZACH ADAMSON 3RD // LEAH HUMPHREY 10 // NEWS+VIEWS // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY OR PERSONALITIES
WISH-TV After cleaning up in all the individual categories, it only makes sense that WISH would take home top honors in the team competition too. After all, this is three years running that you’ve voted ‘em best in the city.
BEST LOCAL TV ANCHOR OR REPORTER DAVID BARRAS What hasn’t Barras done at WISH during his more than three decades with the local TV station? Very little. He adds yet another Best of Indy win to his long list of accomplishments.
2ND // ANDREA MOREHEAD 3RD // BROOKE MARTIN
BEST LOCAL SPORTSCASTER (RADIO, TV OR ONLINE) ANTHONY CALHOUN We can’t divulge if teenagers won AC this category, but they definitely didn’t lose it for him. AC is a legend among high school
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY football fans for his weekly trips to different school tailgates.
2ND // DAVE CALABRO 3RD // LARRA OVERTON
BEST LOCAL WEATHERPERSON RANDY OLLIS Like everyone else on Planet Earth, we like to know whether Wednesday will be rainy and 58 degrees or sunny and 91 degrees. Or if it’s going to snow. Or if a tornado is headed right towards NUVO HQ. Thanks to weather people like Randy Ollis we know all these things. Thank you, Randy.
2ND // CHUCK LOFTON 3RD // KEVIN GREGORY
BEST LOCAL TWITTER FEED PAT MCAFEE “Drank 3-5 nights a wk 4 5 yrs of my life, skydived, swam w/ sharks, etc..Being a Colts fan, might be the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done.” While punctuation might not be high on McAfee’s priority list, quality FREE entertainment is. And you know how much we love free things.
2ND // ELLE ROBERTS 3RD // TONY TROXELL
BEST LOCAL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT HOTEL TANGO CAT Hello Hoosiers, look at Fletcher Pickles on our cover. Now look at us. Now back at Pickles.
Now back to us. Sadly, we’re not a cat. But if you start dropping into Hotel Tango on regular basis you can pet Pickles as often as he lets you.
2ND // EAT HERE INDY 3RD // ANGEL BURLESQUE
BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY YOU’D WANT AT YOUR NEXT KEGGER PAT MCAFEE We saw this one coming from a mile away. While McAfee’s knees have given him problems throughout the years, his liver seems to be completely fine. These days, you can find the former Colts punter cracking jokes on a Barstool Sports podcast. We’re willing to bet a few beers that McAfee would be chock full of one-liners if he dropped by your kegger.
2ND // MATT HOFMANN 3RD // TRACY FORNER
BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY YOU’D WANT AT YOUR NEXT DINNER PARTY PAT MCAFEE Now that McAfee isn’t spending countless hours kicking balls into oblivion, he’s got plenty of time to cook up a casserole and don an ugly sweater at the neighborhood pitch-in.
2ND // DAVE BARRAS 3RD // MATT HOFMANN
SMILEY MORNING SHOW //
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // NEWS+VIEWS // 11
// PHOTO BY JOEY SMITH
BEST BURLESQUE AND BALLGAMES BY DAN GROSSMAN // DGROSSMAN @NUVO.NET
S
ome of these destinations aren’t ever going to win a Best Of Award, but I like spending time in them anyway. Sometimes it’s the normal everyday places/spaces that inspire me artistically — sometimes it’s the more unusual ones. In any case, I have a hard time being inspired on an empty stomach.
BEST SCULPTURES TO TAKE YOU TO THE UNCANNY VALLEY “BEAUTIFUL RIFF” These are the three almost life-size sculptures by Seward Johnson depicting men playing jazz. You can find them outside the Palladium at the Center of the Performing Arts in Carmel. There’s just something about these sculptures that’s slightly off. Maybe there’s something about the ability of painted bronze to convey the fluidity of music, and of men playing jazz.
restaurant — and the surrounding area — might remind you of the scenery depicted in Kurt Vonnegut’s novel Breakfast of Champions. (Don’t bother trying to find Wheaties, the actual Breakfast of Champions, on their menu.) I keep expecting KV himself to pop up here, when I’m eating my BLT and drinking my coffee, complaining that he’s both unstuck in place and in time.
ture, watching the sunlight gleam on the glass, might just be the ticket — temporarily at least — to slowing down the racing thoughts of an anxious mind.
BEST ARTSPACE THAT RESEMBLES A DAVID LYNCH MOVIE SET
What Fifty Shades of Grey’s Anastasia wants, we all want. I’m not talking about wanting to be be dominated: I’m talking about love, poise, respect and confidence. And when we’ve got it, we want to flaunt it. There’s no better way of flaunting it than drinking a chic cocktail at Plat 99 under the jellyfish lights designed by Jorge Armando. (If you have time, also check out Heeseop Yoon’s brilliant “Connecting the Lines” murals at the adjacent iMOCA at CityWay gallery up through Dec. 31). And when we’re feeling the alcohol kick in like a horse’s hoof to the cranium, we want to shed our clothes faster than fall leaves in a late-season tornado with our new BFF(s). Wait, what was the category again?
CIRCLE CITY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX CCIC, which was used as an airplane engine testing facility during WWII, takes this award hands down. Usually there’s a featured artist every First Friday in the Schwitzer Gallery, and there’s a plethora of studios where some of Indy’s best artists are doing their thing. But if you take a wrong turn in this vast complex, you might find yourself in a vacant space straight out of Inland Empire (2006).
BEST ARCHITECTURE TO CURB PANIC ATTACKS
BEST WAFFLE HOUSE AT WHICH TO PONDER THE NOVELS OF KURT CENTRAL LIBRARY The six-story glass and steel-framed addition to VONNEGUT 2621 S. LYNDHURST DR. This would have to be the Waffle House right off the Sam Jones Expressway, near the airport. The
the 100-year old Central Library, designed by Evans Woollen, was completed in 2007. Sitting and having a (decaf) coffee in the atrium of this magnificent struc-
12 // ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
BEST HIGH CONCEPT BAR TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE LIKE ANASTASIA STEELE PLAT 99 MIXOLOGY LOUNGE
BEST PLACE TO IMAGINE THAT YOU’RE IN INCEPTION CARMEL CITY CENTER The winner here is the multi-use development known as Carmel City Center, with its elevated terraces, it’s
superlative vista of the Palladium and the Hubbard & Cravens where you can sit on the patio drinking cappuccino and pretend to talk to Leonardo DiCaprio while the (dream) universe explodes around you.
BEST GRAVESITE WITH A VIEW JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY TOMB Riley is Indy’s native son, but that doesn’t mean I can stomach the stuffy stuff he wrote for adults. It’s like breathing in dust in an old Victorian antechamber that hasn’t been aired out in 100 years. But I have to give credit where credit is due. He did inspire a cookbook named after him, after all, and you can’t beat the recipe for James Whitcomb Riley Jellycake. (Let’s face it: nobody’s gonna write a cookbook entitled after John Ashbery.) The site of his tomb, on the highest hill in Indy at Crown Hill Cemetery, has a superb view of the downtown skyline. It’s also a great place to picnic.
BEST TIME PORTAL TO THROW YOUR CAT INTO, AND, AFTER FIVE MINUTES, GET HER BACK WITH 11 KITTENS PARKING LOT ON 96TH ST. It’s right there at the parking lot just north of 96th St. and the Monon Trail, in the shadow of the water fountain.
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY READERS PICKS BEST LOCAL MUSEUM CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS Since 1925, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has brought natural sciences, history and world culture down to a kids level, yet made it interesting enough for several generations to enjoy. As the largest Children’s Museum in the country, 472,900 square feet, to be exact, the museum regularly brings in new exhibits, like American Pop, which explores American Pop culture throughout the years.
you can catch the Faculty Exhibition, an annual event, up through Nov. 27.
2ND // HERRON SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN 3RD // HARRISON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
BEST LOCAL 2D VISUAL ARTIST MAB GRAVES
2ND // INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM OF ART 3RD // CONNER PRAIRIE INTERACTIVE HISTORY PARK
The big-eyed coterie of characters that appear in her paintings could be from an alternate universe where apples and bananas talk, and where little girls take big space voyages to Saturn. She’s displayed her work worldwide, but prefers to make Indy her home.
BEST LOCAL ART GALLERY
2ND // KYLE RAGSDALE 3RD // BENNY SANDERS
INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER Despite being founded in 1934, the Indianapolis Art Center got a brand new start in a building designed by Indy native Michael Graves in May of 1996. Since then, the Center has been offering a myriad classes for the public, including ceramics, digital art, printmaking and woodwork, among other things. Unlimited studio access is offered to anyone currently enrolled in a class. With exhibitions going on year round,
BEST LOCAL 3D VISUAL ARTIST C.S. STANLEY His work ranges from paintings to decorative guitars and hand grenades to a sculpture reading “Blow me” with Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE lettering as a component part, to the First Church of cannabis logo. He’s an artist
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS //
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT // 13
Arts+Entertainment Continued...
ANGEL BURLESQUE //
who proves that Hoosier art can both be LOVEly and outrageous.
2ND // QUINCY OWENS 3RD // MATT PANFIL
BEST LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS GROUP ANGEL BURLESQUE Now the winner of the Best local burlesque group category for the sixth year in a row, Angel Burlesque has been putting on shows and hosting workshops open to the public from the beginning of their troupe. Over the years, the group has raised over $25,000 for various organizations, such as the Indianapolis AIDS Walk, The Julian Center and Planned Parenthood. Upcoming events on their calendar include a gig at the Irvington Halloween Festival after party and their seventh annual production of Nerdgasm.
2ND // FOOTLITE MUSICALS 3RD // NOEXIT PERFORMANCE
14 // ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
BEST LOCAL COMEDY GROUP OR TROUPE COMEDYSPORTZ Right off Mass. Ave, ComedySportz is a relaxed, super-casual venue perfect for capping off an evening with comedy. And the comedians that strut their stuff regularly there will have you in stitches, whether or not their humor is cutting edge or just funny.
2ND // INDYPROV 3RD // AN EVENING WITH THE AUTHORS
BEST LOCAL COMEDIAN JASON ADAMS Jason is a ComedySportz regular, where he’s been making people laugh until they cry since 2010. He’s been in the shows Bear Fights, Balloon Fights, Circus Joy and Face Your Fears.
2ND // LISSA SEARS 3RD // TIE: RICK GARRETT/ TIM IRISH KLINE
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY BEST LOCAL LIVE THEATRE VENUE IRT It’s the 500-pound gorilla of the Downtown theater scene, one of the leading regional theaters in the country, often showing multiple shows at once. A recent highlight was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, based on the bestselling novel by Mark Haddon.
2ND // WHITE RABBIT 3RD // INDYFRINGE
BEST LOCAL LIVE THEATRE COMPANY PHOENIX THEATER Since 1988, the Phoenix Theater has been bringing hard hitting plays to their Mass Ave. stage, under the direction of Bryan Fonseca. From the abortion debate to their Christmas shows, Phoenix covers the entire spectrum of topics throughout their run. Opening on October 27, Phoenix Theater will bring Robert O’Hara’s play Barbecue to the stage, examining family dynamics, race and addiction.
2ND // BEEF AND BOARDS 3RD // FOOTLITE MUSICALS
BEST LOCALLY PRODUCED PLAY ZACH & ZACK’S “ROCKY HORROR SHOW” You may know that Zach Rosling and Zack Neiditch won the Outstanding Local Show and
Audience Choice awards for their IndyFringe 2017 show The Gab, but they’re better known for “Rocky Horror.” You can find them performing all around Indy and Chicago.
2ND // YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 3RD // CABARET POE
BEST LOCAL BURLESQUE TROUPE ANGEL BURLESQUE Indy just can’t get enough of these guys, also winners of NUVO’s Best Performing Arts Group category. Upcoming events on their calendar include a gig at the Irvington Halloween Festival after party and their seventh annual production of Nerdgasm. You love Angel Burlesque so much you voted Kate Angel, their founder, as the winner of the next category. We love them so much we dressed them up in cosplay and put on the cover last year. We can all just really agree that we love Angel Burlesque. (And boobs.)
2ND // ROCKET DOLL REVUE 3RD // CREME DE LA FEMMES
BEST LOCAL BURLESQUE PERFORMER KATIE ANGEL As the founder of Angel Burlesque, Katie Angel mixes comedy, nerd culture and burlesque, earning her nickname of the “Lucille Ball of Burlesque.”
2ND // PEPPER MILLS 3RD // LOLA LACIVICIOUS
DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE //
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT // 15
Arts+Entertainment Continued...
IMA’S HUNDRED ACRES //
BEST LOCAL DRAG QUEEN BLAIR ST. CLAIR After being crowned Miss Gay Indiana in 2016, the 22 year old has performed in La Cage aux Folles for Footlite Musicals and other productions in Downtown Indy. And Blair’s Body Beautiful Project works directly with the National Eating Disorder Foundation to promote self-confidence in the community.
