I'm not sure I could call Melody Inn my favorite concert venue in Indy, but it is a place I absolutely love and it caters to types of music I don't always hear elsewhere. Melody Inn is at 38th & Illinois in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood and pretty much across the street from Tarkington Park. I lived at the high-rise at 38th & Meridian for a while and still frequent this area. The "Mel" was established in 1935. It's a historic venue that definitely gives off a dive bar/retro vibe. For live music, there's typically a cover charge around $5 (check the calendar to be sure). Parking in the area is free (street/lot across the street). You can still sit at the original oak bar, hang out in the PBR lounge, visit the Smoker's Garden, and even sit in a vinyl booth from Indy's gone but never forgotten Teepee Restaurant. Melody Inn has an incredible jukebox (obviously not during live music). Every Saturday night is Punk Rock Night (my favorite). The Mel has beer on tap (pretty limited), in cans, and in bottles. They also carry ciders. They have a limited food menu (pizza, chicken strips, corn dogs, and a handful of snack-type foods). This isn't gourmet food - it's dive bar "I got the munchies" food. Local brews include selections from Triton, Sun King, and Three Floyds. While I think Melody Inn is mostly known for its Punk Rock Night, you can also catch hillbilly, rockabilly, rock, comedy, metal, indie, pop, and other types of music here. I've always associated the venue with punk, however, there's something to please everyone here. They have a newsletter you can sign up for on their website. Melody Inn will book local acts. All acts have to be over age 21. They have high expectations for acts promoting their appearances (along with the entire bill). They don't book cover bands, however, they do have tribute nights. While the area here used to be somewhat rough, Butler-Tarkington has improved quite a bit. The park has been updated, Tea's Me is right across the street, and I've just never had much in the way of concerns here. In terms of accessibility, things are pretty decent here for a general admission place. Audiences tend to be pretty considerate (even the punk rock folks!). and the staff here is top-notch. This is just a great place to see local bands and to experience of of Indy's oldest bars/music venues. read more

MELL OF A BAR!!!! First time here and I will be back. resident bar goblin Katie made me feel right at home. Great divey punk bar and 3 DOLLAR PBR!? it doesn't get better than that! We're here for a good time not a long time read more

Melody Inn - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Delicious green tea shots, good vibes...we went for Authority Zero! Would come back again

This small little bar is one of my personal favorites to see live music. The stage is like right there and the musicians are like right there in front of you. It's a more personal setting with a nice little bar that keeps up with food and drinks like magic. On a busy night, you might see 2 bartenders, but usually its just one, making pizza's serving drinks and keeping the place cool. Back patio for smokers is nice place to hang out as well. Lots of personality in here and everyone seems friendly. read more

Melody Inn - Live music tonight!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

It's a dive bar. You get to watch live music, drink, and watch/interact with the local wildlife. It's what you would expect. read more

Melody Inn - Heartless - Heart tribute band - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I cannot vouch for the inside of the bar itself, but one evening before catching a flight out of Indianapolis back home to Texas, I stopped to take a photo of the exterior of the Melody Inn just to pay respects to the late legendary surf guitarist Dick Dale, who played gigs at the Melody Inn. Love the cool neon signage gracing the bar's exterior, which really lights up the street at night. read more

Melody Inn - Neon sign outside the Melody Inn. - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Just saw bro-fi play here. The music she played was amazing and the staff was so friendly. The bouncer even went outside to make sure my friend got to her car safely. read more

We've been coming here for a while now post Covid-19 Part II. Amazing staff and great owners that actually serve drinks. We leave the pretentious people of Geist/Fishers and come here instead. It's an awesome dive bar with eclectic decor, that gives it an "I don't care" vibe. We go to house - punk - and today's bluegrass music night. read more

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Exactly everything you'd want!! I saw an amazing line up here, featuring The Bobby Lees, Nuke and the Night Shift, and local group Potty MoVth.. one of the best shows I've ever been to... the people working here were warm and helpful. The food was amazingly priced and for bar food it was excellent. This was my first punk show and The bands were seriously incredible.. and I was basically just able to kick it and drink with all of them. A+ read more

