10 Speakeasy-style bars in Indianapolis

We’ll let you in on a secret… or eight. We’re a solid 100 years out from the time speakeasies flourished in the Prohibition era — but the more things change, the more they stay the same. Today, speakeasy-style bars act as a nod to the past. Except this time, it’s totally legal.

🍸 For speakeasy vibes

At these spots, you’ll get the feel of a speakeasy without having to worry about keeping it a secret. Tell all your friends.

• The Exchange | 301 Mass Ave.

Right at the gateway to Mass Ave, The Exchange — what used to be Hammond Block built in 1874 — is now part of one of the oldest original buildings still standing in the city. “We’re happy to fill these walls with spirits, both literal and figurative, and give it new life.” If you’re a whiskey fan, you’ll enjoy its bar with over 450 of the best whiskeys in the country.

• Sundry & Vice | 850 Mass Ave., Bottleworks

Step behind the lobby of the Bottleworks Hotel + you’ll find an intimate bar with draft cocktails, beer, and wine.

• Verita Cocktail Lounge | 122 E. 22nd St., Fall Creek Place

Bocca serves up Italian cuisine that will draw you in with its trendy, intimate, and classy ambiance, but don’t forget to look for the speakeasy while you’re there .

• Nowhere Special | 608 N. Mass Ave., Ste. B

By the same owners of Bocca and The Commodore, this spot located in the basement gives speakeasy energy with exposed brick, low light, and a shocking amount of seating for an upscale cocktail experience.

• Thieves | 915 Broad Ripple Ave.

Switch up the vibes while you’re bar hopping on Broad Ripple Ave. + visit this craft cocktail bar with a speakeasy-like environment.

🗝️ For the real deal

Prepare to pull up with a password + do a little searching to find these spots.

• Commodore | Fountain Square

This modern speakeasy is a Fountain Square favorite. Listen for some spinning tunes + try looking for it on a Wednesday because the spot is bringing back DJ nights from 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

• The Vault | Bates-Hendricks

The name of this speakeasy bar is a nod to the bank vault door that you’ll enter through — password required. Turns out the building holds a lot of history too. You’ll find old newspaper clippings and proof that infamous bank robber John Dillinger hung out at this spot.

• Bootleggers | Downtown

This speakeasy is on point with underground catacombs — password required. If you’re looking for a snack while you’re there, there’s a restaurant upstairs.

• Wiseguy Lounge | Mass Ave.

We’ll give you a hint on this one — Think of the name “Wiseguy” and the names of the other businesses on Mass Ave. Once you find which business it’s connected to, you won’t need a password to enter this speakeasy, featuring bourbon, craft cocktails + beer.

• The Barrel Bar | Downtown

This underground microspeakeasy features six seats, 12 barrels, and one bartender.
You must make a reservation — you’ll get the address and a secret passcode to get in once you do so.