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    Strange Bird

    4.5 (401 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Strange Bird Photos

    Business Info

    STRANGE BIRD ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Strange Bird

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    Nona M.

    Asian fusion oasis in the heart of Irvington! Have been dying to try Strange Bird and when I finally had the opportunity I was not disappointed!! The space is much larger than it gives off and every inch is adorable. The drink menu is the star of the show, my drink was (on) fire, literally... the food was somehow even better tho, from oysters and gyoza to ramen and wings, every thing was delicious and we had plenty of leftovers.

    Oysters
    Ashlee S.

    This place is so cute from the outside and a nice chill classy tiki vibe on the inside. We weren't able 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

    Lindsey C.

    Why do I wait so long between visits to Strange Bird when everything is always amazing?! As soon as you walk in the doors, you are greeted with the cutest tiki themed area. Comfy couches and chairs to wait for your table and intimate lighting throughout. The place is not large, so I do recommend reservations. The food and drinks! The drinks are beautiful and fun - they have have zero proof! I recommend the pina nolada. As for the food, you literally can't go wrong. From the gyoza, wings, katsu curry, or ramen- you will be so happy! I can't wait to go back next time to get some oysters!

    Gyoza
    Abbie M.

    If you are looking for an all around cool experience this is the place. The tiki bar interior is super fun, drinks are creative and tasty, and then you add flavorful ramen... YUM. Made a reservation to sit on the bar side and was glad I did. Fun to see the bartender making the cocktails, felt alittle more lively. Tried a few of their cocktails; Scorpion reef would usually be my go-to because I love mezcal (plus the presentation is awesome- they set the drink on fire!) but the Gold Rush took the cake. Ramen wise, as long as you like a little spice go Tantanmen all the way. By FAR the best flavor. Curry wings were a hit or miss for my group. Personally thought that they were saucy and tasty. Meat fell right off the bone. Server was friendly. Definitely trying to make drink sales but who can blame the guy haha. All in all fun place to take friends if you are looking for something completely unique!

    Tera N.

    Dental phobia friends BEWARE! The blender or I don't know exactly what but I assume the blender sounds exactly like the dentist chair drilling. It is very triggering. Someone needs to warn us Homies that had less than ideal Dental experience growing up. Also, what in the world it was Saturday and Last call at 7:40...what?! we had two different kinds of Ramen, and order of the wings, we also had the rice bowl, oysters, and the gyoza dumplings. The desserts were sold out by the time we arrived for a 6 o'clock reservation, the only option we could have was rum cake. The drinks were delicious as expected, but no dessert and the dental triggering made it difficult to enjoy my evening out with friends.

    Curry wings
    Olivia C.

    We had approximately a 2hr wait before we could get seated, but it was a busy Friday night, so it wasn't surprising! The restaurant has extremely low, moody lighting and a slightly cramped atmosphere; giving it a strange mix of both relaxing and a bit chaotic. Our server was always extremely prompt, friendly, helpful, and quick! We all ordered both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, which were all adorable and tasty. My curry wings were good, but honestly a little too mild in flavor. I wish the curry profile was stronger! My friend let me try one of his wings (toga blood I think?) and they were GREAT! So much flavor and the spice was delicious. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen, and I would say it's definitely a fantastic ramen, I just wish the broth was more porky than poultry. It does list itself as a paitan broth in the description, so it's not deceptive, I just associate tonkotsu with the rich, heavy flavor of pork that is assisted by some chicken gelatin, not carried by it. I also requested kamaboko in my ramen, but laughed to see it was one small single piece! I wouldn't mind if paying extra was needed, I just love fish cake and expected more than a single slice. To the wonderful credit of our server; however, when my friend jokingly complained at the table that ramen only ever comes with one half instead of a whole egg, he overheard and brought us second halves in a flash! No one was actually expecting that, she was just making a joke, yet our server was quick to show they mean business. Everyone at my table thoroughly enjoyed their ramen, I didn't see a single bowl that wasn't empty! Everything from the broth to the noodles to the toppings feel well thought-out and made by people who love their food. It's definitely worth a visit or two.

    Amy M.

