Big Blue Nation's Unofficial Indianapolis Visitor's Guide

As Kentucky Sports Radio’s resident Hoosier, I am uniquely qualified to make sure Big Blue Nation has the best time possible in Indianapolis this weekend. This is a home game for me. There are few cities in the country that are as good at hosting events as Indiana’s capital city. Admittedly, Lucas Oil Stadium isn’t the best place to watch basketball, but it is a beautiful venue and Indianapolis always crushes it on weekends like this. There are countless bars, restaurants, and hotels all walking distance from stadium.

So, what are the recommendations for my fellow Kentucky fans visiting Indianapolis this weekend? We will run through all of the options here in a minute. First, you’ll want to make sure you secure tickets to the games. That part is looking like it will cost you some serious coin. Big Blue Nation will obviously travel well. Tennessee will likely have a good contingent as well. However, it is #4-seed Purdue who will travel just 66 miles from Mackey Arena to Lucas Oil Stadium that may well have the biggest crowd. The Midwest Regional is going to be a tough ticket to secure. Right now it is looking like the get-in price for Friday night will be right around $200 while anything in 200-level or closer will run you between $500-$1,000.

With an evening game on Friday, that will leave Saturday as the primary “fun” day in Indianapolis for those making the trip. I’ve taken the liberty of compiling many of my favorite spots from around the city and will share them with you here now. Also, throughout your time in Indianapolis, feel free to reach out to me directly @BRamseyKSR and I’ll try my best to steer you in the right direction. It should be a fun weekend. Let’s enjoy it, Big Blue Nation!

Best Indianapolis Bars to Visit

We will begin with the important stuff. If you want to have a couple drinks and enjoy watching games all day long here are some of the places you’ll want to visit. You really can’t go wrong with the places within walking distance of Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the heart of downtown. You can also take a further walk (if it is nice) or grab a quick Lyft/Uber a mile down the road to the “Mass Ave” area or head 20 minutes north to Broad Ripple which is near Butler University. However, we are going to focus on the places right in the heart of downtown Indy.

Kilroy’s

For those who haven’t visited Indianapolis before you have to get yourself to Kilroy’s. It is just up Georgia Street from the Fieldhouse and will be a place that you can’t get outside of Indiana (with locations in Indianapolis, Broad Ripple, and Bloomington). It is your typical sports bar with great specials such as $2 Bud Light Bottles during Happy Hour from 3:00-6:00 on Friday if you are in town before the game. There will be $10 Mimosa pitchers on Sunday as well. Also, the Long Island’s come in 32oz pitchers and there is, literally, a wall full of flavors if you are so inclined. However, the reason you go to Kilroy’s is for the stuffed breadsticks. Just trust me. Do not come to Indianapolis without getting some Kilroy’s stuffed breadsticks.

Slippery Noodle

If you love old, historic bars you’ll have to at least swing by the Slippery Noodle. This bar is nearly directly across from Lucas Oil. Slippery Noodle is Indiana’s oldest bar having been established in 1850. It is a really cool place and usually features live blues music.

Tom’s Watch Bar

This place is fairly new to downtown but you won’t find a spot with more televisions. They have over 100 screens in their establishment. If you are trying to really log some hours and settle in on Saturday this could be a great move.

Mass Ave

If you do venture towards Mass Ave, you will get into a bit of the “swankier” side of downtown Indianapolis. There are some nicer restaurants (Salt on Mass and Mesh are two favorites) and you’ll notice some more eclectic scenery. However, there are also still some excellent bars in this area. The two I would most recommend are the Rathskeller which is a very unique German place with a great outdoor space if the weather permits and then Ralston’s DraftHouse.

Best Restaurants in the Downtown Area

Alright, you’ve had some drinks and it is time to sit down for a good meal. You can obviously opt for bar food at any of the above establishments, but if you are looking for a change of pace we have you covered. Whether you want an excellent steak with world famous shrimp cocktail, some of the best fried chicken in the city, or a classic Italian restaurant you will find what you are looking for somewhere in downtown Indianapolis.

St. Elmo’s

Even if you have never been to Indianapolis before, you probably have heard of St. Elmo’s. The oldest steakhouse in the city opened in 1902 and has been slinging the best steaks around ever since. However, top flight beef isn’t what has made this restaurant nationally known. The world-famous shrimp cocktail is what has made St. Elmo’s a national name. If you haven’t had it before you will want to go easy on the cocktail sauce for your first bit because it will hit you HARD.

Pro tip: Harry & Izzy’s, which is also downtown, is under the same ownership umbrella as St. Elmo’s so they serve the same famous shrimp cocktails and have excellent steaks as well. If you can’t get a reservation at the original steakhouse, opt for Harry & Izzy’s for the same dining experience. This is also true for 1933 Lounge and HC Tavern (both of which are outside of the city).

Commission Row

This is one of the newest steakhouses in downtown Indianapolis. It is right next to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and a really neat, nice place. There is also a bourbon lounge type of place in the basement giving you another dining option and more space to simply get in the door.

Prime 47

There are so many great steakhouses in Indianapolis, but Prime 47 remains my personal favorite. “The World Tour” offers you three ounces each of American Wagyu, Australian Wagyu, and Japanese Wagyu. One of my favorite meals in the city.

Pier 48

For my Catholic friends, if you are looking for a good Lent-friendly option on Friday prior to the game I would recommend Pier 48 directly across from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and a half mile walk to Lucas Oil Stadium. They have some daily Oyster specials, a great lobster roll, and plenty of other seafood options.

The Eagle

Back to Mass Ave we go, just over a mile from Lucas Oil, to one of the highest rated places to eat in the area. The Eagle features their fried chicken along with outstanding biscuits. Their sides are to die for as well and if I may I would recommend the spoon bread, mac & cheese, and the sweet potato crock. As of posting this article, there were still reservations available throughout the day on Saturday, but you’ll want to move quickly. The Eagle is right at the “beginning” of Mass Ave as well so it is a great place to start and then work your way throughout the area.

Iaria’s

If you want to feel like you are having dinner next to Tony Soprano I would recommend heading to Iaria’s Italian Restaurant. Located just one mile mile east of Lucas Oil you will feel transported into a totally different era when you walk through the doors. Neon signs and old, rustic booths adorn the interior along with the best Italian food in the city. Iaria’s has been in Indianapolis since 1933 and is known for being host to many NCAA Tournament selection committee dinners in the nights leading up to Selection Sunday.

Things to Do

Drinks have been had, food has been eaten, and maybe you are ready for a quick break away from staring at televisions screens while your bracket gets busted. Obviously the main Indianapolis attraction this weekend will be the three NCAA Tournament games taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium. However, if you need a change of pace, the capital city has you covered.

IHSAA State Finals

There will be four state championship games played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday. If you need even more hoops you should grab a ticket, especially to the two evening games, and catch some Indiana High School Basketball.

NCAA Hall of Champions

With Indianapolis being NCAA headquarters the city also features the NCAA Hall of Champions. You can experience all of the history of the NCAA, enjoy some interactive exhibits, and learn the history of the different championship tournaments. This would be a great place to take your kids if you are looking for something to do during the day.

Canal Walk

If you do venture out to the NCAA Hall of Champions, just a mile or so from the Stadium, you will be in a great spot to pick up the Canal Walk. This is a beautiful area to enjoy the outdoors on the water and can even take the walk on up to the White River State Park. For those looking to enjoy some fresh air and get some exercise, this will be for you over the weekend.

Indianapolis Zoo

The Zoo is just shy of two miles outside of the heart of downtown. It is looking like it will be a pretty good weather weekend, so this could be a good option for Saturday specifically.