Melody Inn - Socks i bought from the Bobby Lee's - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Punk rock & rock club. Divey & super fun! Cheap drinks- Loud music. Go if you like all these things! read more

Melody Inn - "Flipper" - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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The best place for loud rowdy bands. You never know who you'll run into. Great owners & people. I love the crazy atmosphere, the back room & garden. Careful not to make too much noise for the neighbors! We want this place to stay around. Thanks for continuing to bring in awesome bands and showcasing locals. This place simply kicks ass! Lots of local love shown here. read more

Perfect divey music bar! From rickety tables and seating to the walls covered in graffiti, band stickers and who knows what else (Indycar parts, clown lights, art, etc). I've grown to love coming to see original music here especially for punk rock nights. Usually three bands play and it's a combo of local talent and a band or two from out of town. There's a combo of craft beer (a small number of taps and cans/bottles) and domestics (cans/bottles) There's always a shot special listed and though I am not a shot taker, I can tell you that the types listed look to be typical and I'm sure there's a selection enough to make most drinks and shots you can think of. Prices are reasonable for everything I've had there. They even have a small menu of affordable bites to eat. On most nights I've been there for live music, there is a cash only cover but the venue has an ATM. Beware parking. There's a lot across the street and a decent amount of parking on Illinois St but take a lesson from me, though the parking on 39th certainly LOOKS like regular street parking, it is not. It's classified as parking for the city park and most of the time you're at Melody Inn (after dusk), that park is closed, which means that parking there wields a hefty fine! read more

Found this place on Reddit and was absolutely blown away by it. The punk scene was the coolest thing I've ever experienced, loud music and good drinks. 11/10 read more

Melody Inn - a drum and a can of beer - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Cool venue. Classic brick walls and graffiti. Nice place to catch new bands... Boho's paradise. Limited seats and tables so be warned...

Hidden in the Illinois and 38th area of Indy lies The Melody Inn a beaten up dive bar that surprisingly host punk rock bands throughout the week! I found out about this place when one of my favorite Texan punk rock came to play here. I missed it but I knew I had to come visit this place. Fortunately, an acquaintance of my boyfriend invited us to visit this place. They play in a punk rock band and are close with the owner. It was pretty awesome! It is small but you can tell there is so much history in this place for all the bands that have come to play from around the world. If you like dive bars that play punk come on over! Each night there's a different theme and specials. There is a cover at the door for this place is 21+. In the back of the place there's an outdoors patio for people to smoke and hang out. They have a selection of beers and alcohol drinks. I went during Halloween weekend and met some awesome people! read more

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If you're a vintage soul with the love for live music, the Mel is for you! I love little bars that have that "homey" vibe where you can be yourself and have the best time! Totally fine to go alone and meet new friends too! read more

I was at the Melody on July 3 for a show with a couple of local bands and a solo act from Los Angeles. I think due to it being the night before a holiday, there was barely anyone there, so crowd noise, lack of seating, etc. wasn't an issue. Mesmerizing painting of a man (or bodybuilder woman?) in a dress and a glowing clown were among my fave decor pieces, in addition to the awesome antler chandelier. Bartender and the guy manning the door were friendly but not overly so. I was able to park on the street and didn't feel nervous walking to my car after I left at 1 a.m. I didn't check out the bathroom, though I wouldn't imagine they have plush amenities. I did like the covered patio out back, and was happy to see they had Sun King cans available. Overall, a great night out! read more

This is another local bar that I'm positive hasn't changed in the last 30 or so years. Staff behind the bar is always friendly, and beer is always cheap. Eat before you get here though. #protip There is a parking lot across the street on the east side for patrons to use. We've seen a lot of our friends play on stage here and we always have a good time. Interesting crowd makes for superb people watching. If you go for their Saturday Night Punk Rock night, plan on it being a LATE night. Some of those bands don't even start until pushing 1 AM. read more

