Why complain about a business' policy? I did a search for dive bars and found old town tavern. Friendly staff and customers. Yes this place allows smoking and they don't allow a person th wear their cap backwards deal with it or simply go down the street. My only complaint would be the lack of taps (but then they don't have too much room) lots of bottle and can options though. Seems as though there's quite the regular crowd along with some random. Fun times! read more

If you can envision a townie bar that smells like smoke, has pool, and where everyone will know your name.....that's old town tavern in a nut shell. read more

Old Town Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

Just a heads up about Old Town Tavern. In Carmel, IN. From another couples post. Just got police escorted out of Old Town Tavern for my husband having his hat backwards lol... Just a heads up I guess, they have a tiny sign at the front that says forward hats only. My husband flipped his hat as soon as we realized the man we were talking to was the owner & there was a rule against it, but he still called the cops & had us escorted out. read more

I've never experienced such a terrible bar in my life the drinks are super weak really rude bar tender didn't even get to finish my credit on darts better spend you're money somewhere else read more

My husband & I just went in to play darts. We played for around 15-20 minutes before a gentleman approached my husband and called him an "asshole who needs to turn his hat around." low and behold, they have a tiny sign at the bar that says no backwards hats. the owner called the cops & had us physically removed from the bar.... for having his hat backwards... even though he had flipped it forward as soon as we saw the rule. the place is disgusting and smells like smoke. an awful business all around read more

Terrible service and an even worse owner. I have never been treated worse than here. Not only were the staff awful the bar was disgusting. I would never recommend this place to anyone. read more

They changed bartenders and she is the absolute best. Would suggest this bar to anyone looking for a chill dive bar in carmel. Just don't wear your hat backwards and you will have a great time (looking to figure out what that's all about). read more

This is such a local dive joint. It's important to remember that smoking IS allowed. If you're not into that, there's seating outside in the summer. It's a great place for cheap drinks, pool and darts! read more

Great atmosphere- super nice staff! Felt very welcomed! We'll definitely visit again when in town

This bar is not diverse friendly. After coming into the bar to have a drink, we were never greeted. The bartender literally walked past us to check on the people at the pool table and never greeted us. She continued to do everything and check on everyone else except us. I definitely will not be back. read more

Old Town Tavern - The bartender who never greeted us - Dive Bars Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

Stopped in on Sunday for a little Sunday funday. This is a fun little bar nestled in the heart of the arts and design district. It is a smoking bar so if that bothers you you might want to go elsewhere, but they do have signs posted on the doors to make it evident that it is smoking. They have pool darts tv's golden tee and a great selection of cigars. Becky was the bartender and she is super friendly and efficient. We talked to the owner Bruce he is awesome! read more

If you're looking for an unexpected adventure with cheap drinks, darts and talking to random strangers then this place is perfect! I've been here a couple times now and have not been disappointed. We always have a great time and end up meeting interesting people. This place isn't for everyone but if you're looking for laid back, great time and don't have high expectations then definitely check out this place. Lastly, people in the comments talking about the bartender need to cut her some slack. If you've never been a bartender or known one then you have no idea how much crap they put up with on a daily basis. Keep in mind she's dealing with all types of drunken people! She's always been very nice to us and tries to efficiently serve up drinks. read more

Old Town Tavern - Someone obviously needs more practice - Dive Bars Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

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Don't go here during a shift change, the regulars are getting their cards declined and looking for friends. If you are a women expect to get your butt grabbed. My brother who occasionally smokes can't even handle their smoke pollution. Expect to hear about a lot of legal problems. On a positive note they are cheap, dirty, and you don't even have to buy a cigarette to smoke. read more

Old Town Tavern is a downtown Carmel staple that could be considered a rite of passage if you grew up in the area. It's a no-frills dive bar with its fair share of regulars. The drinks are cheap and the inside is small but that's what gives it character. One dart board, one pool table. Very limited seating. Friendly people. The biggest downside for me is that it is a smoking bar, although I'm sure those who smoke enjoy the handful of bars that still allow it. I usually find myself here around the holidays when old friends are back in town. read more

It was friend's birthday and we went here to celebrate. A bartender named ginger made my friend cry and we proceeded to leave because she was so rude read more

