From @theindyfoodcouple
Before we ever lived in Indy (almost 10 years ago), coming into the city was a very special experience. For one of our first dates, Luke spent countless minutes perusing Groupon for a fun and creative evening. We ended up at the Fountain Square Theatre for a night of duckpin bowling and swing dancing. This was our very first time in Fountain Square and we had no concept of everything this place has to offer.
Now that we have lived here for several years, we are constantly frequenting this edgy, cool, one-of-a-kind district. Complete with tastes, shopping, music and art, there is always fun to be found when you go walking down Virginia Avenue.
A Cup of Chai
A Cup of Chai is Indiana’s first chai cafe. Maybe you are just as shocked reading that as we were writing it. This month marks the one-year anniversary of their grand opening, and it has been a warm welcome from this community that thrives on new experiences. Coffee shops get a lot of love (and rightfully so), but this cafe fills a much-needed gap that is centered around comfort and ritual. When you are looking for a place to start your day, work from home, or just find relaxation amidst a busy week, stop into A Cup of Chai and let them show you an experience you can’t find anywhere else.
Easy Rider Diner
The most important meal of the day meets southwest comfort diner vibes? OK, say no more – we’re in for the Easy Rider Diner! We have been huge fans of this brunch-lovers’ paradise since it opened its doors in late 2022. But did you know they are also open for dinner AND late night? That’s right, you can basically spend your entire day here if you wanted to. We especially love the chilaquiles, and one of the grab-and-go sandwiches to take with us before we catch a show next door at HI-FI. Come enjoy this comfy, cozy diner and be blown away by the flavors that await.
Fountain Square Brewing Company
While the effects of the pandemic were still being felt by the small businesses throughout the city, FSBC shut its doors and it looked like we had seen the last of this beloved community brewery – that is, until industry power couple Dama and Beppe Cuello underwent the task of rebuilding this brewery from the ground up. They have poured their hearts (and wallets) into this place so people like us can enjoy an ice-cold beer, and for that we are beyond grateful. They also offer fun and unique events on a DAILY basis! While we sip a Workingman’s Pilsner on a hot July day, we can smile and know that Fountain Square Brew Co has its brightest days ahead.
The HI-FI
One of Fountain Square’s greatest strengths is found in its live music, and the best place to catch this live music is at the HI-FI Indy. Almost any day of the week, you can be pretty certain there is a show at the HI-FI, ranging from local indie artists to nationally renowned performers. The experience is made even more special by this unique venue. Shoulder to shoulder with music lovers everywhere you look, the energy here is tangible and immediately infectious, making it a place that locals love to come back to time and time again. Check out their calendar and pick a show, any show. Thank us later.
The White Rabbit Cabaret
The White Rabbit Cabaret is home to the wacky, wild and wonderful, featuring local artists and performers that will stop at nothing to make sure you leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Their ever-changing calendar of events features music, comedy, burlesque, movie screenings, a monthly goth night, and everything in between.
Howl + Hide
In need of a new bag or wallet? It truly feels like a world-class experience when you enter Howl + Hide’s flagship store on Virginia Avenue. If you are anything like us, you are bound to find several things you love, but have to exercise every ounce of discipline to not blow your entire paycheck. All of their goods are made with the highest-quality leather, and created in unique colors and designs that will definitely make you stand out amongst the crowd.
Maialina Italian Kitchen + Bar
Whenever you ask a local for the best Italian dinner in the city, Maialina always seems to rise near the top of the list. We love this corner classic for a few distinct reasons: 1) There is truly no entrée that is lacking. You can’t make a bad choice here because it’s simply impossible to do so. 2) They have the best bruschetta in the world and we will not be told otherwise. 3) They offer half-priced select wine bottles on Tuesdays, and that’s just a no-brainer. We could go on and on, but we want you to discover the rest for yourself. Add Maialina to the top of your list for your next date night in Fountain Square.
Sam’s Silver Circle
Sam’s Silver Circle is an iconic dive bar if there ever was one, and it checks all the right boxes: cheap beer, late-night food, live music and good times. This is the place where you make a new core memory with friends every time you visit. If you’ve been craving connection and a place where you feel right at home (bonus points if you’re good at karaoke), Sam’s is your one-stop shop!
Turchetti’s Deli & Meat Market
No matter which door you choose to enter, you’re guaranteed to love the result. This soccer bar/meat-market combo is a local favorite whether you are stopping in for lunch or grabbing some goods to throw on the grill. We love grabbing a seat at the bar and scarfing down burgers and sandwiches from this award-winning menu. And now that summer grilling season is here, this is your go-to butcher shop, where you can stop in for a pickup or get really fancy and have your meats delivered!
