Hear me out. I am not a honky tonk kind of girl, but when I saw their music bingo event, I had to go. This bar is one that should be talked about more. While the space is small, the energy inside is huge. I recommend taking a group of people and splitting the whole chicken dinner. It fed 3 of us plus leftovers. Their fry platter is also top tier. Im still thinking about the sauces that come with it. Show up for the vibes, return for the roasted brussel sprouts read more

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Best Honky Tonk this side of the Mississippi! Love this spot! Friends and go often for the live music, the best Damn chicken, and some of the best bartenders around. They have great drink options and specials for the laid back folk, ample parking and fantastic acoustics. read more

Duke's Indy - The bar and a Cuba Libre - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Wow. What a fun place. I can't stop talking about Duke's. We arrived 10 minutes before 7 on a Friday night and there was already a cover charge. Good news we got a table so thankful we showed up early. Grabbed a brisket melt 10/10 a fry flight 9/10 and biscuits 10/10. The bands were awesome and the later it got the more fun we had. Loved that people were two stepping. We saw the Indy Annie's and they were amazing. So good that we saw them on Saturday at a different spot. read more

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It's not often that I find myself on this side of town these days, however, I arrived at Duke's Indy to participate in a fundraising event. It gave me an opportunity to check out a venue I'd always wanted to check out. Duke's is a honky-tonk (think Waylon not Wallen), an intimate yet wonderfully decorated bar located in what was formerly known as Ice House Bar. Duke's has live music nearly every night - if it's not actually music, it's some other type of event. The venue is relatively small with about a max of 60 in the main room and a side space that could probably fit 20-25 more. The main room has mostly 4-top tables with a bar area available. The side space seems to be mostly high-top tables. Duke's has a lunch and dinner menu. While it may seem weird for a honky-tonk, Duke's actually has a rather extensive vegan menu. They are well known for their fried chicken, however, the menu actually has a variety of bar food ranging from burgers to tenderloin to appetizers to a bunch of other items. The vegan menu is also surprisingly extensive. Duke's has a full bar. I was pleased that they do have unsweetened iced tea. I ordered the chicken - which came with a chicken breast and a wing. It was nicely seasoned and quite delicious. In terms of accessibility (which was relevant since I'm a wheelchair user and one of the acts was using a motorized chair), Duke's has made some definite efforts toward accessibility (this is an older building with limits). There's a ramp offering accessibility in the back (and there is parking in the back). This is a very working class/industrial area, but everything felt safe to me and I had no issues. The ramp has a side rail you can hold on to if needed. I was able to use the ramp without much difficulty. The dining area is easily accessible other than the side area with high-tops (it's accessible, but the tables are higher). It looked like they had 3-4 bathrooms with all being single user. The first one I tried wasn't wheelchair friendly, however, the second one worked quite nicely and did have bars. Duke's had brought in a ramp - an impressive gesture. They stated it was something they'd been wanting to do and today offered the opportunity. It wasn't perfect, however, when you're disabled you get so used to lack of access that when someone genuinely tries you tend to give them the benefit of the doubt. I sure did. Employees were super friendly throughout the event and I got the opportunity to meet the owner for the event (which was comedy). Overall, this was an excellent experience. They have their concert schedule on their website along with their menu. This is a lovely little honky-tonk and I really enjoyed my time here. I almost stayed for tonight's concert (I actually knew her music), however, after being there all afternoon I was tired. That said, I'll no doubt return. read more

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PERFECT FOR DATE NIGHTS and people who want to spend an authentically honky tonk evening without driving to Tennessee. Recently renovated but still has this beautiful quality feel to the place. The center bar includes 10-12 4-seat tables and there is a long hallway with benches for watching the bands play from the back. Crispy fried chicken and huge portions, along with some amazing BBQ options (hot or regular - both were delicious, but the ranch that came with the fries was my fav). Fries were seasoned for some flavor! Concerts go on here often especially on weekends - some really decent bluegrass, guitar, country, and honky tonk! It's a super upbeat vibe and really easy to meet people here. Huge parking lot. Owners and bar tenders are super awesome and dedicated to making the place a fun experience. Also, I noticed people kind of dress a bit country for the occasion so by all means! ^.^ read more

