Things to Do in Downtown Indianapolis (Walkable & Nearby)

🏛️ Monument Circle & Indiana War Memorial Plaza

📍5-minute walk from most downtown hotels

The heart of Indy! The Soldiers & Sailors Monument offers panoramic city views if you climb to the top.

Walk up to the Indiana War Memorial Plaza, a hidden gem with neoclassical architecture, fountains, and a peaceful park.

🌳 White River State Park & Canal Walk

📍15-minute walk from Monument Circle

The Canal Walk is a scenic 3-mile loop with pedal boats, gondolas, and public art.

Stop by the Eiteljorg Museum (Native American & Western Art) or the Indiana State Museum.

If the weather’s nice, Rent a bike or scooter!

🍺 Bottleworks District (Trendy Food & Drinks Scene AND Our First Date!)

📍15-minute walk OR short drive

Once an old Coca-Cola bottling plant, now a hip district with food, bars, and a boutique hotel.

Check out:

The Garage Food Hall – A mix of local food stalls. Try Clancy’s Hamburgers or Gaucho’s Fire (Brazilian steakhouse).

Hotel Tango Distillery – Cozy cocktail bar with locally distilled spirits.

🍻 Mass Ave (Bars, Shops & Restaurants)

📍15-minute walk from Monument Circle

One of Indy’s best streets for bar-hopping, dining, and local shopping.

Grab drinks at The Ball & Biscuit (craft cocktails) or Rooster’s Kitchen (great whiskey selection).

ComedySportz for an improv comedy show if guests want something fun!

🎭 Fountain Square (Quirky Neighborhood with Live Music & Duckpin Bowling)

📍5-minute Uber from downtown

Radio Radio & Hi-Fi – Small but legendary live music venues.

Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling – A retro bowling alley with a bar.

Thunderbird – One of Indy’s best cocktail bars with a laid-back vibe.

Food & Restaurant Recommendations (All Walkable)

🍽️ Casual & Local Favorites

Bluebeard – Farm-to-table American food with a great wine list.

The Eagle – Crispy fried chicken & craft beer.

Nada – Modern Mexican with killer tacos & margaritas.

Pearl Street Pizzeria & Pub – Cozy, local pizza spot with craft beer.

🍷 Date Night / Upscale Dining

St. Elmo Steak House – A classic! Famous for their shrimp cocktail (they have non-seafood options).

Vida – A top-tier fine dining experience with an excellent wine program.

Livery – Latin-inspired dishes in a trendy setting.

The Capital Grille – Great steakhouse if guests want something classic.

🍹 Evening & Nightlife Spots

The Inferno Room – A tiki bar with elaborate rum-based cocktails.

Ball & Biscuit – Speakeasy-style cocktail lounge.

1933 Lounge (above St. Elmo) – Classy lounge with handcrafted cocktails.

Tappers Arcade Bar – Free-to-play arcade games + craft beer.

Bonus Fun for Groups

Pins Mechanical Co. (Duckpin bowling, pinball, and cocktails – fun for groups!)

Slippery Noodle Inn (Indy’s oldest bar with live blues music).

Punch Bowl Social (Bowling, karaoke, games, and drinks all in one).

🥂 Best Brunch Spots in Downtown Indianapolis

☕ Café Patachou (5-min walk)

✨ Classic & Local Favorite

A must-visit Indy brunch spot, known for its fresh ingredients and cozy vibe.

🍽️ What to Get: The Broken Yolk Sandwich or Cinnamon Toast with a side of crispy bacon.

☕ Coffee Game: Excellent! Try their house-made vanilla latte.

🍳 Milktooth (15-min walk / short drive to Fletcher Place)

✨ Trendy & James Beard Award-Winning

A creative, chef-driven brunch with bold flavors and seasonal ingredients.

🍽️ What to Get: The Dutch Baby Pancake (sweet or savory) and the sour cream biscuits.

🍹 Drinks: Fantastic coffee, but also great brunch cocktails like brûléed grapefruit mimosas.

🥞 First Watch – Downtown Indy (7-min walk)

✨ Classic, No-Fuss Brunch Chain

A solid option for big portions and reliable breakfast staples.

🍽️ What to Get: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or the Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl for something lighter.

☕ Drinks: Fresh-squeezed juices and solid coffee.

🍩 Gallery Pastry Bar (10-min walk)

✨ Chic, European-Style Pastry Brunch

A stylish spot with artistic pastries and French-inspired brunch dishes.

🍽️ What to Get: Croissant Eggs Benedict or crepe-style pancakes.

🍾 Drinks: Mimosas with fresh fruit purées + espresso martinis!

🧇 Yolk – Mile Square (5-min walk)

✨ Chicago-Based Brunch Chain with Big Portions

A great option for classic American breakfast with a creative twist.

🍽️ What to Get: Brunch burger or Red Velvet French Toast.

☕ Drinks: Good coffee, plus boozy brunch cocktails.

🥑 Café Baby (To-Go / Light Brunch) (8-min walk)

✨ For Those Who Want Something Healthy & Quick

A grab-and-go café with avocado toast, smoothies, and great coffee.

🍽️ What to Get: The Caprese Toast or a Berry Almond Smoothie.

🍾 Boozy Brunch & Hangover Cures

🔥 The Eagle (10-min walk)

Southern comfort food with a great brunch menu.

🍽️ What to Get: Fried chicken & waffles with a spicy honey drizzle.

🍹 Drinks: Giant bloody marys and bourbon-based brunch cocktails.

🍕 Good Morning Mama’s Café (Short Uber – Broad Ripple)

A retro diner-style brunch spot with a cozy, welcoming feel.

🍽️ What to Get: Mama’s Big Ol’ Breakfast (great for a hangover).

🍹 Drinks: Mega mimosas & Irish coffee.