I'd heard so many stories about Red Key Tavern and so off we went last Saturday night. While it won't be everyone's vibe, it was definitely ours. My husband and I grabbed a seat at the bar and proceeded to order a bucket of domestic beer, $14!! I also had a gin and tonic, that was light on the tonic so beware if you're not used to a heavy pour. My husband had the famous burger and loved it, I had the grilled cheese with bacon that was so good. We started with an order of braunschweiger and crackers and it was like a Time Machine back to our childhoods. The clientele were lovely, we chatted with so many fantastic people and the staff were equally as friendly. If you're looking for a true neighborhood dive bar with a slightly more mature crowd, Red Key is it! Don't forget cash! No cards accepted but they do have an ATM. read more

Red Key Tavern - Menu - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Met a friend here for catching up over drinks. Had no idea what to expect but have driven by this place a million times and just never stopped was super excited to go! It is a very quaint local bar a bit like cheers. Everyone seemed to live in the neighborhood, or at least a regular if not. They only accept cash but you don't feel bad about it because their drinks are probably the cheapest in the area. Not an overly expansive bar but they have the usual suspects. The bartender talked us into trying the best hamburger in the city (so he says) and of course we had to, right? It was a darn good burger indeed. No frills, just a burger, with lettuce and tomato, very simple. No fancy bun, no avocado, no bacon, just a burger. I can't remember how much it was but very inexpensive. They don't have much else on their menu and no fryer but they have chips if you need something to go with your burger or cocktails. read more

Red Key Tavern - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

A reunion of old basketball players at SoBro's iconic neighborhood tavern that Kurt Vonnegut and Dan Wakefield wrote about from their youth. Lots of history here over the last 50+ years for so many of us. The place still has the same atmosphere and friendly vibes. At any moment, I expected to hear Russ's voice from behind the bar reminding us of one of 'Russ's Rules' which are still in force and printed on the back of the menu. Cheers! read more

Red Key Tavern - The original sign from 1951 - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This is an older bar that shows it in a great way. I was in here on a Tuesday with a group of 6 and the whole place was full. You could definitely squeeze more in, but most of the tables were taken and everyone was having a good time. A very nice woman was cooking hamburgers like my Mom used to make them. Our table service was amazing because she also doubles as the owner/manager. Leslie is so nice and is good at knowing everyone it seems. It's nice she's keeping it the way it's been, as its been in her family since way back. read more

The perfect, quintessential Indianapolis dive-bar. Where else can you walk in and hear a customer play the piano next to a board with all the birthdays of their regulars? More than that, their cheeseburgers have a nice, home-grilled feel to them that makes them extra delicious and nostalgic. Cheap drinks, great service, cash-only. Need I say more? read more

Red Key Tavern - Cheeseburger - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Great burgers... really good. The potato salad, while very tasty is more expensive than you will want to pay. I cannot believe the tiny amount for $4!! Felt like a scam. Shame because we try to support the little guy but cmon! read more

Some friends and I wanted to hit a local, been around "forever" type of bar. We decided on the Red Key Tavern. We walked in to a lively scene of a pub that, we found out, has been in the same family since 1950. There were 6 of us, the waitress moved tables around and we had our spot. We all ordered beers and the some of us decided to get a cheeseburger. Our waitress was the only one in the tavern. She handled it perfectly. She gave us the story about the long family ownership. She checked on us often. She was on her game for sure. The cheeseburger was delicious. It says "often voted best" and I can see why. We wanted potato salad, but it is only there until it sells out. It was sold out - apparently it is that good! One thing to note - Cash only. There is an ATM onsite, but don't go think you'll be using a credit card! You won't. read more

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This place is a trip. One of Indy's greatest dive bars. CASH ONLY! The staff here crack me up. First time I came here, I arrived right after they had opened and it was just me and one other customer. The bartender was a a small, older lady who took my order right away while I waited for my friend. I ordered an Old Fashioned which was made fairly quickly. It sat on the table for a minute or so while I checked some emails on my phone. The bartender comes back up with a bottle of simple syrup and says she forgot to mix in the simple syrup. Doesn't matter to me since I hadn't touched the drink yet. As soon as she gets to the bar, she turns back with a cherry in some tongs and dunks it in my drink without a word. Mixing drinks at the table is a first. Part of the charm is what I chalked it up to. This is a dark, medium sized bar with boxes stacked in the back around the bathrooms. Just one of those places that welcomes customers who aren't too fussy about appearances. I hope this place never closes. read more