Melody Inn - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Everybody just loooves this place. At least the local media do. It made Indy.com's "Cool List '08"; Nuvo newsweekly voted its bartenders into their recent "best of" list. I can see the allure. Want to get accosted by the resident drunk/homeless guy? Come to Melody Inn. I don't mean to misrepresent--he's not actually dangerous. I mean, he did show my boyfriend his pocket knife. But then the two played pool. If you don't like to play pool you can listen to the myriad, usually decent bands that play here, mostly local or regional acts. Listen real good, 'cause there's a cover for this place, demanded by a not-always-friendly doorman. He also looks homeless. Points, though, for the place's frequent "Banana Nights." I'm still not sure what they are outside a regular Friday or Saturday night, but they are always advertised with cool pictures of personified bananas. I was a banana for my 25th birthday. I like bananas. They also have a cool chandelier made out of sticks called The Rootlight. You can see it in spots and circles when the smoke clears periodically. Guess I'm a bit pretentious for this place. read more

Melody Inn - The Rootlight. From Melody Inn's Web site. - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Eh...ehhhhh. I'm easily turned off to bars. I'm hard to please, somehow, when it comes to them. The "hotspots" tend to irk me in some inexplicable way, and The Mel is no exception. It's cool... I guess. But it just...knows it's so cool. And that bugs me. The drinks are nothing special, and frankly, to my taste? Neither is the music. It's a fun place to get drunk, show your rockabilly side, and feel awesome because you're patronizing one of Indy's 'coolest' bars. If you're into that. Yawn. read more

Melody Inn - Photo courtesy of Melody Inn website - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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What a cool place. It is definitely a hidden gem off of 38th Street. They have a ton of love music lined up for the summer. The inside is super dope with different lighting and decor from bands, it has a big appeal for anyone that enjoys local music and bands on the rise. The bar menu is also great. Spend a weeknight here listening to tunes, keep a drink in your hand, and maybe wait until the pool table is free to play a round with your crew. Can't wait for the next visit. read more

Yes! Go! Must go. Old? Young? Reminds you to keep going ! Next sat Santana night and Tuesday Aphrodite dj mix night. read more

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We played Melody Inn on 6/11/14 on a Wednesday rock night. The antler chandelier was a highlight along with the rest of the ornamentation and the place is saturated in a storied past- all the bands we've worked with in the past have made stops here on a pretty regular basis. We had an awesome time playing to the regulars -you can tell who the regulars are- but unfortunately, the band going on after us dropped at the last minute because the drummer hit the floor after an encounter with the business end of a hanging screen. Melody Inn looks rough on the outside, but it's the place to be if you're into live music and places with atmosphere. read more

Melody Inn - The Venom Cure live at the Mel' - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

It's been years since I've been inside the place. Here's the Friday night wrap-up: The space: Pack 'em in like sardines. By far the most crowded I've ever seen the Melody. Not for the claustrophobic, antisocial or antler haters. The drinks: Order a cocktail or a PBR -- your wallet won't feel a thing and you'll still have money to do laundry. Show the love: Stand near the stage, feel the beats, nod the head. Painful contortions in the name of dance need not apply (but there are always a few who try.) The pool shark: Best spend those quarters on PBR, son, 'cause that there is a bench covered in green felt. More seating?: Sure! There's what I call 'VIP Row', the bar and the 2 or 3 booths. All occupied by either people or coats... The math: 50% conversation, 70% music, 90% blue jeans, 30% antlers, 95% 'insiders', 100% dive The *#)%?: Hillbilly Happy Hour? Miss Kimmy & Zorba? Whatever. Just nod your head. Somebody's playing (either Pravada, Grampall Jookabox, Movie Bare, Tim Jones... or the horn from Margot & the Nuclear So and So's?) and it's gooood. Question of the night: There's another room? read more

My favorite bar. Friendly staff, generous pours. I can accomplish what I need to on $30 or less. The Beer Garden is awesome, mostly covered with lots of seating. The walls are smothered with art, posters, fliers, stickers, and lots of other stuff. Colorful crowd. Mostly friendly, loud and rowdy, and sometimes strange... The silver lining when you encounter these people is that you have a great story to tell the day after. I even got to staple a dollar on some guy once. Gotta love the weirdos, they are the spice of life. Punk, rockabilly, garage, metal and everything in between those hard to reach places can be found here. It's not for everyone, but that's cool because it can get pretty crowded in there! Love this place! read more