2ND // LOLA PALOOZA 3RD // ALANA STEELE
BEST LOCAL DRAG KING VERNA VENDETTA VV’s performance style includes elements of a “a belly dancer, burlesque performer, cosplayer, drag performer, freelance model, and sometimes a combination of all of the above…” (Editor’s note: Your NUVO editors didn’t do the best job with this category this year. We have more about that on NUVO.net.)
2ND // PRETTY BOY FLOYD 3RD // APOLLO SUMMERS
BEST LOCAL DANCE TROUPE DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE Dance Kaleidoscope is Indianapolis’ longest running dance troupe, opening their doors in 1972. Since then, the troupe has made it their mission to share their art with diverse audiences and put an emphasis on art education for 46 seasons. For the 2017-18 season, the team of 15 dancers will celebrate the music of The Beatles with Magical Mystery Tour open-
16 // ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
ing on October 19, and will get audiences into the holiday spirit with A World of Christmas, opening November 30.
2ND // BALLET THEATRE OF INDIANA 3RD // HASENPFEFFER
BEST LOCAL FILM FESTIVAL HEARTLAND FILM FESTIVAL There’s no way to encapsulate the enormous variety of great films being screened at the 2017 festival: as an adjective heartwarming doesn’t quite cut it. How about kaleidoscopic? A couple highlights this year are LBJ directed by Rob Reiner and Truly Moving Picture Award winner The Florida Project.
2ND // INDY FILM FEST 3RD // GEN CON
BEST LOCAL POET/SPOKEN WORD ARTIST JASON ADAMS IndyFringe darling Jason Adams was proclaimed the “quintessence of Fringe” by NUVO in the past and continues to be so. He has been in improvisational comedy since 1999 and has been using high energy antics to pack fringe theatres with some of his extremely popular shows like Jason Adams is a Goddamn Mindreader and Face Your Fears! If his work rolls into a theatre near you, you know what you’re doing that night.
2ND // TATIANA REBELLE 3RD // COREY EWING
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY BEST LOCAL AUTHOR JOHN GREEN Okay will never be his always — the work of John Green is considered stellar by a large audience. An author, vlogger, humanitarian, and generally busy man John Green is constantly doing something. Green is the bestselling author of books like The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns both of which were turned into motion pictures. Currently he runs a vlog with his brother Hank Green and creates a YouTube series called Crash Course which teaches younger audiences about subjects like Science and English. Green has another sure to be bestseller book coming out this October entitled Turtles All the Way Down. If you haven’t checked him out, you won’t regret trying one of his great books about the human experience. Green won a NUVO Cultural Vision Award awhile back, too.
2ND // CASEY ROSS 3RD // DAN WAKEFIELD
BEST PUBLIC PARK OR GREENSPACE IMA’S HUNDRED ACRES This are few things that are free at the IMA at Newfields anymore, but the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park is one of them. You might find yourself feeling like Alice in Wonderland as you walk through the underground tunnel into Alfredo Jarr’s Park of the
Laments. But instead of playing croquet, bring a basketball and play some hoops in the Free Basket, designed and built by Los Carpinteros.
2ND // EAGLE CREEK PARK 3RD // HOLLIDAY PARK
BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION WFYI It’s where you go for your calmly-voiced assessments of Trump’s newest deranged tweet on All Things Considered, your favorite actor’s interview on Fresh Air, your sonic back massage on The Hearts of Space. What would we do without you, WFYI?
2ND // WTTS 3RD // WZPL
BEST LOCAL AMATEUR OR COLLEGE SPORTS TEAM NAPTOWN ROLLER DERBY Roller derby is a sport that requires skill, grace and strength. And Naptown Skaters have all of this and more. They don’t get paid but they have heart. You might want not to be glued to your smartphone lest you wander out onto the track by accident. Kaboom!
2ND // BUTLER BULLDOGS 3RD // INDIANA HOOSIERS
NAPTOWN ROLLER DERBY //
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT // 17
Arts+Entertainment Continued...
TAMIKA CATCHINGS // PHOTO BY PHIL TAYLOR
BEST LOCAL PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM
BEST LOCAL BIKE TRAIL
INDY ELEVEN
You can ride this trail all the way from Westfield to Downtown Indy, but be careful. Watch out for the occasional Lance Armstrong wannabe who passes at 40 m.p.h. between you and the woman pushing the baby stroller. Let’s all be safe out there.
While the future of its league is in question, “Indiana’s Team” solidified its place among the other top sports teams in the city by making it to the NASL Championship last season. On-field performance isn’t where it was last year, but that doesn’t mean support has lacked. Chants from the Brickyard Battalion can be heard all the way over in the Fountain Square, or at least that’s what any good member would tell ya.
2ND // INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS 3RD // INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
BEST LOCAL ATHLETE TAMIKA CATCHINGS She’s not only a great ball player (formerly of the Indiana Fever) but maybe the greatest woman player of all time. She’s the winner of the WNBA championship among numerous other awards. She’s also proprietor of Tea’s Me Café. Who wouldn’t want to have a cup of tea with Tamika Catchings?
2ND // ANDREW LUCK 3RD // T.Y. HILTON 18 // ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
MONON TRAIL
2ND // CULTURAL TRAIL 3RD // CANAL TOWPATH
BEST LOCAL OUTDOOR FESTIVAL INDYPRIDE Since 2003, IndyPride has been the host for the annual Pride Festival in downtown Indy, celebrating the LGBTQ community here in the city. With a parade, drag shows and food and art vendors, among other things, IndyPride supports local organizations and has brought over 80,000 people to the annual festival.
2ND // VIRGINIA AVENUE FOLK FEST 3RD // BROAD RIPPLE ART FAIR
BEST BAKERIES, BOOKSTORES AND BIKE SHOPS BY KATHERINE COPLEN // KCOPLEN@NUVO.NET
W
e love to shop. Love. To. Shop. And so do you, Indy — that’s why you filled our Shopping category with all kinds of goodness. From delicious eats and drinks to home goods and gifts, our readers picks round all up kinds of stuff we honestly would like in our house right now. But we had a couple more to add to the ones you voted for, just in case you’re looking for some very … specific ... gifts.
BEST PRESENT TO BUY FOR YOUR MOM FOR MOTHER’S DAY, HER BIRTHDAY, CHRISTMAS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN GLOBAL GIFTS’ PERUVIAN FINGER PUPPETS These little suckers are beyond cute: They’re basically magical. They’ve got lions, tigers and bears, of course, but also flamingos, falcons, whales and more. One of our moms has almost 70. By Christmas, she’ll have 80.
BEST LOCAL ETSY SHOP TO TREAT YOSELF TO SOMETHING FROM LESLEY SALIGOE BOTANICALS Herbal mist; cardamom lime sea salt soak; bliss balm aromatherapy all-natural salve; crescent moon bath bombs; soaps with GEM STONES IN THEM. Endulging in a gift from Lesley Saligoe’s personal care Etsy shop is the perfect way to detox from Trump’s Twitter rampages. She has 354 five star reviews. Do you really need to know any more?
or. You’ve wanted one since you went out on your 21st birthday and drunk-ate a bunch of Old Point Tavern nachos and saw them lighting up a window.
BEST PLACE TO BUY AN “I’M SORRY I KILLED YOUR PLANT” GIFT GROUNDED PLANT AND FLORAL CO. This “urban garden center” can set you up with a staghorn fern, a.k.a. the most badass thing you can put on your wall. Seriously, though, Grounded can turn your house into a jungle, totally pimp out your wedding, and definitely furnish a “Damn, you really shouldn’t have put me in charge of watering your plants while you went on a honeymoon to Bermuda” apology gift. The shop is located downtown, on E. Michigan.
BEST CASHIER ANNE AT DUOS CAFE NUVO ends up at Duos about three times a week. Each time, we’re checked out by Anne, slightly harassed about the size of our salad (that salad bar is too delicious) and sent off with a smile and a joke. Anne, NUVO loves you.
BEST GALLERY TO BLOW A TON OF MONEY ON A PAINTING EVAN LURIE GALLERY Price points … they’re high. Bring fat stacks of cash if you want to indulge in say, one of Jorge Santos’ neo-realist noir paintings. Is it worth it? So worth it.
BEST GALLERY TO FIND A STEAL SOHO CAFE
BEST THING YOU KEEP SEEING ON MASS AVE AND NOT BUYING JOJO // PHOTO BY YOUR MOM GROUNDED PLANT AND FLORAL CO. //
20 // SHOPPING // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
SILVER IN THE CITY’S STAR LIGHTS They light up. They sparkle. They come in every col-
This Carmel coffee shop exhibits all kinds of work, and you can grab a good cappuccino while you’re browsing, too. SoHo sells paintings, sculptures and giftier things too, all done by artists on a consignment basis.
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY READERS PICKS BEST LOCAL LIQUOR/WINE STORE BIG RED LIQUORS Just like any other liquor store BRL has a vast selection of any and every kind of alcohol you can fathom, but what sets them apart is there seemingly endless offerings of tasting events. The other good part is these babies are all around the whole state, making sure you never have to go without wonderful, lovely liquor.
2ND // KAHN’S 3RD // CROWN LIQUORS
BEST LOCAL FARM-TO-FORK GROCER/MERCHANT FRESH THYME FARMERS’ MARKET Even though this is a major grocery store, they make sure to offer plenty of local artisanal products and produce from local farms. Plus, they have a pretty stellar salad bar for those of us in need of a quick and healthy lunch.
2ND // GOOSE THE MARKET 3RD // CITY MARKET FARMERS’ MARKET
BEST LOCAL DONUT SHOP LONG’S BAKERY Want to be the most popular person in your office? Show up with a box of these tasty morsels and you’ll be a shoo-in for employee of the month — maybe even year. Who can say? The fact is these are the best damn donuts you’re ever going to have and why aren’t you there waiting in line right now?
2ND // JACK’S DONUT SHOP 3RD // GENERAL AMERICAN DONUT CO.
BEST LOCAL CUPCAKE SHOP THE FLYING CUPCAKE You know them, you love them, they win every year and that’s because they make angelic cupcakes in the cutest little stores you’ll set foot in around town. They’re all around town, including in a food truck so you can get them wherever you may be and even if you’re vegan they’ve got you covered.
2ND // GIGI’S CUPCAKES 3RD // LONG’S BAKERY
BEST BOWLING ALLEY DUCKPIN BOWLING (FOUNTAIN SQUARE THEATRE) It’s just like regular bowling, except everything is tinier! It’s just like regular bowling, except it’s a time-capsule from the mid-20th century. It’s just like regular bowling, except you’ll feel like you’re a giant who is time-traveling. It’s just like regular bowling, but way, way better, according to you, readers.
2ND // WOODLAND BOWL 3RD // PINHEADS BOWLING CENTER
BEST LOCAL RECORD STORE INDY CD & VINYL One of Broad Ripple Village’s best spots, Indy CD & Vinyl is the place to hit up if you want something brand new, way old, or just about anything in between. Thoughtfully curated and always full, this record store hosts tons of regular in-stores, listening parties and other special events. It’s the perfect place to bring a date, a mate, or just yourself if you’re in the market for something new to spin. (Or a record player to spin it on.)
2ND // LUNA MUSIC 3RD // SQUARE CAT VINYL
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // SHOPPING // 21
Shopping Continued...
BEST LOCAL SPOT TO BUY/PLAY BOARD GAMES BOOKS & BREWS Love books? Love beer? Well you’re in luck because Books & Brews prides themselves on their motto of “read, drink, converse.” They want you to put down your phone and make friends with people who share your passions for literacy, listening, and libations. Serving a large collection of craft beers, Books & Brews definitely has something for you. All the drinks are even named after books. So if you’re looking for a chill place to grab a good book and drink, look no further.
2ND // FAMILY TIME GAMES 3RD // GAME PRESERVE
BEST LOCAL HOME/GIFT STORE SILVER IN THE CITY
ONE PRACTICE 3 LOCATIONS Personal • Affordable • Local
We are grateful to be voted one of Indy’s “Best Local Eye Doctors” Schedule Your Eye Exam Online at www.moodyeyes.com • 317-883-1122 22 // SHOPPING // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
The person writing this blurb is currently wearing not one, not two, but three pieces of jewelry from Silver in the City. Yup, their delicate, well-curated selection is perfectly suited for everyday wear, and it’s (mostly) totally affordable, too. But don’t think this spot is jewelry-only; they’re absolutely packed to the brim with pots for your succulents, stars for your porch and witty coffee mugs for your caffeine habit. There’s way more than that, obviously, but you’ll have to stop in to the Mass Ave spot to find out what.
2ND // GLOBAL GIFTS 3RD // MASS AVE TOYS
BEST LOCAL FLORIST MCNAMARA FLORIST If it ain’t broke, don’t go to another florist. The more than 60-year-old Indy institution is the creme-de-la-creme of Indy florists, with shops all over town, snappy delivery
and beautiful blooms for days. McNamara’s has locations in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Greenwood, and online delivery capabilities. Send your mom a bouquet. Send your dad a bouquet. Hell, send us a bouquet! Oh, you shouldn’t have.
