Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Mel's

    4.2 (30 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Request pricing & availability

    You can now request a quote from this business directly from Yelp

    Mel's Photos

    MEL'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Mel's

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Kathleen S.

    My husband and I were looking for a place to have a couple drinks and a quick bite before going to a concert nearby. We chose to go to Mel's. The place was cozy and intimate. We ordered the lobster mac & cheese and the steak frites. The food and drinks were good, but the service was very slow. I think we were forgotten about because it took over 30 minutes for our waitress to come. They did end up comping our drink. I'm sure it was an off night, but our first impression wasn't the best.

    Milk punch
    Erika E D.

    Mel's is a real cute speakeasy at the bottom of Commission Row. You have to go into Commission and then take the elevator down to the lower level. You will see a door, just walk through it. Once you get in you will be greeted by the hostess. The ambiance is top tier! Its low key, the sounds from the fountains are soothing and the soundtrack...yeah, I need a copy lol. So this was my first time in Mel's and the staff was great. I got a welcoming shot, which was VERY GOOD!! I had the twice fried wings and BABYYYY, let me tell you they were fire!!! Since I like my wings fried hard, they were perfect. The bbq rub was very flavorful and I knew it was going to be, so I asked for extra!! The drink I chose was some type of milk punch and it was good! Overall, I had a very pleasant experience and I can't wait to go back!!

    Jessica B.

    I think I've found my new spot! We had such a great time and the vibes were vibing haha. There was a live band (music is my love language) that was performing some Top 40 hits both new and old and we really enjoyed them. I loved the dim lighting and cozy seats, it really helped set the mood. After the live band stopped performing, they were playing Hip Hop music & honestly, I wasn't expecting it but loved it. I cannot remember or I don't know if our waiter ever told us his name but he was nice. The drinks were really good. I had wine but he had the Don't Call it Hip Hop & something else. I took a little sip of each & both were really good. We ordered fries (because I love them! lol) & they came with a garlic aioli sauce that was so delicious. They served other appetizers as well, but we were there for the drinks. I seriously cannot wait to return and take my friends as well.

    Evita N.

    I was able to quickly grab a drink here before my comedy show and I wish I had more time to soak in the beauty of this place. Dimly lit, spacious and perfect for a date night. Mel's is a newly opened speakeasy tucked away on Commission Row. Our server understood the assignment and knew we had to be in and out, she delivered drinks, our oysters and the bill and still left us enough time for a photo shoot- Courtesy of the super friendly hostess who knew all the angles. Drinks are pricier than other Indy spots we visited, but still worth it. Also- hands down best oysters I've had in the city. We will absolutely prioritize returning and giving ourselves enough time to experience another round of drinks and try the other appetizers.

    Extra dirty martini with blue cheese olives
    Aaron P.

    They specialize in martinis and do them really well! Even have blue cheese olives which was a plus. Partner got a cocktail that was good, nothing mind blowing. Very friendly staff who took great care of us. Vibe is moody and romantic, good for date night as well as group outings. Would go back!

    Kennedy O.

    I made a reservation here to try out the Devour menu for three people at 6:30. I didn't realize that there was also a Pacers game the same night, but no biggie!! We arrived at 6:25 and the hostess directed us to a lounge table where there were big comfy chairs and an extra large coffee table, basically. She told us we could sit here or we could sit at a table that was a little bit more traditional but the size of the table wouldn't fit more than two plates. We asked if we could get a normal table because we were having a full meal. She said once everyone from the Pacers game cleared out we could grab one. I was a little upset about this because we made a reservation and you know the whole point of a reservation is to have priority over walk ins.... But whatever we got drinks, hung out, and we finally sat at a regular table around 7:15 on our own accord. No one asked if we wanted to move or directed us to a table, so we just got up and moved our stuff. Our salads arrived and we received our main course almost immediately after. Our waitress didn't check up on us until we were done and only then did she ask if we wanted a second round of drinks. We would have gotten some, but maybe 20 minutes prior with our meals not when they were being packaged in to-go containers. She offered to bring over the checks before we even got dessert but we agreed anyway. She said that they were gonna bring out the dessert in just a "few minutes." Fast forward 15 minutes later and we still have not gotten dessert. We grabbed the man filling up our waters and told him that we were still waiting on our macaroons. He grabbed them immediately and they were at our table in two minutes. I don't know if the Pacers game stresses people out (which is totally fair) but once everybody cleared out, there were maybe four or five tables occupied. The food is genuinely delicious so it's a bummer to have a service experience like this. The timing is off and the waitress could have been a little more attentive. I always give a little bit of grace because I know that the service industry can be crazy, but everyone that got seated after us had their meals and paid before we even got our dessert.

    Antonia F.

    I stopped in after dinner upstairs one evening. The ambiance is nice; dark and moody with good music that set the vibe but wasn't too loud. It was pretty early when I went so not much of a crowd. My husband and I sat at the bar. The bartender was friendly and helpful. I didn't love the cocktail menu options and my husband nor I loved the drinks, but I'd go back and try others. My only complaint is that it was SO cold we couldn't get comfortable and left earlier than we wanted bc we were freezing.

