Mel’s Speakeasy at Commission Row — Restaurant in Indianapolis

Very neat space, great service. Creative cocktail list at relatively standard prices for 2024 ($70.63 for 3 drinks after tax & tip). The quick drinks before a show we had were very well executed. What really got me were the prices of spirits; a pour of Averna Amaro was $18! Jim Beam $14, Makers Mark $16. It's as though they have taken the retail price of a 750 mL bottle, cut that in half, and are charging that for a single pour. So for someone coming in with a craft cocktail-y group, who may simply want a whiskey coke, is out over $18 after tax and fair tip of 20%. This is in excess of concert/vegas/airport pricing. Completely out of reach for the whiskey coke patron. Maybe this is the goal? Someone from the industry want to come in for a shot & a beer before a show; $27-30 after tax & tip. I'm a very long time CRG member but I can't say that this will become a...

This place is pretty cool! I’ve had the opportunity to come in during slower hours and also when it is booming with customers and every time I am well taken care of. There is two awesome bartenders who are almost always there, Shabaka (who is such a cutie) and Heather. They are both well versed in cocktails and can always create exactly what my palette is wanting, their classic menu cocktails are delicious as well but I love to see what bartenders can create. I will say food flavors have gone down a bit, as well as management has changed multiple times since they first opened but the drinks, my two favorite bartenders and the atmosphere with the live music down there have all gotten...

We went to mels after the pacer game to end our night with a drink. We had the best server I’ve ever had. His name was Shabaka. From someone who has worked in the restaurant industry in Chicago and Indianapolis for years, he was exceptional. The service industry needs more Shabakas, he was attentive, great energy, charismatic and made us feel important. He deserves 10 out of 5 stars, he went above and beyond. I’d also like to add the bartenders at Mel’s were also amazing. This place is blessed with a great staff and we will be returning. The Cunningham group...