There was a time when you had to go somewhere hip like Portland Oregon to find a hipster arcade bar. Then Indy became awesome. And behold, Tappers was born! Tappers is a great place to spend a couple hours with good friends. The unlimited games, including consoles, arcade, and pinball are a hoot. Want to relive an NES favorite? Have at it. Paper boy arcade? Absolutely. The craft brews are great and they have a very limited wine and soda selection if beer isn't your thing. Seriously, 80s and 90s kids will love this place. And it makes Indy a better place. read more

Tappers Arcade Bar - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Tappers is just a fun place to hang out. They serve beer, cocktails, and Circle City Kombucha and offer up a fantastic line up of video games that you can play FOR FREE. The only games that cost actual currency are the pinball machines. There are a few big screen TVs up overhead on the walls which are usually showing a delightfully cheesy movie like Roadhouse or something. We've been there a couple of times when our friend Josh was set up at the front of the bar with his DJ equipment. It gets pretty crowded easily in the gaming area, but I've heard through the grapevine that they've recently expanded. We haven't been there to verify if it's true or not. Either way, I really like that there are little spots where you can safely set your drink while you play your game. Also, I love that the restrooms are always brightly lit and clean. Huge plus in my book! read more

If you are looking for a dive bar with arcade games, you have found your spot. I would say the people in there were mostly 30 something men...as females, we felt a bit out of place. They did have a good selection of beers on tap, although somewhat limited, they had a good variety. Interesting "fill from the bottom" cups. Just don't forget and hit the bottom with your hand! Haha read more

Super fun way to spend your Saturday! We dropped by after lunch down the street and the place was packed. THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS FOR 21 YEARS OF AGE AND UP (they check your ID at the door). When you walk in there are tables to drinks/relax at and a huge bar in the middle. All of the arcade games are lining the walls around the bar and there's a ramp at the back of the room that leads to more games and the pinball machines. Almost every game is free with the exception of the pinball machines (which is a bummer because those are my favorite). There are tables in between most machines to rest your drink/bag on and everyone seemed to be very respectful of other players wanting to play the games so no one hogged any games. It would easy to spend a couple of hours here between getting drinks and playing games so plan accordingly! read more

Tappers Arcade Bar - Someone got the high score on Gyruss!!! Way to go RC! - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Dear Tappers, thank-you for giving me the opportunity to beat a game. I don't think I would ever have had enough quarters to come back from the dead enough times to beat X-Men in my youth. Also- Ciders, Beers, Root Beer...etc. I like that there are tables\holders located strategically throughout the place to put your drink of choice. Free games, good drinks, this is a great place to meet new\old friends and hang out for a bit before\after dinner. (Or you can even have your pizza\food delivered here, there are a few tables for hanging out.) I'm glad you exist and can provide a place for fun games and drinks. As a last note, I LOVE your murals!! Almost as much as I like the free games. read more

A neat little place. Hadn't ever been before, and my friend suggested it as a meeting spot for our group. Ir was a great idea! It's packed wall-to-wall with classic arcade games and pinball machines. The arcade games are free, which I think is wonderful. Everything from the original Donkey Kong to NBA Live. The pinball machines do cost money -- anywhere from 50 cents to $1 a play -- but money has to be made somewhere, I suppose. There aren't too many places to sit, however, which is one of two things I noticed. Lots of standing room to socialize, but limited seating. Some of the games are in need of either repair or cleaning. The joysticks were difficult to move, as if they'd been abused or needing some elbow grease. Only one of the machines I saw was completely out of commission. They even have systems at the front of the building you can play (SNES, N64, etc). I'm not into paying $4 for a can of beer, quite honestly, but it's comparable to other bars I've been to. You don't have to drink here to have a good time. I say it's well worth a visit. read more

Such a cute and fun place for ALL the classic arcade, video, and pin ball games you can conjure up! Sure, the drinks are a little pricier, but it ensures that the games (minus the pin ball) is free to play! read more