We've lived down the street for five years, and for five years have been meaning to pop in. We finally had cash on us and decided the time was right on a Thursday night ($4 wells night). I can't recall having a warmer welcome in a dive bar. The man working the counter welcomed us, talked us through the history, and felt like my grandpa. I also learned Ben Affleck sat at the bar in the same spot I was which was a fun fact! I'm a veg, so there weren't too many food options, but the burgers look like they slap. The cutest lady brings them out on a styrofoam plate. There are definitely good people working here who love the place. This is the 3rd oldest bar in Indy. Yes, they will ask you to leave if you are swearing (see the 10 rules). This place goes back to 1921 so enjoy! You are sitting in a piece of College Ave history. read more

I love this place! Great people and an Indy institution. Leslie makes a great Manhattan.

Long time resident, first time visitor. My review is based on my one and only visit. If I could give it 3.75 stars I would. The ambiance is that of a warm, comfortable, historic neighborhood bar. A space time forgot. The many tables were full when we arrived, but the space was not loud. The vibe was low conversation, calm, and friendly. The service was good and friendly. They bar has rules that they share with you if you are new, but are not enforced as we observed during our visit. Overall if you are looking for a quiet conversation, or feeling nostalgic this is the spot for you. read more

The Red Key Tavern is a neighborhood watering hole that's been around for 70 years! We would know as we accidentally went for the first time on their anniversary, April 2nd. This place is a no frills, seat yourself place. The menu is small but cheap. There are no beers on tap, only bottles and cans. The cheeseburger was good! A thicker homemade patty with the fixings you want. The lettuce and tomato were fresh! They don't have many sides but I opted for the potato salad. A step down from the burger as it was very blended like mashed potatoes and pretty bland. I'm sure that recipe has existed for as long as this place! read more

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The waitress literally tried to fight us because we wanted to pay our tabs separately. It's not one of Russ's rules, we were not asked not to pay separately. She told me that it's not normal for parties of 6-8 to pay separately. Umm... Yes it is, especially for adults in a bar in America. I waited tables for ten years, yes, people tend to pay separately. She asked me if I really wanted to stand here and argue - A level of attitude I was completely unprepared for while making a common and reasonable request. I have never in my life met more confrontational people. We were there to celebrate my dead sister's birthday with about 11 or so people coming and going. The confrontational attitude and the slamming down of the rules was so dehumanizing. They stoked up the regulars to harass us too and one even deemed it "good" that my sister was dead. Whitney was hands down the worst. Even after my sister said just bring the check, we'll work it out amongst ourselves, she slammed the rules down and told us we were going to listen to her lecture. No ma'am, we're not children. It's your job as a waiter to find out if everyone is together or separate and not the customer's job to fix that mistake while you brandish the rules like a get out of jail free card. The only reason she stopped putting her hair up to follow us outside to fight was because my sister reminded her the tab hadn't been settled yet. Grow up Whitney. Enjoy this picture of my sister giving the folks at 21st Amendment #Whitney'sTips read more

Red Key Tavern - #Whitney'sTips - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

What a perfect cozy hole in the wall. Cash only! I've heard many regulars here are very particular about things but I thought everyone was super friendly and welcoming. This place opened in 1933 and according to the rumors the giant murals that are painted on the walls were painted by the mother in law when they opened. Seems like a lot of history packed into this little place. No draft beers but cheap bottles and a full liquor selection. Very limited food menu but we tried the burger which according to the bartender is the fan favorite. They don't have fries, but they have a wall of chips and offer a few cold sides such as potato salad (if they have it). They were out when we were there but figure it's a big batch make and when they're out they're out. Burger was like a traditional diner burger and tasty. read more