Duke's Indy - Fry Plate - comes with three sauces (dark mustard, BBQ, ranch) - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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This is a gem! I've passed this establishment for years going to and fro and only knew they used to have great tenderloins. Under new ownership they also have great vegan and vegetarian food options plus the usual pub/bar fare. And fun music! We went for a folk and bluegrass concert and were treated to a 2 hour fest of amazing music and original songs. The group playing first was local and the main act was from North Carolina. Amazing! The interior is dark but clean and sort of cozy feeling. It is mostly wood with one wall a large stage, a bar along the other wall and then tables and chairs which obviously get moved for line dancing and two step nights. They also have a section for under 21 so you can come with your family and enjoy the offerings. We got a house made chickpea fritter which was pretty good (a bit overly fried for my taste). It came with a house made sauce and house made pickles that were amazing. And a side of coleslaw which I proceeded to put on top of my fritter (way better together). It has house curly fries as well and a generous portion. All in all some good food and a lot of drink options - ginger beer, all kinds of regular beer and my favorite some hard cider from a local spot (Ash & Elm). We loved our experience and found it to be a fun night out with good food and live music. It was quirky and definitely hunky tonk and perfect. No frills but plain good fun! read more

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went to Duke's for their state fair-themed kitchen takeover and can't wait to go back! i got a corndog and spiral spuds and my boyfriend got the donut burger and onion rings. we enjoyed most the food, but the concept of a donut burger is just odd and we found out it isn't our cup of tea LOL in addition to the special menu, they also had custom belts from Howl & Hide, live music, and made me a delicious dole whip inspired mocktail :) Indy's lucky to have Duke's! read more

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If you haven't been lately it's time to come back! They are now open during the day and open every day but Monday. Food is amazing as well. Just look at this burger! read more

Duke's Indy - Hatch Burger - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Dukes is a honky Tonk type of bar. They have great drinks and entertainment. However, what is definitely a hidden gem is the food they offer. I tried their Mac and cheese and it was very good and creamy. It was zesty and had a southwest flavor twist to it. The fries were crispy and fresh and very good. The smothered short rib was super tender and delicious. Did not expect it to be that good but it was fire. Now onto the wings. I've had lots of wings from all around. I will say these are top 3 wings in the city. These honey chipotle bone in wings were insanely tasty. Some crispy ness on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The sauce was sweet with a hint of heat to it but oh lord it was gas. When I tell you these are fantastic, I mean it. I know this is technically a bar but I foresee myself coming in for lunch or dinner. A very solid 10 read more

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Stopped into Duke's for the first time on two-step Tuesday and wow, so fun! The food was top-notch and the whole vibe was giving Nashville! Love Indy's very own Honky Tonk! Will definitely be back and bringing our friends! read more

Duke's Indy - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Food is really good!! Many vegan options!!! Excellent service, fun atmosphere. Reasonably priced!!! Go!

Inside makes you feel like you are in an authentic Texas restaurant, not a chain but the real deal, service was good and food was adequate for the price, overall with the stop for a fast bite and cheap drink that you will not find anywhere downtown. read more

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Great food, great service, and great music! Ordered "The Half Damn Thing" and it was amazing! Should have shared! All of the staff was excellent! Cant wait to go back! read more

Duke's Indy - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

The atmosphere is top notch. The musicians are always 10/10. The expectation for the respect for the talent they bring in is displayed with a stunning neon sign right above the stage. This is the place for excellent, authentic country music to be seen performing in all their glory, live, right in front of you. The place is small, but it doesn't get any better. If you aren't absolutely enthralled by the pure talent on stage, please shut the fuck up and talk about it outside. Also- the food is FIRE. read more

Duke's Indy - The loveliest neon sign I ever did see. - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Great food and heard a couple of awesome bands. Definitely a must visit for date night in Indy.

First time at Dukes. Live music was awesome, food was great . we came in a night their wasn't a cover charge and we will be back again.

