The warm summer air is finally here, and with Indianapolis entering phase three of reopening, we're ready to enjoy Indy's best al fresco dining.
We've selected these 17 places as the best spots to get your outdoor dining on while Indianapolis reopens. Just make sure you follow safety precautions when you go out to eat!
Apocalypse Burger
Meridian-Kessler | 115 E 49th St.
It only took a few weeks of quarantine for Martha Hoover to devise her newest concept, Apocalypse Burger. According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, the name came during an epiphany in a family Zoom call. After focusing on reopening the other Patachou Inc. restaurants, the plan was set into motion. Get to the former Crispy Bird spot and check it out. It’s bound to be good -- it’s Martha Hoover, for crying out loud. Patio seating available!
Moe & Johnny's
SoBro | 5830 N College Ave.
The long standing Broad Ripple bar and grill has added a tent for additional outdoor seating. Although it may seem like dining under a tent would take away from the sports pub experience, Moe & Johnny's has done an awesome job at maintaining the restaurant's rugby bar feel.
Metro
Mass Ave | 707 Massachusetts Ave
One iconic Yelp review called Metro "The Gay Cheers," and we've gotta say, that description is pretty spot on. This laid back Mass Ave mainstay is the gathering place for much of Indy's LGBTQ+ community, and boasts an impressive patio to boot. Sit down, grab a vodka soda, and enjoy some grub from one of the most critically underrated appetizer menus in the city.
Irvington | 5529 Bonna Ave #9
One of Black Acre Brewing Company's newest projects, Black Acre Garden is a new and cute beer garden built with the whole family in mind. You won't find many all-ages patios with this robust a selection of local brews and cocktails.
Public Greens (Broad Ripple)
Broad Ripple | 900 E 64th St
Nothing says summer in Indy like fresh food and drinks along the Monon. Public Greens delivers on both fronts, and they've officially opened their patio, meaning we can finally indulge in some seasonal favorites.
Ambrosia
SoBro | 5903 N College Ave
Ambrosia's charming patio along College Ave sets the perfect scene for enjoying an Aperol Spritz and delicious upscale Italian food.
The Dugout
Fletcher Place | 5707 W Morris St
This Fletcher Place pizza and beer joint has been around since 1954, and there are few places with a better patio. Cultural Trail people watching, cold local beers, and damn good comfort food await.
Mama Carolla's Old Italian Restaurant
SoBro | 1031 E 54th St
Mama Carolla's outdoor seating is arguably the best in SoBro, and it shows by the waitlist in warmer months. The ivy-and-string-light-adorned courtyard exudes romance, making this the perfect post-quarantine date spot.
Flatwater Restaurant
Broad Ripple | 832 E Westfield Blvd
This canal-side restaurant is known for its one-of-a-kind view and live music. Although we don't know when the tunes will return, the picturesque view is unmatched. Grab a drink and some good American food and enjoy the summer nights with your crew.
The Rathskeller
Mass Ave | 401 E Michigan St
Summer nights at The Rathskeller might not look exactly like they used to with the cloud of uncertainty surrounding live music, but you can still enjoy some German-inspired food and beer in the biergarten.
Livery
Mass Ave | 720 N College Ave
Livery offers upscale Latin fusion cuisine and craft cocktails. On a gorgeous summer night, you can enjoy all the restaurant has to offer from the rooftop terrace.
Bovaconti Coffee
Fountain Square | 1042 Virginia Ave
The pastel splashes of pink and turquoise were a welcome addition to the brick-laden architecture of Fountain Square when Bovaconti Coffee opened last year. Much of the original 1850s design was kept intact, from the tin ceiling to the Italian-inspired coffees that preserve the heritage of the former jewelry store. Spend a little time sipping your drink on the quaint patio — we know you miss your iced coffee, too.
The Tap
Mass Ave | 306 N Delaware St
A beer lover's destination with fifty beers on tap and addictive fries, The Tap has a gorgeous and spacious outdoor patio with cozy fireplaces for those chillier nights.
Capri Italian Restaurant
Ravenswood | 2602 Ruth Dr
Capri has really outdone themselves with the outdoor seating. With regulations in place allowing for outdoor service only, they have transformed their already beautiful patio into a coastal Italian paradise. 10x10 pop ups cover the tables and are lined with twinkling string lights to make each guest's experience special.
The District Tap (Keystone Location)
Keystone | 3702 E 82nd St
The District Tap's northside location is best known for its sixty beers on tap. The patio seating has been expanded with a new tent, making it a hot commodity in the Keystone area.
The Eagle
Mass Ave | 310 Massachusetts Ave
Fried chicken and strong drinks are The Eagle's specialty. If you love listening to blues beneath the Indianapolis skyline, you need to find yourself here.
Rick's Cafe Boatyard
Eagle Creek | 4050 Dandy Trail
Overlooking Eagle Creek Reservoir, Rick's wrap-around patio seating is a great place to enjoy seafood and American fare while letting your stress melt away with the Eagle Creek Reservoir view.
