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Indianapolis doesn't have the biggest gay bar scene, but it's got range.
Whether you're here to dance until last call, toss a drink back over trivia, or are looking for (fried) food, there's a spot for you.
Greg's is the capital-G Gay bar in this city. Outdoor space, darts, pool, drag, dancing, and… cash only. The bar doesn’t have cover, but it’s about $5 per entry into the drag show. A steal! Support your local queens. DJ and dancing afterward, though you might need to be the person to get the crowd on the floor. Greg’s also plays Broadway showtunes to a much tamer Sunday evening crowd.
Greg’s also hosts Hard Candy shows: A'keria C. Davenport will be there on June 10, 2026 at 7PM. Where is the body? She is the body. Address: 231 E 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
English Ivy’s is where you go when you want a real meal and a drink in the neighborhood. Also offers occasional Drag shows and Monday night trivia. Locals will tell you to go on Prime Rib night. 944 Alabama St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Downtown Olly's has a small-diner feel indoors, but the campy outdoor patio is much more of a party, with drag shows by Chablis Onassis Dupree and karaoke nights. Probably the gay spot in Indy to get mozzarella sticks and a very questionable shot at 2am. 822 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tini, as in, tiny. A video bar for people who like their strangers close, friends closer. Kind of a meet market, if that’s your thing. Drinks are good. The outdoor seating is like four total chairs but the mass-ave people-watching is elite. 717 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Shelby Street Tavern is on the list but not yet on my tab, per se. I’ve not yet been! Reddit's queer community in Garfield Park is vouching for it as a newer space, and I trust the good people of Indy Reddit. Still sad about losing Cafe Babette a block north. 2849 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Almost Famous isn't gay-owned, but it's cutie-owned and that counts. Also, right next door to Tini. Get the espresso martini! The seasonal Christmas Tiki pop-up mugs are genuinely adorable and if you love a trinket, yes, you will buy one. Almost Famous also moonlights (daylights?) as Crema, a coffee shop. Not the most work-friendly environment, but a good place to meet someone for a catch-up. 721 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Mass Ave Pub isn't a gay bar, it's my bar. And I’m gay, so we’re counting it. Shot of Jameson, a beer, a quesadilla. Trivia on Wednesdays! 745 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Metro got a facelift and lost a bit of its character in the process. Karaoke on Thursdays if that's your thing. The big outdoor patio is genuinely probably the best in the city. It's just attached to what is effectively a gay-friendly Applebee’s now. A bummer. 707 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Out in Indianapolis has been "opening soon" for a couple of years now. We’ll see.
Gone but not poured out enough: Zonie's Closet (the pole dancers!!) and Talbot Street (chaotic drag, questionable decisions, iconic). You shaped us, you shaped me.
Which one is your fave?
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