This is very much a dive bar. It's small, the drinks are cheap, and there's a pool table and dart board. I love a good dive bar as much as the next person but I have to give this spot one star for the heavy cloud of smoke that hits you when you walk in the door. Smoking is allowed inside and at least when I was there, it seemed like absolutely everyone was smoking. I won't go back because I can't handle smoke indoors. If you don't mind smoke though, it's a good little divey spot. read more

The dive barriest dive bar. Dives so hard it makes the Titan submersible look like Little Tikes. Absolutely amazing.

leslie is amazing!!! the most attentive bartender! she is awesome!!! highly suggest. love the pool tables :))

So im a fan of dive bars, you can smoke here, which as a smoker i like but i know a lot of people can't stand it, which is reasonable. The drinks are cheap but watered down a lot (i think it's just because we had a bartender that seemed to be new) the big issue i have with this place is the owner, Bruce, who's super rude to people and seems like a red-faced racist kind of guy. I was kind of shocked to hear some of the things he was saying. Which is the main reason I won't be back. Can't support an owner who's like that. read more

One of the worst shit hole bars that I have been in. Cheap beers but very smoky. Not a great place to frequent or even go once. Only a few locals and the owner hang out there. Not really Shure how they get away with what they do. Many other good bars in the area but this is not one of them read more

I heard it was the oldest bar in Carmel so I had to check it out. We came here on a Sunday afternoon and there was about 6 people in the bar. The big caveat to this place is that you can smoke inside which is clearly posted outside. If you got in a time machine to 1980 you would end up here. It's dark and a little dingy inside with more boxes of beer and other alcohol stacked up than you can imagine. I wonder quick they turn over the inventory. There are also old playboy and sports illustrated pictures above the bar area in addition to a ton of other memorabilia. Quite entertaining. Best way to sum it up: the beer is cheap and the drinks are cold. read more

This place is just cool. It's not one of those awkward bars where everyone stares at you when you walk in. Everyone here acts like a family and you are sure to meet some pretty interesting and friendly people. It's fairly small but there are tables outside and a big pool table inside. Ask for the pickleback- shot of whiskey followed by a pickle juice chaser (surprisingly refreshing, weirdly good). This place doesn't have a very big sign and often goes unnoticed next to the lit up bars lining downtown Carmel, but just keep your eyes peeled (it's across the street from the pint room)! read more

Suggest everyone read the great review by Robb G. Like other reviewers have suggested, I can only imagine the frustration the Old Town causes Brainard and the others running Carmel, but thank goodness the place exists. Older, run down, smokey, and comfortable. Entering through the back door the bar is immediately ahead on the west wall. Well worn bar stools with back rests, old wooden bar with standard rail, box footrest, and a bar back that contains mostly shelves, liqour bottles, and a couple crappy TVs. The bar overhang is awesome, with postcards on the bottom. Opposite the bar are tables, a pool table, and dart board. Lit up behind the bar and over the pool table, but otherwise pretty dark Patrons definitely run the gamut but all know their way around a bar. Top notch bartenders that know how to serve a strong drink. Food is average, I wouldn't go to Old Town just for the food, but have no problem eating here. Would have drinks here more often, but worry about the Carmel cops. read more

Old Town Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

Pretty fair pricing and a nice bar experience. If you don't smoke, don't go to a bar where smoking is allowed. Deserves a higher score. One of the oldest bars in Carmel and gives a family vibe. read more

Grumpy eye rolling late night staff. Bar tender too busy. And not even nice to make it ok.

If you want to wait 20 minutes for a drink go here, service is absolutely trash, you would think a bar tender could tend a bar with less than 20 people in the building but apparently that's pretty hard. If I could give it less than 1 star I would. read more

Didn't know you could smoke in the bar still. Very surprising. Nice area just not expected to sit with smoking indoors

the manager/bartender shoved me unprovoked, very unprofessional and rude. Owner kicked me out for no reason AND took my debit card. Used to love it here, not anymore. Not worth it. read more

Sucks! Just stopped by for a drink at 1:00 and place supposedly open until 2:30. Turned away for some reason (I don't think we're that shady). Thanks for nothing Old Town. Might want to adjust yur hours. read more