Went here for lunch, there was a stray dog outside and all of the employees were so sweet and helpful, taking care of him! The vibe is so cool inside, the seating is nice and the decor is really fitting for the restaurant. The food was amazing, I got the biscuits with the cherry jam and honey and they were delicious. We also got the jailbird smash burgers which were some of the best I've had. This restaurant is awesome and we can't wait to come back and try brunch / some of the fun events they have! read more

Duke's Indy - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Their food is fantastic. If you have not been here before, come try their food. The Philly and Frisco melt was flavorful. Full of flavor and dedication. Everything was fresh, clean, and perfect on a weekday after work. Chef also accommodated us with a delicious bowl of grilled Brussels instead of fried. That was DELICIOUS. read more

Came here for lunch after a recommendation. Variety of items for lunch but dinner is fried chicken only! I ordered the pork tenderloin sandwich with slaw or chips, I chose slaw. The sandwich is actually called Icehouse Tenderloin which I assume is beer-battered in such. Anywho, the sandwich was good, not great. The bartender offered mayo since it had no sauce, so make sure to ask. The slaw however did offer a slight surprise as I noticed a minor spice too it. Definitely hoping to comeback & try "THE WHOLE DAMN THING!"(see pics) as they are popularly known for their fried chicken, but would need a possè to conquer it! P.S.-Thought it was odd, they didn't have straws but that's just me. read more

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Great vegan food. Good service. Awesome music. Cold drinks!!!! The newly refinished floors are beautiful, way to go! read more

Duke's Indy - Yes! Vegan options. - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Duke's open, and still awesome as hell. It's a honkey tonk venue, great bar, great food, and a killer lineup of live county music all the time. Come get some. read more

Duke's Indy - Dat neon doe - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and AMAZING food. Their menu is limited to allow for quick service, and almost every item can be vegetarian/vegan-ized. (The Impossible smash burger is delicious!) A fun crowd with lots of tables large enough to accommodate a group of 6-8. Drink/food specials almost every day, and fun events & live music often! read more

We were here as a part of the wrap up party for an event I was in town for because our hosts loved it. I was skeptical and then when we pulled up to the middle of a roadhouse in the middle of nowhere I got a little more dubious. I feel like Honky Tonk as a term should have a very narrow definition and Duke's actually fits the bill. It could easily fit in on Broadway down in Nashville, actually in some cases it might be a better example since Duke's actually plays country music. They really pull it off. The band playing was great and the space definitely made it conducive to meeting people, definitely made some new friends over shots of Wild Turkey and Lone Stars and despite a good sized crowd it wasn't too hard to get a conversation and keep it going. read more

Went to Duke's a few weeks back for the Dallas Moore Band and had a blast! Lone Star's were cold and cheap, potato wedges were phenomenal, and popcorn at the bar was fantastic! With a great atmosphere, fun music, and more, I can't wait to go back to Duke's. read more

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I have been to Dukes a couple of times now and have been very pleased both times. I have went to eat only for dinner both times. The dinner menu is different than the lunch menu. The dinner menu is a bit more limited. For dinner they have fried chicken, hatch chili Mac and Cheese, roasted Brussel sprouts, and a tater tot waffle. Fried Chicken. Get the whole dang thang. That way you get a little white meat and a little dark meat. I liked it especially with a bit of their house made hot sauce and chili infused money. Solid both times. The sides are the real stars of the show. The Mac and Cheese is on point with roasted hatch chilis within. You can tell that the chef and some southwestern influences and took his time to curate the Mac and cheese. It is just the right kind of Mac and cheese. Not so boring that you could make it at home but they also didn't try to Church it up so much that their is to much going on. The roasted Brussel sprouts are something that I would go back for and just eat those and a beer. Never thought I would say that for myself but also for a honkey tonk. They have apples cut nicely, roasted Brussel sprouts and some spices. My favorite is the tater tot waffle. Yep. Just what it sounds like. It's salty goodness with a cheesy crust. Oh, it also comes with a dollop of sour cream if you get down like that. The draft list is very impressive. The owner used to run operations at Sun King so that probably has something to do with it. They also make a mean mixed drink as well. We haven't tried lunch yet but are hoping to. They also have live music on most nights as it is a honky tonk after all. No Taylor Swift here though folks. Think more along the Merle Haggard and steel guitar country. Dukes may seem a bit out of the way. I thought that at first but it's actually not. In fact it's only around two miles away from Lucas Oil. Go once. I promise you'll go twice, thrice, and on and and on until you are a regular. read more

