Live it up in Downtown Indianapolis

From a sing-along piano bar to trendy ultra lounges, Downtown Indianapolis offers multiple options for a fun night out on the town.

Wholesale District
The Wholesale District, smack-dab in the heart of Indianapolis, continues to boast lively entertainment. The Slippery Noodle Inn is a must-visit for all fun-seekers. Indiana's oldest (1850), continually operated bar in the same building, is by far the city's most well known after-hours attraction. Touted as the Midwest's premiere blues club, the live music and friendly atmosphere has attracted the likes of Harrison Ford, Dave Matthews, Robert DeNiro, Spike Lee and others.

For a howlin' good time, head to Howl at the Moon. Dueling pianos and total crowd participation make for a guaranteed riot. Plan to hear everything from school fight songs to current pop tracks.

Ultra-lounges are the rage and Downtown Indianapolis is ahead of the trend. Step through the doors of Indy's first at 6 Lounge and Restaurant, featuring white upholstery, stone floors and a wood paneled "den." Miami Beach has nothing compared to Indy's own upscale hot spot.

St. Elmo's tribute to the end of the Prohibition Era, their 1933 Lounge evokes an elegantly swanky atmosphere featuring two antique fireplaces and a restored vintage bar that dates back to 1898. Fall in love with twists to classic cocktails, including the signature "Elmo Cola."

Blu Lounge's contemporary atmosphere offers the ultimate V.I.P. service. Beds surrounded by sheer curtains, themed rooms, leather couches and flat-screen monitors set the standard for all Indianapolis nightlife.

Ice Ultra Lounge adds to the mix with three levels, three full-service bars, two dance floors and more than enough style. Sushi on the Rocks restaurant resides within the club for an exquisite dining experience.

Late nights at The Libertine are certainly not sleepy. Devotees of the elegant vibe sip frothy, well-shaken Nouveau Carres and Seelbach cocktails in the slender shotgun bar of an elegant brick building from the 1820s.

Known as one of the best nightclubs across the country, Nicky Blaine's Martinis & Fine Cigars, located on Monument Circle, has a classy atmosphere where cigar aficionados feel at home.

Ike & Jonesy's, Downtown since 1983, "let's the good times roll" with live music and entertainment all week long.

Visit Ireland right in Downtown Indianapolis at Claddagh Irish Pub. The entire interior was handcrafted in Ireland, shipped to the United States and then assembled here. Claddagh features two fireplaces, a center bar, cozy booths and unique flooring. Several different atmospheres may be experienced throughout the pub.

Other stops within the Wholesale District include Tilted Kilt, Champions Sport's Bar & Restaurant, Coaches Tavern, Legal Beagle Pub & Eatery, Pullman Bar, Olive's, The Pub Indianapolis, Subterra Lounge, Whistle Stop Inn and the Wild Beaver Saloon.

Mass Ave
Head northeast of the circle to the diagonal Mass Ave cultural district to find an authentic Indianapolis experience. Enjoy live music every night at the Chatterbox Jazz Club, one of Downtown's most historic hangouts.

The semi-speakeasy Ball & Biscuit is a neighborhood bar at heart and gathering place for dwellers, workers and visitors. From the 150-year-old quarter-sawn wood floor to the brick walls, tin ceiling and the tungsten-filament bulbs that diffuse light across the copper-top bar, the lounge has a vibe that is both vintage and modern.

Reminiscent of your favorite neighborhood pub, Tomlinson Tap Room offers an intimate atmosphere as comfortable as your favorite chair. With its interior design crafted from reconditioned materials and the historic setting of the Indianapolis City Market as its backdrop, it's the ideal place for craft beer enthusiasts to unwind.

Small is the new big with the theme Vodka and Video at martini bar, Tini. The full bar boasts more than 50 vodkas, including some local and organic labels and six, 40-inch flat screens showcasing music videos.

Don't miss the Rathskeller at the Athenaeum restaurant's Kellerbar or outdoor Biergarten. On warm nights, hundreds of visitors flock outside for live entertainment and friendly quarters. Located in the 1894 German-Renaissance Athenaeum, it's hard to pass up trying the Brat 'n Kraut Balls or warm soft pretzels.

Hang out with friends or make new ones at Chatham Tap, MacNiven's Restaurant & Bar, Front Page Sports Bar & Grill, Old Point Tavern, or Metro. The night is always young on Mass Ave.

Indiana Avenue
Before you head home, spend an evening on Indiana Avenue at the Bourbon Street Distillery. A lively atmosphere awaits, both inside and outside on the second level balcony. From live entertainment to DJ night, the Distillery promises a fun time

Fountain Square
Just southeast of Downtown, the funky historic Fountain Square has a world of restaurants and one-of-a-kind entertainment destinations. The Brass Ring Lounge, an intimate cocktail lounge, restaurant and music venue joins a string of unique drinking, dining and entertainment establishments including Radio Radio.

Dine on the roof at The End of the Line Public House and enjoy more than 15 Hoosier beers on tap. Old photographs of streetcars from the Bass Photo Collection at the Indianapolis Historical Society and 35 feet of bar space set the scene for sampling flights of craft brews.

A highlight of Fountain Square and one of the city's most popular night spots is the retro White Rabbit Cabaret. With a superb line-up of live music and performances from sultry burlesque to banjo, there is no excuse not to hop on over!

Raise the bar and stay out late at Imbibe, Sam's Silver Circle and The Dugout. Fountain Square offers everyone who visits an experience that's hip, fun and out-of-the-ordinary.

Family Fun
Nighttime options for families are available too. TILT is home to amazing games in the Circle Centre Mall. Get ready to experience screen after screen of mind-expanding electronic game technology and attractions, including full-size Indy cars and Maxflight, a simulated roller coaster. It's the ultimate group or individual entertainment thrill!

In Fountain Square, you'll find Action Duckpin Bowling to be a family favorite. With smaller pins, a softball-sized bowling bowl and three rolls, you're bound to get a strike every once and awhile. Located in the 1928 Fountain Square Theatre Building, you're also near old-fashioned, hand-dipped milk shakes and other tasty treats from the Fountain Diner.

The big screen has never been bigger than at the IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum. Watch a 2D or 3D movie on the state's largest screen, six-stories high and 84 feet wide, with a 12,000-watt, digital surround-sound system.