Tappers Arcade Bar - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Such a fun place. I am not a gamer at all, but I do prefer having a bar with some sort of games / activities, and this one definitely does the trick. Especially after the renovations. So much more roomy and so many fun games. All free except for the pinball. Full bar. I have seen people bring in pizza from nearby restaurant too. Fun place to just hang out and begin a night out. read more

I've left mania reviews about themed bars and restaurants - they're my favorite! And Tappers fits right there in my world of favorite themes. I went on a Friday night with a plan of having a large group meet up. Now - we got there early enough and arrive in pairs of small groups so we eventually got all in at the same time. But this could present a struggle in the future. It's a popular new spot and even with the spring Indiana weather was spitting snow there was a like outdoors. But to the bar - it's quaint and does not have a lot of seating options but you're there to play video games so seats don't really seem necessary. The local and craft beer selection is also quite extensive! I discovered my new favorite beer thanks to Tappers (Indiana City Yacht Rock!) so I am forever thankful. They don't serve real food but you are able to have food delivered. We were the apple of everyone's eye when we had a pizza delivered from Clustertruck. Give it a go! read more

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Huh, no quarters or card required? I can play as many times as I want AND drink a cider? HECK YES! My right hand is still hurting a bit from a some seriously intense rounds of Space Invaders, but I had a blast during my first (and definitely not the last) visit to Tappers. My favorite guy and I went on a Sunday evening. It wasn't too crowded, so didn't have to wait too long to play my favorite games. I'm not a beer drinker (don't judge me), so I was happy to see Octorock, the sole cider selection listed. My only recommendation is that they add some more! Space Invaders, Michael Jackson's Moon Walker, Frogger, Donkey Kong, Mario Bros, The House of the Dead, Paperboy, Ms. PacMan... Yessssssss!!!! We seriously had a blast. I felt like a kid again or at least until I got gamer's hand. A little rusty, but I'll be back for more! read more

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After so much anticipation and waiting, they're finally open! I really hope they succeed because it's a great place. We stopped in tonight (a Tuesday), one of their first official nights open and there was a good crowd when we got there at 6 PM. By the time we left at 8:30 PM it was packed. Hopefully they have an expansion plan because I have a feeling they will need to eventually. Adding corn hole, foosball, or ping pong would be a fun addition if the space allowed. Beer is a tad pricey, but they have to make their money somewhere since the games are free (except pinball), so I don't really mind. I will mention to be mindful of your bill if you open a tab. They automatically set the gratuity at 20% on the app they use. You can change it, but it's not initially entirely intuitive. I'll definitely be back! read more

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One of its kind! A great concept. Brings back loads of childhood memories. Mario, House of the Dead, PinBall, Pac Man are just a few to name. They have good beers as well, not a huge variety but great for a few drinks. Great, warm and friendly crowd. Loved playing the games again. read more

Tappers Arcade Bar - Interiors - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Ohhhh man, I love everything about this. The concept, the execution, the drinks, everything about it is great. I'm not from Indianapolis, and I was in town today for an event as well as visiting a couple of my friends. They mentioned this place, and I immediately knew it was something I would be interested in. I am an avid gamer, and I love arcades. This bar has all the classics - Donkey Kong, Mario Bros, Pole Position, Dig Dug, Frogger, etc. It's a rare feeling to walk in somewhere nowadays and get that classic arcade feel. So many arcades today are full of money-eating games solely designed to dispense tickets. This place has none of that. The games are free, and they're all legitimate classic arcade games. Did I mention the drinks were great as well? Because they were. They have specials named after different gaming characters and consoles, which is fantastic. One thing to note is that this IS a bar, so it's 21+ only. So for adults, this is an awesome venue to go hang out and enjoy some games together. Overall, I'm so glad I came here. I will definitely stop by again next time I'm in the area. read more

Tappers Arcade Bar - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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We really do love his place. A break from the mundane to pay old school arcade games and be young again! They have rotating beers on tap and usually have a pretty good variety. They also have wine. They just started having a few snack options but you can order in from a delivery spot if you're really hungry. Games are fun! Drinks are yummy! Come and have a good time here! read more