2ND // GILLESPIE FLORISTS 3RD // JP PARKER FLOWERS
BEST LOCAL BANK/CREDIT UNION TEACHERS CREDIT UNION You picked TCU as your favorite local bank — and they happen to be the largest credit union in our state, too. With locations all over the metropolitan area, TCU’s almost 90-year history has led to 55 branches. Love to support local but currently belong to a big bank? There are tons of arguments for switching to a credit union, but the most compelling is this: profits go back directly to members.
2ND // HUNTINGTON BANK 3RD // I NDIANA MEMBERS CREDIT UNION
BEST LOCAL HAIR SALON URBAN GYPSY Cut. Color. Blowout. Foils. Balayage. Ombre. Keraglaze. Texturing. Reconstructing. Brows. Lashes. Updos. Vajazzling. Yup, Urban Gypsy brings home another win in best local hair salon, plus, as you’ll read on, a bunch of other categories, too. Wanna go Ivanka-blonde or Melania-highlighted? Head in, friends.
2ND // TRUREFLECTIONS SALON 3RD // THE VAULT
BEST LOCAL BARBER OR PLACE FOR A MEN’S CUT URBAN GYPSY
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY Dudes, don’t think our best local hair salon winner is just for the ladies. Go get snipped!
2ND // RED’S CLASSIC BARBER SHOP CO. 3RD // TRUREFLECTIONS SALON
BEST LOCAL SPA URBAN GYPSY Talk about the whole package! Urban Gypsy makes everyone look and feel good from head-to-toe. A lot of spas have maybe six or seven massage offerings, Urban Gypsy has double that, body art (Vajazzle anyone?) and body care options (because nothing beats a whole body salt scrub).
2ND // THE NAKED MONKEY 3RD // WOODHOUSE DAY SPA
BEST LOCAL CLOTHING STORE FOR WOMEN URBAN GYPSY Haircut not enough? Massage? Body art? A full body transformation means new clothes, too, and Urban Gypsy really wants to be your one-stop shop for everything in, on and around your bod. Yes, their selection is
limited, but for another year, NUVO readers prove they really, really love this Broad Ripple salon.
2ND // MARIGOLD 3RD // BOOMERANG BOUTIQUE
BEST LOCAL CLOTHING STORE FOR MEN JAMES DANT Tommy, a local Indiana guy, has curated some of the most badass men’s clothing and accessories at his hip shop in the heart of Irvington. Be prepared to shell out some dough when you’re here, but realize the pieces you’re bringing home are going to last you a lifetime. Plus, if you’re among the hirsute population, the James Dant beard oil is some of the best you’ll ever find.
2ND // UNITED STATES OF INDIANA 3RD // LEON TAILORING
BEST LOCAL REALTOR ROBERT VANHOOK Based out of Greenwood, VanHook sells all around the greater Indianapolis area. Selling
JAMES DANT //
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // SHOPPING // 23
Shopping Continued...
MIDLAND ARTS AND ANTIQUES //
and buying a home can be one of the most stressful moments in your life. Don’t cross your fingers, wondering if you’re making the right decision, out of the over 130 reviews on the Century 21 website he has a solid 5-stars. If that isn’t a sure sign of his ability to make sure clients are comfortable and happy, we don’t know what is.
The Irsay Family YMCA — renamed this year in a cool dedication ceremony — is your favorite place to do it. You can do it all at this Y: play long games of basketball, swim laps in the pool, run forever on a treadmill, and yes, work on that squat booty. Bonus: There’s child care, a roof terrace, lots of interesting classes and now … valet parking! What!
2ND // MIKE PERRON 3RD // WILL LONNEMANN
2ND // PLANET FITNESS 3RD // ATHENAEUM YMCA
BEST LOCAL ANTIQUE STORE
BEST LOCAL YOGA STUDIO
MIDLAND ARTS AND ANTIQUES
INVOKE
The last time we walked into Midland, we almost walked out with no money in our bank account and an armful of beautiful rugs. Alas, we cannot refurnish our entire home right now, but if we could, our first stop would be Midland. In business for over 17 years, Midland Art and Antiques Market is Indy’s choice for that one special find that matches nothing else except what you want. With over 200 dealers from all over the Midwest supplying their inventory, you never know what you are going to find from one day to the next, which is why Indy residents keep going back over and over again.
Have you been meaning, for one thousand years, to take up yoga? Invoke is the place to do it. Why do you love it? It’s peaceful, and tranquil, and just absolutely full of classes for any schedule. Pilates? They’ve got it. Both beginners and experts are welcome as Invoke offers 100 classes a week from the basics to advanced vinyasa, plus trademarked classes like Bar Effect. Right now, you can get two weeks of unlimited group classes for $30. More advanced? Check out their teacher training workshops.
2ND // TIM & JULIE’S ANOTHER FINE MESS 3RD // SOUTHPORT ANTIQUE MALL
BEST LOCAL GYM/FITNESS JOINT IRSAY FAMILY YMCA AT CITYWAY Our personal fitness goal? Be able to clean and press Donald Trump’s bodyweight. Yup, it’ll take some time, but we’ll get there eventually. 24 // SHOPPING // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
2ND // CITYOGA 3RD // TREE HOUSE YOGA
BEST LOCAL ATTORNEY KEN NUNN Nunn probably has the most name recognition around town — he told WFYI in 2016 that his office has had more jury trials than any other law office in Indiana for the last 15 years. The almost 80-year-old personal injury lawyer has raked in around $685 million for his clients.
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY 2ND // STASIA DEMOS 3RD // STACY HOEHLE
BEST LOCAL DENTIST DR. GREGORY PEASE As someone with a mouth full of veneers (thank you, Dr. Kolman!), I can personally attest to the total necessity of a great dentist. And you guys picked Dr. Gregory Pease as your favorite dentist in Indy this year. The Westfield doc opened up in 2008 and does it all: porcelain veneers, whitening, root canals, implants, bridges, crowns and more. Need some mouth stuff? Dr. Pease can help you.
2ND // M URPHY’S LANDING FAMILY DENTISTRY 3RD // BROAD RIPPLE FAMILY DENTAL
BEST LOCAL EYE DOCTOR OSSIP As someone with -8.75 eye prescription, I’m well-acquainted with frequent eye doc visits. (Man, I sound like kind of a mess, don’t I?). It goes without saying, I take my eye docs seriously. And you do too — that’s why you put
Ossip, which opened in Indy in 1952, on top of this year’s Best Of poll. Gregg Ossip, son of founder Dr. Kenneth Ossip, runs the joint these days. With around 30 locations, there’s certainly an Ossip office near you. Now go get some new eyeglasses, you beautiful, near-sighted voter!
2ND // VISION WORKS 3RD // MOODY EYES
BEST ADULT TOY STORE CIRILLA’S Dildos! Get yer dildos here! Dongs! Dildos, vibrators and butt plugs! Lace panties and fireman outfits! Come one, er, come all! This longtime favorite supplies everything you need to get freaky. Need a recommendation? They’ve got a friendly, knowledgeable staff! Don’t quite know what you want? Get a surprise grab bag for a man, a woman, or a couple, filled with an assortment of toys to rev your engine solo or together. They also have a wide selection of costumes, lingerie, fetish toys, DVDs and other goodies. The point is, get down there and get off creatively!
2ND // LOVER’S LANE 3RD // 20 PAST 4 AND MORE
BEST ARCADE TAPPERS ARCADE BAR
TAPPERS ARCADE BAR //
We’ll list a few of our favorite Tappers games: NFL Blitz, Dig Dug, Frogger, Galaga, Street Fighter II, NBA Jam, Mario Bros, Pole Position, Donkey Kong, X-Men, Space Invaders … we could go on and on. Did we mention they’re all free to play? And they have craft beer? Yeah, this place is awesome.
2ND // PINHEADS BOWLING CENTER 3RD // PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL
BEST LOCAL BIKE STORE BICYCLE GARAGE INDY We here at NUVO love our two-wheeled vehicles. We’ve been hosting a yearly bike race in Downtown Indy for a decade now. The team at BGI takes a liking to things with two wheels, too. With three locations — Greenwood, Downtown Indy and Keystone at the Crossing — they’ve got you covered no matter which side of town you’re biking around.
2ND // INDY CYCLE SPECIALIST 3RD // FREEWHEELIN BIKES
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // SHOPPING // 25
Shopping Continued...
(317) 251-5463
1073 Broad Ripple Ave HOURS: MON - SAT: 10:30 AM - 8 PM SUN: NOON - 5 PM
Thank you NUVO readers for voting us
Best Local Smoke/ Head Shop!
INDIANA UNIVERSITY //
BEST LOCAL AUTO DEALER BUTLER
THANKS FOR THE VOTES, NUVO READERS!
They share a name with the best university in town (it’s like, my opinion, man.), so let’s just say they probably are pretty damn good at selling cars. Plus, they sell Maseratis and those are pretty fucking cool. (Maybe we’ll go test drive one just for the experience.) If that’s out of your price range, for now, you can check out their Kias, Scions, Hyundais, Fiats and Toyotas.
2ND // RAY SKILLMAN 3RD // TOM WOOD
BEST LOCAL ANIMAL HOSPITAL FACE FACE is Indianapolis’ premier no-kill shelter — and we love them for that. They’re a high volume spay/neuter clinic aiming to decrease the number of unwanted dogs and cats euthanized in the Indianapolis area. We think all our furry friends deserve to find a furever home no matter how long it takes.
2ND // NOAH’S ANIMAL HOSPITAL 3RD // MASS AVE ANIMAL CLINIC
BEST LOCAL HOSPITAL
BROAD RIPPLE FAMILY DENTAL FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY KASIE NAM, DDS
317.257.3368 • BRFDENTAL.COM 26 // SHOPPING // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK Bottom line? They save lives. Honestly we should give every hospital and hospital staff person a reward for all they do every single day.
2ND // RILEY 3RD // ST. VINCENT
BEST INDIANA COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY IU You don’t have to be a graduate of Indiana University to be an IU fan. (There’s a joke in there somewhere.) The men’s basketball team is what many people think of first when they think of IU, but there’s plenty of amazing things happening down in Bloomington that don’t take place in Assembly Hall.
2ND // BUTLER 3RD // IUPUI
BEST LOCAL VAPE SHOP INDY VAPOR SHOP The owner of this vape shop hasn’t touched an analog cigarette since he started using a e-cigs. Not only does that take amazing self-control, it also shows their effectiveness. Plus there’s like 7 billion different liquids to choose from. Peanut Butter Jelly Time is something we wouldn’t mind trying.
2ND // WORLD OF VAPOR 3RD // INDY E-CIGS
BEST LOCAL SMOKE/HEAD SHOP THE MAGIC BUS Their name is still as rad it was last year, and the year before that, and the year before that. If you’re looking for pipes? They got it. Papers? They got it. Hemp clothing? Incense? Jewelry? They got those too. Just want to stop in and chat with the cool ass employees? That’s fine too.
2ND // HEADLINES 3RD // 20 PAST 4 AND MORE
Your local guide to Indianapolis businesses. NUVO.net/business_directory
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // SHOPPING // 27
BEST BURGERS, BEERS AND BARS BY CAVAN McGINSIE // CMCGINSIE@NUVO.NET
S
ometimes you go in a place or hear about a place and you immediately recognize it’s special. It may not be the most popular or the most well-known, but there is something that keeps it in the back of your mind all the time. For me these are some of those spots around town that I know are special and deserve to be praised. And so here I am, giving them the praise I think they deserve.
BEST LOCAL FARM THAT GIVES AWAY ALL OF ITS PRODUCE EVERY YEAR BRANDYWINE CREEK FARM Jonathan and Amanda Lawler and their family have created a truly magical organization based at their Greenfield farm. In the few years that they have been around they have given out well over a million pounds of food, including 560,000 pounds this year, to Indiana’s food insecure population and they continue to grow and push our community forward with such light positivity into a brighter future of food access. Brandywine Creek Farm truly is a champion in helping change our food and agricultural communities and is constantly fighting against the question that led Lawler down this path, “As a farmer, why am I sending my fresh, Indiana-grown produce across the country instead of feeding the hungry people right here in my backyard?”
BEST LOCAL FOOD SPOT TO GET HEALTHY FOOD TO TAKE HOME AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE HERCULEAN MEAL PREP
JOJO // PHOTO BY YOUR MOM BLACK ACRE BREWING CO. //
28 // FOOD+DRINK // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
This new meal prep spot just opened a few weeks ago near Keystone at the Crossing, but the team behind it has been prepping meals and sending them out around Indianapolis for quite a while now. After making personal changes to their own lifestyles, losing weight, raising energy and just feeling better overall the team started this company so other people could experience the same results and live a happier healthier life. While food is wonderful, sometimes we have to
focus on just how good it is for us and HercuLean makes that really easy for us.
