In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor dining has become increasingly important as many customers have expressed concerns on returning to traditional indoor experiences. We’ve partnered with Visit Indy to feature some of our go-to, Indianapolis patios that are sure to meet your summer needs & will make things feel a little closer to normal.
Rooftop Garden
Indy’s rooftop options are limited, but with arguably some of the best views in town, Rooftop Garden is a great place to unwind and take a load off. Live entertainment often graces the stage to accompany the diverse mule menu that has something for everybody. Don’t forget the $5 guest fee. A portion of the fee funds the Pioneer Family and Lady Spray fountains.
Rick’s Cafe Boatyard
People don’t often think ‘lake’ when they think of Indianapolis, but at this picturesque resort off the coast of Eagle Creek Reservoir, you might forget you’re in Indiana at all. The restaurant boasts of a host of fresh seafood like oysters, Southern catfish, and Rick’s famous crab cakes that bring in diners from all around. If you’re missing your usual summer lake house sojourn, you might be due for a visit to Rick’s.
3 Up Rooftop Bar
3UP is Carmel’s only rooftop lounge, sitting atop of Anthony’s Chophouse, featuring small plates and seasonal cocktails. The ambience is one of a kind both day & night, with communal seating, city views, and fire pits. Mark this as a favorite for date night or client entertainment.
Plat 99
Nestled inside a new Indy hotspot hotel, The Alexander, Plat 99’s coffee + cocktail room invites an outdoor terrace for you and friends to indulge in adult beverages led by expert mixologist, Michael Gray. The menu is sinful but humble, featuring brews from another Indy favorite, Tinker Coffee Co.
Black Market (Officially Closed)
Late Harvest Kitchen
LHK is Indy born-and-bred in the best of ways. Acclaimed for its innovative use of locally-sourced Hoosier ingredients to create global dishes, diners can enjoy the patio that features everything from a fire pit to an herb garden that infuses new meaning in the name ‘farm-to-table.’ Rife with greenery and twinkling lights, Late Harvest’s menu reflects the ambience that sits outside: simple and satisfying.
Canal Bistro
Right across from Broad Ripple’s canal towpath, Canal Bistro is the simple yet effective brainchild of owners Mona and George. In their kitchen, they’re bringing favorites from their hometowns of Lebanon and Egypt with passion, giving diners the perfect meal to enjoy while people-watching on a sunny summer afternoon. Rumor has it they serve saganaki table-side and with that being a dine-in only option, there’s no better excuse to grab authentic Mediterranean fare there, patio style.
Metazoa Brewing Company
Nothing says summer like an ice-cold beer. Luckily, at Metazoa, just down the street from the Indy City Market, the picnic table, casual patio lets guests 21 and over taste all sorts of in-house brews and unique flavors. And when you get hungry, the Old Gold food truck is parked on the lot serving up Texas barbecue to pair with the plethora of beer and a view of the downtown skyline. Note: its patio is extremely pet-friendly!
Liter House
Take a stroll down the Monon Trail downtown and you’ll come across the Liter House: a Bavarian beer hall with classics like schnitzel, curry wurst, house-made bratwursts, and a killer soft pretzel. Studded with soft yellow lights and a view of the prettiest Indianapolis rainbows, it’s a good, spacious place to kick back with an icy-cold beer and some homemade BBQ on a sultry summer evening.
Iozzo’s Garden Of Italy
Iozzo’s downtown is straight out of the books of the Romantic era. It’s old-style Italian classics at its finest, from comforting pastas and authentic calamari to an extensive wine list and Italian music that sings of summer love. Accompanied by a classic fountain and cozy patio, it’s the perfect weekend getaway, tucked away downtown. If you’re lucky, you and your loved one might chance upon a starlit movie night to finish off a truly perfect night.
