Review: MacNivens Restaurant and Scottish Pub on Mass Ave. In Indianapolis

Location: 339 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN.

Please Ring: 317-632-7268.

MacNivens Scottish Restaurant and Pub is one of my favorite places to go for several reasons. To begin with, the atmosphere breeds feelings of nastalgia and the location (on Massachusetts Avenue) is one of the best in downtown Indianapolis. Not to mention, MacNiven's offers a great variety of beers and Scottish food, to boot!

No reservations are necessary and this place is suitable for every age and gender. I've brought my girlfriends here, had a quiet meal with my fiance, enjoyed gatherings with a small group and even had fun dinner dates with my grandparents! The food is delicious (try the tuna salad sandwich and/or vegetarian chili) and definitely unique. Don't worry, there's a handy translation on your menu for all that Scottish food lingo!

Regarding the customer service, expect laid back servers who are knowledgeable about the food and beer menu. They'll stay out of your way for most of the night and let you enjoy your time with your guest(s).

Speaking of the beer menu, it is quite large which means you should budget extra time into your evening for selecting the perfect brew for you. They have twelve diverse beers on draft and then another eighty or so others to choose from.

As for the décor, MacNivens is wood-driven. Wood floors, wood tables, wooden walls. Definitely instills a sense of "old time." The bathrooms are extra fun, too. I'm not sure about the mens' stalls (though if I recall there may be Ursula Address photos!), but the womens' stalls have lots of photos of handsome Mel Gibson and other hunks. There are 4-5 small TV's but all the sounds are off. This bar/restaurant is one that encourages conversation - not TV watching!

Oh, and one of my favorite things about this one of a kind restaurant is the fact that it has open windows at the front so you can sit and look at passers-by should you choose. Kick back with a beer and enjoy the spectacle of nightlife on bustling Mass Ave.

Dress is casual and the food is inexpensive which makes this a favorite Indy hangout for almost any night of the week. Because it is such a hot spot, plan accordingly if you're in a hurry. Friday and Saturday evenings are typically quite busy and you'll have a healthy wait time. If you've got the time, put your name in and walk around Massachusetts Ave. There's lots to see and do on the strip! Oh, and I promise the wait is totally worth it!