Hidden Gems: Eight Speakeasies to Visit in Indianapolis
We’re going to let you in on a little secret. Well, eight secrets, anyway. Here are five modern speakeasies that embrace the cocktails, ambiance, and mystery of the ‘20s and ‘30s.
1933 Lounge
Feeling debonair? Check out 1933 Lounge, which offers an upscale dining and cocktail experience. While it has multiple locations in Carmel, Fishers, and at the Indianapolis International Airport, the original speakeasy is tucked above St. Elmo and its legendary shrimp cocktail.
Barrel Bar
This six-seat micro-speakeasy is, quite literally, underground. If you want to know exactly where Barrel Bar is, you’ll have to make a reservation. Once you’re there, though, you and five of your closest friends can enjoy an intimate experience with chef-created small bites and barrel-aged cocktails.
Bootleggers
Bootleggers is on point. (That’s a hint.) This brick-walled bunker is gritty in all the right places, with plenty of classic cocktails to choose from. You’ll need a password to enter the underground speakeasy, but if you need a hint — or a snack — you can find it at the restaurant upstairs. Hint, hint.
Commodore
Snake around the Murphy Building to find Commodore, Fountain Square’s sensual speakeasy. It’s dark and secretive. It’s lush and luxe. There’s live jazz music and specialty cocktails, and while the entrance isn’t easily specified, there’s no password required.
The Vault
In the heart of Bates-Hendricks, you’ll find The Vault Indy, whose name alludes to some of the country’s most notorious bank robbers. The speakeasy specializes in classic cocktails and local food pairings, and there’s live jazz every Thursday. To get in, enter a four-digit password on the vault door. Hint: If we’re going to work together, I want it understood I take no orders.
Verita
Verita is hidden below Bocca, a sexy Italian restaurant in Fall Creek Place. To find it, go down the stairs next to the host stand, or as a footnote on the cocktail menu suggests, “Come in through the back door after 10 p.m. and be discreet.” While there, try an Italian amaro cocktail and order some small plates. (We recommend the meatballs.)
Wiseguy Lounge
There’s no external signage for Wiseguy Lounge, which is hidden in plain sight along Mass Ave. Named one of the Top 50 Speakeasies in the United States and Canada, Wiseguy Lounge embodies the energy and ambiance of the ‘20s. Think rich leather sofas, low lighting, well-dressed bartenders, and elite bourbons — more than 400, in fact. Cheers, friends.
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