Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Whistle Stop

    4.2 (85 reviews)
    InexpensiveAmerican, Bars
    Closed 12:00 pm - 3:00 am (Next day)

    The Whistle Stop Photos

    Business Info

    THE WHISTLE STOP ATMOSPHERE

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

    You might also consider

    More like The Whistle Stop

    Recommended Reviews - The Whistle Stop

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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

    See all

    Photo of Kathryn W.
    156
    13
    47

    28 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jason F.
    151
    56
    3

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan G.
    0
    12
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tank G.
    346
    3531
    41962

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L M.
    0
    44
    3

    11 months ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Whit W.
    0
    12
    14

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J B.
    0
    1
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cassie L.
    4
    83
    106

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Zack W.
    6
    28
    18

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Elise H.
    502
    64
    41

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of D M.
    1
    9
    14

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    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.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ian J.
    29
    4
    18

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Don M.
    0
    10
    3

    3 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Whistle Stop

    You might also consider

    Astrea Rooftop

    Astrea Rooftop

    4.0
    (57 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    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.

    We came today for brunch and sat on the patio. It was a beautiful view of the city, but really…read morereally hot. It would have been alright had we had some water to keep us cool. We hardly saw our server despite there being plenty of staff and not many tables filled. We had we had to go to the host to ask for a carafe of water. The DJ was poppin and we really enjoyed the music. And the food was fantastic. The avocado toast was $17 and it was heaping with greens and avocado. I would definitely recommend. The two eggs meal came with four slices of bacon and some diced potatoes. At $18, it was not worth the price, but was still good. We could have made that at home for less than half the price. I got the orange mocktail and it was fantastic. The problem was I ordered another one and it never came. I guess the server forgot to put it in. My partner got the Morning Ritual and it was super tasty. 10/10 on the cocktails. I think we would have had a way better experience had we not been forgotten in the corner and baking in the sun. We were quite sweaty and ready to leave by the end. We asked for the check and waited 15-20 minutes for it. Probably would not come again.

    Photos
    Astrea Rooftop
    Astrea Rooftop
    Astrea Rooftop

    See all

    The Inferno Room

    The Inferno Room

    4.1
    (409 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    I found out Indy has a Tiki bar and this one seemed to be the popular one in the city so I decided…read moreto go. I went there late at night and by looking at the outside there was nothing that really stood out to me, BUT as soon as I stepped in it was a WHOLE vibe! Their tiki bar experience from top to bottom was decked out in tiki figures and every tropical decor you can imagine, it definitely felt like I was walking into a Hawaiian resort. The drinks were so fancy and they came in a fancy glass, tiki mug, or coconut shaped mug which I loved! I ordered the Tambaran Firedancer and I'm so glad I did, it came with a whole fire show and it tasted great. It had the right combination of alcohol and other juices. I also ordered the coconut cream pie and it was good. EDIT: My experience was so great that I came here again the next day and had an even better experience (didn't think they would too off the first one lol) The staff were so friendly and welcoming to me, they really made the night unforgettable! Second night I ordered the Corsair of Umbar and the basket of fries. The fries were amazing and definitely made my list of top five favorite fries!! The drink was good, but I wasn't a fan of the Fernet. Finding a parking space was easy since they have a parking lot, but the parking lot is pretty small.

    Hmm, bummed to say I'm knocking my rating from a 5 to a 3 star based on the food. As some others…read morehave mentioned, they updated their menu since I came here last year and not for the better. I came with two friends a weekend ago and the waiter said how they had a new chef and new menu and how great it was! So, we tried the pollo boracho, which was... fine. I mean, it's just braised chicken with veggies, which is tasty, but I miss the Polynesian options they had a year ago... drinks were still excellent, and service was good! We wanted to sit in chairs with backs and when they sat us at a table with stools, we asked and they didn't really offer a solution. There were some highbacked chairs in the corner, but the table between them was small and low to the ground... I wish the waiter had just asked us to wait 15 minutes for someone to leave, but that was not an option, apparently. Leaving the old photos from my visit a year ago, including the old lettuce wraps.

    Photos
    Side bar area
    Side bar area
    Waiting area and stairs
    Waiting area and stairs
    Front entrance

    See all

    Front entrance
    Strange Bird

    Strange Bird

    4.5
    (393 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    $$

    Seriously, this was one of the best meals I've ever had. Strange Bird truly has something for…read moreeveryone - whether you're planning a night out with friends, a date night, or celebrating a special occasion, it's the perfect spot. The staff, drinks, food, music and overall atmosphere are consistently exceptional. The cocktail menu is fantastic. My personal favorite is the painkiller - a delicious blend of coconut, rum, orange, pineapple, and nutmeg. It's served in a skull glass and tastes absolutely perfect. I also appreciate that they make their noodles in house! Have you ever had a meal you can't stop thinking about? That's exactly how I feel about the shoyu ramen. It features their noodles, truffle zest, pork belly, egg, veggies and chicken in a deeply flavorful broth. Order a side of rice and dip it into the broth and thank me later! Patio seating available.

    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

    Photos
    The ceilings and lighting are so fun here!
    The ceilings and lighting are so fun here!
    GF Gomae Salad - The Star of the Show
    GF Gomae Salad - The Star of the Show
    GF Teriyaki Twice Fried Wings

    See all

    GF Teriyaki Twice Fried Wings

    The Whistle Stop - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...