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    The Whistle Stop

    4.2 (83 reviews)
    InexpensiveAmerican, Bars
    Open 12:00 pm - 3:00 am (Next day)

    The Whistle Stop Photos

    Business Info

    THE WHISTLE STOP ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - The Whistle Stop

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    Sarah M.

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

    Vodka Redbull
    Emm M.

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

    Just a bit of the eclectic decor.
    Philip M.

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

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

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

    Tank G.

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

    Can't even explain this night!
    Elizabeth H.

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

    Whit W.

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

    Bar seating
    Mike K.

    Was in town for the Olympic swimming trials at Lucus Oil and wanted a traditional dive bar to grab an app and cold beer. Happened to catch the owner Rob sitting at the end of bar. We had a great conversation about the bar and so much more. Rob even brought out a couple of his favorites which included duck empanadas and homemade butter pecan ice cream. It was such an experience- definitely the best we had in Indy. We like everything from the 5 star restaurants to good old fashion dive bars like this one. Cant beat good people and cold drinks. The Whistle Stop is the best - don't miss out.

    Those brisket fries are shareable AND delicious!

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    1 year ago

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

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    10 months ago

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

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    1 year ago

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

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    2 years ago

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

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    3 years ago

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

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    Astrea Rooftop

    Astrea Rooftop

    4.2(50 reviews)
    0.5 miMile Square
    Luxury
    Rooftop seating

    The place is very elegant. We came for the first day of brunch. I want to come back for the burger…read more The green eggs and ham sandwich was also good. We got a pitcher of mimosa for 5 and it was yummy. I didn't know there was a view like this place. Everyone in the hotel was very kind. From the doors men to the person working in the other restaurant that told us about this place on the rooftop.

    Each year I host a Mother's Day lunch and this year's location was Astrea. I like to be detailed so…read morethis may be a bit long but stick with me. Keagan Fife (Manager) - A team player, receptive to feedback and conscientious. We had a issue while there and he was able to step in and problem solve with me and come up with a solution that really won us over. We had a moment where it was feeling a bit "why did we come here" but his customer service exceeded expectation. That's good management. (He's the gentleman in the video below.) Let's get the negative out the way 1st. The first waitress asked if we wanted anything to drink. I told her we hadn't received menus. She came back sat them down and walked away. We never saw her again. A new waitress came and she seemed pleasant enough. Once we were all seated she began to take our orders. She made a point to say she needed to write it all down or she was get it mixed up. She then did not write anything down. Our food came out extremely slow but that wasn't a huge deal because we all were mingling. A lot of her team had to step in and deliver our food, give drinks, check on us etc. She was pretty non existent. Two of the ladies never received food. This was after we had been there for 2 hours and everyone else had received their items. At the end when we asked for our check they were all mixed up and confused. The waitress then blamed us for adding things and moving around. We never moved once and she only came around the one time when she originally took our orders. We never got a chance to add things. (it was quite comical that she tried to say that) I ended up asking for manager because she seemed overwhelmed and a bit bias about our group. Assuming that we wouldn't want one check and splitting them because she figured we would want it that way and then blaming us because she did it when we never asked for split. There rule is parties over 8 have to have 1 bill and we never asked for an exception. There was just her assumption that a group of black women wouldn't want to do that. (I digress) There were a few more things but I will end it there. That was the big negative. Now the positive!!! Ambiance 10/10 - great views, great music, great location, umbrellas on roof were great although a but wobbly and scary. Also, they come around with complimentary sunglasses while dining. I thought this was a nice and luxurious touch! Food 8/10 - most food received was delicious Service 9/10 - everyone except for our server was great! Everyone who pitched in to help was awesome! Ended up tipping a different server who basically helped us the whole time. Bless his heart because I know he was super busy. As stated above management handle the situation well. I would definitely go back! I try to give people a chance. I think our server may have been overwhelmed and had a past experience that left her bias against our group but hopefully she can grow and get better. Her actions don't reflect the restaurant as a whole! Go and enjoy the vibes and views!

