10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Indianapolis

Indianapolis has lots of nightlife to keep you captivated, including live entertainment, cozy bars, and happening clubs. You can watch local or big-name musicians in an intimate lounge, a historic jazz club, an outdoor beer garden, or a busy nightclub. Other shows include comedy, burlesque, and mind-reading and illusion. Local bars offer an endless selection of exciting cocktails, local brews, and fine wines. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, you will not be disappointed with the options that range from simple bar snacks to gourmet appetizers. Here are the top 10 things to do after dinner in Indianapolis.

1. Crackers Comedy Club

Watch a comedy or open-mic show

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

Crackers Comedy Club is a nightclub presenting national and breaking comedians and open-mic nights. You will find the club downtown on North Delaware Street and East Ohio Street. You can enjoy a hilarious show at your table while enjoying a late dinner and drinks. The menu offers something for everyone, including appetizers, sandwiches, desserts, and a tasty selection of drinks. Table seating is first come, first served, so be sure to arrive early to get a spot close to the action.

Location: 207 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

Open: Tuesday and Thursday–Saturday from 10 am to midnight (closed Sunday–Monday and Wednesday)

Phone: +1 317-631-3536

2. Fountain Square Theatre

Learn to swing dance at a historic theater

Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife

The Fountain Square Theatre is a beautiful, Italian-themed venue that hosts a variety of events including swing dances on Friday nights once or twice a month. You will find the theater located just a mile and a half from downtown Indianapolis on the corner of Virginia Avenue and Prospect Street. The venue showcases columned arches, a 40-foot dome ceiling with twinkling stars, and a picturesque balcony overlooking the main theater. Their featured swing nights are all-ages events that begin with a 1-hour basic lesson followed by an open dance featuring local swing bands. You can also attend wine markets, open gyms, and kids nights with crafts here.

Location: 1111 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203, USA

Phone: +1 317-686-6010

See nearby properties

3. Howl at the Moon

Enjoy a cocktail while watching dueling pianos

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

Howl at the Moon is the place to go for exciting cocktails, excellent service, and loads of fun. You will find the nightclub downtown on Georgia Street. You can enjoy a local band or dueling piano shows here while you sip on specialty cocktails. Howl at the Moon also offers buckets of beers and novelty mixed drinks that you can share with your friends. If you are looking for a place to host a birthday or bachelor party, this spot offers private and semi-private spaces that are great for groups as small as 10 people.

Location: 20 E Georgia St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

Phone: +1 317-955-0300

4. Nicky Blaine’s Cocktail Lounge

Enjoy scotch and cigars in a cozy lounge

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

Nicky Blaine’s Cocktail Lounge is a unique nightclub and lounge that features an intriguing selection of specialty martinis, top-shelf scotch, and cigars. You will find the lounge in downtown Indianapolis off of Monument Circle. This intimate location is a great spot for a date-night nightcap or to meet up with some friends. Delicious appetizers, like cheese plates and bruschetta, are available until 2 am. You can lounge in comfortable couches or armchairs while enjoying the ambiance and a jazz quartet.

Location: 20 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

Open: Daily from 4 pm to midnight

Phone: +1 317-638-5588

5. The Monkey’s Tale Karaoke Bar

Sing karaoke or watch a live band or unique drag show

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

The Monkey’s Tale Karaoke Bar is a late-night bar featuring nightly karaoke and live entertainment. You can take advantage of daily drink specials at the full-service bar. You can also enjoy a drink on the patio while watching sports on TV, live local bands, and karaoke performers. If you visit on the right night, you can catch the monthly Banana Babes Revue, which is a unique drag show featuring Ana Crusis, Codi Christine, and Onya Knees. The bar is located on Westfield Boulevard in the Broad Ripple neighborhood of Indianapolis.

Location: 925 E Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Open: Daily from 8 pm to 3 am

Phone: +1 317-253-2883

6. The Eagle

Enjoy local comfort food and craft beers

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

The Eagle restaurant and bar is well known for its healthy comfort foods and its impressive array of beers and wine. The bar is situated in downtown Indianapolis on busy Massachusetts Avenue. The all-natural fried chicken is especially popular with locals, as is the legendary mac ‘n’ cheese. You can choose from over 40 draft or bottled beers or an extensive cocktail list. Blues music plays throughout the rustic dining room, and the beautiful outdoor patio includes a separate bar.

Location: 310 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

Open: Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm, Monday–Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm

Phone: +1 317-929-1799

7. Mind Tripping Show

Have your mind blown by illusions and comedy

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

The Mind Tripping Show offers one-of-a-kind entertainment in a show that combines mind-reading, illusions, and comedy. You can find the club located in downtown Indianapolis at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites. Starring the husband-and-wife team of Christian and Katalina, the show is intimate, interactive, and hilarious. You will be warmly and amusingly involved. Audience members are often invited to come up to share the stage and participate in the show. Although the show is written with adults in mind, teenagers 13 and older are welcome.

Location: 120 W Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

Open: Friday–Saturday from 6.30 pm to 10 pm (closed Sunday–Thursday)

Phone: +1 317-691-6399

8. Saddle Up Saloon & Dancehall

Go line dancing and ride a mechanical bull

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

Saddle Up Saloon & Dancehall is the place to be for line dancing to country hits and roadhouse favorites. You will find the saloon located just east of the Castleton Square Mall on East 82nd Street. For those who are new to line dancing, you can learn how to do it with free lessons. The large venue features a huge dance floor, a mechanical bull, and 3 full-service bars with nightly specials. The bar features themed nights, like Wednesday night Ladies Night, with free entry and discounted drinks.

Location: 6378 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250, USA

Open: Wednesday from 7 pm to 1 am, Thursday from 8 pm to 1 am, Friday–Saturday from 6 pm to 3 am (closed Sunday–Tuesday)

Phone: +1 317-288-2965

9. Chatterbox Jazz Club

Listen to local jazz legends in a historic saloon

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

The Chatterbox Jazz Club is a classic dive bar that has been welcoming visitors since 1896. The club is located downtown on legendary Massachusetts Avenue. The bar was purchased as a historical saloon, and there have been limited updates to keep this vibe alive. You can sit back and enjoy an impressive array of live performances by talented jazz musicians, such as local keyboardist Steven Jones, saxophonist Rob Dixon, and the Tucker Brothers Quartet. A limited menu includes simple eats such as Jamaican patties and microwave pizza.

Location: 435 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

Open: Friday–Sunday from 4 pm to 1.30 am, Monday–Thursday from 4 pm to midnight

Phone: +1 317-636-0584

10. The Vogue

Listen to live music or see a burlesque show

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

The Vogue is one of the most storied venues in the Midwest and is a great place to find live music and shows. You will find this popular venue located in the Broad Ripple neighborhood. Multiple bars offer a wide array of local craft beers, specialty cocktails, and wines by the glass. The Ramones, Warren Zevon, Bo Diddley, Willie Nelson, John Hiatt, Blondie, Johnny Cash, and Bonnie Raitt are among the many great acts that have performed here over the years. Recent shows have featured artists like Fitz and the Tantrums and Rhianna, dance parties, and burlesque shows.

Location: 6259 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Phone: +1 317-259-7029

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.