Red Key Tavern - Menu - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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By Dad brought me here for the first time a couple weeks ago. He told me many stories of his time in Broadripple and frequenting the Red Key. I was so excited, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. They had one of my favorite beers and the burger was fantastic. I tried to order potato salad but they were out. Said they only make potato salad on Tuesday and Thursday and it normally sells out that day! Looking forward to visiting again. read more

Red Key Tavern - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

It's true - the burgers are THAT good. I love that this institution has barely any price increases. $3.25 well drinks on Thursdays, burgers under $6 and a class potato salad that's the perfect pairing. It also gives me a reason to keep some cash on hand as it's still cash only. I will be visiting Red Key for years to come. read more

How nostalgic and comfortable! The Red Key Tavern has been here since 1951 and still family owned and operated. There is an abundance of history here and we loved that Nora shared some of the stories tonight. In just 15 days it'll be their 68 year anniversary. Image 68 years of surviving all they've seen and been through. I imagine the Red Line construction is just another annoyance after all they've achieved. Just like the old days it's CASH only but for the 21st century there's an ATM inside by the piano. You walk in and it's like walking back into the 40's and 50's. Small intimate tables with a few 4 top tables with a nice size bar. You'll see airplanes hanging over the bar (Russ, the owner, was in the Army Air Corps flying B-17s) and the crooner or big band music playing is reminiscent of the 40's and 50's. The music is soft and easy to talk over. The murals above the bar were there when Russ bought the bar in 1951. Not much has changed over the years which is fine with us. You'll either appreciate the wear and tear and history or you won't. We noticed older folks who've been coming here for years as well as the younger folks sitting beside us experiencing for the first time. The menu is small but something for most. Burgers, tenderloin, grilled cheese, BLT, chili which is seasonal (until 3/31) and replaced with a seasonal chicken salad sandwich are some of the options. There's no fryer so you can't get fries. Instead they have 3 sides with a variety of chips to select from, cottage cheese or potato salad all at an additional charge. My husband ordered the burger and bbq chips and I had the tenderloin and a cup of chili. My husband said the hamburger was just like his Mother use to make growing up. All is homemade and we reminisced while enjoying dinner. The prices are terrific with a hamburger running $4.75 and a tenderloin for $5.75. Very affordable prices! Our server of 19 years, Nora, was fantastic. She was the only server on a busy Saturday night and we wanted for nothing. She took excellent care of us, answered several questions and shared some history about Red Key Tavern. We love the history behind this historic establishment. We had a wonderful time, appreciated the laid back, comfortable atmosphere, enjoyed the music and totally appreciated the affordable bill coming in right at $25 for dinner and beers. Fun, relaxing and a cheap evening. If this sounds like you're type of place stop in soon. Support the local businesses, especially now, while the Red Line construction is underway. read more

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This place was everything I imagined it to be and more. Very quaint bar that you can tell has been around forever. Staff was friendly and welcoming even though we were obviously new and not regulars. The little older bartender was so nice, and acted as the cook as well. Our burgers were made with love and tasted like a burger my grandma would cook me in her kitchen. Prices were great for all items on the small menu. Lots of small snack bags to choose from on the wall too. Check the backside of the menu for the "rules" of the bar. They're pretty fun and help you feel welcome. read more

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One of my top 5 Indy establishments. Quiet but you can always find good conversation and nostalgic music (nothing later the Nat King Cole era). Burgers are excellent. It's a relaxing escape. Especially cozy at Christmastime. While we all are entitled to our own opinion, I don't get the expectations of some of the negative reviewers (tables too close together? Well, it's a small place and that's part of the fun!). A favorite of ours for years. read more

Red Key Tavern - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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My days of clubbing are over. I love just hanging out at quiet old bars. There is something about a worn floor and a vinyl booth I love. There is also such a great crowd mix of older folks you know have been coming here forever and younger folks that are just discovering. When your beer comes they give you a small glass very old school style. The food is pretty good. They have a solid burger. The potato salad is good too. Now onto the drinks history. I was talking to our server. We were very interested in the paintings on the wall. We found out they were there when her grandfather originally bought the building. They are actually painted on the building itself. They have had hem cleaned once but not since they went nonsmoking. I cannot imagine how amazing they would look cleaned. They would be so vibrant. I suggest talking to the staff. The history is great here. It is just something you do not get w a lot of the new bars. You can renovate an old building but really it is the people that know first hand the history. I mean even the trash can is old here but you can tell it is clean so why replace it. It isn't that shabby chic stuff either this place is the real deal. They also don't overcharge you for your drinks. No dance cocktail stuff. Simple beverages. Love it here. And the music is classic stuff. read more

