Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Indiana

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Indiana? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Tavern at the Point

4.8

4.8 (106)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Indy

About the restaurant

Tavern at the Point is a friendly neighborhood tavern with a pub style menu and a full service bar selection of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails.
Patti and Chic Perrin took over Old Point Tavern in 1990 from James Newlin who operated the 401 Mass Ave corner bar since 1954. The bar itself dates back to 1887 when the location’s first liquor license was obtained. Old Point Tavern was the second oldest bar in Indianapolis after Slippery Noodle on Illinois and South.
Nachos and half pints, laughing guests and full bowls of chili brought locals and visitors to the authentic tavern experience. Nostalgia and stories kept the corner space a favorite of Indianapolis’ bar scene alive for many years.
When the Perrins decided it was time to retire, they went to Cunningham Restaurant Group to pass on the baton of the iconic corner of hospitality. “It’s bittersweet, but we’re super excited about the Cunningham Group” Patti Perrin told Indy Star in the announcement in January 2018.

Top review

Nikki

Dined on May 11, 2025

Perfect location, easily accessible, great patio area.

Los Agaves Grill - Westfield

4.8

4.8 (150)

$30 and under

Mexican

Westfield

About the restaurant

Los Agaves Grill- Westfield Coming Soon! We look forward to serving you!

Top review

Rory

Dined on May 10, 2025

I always get the Del Mar Burrito here (seafood). It is consistently good. Food always arrives from the kitchen quickly and hot. After that, the service tends to lack a little. They have the smallest drink glasses I’ve ever seen used in a restaurant, and I often find myself with an empty glass and nobody around to fill it. (There is one particular manager who always steps up and personally fills your drink if he sees this.). It’s always a bit loud, and for some reason, people like to let their kids run around… but the food is consistently good, so I keep going back.

Joseph Decuis

4.7

4.7 (927)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Roanoke

About the restaurant

Located in Roanoke, a charming, historic rural community in northeast Indiana (15 minutes from Ft. Wayne, 1.5 hours north of Indianapolis and 3 hours east of Chicago), Joseph Decuis is the showcase for local farm raised food, and is a gourmet experience to remember. Our menu features seasonal dishes with ingredients raised on our farm (and other like minded farms), creatively and artfully prepared by our Chefs. The heart of the restaurant is housed in an old bank building (the vaults are now wine cellars) where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to a simpler way of life where time around the table meant something. You’ll enjoy a top-quality meal in quiet, comfortable surroundings with outstanding hospitality.

Top review

Tad

Dined on Apr 30, 2025

Beautiful restaurant with very good service. We were however disappointed with the Wagyu steaks. We have had Wagyu at other restaurants a number of times and have always loved it. Unfortunately our steaks were unusually tough and did not have much flavor.

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High Velocity - Indianapolis

4.7

4.7 (478)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Indy

About the restaurant

At High Velocity Indianapolis, we’re proud to be the difference between a good game day and an epic one. With HDTVs, a fully stacked roster of all-American craveable classics, and plenty of beers on draft and handcrafted cocktails to savor, we’re your go-to high energy hub for delicious food and a great time. Sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your team win from the best seat in all of Indianapolis.

Top review

LynnVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent service and good. Nice menu! Great place to eat before a baseball game.

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Experience

Burger of the Month

Taxman Fortville

4.7

4.7 (110)

$30 and under

American

Fortville

About the restaurant

Taxman Fortville is an Indiana brasserie and tap room committed to artfully pairing the highest quality local ingredients with house-made craft beers, wine and cocktails. Our culinary team offers globally inspired localized cuisine that showcases ingredients sourced from artisans and farmers from around the region. The seasonally evolving menus features fresh interpretations on familiar favorites built on a foundation of classic culinary techniques and locally sourced ingredients.

Taxman Fortville offers a 21+ bar seating area, family dining room, three unique private events spaces and an outdoor patio. The event spaces offer private dining for groups ranging from 30 to over 90 guests.

