The Top Five Sports Bars in Indianapolis

 

The best sports bars in this metropolis score with their highly rated food, plentiful viewing screens, team spirit, customer service and, of course, quality beverages that go far beyond Gatorade. Get together with your friends or colleagues over a cold one at one—or all—of these sports bars in Indianapolis.

Ale Emporium: The Best of Everything

Ale Emporium in the Castleton neighborhood has an old-school sports bar vibe, with its wood paneling and framed guitars. Cheer for your favorite team alongside other fans and pitchers of beer. If you want to host your own party, reserve a party room—Ale Emporium can accommodate parties of up to 500 people. The bar is famous for its pizzas and Hermanaki wings: smoky-sweet, dry-rubbed chicken that’s fried and then grilled for a unique, crispy skin.

Average Joe's Sports Pub & Grub: Best Hometown Sports Bar

Average Joe’s is the bar where glitzy decor is snubbed in favor of framed Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition covers and signed sports memorabilia. Chow down on tacos, mini cheeseburgers and chicken nachos, and keep an eye out for local sports celebrities; you might spot a retired race-car driver on the bar stool next to you. You can also bring in one of your own signed jerseys or balls, and the staff will add it to their walled display. This bar on Dublin-Granville is so serious about sports that they’ve installed televisions in the restrooms so you won’t miss a single minute of the game.

George's Neighborhood Grill: Best Sports Bar Food

Family owned and operated on Lake Plaza Drive, George’s has an upscale feel and a decidedly delicious menu. The decor is formal, more like a fancy restaurant than a sports bar, but George's has a large screen and nine smaller televisions so you can catch your game while noshing on tasty food. The menu has basic bar food such as pub-style potato skins and nachos, but also features more gourmet fare, including shrimp and lobster ravioli, filet mignon and artichoke pasta. Toast to victory from a small array of local, craft and domestic beers.

Brothers Bar and Grill: Best College Sports Scene

If you’re a Butler or Indiana University fan, you’ll feel right at home at Brothers Bar and Grill on Ripple Avenue. It’s smoke-free, but pretty rowdy—especially on weekends. The drinks definitely cater to the college crowd. Pitchers of Bacardi come in five flavors; try the grape sucker pop shot for a sugary-sweet boozy treat. Plenty of plasma screens make it easy to keep a close eye on your team.

BJ's Restaurant and Brew House: Best Sports Viewing

Drive to the south side for the ultimate sports viewing experience if you can’t attend a live game. BJ’s has an entire bank of 40-inch plasma screens so you won’t miss a single touchdown, basket or goal. The atmosphere is spirited, but not too rowdy. In fact, you can bring your kids to this venue; the restaurant’s dining room is family-friendly. Enjoy a foamy signature beer and order the kiddos a hand-crafted root beer, with a side of mini corn dogs. BJ's brews its own beer and also has an extensive selection of other local and seasonal varieties on tap.

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