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    The Whistle Stop

    4.2 (84 reviews)
    InexpensiveAmerican, Bars
    Fri 11:00 am - 3:00 AM (Next day)
    Sat 12:00 pm - 3:00 am (Next day)

    The Whistle Stop Photos

    Business Info

    THE WHISTLE STOP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Juke Box
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual

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    Recommended Reviews - The Whistle Stop

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    Sarah M.

    I've been here a couple times, on different days, and it's never been too busy. The service can be hit or miss, but the food is great for bar food and the drinks aren't super expensive. It's very dark inside and has different levels of seating areas, but we always like to sit by the front window and people watch. The pizza rolls are such an amazing find- reminds me of my childhood, but are elevated to be even better. The brisket fries are insane. So much food! They have the gooey, melty cheese that you want on top of loaded fries. The fact that they are waffle fries and not regular fries really kicks them up a notch and allows the toppings to get into every nook and cranny for the perfect bite. Part of our group will also always get wings, but I didn't remember to take a picture. They are perfectly crispy and really flavorful, so I recommend those as well! This is just a short walk from Gainbridge and is open late, so I recommend The Whistle Stop as a ~pit stop~ for a snack and one more drink before ending your night if you went to a game or event!

    Vodka Redbull
    Emm M.

    This is a great bar just south of downtown Indy. They have an incredible bourbon selection, great drink prices, and high quality bar food. It's got very cool "dive bar" aesthetics inside, too. The bartender was super friendly, quick, and very attentive. Finally they also have touch tunes! 10/10 this is a great bar. You definitely want to check it out.

    Just a bit of the eclectic decor.
    Philip M.

    This unassuming gem of a place is located near the Lucas Oil Stadium and blends so well into the neighboring buildings that it's easy to overlook, which is a shame. Even at the prime dinner hour we visited, it was fairly slow compared to what we expected to see around that time on a weekend. Regardless, the food and folks here are amazing! Emily and Taylor made us feel like welcome friends both nights we went in while attending GENCON, and we will definitely return any time we are in town. Tip: When you're here, make sure to ask about the food as there are likely more options than appear on the menu, including (possibly) bourbon ice cream. If you like BBQ, the brisket fries are not to be missed! My understanding is that they have a new owner who is very interested in the food side of things and likes to experiment, so look forward to new items with some regularity.

    Miss this bar & Christie our fave bartender there. Can't wait until this pandemic ends so we can resume our "good times".

    Went yesterday with a few friends & to see our favorite bartender, Christie. Drinks & food were great & the best service ever. She never disappoints.

    Tank G.

    This is a hole in the wall bar right in the shadow of Lucas Oil stadium and across from the bus station. It is a dimly lit joint and has a bar area with seating and a dining area. There is also some seats that overlook the dining area. The bar is a full service bar and has a television above it. They serve signature cocktails and beer. They have a digital juke box in the bar area and the dining area has a couple of televisions and video games back by the bathrooms. There is metered street parking out front and some lots available in a reasonable walking distance. Currently, there is a lot of road construction going on around the bar, taking up some of the nearby street parking. I heard that this place had boozey ice cream, so I was all in. I had to come here. I was disappointed that they were no longer selling the ice cream, due to some controversy/drama. I was crushed (cue puppy face). I came here mainly for that, ohh well, I had to make the best of it. The bar has a local vibe. The bartender knew most of the patrons that were there very well. It was clear that they were regulars. The place has a limited menu with stuff like, burgers, fried banana peppers, an exotic grilled cheese, and chicken sandwiches. I ordered the brisket burger with fries. It took about 15 minutes for me to get my food and it was pretty good. Both the fries and burger were flavorful. I sat at the bar and eat my meal and my only knock was that the bartender lost track of me some times and got too wrapped up in conversations with patrons at the bar. Not a huge deal, because he was very friendly. But I was on a schedule and had to go. This is a decent hole in the bar located on the outskirts of the downtown indy bar/club district. It looks like more of a local spot and not very tourisy. It is definitely worth checking out.