    Nashville hot
    Lizz M.

    Had been once before, just for drinks and they were ok. I liked the vibe: chill and modern, so wanted to come back. Got a drink, which tasted like juice or perhaps too sweet for my liking. My sandwich on the other hand. Nashville hot was anything but hot. It was sweet and I asked for hot sauce to add some spice but I think it made it worse. Our server was great, she was attentive and there when we needed her. Cool spot, limited menu so if you want dinner maybe not this place. Next time I'll ask for a drink that's not sweet.

    Yes Indeed
    Kree R.

    The ambiance is very nice. The drinks presentation was great. The food is just alright. Nothing extraordinary. This place is more for drinking than eating. I would come again for drinks

    Entryway
    Shawn B.

    My friend and I stopped inside Mel's prior to the Janet Jackson concert. Mel's is a speakeasy located inside Commission Row. After you go down the steps, you will be greeted with a door. Inside you will find a beautiful dimly lit space. We didn't have reservations and were able to be seated immediately. There are private spaces you can sit in as well as tables and a bar. The bartenders were very friendly and greeted me upon arrival to my seat. I was also excited to hear someone singing live music! I ordered an expresso martini and it was delicious! I also ordered the salt and vinegar pork rinds and waffle chips served with french onion dip. The pork rinds were somewhat disappointing due to it not have the salt and vinegar taste. They simply taste like plain pork rinds. The chips were decent and the dip was a little too sweet for my liking. I will definitely return and try other items on the menu!

    Smash burger
    Elle E.

    Great ambiance! A flagship Cunningham property...amazing interior design. The smash burger was tasty and reasonably priced on the menu (and came with a generous side of fries). The hamachi crudo was flavorful...although quite a small appetizer portion. The beef tartare had a wonderful amount of shaved truffles and was the highlight of the evening...highly recommend this delightful flavor combo!

    Jason S.

    This was a great spot for a date. They had a couple singing live music and the volume was perfect and not too loud. It was a great vibe and the drinks were well done. The "We were promised Hip Hop" rum cocktail was . Well balanced and delicious. We also got the fries with garlic aoli to munch on and it was very good. Only negative was we had a gift card and $10 coupons, and the server didn't use the coupons because "the gift card covered it all". That makes no sense at all and left us confused but we will just use the coupons elsewhere.

    Menu
    Christy K.

    I was not impressed with the menu. We weren't told that we could order from the upstairs menu, too, until we asked a second time. By then, it was too late. The wait staff was very kind, but frazzled because the restaurant was slammed right when we arrived. We had to wait an incredibly long time for our food to arrive, but our smash burgers were delicious. The burger was priced well, but everything else seemed to be priced exorbitantly high. I was dumbfounded at the price of the cauliflower steak, $27!

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    The food and service were great and prompt. It's a chill vibe, like a lounge/speakeasy with great music.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lacy C.
    77
    16
    1

    9 months ago

    Fantastic ambiance and service. Came by for late night bites and drinks. Great gin and bourbon lists. Excellent martini.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tammy J.
    15
    77
    123

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    They do not accommodate! RUDE we had money to spend they would not accept a big group.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Loved this speakeasy. Great vibe and good drinks. The staff were friendly and made it a good experience.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Amazing staff, atmosphere, drinks and food. We went on a Thursday night so it was a little more quiet.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Mel's

    Review Highlights - Mel's

    The appetizer was great but the food from upstairs at commission row was bland.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Strange Bird - Jiro-kei ramen

    Strange Bird

    4.5(394 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    Seriously, this was one of the best meals I've ever had. Strange Bird truly has something for…read moreeveryone - whether you're planning a night out with friends, a date night, or celebrating a special occasion, it's the perfect spot. The staff, drinks, food, music and overall atmosphere are consistently exceptional. The cocktail menu is fantastic. My personal favorite is the painkiller - a delicious blend of coconut, rum, orange, pineapple, and nutmeg. It's served in a skull glass and tastes absolutely perfect. I also appreciate that they make their noodles in house! Have you ever had a meal you can't stop thinking about? That's exactly how I feel about the shoyu ramen. It features their noodles, truffle zest, pork belly, egg, veggies and chicken in a deeply flavorful broth. Order a side of rice and dip it into the broth and thank me later! Patio seating available.

