Patio Dining in Indianapolis: A Guide to Outdoor Dining in the Circle City

Indianapolis, called the Circle City, offers a vibrant dining scene for every taste and budget.  In recent years, there has been a growing trend of restaurants offering patio dining, allowing guests to enjoy their meals outdoors in the fresh air. Indianapolis has many excellent patio dining options, whether for a casual bite or a more formal dining experience.

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A massive list of outdoor patio dining in Indianapolis

1933 Lounge by St. Elmo, Fishers

In 2011, St. Elmo converted its second floor into a speakeasy-inspired lounge. This concept was then expanded to a second location in Fishers. This location recently raised the walls of its classy patio, providing a more intimate and cozy atmosphere. The Fishers location offers a lunch and dinner for guests aged 21 and over.

Baby’s, Indianapolis

Grab a burger and shake in the open air amidst a lively outdoor space. Shaded seating with fans and green space with picnic tables are available, making it a welcoming environment for humans and furry companions. Capture a memorable moment in front of their vibrant “disco ball faces” mural.

Black Market, Mass Avenue

This charming garden patio creates the perfect ambiance for a romantic date in an intimate setting. The urban garden patio evokes the tranquil atmosphere of a European courtyard. Fresh herbs and vegetables grown around the patio are incorporated into the cuisine.

Blind Owl Brewery, Indianapolis

For a fun-filled evening, the seasonal patio features cozy fire pits, bocce ball courts, corn hole, and giant Jenga. Every Saturday night, enjoy live music.

Bluebeard, Fountain Square

Nestled in Fletcher Place, this restaurant, inspired by Kurt Vonnegut, serves modern Italian-style cuisine in an inviting and contemporary outdoor setting.

Bocca, Indianapolis

Enjoy the fine wine and pasta ambiance on this heated patio on the north side. Visit on Tuesdays to enhance the experience with live music. 

Bru Burger, Mass Avenue

BRU offers more than just burgers;  it’s also an excellent place for brunch. Dine al fresco under the streaming lights to enjoy one of Mass Ave’s most iconic art installations, Brick Head 3.

Chef JJ’s, Indianapolis and Broad Ripple

The downtown location boasts a stunning view of Lucas Oil Stadium from the patio, making the ambiance as captivating as the cuisine. Additionally, Chef JJ’s Backyard in Broad Ripple is situated along the picturesque banks of the White River, providing a serene setting for a memorable dining outing.

Flatwater Restaurant, Broad Ripple

This locally owned establishment boasts a spacious outdoor dining deck alongside the picturesque Canal.  Known for its dog-friendly atmosphere and lively ambiance, the restaurant offers delicious food and live music performances from Thursday through Saturday.

Fresco Italian Café on the Canal, Indianapolis

Situated right on the canal, this restaurant offers a romantic ambiance with its tableside s’mores. Additionally, there’s a waterside patio where you can enjoy live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks.

Gallery Pastry Shop, Indianapolis

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Meridian Kessler, the Gallery offers a spacious, airy, and open patio, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst a rustic ambiance. With indoor and outdoor seating options, a fully stocked bar, and lush gardens, this restaurant caters to various occasions.

Half Liter, Broad Ripple

With a prime location on the Monon, Half Liter offers a delectable menu and an impressive selection of drinks. It also has a Beer Garden with live music, games, and fire pits. From spring to autumn, visitors can enjoy the pet-friendly 250-seat beer garden.

Iozzos, Indianapolis 

For an unforgettable Italian dining experience, visit Indy’s beloved al fresco dining spot. Immerse yourself in the charm of their beautiful garden courtyard patio while savoring the finest Italian cuisine. 

La Margarita, Foundation Square

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly patio, this is the place for you! The restaurant connects to the Murphy Arts Center in Fountain Square, and the patio has new tables, chairs, privacy walls, and an overhanging roof. 