    Can't even explain this night!
    Elizabeth H.

    When downtown Indy calls your name you go here!!!! Smelling like you would expect...this divey watering hole promises a great vibe packed with all walks of life! I've never had a bad time here and word of advice to "newbies" it tends to get super busy before and after games. It is beside Lucas Oil Stadium and can at times receive a slew of homeless strange people wandering the streets. There is street parking if you are lucky but don't forget there is a parking lot beside the building. This establishment has kept me hostage because I was having such a good time! I have missed concerts and birthday parties because the music was good, and the vibe was even better! So if you find yourself looking for a "divey"-cool spot check it out!

    Whit W.

    The moment I came in here I was greeted met some locals and had a great time! That's why I love dive bars ! Great food drinks service and people! Thank you Kristi

    Bar seating

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    1 year ago

    Fun. Simple menu. Food comes out fast. Beer is cold. Right by stadium. Love this place.

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    10 months ago

    Good food, friendly service. Open during the week and the locals eat there so that's always a food sign.

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

    The duck wings were really good. Yes the actual wings from actual ducks. More places should serve these things.

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    2 years ago

    We went here before the Pink Concert and had a very nice meal with fast hospitable service...definitely plan on going back.

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    3 years ago

    Pleasantly surprised at how great the food is! Staff was attentive and friendly. And a great selection of high end drinks!

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    The Fountain Room

    The Fountain Room

    4.3(512 reviews)
    1.5 miChatham Arch
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    Family-owned & operated
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    The Fountain Room in Indianapolis, IN, is an amazing restaurant that combines elegance with a…read morevibrant atmosphere, but the food is where it's at. They have all the choices of steak but the King and Queen options for prime rib was the path I took. It was top 5 best prime ribs I have ever had. The horseradish cream sauce that was served with it was also to die for. Make sure you have room for dessert because they have many options. I settled for the Grasshopper Pie which was an explosion of different flavors in my mouth. In summary, The Fountain Room stands decor and atmosphere but honestly the food is want you want in a high end place. Whether you are like me and just in town for a conference or need a great date night spot if you are local The Fountain Room is top tier.

    Service was good here, although this place is definitely on the pricier side, even for lunch. We…read morewere told that without reservations there wouldn't be a table available until 9pm, so we decided to eat at the bar instead. Thankfully, there was an opening for us. The bar area itself was really nice with an elegant ambiance, comfy swivel bar seats, and a more upscale vibe. I also have to mention the restroom because it was impressive. Very clean with thoughtful extras like complimentary mouthwash, tampons, and a vanity area. Small touches like that stand out to me. I ordered the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and it was delicious. I would absolutely order it again. My husband got the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and broccolini. He said the meatloaf was okay but not the best he's ever had. I tried the broccolini though and really liked it. For drinks, I had the Wildfire Smash cocktail which I thought was good and my husband had the espresso martini, and he said it was decent. We enjoyed our experience at the bar and appreciated the friendly service. I'd definitely like to come back and experience a full dinner here sometime, noting that it's probably best to have reservations.

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    Stopped in here for dinner with my husband and my co-worker/her husband before we went to the Fever…read moregame last week. We lucked out with seats at the bar and got to skip the 45 minute wait for a table. The bartenders were on it with drinks, napkins, food orders, etc. The food all came out hot and with everything we asked for, so it was a perfect stop to fuel up before walking around the corner to Gainbridge.

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    The District Tap Downtown - Firecracker Shrimp !!

