Indianapolis is one of the top-performing cities when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion. It has a vibrant queer community and is home to numerous gay bars and LGBTQ-friendly restaurants. The Mass Ave Arts District, Fountain Square, and Herron-Morton neighborhoods are especially popular among the LGBTQ community and have played a key role in advancing local acceptance and visibility.
In this guide, you’ll find the best gay and lesbian in Indianapolis hotspots — places where you can relax, socialize, and have a great time while feeling safe and welcome.
The Best Gay Bars in Indianapolis
Greg’s Our Place
Address: 231 E 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Greg’s Our Place is the most iconic gay bar and nightclub in Indianapolis. It boasts a large, high-energy dance floor, top-tier DJs, and the dazzling Sirens Drag Show twice a week. Greg’s also hosts queerkaraoke nights for anyone who loves to sing or just wants to let loose. The vibe is laid-back and friendly, making it a totally safe space for gay folks and allies alike.
Remarkably, the owners of Greg’s are great supporters and leaders in Indy’s LGBTQ community. So, this bar plays an important role not only in Indy’s queer nightlife but also in fundraising for important LGBTQ causes and supporting the local community.
English Ivy’s
Address: 944 Alabama St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
English Ivy’s is one of the best gay bars and restaurants in the Joseph neighborhood, downtown, and all of Indy. Residents call this place just “Ivy’s” and come here for late night dinner with friends and family to enjoy daily drink specials and menu favorites: Cajun chicken pasta on Tuesdays, prime rib on Fridays, and other deliciousness. You can check the full menu on English Ivy’s site.
Sports enthusiasts come to English Ivy’s for watch parties, where they can root for the team, have fun, and enjoy the company of fellow LGBTQ fans.
Downtown Olly’s
Address: 822 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Downtown Olly’s is a gay bar that has served the LGBTQ community for 20 years. It hosts burlesque shows and live music on weekends, and trivia, karaoke, and radio bingo during the workweek. During the Pride Block Party and other events, Olly’s invites DJs to spin tunes and get people dancing their hearts out.
The Back Door
Address: 207 S College Ave, Bloomington, Indiana 47404
The Back Door is one of the most prominent queer bars in all of Indiana. While it’s about an hour’s drive from Indianapolis, it remains super popular among Indy locals. The Back Door offers all kinds of entertainment — from electrifying dance parties and karaoke nights to fun trivia, drag, and pole dance shows. On top of that, it serves delicious cocktails and is absolutely worth visiting.
Nowhere Special
Address: 608 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Nowhere Special is a speakeasy-style bar and another fun night spot in the city. Even though it gets packed on weekends, it still maintains a cozy, intimate vibe. It’s a great place to meet hot guys and make new acquaintances.
The Best Lesbian Bars in Indianapolis
Tini
Address: 717 Massachusetts Ave Indianapolis, IN46204
Tini is designed to meet the nightlife needs of the LGBTQ community. It operates as a dance club on Fridays and Saturdays, and as a cocktail bar serving sophisticated drinks seven days a week. At Tini, music videos and movies play on alternating screens — so if you’re not in the mood to socialize, you can relax and watch a film while sipping a LemonTini or Amaretto Sour.
Metro
Address: 707 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Metro is an LGBTQ+-owned and operated restaurant and nightclub with over 25 years of history. It features a stylish vintage interior design and offers a menu of signature drinks. Metro is one of the best places in the center of Indianapolis where you can enjoy dancing and live DJ music in an inclusive, high-energy atmosphere.
Almost Famous
Address: 721 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Almost Famous is your go-to spot for delicious drinks, aromatic coffee, savory tapas, and non-trivial entertainment—like an all-vinyl set from a talented DJ. Don’t miss a chance to visit this place for a nice dinner and to take Instagram-worthy photos.
Kuma’s Corner
Address: 1127 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN
Located near Fountain Square, Kuma’s Corner serves up the best burgers in the city, all while blasting rock and metal hits. Heavy metal fans and foodies alike gather here to chat, enjoy good food, and vibe to the music.
It’s worth noting that Kuma’s Corner isn’t a lesbian bar—it’s a regular restaurant with inclusive policies that welcomes everyone, including queer people. The staff has received third-party diversity training to help make the space supportive of the LGBTQ+ community
Red Room Indy
Address: 6335 Guilford Ave, Indianapolis
Red Room is the nightclub where the wildest parties happen. Groups of friends show up early to hang out on the rooftop bar and enjoy laid-back conversations. But once the DJ starts spinning—mostly today’s hits with a few classics mixes thrown in—the dance floor heats up fast. Those looking for privacy can book a private room to celebrate birthdays or other occasions in a more intimate setting.
Wrapping Up: Lesbian and Gay Hotspots in Indy for a Fun Night
This top ten list includes the best gay bars, nightclubs, and LGBTQ-friendly restaurants. Whether you come to town to dance, chill, or meet new people, you will find what you need.
Indiana’s capital and largest city offers plenty to explore during the daytime. You can stroll around the city center and walk along the Central Canal, then visit art galleries and unique boutiques in the Arts District. After that, make a stop to see modern masterpieces at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.
Want to share these experiences with someone? You can find the right person via dating apps. Most Indianapolis users choose popular apps like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Match, eHarmony, and OkCupid.
However, if you want to optimize your search and use an app designed specifically for the LGBTQ community, download the Taimi app. This app connects gay and lesbian people in Indiana and internationally, helping you find the best matches.
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