BEST BAR TO BRING YOUR OWN RECORDS AND SPEND AN EVENING ESCAPING REAL LIFE BAR ONE FOURTEEN This intimate lounge bar and listening room from the Patachou is truly unlike any other spot in the city. The 14-seat room is luxe and cozy, allowing for a perfect date night and with the specialty sound system built by Klipsch they allow you to bring in your own fave vinyls to spin while you sip on cocktails and dine on some of the most lush, decadent bites that you’ve ever had. Make sure and make reservations as seats fill up fast.
BEST PLACE TO THROW ANYTHING BETWEEN TWO BAGELS AND CALL IT A SANDWICH RIPPLE BAGEL DELI There isn’t quite any other place like the Bagel Deli, from the crowd-sourced sandwich recipes to the slightly inefficient yet always fun ordering system this place is really a one-of-a-kind stop in Broad Ripple. The fact that they happen to make one of my all-time favorite sandwiches is just an added bonus; it’s not on the menu, but a stoney fella once made it for me when I ordered The Lottery and I now affectionately call it the hot mess. Get a pumpernickel bagel topped with turkey, salami, provolone, pepper jack, jalapeños, spicy mustard and hummus. I got it as a sophomore in college and it’s never left my mind or my heart.
BEST LOCAL PLACE FOR CHEAP MEALS
We had a little glitch in the system and this category didn’t go out to the world to be voted on, so we’re saying just go eat at all these places. Why wouldn’t you? You can eat these ten meals for less than one meal at other places: Elena Ruz Cuban Cuisine, Goodfellas Pizzeria, La Mulita, Peppy’s Grill, Sawasdee, Tex Mex, Three Carrots, Whit’s Inn, Workingman’s Friend, and last, but not least, Yats.
Thank you Indy for voting us Best Indiana Brewery, choosing Cherry Ol’ Fritz as Best Special, Seasonal or Limited-Release Beer, and keeping us bear attack free since 2012.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST LOCAL THAI RESTAURANT 8 YEARS IN A ROW! WE’RE OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH AND DINNER IN HISTORIC FOUNTAIN SQUARE. MONDAY - THURSDAY: 11A - 9P | FRIDAY: 11A - 10P SATURDAY: 12P - 10P | SUNDAY: 12P - 9P
936 VIRGINIA AVENUE
|
SIAMSQUAREINDY.COM
|
SIAMSQUAREINDY
Food+Drink Continued...
READERS PICKS BEST INDIANA BREWERY BLACK ACRE BREWING CO. This Irvington brewery has taken the top spot for its first time and it honestly shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who frequents their tap room. Their beers are always on point, their beer fest, Barrels on Bonna is a blast, the food is top-notch and the staff and owners are the fucking best — especially when they’re shutting down sexist assholes.
2ND // SUN KING BREWING 3RD // TAXMAN BREWING
Thank you Indy for voting us the #1 Sports Bar & #1 Local Wing! For over 35 years we have had the pleasure of serving Honest Pizza & World Famous Hermanaki Wings!
BEST INDIANA BEER ZOMBIE DUST - THREE FLOYDS Let’s just get to the point: Three Floyds is the shit and this beer is what dreams are made of. People travel from around the world to get a taste of this APA, and it’s because it is a nearly flawless portrayal of the flavor of dank hops. It’s so good RateBeer.com gave it a 100 percent rating.
BEST LOCAL SPECIAL, SEASONAL OR LIMITED-RELEASE BEER CHERRY OL’ FRITZ BLACK ACRE BREWING CO. This year’s best brewery also happens to make some kickass seasonal brews and this sour wheat beer is laden with tart cherries that tickle our senses into such a state of elation that it couldn’t be anywhere else but at the top of this list.
2ND // C UCUMBER KOLSCH FLAT12 BIERWERKS 3RD // R ING OF DINGLE SUN KING BREWING
BEST SPOT FOR CHEAP PITCHERS OF BEER UPLAND BREWING $11 60-ounce pitchers of local brews four days a week is pretty damn good. The only thing better is on Tuesdays when they drop them down to $10. Stay thirsty, my friends.
2ND // WEE MAC - SUN KING 3RD // BLOOD ORANGE IPA CENTERPOINT BREWING
2ND // DORMAN STREET SALOON 3RD // DUGOUT
BEST LOCAL BEER FEST
MOSCATO - OLIVER WINERY
MICROBREWERS’ FEST No beer fest celebrates the heart and soul of the beer community quite like the Microbrewers’ Festival. This is the festival where brewers pull out their small batch, off-the-wall beers and the local beer aficionados drink them up like they’re little 3-ounce samples of water after 40 days stranded in the desert and that’s why it wins year after year.
2ND // WINTERFEST 3RD // CANVITATIONAL
BEST INDIANA WINE If you’re a sweet wine lover looking for a summertime staple, there is no better place to get it than from a Bloomington-based winery that specializes in creating delicious sweet wines. The fact that Oliver’s Moscato may be their best wine is just one more reason for you to treat yo’ self to a bottle, or two or three.
2ND // R HUBARB MALLOW RUN WINERY 3RD // C ABERNET SAUVIGNON HUBER WINERY OLIVER WINERY //
ale-emporium.com 30 // FOOD+DRINK // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY BEST INDIANA WINERY
BEST INDIANA FOOD FEST
BEST LOCAL COFFEEHOUSE
OLIVER WINERY
FIRST FRIDAY FOOD TRUCK FEST
HUBBARD & CRAVEN’S
Oliver winning Best Winery isn’t purely due to its prolific wine selection; it’s also one of the most beautiful wineries you’ll visit in the state. It’s the perfect place to stop for a weekend trip in Bloomington or Nashville to grab a bottle or two before heading to your cabin, boat or campsite.
If you want to get a taste of Indy’s awesome food truck scene there is no better way to do it than when they’re all gathered at The Old National Centre on First Fridays. Just make sure and fast prior to going so you have room to down the burger, tacos, pretzel, meat on a stick, BBQ, fries, jerk chicken and still have room for dessert.
2ND // MALLOW RUN WINERY 3RD // EASLEY WINERY
2ND // INDY VEG FEST 3RD // RETURN OF THE MAC
This local staple has taken top honors for years and it stems from their conscientiously sourced coffee and their always friendly staff. They also happen to serve one of the finest cups of tea in the city, and with nearly 20 styles to choose from there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a new favorite coffee drink, look no further than the Healthy Elephant.
BEST INDIANA WINE FEST
BEST LOCAL DISTILLER
VINTAGE INDIANA
HOTEL TANGO
Taking over Historic Military Park every summer, this festival offers an incredible selection of wineries from around the state and always has an enjoyable lineup of bands for the day. It has taken this top spot for years and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Since coming into Fletcher Place as the city’s first distillery Hotel Tango has created multiple award-winning spirits. The mountain-lodge-like taproom is one of the most comfortable rooms in the city with its handcrafted stone fireplace and comfy couches; add to that the deftly crafted cocktails and you have a recipe for a nearly perfect Indianapolis evening.
2ND // M EADFUL THINGS & OUTCIDERS FESTIVAL 3RD // WFYI WINE FEST
2ND // CARDINAL SPIRITS 3RD // 8TH DAY DISTILLERY
2ND // CALVIN FLETCHER’S 3RD // MONON COFFEE CO.
BEST LOCAL COFFEE ROASTER TINKER COFFEE CO. We once had a co-worker here that came in every day and said, “Ahhh, Tinker Coffee is the best.” Seriously, every morning. He obviously knew a thing or two about coffee since so many of you agree. It’s not the cheapest coffee on the market, but the quality shows and if you care about your taste buds you’ll dish out the extra cheddar in order to keep them happy.
2ND // BEE COFFEE ROASTERS 3RD // HUBBARD & CRAVEN’S
TINKER COFFER CO. //
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // FOOD+DRINK // 31
Food+Drink Continued...
BRICS //
BEST LOCAL ICE CREAM
BEST LOCAL FARMER OR FARM
BRICS
TRADER’S POINT
There ain’t no better place to stop for an ice cold treat when you’re on the Monon. This little ice cream shop serves up yummy classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate alongside intriguing tastes like Grasshopper and Whistle Stop Wake Up. But, who are we kidding, you’re there for the 64th Street Special — pretty much the biggest banana split you’ve ever seen.
As far as farms go, the experience here is as immersive as you’ll find. Head into the barn to meet a cow or two and see dairy cows being milked. Then, head into the dairy area to taste some ice cream made fresh from the cows you just met. Finally, head upstairs for a delicious meal filled with different ingredients sourced from the farm below.
2ND // LICK 3RD // GRAETER’S
2ND // TYNER POND FARM 3RD // GUNTHORP FARM
BEST LOCAL FARM-TO-FORK RESTAURANT
BEST LOCAL CHINESE RESTAURANT
BLUEBEARD
EGG ROLL #1
Abbi Merriss and her team continually craft one of the most unique, farm fresh menus in the city. They have remained at the top of the farm-tofork movement since opening and each year it just gets better and better. And just a reminder: Their cauliflower is so good it will bring tears to your eyes. That’s right — cauliflower.
It’s always been a surprise that a place with this name could be so incredibly good, but it’s the main reason so many people make their way to the Emerson Avenue exit on Indy’s Southside. While there is plenty of awesome Chinese food here, they also serve some of the best pho (everyone’s favorite Vietnamese noodle soup) and their Thai options aren’t to be trifled with.
2ND // PUBLIC GREENS 3RD // SHOEFLY PUBLIC HOUSE
BEST LOCAL GROCERY STORE GOOSE THE MARKET Let’s be honest, you’re here for the meat, as you should be. Anything else you’re getting, whether it be from their selection of artisanal cheese, their seasonal veggies (come and get your morels and ramps!) to the vast local beer selection and quality list of wines, it’s to pair with whatever meat you’re getting and we promise, it’s all fantastic.
@ ba z b eaux
@ b a z b eaux
fa ce b o o k .co m / b a z b e a ux /
32 // FOOD+DRINK // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
2ND // POGUE’S RUN GROCER 3RD // GOOD EARTH
2ND // SZECHWAN GARDEN 3RD // KING DRAGON
BEST LOCAL JAPANESE/SUSHI RESTAURANT SAKURA Not much has changed in the over 20 years this spot has been slinging out raw fish with rice, and that’s what makes it magical. There’s almost always a wait, which is a sure sign that once you’re in you’re about to chow down on the tastiest edamame, sashimi and udon noodles around.
2ND // ICHIBAN 3RD // NAKED TCHOPSTIX
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY BEST LOCAL THAI RESTAURANT
BEST LOCAL ITALIAN RESTAURANT
BEST LOCAL MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
MAMA CAROLLA’S
SANTORINI GREEK KITCHEN
2ND // THAI SPICE 3RD // THAI CAFE
What can we say? They serve better Italian than your mama and the setting is just a little more romantic (hence them continually winning most romantic spot). It doesn’t get much better than a glass of chianti and an Uncle Dino’s, well, maybe a Pasta Too Good and a Peroni. Finish your night at the bar and have Rizzo make you a nightcap.
Start off with some ouzo, then cover your cheese in alcohol, light it on fire and scream OPA! Dig into pastitsio (pretty much Greek lasagna), a leg of lamb or a gyro, you can’t go wrong with your decision. The only hard decision you’ll make is deciding how much baklava is too much baklava. It doesn’t get much easier than that, does it?
BEST LOCAL INDIAN RESTAURANT
2ND // IARIA’S 3RD // IOZZO’S GARDEN OF ITALY
SIAM SQUARE This fresh Thai spot takes the Best of Indy spot year after year which is proof of its popularity with the people of the city. If you haven’t ever slammed some pad seuw at lunch or yum softshell during dinner, then you’re doing yourself and your city an injustice.
INDIA GARDEN India Garden has taken top honors every year and it’s all about that Indian buffet. While the chicken tikka is near Tandoori perfection here, you have to branch out and try something exciting like the garden special biryani or the crazy spicy lamb madras.
2ND // SPICE BOX 3RD // SHALIMAR
BEST LOCAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT LA HACIENDA First step to becoming the best Mexican restaurant is making the best salsa, add to that giant margs, huge burritos and the best Mexican soup in town and you’ve got La Hacienda.
2ND // LA PARADA 3RD // THE TAMALE PLACE
2ND // CANAL BISTRO 3RD // BOSPHORUS
BEST LOCAL AFRICAN RESTAURANT ABYSSINIA This is about as unique as a meal gets in Indy. Sit at the hand-sewn communal table with a mass of food in front of you. Grab the soft pancake-like injera in your right hand and dig in (literally) to to the bountiful, spicy, savory food items around the table. Finish it off with a cup of Ethiopian tea, the ritual behind it is fascinating and the taste is bold and fantastic.