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I'm surprised there aren't more 'beercades' in a town the size of Indianapolis, and that means that Tappers can get pretty busy on weekends. Free games? Count me in! An extensive selection of local and non-local craft beers that rotates daily. Definitely count me in. read more

I absolutely love going to Tappers due to the fact it brings out the kid in each one of us. I haven't been to Tappers since 2017, or 2016 so Sunday March 10th I decided to go there after my lunch. I'm so glad I did go there around 2ish, and left at 8pm. I love the vibe there, the drinks, talking to people, and just having fun. So, Tappers recently upgraded their space to be even more bigger, more pinball machines, rearranged some games, each area we can put our drinks next to us while we play the games, and there are more seating. I did notice some new games like the Nintendo switch, new updated pinball games, & Track N Field just to name a few. I highly recommend you to go if you haven't gone before, and love the old school games. Also, when I was there they had a pinball tournament which anyone could join, and there was also a Mario live tournament. Great vibes, fabulous atmosphere, good drinks, and most importantly it'll bring out the kid in you. I forgot to mention the pinball machines you do have to pay which ranges from .50 cents to 1.00 dollar. The other old school arcade games are free including the Nintendo Switch. read more

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This place is hoppin' especially on a Friday or Saturday evening! While I'm not currently much of a gamer anymore I can appreciate the nostalgia of playing the games I did when I was a kid. Give me a beer and I can play Paper Boy, Pac-Man and Captain Commando for hours. Better yet, on our last visit I was grateful all the games were on free play so I could try out games that I had never played before like Michael Jackson's Moonwalker. They have a nice rotating beer/cider list of local selections (Central State, Scarlet Lane, Fountain Square, Three Floyds) to beers from Ballast Point, Founders & Dogfish Head. With 12 taps there was a good selection of choices and styles for everyone. Pours are pricey however games are free so I feel that's a fair trade off. On weekends they stay open until 1am which is great if you're looking for a late night activity. Be prepared to wait on games in which you're seeking to play or politely share your best sad face while tapping on your watch, that tends to help speed up the process :). read more

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How can Tappers not get a 5 stars? There's not much they can screw up. They serve beer and allow you to play arcade games for free. And they have an Elvira pinball machine. Get on that! read more

Jesus, man... this place is the dream. I've always loved barcades, but Tappers does it almost flawlessly. It has one bigger flaw, and one that I can't really fault them for -- first, there's no food here. Just booze. I mean, there's no kitchen, but a few tasty ass appetizers would be incredible. The bigger issue though? It gets *jammed* in here. The space is really too small to play games very well, unfortunately. But that issue is offset by the fact that the arcade games are FREE. The pinball isn't, but pinball upkeep isn't cheap, and the wear-and-tear is no joke, so that is what it is. And to add to that, the machines I played were in above average condition. Also when I was here, Halo on Xbox was set up on 8 TVs and there was a LAN battle going on. How cool is that? Tappers isn't without its flaws, but I wouldn't expect to come here for food, and its tight space is avoided by coming at an off-hour. read more

I've only been to this place once but I am determined to go again! Free retro arcade games? Hi class bar? It's a perfect place for us who grew in the 80s and 90s! The only downside is is that they don't make any food there. You actually have to order the food and they have to order it from a nearby takeout place, and to be honest their food selection isn't my forte. But, I am eager to go back there again. read more

This place is so cool. Nice selection of old-school arcade games. They've got a bar with a few beers on draft. The beer is kind of expensive, but the arcade games are free so I can't complain. They don't serve food, but you can bring food in. This summer, La Margarita had a food truck outside Tappers and the food was SO GOOD. Being able to play NBA Jam and Burgertime for free is worth the trip alone. read more

Amazing atmosphere. Games are free when you buy a drink. I absolutely adore the expansion and changes to the space that they have made since last summer. Great for group outings, dates, or just hanging out. If you don't drink, they have kombucha and delicious soda options! Definitely stop by here for a super fun time. I only wish they had more food options, but I understand that that isn't possible at this time. Maybe retro 90s snacks to fit the retro arcade games? Not sure, just throwing out a fun idea. read more

I just love this place! Wasn't sure what to expect with covid but it is soooo clean! They have every other machine off, which kinda stinks but there are still plenty of games. I just love the nostalgia of the place. This place is a huge gem for the city. A must go if you haven't been and for sure take people who are visiting. So fun!! read more

Love the arcade games- especially the Michael Jackson one! Beer options are good and the space is great for games and just hanging out.

