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Welcome to Indianapolis!
We’ve put together a list of our favorite local spots and must-see attractions to help you make the most of your stay. From fantastic dining experiences to unique shopping finds and exciting activities, this guide highlights some of the best Indy has to offer. Whether you’re here to explore or relax, we hope these recommendations make your trip unforgettable. Enjoy discovering all the hidden gems our city has to offer!
Dining & Drinks
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The Jazz Kitchen
The food and drinks are fantastic and whether you are a jazz lover or not, this is one of the best places nearby for couples and friends to have a great evening of enjoying live music.
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Long's Bakery
Beware that Long’s is cash only, but if you want a classic donut you can’t go wrong. Named one of the best donut shops in the US by Thrillist, Long’s has been serving Indianapolis for over 70 years.
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Blue Sushi & Sake Grill
Our favorite place for sushi, we’ve never had a roll we didn’t love. They also have a great selection of unique and delicious drinks. P.S. Their Mango Crab Rangoon is a must!
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Hoagies & Hops
Walking distance away, Hoagie’s & Hops is known for great Philly cheesesteaks and locally brewed beer in a relaxing atmosphere. If the weather is nice, enjoy their outdoor patio.
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The Garage Food Hall
This beautifully restored building has numerous restaurants located within. If your group can’t decide on one thing, this has something to satisfy everyone.
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Big Woods Speedway
Located just down the street from the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Big Woods is a great restaurant for everyone. We love their pizza and nachos!
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Iozzo's Garden of Italy
A family-owned favorite and recently rated one of the best Italian restaurants in America. You will not be disappointed.
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Mesh
This fantastic restaurant is the perfect mix of relaxed and classy. The food is great, the drinks are great, and most importantly, the service is excellent.
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Graeter's Ice Cream
Located just north of the home, if you are craving ice cream then Graeter’s will not let you down with their hand scooped selections.
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Ale Emporium
If wings is what you’re wanting, Ale Emporium has some of the best around Indy.
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The Eagle
Located on Mass Ave, The Eagle is the spot for delicious southern comfort style food with great drinks. We highly recommend the bourbon punch bowl.
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Rise'N Roll Bakery
Known for untraditional style donuts, Rise’N Roll is one of our favorite spots in Indy. We’ve tried a lot of them and haven’t had one yet that disappointed!
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Caplinger's Fresh Catch
With multiple locations around Indianapolis, Caplinger’s is one of the best fast-food, seafood restaurants around. Most locations also have fresh seafood to purchase and take home to cook as well.
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Lincoln Square Pancake House
With several locations around central Indiana, Lincoln Square seems to be loved by everyone. They’re open for lunch and dinner as well, but their breakfast is the standout here.
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Bluebeard
A James Beard semi-finalist in their first year for Best New Restaurants in America, Bluebeard is a farm-to-table restaurant proudly serving Indianapolis.
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The Capital Grille
Not the cheapest restaurant in the city, but great food, drinks, and even better service. We make it a point to go here at least once a year. If you want a fresh spin on a classic, go for the Porcini-Rubbed Ribeye with 15-Year Aged Balsamic. For starters, try the Cherrywood Smoked Bacon with Korean BBQ.
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Yats
Nothing fancy about this restaurant, but they do serve great cajun and creole cuisine for that Louisiana feel in Indy. Make sure you get extra garlic bread!
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Cafe Patachou
Founded by a six-time James Beard semifinalist, Cafe Patachou is an award-winning breakfast, lunch, and brunch restaurant that never disappoints.
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Good Morning Mama's
Closed on Monday’s and first come, first serve seating so a wait to get in isn’t unusual at this spot, but it’s worth every minute of waiting. One of the best breakfast spots in the immediate area.
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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
From Chicago, Lou Malnati’s is known for their deep dish, but personally we love their thin crust. It’s one of our favorite pizza spots and the best part is they’ll deliver to the house so you don’t even have to leave! P.S. Just make sure you ask for your pie to be cut as that isn’t standard here.