2ND // SAFFRON CAFÉ 3RD // ST. YARED
SIAM SQUARE //
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // FOOD+DRINK // 33
Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant
Thank You! We would like to thank everyone who voted for us. You are the reason that we are able to continue doing what we love. We would also like to thank our hard working staff. Our staff is the most important part of our restaurant and we couldn’t do it without them. We at Mama’s strive to create an atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious Italian food and wine at reasonable prices. We are very proud and appreciative to have been voted #1. Grazie, Mama
#1 Italian Restaurant #1 Romantic Restaurant
317-259-9412
1031 East 54th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Food+Drink Continued...
BEST LOCAL BRITISH/ENGLISH/ CELTIC RESTAURANT
BEST LOCAL DELI/SANDWICH SHOP
CHATHAM TAP
GOOSE THE MARKET
The atmosphere during international soccer matches is electric, and once you have a pint or two of your favorite ale in you, you’ll be cheering and jeering right along. If it’s a morning match go for an Anglican staple with the traditional English breakfast. Or down some fish and chips, and even though it’s not from across the pond, the Prince Dean’s Angel Wings are good enough to make you believe that they’re truly angelic.
It’s all about the Batali: layers of Italian goodness including Smoking Goose’s coppa, capocollo and soppressata with plenty of provolone, pickled onion, tomato preserves, aioli, arugula and the magical ingredient to tie it together hot giardiniera. Just one of these and you’ll look in disdain at the shitty turkey sandwich in your lunchbox from now on.
2ND // UNION JACK’S 3RD // RED LION GROG HOUSE
BEST LOCAL CAJUN/CREOLE RESTAURANT YATS No surprise here. Yats is the place to fill yourself to the brim with some chili cheese étoufée or vegan white chili, garlic bread and a healthy dose of your favorite hot sauce. If you’re lucky enough to be near one of the locations with beer on the menu, don’t pass up on the chance to imbibe some local brews. Just don’t get drunk enough to believe you’re on Bourbon Street.
2ND // B’S PO’ BOYS 3RD // PAPA ROUX
BEST LOCAL SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT MAXINE’S CHICKEN AND WAFFLES Maxine’s has made its way into the mouths, and subsequently, the hearts of a great many Hoosiers. While soul food abounds here, it’s all about the fried chicken, and taking it a step further with peach butter and waffles. No matter what you order though, there will be “a taste of love in every bite.”
2ND // KOUNTRY KITCHEN 3RD // THE EAGLE
2ND // SHAPIRO’S 3RD // BROAD RIPPLE BAGEL DELI
BEST LOCAL CRAFT BURGERS BRU BURGER You’ll most likely be stuck waiting for a table at the Mass Ave location due to this spot’s popularity, but that’s a sure sign of what waits for you inside. The juicy burgers, awesome craft beer selection, and even the sides are special like the crispy onion rings. And, oh man, the mac and cheese. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.
2ND // KUMA’S KORNER 3RD // 317 BURGER
BEST LOCAL CHEAP BURGERS WORKINGMAN’S FRIEND You don’t stick around for nearly 100 years by making mediocre food and these burgers are anything but. These thin, crispy burgers are what dreams are made of and if you happen to double it up and add jalapeños and cheese to the top you still won’t break the bank and you’ll be in a better place. Down them along with a goblet of beer to get the authentic experience, and don’t forget it’s cash only.
2ND // THE MUG 3RD // ALLEY CAT LOUNGE
WORKINGMAN’S FRIEND // PHOTO BY TED SOMERVILLE
FRESH DAILY NUVO.NET 34 // FOOD+DRINK // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY
“We would like to thank all our customers and employees for your support and hard work.” Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner
GOOSE THE MARKET //
BEST LOCAL ARTISAN PIZZA BAZBEAUX They were making artisan pizzas before “artisan” was a thing. Now they have three locations around the city and there are dozens of reasons why their name is still synonymous with high-quality pizza. But it all comes down to a singular reason: They bake a mighty fine pizza pie. (PS: Get the pesto cheese garlic bread.)
2ND // JOCKAMO UPPER CRUST 3RD // NAPOLESE
BEST LOCAL CHEAP PIZZA HOTBOX If you’re anything like me, the cups in your dorm room or college apartment consisted entirely of HotBox plastic cups from all of the times you ordered pizza and a Coke to save you when you were too blitzed to drive and suffering from the drunchies. HotBox is there for you in your time of need, and that makes them your true pizza-making friends.
2ND // GREEK’S PIZZERIA 3RD // GOODFELLAS
BEST LOCAL WINGS ALE EMPORIUM If it starts with Herman, it is a wing you should eat. The wings here are huge, the dry rubs are better than anything else you’re eating this month and they come by the pound. So order a few pounds, get a beer — none of that Macro crap — and go to town on these babies.
2ND // CHATHAM TAP 3RD // KEYSTONE SPORTS REVIEW
BEST LOCAL PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH
BEST LOCAL ART ISAN PIZ ZA
EDWARD’S DRIVE-IN There are Hoosiers who worship crispy, tasty tenderloins, people who travel around the state searching for the best of the best. And then there are people who gave up the search long ago because they knew they had found the best at Edward’s and there was no reason to keep tasting when they’d found perfection. Get one with some onion rings and you’re in heaven.
2ND // MUG ‘N’ BUN 3RD // THREE CARROTS
401 Market Plaza — Old Town Greenwood 5646 East Washington Street — historic Irvington 9165 otis avenue — fort ben
BEST LOCAL STEAK ST. ELMO Not much has changed since 1902 in this quintessential Indianapolis restaurant The top-quality steaks, service and world-famous shrimp cocktails are still as good as ever. Enjoy a meal at one of the classic white-clothed tables and watch for many of Indy’s most recognizable faces as you enjoy your meal bite-by-bite and sip-after-sip.
2ND // HARRY & IZZY’S 3RD // CAPITAL GRILLE
BEST LOCAL SEAFOOD OCEANAIRE This race was a nail biter, with Oceanaire winning out the category by one single vote! We’re guessing that vote is tied to the unbelievable oyster selection and Chef Waldrip’s ever-evolving specialties.
2ND // CAPLINGER’S FRESH CATCH 3RD // BLUEBEARD
LUNCH SPECIALS MON-FRI • CRAFT BEERS ON TAP • $4 DRAFTS EVERY TUESDAY HALF PRICE BOTTLES OF WINE ON MONDAY IN ALL LOCATIONS
jockamopizza.com NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // FOOD+DRINK // 35
Food+Drink Continued...
BEST LOCAL BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH PLACE
BEST LOCAL PLACE TO HAVE A ROMANTIC DINNER
CAFE PATACHOU
MAMA CAROLLA’S
The place where Martha Hoover’s food empire started, Patachou has continually served up the best breakfasts in this city for years and it’s no surprise to see them at the top of this list. From the waffles and granola to the lox bagels and vegan cuban breakfast, everything here is fantastic. If all avocado toast was as good as theirs we would happily stay broke millennials forever.
Give into the Italianate architecture, statues and fountains, the soft glow of the lights and the quiet hum of the crowd and enjoy a beautiful and intimate evening. Share a bottle of wine, spend the evening conversing and fill up on delicious Italian food. That’s amore.
2ND // MILKTOOTH 3RD // 3 SISTERS CAFE
BEST LOCAL VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN RESTAURANT
2ND // BLUEBEARD 3RD // TINKER STREET
BEST NEW LOCAL RESTAURANT LIVERY
Three Carrots makes vegan dishes that are unbelievably delicious for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike. In fact, their Seitanderloin is so damn good it was up for best tenderloin in a state that prides itself on tenderloins; if that’s not proof of how great this place is, we just don’t know what is.
Even before you get to the food, the space here is a work of art that pulls you in and makes you feel like the food is going to be phenomenal. And then you get a bite of the Latin-inspired dishes and you find that your hunch was correct and that you love chicharrones and that mezcal is better than tequila and this patio and the view are fantastic and, oh no, I’ve just been staring off into the middle distance and not talking for, like, five minutes now.
2ND // 3 SISTERS CAFE 3RD // DUOS
2ND // FESTIVA 3RD // METRO DINER
BEST LOCAL SMALL PLATE/ TAPAS RESTAURANT
BEST LOCAL RESTAURANT FOR THOSE LATE-NIGHT MUNCHIES
THREE CARROTS
BLUEBEARD
SINKING SHIP
They took the best farm-to-table category and you can’t get much better than farm-to-table small plates. Get as many as you can and pass them around and smile because you and all your friends are on a journey to Flavortown (don’t worry, Guy Fieri isn’t in this one) and you’re all going to live there together for...well, until the meal is over.
Late-night munchies don’t discriminate and neither does Sinking Ship. They have options for anyone and everyone, whether you need a spicy Chuck Norris burger, a cup of chili, some vegan seitan wings, a sack of balls (donut holes), or just one more beer, they’ve got you covered.
2ND // LIVERY 3RD // DELICIA
2ND // PEPPY’S GRILL 3RD // CHATHAM TAP
CAFE PATACHOU //
36 // FOOD+DRINK // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY
BLUEBEARD //
BEST LOCAL PLACE FOR UPSCALE DINING
BEST SPORTS BAR
BLUEBEARD The nice part about this spot is it’s only as upscale as you make it. If we may make a suggestion, splurge at least once for the upscale meal, with wine, cocktails, and all the other goodies; it is an experience you won’t soon forget and will remind you why Bluebeard is consistently ranked in Indy’s top restaurants.
Come for the pizza and wings, stay to watch your favorite teams on the endless amount of TVs adorning the walls, literally, there are more TVs in here than just about any restaurant or bar we’ve ever been in. And the good news is they have a killer beer selection; so whether your team is up or down there is plenty of good beer to go ‘round.
2ND // ST. ELMO’S 3RD // TINKER STREET
2ND // SINKING SHIP 3RD // KILROY’S
BEST PUB FOOD
BEST DIVE BAR
ALE EMPORIUM
TWENTY TAP
ALLEY CAT
A fire tried to take this place away from us, and that fire can go fuck itself. How dare it try and take away their majestic cheese curds, the turkey burger that lives in our dreams, the fries, oh, dear god, the fries and all the beers — those poor, poor beers having to live through the heat. We’re so glad Twenty Tap made it through the fire and still is there for our pub food needs.
Walk in from the alley, order a beer and a shot, shoot some pool, play some music on the jukebox, throw some darts, eat, drink, repeat. If you’re uncomfortable with a more dive-y feel, there’s always the Alley Cat Lounge, but you really are missing out on a great experience.
2ND // SINKING SHIP 3RD // BROAD RIPPLE BREWPUB
BEST BARTENDER(S) ALLY HALL - HOTEL TANGO They won best distiller and best cocktail bar and we have a feeling Ally had a hand in that by her ability to sling some killer cocktails in the taproom. It takes something special to get a city full of people to say you’re the best bartender in town. We suggest pulling up a chair at Ally’s bar, ordering a signature cocktail and chatting with her to see just what makes her such a badass.
2ND // EVERYONE - ALLEY CAT LOUNGE 3RD // AMANDA WALLACE CENTERPOINT BREWING
THANK YOU CRAFT BEER DRINKERS OF INDIANA FOR VOTING CENTERPOINT’S BLOOD ORANGE IPA AND CENTERPOINT’S BARTENDER AMANDA WALLACE BEST OF INDY 2017 HONOREES!
2ND // CHATTERBOX 3RD // DORMAN STREET SALOON
BEST SERVICE ST. ELMO’S Head server, Lorenzo, has been taking care of tables and bringing back a slew of regulars for over 40 years and every bit of service here strives to be on his level. A meal at St. Elmo is truly an experience unlike anywhere else in the city, and for this reason we spend our special occasions, here because we know it is special and the service is one of the major aspects of that special-ness.
2ND // TINKER STREET 3RD // BLUEBEARD
1125 E BROOKSIDE AVE. • CENTERPOINTBREWING.COM NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // FOOD+DRINK // 37
Food+Drink Continued...
BEST OUTDOOR DINING RICK’S CAFE BOATYARD
ES A MAXINE’S GIV OU Y K WARM THAN OLIS FOR TO INDIANAP OUR VOTING US Y OUL AL S #1 BEST LOC ANT! R FOOD RESTAU
THE SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH.
It’s pretty much impossible to be waterside dining when it comes to outdoor dining and that is why Rick’s wins year after year. Rick’s is always a wonderful experience, watching the calming water on Eagle Creek reservoir and enjoying delicious seafood in the summer sun; you’re basically eating in a Jimmy Buffet song.
2ND // LIVERY 3RD // MAMA CAROLLA’S
BEST FOOD TRUCK OR FOOD ON WHEELS DUOS There’s a reason the team here at NUVO eats at Duos’ brick-and-mortar locational at least once every week, their food is on point in both flavor and health. The truck hits both of these points and is all over the city every week dishing out balance bowls, chicken pot pies, vegan reubens and even cookies and carrot cake, and the best part, the people in the truck are always smiling, friendly and awesome.
Keep enjoying & come “TASTE THE IN EVERY BITE”, Family owned for over 9 & ½ years.
2ND // DER PRETZEL WAGEN 3RD // BEAST
BEST PLACE FOR A PICNIC IMA’S 100 ACRES The Hundred Acres is the last FREE IMA space and it’s filled with interactive artworks, trails weaving through the woods and a scenic pond to sit by during your picnic. Spend an afternoon jostling through the woods, enjoying the eclectic artworks or, if you’re feeling more active, take a jog up the Canal Towpath.