The best (and maybe only) honky tonk it town. If you're looking for a place filled with live music and a down to earth crowd, Dukes is the spot. It may not look like much from the outside, but we always have the best time, and the inside is really cool. Clearly curated, but doesn't give you that fake "aesthetic" feel if commercialized country bars. Instead, it gives the vibe of one person's lifetime collection with funny details and personal touches everywhere. Though they only have a handful of items in the menu they are all stellar. AND you can get the whole menu for 35 bucks. Don't miss the Brussels sprouts salad. It is stellar. read more

Duke's Indy - Great live music! - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I didn't try any of there food. The service was phenomenal though! Ambiance there was super cool!

We stopped by for lunch at Dukes on a slow Monday afternoon.  Duke's is located in the old Ice House bar on West Street. The lunch menu isn't huge but they focus on what they do well. Plenty of sandwich options for the meat lovers with a salad, mac & cheese and sides for vegetarians. Our server greeted us as soon as we stepped into the restaurant. He was friendly and did a terrific job. Our lunches arrived timely, hot, as ordered with fresh sodas and water delivered before our lunches arrived. We both ordered the Brisket sandwich which was the lunch special. I'm always hesitate to order brisket because of the amount of fat in the meat that many restaurants serve.  That wasn't the case today at Duke's. The generous portion of meat was fork tender and very flavorful. I did find two super tini pieces of fat but nothing disgusting. The Brisket sandwich came with pickles on a bun and served with duros (a Mexican chip) or coleslaw. Upgrade to tots for $2 or mac & cheese or side salad for $3. They offer a house sauce (bottle on table) that is a tomato base and has a little kick. We really enjoyed the additional flavors the sauce added to our sandwiches. The tarter tots were golden brown and weren't excessively greasy. The mac and cheese was really good and made with corkscrew noodles and has a little bite to it. Their very popular for their fried chicken and sides served after 5:00 p.m. We'll be back sometime soon to check this out. Dukes also has live music with room to dance. Overall, we were very pleased with our lunch, the service and the laid back atmosphere. read more

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Excuse me while i bliss out in fat kid heaven...this place is legit amazing. Food is in my top five fave meals ever. Seriously. I couldn't pick a fave from the Whole Damn Thing. It was all great. Washed it down with Lone Star long necks. Service was great and can't wait to go back for live music. PS google the Nuvo interview of the owner and story behind this place and you'll love it even more! read more

Oh, Dukes. Where do I begin? My number one and most highly recommended Indy spot is this authentic honkey tonk with the best fried chicken in town. There's literally nothing that could make me love this place more. From the bright neon sarcastic signs to the ice cold lone star and most definitely the live honkey tonk music, there's something here for everyone to love. I've been on a packed Saturday night with friends but also several times just to grab dinner before a show when there's just a few other people there. The best part is that I've had the exact same service regardless of how busy they are. The owner is always behind the bar which is super fun but it's just amazing how smoothly things run here with a very limited staff (usually 2 people serving food and running the bar even on the busiest nights)! The spicy margarita has my heart but the house drink of choice- Lone Star- tastes good with everything. If you're not feeling a cocktail or light beer there's also a good selection of rotating craft beer. Don't get me started on the food. For $35 you can have "the whole damn thing". And trust me you want it. It's the perfect amount of food if you have 4 people or 2 very hungry people who want leftovers. I have a tatter tot waffle every single time I'm there, regardless of the time of day. I seriously think my friends are sick of hearing me talk about this place, but it's so worth it! Whether you're a fan of country music or not, you absolutely need to go! read more