This place is the very definition of a neighborhood dive bar. Tons of regulars, bartenders that will remember your drink habits, and less than spotless bathrooms. This place is a real punk rock Cheers in Indianapolis. The main room offers a decent sized bar, a few tables, and a pool table. The back room is, at times, not monitored and can get a little crazy. The times I've been here, this has been the place to be. There is a decent selection of beer here. PBR is king at the Melody Inn but you can get local craft brews like Sun King as well. The beer prices are also nice and cheap, so who can complain really? The Melody Inn also offers live music on a regular basis, ranging from local acts to nationally touring bands. The shows are usually cheap(see a theme) and punk rock. Be prepared for loud music and a rowdy crowd. Friendly bartenders, cheap beer, and live music make this place a decent bar to swing by every so often. It's definitely not for everyone, but I don't mind. read more

Make no mistake, this is a bar/live music venue. It is very little else. This is not the spot to host your corporate company party. The Melody Inn is what it is known for, music and alcohol. The bands that come through here are usually smaller touring acts. The "theme" of music will change day to day but it is primarily known as a "punk" venue. If you are a touring band, keep in mind that the acoustic environment is somewhat lacking unless the front bar is packed. Also, bring your own sound guy. Typically, the door guy or one of the owners runs the sound board (none who are properly trained sound engineers). The decor is as expected with stickers littered on the walls to accompany the assortment of broken instruments hung sporadically throughout. The vinyl booths are torn and usually dirty. Don't mind the faux chandelier in the middle with dust caked on it. Don't use the bathroom unless you absolutely have to...and if you do, make sure your vaccinations are up to date. The back bar and beer garden are pleasant if you want to escape the front bar area and hold a conversation. Most of the servers are pleasant. The assortment of beers and alcohol are pretty standard for a so-called "dive bar" and the prices are reasonable. One of the owners, Rob, is a great guy and very friendly. Despite my animosity towards this venue, I think this is a fair review. I support local and touring acts as much as possible. Just know what to expect before you give them your money. read more

I love The Mel. Always providing a consistent home to punk rock, metal, country, or whatever raw version of whatever you're looking for, this place does it with flavor. If you want to sit down at an engulfing booth and not be tampered with, even on a busy night, as long as you can snag one of those booths, you're really not shoulder to shoulder with anyone. If you want to stand, you can stand. There's back room to sit in with a back bar- much quieter. There's an outdoor area where you can "shoot the shit" with your buddies. Really, this place is pretty versatile. PBR tall boy? check. Jamie on the rocks? Check. Draft Newcastle, sure! Oberon? Ok. You can get whatever you want, really. Whether it's your choice of live music, drank or sitting/standing room. Sure it gets smoky, but as it's still nice outside, there's the outside area. Or the backroom if that's not smoky. read more

PRN alone makes the Melody Inn worth a visit, but I try to stop by anytime I'm coming from downtown, day or night. Somewhat unkept (check out look at the dust on the antlers or walls behind the bar) and could definitely be considered a dive, but who cares...the bartenders are some of the best & anyone else that walks through the door is easy to get along with. Though everyone is smoking, the smoke in the main bar amazingly isn't too bad. Two bars areas with bathrooms and a kitchen in between. The main front bar is larger and consists of the stage to the immediate left than large rounded, lower booths that fill up quickly (however they suck if you actually came there to watch a band). Down the middle are high tables starting just after the stage, than on the right (all from the perspective after walking into the mel), again starting at the end of the stage is the bar. read more

Love this joint. There are no pretensions here. This is your classic dive. Their "hot food" menu consists of pizza, nachos, pretzles and corn dogs. Lots of different beers. No hoity toity cocktails. The restrooms are completely graffitied and one stall doesn't really close in the womens. Tuesday the bouncer introduced himself to me and my friend and politely walked us out to our car. I just love the vibe. I'll be back. read more