I'm a fan after one visit. On a whim one recent Wednesday night, I asked my husband if he wanted to have a beer. Since we were nearby at the Carmel Library, I suggested we try out Old Town Tavern. Every time we have been in the Art's District, there are always people sitting outside relaxing with a drink enjoying the fabulous-ness that is the Art's District. I decided that I had to see what all the fuss was about :) It's a dive bar if there ever was one. Dark and tacky inside and surprisingly they allow smoking inside (not a smoker, but if you are able to smoke inside at a public place, it might as well be at a bar in my opinion). We each ordered a Blue Moon on draft (they ran out of oranges- no biggie!) and the friendly bartender offered to put our beers in plastic cups so we could sit outside. She offered lemon slices for the Blue Moons, but we declined because it wasn't that big a deal. There is an outdoor patio in the back (something I'll definitely check out next time), but we sat out front at a table along the busy street and people-watched. Had a friendly chat with a fellow stranger and then we went our way. read more

Regulars here...until tonight! There's a super crabby old blonde bartender that will make your visit hell. I guess everyone that goes there is supposed to know to walk on eggshells around her we were told... sorry not paying to be treated like a nuisance. Not one to get easily offended but when the bartender openly curses at you because they're clearly overwhelmed with their job it's time for a new bartender! read more

Love this place!! Good vibes, good times but the bartender is obviously not happy with how her life has turned out so far. Hopefully, she will find love and a better credit score, I'll check back and add stars accordingly as needed. read more

Best "old school" bar in Arts/Design area in Old Town Carmel. ***warning*** this is a bar folks....people drink and smoke here! this is not your typical yuppie Carmel Bar. this place has style... and it has Bruce... the best bar owner around. one pool table, one dart board, strong drinks and great bartenders. food is decent too. this place is nothing fancy... just fabulous. if you want a "pick up" joint or a "dance club" try another place... this is a bar. read more

Love this place. Is it kind of a dive? Yep. Is it smoky as hell? Yep again. But do they have a fab jukebox, friendly bartenders (LOVE Leslie!) and awesome people watching? Totally. Such a fun find in sometimes stuffy Carmel. They'll even let you order a pizza to be delivered to the bar if you've got a late-night need for food (to soak up all the drinks you will no doubt have consumed). Patrons run the gamut from the older/regular crowd, country music lovers, newly 21-year-olds, and randoms like me who just like to get out and have some drinks. read more

If you are looking for a dive bar that will not have your traditional Carmelites in it, this is the one. Super fun, great music, wonderful atmosphere, strong drinks. Perfect night out! read more

Old Town Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

5 stars is for the best tacos on weekends, classic bartenders with slow 4 counts, and fantastic people who frequent the place. Tacos - I spent a decade in Chicago. Look it up - one of the staples of Chicago is steak tacos. I love them and have had them at so many places that are probably some of the best in America. "Senor Taco" as they go by, are only there on weekends but have BY FAR the best steak tacos I've had in Indy. People/atmosphere - guys and girls are cool - open late - music is rock/classic rock through Touch Tunes. Outdoor seating = bonus read more

This is a smokey dive bar, plain and simple. The beer and the food is what you would expect of such a place. Not much more to say. Set your exceptions accordingly. They have a pool table juke box. In the summer time there is outdoor seating in front and back. If you're looking for a laid back place to drink and like dive bars, this is for you. read more

There's nothing worse than a dive bar with pretensions and that fits this place to a T. Dirty., smelly, over-prices and unfriendly. Well. At least they're thorough! read more

My buddies and I spent over 2 hours here playing darts and spent over $125 and having a great time. Until the owner came up to us and asked one of my friends to "turn around your hat". We were having a great time until this event happened and we asked why and he said because "I said so". We quickly finished our game of darts, closed our tab and will never be back. read more

It's a dive no doubt. That part I don't mind. The bizarre behavior of the staff and apparent owner is another story. My group didn't have any problems but I noticed that the general atmosphere was that the regulars and staff just seemed to be inconvenienced that someone else was in the bar. Rude and inattentive bartender. I left feeling a bit sad for anyone that spends more than a few hours there. They do serve alcohol though. read more