I'm sure the four walls of Red Key Tavern have seen some crazy things over the decades. We stopped in for a drink after having dinner down the street and were generally unimpressed and underwhelmed. It is no doubt a dive bar, but not a dive bar I would visit again. The staff were not very pleasant. The tables are uncomfortably close to each other so you feel like you are sitting on top of the people next to you. Our drinks were not good. And to top it off, the jukebox was out of order so the inside was awkwardly quiet except for overhearing other patrons conversations. We were in and out within 10 minutes and laughed about our experience on the way home. read more

Love this local bar usually filled with regulars and one bartender/cook. Every time I have been in Dolly has waited on us and she's always so nice and attentive. I'm pretty sure people have no idea this place offers one of the best no fuss burgers in Broad Ripple / SoBro. You can tell it's a fresh patty and cooked to perfection. Some people may complain it's cash only but they are super upfront about it so deal with it! Also it's a great place on a nice day to sit outside and enjoy a beer. Do yourself a favor and accept the glass they offer with a bottle or can of beer it's a small little glass that adds to the experience. read more

Just a public service reminder that the burger at the Red Key, like the tavern itself, is serious business. read more

Red Key Tavern - W/everything - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Had the most absolute worst time I've ever had at a bar. Wait staff was absolutely rude, combative, overcharged us, and couldn't get their s*** straightened. Never coming here again read more

Came with enough cash to pay for 2 burgers at the website price, (because they only take cash) only to discover the website prices are out of date. Had to get cash at the ATM in house and pay a $4 ATM fee. Please be courteous and update your website prices. Burger was great read more

A throwback to simpler times, packed full of history! Awesome staff and patrons. An Indianapolis institution! Oh...and the burgers, potato salad and cocktails are truly great! read more

Yay for the Red Key Tavern, and patio. Drinks are standard but good value. Nora Spitznogle is the best. The old juke box will take you back to another time. A great place to meet a couple friends for intimate conversation. No rowdy bar noise or BS to bother you. There's a reason it's a classic listed on many must-see travel destination lists! A true treasure in the city, and family owned and run. Plus, they treat the dogs well! read more

Red Key Tavern - Dog friendly patio! - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

We found an article that labeled Red Key Tavern as the best dive bar in Indiana. The chill, low-key, comfortable vibe is there. I loved the small, round, intimate tables with the twinkle lights and imagine it as a great first date spot - low pressure, dim, and a good volume where you can hear the other person talking. There isn't anything on tap which is interesting for a small bar that essentially runs on beer. Everything is bottled and canned. There is also a small food menu that includes basic bar food such as burgers and sandwiches and grilled cheese. All of the food options are cheap! read more

The most amazing bartender Courtney - and the most friendly folks - laid back atmosphere -

Great little dive with unreal history behind the decor inside. Be sure to check out the murals hand painted on the walls. Ask to speak with Lana. She is the server will all the history. Decent little cheeseburger. If you are feeling adventurous try the braunschweiger. Also, they carry corn nuts, love a good corn nut. Bring your cash, cash only, unless you live in the neighborhood, then they will accept a check. read more

So I've been in for drinks before but had never tried the highly vaunted burger. All four of us got the cheese burger and it was solid. Imagine if you crossed a SteaknShake burger with a backyard grill out burger and you're there. It was a really good burger. Was it the best burger of my life? No. But it only cost $5.25. So the price for quality quotient is extremely high. Service is competent and friendly. They have a quaint list of rules that they take pretty seriously. read more

Red Key Tavern - Menu - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

They have the absolute best cheeseburgers. My husband liked the breaded tenderloin, no deep fryer, so no deep fried food.