Many memories have been made at Melody Inn - some I can remember, others I can't :) But there's no way I can give an in-depth, unbiased and objective review of the Mel; it's just too sentimental to me. I've seen some amazing bands there. And the bartenders have always been accommodating, and at time down-right caring, making sure that I got home ok, and kept a random creepster at the bar away from me. Can I guarantee that this will all happen to you when you go? No, I can't. But it's often worth the gamble, knowing that you'll be in a room amongst some amazing people. read more

I was just here for cheap booze and Yelpiness. So that's all I'll review. Maybe someday I'll return for a show and review that. In terms of booze and atmosphere, they have a good selection, and it's not terrible on the pocket book. I had the experience of talking with the owner during the yelp event and it was a pleasure. If you're afraid of punk music, grungy atmosphere, and a good time, I recommend checking out my Old Pro's table review. it might fit better. read more

Strong drinks, great beer selection with lots of local selections and the best in local, regional and national musical acts - love this place! PLUS every Saturday night is PUNK ROCK NIGHT - I'm a fan. read more

Ah, the Mel. You either love it or hate it, there's no in between, it seems. It's a great place to see the best in local musicians in an intimate atmosphere. There is lot of interesting stuff on the walls to see, the sound is decent, and the drinks are cheap. The neighborhood is usually thought to be a bit suspect, but I've spent my share of late nights there, both performing and listening, and other than the occasional homeless person asking me for a handout, I've never had an issue. Check their website or facebook page for various special events...punk rock night, rockabilly night, and even the occasional folk music or comedy night. You'll have fun. read more

Yeah..its pretty cool...and can't wait till NON SMOKING !!! ...but....Sam Adams and Miller High Life on tap ?? Really ? C'mon...supposed to support local music at the Mel....the taps should be all local beers IMO.. Still...despite selling out to the big beer guys....(hmmmm ?? hot rep perhaps ??) THEE best dive bar in indy ! read more

I am a lover of smaller venues. I think it's great for concert so that you can be more intimate with the artist. The bartenders are very nice and efficient. I also liked the price on drinks it wasn't too expensive which made for a lovely time. I do have to say that there is not very much parking so you do have to be a little on the ball as far as that is concerned. Can't wait to go see my next concert. read more

Melody Inn - Shotguns and Roses - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Most commonly referred to as 'The Mel,' this is the ultimate punk bar. Serving up dishes of punk for many years, the Mel has been the long-standing host of Punk Rock Night (every Saturday), and has featured bands from Indy, as well as around the country. Pretty much one of the grungier spots in the city, the Mel has the perfect ingredients for a great rock n roll atmosphere. Cans of PBR at the bar. Autographed cymbals on the wall. Smoky. Diner style booths. Great bartenders (who just won Best Bartenders in the NUVO Best Of Indy 2008 Issue). There is usually live music at least 5 or 6 nights of the week and cover most nights is cheap (under $5). Drinks are also very reasonably priced (I mean, this is not a chic spot, it's raw, baby!). One of the more authentic places in Indy, which tends to be dominated by more corporate venues. read more

One of the places you have to check out as a Hoosier. Glad we went. Drinks were affordable. Could have done with a few less decibels but i guess that means i'm getting old. read more

This is an Indy institution. It is a dive bar above all dive bars. The beers are cold, drinks are stiff, prices are low, pizzas are Tombstones, jukebox is killer, staff is always on top of it, and the live music is legendary. Walk in here any night and be surprised at the quality of bands playing, you will end up surpassing the limits of your current favorite genres. You will find laid back people in a historic building that has housed this long running establishment since the 40s. And if you are in a band, the tiny stage is a must stop on your tour. See ya at The Mel. read more

Melody Inn - Individuals like this handsome SOB can be found playing here almost every night of the week. - Dive Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Coolest place there is. My band drove from Chicago to play here, and I was sad to have to come back to Chicago. It's like a lot of cool rock clubs in Chicago, but way less crowded and way more welcoming, something you could only pull off in a city the size of Indianapolis. Everyone there, owner, bartender, sound dude, not to mention the crowd, all incredibly nice, into cool music, and lacking the pretension that's pervasive in larger cities. Can't wait until I get a chance to go back there. If I lived in Indy I'd be here near every night. read more