    Super cute tiki restaurant with delicious offerings from tiki themed cocktails to Asian comfort foods. We shared oysters, bao buns, gyoza, and crudo. We also had drinks and ramen dishes. Everything was delicious. It was a great experience. We came early hoping to beat a crowd on a Friday night, which worked. It filled up pretty quickly and they had a wait when we left.

    Waikiki Gold Rush
    Sheila D.

    Went here to celebrate my birthday. Unique tiki style interior and love that the menu isn't five pages long. We made a reservation as I heard it can get pretty busy. We were seated immediately. All of the dishes were delicious and the drinks looked like the pictures on the menu. The broth in the ramen was rich and flavorful. You definitely will not leave here hungry. Look forward to coming back.

    Teriyaki Chicken wings
    CINDY V.

    Atmosphere is really cool, looks like a tiki hut inside and has a cool outdoor space. We love Irvington and this restaurant is right in the middle of some beautiful older homes away from the hustle and bustle. The Bao Buns are amazing and we will definitely go back for the teriyaki wings. Service was kind of slow but it was a busy Saturday night so it wasn't a deal breaker for a return visit.

    Sarah F.

    Was here for a great oysters and bubbles class, and had time to kill before it started, so I enjoyed a great holiday drink before the class started! It was festive and a tasty combo of spiced rum and cream, even better it came in a cousin eddy glass from Christmas vacation! Love it!

    Sheena P.

    This was another one of stops after Imbibe Magazine featured in Indy. We took a weekend and stopped at most of their recommendation. This place earns its name from the strange make up of menu items. This was the first time I had raw oyster and craft ramen in the same meal - both were awesome! To top is off they have great cocktail menu!

    strong order
    Jennifer B.

    Came in to try the tiki drinks and saw they had ramen that could be veganized. Sat at the bar. Lots of seating options, but we like to take to the bartender. She was pleasant, but not friendly. Ordered two drinks: Strong Order and Scorpion Reef. Both okay, but not good enough to order more drinks. Strong Order was supposed to have Chartreuse in it, but you couldn't taste a drop. Split a ramen soup. Nothing special on the soup unless you count the cherry tomatoes in it. That was a first. The place was good for a one and done. The bill lowered my review significantly. The kitchen gratuity was a surprise (3%). I'm all for getting something to back of house. Just let your customers know. The worst part of the bill was a $2 uncharge for "spice on the side". We didn't request this and it was pushed by the bartender ("do you want the spice on the side?" Uh, sure I guess). Now I know why they suggest because they make money on it. What a joke. In summary: this bar is tiki adjacent, but not tiki. Drinks are good, but not great. Food prices are high for what you get. The ramen is good, but not great. Vegan options are limited to switching the broth to vegetable. Wouldn't go back.

    Some of the unique bar and design
    Suzanne K.

    We were told if you weren't in line at 5 you may not get in. It was true. On Sunday's they serve 1/2 price oysters. We were greeted right away. Although they had outdoor seating we were concerned about the weather. We requested indoor seating and were seated in the bar area. The whole restaurant is decorated in a tropical decor. It is like stepping into an old movie set. Just so unique! After a few minutes our server came over to explain the tropical drink menu. (It looked like a menu out of an old black and white movie. I loved it) I ordered a gin colada. My husband order mai tai. My drink came right away. My husband's drink did not come until I asked the bartender if they had a drink for our table. They didn't but checked with the wait staff and got it right to us. (The manager comped the drink) We had the oyster special. I don't believe that I have ever had fresher,colder or shucked as well as these oysters.lim We were asked if we wanted extra sauce with our oysters. I wanted Franks but they make their own. It was too hot. My husband ordered seafood sauce. Each extra sauce is $2. They serve the oysters with a mignonette that is frozen. It was delicious They use soy in everything except chicken tenders. I had the chicken due to my soy allergies. They also serve Rama noodles. My husband had some kind of spicy beef. We ended our dinner with key lime pie. It was ok but had some funny sauce in it. It was a unique place to go to. We both said we would go back for oysters and to drink a beer. No plates or napkins were served with the oysters. We had to ask. They had no seafood folks. Ok. These oysters were so well shucked they didn't need a fork Wait staff was not real attentive but did know the menu We will go back for oysters but the menu does not allow me anything I can eat

    4.29.25 #ReviewsByRL

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    3 months ago

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    2 months ago

    This place is a pillar of Irvington. Amazing drinks with amazing presentation. Amazing service. And really good noodles and more.