Late Harvest Kitchen, Indianapolis

With its lush greenery, vibrant plant life, and sophisticated glittering string lights, Late Harvest’s patio provides an ideal setting for summer outdoor dining. The restaurant uses locally sourced daily creations; this commitment to quality is especially evident when dining on the patio.

Livery, Indianapolis

Two distinct patio seating options exist: the rooftop patio and the downstairs open-air lanai. Guests can reserve a seat in advance. Outdoor heaters and cozy blankets are provided to keep guests comfortable on chilly evenings.

Metazoa Brewing Co., Indianapolis

Metazoa offers a spacious and airy patio with picnic tables and skyline views. It is renowned for its commitment to animal and wildlife organizations and allows pets, especially on its patio.

Nesso, Downtown Indianapolis

Guests can enjoy a lively outdoor area that mirrors its artistic ambiance. The Alexander’s inviting patio transports visitors to the Italian coast. Nesso exhibits art and design, making its patio a sought-after summer destination.

Pier 48, Downtown Indianapolis

Located downtown, Pivot Bar & Balcony is a 3,000-square-foot space with an inviting corner patio overlooking Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Perfect for relaxing with friends or having a cozy, romantic evening, the restaurant and bar feature an open-air balcony with plush couches, tables, big-screen TVs, fire pits, and an indoor bar and seating area.

Pivot Bar and Balcony, Downtown Indianapolis

Situated in the Hyatt House/Hyatt Place in Downtown Indy, you can sit at the bar or take in the vistas of South Pennsylvania Street from the second-floor balcony.

Petite Chou Bistro + Champagne Bar, Broad Ripple

Enjoy the gorgeous floral arrangements by local Willow and Star Flowers artisans and champagne cocktails on the deck. This dreamy ambiance sets the perfect stage for a Sunday brunch with your besties. 

Plat 99, Downtown Indianapolis

In the Alexander Hotel, you will find Plat 99, a modern lounge that offers guests stunning outdoor terrace patios and Indy’s most innovative cocktails.

Public Greens, Broad Ripple

Take a quick detour off the Monon Trail to Public Greens’s inviting outdoor seating area. This contemporary cafeteria uses fresh, locally sourced produce. If you want a more secluded dining experience, you can opt for the intimate mini greenhouses on the patio.

Revolucion, Indianapolis

This street taco-inspired eatery’s front bar is decorated with Day of the Dead decorations, while the back features an open-air tiki bar adorned with grass skirts.

Rick’s Cafe Boatyard, Indianapolis

Overlooking Eagle Creek Reservoir, Rick’s Café Boatyard has a picturesque vista of one of the largest municipal parks in the country. The patio is covered and has heaters.

Taxman Cityway, Indianapolis

Taxman has a patio and beer garden, welcoming families and dogs. It offers a creative gastropub menu and live music (available from Thursday to Saturday).

The Eagle, Mass Avenue

The Eagle has a lively patio, a fully stocked bar, and cozy fire pits. To enhance your experience, remember to sign up for their rewards program.

The Hulman and Cannon Ball Lounge, Mass Avenue

Located within The Indy Hotel, The Hulman restaurant offers an ambiance inspired by the iconic Hulman-George family, including outdoor dining. The Cannon Ball Lounge upstairs features an open-air rooftop cocktail bar during warmer weather.

Rathskeller, Indianapolis

For a perfect summer night, head to the Biergarten, where you can indulge in traditional German food while enjoying live music. The ambiance combines the charm of a quaint inn with the energy of a bustling beer hall.

The Rooftop Garden, Fountain Square

The rooftop bar boasts a diverse and limited late-night menu until closing.

The Tap Pullman Square, Indianapolis

At The Tap, beer enthusiasts rejoice with a paradise of over 50 beers. One side offers captivating city views, while the other showcases a flourishing living wall. 

Things to do in Indianapolis:

• Indianapolis Date Ideas for Under $30!
• Garfield Park’s Sunken Gardens in Indianapolis
• Sleep in a Train Car in Downtown Indianapolis

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