Shelby Street Tavern — Restaurant in Indianapolis

Shelby Street Tavern is a true hidden gem in the heart of Indianapolis! This queer-owned and operated spot effortlessly combines a welcoming atmosphere, incredible food, and a diverse drink selection that caters to everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail, a cold beer, or a refreshing mocktail, the bartenders always deliver with skill and charm.

The upstairs speakeasy is a standout feature—beautifully decorated, intimate, and perfect for hosting private events, celebrations, or just enjoying a cozy night out. It’s clear that so much care and creativity went into designing the space, making it feel warm and inviting.

The food? Simply amazing. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, and the flavors are fantastic—comfort food elevated to a whole new level. Whether you’re popping in for a casual bite or looking for a full dining experience, Shelby Street Tavern never disappoints.

What really sets this place apart, though, is the vibe. You feel the sense of community as soon as you walk through the door. Shelby Street Tavern isn’t just a bar or a restaurant—it’s a space that celebrates inclusivity and connection.

If you’re looking for a spot to grab great food and drinks, host an unforgettable event, or simply hang out with good people, look no further. Shelby Street Tavern is a must-visit destination that deserves...

Went here with my partner today for the first time. We recently moved from east side and were hoping to find a good place to haunt. This is the place!

The atmosphere was amazing, it wasn't too loud, and there's a digital jukebox where you can play music you like!

The bartender/server was very sweet, made us feel at home, and overall gave us a wonderful first experience.

The food is top quality for so so cheap, and the cook does an excellent job at what he does!!

When we checked out, the bartender even asked for our names so he'd know us when we return, and I've never had someone do that before!

So overall, absolutely incredible experience and if you love good music, an old timey vibe, service that makes you feel like family, and incredible food for a low price (and free refills on sodas and lemonade-oh yeah!) then this is the place for you!

My partner and I love this place and us fellas will be...

Don't let the exterior fool you! This place is really nice and welcoming. The inside has been updated and looks great! It's clean, modern, and relaxed. The first floor is fairly small, so on busy nights I could see it getting a little cramped, but don't let that dissuade you! Even the bathrooms were very clean and well maintained.

Their food menu is small, but the chicken, bacon, and ranch pizza was really good. The BBQ sauce on top was a bit weird though. They had a good selection of drinks, however I think the kegerator was on the fritz because the beer I got was not cold, but still tasted fine.

The bartender was incredibly friendly, and the owners came in at one point and seemed genuinely interested in getting customer feedback and asked about what sort of events would folks be interested in.

Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely recommend checking this place out if you're...