Checkered Flag Tavern — Restaurant in Indianapolis

I will start with this. It IS a dive bar. I say that in the most endearing way possible. No, really. Not "scary" dive bar. Just really authentic. Wednesday night. Ton of people playing darts, having a good time, singing along to the jukebox. Outlaw country, AC/DC, then Queen. Throw in a little Freebird. Laquered wooden bar. Racing them (Checkers Flag Tavern - duh). Taxidermied Marlin and cougar on the wall. Beer signs. Need I say more? Picture painted? So......great ambience However, I'm not done. :). The food was CRAZY ggod. Jalepeno BBQ pulled pork Mac and cheese. Crispy Pork belly appetizer. Giant pulled pork nacho platter. Home made fries pork skins. Burgers. I didn't see one thing come out of the kitchen that didn't make me drool. Try the place. You won't regret it. Edit-. They didn't have wings ready when I ordered originally, but had them available later in the evening. Why you ask? Didn't understand it. Then I had them. Turns out they smoke the wings, then deep fry them. They ran out due to the Monday wing special they have. They had.to smoke more of them. Now I get it. They were ready later in the evening I was there. I eat wings and chili everywhere I go. Every place/region has their own take. These were the best I have tasted. I always order them naked with the sauce/rub on the side. Let's you taste the wing and add the flavor incrementally. Had the Cajun rub and hot buffalo. Both unique and delicious. TDLR - order the wings naked for the smokey deep fried deliciousness, and get your sauces...

I REALLY liked the vibe of the bar! It definitely was not what I expected to walk into based on the exterior. The patio was really nice. Clientele there was super laid back. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. We did not order food- but we will be next time. Everyone's plates looked great.

I would say the only downside was that we (just two of us) did not feel very welcomed by the bartenders. The bartender approached us with an "I don't want to be here attitude." When asked for suggestions she just stared at us.

Another customer came in to check on his food. The other bartender checked the screen and said she did not see an order in for the table, then she rudely stated she was not the one that took the order so she wasn't sure what he ordered in the first place, but she would ring it in if he would give her the order.

I will say the staff seemed to be more upset with one another, but customers were getting the short end of the stick.

I would come back again because I did like the atmosphere and other patrons. Plus,I would like to give the bartenders the benefit of the doubt. Based on all the other reviews they seem to normally be more...

A first place finish at the Checkered Flag Tavern! 🏁

Super delayed review, but the experience was unforgettable! We were in town for the Indy 500 and were recommended by our friends to try this spot. We came one night, but it was impossible to find a place to park, so we came back the next day in the afternoon.

There was no wait for a high-top table, which was a huge plus being Indy weekend. Our waitress was fantastic! She was running laps like Pato O’Ward trying to get 1st place this year. A member of our group was able to order a beer in a milk bottle which was clever marketing and a great souvenir to take home.

Our group shared the Smoked Mac and Cheese Bites with ranch (5/5 stars). Our entrees included a Cuban Sandwich (4/5 stars). Some of the meat from the smoker was a tad burnt, but overall a good sandwich still with some delicious fries. Breaded Tenderloin, which our friend enjoyed. And lastly, a Beef Brisket Sandwich with fries (5/5 stars).

The waitress gave fantastic service and even boxed our one meal to go! Overall a fun, festive, racing-themed dive bar that I can’t wait to come back to if I’m ever in...