    This place is so cute from the outside and a nice chill classy tiki vibe on the inside. We weren't…read moreable to make a reservation because of the popularity but there were cute large couches and chairs to chill at while you wait with a cocktail or mocktail. Even though they were busy the wait was not very long and the host was so nice and I wish I could remember his name. Our server was so nice and kind and made great recommendations. I had the mocktail Nohito and it was sooo cute and delicious! The others had cocktails and a bottle of coke (yes glass bottle)- cute right?! Now we had the Karange tofu and I need that recipe! The crispiest most flavorful tofu outside and nice and soft inside. Couldn't tell it wasn't chicken! We also had oysters. For dinner I had the Katsu Curry and it was on point! And the leftovers were just as delicious. My sister had the Tantanmen and it was sooo good!! I could drink that broth. They do give you options for rice instead of noodles and broth if you like options. We also shared the Glazed tofu and yall it will change your LIFE!!! Cute monkeys hanging out everywhere with beautiful string lights and a classy understated tiki vibe. Please go here if you haven't yet. You'll thank me later

    Photos
    Strange Bird - The ceilings and lighting are so fun here!

    The ceilings and lighting are so fun here!

    Strange Bird - GF Gomae Salad - The Star of the Show

    GF Gomae Salad - The Star of the Show

    Strange Bird - GF Teriyaki Twice Fried Wings

    See all

    GF Teriyaki Twice Fried Wings

    Astrea Rooftop

    Astrea Rooftop

    4.1(59 reviews)
    0.3 miMile Square
    Luxury
    Rooftop seating

    Such a fun brunch spot! Unfortunately, the rain kept us from enjoying the rooftop, but the inside…read moredefinitely didn't disappoint. The space is super cute and has plenty of great photo opportunities! They were passing out cocktail samples during our visit, which was such a fun surprise and a great way to try something new. Our table ended up sharing a margarita pitcher and a cinnamon roll, both were delicious! Everyone in our group enjoyed their meals as well, so definitely a win all around. Service was good overall, and we never felt rushed while hanging out and enjoying brunch. The only small hiccup was that the extra plates for our cinnamon roll were placed on a nearby table, so we weren't sure if they were actually meant for us. The interaction felt a little awkward when we asked, but it was nothing major and didn't take away from the overall experience. I'd definitely come back, especially on a sunny day so I can finally check out the rooftop!

    We came today for brunch and sat on the patio. It was a beautiful view of the city, but really…read morereally hot. It would have been alright had we had some water to keep us cool. We hardly saw our server despite there being plenty of staff and not many tables filled. We had we had to go to the host to ask for a carafe of water. The DJ was poppin and we really enjoyed the music. And the food was fantastic. The avocado toast was $17 and it was heaping with greens and avocado. I would definitely recommend. The two eggs meal came with four slices of bacon and some diced potatoes. At $18, it was not worth the price, but was still good. We could have made that at home for less than half the price. I got the orange mocktail and it was fantastic. The problem was I ordered another one and it never came. I guess the server forgot to put it in. My partner got the Morning Ritual and it was super tasty. 10/10 on the cocktails. I think we would have had a way better experience had we not been forgotten in the corner and baking in the sun. We were quite sweaty and ready to leave by the end. We asked for the check and waited 15-20 minutes for it. Probably would not come again.

    Photos
    Astrea Rooftop
    Astrea Rooftop
    Astrea Rooftop

    See all

    Wiseguy Lounge - Dirty Smash....its like a minty spin on an Old Fashioned

    Wiseguy Lounge

    4.5(153 reviews)
    0.7 miRenaissance Place, Mile Square
    $$

    One of the best speakeasies in Indianapolis! They recently completed a renovation, and the expanded…read morespace is a huge improvement. The lounge is much larger now, with additional seating and a cozy lounge area in the back featuring comfortable couches. It feels much more open while still keeping the intimate speakeasy atmosphere. This is one of my favorite places for craft cocktails because there's always something new to try. Their menu changes seasonally, so even if you've been before, you'll usually find new creations alongside their signature cocktails. The drinks are true works of art, both in flavor and presentation. On my most recent visit, I tried a cocktail off the Pride menu called the Stonewall, and it was absolutely delicious. It had a beautiful pink color, and I loved the glass it was served in. The presentation is always top notch. Service was good. The drink was also only $10, which is pretty cheap for the quality compared to other places. We didn't stay long this visit, but it's always one of my go to spots to relax, catch up with friends, and enjoy expertly crafted cocktails. An added bonus is that you can order food from Goodfellas Pizza and enjoy it while you're in the lounge, making it an even better experience.

    This is a nod to speakeasies of the past. It's not as difficult to get in, though. No password…read morerequired. Just walk into the Goodfellas Pizza and go to the left. Or walk in through the patio doors on the outside to the left. Once inside you're greeted by dark wood and leather everywhere. And whiskey. Lots of whiskey. They have several whiskey flights available at different price points. Come on Fridays when all the whiskey flights are on sale.

    Photos
    Wiseguy Lounge - Frosted pear (on a older seasonal menu) to the left and sun kissed sweetheart - both are delicious

    Frosted pear (on a older seasonal menu) to the left and sun kissed sweetheart - both are delicious

    Wiseguy Lounge
    Wiseguy Lounge - Mother's love

    See all

    Mother's love

    Mel's - speakeasies - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...