Dive barhaughville
Workingman's Friend on North Belmont in Haughville, Indianapolis is a 1918 lunch counter dive bar. Macedonian-origin, cash only, the West Side standard.
Signature drink: Beer and a smash burger
Food: Smash double cheeseburgers and fries
German biergartenmass-ave
The Rathskeller's Kellerbar in the Athenaeum, Indianapolis has poured pilsner since 1894. The biergarten opens late spring through fall with weekend music.
Signature drink: Hofbrau on draft and German wines
Food: Schnitzel and pretzel
Tequila and whiskey barmass-ave
Bakersfield Mass Ave is a tequila-and-whiskey bar on Mass Ave, Indianapolis. Over 100 tequilas, an American whiskey list, a late kitchen Friday and Saturday.
Signature drink: Mezcal flights and 100+ tequilas
Food: Street tacos and queso
Cocktail barmass-ave
The Ball & Biscuit on Mass Ave in Indianapolis runs the city's most-decorated craft cocktail program with a deep American whiskey list and back bar.
Signature drink: Pre-Prohibition classics and original cocktails
Food: Snack plates and shareables
Tiki barfountain-square
The Inferno Room on Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square, Indianapolis is the city's home for tiki and exotic cocktails. Six nights a week, 21-plus only.
Signature drink: Tiki cocktails and rum flights
Food: Tiki bar snacks
Tavernbroad-ripple
The Red Key Tavern on North College in SoBro, Indianapolis is a 1933 tavern. Vonnegut's hangout, no cell phones rule, the city's most respected dive.
Signature drink: Cold beer and a cheeseburger
Food: Cheeseburgers and tavern plates