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Your guide to downtown Indy

Going to Indianapolis for the first time for Dealer Expo? Been going forever and need a change of pace before, during or after the show? Your fellow industry professionals have you covered.

In order to make your stay in Indianapolis as user-friendly as possible – and to see what some industry-types think of the hot spots – we’re unveiling the inaugural Powersports Business Guide to Downtown Indy. Some entries come with tips and suggestions from veteran attendees. Each business name is linked to its website. However you use the Guide, make sure you tweet about the suggested locations.

Best place for a dinner meeting:

Oceanaire, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-955-2277. Quiet, great atmosphere, great service, strong drinks. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Weber Grill Restaurant, 10 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-636-7600. Great food and atmosphere – Richard Kimes, Helmet House

McCormick & Schmick’s, 110 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-631-9500. – Dave Valentine, PowerSports Network

Buca di Beppo, 35 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-632-2822. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX

Best quick dinner:

Weber Grill Restaurant, 10 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-636-7600. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA.

Rock Bottom Brewery, 10 W. Washington, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-681-8180. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA.

Champions Sports Bar, Downtown Marriott, 350 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-405-6111. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA.

Best sports bar:

Champions Sports Bar, Downtown Marriott, 350 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-405-6111. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA; – Richard Kimes, Helmet House; Justin Knauer, Icon Motorsports.

Scotty’s Brewhouse, 1 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-571-0808. If you want to catch a game, this is the place. The walls are plastered with flat screens. Plenty of beer and a tasty selection of burgers and appetizers. – Justin Di Vilio, ARI

Buffalo Wild Wings, 7 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-951-9464. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX.

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Kilroy’s, 201 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-638-9464. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX

Best place to get a beer:

Scotty’s Brewhouse, 1 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-571-0808. It’s downtown, yet it seems like it’s just around the corner. Horseshoe bar, flat screens everywhere, and a good variety of stouts, ales and lagers. – Justin Di Vilio, ARI; Insane selection of draft and bottled beer – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX

Rock Bottom Brewery, 10 W. Washington, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-681-8180. – Tony Tarell, Riders Eye GPS; Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA; Nice, friendly and a great selection. – Richard Kimes, Helmet House; An outstanding collection and wide variety (light to stout) of beers brewed right in-house, as well as a great appetizer menu. – Zak Gourley, Moto Tassinari; A great selection of seasonal brews – Bryan Kelley, KK Motorcycle Supply; Dave Valentine, PowerSports Network

Champions Sports Bar, Downtown Marriott; 350 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-405-6111. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

The Ram, 140 S. Illinois Street; Indianapolis, IN 46224; 317-955-9900. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Buffalo Wild Wings, 7 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-951-9464. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Wild Beaver Saloon, 20 E. Maryland Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-423-3080. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Claddagh Irish Pub, 234 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-822-6274. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Tomlinson Tap Room, 222 E. Market St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-423-2337. – Bryan Kelley, KK Motorcycle Supply

Slippery Noodle Inn, 372 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-631-6974. – Dale Newman, ARI

Indy Tasting Room, 4842 North College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 47404; 812-336-2337. The vibe is more like a coffee shop than a bar. There are board games to play, oversized couches and big tables for hanging out with all your friends. One of the several food trucks that you see around town is usually parked out front. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX

Best high-end dinner:

St. Elmo Steak House, 127 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-635-0636. Great vibe. Celebrity photos line the walls and the service is great. They recently added a Prohibition-style lounge upstairs that requires no reservation. They have a short menu in the lounge that includes their famous shrimp cocktails. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX; Tough to beat – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA.

Oceanaire, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-955-2277. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Mikado, 148 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-972-4180. – Tim Calhoun, LeVince USA

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 45 S. Illinois St., Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-633-1313. Superb food, superior wine list with a highly attentive staff and a hard to beat atmosphere. – Zak Gourley, Moto Tassinari; Absolutely the finest food quality. – Richard Kimes, Helmet House

Mo’s, 47 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-624-0720. – Dave Valentine, PowerSports Network

Weber Grill Restaurant, 10 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-636-7600.
An appealing mix of high-end meets your backyard. Delicious brisket and steak, grills as decor, and a classy ambiance for a special night out. – Justin Di Vilio, ARI

Best steakhouse

St. Elmo Steak House, 127 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-635-0636. Life tastes so much better when it’s served with a 14 oz. New York strip and baked potato. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX; Tony Tarell, Riders Eye GPS; Dave Valentine, PowerSports Network; Bryan Kelley, KK Motorcycle Supply; Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 45 S. Illinois St., Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-633-1313. The best steak period. – Richard Kimes, Helmet House; The Kobe filet is heavenly – Zak Gourley, Moto Tassinari

Best lunch:

Scotty’s Brewhouse, 1 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-571-0808. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA;

Weber Grill Restaurant, 10 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-636-7600. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA;

Shula’s Steak House, 50 S. Capitol Ave., Westin Hotel, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-231-3900. A solid menu, full bar, plenty of seating and the convenience of being attached to the convention center easily make it a clear favorite for lunch meetings. – Zak Gourley, Moto Tassinari

Champions Sports Bar, Marriott Hotel, 350 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-405-6111. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Steak N Shake, 101 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-634-8703. Where else? – Dave Valentine, PowerSports Network; A tradition with Helmet Housers to have at least one lunch there. – Richard Kimes, Helmet House; Justin Knauer, ICON Motorsports.