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For those who have not been, Duke's is a country bar that offers live music many nights throughout the week. This is one of the few places that has Lone Star beer in Indy! If you haven't had Lone Star beer before, it is a Texas beer so it has the same attributes of American lagers but it has a kick with it that is hard to fully explain. The menu after 5pm is either half of a fried chicken or a full fried chicken with family sides. The sides are Brussel sprouts, Mac and cheese, and a waffle with sour cream. The chicken can be compared to the Eagle if you have been there, always juicy and made to order! If you are in the area, stop in and have a beer and chicken and listen to some pretty cool live music that will give you some smiles, laughs, and a good time! Make sure you take care of your bartenders! read more

Duke's Indy - Whiskey Machine Band - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Not a Honky Tonk!!! Out of towners looking for a place to cut loose and celebrate major milestones with family from all over the country. Did some online research and found Duke's HONKY TONK- We bought tickets in advance and were excited to have a FUN place to meet up and catch up with family. We brought our HONKY TONK cloths and boots can't go to a HONKY TONK without BOOTS. From the moment we walked in (we Uber) things seemed a bit different from normal. The demographic we a cross between retirees and new age hippies. Since we had already ordered there and prepaid for the tickets, we figured we would check it out have something to eat and enjoy the music. After 45 minutes to get one quesadilla, we were enjoying the music which was all original songs somewhere very good so I'm just we're not our thing. We were enjoying each other's company talking. Life events and things going on when someone from behind the bar came over and asked us to keep it down. We literally were in a honky-tonk with loud music and could not hear the gentleman asked us to keep it down because the music was so loud. We initially thought he was joking and soon realized by the constant glares and angry that he was very serious. There were even people that were turning around Shishi us like we were in a movie theater. I understand that readers may say all they probably will be loud obnoxious believe me we were talking at a bar level and we're not using profanity or vulgar in the windows, we were talking about our life events and exciting new things that were happening in our lives. If you were going to call yourself a honky-tonk then you need to be willing to accept people who are going to in fact, want to have a good time and maybe boot scoot and or boogie. The hundred dollars in cover charge for us was an absolute joke. Add on top of the charges for Uber there and back without any cocktails or food. It was $200 to be shish out of a bar. I would say that this was more of an atmosphere for retirement community with the chairs lined up and everyone in watching the performer. if this was the vibe, it should've been announced at the beginning of his set. That could've been acceptable but to tell people that they are talking too loud in a bar when you can't be Hurd is absolutely ridiculous. Upon Levi, we made a comment and we were told by two different employees that this was a co-owner of the property And that he's always rude to everybody including the staff. I do feel bad it seems like this place could've had a great Asset. My 23-year-old daughter said imagine the movie footloose if the adults had won and music was never allowed back into the town If you are looking for a place to cut loose and have a good time this is not the place read more

Very nice and clean Roadhouse style joint that has great Honky Tonk Bands that play on a neat stage at end of place. Local Craft beer is offered, with 2.50 Lone Star Longnecks and several items on the menu. Can't help but to look at the Semi Trucks driving by on Bluff, listening to Waylon and drinking a longneck transforming me back to the early 70's when the bands aren't playing. read more

Duke's Indy - Good ole Lone Star Longneck. - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

My husband and I ventured here after a Friday evening of gallery hopping. I ordered a Moscow mule and he got an Osiris. There was a band playing and it was fairly busy but service was attentive. We decided to order the "whole damn thing" and take home what we didn't eat because we wanted to try it all. The kitchen was busy and all of our food came out nice and hot! We didn't talk for about 5 minutes because the first tastes were that good. The chicken was delicious! There was a new spice I hadn't had in breading before. I asked the waitress and she said it was cardamom. Really good. My favorite part of the meal was the roasted brussel sprout salad. I'm not normally into brussel sprouts but this was the bomb. It had pickled red onions and apple mixed in. Great flavors and texture!!! Next fave was the hash brown waffle. Crispy. Delicious. Topped with sour cream, I think. I ate it and it was perfect. The Mac and cheese was probably my least favorite of the meal. It was good, don't get me wrong but the other items were better. I'm not into a lot of cheese lately so the sauce was good for me. If you like it super thick, you might be disappointed. We will definitely be back the next time we are craving a delicious honky tonk meal. read more

