Indianapolis · Marion County, IN
Nightlife in Indianapolis
Scout analyzed 180 Indianapolis places and surfaced the ones that actually fit nightlife.
Places analyzed
180
Matches
22
Typical spend
$70
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Complete outings
Escape & Dinner Date in Wholesale District
Kick off a lively date night in Indianapolis with a thrilling escape room challenge, working together to solve puzzles. Afterward, unwind with a sophisticated dinner at an upscale steakhouse and conclude the evening with a craft cocktail in a chic lounge.
Sculpture Walk and Live Music Evening in Indianapolis
Start your outing wandering through 100 acres of open-air contemporary installations at Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. Afterward, head to The Jazz Kitchen for Cajun-Creole dishes and nightly performances, before capping off your night with drinks and casual tunes at Tin Roof.
Best neighborhoods for nightlife
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Mile Square
Ball & Biscuit
Arty cocktails & small plates served amid pendant bulbs, a copper bar & a speakeasy vibe.
Wholesale District
Howl at the Moon Indianapolis
High-energy regular live music shows in a popular bar chain featuring novelty bucket drinks.
Broad Ripple
Brick House Dueling Pianos
Millersville
Mousetrap
Jam bands regularly play at this enduring, relaxed watering hole with beef stew, pool tables & TVs.
Fountain Square
HI-FI Indy & HI-FI Annex
Music venue for major gigs housed in the G.C. Murphy Building which was built in 1884.
Fountain Square
The Rooftop Garden
Seasonal rooftop bar providing tap beers, wine, cocktails, & bar snacks amid skyline views.
Meridian-Kessler
The Jazz Kitchen
Live jazz nightly in a cozy music club serving American fare with Cajun-Creole accents.
Butler-Tarkington
Melody Inn
Bar, open since 1935, featuring an eclectic lineup of live music plus pool & classic arcade games.
Garden City
8 Seconds Saloon
Rough-&-ready bar hosts country-western musicians & offers lessons on its giant dance floor.
Wholesale District
Tin Roof
Unpretentious shotgun shack bar & music venue with creative takes on American pub food.
Broad Ripple
The Vogue Theatre
Storied ex-moviehouse now hosts dance parties, concerts & burlesque shows, plus multiple bars.
Chatham-Arch
Livery
Stylish bi-level spot with an all-season rooftop patio for Latin classics & lots of tequila.
North Square Neighborhood
The Inferno Room
Tiki cocktails & creative bar bites on offer in this bamboo clad, island-themed haunt.
Downtown
Pins Mechanical Co.
Mile Square
Plat 99
Chic, artful lounge in The Alexander with artisanal cocktails, small plates & wine.
Mile Square
Chatterbox Jazz Club
Chatterbox Jazz Club is a good spot for an evening date or solo outing to enjoy local live jazz music. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and around $20-60 per person on drinks and a light menu.
Mile Square
Nicky Blaine's Cocktail Lounge
This cocktail lounge is good for an evening out, offering drinks, small plates, and a jazzy atmosphere. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for an hour and a half visit.
Carmel Arts & Design District
Sun King Carmel
Sun King Carmel is a good spot for a casual beer or cocktail and some food, suitable for families or groups. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with costs around $15-35 per person for drinks and a meal.
Mile Square
The Oakmont
Trendy spot with retro-style decor offering elevated versions of comfort classics & weekend brunch.
Mile Square
The Rathskeller
This German restaurant and beer hall is good for a lively evening meal, a casual date night, or a family outing, especially if you enjoy live music and a bustling atmosphere. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $30-70 per person on food and drinks.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 20 of the 180 analyzed Indianapolis places fit nightlife.
- 0% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 25% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Social, Relaxed, Playful, Quirky, Romantic, Upscale.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Indianapolis
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Indianapolis.
See what's bookable in Indianapolis(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in Indianapolis?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Indianapolis — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in Indianapolis(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.