The Best Nightlife in the Newly Vibrant Indianapolis, Indiana

Twenty years ago, nightlife in Indianapolis might have produced a big yawn, but visitors and locals today have plenty of reasons to stay up at night. With the advent of Circle Center Mall, officially opened in September, 1995, along with the revitalization of Massachusetts Avenue, the theater district, Fountain Square and Broad Ripple, there are nightlife choices to fit every taste and every budget.

Circle Center Mall hosts more than great shopping. At its heart is the Artsgarden, with its a glass ferris wheel window and over 12,500 sq. ft. of space. Enjoy music programs ranging from performances by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to Salsa bands. All for free. Circle Center Mall is the gateway to downtown, within walking distance of the Indianapolis Convention Center, the RCA Dome (soon to be replaced by Lucas Oil Stadium) and Consceo Fieldhouse as well as a bunch of hot spots, like the Slippery Noodle and Claddagh Irish Pub.

Always packed, The Slippery Noodle, 372 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, (p. (317) 631-6974), is the home of Indianapolis' live music, with an emphasis on the blues. "The oldest bar in Indiana is also the Best Blues Bar in Indianapolis," (1998 Rolling Stone's Top Blues Venues). Kind of says it all. For an impressive list of celebrity visitors, visit the trivia section at www.slipperynoodle.com.

Claddagh Irish Pub, 234 S Meridian Street has the taste and look of Ireland. A cozy, authentic interior boasts delicious food. Within walking distance of the sports venues, it is one of the best places to hang after a game. Many find it has the best draught Guinness in town. Casual dress, if you're so inclined. Nothing is out of place.

Head a few blocks northeast of Circle Center into the theater district for a show at The Murat Centre. Built in 1910, The Murat Centre draws popular national artists. Originally a Masonic Shrine, the recently restored decor has a Masonic theme with Arabic and Egyptian architecture, including "minarets, copper domes, tiers of corbelled and pyramidal terra-cotta, and patterned brickwork." The Murat Centre houses the Murat Theatre, the Egyptian Room, the Grand Lobby, and the Corinthian Hall and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Murat Centre is located at 502 North New Jersey Street.

Abundant restaurants and nightclubs are sprinkled throughout the theater district, but The Rathskeller always delivers a memorable night out. Located just off Massachusetts Avenue, a short distance from the Murat Theatre, look for the distinctive green awning of The Rathskellar. The German food is great, from "Jäegerschnitzel to Filet Mignon, the menu features authentic German cuisine as well as steak, seafood, chicken, pork and vegetarian entrees." Feel free to come later in the evenings to enjoy the live bands in the Beer Garden. The Rathskellar (401 E. Michigan) is casual and full of young and old patrons alike.

If you're into the Greenwich Village vibe, you'll find a reasonable facsimile in Fountain Square located south east of Circle Center. Fountain Square is decidedly informal in tone and full of young people from the creative scene. Favorite hangout in Fountain Square? Try Radio Radio, located at 117 E. Prospect. Catch up-and-coming indy bands and a few cool old-timers, too. Radio Radio is run by a native of Manchester, England who really knows his music. Guzzle beer? Radio Radio has about every label you've ever heard mentioned.

The quaint Village of Broad Ripple is the favorite hook-up venue for college kids. But if you're 30, 40 or 50 years old, you won't feel out of place. The "granddaddy" of live music spots in Indianapolis is The Vogue, holding court at the corner of College and Broad Ripple Avenue.

According to the Indianapolis Star, "The classic building with its grand marquee was revived and transformed in 1977 when John Ross and Doug Turnbull purchased the theater with the intention of turning it into a rock 'n' roll nightclub. The two invested $500,000 to remodel the theater, putting in tiered seating, oak floors, a balcony, a larger stage and three bars."

For music, dancing and food to remember, the Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Avenue, is the place to go. The music is sometimes live, but often a DJ spins salsa, jazz, and some rock. The crowd is eclectic in age and ethnicity. The Jazz Kitchen comes alive around 11.30 p.m. when dancers fight for a patch of floor to do their thing. A modest cover charge is often waived for ladies.

Now that Indianapolis draws an international set of visitors, especially around Formula One race time, one never knows what fashion of continental nightlife might pop up next. Thankfully, Indianapolis is not a place (just) for rednecks anymore.