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    Page 1 of 11

    Ask the Community - Strange Bird

    Does this restaurant take reservations?

    Strange Bird does not take reservations.

    Can this restaurant accommodate a table for 6?

    Yes,they can, but seating is limited, so I would call ahead first to check on availability before you go.

    Do you have to be 21 to eat here?

    The bar is 21+. The dining room & patio are all ages.

    Are they doing indoor seating now?

    Not as of last weekend. They have gas heaters over some of the tables.

    How many people are allowed at a table right nkw?

    I believe 4 or 5

    Is it 21+ only?

    All ages are welcomed!

    Does anyone know the hours of this place?

    Tuesday-Sunday 5pm to late

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    I found out Indy has a Tiki bar and this one seemed to be the popular one in the city so I decided…read moreto go. I went there late at night and by looking at the outside there was nothing that really stood out to me, BUT as soon as I stepped in it was a WHOLE vibe! Their tiki bar experience from top to bottom was decked out in tiki figures and every tropical decor you can imagine, it definitely felt like I was walking into a Hawaiian resort. The drinks were so fancy and they came in a fancy glass, tiki mug, or coconut shaped mug which I loved! I ordered the Tambaran Firedancer and I'm so glad I did, it came with a whole fire show and it tasted great. It had the right combination of alcohol and other juices. I also ordered the coconut cream pie and it was good. EDIT: My experience was so great that I came here again the next day and had an even better experience (didn't think they would too off the first one lol) The staff were so friendly and welcoming to me, they really made the night unforgettable! Second night I ordered the Corsair of Umbar and the basket of fries. The fries were amazing and definitely made my list of top five favorite fries!! The drink was good, but I wasn't a fan of the Fernet. Finding a parking space was easy since they have a parking lot, but the parking lot is pretty small.

    Hmm, bummed to say I'm knocking my rating from a 5 to a 3 star based on the food. As some others…read morehave mentioned, they updated their menu since I came here last year and not for the better. I came with two friends a weekend ago and the waiter said how they had a new chef and new menu and how great it was! So, we tried the pollo boracho, which was... fine. I mean, it's just braised chicken with veggies, which is tasty, but I miss the Polynesian options they had a year ago... drinks were still excellent, and service was good! We wanted to sit in chairs with backs and when they sat us at a table with stools, we asked and they didn't really offer a solution. There were some highbacked chairs in the corner, but the table between them was small and low to the ground... I wish the waiter had just asked us to wait 15 minutes for someone to leave, but that was not an option, apparently. Leaving the old photos from my visit a year ago, including the old lettuce wraps.

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    Side bar area
    Side bar area
    Front entrance
    Front entrance
    Waiting area and stairs

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    Waiting area and stairs
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    Back in January I visited Cholita Taqueria in Broad Ripple for the first time. We went there with…read morefriends for a Sofar Sounds event. It was a Friday night and the bar & restaurant were packed! We sat downstairs below the restaurant where they have a second bar. The chips and salsa were yummy. So were the $5 drink specials. I believe it was a tamarind Margarita that night--tangy with just the right amount of punch. One of our friends familiar with Cholita suggested we come back for Sunday Brunch which is exactly what we did a couple weeks later. The service was excellent and the food even better. I thought it was a great value too. I loved everything we ordered and enjoyed the DJ in a cute setting as well.

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    Booth seating! Love the mood lighting!
    Booth seating! Love the mood lighting!
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    Wall
    Wall
    First there was nats frozen in our ice.
    First there was nats frozen in our ice.
    Place is hoppin... sorry pacers

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    We had delicious Thanksgiving carry - out from here! It was so good!!! Loved the decorations also!
    We had delicious Thanksgiving carry - out from here! It was so good!!! Loved the decorations also!
    Event hall
    Event hall
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    Strange Bird - tikibars - Updated August 2026

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