2ND // HOLLIDAY PARK 3RD // THE CANAL
BEST LOCAL CHEF JONATHAN BROOKS MILKTOOTH, BEHOLDER If one chef in Indy has garnered more praise than any other and brought more attention to our city’s food culture, it is hands-down Jon Brooks. People all over the place flock to Fletcher Place for a taste of his trendy breakfast spot, Milktooth. And when he opens Beholder in the near future it is bound to build the same sizeable following because let’s face it, Jon Brooks is a damn good chef.
2ND // IAN PHILLIPS - THREE CARROTS 3RD // ABBI MERRISS - BLUEBEARD
BEST OVERALL LOCAL RESTAURANT BLUEBEARD If you’ve paid close attention then this should come as no surprise, Bluebeard shows up in the top three spots on eight lists, including top spot here and it’s because Abbi Merriss has crafted a nearly perfect menu using fresh, mostly local ingredients, the bar program is phenomenal, whether the cocktails are straightforward or creative, the wine list is superb, and whether you are outside on the gorgeous patio or inside in the trendy dining room which pays homage to the great Kurt Vonnegut, you feel comfortable and recognize you’re experiencing something special.
2ND // MILKTOOTH 3RD // ST. ELMO’S
VOTED BEST
LOCAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT BY NUVO READERS!
CARMEL 12480 N MERIDIAN ST INDIANAPOLIS 6825 GRAHAM RD
INDIANAPOLIS 5625 LAWTON LOOP EAST DR WEST LAFAYETTE 140 HOWARD AVE
DUOS //
38 // FOOD+DRINK // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
BEST BANDS, BARS AND BEATS BY KATHERINE COPLEN // KCOPLEN@NUVO.NET
Y
ou’ve done it! You’ve reached the back of the book, which means you’ve just got best bands and best spots to drink and dance the night away left. Disclaimer, before you get into this music section: We believe there’s nothing more personal than music taste, which means you may disagree heartily with what some of your fellow Hoosiers voted into the top slots in Best of Indy this year. But instead of getting TwitterMad, why not queue up Musical Family Tree and listen to somebody you don’t know on this list instead? There’s a lot of great music to be found in the Circle City, and we’re proud to include your faves this year. Below, a couple of my faves, including a spot to grab a beer before the show and the biggest, teariest show we’ve seen all year.
need a friend because you’re riding solo? Get yourself to Pure and talk to/at Jake as he serves you a $2 PBR! You’re never alone sitting at his bar because you’ll likely be watching a ‘this has to be on TBS’ movie y’all both haven’t seen in years. Burly man or teddy bear? Consider him Fountain Square’s Teddy Ruxpin. (Jessie Davis)
BEST ABSOLUTELY GIGANTIC SHOW IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE AND THEIR NEIGHBOR ATTENDED U2 AT LUCAS OIL STADIUM Did we start crying when the opening thrums of “Where The Streets Have No Name?” reverberated through the massive space? Of course we did. And so did everyone you know, too. U2’s almost-sold-out show in Indy inspired a moment of mass social media uniting in early September. Sure, we’re almost always about supporting local, but for a second these Irish gents made us believe gigantic stadium shows are the only way to live.
BEST LOCAL PLACE TO POP A TENT
BEST COCKTAIL BAR THAT EVOLVED INTO A POLITICAL GATHERING PLACE
SLEEPY BEAR CAMPGROUND
THUNDERBIRD
This campground situated outside of Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center hosts people putting up tents for two-day Dave Matthews Band weekends, but it’s a great place to camp out before any show.
The Fountain Square bar hosted many a debate watch party and other gatherings for Indy Dems. We’re honestly still crying about the election, so it remains a good place to drown your sorrows and remember a pre-2017 world that felt so much simpler.
BEST PLACE TO GRAB A BEER BEFORE A SHOW THE CHATTERBOX Most shows at Indy’s big golden shrine theater kick off around 7:30; head to the Chatterbox at 6:30 and you’re almost guaranteed a spot on the patio. Throw one back before the opener’s set and you can scurry across the street without missing a second.
BEST ALMOST-FULL-BEARDED BARTENDER TO GET A DRINK FROM BEFORE A SHOW JAKE AT PURE
BEST PLACE TO ACCIDENTALLY RUN INTO NUVO’S DRINKS EDITOR CAVAN MCGINSIE ROOK Here’s the thing about Cavan: He likes a lot of food. And a lot of drinks. But the place he says is “hands down his favorite in the city” is Fletcher Place’s pan-Asian hotspot Rook. Come for the Rook Dog, stay for long conversations about why Patrick Rothfuss will never finish trilogy The Kingkiller Chronicles. (Curse you, Patrick!)
Heading to a show at Hi-Fi or Pioneer and you
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // MUSIC+NIGHTLIFE // 39
Music+Nightlife Continued...
WITH LOCAL DJ AND
NUVO COLUMNIST
KyleLong WEDNESDAY PM
NIGHTS 8
SATURDAY
NIGHTS 10 PM ON
READERS PICKS BEST OVERALL ARTIST AUDIODACITY Hell yes, Audiodacity rules. Formed by longterm friends from Ball State and Ben Davis, this big’n’brassy funk band headlines some of the town’s best parties, and has won competitions like Indy’s Next Big Thing by Q95 and Alt103. This “genre-bending powerhouse,” as they call themselves, is a must-see anytime you can; if you can’t see ‘em, grab a copy of their album On A Roll. They’ve been kicking since 2011 and show no signs of stopping now.
2ND // GLAMËRICA 3RD // CLINT BREEZE AND THE GROOVE
A Cultural
BEST LOCAL VOCALIST
explores the merging of sounds from around the globe with the history of music from right here at home.
She came, she sang, she conquered. Jennie DeVoe’s voice is undeniable, as is her rabid fan base. Her latest, Ok … So Here’s What Happened, is another solid entry in this always independent, never disappointing local treasure’s canon. Folky, funky, and always winning awards, DeVoe also has the best hair in Indy’s music scene.
MANIFESTO
PHOTO BY JENN GOODMAN
JENNIE DEVOE
2ND // TABETHA MCCLEERY 3RD // JENNIFER MLOTT
BEST LOCAL BLUES JENNIE DEVOE Yup, it’s Jennie from the Block again.
2ND // GORDON BONHAM 3RD // MELODIOUS THONK
GAY BLACK REPUBLICAN //
40 // MUSIC+NIGHTLIFE // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
BEST LOCAL COVER BAND GLAMËRICA Indy, out of all the many (MANY) cover bands, you picked this ‘80s-obsessed hair metal tribute as your favorite. And who are we to say otherwise? The ‘80s truly did rule. Miss Motley Crue? Poison? Skid Row? Warrant? Get thee to a GlamëricA show, where the ‘80s never died.
2ND // JAMBOX 3RD // THE SAX PISTOLS
BEST LOCAL INSTRUMENTALIST SPENCER VALDE Makes sense that your favorite cover band winner is also your favorite local instrumentalist, right? Hat tip to Spencer Valde, a.k.a. Blaze E. Lee, lead guitar for GlamëricA.
2ND // CHARLIE BALLANTINE 3RD // MARK ORTWEIN
BEST LOCAL RAPPER OREO JONES What can’t Jones do? This year, he pulled off another massive all-day hip-hop festival in Fountain Square (along with a loyal band of contributors, of course); performed more killer sets with Ghost Gun Summer and put together awesome events and exhibits at Big Car’s Listen Hear in Garfield Park. Now we’ve just got our fingers crossed for a new album in 2018.
2ND // SIRIUS BLVCK 3RD // DIOP
BEST LOCAL ROCK BROTHER O’ BROTHER You definitely, definitely love Brother O’ Brother, the rock’n’roll duo who drop a ton of vinyl;
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY THE SHAKE-UPS //
win prestigious awards like Battle of Birdy’s, are regulars on bills all over town, and are a favorite of our Barfly, Wayne Bertsch. Like the Black Keys? You’ll dig Brother O’ Brother. Hate the Black Keys? You’ll probably still dig them. This band is just that good.
2ND // VESERIA 3RD // AMERICAN BOMBSHELL
BEST LOCAL METAL SPANKY’S CLUBHOUSE This mostly-covers band is a classic NUVO Best Of winner. Yup, Spanky’s can do it all — and they frequently do, in front of a loyal fanbase. Megadeath, Three Days Grace, Candlebox; yup, Spanky’s Clubhouse will take you back to the good old days of alternative radio. Metal exactly they are not, but heavy? Oh, heavy, they are. Salute to Spanky’s, keeping it sexxxy for so many years.
2ND // BIZARRE NOIR 3RD // DEVIL TO PAY
BEST LOCAL POP THE SHAKE-UPS You crowned The Shake-Ups your fave pop
band in all the land this year; and we’d like to add another title to that, too: Most Pop Culture-Centric Band. Seriously, Pat O’Connor and company make power pop tributes to My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic; Steven Universe; and the Beatles — plus some non-tribute music, too. This surftastic band is a regular at conventions, have dropped three solid albums, and will probably come up with a new tribute by the time we publish this issue.
2ND // JENNIFER MLOTT 3RD // PRAVADA
BEST LOCAL PUNK / HARDCORE GAY BLACK REPUBLICAN This long-running punk band is a perennial favorite for NUVO readers. After surviving a major transition at lead singer three years in, as well as having more drummers than Spinal Tap over the years, the political surf-punk sound they’ve developed has endured for a decade and a half, making them legendary in the annals of Indianapolis punk rock.
2ND // YAVIN 4 3RD // THE DOCKERS
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // MUSIC+NIGHTLIFE // 41
Music+Nightlife Continued...
BEST LOCAL SOUL/R&B CLINT BREEZE AND THE GROOVE There’s a reason we put Carrington Clinton on the cover earlier this year. His group Clint Breeze and the Groove was born from an important musical symbiosis: Indianapolis jazz is in the midst of a significant renaissance, while the city’s hip-hop scene is currently experiencing an unprecedented period of artistic productivity. With a foot in both these worlds, The Groove is an undeniable powerhouse that features some of Indy’s best players.
2ND // BASHIRI ASAD 3RD // NATIVE SUN
BEST LOCAL JAZZ CHARLIE BALLANTINE Here’s Rita on Charlie’s latest album (which she loved, obviously): “The 11 tracks on Where is My Mind? represent Charlie’s daring leap into recording studio possibilities and mixing it up with unexpected moments, starting with the opening coda— a single guitar zing, silence; zing punctuating zing; a steady percussion beat filters in; guitar gets jaunty; sax jumps in, countering the now meandering
guitar and unperturbed drum beat; tempo increases; sudden fade out. Whoa.”
2ND // TUCKER BROTHERS 3RD // ORTWEIN JAZZTET
BEST LOCAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FOUNTAIN SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL The fest you voted best this year actually just happened. This year’s FSMF was larger in scale than ever before, with a main stage set up smack dab in the middle of Virginia Avenue (rather than in the Fountain Square Theatre building). To fit this expansion, the fest also presented a lineup packed with marquee names, including Phantogram, Dr. Dog, Real Estate, Bishop Briggs and more.
2ND // VIRGINIA AVENUE FOLK FEST 3RD // CHREECE
ly use the sounds of folk music to draw you in. Once you’re there, the band’s songs reveal their appreciation of strong song structure and intricate melodies, building from song to song to create an album that is nothing if not adventurous.
2ND // RLTVTY - VESERIA 3RD // OK, HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED JENNIE DEVOE
BEST NEW LOCAL MUSIC VIDEO “ZENOBIA” - VESERIA It’s kind of difficult to do a music video justice with just words, you know? Just Google this vid and watch it, friends! (And hat tip to Veseria for their recent trip across the pond on tour.)
Sam Ash dude recently took a step back from his position in the band Moxxie, so we’ve got our fingers crossed he’ll just spend more time producing great local albums.
2ND // MIKE CHAMPLIN 3RD // TRILLI
BEST LOCAL RECORDING STUDIO AZMYTH RECORDING For almost 20 years, Northside’s Azmyth Recording Studio has made great music their job. The productive, bustling spot offers not just recording, tracking, mixing and mastering services, but also a School of Music Technology to help aspiring engineers get their start.
2ND // “SUNSHINE” - BROTHER O’ BROTHER 3RD // “ FAMILY MAN” - COLE WOODRUFF
2ND // THE POP MACHINE 3RD // NEON CORNFIELD
THE HILLS - BIGFOOT YANCEY
BEST LOCAL MUSIC PRODUCER RYAN GIBBONS
ARTHUR’S MUSIC STORE
You’d be wrong to call Bigfoot Yancey’s Hills the most straightforward album on our review list this summer, because in the vein of bands like Blitzen Trapper and Brown Bird, they mere-
BEST NEW LOCAL ALBUM
42 // MUSIC+NIGHTLIFE // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
He’s done it again, friends! Ryan Gibbons took home Best Local Music Producer for the second year in a row. The Shine Indy regular and
BEST INSTRUMENT/GEAR SHOP For more than 60 years, the staff at Arthur’s has sold instruments, taught lessons and just generally been some of the best music-related people around. We could go on and on about
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY why Arthur’s is awesome, or we could just share this anecdote from a grateful dad on their website: “I bought a violin from another store for my daughter. When she opened it on Christmas morning the bow was missing. You answered the phone on Christmas Day and let me interrupt your family dinner to purchase a bow. Your kindness saved our Christmas and made a little girl very happy.”