I like going to Tappers when I feel anti-social - ya dig? Like you have that one friend that always wants to hangout but is kind of socially awkward and doesn't pick up on social queues very well, so they end up saying some semi-inappropriate and embarrassing things? That one. Take that friend here. Just buy a beer at the bar (decent selection, fair prices - also they have Hamm's) and then sit down and play a game together, pretend to get really immersed in the game, and then BOOM, you've spent time together and don't have to see them for 3 months. Maybe next time you go to a movie? I realize I'm a terrible person and I'm okay with that. But you're a terrible person too and should make peace with that. If you're looking to take someone out on a date, I do not recommend this place. Unless one of you is socially awkward then frick yeah dude this is the spot. read more

Need a lift from your seasonal affective disorder? Pop into Tapper's head back to some checkerboard 80s fun; big hair, Max Hedroom, Rubix cubes, pre Smart phone generation and enjoy acting like a kid again. I was hysterically fighting as Marge in the Simpsons game. No kiddies underfoot or to compete with for games. This is strictly 21+ fun, offering a list of local brews craft brews and retro games. While I wonder how they afford the overhead with free games and cheap pinball, mums the word, because I thoroughly enjoyed the whole concept. The murals were a flashback in time taking me back to my youth. Great staff and space for a date night, birthday party or company event. They also have totally tubular trivia nights and Gnarly DJs hosted dance parties like the Valentine's Day 'Cupid is Stupid' party. I'm stoked to say that this is for sure one of the most radical new spots in Indy! read more

I visited Tappers Arcade Bar recently and had a blast! This is a great place to grab a beer and play a variety of arcade games. They recently expanded and added a lot of pinball machines. I went on a Friday night and it wasn't too crowded. The beer selection is unique and great. There are little tables at each game for your drinks! The variety of games is really neat. I enjoyed trying a lot of them! It is great that they are all free! Overall, I loved Tappers. I will definitely be returning! read more

I've been wanting to go here for a while, and I'm glad that I finally did. It's a neat place to hang out with friends for a few hours. There is an interesting selection of beer, and lots of games that weren't overly crowded for a Thirsty Thursday. Everything was neat and clean as well, which I really appreciate, because there's nothing worse than grabbing a greasy joystick! There is a nice selection of beers on tap available as well. Service was not the greatest; when it comes to bartenders, I expect them to be friendly and welcoming. But instead the vibe I received was cold and reserved. Because of the service, I give this 4 stars. If service were better, I would've definitely given 5 because this is a really great concept for a bar. I will definitely be back. read more

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Absolutely love this place! I've been here twice and had a blast both times. When you walk in, it's almost as though you've walked into your childhood arcade, except better... Because they have draft beer. From NBA jam to The Simpson's Game this place is "heating up" (if you ever played NBA Jam you know what I mean haha). I went in the afternoon with several of my adult cousins, and we had a ball! Would also make a great first date. They don't serve much food, but they let you bring in your own. They also have a menu for Cluster Truck, which delivers food to you there for free! I suggest this place to everyone I know looking for their next Indianapolis adventure. read more

Tappers Arcade Bar - Mortal Combat!! Best game since 1990! - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Tappers is such a fun arcade bar! It is in the Fletcher Place area, which makes it nice since there are other arcade bars but they are spread out evenly across the city. They have great drinks that are a little pricey but the games are all free (except pinball) so that makes it worth it. The space is a little tight but it is such a fun way to spend a night out with friends in a unique way rather than going out for just drinks. It's also one of the only arcade bars, and bars in general, I've found that serves wine. I also enjoyed some amazing Broad Ripple chips there! read more