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

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

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    The Inferno Room - Inside - stairs to the second floor

    The Inferno Room

    4.1(408 reviews)
    1.1 miFountain Square
    $$

    If you are looking for the perfect destination for a night out in Indianapolis, The Inferno Room is…read morean absolute must! I was so impressed by the dual setup between the main room and the Tiki Bar it adds such a sophisticated layer to the experience. It was quite the "place to be" when I arrived, and while there was a brief, fashionable wait for a table, the atmosphere is so captivating that I didn't mind at all. I opted for the Corrupted Blood Cocktail, and it was simply divine. Despite the lounge being bustling and busy, the staff remained incredibly quick and efficient. I'm completely obsessed with the decor; it's curated so perfectly and truly sets this place apart from anything else in the area. It makes such a difference when a venue commits to a theme so beautifully. I will most certainly be back for another round soon!

    Inferno has the best theming of any bar and restaurant in town. There is so much detail every…read morewhere you look. You seriously feel like you have been transported to another place. I ended up ordering the Tambaran Firedancer drink. I love an interactive experience. Our waiter put on quite the performance. I was surprised by how long the drink burned. It had a wonderful smokey smell to it. I actually didn't want to put the fire out, but I also wanted a drink. I had been given a snuffer to put out the fire, which was so much fun. Not only was it a fun experience, it tasted good as well. I also ordered the whip feta for the table. It wasn't what I was expecting. It was sweet. But it was really good and surprised how well it went with the vegetables. Overall, the Inferno Room is a must do experience if you are in the Indy area.

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    Strange Bird - Jiro-kei ramen

    Strange Bird

    4.5(388 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    $$

    This place is so cute from the outside and a nice chill classy tiki vibe on the inside. We weren't…read moreable to make a reservation because of the popularity but there were cute large couches and chairs to chill at while you wait with a cocktail or mocktail. Even though they were busy the wait was not very long and the host was so nice and I wish I could remember his name. Our server was so nice and kind and made great recommendations. I had the mocktail Nohito and it was sooo cute and delicious! The others had cocktails and a bottle of coke (yes glass bottle)- cute right?! Now we had the Karange tofu and I need that recipe! The crispiest most flavorful tofu outside and nice and soft inside. Couldn't tell it wasn't chicken! We also had oysters. For dinner I had the Katsu Curry and it was on point! And the leftovers were just as delicious. My sister had the Tantanmen and it was sooo good!! I could drink that broth. They do give you options for rice instead of noodles and broth if you like options. We also shared the Glazed tofu and yall it will change your LIFE!!! Cute monkeys hanging out everywhere with beautiful string lights and a classy understated tiki vibe. Please go here if you haven't yet. You'll thank me later

    Strangebird is one of my family's favorite places in Indy. We have special occasions there, go to…read morecelebrate little moments, and go on a bad day when we just need a big bowl of comfort food. The drinks, the ramen, the dessert...we love it all, and we love spending our money at a local business. For years now, the kitchen has substituted rice for ramen for me because I have gluten intolerance. I have always asked respectfully, explained why, and said thank you, every single time. Tonight my husband and I walked down to Strangebird for dinner, ordered drinks and dinner, and I had *just* said to my husband that Strangebird has come to feel like a second home. Then the server came out and told us that the chef has decided they will no longer permit any modifications, including those that meet dietary needs. We were out on the quiet patio surrounded by other customers, so on top of being totally blindsided, it was actually pretty embarrassing, too. Folks, let me tell you how much I wish I could just eat the ramen noodles like everybody else. So much food that I love (and in some cases spent years learning to make myself) went out the window forever when my body stopped being able to handle wheat. But at Strangebird, I could still go in and enjoy the depth of flavor in every other component of a bowl of ramen. And that meant the absolute world to me. I'm heartbroken.

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    Strange Bird - Atmosphere

    Atmosphere

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    GF Gomae Salad - The Star of the Show

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    The Whistle Stop - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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