2ND // SAM ASH 3RD // GUITAR CENTER
BEST LOCAL DJ(S) DJ INDIANA JONES For years and years, DJ Indiana Jones has put together some of the best parties in Indianapolis. And he’s nowhere close to slowing down — his reggae bashes keep on going at the Casba; he regularly plays in NYC and Cabo San Lucas; he spins and helps plan all kinds of great holiday events, like 12 DJs of Xmas at the Vogue and Ciroc the New Year; and he takes over the airwaves Monday — Friday on 93.9 The Beat. Damn, Jones!
2ND // DJ ACTION JACKSON 3RD // DJ KYLE LONG
BEST LOCAL RECORD LABEL JOYFUL NOISE RECORDINGS There’s no ifs and or buts about it: Joyful Noise Recordings is not only Indy’s best record label — they’re one of the best record labels in the nation. They continuously come out with exciting new series and special projects, like Mystery Singles, Almost Live and their White Label Series. This year’s artist-in-residence is Deerhoof, which means tons of split records, a new full-length and other “various surprises” for subscribers. We seriously love Joyful Noise Recordings, and you do too.
2ND // SPARK JOY MUSIC 3RD // RAD SUMMER
BEST BIG VENUE FOR LIVE MUSIC RUOFF HOME MORTGAGE MUSIC CENTER Unseating Old National Center this year, Live Nation venue Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center takes home honors for your fave spot to see huge artists play. Ruoff?! What’s Ruoff?! We can hear that, Charles. This venue was known as Klipsch Music Center until mid-September (and Verizon before that, and Deer Creek before that), so chances are you’ve definitely seen a show here. Now please direct us to the tissue box, because we’re still devastated knowing Tom Petty will never come back to play here.
THANK YROS U NUVO READE
#1 Best Local British/ English/ Celtic Restaurant
2ND // FARM BUREAU INSURANCE LAWN AT WHITE RIVER STATE PARK 3RD // EGYPTIAN ROOM AT OLD NATIONAL CENTRE
BEST SMALL VENUE FOR LIVE MUSIC
Local Wings and Best Local Spot for Late Night Munchies Honorees 719 Mass Ave Indianapolis | 8211 E. 116th St. Fishers
THE HI-FI This remodeled, always-busy Virginia Avenue hotspot is ground zero for Fountain Square’s music scene. The peeps behind MOKB and Do317 are behind the Hi-Fi, too, so you know they have 1) a well-curated calendar always available for you online and 2) an eye on what artists are about to pop, especially in the indie rocks, roots and folk department. Take a chance on a name you don’t know, and in a few years you can brag about how you saw suchand-such before they blew up.
2ND // MELODY INN 3RD // RADIO RADIO
3826 N. ILLINOIS ST. INDPLS, IN 46208 317-923-4707
DJ INDIANA JONES //
punkrocknight.com
melodyindy.com &
/melodyinn
LIVE MUSIC SPECIALIZING IN
ORIGINAL
AND HIGH PERFORMANCE SOCIAL LUBRICANTS
Wed 10/18
HYMN FOR HER and BURNING MULES. Doors @ 8, Show @ 9. $6. NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // MUSIC+NIGHTLIFE // 43
Music+Nightlife Continued...
BEST ALL-AGES VENUE FARM BUREAU INSURANCE LAWN AT WHITE RIVER STATE PARK Another Live Nation venue unseats Old National Centre for top honors this year: the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park definitely deserves your love as an all-ages venue. We’ve seen a toddler fist-pump to Hozier at this venue, and the wide open lawn gives plenty of space to run around before the show kicks off. The only bad thing about the Lawn? It’s closed during the winter and early spring. We’ll just be twiddling our thumbs until 2018’s season is announced ….
named it their favorite spot to listen to punk music — although the adventurous bookers get into all kinds of other genres, too. The stage setup is great for getting close to the bands, and the small bar scene is full of music mementos and wacky decorations. Melody Inn’s commitment to the local music scene and self-expression draws a non-conformist crowd that likes to hang here, and recently a few dance nights have been retooled to feature stuff like drum and bass. Take a break in the PBR Lounge or out on their chill back patio.
2ND // EMERSON THEATER 3RD // STATE STREET PUB
2ND // SQUARE CAT VINYL 3RD // OLD NATIONAL CENTRE
BEST KARAOKE BAR
BEST PUNK MUSIC VENUE
The Monkey’s Tale loves to tout that they were featured as NUVO’s number one place to sing in Indianapolis the last time we went around and quantified the karaoke scene. And they’ve done it again! They’re definitely the coziest, tucked away off the main Broad Ripple strip, and they attract a lively crowd of Indy’s best singers. And damn, the singers here don’t come to play. They are serious, friends. If con-
THE MONKEY’S TALE
MELODY INN Hats off to everyone who runs the Melody Inn, a.k.a. NUVO’s Cheers (it’s right across the street from our office, and we couldn’t be happier). And good luck finding a place better suited to local punks than the Melody Inn. Every Saturday, they host Punk Rock night, and for many, many years in a row, NUVO readers
tests like their Monkey Idol aren’t your thing, they have open karaoke several nights a week. Drinks are reasonably priced by Broad Ripple standards, and they have daily drink specials. Most nights start at 10 p.m., and they stay open well into the wee hours. Hungry? Grab some tacos from next door’s La Chinita Poblana to eat on their patio in between songs.
2ND // SAM’S SILVER CIRCLE 3RD // METRO
BEST OPEN-MIC NIGHT CHRIS WOLF AT SQUARE CAT BOOM! Chris Wolf, you’re the best. You’re tops, and so is newbie on the block Square Cat Vinyl. Scared to play out for the first time? This type of songwriters open mic — and the extremely nice dudes and dudettes who are regulars there — is the type for you. Good luck, friends!
2ND // UNION 50 3RD // THE MONKEY’S TALE
BEST TEQUILA BAR LA REVOLUCION La Rev’s tequila is definitely a selling point for
this Fountain Square taco hotspot. And it’s even better if you drink it at a tiki bar. Go early on a Friday to grab one of big tables before First Friday shenanigans kick off in earnest.
2ND // LA MARGARITA 3RD // BAKERSFIELD
BEST MARTINI BAR NICKY BLAINE’S How do you like yours? Shaken? Stirred? With a cigar in your mouth? However you like your martini, you like it best at Nicky Blaine’s, the underground — literally — bar that’s a favorite of Indy’s media moguls.
2ND // TINI 3RD // 45 DEGREES
BEST CRAFT COCKTAIL SPOT HOTEL TANGO This isn’t Hotel Tango’s first win this year — they nabbed Best Distillery and Best Bartender AND their cat is your favorite Instagram star. That all adds up to a great place to grab a cocktail, and we’ve slung back many a Gin Bravo at the cozy spot this summer, and we
BUSINESS SERVICES, ENTITY CREATION, & SUPPORT; FAMILY LAW INCLUDING DIVORCE, CUSTODY, CHILD SUPPORT, RELOCATION, ADOPTION, & GUARDIANSHIP; NAME & GENDER MARKER CHANGE; & LGBTQ ADVOCACY
MEMBER OF INDY RAINBOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
3750 KENTUCKY AVE, INDIANAPOLIS | /RAMATTORNEYS 44 // MUSIC+NIGHTLIFE // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
@RAMATTORNEYS
PHONE :
317.388.5600
WWW.RMANNLAWOFFICE.COM
NUVO.NET/BESTOFINDY can’t wait to sample their seasonal winter drinks near the fire this November.
2ND // THUNDERBIRD 3RD // THE LIBERTINE
BEST CIGAR/HOOKAH BAR NICKY BLAINE’S This spot has the best selection of cigars, whether you want something heavy and robust all the way down to light and sweetie. Swishers Sweet they are not, these cigar offerings. You can definitely mix and mingle in the bar’s open space, but there’s plenty of nooks to hole up in. Bonus: One of the only places in Marion County where you can smoke inside, these days.
2ND // LAVA 3RD // HOOKAH HOUSE
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT TAPPER’S We won’t mince any words: Tapper’s is the shit we dreamed adulthood would be like when we were wee lads and lasses. Arcade games galore? Check. Pinball? Check.
2ND // SQUARE CAT VINYL 3RD // BLACK ACRE
BEST LGBTQ BAR/CLUB METRO In the absence of Talbott St., which closed last year, we’re so glad Indy has other stellar gay clubs to fill the void. Metro is one of those clubs, with tons of karaoke, multiple floors to
party on, and g-r-e-a-t DJs. There’s yummy pub food, strong drinks, and a group of bartenders that’s really more like family. Not into karaoke? 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.
2ND // DOWNTOWN OLLY’S 3RD // TINI
BEST PLACE TO GO DANCING METRO Like we said above, the drinks are strong; the building is multi-leveled, and there’s always karaoke if your feet get tired. It’s no secret that the best spots to dance are usually of the LGBTQ variety. If you’re a straight-IDing person venturing into these spaces, be sure to mind your P’s and Q’s — there is a reason LGBTQ clubs exist, and it’s not for your bachelorette party.
2ND // WHITE RABBIT 3RD // THE MOUSETRAP
BEST STRIP CLUB BRAD’S BRASS FLAMINGO No flamingos here, just boobs. Brad’s is NUVO readers’ favorite boob spot. And they’ve got breakfast, too! We love you, Brad. We love you, bacon.
2ND // PT’S SHOW CLUB 3RD // RED GARTER
NICKY BLAINE’S //
HALLOWEEN PARTY
10/28 SEE THE PONY GIRLS COMPETE FOR $500 IN CASH PRIZES $3 SHOT SPECIAL INDY’S PREMIER AFTER HOURS SPOT 3551 Lafayette Road Sun 4pm-3am | Mon-Thurs 11am-3am | Fri 11am-5am | Sat 4pm-5am
Facebook.com/americasstripjoint |
@theponyindy
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // MUSIC+NIGHTLIFE // 45
THANK YOU TO OUR CUSTOMERS WHO VOTED US THE BEST STRIP CLUB IN INDY. ABSOLUT EVERYDAY FOR $5.25 ABSOLUT FRIDAYS FOR $4.75
K
HALLOWEEN PARTY & COSTUME CONTEST FOR CASH PRIZES
SUNDAY, OCT. 29 @ 10 PM Fr ee w
Ad
ith
th
m
is
iss
Ad
JELLO SHOTS $2.50 PATRON $7 PATRON PLATINUM $12 io
n
NOON TO 2PM $1 TABLE DANCES 2
6 MONTH MEMBERSHIP: $35 | 1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP: $50 6 MONTH PLATINUM CARD GIVEAWAY WEDNESDAYS AT 5:30PM
317-356-9668 4011 SOUTHEASTERN AVE.
10 mins southeast of downtown
HOURS Mon-Sat: 11 am-3 a.m. Sun: Noon-3 a.m.
FULL SERVICE KITCHEN Mon-Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: Noon-11 p.m.
BRADSBRASSFLAMINGO.COM
Need to place an ad? Email us at advertising@nuvo.net
46 // CLASSIFIEDS // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // 100% SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO.NET
© 2017 BY ROB BREZSNY ORDER A CLASSIFIED: Go to www.nuvo.net/site/print_classified or e-mail: cbartnik@nuvo.net. Ad payment deadline is Monday at 5 pm. Policies: Advertiser warrants that all goods or services advertised in NUVO are permissible under applicable local, state and federal laws. Advertisers and hired advertising agencies are liable for all content (including text, representation and illustration) of advertisements and are responsible, without limitation, for any and all claims made thereof against NUVO, its officers or employees. Classified ad space is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis. To qualify for an adjustment, any error must be reported within 15 days of publication date. Credit for errors is limited to first insertion.
OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. Bartender/Waitress ATTENTION VIAGRA USERS: The All-New Inogen One G4 Experienced, Apply in person, Generic 100 mg blue pills or is only 2.8 pounds! Silver Bullet Bar and Grill, 410 Generic 20 mg yellow pills. FAA approved! FREE info kit: Main Street, Beech Grove, In. 877-673-2864 (AAN CAN) Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H. Companion Home Caregiver Guaranteed, no prescription PREGNANT? CONSIDERING necessary. Call 877-290-9875. I am looking for a caring, ADOPTION? (AAN CAN) compassionate person with Call us first. Living expenses, a great sense of responsibilKLEANZANAL IS A MEDIhousing, medical, and conity and a commitment to tinued support afterwards. CATED SOAP FOR CLEANSproviding the highest in quality Choose adoptive family of ING THE PERIANAL AREA. personal home care for my your choice. Call 24/7. You have shampoo for your Father in accordance with an 877-362-2401 (AAN CAN established care plan. Working hair and special soap for your face, etc. This is a medicated APPROVED hour MON-FRI 9am-5pm wage Credit Scores 400-700 rate of $20/hr send application soap specifically made for Terry Lee Hyundai to:kennthbusiness@gmail.com those ‘private areas’ of your body. ‘thebuttsoap.com’ For NUVO Discount AIRLINE CAREERS Request: JUAN Over $10K in Debt? begin here – Get started 317-674-7400 Be debt free in 24 to 48 by training as FAA certified months. No upfront fees to Aviation Technician. Financial LICENSE SUSPENDED? enroll. A+ BBB rated. Call aid for qualified students. Job Call me, an experienced National Debt Relief 844-831placement assistance. Call Traffic Law Attorney,I can 5363. (AAN CAN) Aviation Institute help you with: of Maintenance 800-725-1563 NEW AUTHORS WANTED Hardship Licenses-No (AAN CAN) Insurance SuspensionsPage Publishing will help you Habitual Traffic Violatorsself-publish your own book. MAKE MONEY BY Relief from Lifetime FREE author submission kit! MAKING A DIFFERENCE Suspensions-DUI-Driving Limited offer! Why wait? Call Donate at Octapharma While Suspended & All now: 888-231-5904 (AAN CAN) Plasma Today Moving Traffic Violations! 8807 E. Washington Street KLEANZANAL IS A Christopher W. Grider, Indianapolis, IN 46219 MEDICATED SOAP Attorney at Law Must be 18-64 yrs. old FOR CLEANSING FREE CONSULTATIONS with valid ID, proof of social www.indytrafficattorney.com THE PERIANAL AREA. security number and current 317-637-9000 You have shampoo for your residence postmarked hair and special soap for your within 30 days. face, etc. This is a medicated octapharmaplasma.com REAL ESTATE soap specifically made for NEW DONORS those ‘private areas’ of your MAKE UP TO $250 body. ‘thebuttsoap.com’ BROAD RIPPLE AREA! For The First 5 Donations. Newly decorated apartments (fees may vary by location) WE PAY CASH FOR near Monon Trail. Spacious, PAID IN ADVANCE! DIABETIC TEST STRIPS quiet, secluded. Starting Local Pickup Available Make $1000 a Week $600. 5300 Carrollton Ave. Mailing Brochures From Home! Call or Text Aaron 317-257-7884. EHO (317) 220-3122 No Experience Required. Helping home PIKE TOWNSHIP workers since 2001! Genuine 4007 Westover 3BR dbl., Opportunity. Start Immediately! 1.5 BA. A/C. W/D hookups. www.AdvancedMailing.net GAR. $995 + deposit. (AAN CAN) 317-414-1435 or 803-7367188
EMPLOYMENT
MARKETPLACE
LEGAL
Serious S i injury. i j Se habla Español.
317-638-4343.
SMALL BUSINESS COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE Retail, office and warehouse building for sale. C-3 Zoning, 2368 Sq/ft. Off street parking. Close to downtown, I65 and I70. Renovated in 2006. 1725 S. East St. Mike Searight Talk to Tucker MLS#:21515061 317-294-6612 HISTORIC IRVINGTON Large one bedroom apartment. Quiet and safe neighborhood. Non-smoking. No pets. $700/ mo + deposit. Utilities included. Great Location! 317-828-0114
BODY/MIND/SPIRIT MAKE THE CALL TO START GETTING CLEAN TODAY. Free 24/7 Helpline for alcohol & drug addiction treatment. Get help! It is time to take your life back! Call Now: 855-732-4139 (AAN CAN) EMPEROR MASSAGE This week specials $40/60min $60/90 min (applies to first visit only) Regular rates in-call $60/60min, $90/90min. Call for details to discover and experience this incredible Japanese techniques 317431-5105 northside location, 8am to 12am everyday. THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Please call Melanie 317225-1807 Deep Tissue & Swedish 11am-8pm Southside Fall Massage Special!!! Sports, Swedish, Deep-Tissue Massage and Manscaping for MEN. Ric, CMT IN/OUT 317-833-4024. Struggling with DRUGS or ALCOHOL? Addicted to PILLS? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 800-978-6674. (AAN CAN)
ADULT The Adult section is only for readers over the age of 18. Please be extremely careful to call the correct number including the area code when dialing numbers listed in the Adult section. Nuvo claims no responsibility for incorrectly dialed numbers. #1 SEXIER Pickup line FREE to try 18+ Call Now! 317-791-5700, 812-961-1515 www.nightlinechat.com
CALL NOW, MEET TONIGHT! Connect with local men and women in your area. Call for your absolutely FREE trial! 18+, 317-612-4444, 812-961-1111 www.questchat.com MEET SOMEONE TONIGHT! Instant live phone connections with local men and women. Call now for a FREE trial! 18+ 317-612-4444, 812-961-1111 www.questchat.com #1 Sexiest Urban Chat! Hot Singles are ready to hookup NOW! 18+ FREE to try! 317-536-0909 812-961-0505 www.metrovibechatline.com
Livelinks - Chat Lines. Flirt, chat and date! Talk to sexy real singles in your area. Call now! 1-844-359-5773 (AAN CAN)
ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I am my own muse,” wrote painter Frida Kahlo. “I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to know better.” Would you consider trying out this perspective for a while, Aries? If so, you might generate a few ticklish surprises. You may be led into mysterious areas of your psyche that had previously been off-limits. You could discover secrets you’ve been hiding from yourself. So what would it mean to be your own muse? What exactly would you do? Here are some examples. Flirt with yourself in the mirror. Ask yourself impertinent, insouciant questions. Have imaginary conversations with the person you were three years ago and the person you’ll be in three years. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Happiness comes from getting what you want,” said poet Stephen Levine, whereas joy comes “from being who you really are.” According to my analysis, the coming weeks will bear a higher potential for joy than for happiness. I’m not saying you won’t get anything you want. But I do suspect that focusing on getting what you want might sap energy from the venture that’s more likely to thrive: an unprecedented awakening to the truth of who you really are. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Sigmund Freud was a medical doctor who laid the groundwork for psychoanalysis. Throughout the twentieth century, his radical, often outrageous ideas were a major influence on Western culture. When Freud was 50, he discovered a brilliant psychiatrist who would become his prize pupil: Carl Jung. When the two men first met in Vienna in 1907, they conversed without a break for 13 consecutive hours. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you could experience a comparable immersion sometime soon: a captivating involvement with a new influence, a provocative exchange that enchants you, or a fascinating encounter that shifts your course. CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the next twelve months, I hope to help you track down new pleasures and amusements that teach you more about what you want out of life. I will also be subtly reminding you that all the world’s a stage, and will advise you on how to raise your self-expression to Oscar-worthy levels. As for romance, here’s my prescription between now and October 2018: The more compassion you cultivate, the more personal love you will enjoy. If you lift your generosity to a higher octave, there’ll be another perk, too: You will be host to an enhanced flow of creative ideas. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Are you interested in diving down to explore the mysterious and evocative depths? Would you be open to spending more time than usual cultivating peace and stillness in a sanctuary? Can you sense the rewards that will become available if you pay reverence to influences that nurture your wild soul? I hope you’ll be working on projects like these in the coming weeks, Leo. You’ll be in a phase when the single most important gift you can give yourself is to remember what you’re made of and how you got made. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Louisa May Alcott wrote a novel entitled A Long Fatal Love Chase, which was regarded as too racy to be published until a century after her death. “In the books I read, the sinners are more interesting than the saints,” says Alcott’s heroine, Rosamund, “and in real life people are dismally dull.” I boldly predict that in the coming months, Virgo, you won’t provide evidence to support Rosamund’s views. You’ll be even more interesting than you usually are, and will also gather more than your usual quota of joy and selfworth -- but without having to wake up even once with your clothes torn and your head lying in a gutter after a night of forlorn debauchery. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A woman I know, Caeli La, was thinking about relocating from Denver to Brooklyn. She journeyed across country and visited a prime neighborhood in her potential
new headquarters. Here’s what she reported on her Facebook page: “In the last three days, I’ve seen three different men on separate occasions wearing sundresses. So this is definitely the right place for me.” What sort of signs and omens would tell you what you need to do to be in the right place at the right time, Libra? I urge you to be on the lookout for them in the coming weeks. Life will be conspiring to provide you with clues about where you can feel at peace, at home, and in the groove. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Simon & Garfunkel released their first album in October 1964. It received only a modest amount of airplay. The two musicians were so discouraged that they stopped working together. Then Bob Dylan’s producer Tom Wilson got permission to remix “The Sounds of Silence,” a song on the album. He added rock instruments and heavy echo to Simon & Garfunkel’s folk arrangement. When the tune was re-released in September 1965, it became a huge hit. I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because I suspect you’re now at a point comparable to the time just before Tom Wilson discovered the potential of “The Sounds of Silence.” SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Consider how hard it is to change yourself,” wrote author Jacob M. Braude, “and you’ll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others.” Ninetynine percent of the time, I’d advise you and everybody else to surrender to that counsel as if it were an absolute truth. But I think you Sagittarians will be the exception to the rule in the coming weeks. More than usual, you’ll have the power to change yourself. And if you succeed, your selftransformations will be likely to trigger interesting changes in people around you. Here’s another useful tip, also courtesy of Jacob M. Braude: “Behave like a duck. Keep calm and unruffled on the surface, but paddle like the devil underneath.” CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 1969, two earthlings walked on the moon for the first time. To ensure that astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed there and returned safely, about 400,000 people labored and cooperated for many years. I suspect that in the coming months, you may be drawn to a collaborative project that’s not as ambitious as NASA’s, but nevertheless fueled by a grand plan and a big scope. And according to my astrological calculations, you will have even more ability than usual to be a driving force in such a project. Your power to inspire and organize group efforts will be at a peak. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I predict your ambitions will burn more steadily in the coming months, and will produce more heat and light than ever before. You’ll have a clearer conception of exactly what it is you want to accomplish, as well as a growing certainty of the resources and help you’ll need to accomplish it. Hooray and hallelujah! But keep this in mind, Aquarius: As you acquire greater access to meaningful success -- not just the kind of success that merely impresses other people -- you’ll be required to take on more responsibility. Can you handle that? I think you can. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What’s your top conspiracy theory? Does it revolve around the Illuminati, the occult group that is supposedly plotting to abolish all nations and create a world government? Or does it involve the stealthy invasion by extraterrestrials who are allegedly seizing mental control over human political leaders and influencing them to wage endless war and wreck the environment? Or is your pet conspiracy theory more personal? Maybe you secretly believe, for instance, that the difficult events you experienced in the past were so painful and debilitating that they will forever prevent you from fulfilling your fondest dream. Well, Pisces. I’m here to tell you that whatever conspiracy theory you most tightly embrace is ready to be disproven once and for all. Are you willing to be relieved of your delusions?
HOMEWORK: If one of your heroes said to you, “Tell me the most important things you know,”
what would you say? FreeWillAstrology.com.
NUVO.NET // 10.18.17 - 10.25.17 // CLASSIFIEDS // 47
LICENSE SUSPENDED? Call me, Indy’s Traffic Law Attorney, I can help you with: Hardship Licenses
BMV Imposed Suspensions
Specialized Driving Privileges
Operating While Intoxicated Charges and Suspensions
Insurance and Points Suspensions Habitual Traffic Violator Charges and Suspensions Lifetime Suspensions Uninsured Accident Suspensions
VETERANS DAY @ INDY ART CENTER. NOV 4TH.
Tattoos and Stories opens Nov 9th @ IUPUI. Look for the “COOL BUS” launch. A Veteran Mobile Grocery Store. More details @ Veterans Industries and Arts, Jeff Piper 317-946-8365.
APPROVED
Credit Scores 400-700 @ Terry Lee Hyundai. For NUVO Discount Request: JUAN. 317-674-7400.
Must be 18-55 Study takes about 4 hours over 2-3 days Up to $75 for participation.
We are interested in people who are daily cigarette smokers
BMV Hearings and Appeals Court Imposed Suspensions
Call or email us to schedule a phone interview
All Moving Traffic Violations and Suspensions
Christopher Grider, Attorney at Law
CALL 317-278-5684
indytrafficattorney.com • FREE CONSULTATIONS
EMAIL YPETLAB@IUPUI.EDU
(317) 637-9000
IU Center for Neuroimaging • Goodman Hall 355 W. 16 th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Smoke Speciality Shop 5310 North Keystone Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46220 | 317-929-1015 OPEN 10am - 9pm Everyday | 10% off purchase with this ad! Excludes Tobacco and Sale Items Hookahs, Shisha, E-Liquid, Vaporizers, Dab Rigs, Grinders, Scientific Glass, Premium Cigars, Imported Cigarettes, Rolling and Pipe Tobacco
BRAIN IMAGING STUDY
3 NOV. 1
IN
-19, 2017
ON W C A B DY
EEK
SHOW US THE BACON. Seeking fun, creative restaurants to offer a mouth-watering, $5 bacon special(s) for Indy Bacon Week, Nov. 13-19.
Sign up at IndyBaconWeek.com