Top review

Laura

Dined on May 10, 2025

We love the steak and frites, however, we were a little disappointed that the entrée doesn’t come with the salad greens anymore. It’s a nice balance so please bring that back. Other than that , the food was delicious as always.

Upland Brewing Co - Carmel

4.7

4.7 (29)

$30 and under

American

Carmel / Westfield

About the restaurant

Enjoy a distinctly Upland atmosphere just north of Indianapolis. We took a pinch of lovable Bloomington quirkiness & a dash of Carmel culture & added a heap of hospitality. A relaxing vibrant place to go for a craft beer adventure with incredible seasonal fare made using locally sourced ingredients. Spring through Fall, take a seat on our patio where both human & dog children are welcome.

The Tap House is less than a half mile from the Monon for a reason—we take great pride in our outdoor spaces. Stop in mid-ride and grab a seat on our patio and refresh with good food and beer. Spring through Fall, take a seat on our patio where both human & dog children are welcome.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 5 days ago

Wonderful experience! The sweet plum burger was delicious and our drinks were delightful

Upland Brewing Co - Fountain Square

4.7

4.7 (53)

$30 and under

American

Fountain Square

About the restaurant

Our location set in the heart of Fountain Square features a small-batch brewery for tinkering & barrel-aging, 22 beers on tap & a locally-focused menu of spirited pub classics & vegetarian cuisine. Sip small batch innovations before they hit it big time out on the patio while perusing our menu. Spring to Fall, our immense patio is the ideal place to enjoy our craft. Well-behaved dogs welcome outside.

With the Cultural Trail just a block away, we’re accessible by car, bike, foot, or Red Line. Drop into our on-site bike shop, run by Gray Goat Bicycle Co. & grab a beer while you wait for a tune-up. We’re a neighborhood spot with a global reputation — and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve got brewing.

Top review

Tyler

Dined on May 11, 2025

Had a Mother’s Day reservation and it took a while to get our food (50ish mins from ordering). We love Upland; they just weren’t on their game for that day. We will be back many, many times!

BRU Burger Bar - Bloomington

4.7

4.7 (58)

$30 and under

American

Bloomington

About the restaurant

BRU IS AN ODE TO OUR LOVE, THE BURGER. It’s a classic, purely American, and an icon. The hamburger is the people’s sandwich, everyman’s food. Paired with a beer, we can't imagine what could be much better. Bru is an ode to our love... the Burger. Our goal is to bring you great burgers made from the best local meats, topped with the freshest ingredients and placed in our freshly baked buns.

Top review

Karen

Dined on May 7, 2025

Food was great. We sat outside and that was really nice. My only complaint is that the music was a little loud and it was hard to talk. Everything else was fantastic

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Experience

Happy Hour

Alley's Reserve - Brownsburg

4.7

4.7 (36)

$30 and under

Speakeasy

Brownsburg

About the restaurant

Alley’s Reserve is an intimate 25-seat speakeasy, tucked away on the second floor of Pinheads in Brownsburg. This hidden gem offers an exclusive, elevated food and beverage experience, featuring expertly crafted cocktails and a refined menu in a stylish, secluded setting. Perfect for those seeking a unique and unforgettable night out, Alley’s Reserve blends sophistication and luxury in a unique setting. Alley's Reserve is a 21 and over bar, minors are not permitted within the speakeasy.

Top review

Alicia

Dined 5 days ago

Great ambiance that allows for an intimate experience with a small group. The bartender was friendly and attentive. My only suggestion would be to create a more expansive food menu.

Nom Nom Tacos & Tequila

4.6

4.6 (109)

$30 and under

Mexican

Lafayette / West Lafayette

About the restaurant

A new culinary and cantina concept to Lafayette
Nom Nom combines traditional Mexican cuisine complemented by a twist of energetic social ambiance.

Top review

normaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Absolutely perfect for our celebration! Service perfect food amazing!!