Top 3 Bars in Indianapolis

What makes for a great bar? Well, it depends, to some extent, on what you're looking for at any particular moment, but there are some common characteristics that apply no matter what the situation. Chief among them are atmosphere, good food, entertainment, and, of course, drink selection. Whether you're looking for a place to watch the big game or an upscale location for your next business tryst, downtown Indianapolis has an establishment to fit your needs. Here are three of the best bars in the city.

Rock Bottom

If you spend any length of time in Indy's business community, you'll eventually find yourself at Rock Bottom ... having an after-work meeting in one of the city's trendiest establishments. Although Rock Bottom is technically a chain establishment, its downtown location at 10 West Washington Street fits right in with Indy's new-old feel. With a full menu of appetizers, steaks, salads, burgers, and the like, Rock Bottom is a great place to grab a meal, and its drink list gives you myriad choices in fine spirits. Rock Bottom's beer, though, is its hallmark offering, and the brewery has won many awards for its original ales. Throw in an awesome atmosphere, and Rock Bottom is really top notch.

Average Joe's Sports Pub and Grub

True to its name, Average Joe's strives to be a home to the local weekend warrior, and the bar has taken its dedication to a new level at its Broad Ripple location. Local softball jerseys, photos of Monday-night bowling leagues, and Gus Macker sneakers adorn the walls of the self-proclaimed "Sports Nightclub". With 18 monitors, five satellite dishes, and a central big screen, Average Joe's stands out among local establishments as a venue for sports viewing. Joe's extensive beer list is complemented nicely by a solid menu of fun sports food including sandwiches, pizza, nuts, and soups.

The Ugly Monkey

Calling The Ugly Monkey a bar is an understatement on the order of Al Capone's tax return, but this list wouldn't be complete without representation from Indy's club scene. The Ugly Monkey, located at 373 South Illinois Street, is a worthy torchbearer. In addition to a strong line of beverages, The Ugly Monkey offers typical clubbing food and munchies such as pizza, wings, and burgers. But, really, the Ugly Monkey is all about atmosphere, and it delivers big time. With a dance floor, DJs, live music, and special parties, there is always something happening at The Ugly Monkey.

Downtown Indianapolis has certainly shed its "Naptown" persona in the last couple of decades, and bars like these serve as part of both the genesis and the result of that transformation. Check out any of them the next time you're looking for the "spirit" of Indy!