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    Culinary Dropout
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    Spoke & Steele

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    There's brunch... and then there's Spoke & Steele brunch!!!…read moreFrom the moment you walk in, the vibe is giving cozy, elevated, and just the right amount of "I deserve to be here." The seating? Intimate. The lighting? Soft. The whole space feels like a quiet luxury moment tucked right into the city. Now let's talk about what REALLY matters, the food. The shrimp & grits??? Listen... this wasn't just a dish, this was an EXPERIENCE. The grits were creamy, smooth, and perfectly rich, but that sauce layered on top?? Whew. Flavor on flavor on flavor. You've got that deep, savory, slightly smoky profile with juicy shrimp, sausage, and those pickled onions cutting through everything with the perfect tang. Every bite felt intentional. Like somebody knew what they were doing in that kitchen. And can we talk about how beautiful it was plated?? Because yes, I absolutely appreciated the aesthetics before I even picked up my fork. Paired it with a simple coffee moment, sitting by the window, and honestly... it felt like a reset. Not rushed, not loud, just good food, good atmosphere, and a chance to actually enjoy it. If you're looking for a brunch spot that feels a little more elevated, a little more intentional, and delivers on both flavor and experience. This is it. 10/10. I'll absolutely be back!!!

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    Spoke & Steele - Cajun Duck Wings

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    1933 Lounge - St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail

    1933 Lounge

    4.5(241 reviews)
    0.2 miMile Square
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    This is right up my alley--an upscale atmosphere but not too pretentious (casual). The 2 sliders…read morewith Mac 'n cheese was the perfect amount of food. I paid the $8 to upgrade the mac to lobster mac...so delicious & so worth it (the upgrade was so unnecessary but so necessary, iykyk!). I also love that they allow you to mix & match on the sliders (filet, fried shrimp, or wagyu beef with Brie). I went with 1 filet and 1 wagyu beef, which was also perfect! Would love to try the fried shrimp at some point. The accompanying aiolis perfectly complemented the sliders! I completed my meal with a lemon drop martini. Service was friendly & attentive. Will definitely keep this spot in mind the next time I return to Indy & would highly recommend to others. In fact, I found it superior to my experience @ Harry & Izzy's--much more my vibe!

    Several floors above the legendary Saint Elmo Steakhouse, sits 1933 Lounge…read more Here, spaced out between several cozy rooms, equipped with small group seating arrangements, you will find a speakeasy themed cocktail lounge with small plate food also available, and a selection of exquisite period, vintage, and modern cocktails. The period atmosphere and ambience is absolutely intoxicating. This is a perfect starting place for pre-dinner cocktails, leading up to a fine dining experience at Saint Elmo's Steakhouse. The service was superb, friendly with plenty of recommendations on what to try. This venue gets my highest recommendation, and I very much look forward to a return visit, and hopefully to introduce some of my closest friends to this incredible experience.

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    1933 Lounge Bar

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    1933 Lounge Dinner

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    Big Lug Canteen

    4.3(709 reviews)
    10.4 mi
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    Big Lug Canteen delivers a memorable meal from start to finish -- friendly, unpretentious service,…read morea warm neighborhood vibe, and two standout dishes that I'll be ordering again. The Brussels sprouts are an absolute triumph: perfectly blistered with a caramelized exterior and tender interior, dressed in a harmonious balance of bright acidity and savory depth. Little crunchy bits and a subtle smoky char add texture, while a finishing sprinkle (and a hint of something sweet-salty) elevates them from simple side to a show-stealer. The Korean salmon is equally impressive. The fish arrives flaky and moist with a richly glazed crust that carries sweet, spicy, and umami notes in perfect proportion. Layers of flavor -- gochujang-forward heat, sesame brightness, and a touch of citrus -- play against the salmon's natural richness without overpowering it. It's plated thoughtfully, with complementary sides that keep each bite balanced. If you're at Big Lug Canteen, don't pass up those two dishes -- they demonstrate skilled technique, bold yet nuanced seasoning, and a real sense of care in the kitchen. Great food, relaxed atmosphere, solid value. Highly recommended.

    Big Lug is a nice brewery with lots of beer and food options. The day we went, it wasn't very busy…read moreand the service was fantastic- they were always on top of asking how things were, giving refills, etc. Clean and had lots of TVs with football on for a Sunday afternoon! The only downside for me is that it's a little pricey for what you get.

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    The Big Lug Patio

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    The Whistle Stop - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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