Dugout Bar — Restaurant in Indianapolis

⚠️ Warning this is a long post.. I had the pleasure (or so I thought) to have lunch the dugout bar. This place was suggested to me by a co-workers mother. The food and the service were adequate. Everything went pretty decent up until exiting the restaurant. Upon paying for lunch, myself and coworker walked out. However, during the time of leaving, I was interrupted by an important business call. (This is important to remember) As I am walking to my vehicle, I informed my coworker that I have to go back to tip the waitress as I left my cash inside of my wallet which was in my vehicle. No sooner than me telling her that, the waitress runs out of the restaurant in an uproar and downright aggressive manner and ask, "did you leave the tip inside?" "Did I miss it or did it fall on the floor because I didn't get it!" To my dismay, myself and coworker are puzzled. Me at the audacity of this persons actions. The waitress then began to make inappropriate remarks expressing her disappointment when my coworker decided to reach in her purse and tip her. This angered me as I felt as if the waitress was trying to insult and shame me. I went back into the restaurant (which I didn't have to do) to explain to the waitress that I was going to my car to retrieve her tip and bring it back to her. As I sincerely remembered that I had cash in my car. However, when speaking to her, she appeared in a rude and aggressive in manner telling me that this is her job and how she makes a living. Followed by telling me that I should have forewarned her of my dealings. I first, apologized to the waitress, making her aware that upon paying for the meal, I received an important business call and was distracted for a brief moment. However, I was very aware that I had cash in my car and was going there to grab it and return back inside to tip her personally and apologize for not having it sooner. Making it clear, that I had every intention of tipping her. I then proceeded to inform her that I understand her feelings as it relates to her choice of employment, however, the actions and disrespectful nature towards myself and coworker were extremely uncalled for and outright disrespectful. I informed her that I was offended and had she not handled herself in that manner, I would have been happy to tip her as I had originally planned on doing in the first place. I also cautioned her that it is NOT wise to run out of your job screaming and yelling like a bat out hell at a customer for a tip. That is unsafe behavior that could potentially come with a negative outcome. Due to this insulting experience, I will not be returning back. Moving forward, I am hopeful that in the future, employees of that establishment will not conduct themselves in a disrespectful and unprofessional manner...

Back many years ago this establishment was called "Wagner's Dugout".   The original owners (Jack & Gwen Wagner) were the nicest people you could ever want to know.  Jack and Gwen had a son (Teddy) who was one of my childhood best friends.

From the age of 11 through High School Ted, Ronnie and I were usually hanging around the DugOut trying to sneak beer, play Pinball or just throw darts at the dart boards.  What I recall most about Jack was that he was a really good storyteller, with a quick wit.  A smart man, a very kind man.  Gwen, his wife was one of the kindest people I have ever known to this day. Period.

When I was attending Southport Middle School, I wanted to try out for the 7th grade basketball team with Ted.  Unfortunately, at that time my family was financially embarrassed.  My friend Ted must have said something to his mother, because the very next day Ms Gwen gave me a brand new pair of white converse tennis shoes.  I was so amazed that anyone would do anything like this for me... I was a big kid, very stubborn and prideful. Her generosity touched me so much, I just stood there in shock appreciation for her thoughtfulness and kindness.  It warms my heart still to-this-day just thinking about it.

I have a lot of GREAT childhood memories tied to the Dugout.  Over the years Ted, Ronnie and I kinda drifted apart...  Life kinda does that to you sometimes.

I do however know this, that Jack & Gwen are looking down at what has become of their old hole-in-the-wall bar smiling big.  So, the next time you are at the Dugout, having a good time with your family or friends, raise your glass to the sky and give a toast to Jack and Gwen.  They truly deserve and appreciate it.

NOTE: If you should hear a rough voice in the back of your mind while giving said toast, saying "stock the coolers!". That would be...

Hitting a Grand Slam at Indy's #1 Dive Bar! Step up to the plate, folks, because I've found a real winner: The Dugout Bar in Indianapolis. Voted the city's #1 dive bar, this place is steeped in history and flavor, and it absolutely lives up to the hype.

From the moment you walk in, you can feel the history. You can almost hear the crack of the bat from Jack Wagner's legendary softball teams back in the 50s and 60s. This isn't just some bar that popped up overnight; it's a genuine piece of Indy history that's been serving up good times since 1954. The new owners, Nick and Layton, are doing a fantastic job carrying the torch into a new era.

Let's get to the food, because, wow! I'd heard whispers about the mushrooms, and they did not disappoint. We're talking fresh, perfectly fried mushrooms in a batter so light and crispy it practically floats. And the horseradish sauce? Simply divine. It's the kind of sauce you'll be thinking about days later. The tater tots were golden and perfectly crisp, and the burger was a solid, satisfying classic. To top it all off, our server was friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better.

One of the best parts is the fantastic outdoor area. It’s the perfect spot to kick back with friends, enjoy the weather, and chow down on some seriously good bar food.

If you're looking for an authentic spot with a rich past, a great vibe, affordable prices, and food that knocks it out of the park, The Dugout is your place. It's more than just a bar; it's an Indianapolis...