The Vault! Uh! Don't get me started I'm so obsessed with this place. Literally debating on how to clear up my schedule to get back as soon a possible lol (regularly). I came in for a birthday nightcap or two after dinner with a small group of friends and OMG it was so packed! But hey, a crowd usually means you are in the right place am I right?!. Mike greeted us and gave us the rundown and in true speakeasy form our group grabbed some drinks and split off, met some strangers, had great conversations and even caught up a bit one on one until a space opened up where we could sit and catch up as a group together.( Side Note: Be prepared depending on the time and day to be flexible-- Don't let business or a little crowd deter you from missing out on a fantastic experience.) The place is phenomenal!
The service was amazing. The vibe was amazing. I honestly don't even know why you are sitting here reading through these reviews when you could be there already taking it in for yourself lol! Nevertheless, here's my feed back and a little advice:
*Menu Feedback: We didn't grab any food simply because we had just left dinner (so I can't review that) but we did have a few drinks and each one was better than the last! I don't know what kind of magic the bartenders have in those bottles but the liquor was premium!!! Please note: This is not a bar-crawl, get me hammered as soon as possible kinda place; so if that's your scene this might not be your spot. The mixology is superb; from the smell; to the look, rounding off with the taste... the bartenders really deserve a standing O for their craftsmanship!!! I'm a light weight/occasional sipper and still felt really good afterwards.
My Advice: Trust the bartenders; pick a base and let them do the rest they have great menu drinks as well but don't miss out trying something new because the skill behind the bar is just as impressive as everything you see around it. That said tip well people!!
The Vault is something you simply have to experience for yourself. It's well thought out and the details feel intentional. It's the perfect atmosphere to kick-back, dive deep and get lost in time. Indy needs more spaces like this but more importantly it needs THIS SPACE so as much as I honestly and selfishly want to keep this spot low-key and to myself by not reviewing it... I'm also fine with the spot blowing up so much that they have to open another location as well... Lol so dear reader your welcome đ now go, find the code visit, support and do your part by spreading the word and keep The VAULT booming! & To the staff and...
   Read moređĽ Review: A Swanky New Spot with Potential
The Indy Vault Speakeasy is a compelling new addition to the city's nightlife, successfully capturing the clandestine spirit of the 1920s right from the moment you arrive.
đŞ Atmosphere & Vibe The speakeasy experience starts immediately with a fun, unique entry system: you must enter a code to get past the main door, which is a great touch that immediately sets the mood. Inside, the space is nicely divided, featuring a lively bar area on one side and a more intimate small dining area on the other. While the seatingâspecifically the boothsâwas a little unsettled, the overall atmosphere is cool and engaging.
đ¸ Drinks The cocktail experience was a tale of two drinks.
⢠My first Old Fashioned was excellent, perfectly mixed and highly enjoyable. ⢠However, the second fell short, noticeably missing the signature cherry, which impacted the overall balance. ⢠Rene, loved her cocktailâa very fruity concoctionâand would absolutely order it again.
đ Food Highlights We sampled a few items, finding both hits and misses:
⢠The Sticky Korean Wings were fantastic! They are on the spicy side and deliciousâI had no idea what to expect, but I'm glad I ordered them for the table. ⢠I ordered the Dillinger Smashburger and it was a great burger overall, served with Parm Palm Fritz. Heads up, I ordered it "done," and it still came out very pink, so thankfully I'm not picky! ⢠Rene's Bootlegger BLT was the low point; she found the bacon to be overcooked and difficult to chew.
đ Service & Final Thoughts The service, while starting off well, hit a minor snag near the end of our visit. To their credit, the staff acknowledged the issue and "made it right."
The Bottom Line:
The Indy Vault is a cool spot with a truly engaging atmosphere and the potential to be a destination for great food and cocktails. The unique entry, excellent first drink, and fantastic wings show what they can do best. While there are a few kinks to iron out (consistency in cocktails, food preparation, and service flow), the commitment to fixing issues means I will...
   Read moreClass and Sophistication...if you are looking for a fun, laid-back, historical atmosphere to relax with a well-crafted drink, this is the place for you and your friends!! At this bar, the bartenders smile and look you in the eye when you order and take the time to craft a drink; there is also staff that finds you a place to set the drink served to you in a glass with uncommonly clear ice cubes in your smoked old fashion. This is where you can enjoy talking with friends without a rush; it reminds me of times when people cared about others. If you are looking for loud music that is hard to talk over and pounding back of shots repeatedly with a cattle call of people â this is not the place for you. The atmosphere of being in a bar where you would come back with friends to share the experience offered at The Vault is more than your typical bar experience. From the fun, limited access through a coded door (for mystery lovers to figure out how to crack the code) to small details of vintage furniture and accents that appeal to a time of relaxing without technology, this bar is more than a one-time stop, it is a place to spend time getting a crafted local drink made with care. This stop is worth the effort for local people looking to get out of the typical college bar atmosphere and setting of downtown Indy pub crawls! For people traveling to Indy, make time to see and experience a different environment than the usual downtown city chains that can be...
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