15 new patios for drinking (and eating) outside
It's clear that Hoosiers like to mix and mingle al fresco
It's clear that Hoosiers like to mix and mingle al fresco. Almost every new bar, restaurant or brewery has a place to soak in those first warm rays of sunshine after an Indiana winter or rain-filled spring. These are the new(-ish) patios where we like to hang.
1. 1911 Grill
Drive like a maniac on the attached Speedway Indoor Karting track. Eat like an Indianapolis 500 champion on the double-decker, well-shaded brick patio. Burgers are a custom blend of Black Angus brisket, chuck and short rib.
1067 Main St., Speedway, (317) 800-1648, sikarting.com
2. Bar Rev
Revery was already one of the region’s best restaurants and then, boom, owners added a tucked-away, wooden deck. There’s a tree growing in the middle of it, and it’s just a few steps from Bar Rev. Chefs have big plans for a whole lamb roast this year.
299 W. Main St., Greenwood, (317) 215-4164, reverygreenwood.com
3. Big Lug
Take a break from your bike ride on the Monon with a Chicago dog or walking taco from this brewpub’s special concessions menu. Pair it with a pint of the easy-drinking Quintana wheat ale. You deserve it.
1435 E. 86th St., (317) 672-3503, biglugcanteen.com
4. Big Woods Speedway
The massive outdoor beer garden and dining porch means plenty of space to kick back with a pint of Busted Knuckle porter or plate of famous pulled pork nachos. Expect live music every weekend, too.
1002 Main St., Speedway, (317) 388-5124, quaffon.com
5. Blind Owl Brewery
Bocce ball, corn hole, fire pits, a garden and a beehive whose honey goes into your freshly brewed beer — what more could you want from a patio?
5014 E. 62nd St., (317) 924-1000, blindowlbrewery.com
6. BRU Burger Bar
Oh those Bru burgers. So luscious. When you eat one, you want everyone to know — and not just on social. Let them see the succulent juices drip down your chin in person on the patio. Couches and chairs encircle a fireplace if you just want a drink. (Ha!)
12901 Old Meridian St., Carmel, (317) 975-0033, bruburgerbar.com
7. Daredevil Brewing Co
The third Speedway spot to make this list … let’s just say it’s for more than just race day anymore. The 10,000-square-foot brewery sits on a two-acre lot, with plenty of green space for picnicking outdoors. Sip on its popular Lift Off IPA with a locally sourced cheese or meat board or rotating sandwich special.
1151 Main St., Speedway, daredevilbeer.com
8. Hops and Fire
It’s not huge, and the view of Meridian Street isn’t exactly appealing. But the modern wood-paneled fence, fire pit and live music make it a worthy spot to meet friends for a beer. Pick one from its more than 40 taps.
1259 Ind. 135, Greenwood, hopsandfire.com
9. Tinker Street
Tinker Street made Liz Biro's pick for best new restaurant 2015. The patio is part of the reason. It's intimate enough for a romantic dinner but the happy vibe welcomes wine with a gang of friends. Part of the space is enclosed, lending an indoor/outdoor feel. The open patio has heaters, but if you're still chilly, ask for a lap blanket.
402 E. 16th St., (317) 925-5000, tinkerstreetindy.com
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10. Metazoa Brewing
The up-and-coming brewery gives 5 percent of its profits to help animals. Grab your pup and try a flight in its two outdoor seating areas. One faces College Ave. and one offers a cool Downtown view.
140 S. College Ave., (317) 522-0251, metazoa.beer
11. Milktooth
The shaded patio overlooks a vegetable garden. Local yellow tomato juice goes into the michelada spiked with sun-dried tomato vodka and Tecate. All that plus a double lamb cheeseburger? This is your hangover remedy place.
534 Virginia Ave., (317) 986-5131, milktoothindy.com
12. Peace Water Winery
The pretty, new patio, complete with rain-guarding pergola, creates an oasis for tasting wine and listening to live music. A fun bonus: When you purchase a bottle wine, you’re given a token to indicate which charity should receive a portion of the price you paid. Make your pick on “the giving wall.”
37 W. Main St., Carmel, (317) 810-1330, peacewaterwinery.com
13. Pioneer
Home to Indy’s best new chefs, and now, there’s a patio, too — and it’s huge, like a German beer garden. So get the delectable boudin blanc and beer-braised apples. Honestly, the dining room feels outdoorsy already. A giant window opens onto Fountain Square's famous fountains.
1110 Shelby St., (317) 986-06761, pioneerindy.com
14. Sangrita Saloon
Find a spot on this cozy Broad Ripple patio for some hand-crafted cocktails and inventive Mexican cuisine. The bar and restaurant has one of the largest selections of agave-based spirits.
834 E. 64th St., (317) 377-4779, sangritasaloon.com
Liz Biro review: The Eagle on Mass Ave
15. The Eagle
Talk about a makeover. That patio you used to love at The Front Page? It's all warm pine with an outdoor bar and plenty of communal tables for sharing family-style fried chicken and sides. Don’t forget the chalice of beer.
310 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 929-1799, theeagleotr.com
Bonus patio: The Tap
That garden wall makes an awesome backdrop for selfies. The trendy Mass Ave location means you won't miss a beat. Pretzel sticks with beer cheese and a Bionic Dragon IPA, please.
306 N. Delaware St., (317) 820-5880, thetapmassave.com
Follow IndyStar beverage reporter Amy Haneline on Twitter and Instagram @amybhaneline, and Facebook. Call her at (317) 444-6281. Follow IndyStar food writer Liz Biro on Twitter @lizbiro, Instagram @lizbiro, Facebook and Pinterest. Call her at (317) 444-6264.