I really enjoy the concept and theme behind this bar-cade. As a 90's kid I love a lot of retro things one of them being video games. They have all the classic arcade games and now some console games (Super Nintendo if memory serves me correct). This a great place for a fun date or Sunday Funday as the games are free with the implication that you order a beer (or 2). The staff is friendly and laid back and helps create the easy going atmosphere despite it getting loud at times. Theres usually a good movie playing in the background too which is a nice option to have when you need to give the sticks a break. I highly recommend this place and will be a return customer. read more

This place is a must for anyone who likes vintage arcade games. They have it packed full with the classics. All of them are set to FREE mode. They also have beer! No I'm not describing heaven. The girlfriend got so caught up playing the ninja turtle game she accidentally yelled "cowabunga". read more

Tappers Arcade Bar - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Awesome place. Decent selection of some craft brews. Video games are free, only pinball costs money to play. Have some old time games including defender, joust, NBA jams, frogger, pole position and many more. Pretty cool place to have a few and spend a few hours. read more

What can I say but free arcades with craft beers. On Sunday it was laid back and not a lot of people but Friday and Saturdays can get pretty busy. Pinballs do cost money but these are some of the best pinballs and most are $2 for 3 games. You can get a couple mixed drinks if you don't like beers. Games are mostly from the 80s and 90s. read more

Tappers Arcade Bar - Getting a few games in tonight while Ben is in town. - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Stopped in here Saturday of Indy 500 and was pleasantly surprised at how busy it was. We ordered drinks, a pineapple cocktail for myself and two beers for the boys. Drinks are a bit pricey and my drink tasted wonderful but I wasn't even sure if there was any alcohol in it. Obviously the seller here are the arcade games for free. You can hardly go anywhere anymore and do anything but use the restroom for free, so that was nice. The selection of games was pretty impressive and honestly it wasn't too hard to get to try out multiple games. People pretty much play it for a few and then move on to another. The one thing that I wasn't too fond of was the approach of an employee when I was holding my drink in my hand while playing a game. I was told, "drinks go on the ledge.... not on the game" in a rude tone before he walked away. I think the approach could've been more respectful. I understood the concept, but I was holding it and was clearly very sober. read more

What a fun idea! I can't believe these games are FREE! Perfect date night on a budget - or just to get creative and do something outside the norm! I had so much fun playing the wide variety of games. And I was pretty kick ass at kicking ass on the fighting games. My date was not as happy about the ass kicking lol. If you come here - buy a beer. I know the games are free, but don't be a cheapo... support the small local business. I tried the pumpkin porter and it was quite tasty. I enjoyed it. They don't offer cocktails or food (a few light snacks) but you're welcome to bring in your own food. We got there around 715 and had almost the entire place to ourselves. But it started to fill quickly after we made one round through the games so we headed out. Also you should not that they do have a few games that require quarters. I think it's only like 4 machines tho. But come prepared with a few dollars just in case you want to play those games. This is such a gem, I will most definitely be back! read more

What a fantastic idea!!! My friend and I have been waiting for this place to open for over a year! All 80s & 90s kids will love this place. Semi hipster, but all in all a good crowd. All games are free play and in great working order. I went on a Tuesday at 11pm and it was super packed, so get ready for a wait on the weekends. Can't wait to go back and up my Galaga score !!! Also good selection of local craft beer and the staff is very quick! We got drinks really quickly and the staff was very friendly . So go check out this place and get ready to go back in time to the time of paperboy and frogger arcade style! read more

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Lots of cool games and really cool draft on beer. Only downfall is the place is rather small and it's a narrow walk path to get around the place. read more

Tappers Arcade Bar - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Whether you are a child of the 80's or just culturally enlightened enough such that you are knowledgeable about old school video games from the 80's, this is the place for you. Almost all of the games are free. Drinks cost money but are not unreasonably priced. The owners claim they are making money, so good for them. I am rooting for them. read more

Tappers Arcade Bar - Re live the thousands of hours you wasted in your childhood playing video games! - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Beer and video games. What more could you want? Games are set to free play except for pin ball. Will be back.