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Kilroy's
Known for their more than 50 flavors of Long Island’s served by the pitcher, Kilroy’s has this location in Broad Ripple and another downtown as well. Don’t miss out on their stuffed breadsticks!
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The Rathskeller
If the weather is nice, then head to The Rathskeller for their outdoor biergarten and live music located on Mass Ave. Mass Ave is one of the best streets in Indy for great food and bars.
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Howl at the Moon
If you’re looking for live music and dancing, Howl at the Moon is a great choice. Indy’s best dueling piano bar located in the heart of downtown.
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Alley Cat Lounge
If a good dive bar is what you’re looking for then Alley Cat it is. Cheap drinks, good food, pool, darts, and a relaxed atmosphere. They’ve recently made some upgrades to the property as well.
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Wiseguy Lounge - Mass Ave
A speakeasy located within Goodfella’s Pizzeria, Wiseguy Lounge has great drinks and a great atmosphere. The perfect place to have drinks with friends.
Shopping, Groceries, and Everyday Necessities
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Meijer
There are several locations near the home and this would be the recommended supermarket for all of your grocery needs. We suggest the location off Keystone Avenue.
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Fresh Thyme Market
If you’re looking for natural or organic foods, Fresh Thyme is the best place nearby to find what you are looking for. Closest location is in nearby Broad Ripple and there is a parking garage connected for easy parking.
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Target
This department store is located about a 10-15 minute drive down 38th Street depending upon traffic.
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Planet Fitness
Daily passes are typically available if you are not a member. There is a location off 38th Street, but the location off 86th Street would be our recommendation as it was recently renovated.
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VASA Fitness
If you are looking for a gym with free weights, a pool, sauna, basketball court, or other things not found at Planet Fitness, then this is the gym we would recommend. Day passes should be available.
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Warfleigh Barber Shop
Walk-in’s only and no weekend hours, but if you are in need of a great haircut and beard trim then this is the best around.
Activities & Experiences
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Pins Mechanical Co
Located in the historic Bottleworks District, Pins has it all. Duckpin bowling, pinball, bocce, foosball, giant Jenga, a full bar, and more!
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16-Bit Bar + Arcade
16-Bit is the place for all the classic arcade games you used to love. Two floors filled with different arcade games, a section for pinball games, several other types of games spread around, a full bar, and even a slide from the second floor to the first. Best part is, the arcade games are free to play!
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Helium Comedy Club
One of the best comedy clubs in Indy and located in the heart of downtown. Helium consistently has an impressive lineup and is sure to entertain.
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Mind Tripping Show
A hard to describe variety show that will have you doubting our recommendation, but we promise you won’t be disappointed. Perfect for a date night and full of audience interaction and laughs.
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Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery
The third largest non-governmental cemetery in the United States and the final resting place of a US President, John Dilinger, and many more. Beautiful grounds with one of the best views of the Indy skyline and located just across the street!
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Indianapolis Zoo
Among the largest, privately-funded zoos in the US, the Indianapolis Zoo is a great place for families to visit.
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NCAA Hall of Champions
A very cool museum with lots of interactive things for kids. You could spend as little or as much time here as you want. A basketball court inside makes it the perfect museum for sports lovers.
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The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
A great place for children and the largest children’s museum in the world, located right here in Indianapolis!
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Holliday Park
Just a short drive away, Holliday Park has beautiful trails, playground for the kids, tons of open space, and a nature center. In the winter, check out the ice skating rink. In the summer, look for their many outdoor events.
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Newfields
Newfields is a great art museum with a massive nature park and beautifully cared for grounds. Great holiday decorations for Halloween and Christmas, and outdoor movies during the summer where you can pack your own picnic and enjoy!
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Eagle Creek Park
One of the largest city parks in the United States. Eagle Creek has miles of trails, beautiful lake views, a beach, and so much more!