Champps Americana, 49 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-951-0033. – Bryan Kelley, KK Motorcycle Supply.

Palomino, 49 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-974-0400. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Canal Bistro, 6349 Guilford Ave. in Broad Ripple, Indianapolis, IN 46220. 317-254-8700. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX

Best breakfast:

Le Peep, 301 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-237-3447. Le Peep hands down owns it. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

The Capital Grille at the Conrad Hotel, 40 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-423-8790. Beautiful dining room, exquisite menu and strong coffee. The perfect way to start a nine-hour day at Dealer Expo. – Zak Gourley, Moto Tassinari

Acapulco Joe’s Mexican Foods, 365 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-637-5160. – Bryan Kelley, KK Motorcycle Supply.

Brunchies Diner, 13732 N. Meridian St., Carmel, IN 46032; 317-846-8820. Straight north on US 31. It’s worth the drive for their home-cooked, family-style dinner. Great coffee. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX.

Best coffee shop:

Starbucks, 55 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-917-1893. Offers the perfect reason to get a little fresh air and coffee before being locked in the convention center all day. – Zak Gourley, Moto Tassinari; Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA; Richard Kimes, Helmet House

Bjava Coffee and Tea, 5510 Lafayette Rd., Suite 140, Indianapolis, IN 46254; 317-280-1236. Award-winning coffee roasted right in the shop! This little place is located right down the street from the StreetFX offices. I usually go two to three times a week. They specialize in handmade, pour-over coffees. Their Bubble Buz cappuccino is my favorite. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX

Best late-night grub:

Steak N Shake, 101 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-634-8703. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

White Castle, 55 W. South St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-423-0014. Need I say more? – Zak Gourley, Moto Tassinari.

Hot Box Pizza, 30 E. Georgia, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-656-6000. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX.

Best places to stay:

JW Marriott, 10 S. West St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-860-5800. Clean, courteous and convenient. – Richard Kimes, Helmet House; Tony Tarell, Riders Eye GPS; Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

The Conrad. 50 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-713-5000. It’s The Conrad, isn’t that enough reason? Spacious, well appointed rooms, and a staff eager to please. The Capital Grill is also connected, which is always a strong candidate for breakfast, lunch or dinner. – Zak Gourley, Moto Tassinari; Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Westin, 50 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-262-8100. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA.

Best nightlife:

Slippery Noodle Inn, 372 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-631-6974. This is just a great bar that has history. The bluesy atmosphere makes for a fun night out on the town with live music and good people. – Justin Di Vilio, ARI; Dale Newman, ARI; Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Broad Ripple and College Ave. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX.

Best shopping:

Circle Centre, 49 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. 317-681-5615. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA; Richard Kimes, Helmet House; Bryan Kelley, KK Motorcycle Supply.

Best dives:

Hooters. 25 W. Georgia St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-267-9637. – Zak Gourley, Moto Tassinari

Wild Beaver Saloon, 20 E. Maryland Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-423-3080. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

Nicky Blaines. 20 North Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-638-5588. – Bryan Kelley, KK Motorcycle Supply.

O’Reilly’s Irish Bar and Restaurant. 36 S. Penn, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-974-0674. Stumbled in for a pint; stayed for five. It’s just a good Irish pub with a good low-key atmosphere. – Justin Di Vilio, ARI.

The Mouse Trap, 5565 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220; 317-255-3189. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX.

Best live music:

Slippery Noodle Inn, 372 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-631-6974. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA; Bryan Kelley, KK Motorcycle Supply; Dale Newman, ARI.

The Mouse Trap, 5565 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220; 317-255-3189. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX.

The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220; 317-259-7029. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX.

Earth House Collective, 237 N. East St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-636-4060. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX

Best appetizer:

Shrimp cocktail. –  St. Elmo Steak House, 127 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46225; 317-635-0636. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX

World’s best bacon.

– Oceanaire, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-955-2277. – Tim Calhoun, LeoVince USA

The pan-fried calamari with hot cherry peppers.

– The Capital Grille at the Conrad Hotel, 40 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-423-8790. – Zak Gourley, Moto Tassinari.

Anything at BARcelona.

BARcelona, 201 N. Delaware, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-638-8272. It’s a tapas bar, which is the fancy Spanish way of saying appetizers to share. – Jen Muzzillo, StreetFX

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3 Comments

  1. Upland is in Bloomington with that address (350 W 11th). 🙂 It has a tasting room in Indy on College and 49th. Might want to switch that up. The Indy Tasting Room addy is 4842 North College Ave.

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