We visit Indy regularly and found the Red Key while on a walk. What a very nice and comfortable bar. It was Thursday so my bourbon was on special - $3.75. My wife had her favorite, a Manhattan. The staff is very friendly and it's just a great place to spend some time. I noticed a marker board that had all the birthdays in May of the regulars. I look forward to our next visit to Indianapolis and the Red Key. read more

Red Key Tavern - Entrance to Red Key. - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Great experience! History and local must!! Went during the Christmas season and felt the history and love of the family who owns this place. Christmas carols were sung by three of the owners sisters. Seems they have been singing Christmas carols for around 30 years. A real treat! The food was okay -- really good, but they had a very limited menu and most of the items we wanted to try were out... so, don't go if you are wanting a real dinning treat. The history and atmosphere is well worth the visit and who cares about food! Our server was spot on and very attentive. No issues! Red Key fan forever! read more

Red Key Tavern - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Red Key Tavern is the "Cheers" of Indy. Friendly bartenders are ready to serve you your favorite drinks with a smile while they make you feel part of the crew. Great inexpensive drinks, but don't forget your cash. This is a cash only bar and their is an ATM on site in case you forget your bills at home. Daily drink specials available as well. read more

Red Key Tavern - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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We love the Red Key. It's the perfect neighborhood bar. The service is friendly and welcoming. The decor is a perfectly preserved retro time capsule. My husband loves the old 45's in the jukebox. The food is pretty good, too - yummy burgers and perfectly cooked grilled cheese. They also have tenderloins and BLTs. Tons of chip options to choose from to go with your sandwich. Apparently the potato salad is awesome, when they have it. I'll have to try it one day! They also have a good selection of beers (in cans and bottles) and liquor. It's cash only, but they have an ATM if you need it. read more

Red Key Tavern - Cheeseburger, with bacon added. The bacon was nice and flat and perfectly crisp! - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I love the Red Key's decor, it's like a dirty Pee Wee's playhouse mixed with an American Legion. I dig that. I'd only been here once before, and this was a long needed trip back. Before I start the review, I'd like to say our bartender/ waitress was so super amazing and saw that I was kind of stressed out and totally made me feel better. The bar-restaurant scene needs more sweethearts like her! I could see Kurt Vonnegut still fitting in here. There were mostly men at the bar wearing tweed and wool sweaters that I am envious of. And everyone looks cooler with elbow patches, it's a page out of 'How to be a Hot, Bespectacled Nerd by Dr. Henry Jones, Jr.' I ordered the pork tenderloin, and yes, this was the first time I've ever done this. Pickles and mustard on a hot tenderloin, I felt pretty Indiana. I don't think they hand dip the tenderloin, it looked kind of perfect and "came from a box"-y, but it was like $4. I ATE DINNER FOR FOUR DOLLARS, OH MY SCIENCE! I tried some of my friend's chili, and it was spicy, not wimpy at all, just the way I like it. Also, give me any place with red vinyl or pleather as upholstery and I am in. If I was friends with John Waters, I would bring him here. I prefer being in places that I could foresee John Waters enjoying, but that's just the kind of girl I am. You win, Red Key, always do. read more

It seems wrong to review the Red Key as it is more of an experience and traditional neighborhood staple and less of a restaurant/bar there to serve the public with the intent of earning profits. Because it is the former -- a tradition -- and not the latter, this place is part of a dying breed. My advice for experiencing the Key is this: Be mindful that this is a family-owned business by showing respect. Follow the norms/customs of the space. Meet friends or go alone, sit at the bar, have a drink, and talk to people like one should do at a neighborhood bar. This isn't the kind of place for dancing on a chair or screaming at your friends. No way. This is more like Cheers! where you can have real conversation, some drinks, and a bit of food. read more

Red Key Tavern - Street entrance - Bars Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Best burgers around! The bar was small and quaint and the burgers were old fashion and so so good!

Kurt Vonnegut, David Wakefield, and now Allison Fisher-Mannies are included on the list for having spent evenings at the iconic Red Key Tavern. I'll continue keeping this no-frills neighborhood dive bar on my short-list of watering holes as long as they keep bottles of Bell's Two Hearted in the cooler. read more