Duke's Indy - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

First time there and had a decent experience. After a certain time, you get fried chicken with a good amount of sides. The Mac & cheese was FIRE! Meaning good. The hasbrown waffles...I mean, forget any diet your own. Service was a little slow and the food took a minute but I'll definitely go back and try it, especially for lunch. read more

I've been seeing this place all over social media and have been wanting to try it for the longest time! As luck would have it I go the chance to go this weekend since I was on the south side of Indy. I love it! Located in what was the old ice house bar is Dukes and it is set up like a honky tonk bar, neon lights old signs.. the works! They also have pretty legit live music and this comes from a person who didn't grow up with country music. Awesome service! I hope people understand that that they are making moves with how packed they are, I even had a guy who was hanging out drinking and was helping a friend bus tables.. If you go at night the menu is limited but that's ok! Get the whole fried chicken and all the sides and you won't be mad! The chicken is cooked to perfection! And had this seasoning on it that is sweet and spicy and I wish I knew what is was, but it tastes great! Hash brown waffle is to die for! The hatch Mac is the right amount of spice and the Brussel sprouts were seasoned and charred in just the right way. Can't wait to go back to try lunch foods read more

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Move over Eagle -Duke's Indy has THE best fried chicken in Indianapolis. It's hot, crispy, juicy and oh so flavorful. I was a little skeptical of what the good would be like when we first pulled up to the bar. Duke's is fairly unassuming from the outside and once inside it looks like your hometown honky tonk hangout. Live music, beer on draft and friendly faces. The menu is written on a chalkboard on the back wall and SPOILER: you're having fried chicken. You can order "the whole damn thing" which includes a whole fried chicken and all three of their sides. Bacon roasted Brussel sprouts, jalapeño Mac and cheese, and a tatertot waffle. While the options are limited, the saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" comes to mind. For dessert they freshly bake massive sheet pan-sized chocolate chip cookies with sea salt. You really can't beat it. Pro tip: if you're in the mood for a game, ask the bartender for a deck of cards! read more

Duke's Indy - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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I loved the hand breaded Tenderloin. It came as a sandwich and as you will se from the pic , I put the bread to the side (no bread 4 mr thank you ) and the tenderloin and salads was awesome. Great service and great atmosphere . This will become a regular stop for me! Great service! Server was very kind and allowed me to sit and do emails while I waited for my next assignment! "I shall return " Luis read more

Duke's Indy - You ate received with free popcorn and look at the size of the tenderloin . - Music Venues Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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I had been wanting to go to Duke's since they opened, and I finally got my life together just in time to try their AMAZING FRIED CHICKEN. It breaks my heart to know they will no longer be serving it (hopefully they bring it back at some point), but I know they put A LOT of effort into making chicken so dang delicious. It has to be crazy time consuming, so I get it. We ordered the whole damn thing, and even if they no longer serve fried chicken, the sides they serve are PHENOMENAL. The potato wedges = delicious and spicy. The mac n cheese = cheesy, super creamy, and I hint of jalapeño spice. THE BRUSSEL SPROUTS = flavorful, crispy, and divine. I have been dreaming of them since I had them. We had more buckets of Lone Star beer than I care to admit, and it is delicious. Nothing pairs better with the honky tonk atmosphere than this beer, and the bottle caps have puzzles on them. This was probably my favorite thing of the night. read more

Believe the hype! Duke's was voted Indy's best lunch, and it lives up to its title. With a cool honky tonk vibe and dimly lit neon glow, Dukes a great spot for midday drink or late night entertainment. I absolutely love the Nashville Hot Chicken accompanied with creamy Mac and cheese and the house Lone Star beer. Beware, they mean spicy! Make sure you try the tasty spiced popcorn, on the house..! read more