Live the Local: Fountain Square & Fletcher Place

It’s been a while since I had a series on my blog so I decided I’d start the summer off with some neighborhood guides! Now that things are opening back up, it’s the perfect time to start exploring neighborhoods and places you may not have been before and Fountain Square is one of my favorite spots in the city. All my summer nights are usually spent here and I love how diverse and eclectic the area is. Hopefully, this guide will help you spend a whole day in Fountain Square and try something new!

History

The area that contains Fletcher Place and Fountain Square was purchased by Calvin Fletcher and Nicholas McCarty in 1835 and originally was just farmland. The area took off and by the 1870s it was an important commercial district for the city of Indianapolis. Known today for being a place for local live music and art, Fountain Square and Fletcher Place saw this love for local art starting in the 1920s to the 1950s. In the 1960s, the area declined after the advent of the highway that separated the two neighborhoods and displaced hundreds of residents. The fountain that gives Fountain Square its namesake was even removed in 1954 but put back in 1969. The area was deemed a historic district in 1983 and has gone through a revitalization that makes the area sought out for young professionals looking for affordable and modern places to live.

Breakfast

Milktooth - This spot is always busy for brunch so I’d suggest going during the week when there’s less of a crowd. I’ve only been once, but I got the potato latkes and they were perfectly crunchy and delicious.
Amelia’s - The closest thing Indy can get to a boulangerie, Amelia’s provides fresh baked goods, and their bagels are incredible. I love popping by to grab a baguette for homemade soup during the fall. They are also providing local grocery options right now to help!
Bovaconti - Indy’s newest coffee shop is not only Instagram worthy, but also delicious. The owners have kept the namesake of the jewelry store that used to be located there and they now serve amazing drinks in the restored space.
Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company - Named after the man who founded the area, Calvin Fletcher’s provides great coffee and a great environment. They’re currently doing curbside pickup and I’d recommend the Calvin Pepper if you’re looking for a latte with a kick.

Lunch

Wildwood Market - Wildwood is a great place to go if you’re looking for local produce to purchase, as well as other goods for the kitchen and home. They also have the best flower bouquets from Blooms by Wildwood.
Three Carrots - If you’re vegetarian like me, you will absolutely love visiting Three Carrots! They also provide Upland with amazing seitan wings. If you can’t make it down to Fountain Square you can also check out Three Carrots in the City Market downtown.
Pure Eatery - Pure is all about fresh, and they make everything from scratch in the mornings. Pure is a great spot for a lunch that is both quick and fresh.
Bluebeard - Bluebeard is one of the highest quality restaurants the city has to offer, and it prides itself on being farm to table and made from scratch. The menu is always unique and continues to surprise!

Dinner

Upland Brewery - This is one of my favorite breweries in the city! My personal favorite brew is the Oak and Rose, a sour beer brewed in Oliver wine barrels, so it’s extra local! They also have my favorite aforementioned vegan wings and the fries are also really crispy and delicious.
Siam Square - You can find arguably the best Thai food in the city at Siam Square! I always get masaman curry at any Thai restaurant I go to, and Siam Square is my favorite. The portion sizes are huge so you’ll definitely have leftovers to enjoy later.
Repeal Restaurant - I love the speakeasy vibes I get from Repeal and the fact that 1205 Distilling is located in it helps reinforce that. The cocktails at Repeal are also amazing and named after illustrious figures that made Indy what it is today.
Maialina - Italian food is comfort food, and Maialina definitely provides the old-style Italian food that you want with fresh and quality ingredients. My absolute favorite thing to order here is the ricotta bruschetta, they pile on the cheese and have a sweet glaze that pairs beautifully with all the other ingredients.
Rook - Rook is an Asian fusion restaurant that uses unique combinations of ingredients and foods to make something totally new. When I went a while back, I had pork belly tacos that were incredible! They also recently revamped their menu to include a lot of vegan and vegetarian options.

Night Out

Dugout - Dugout has a dive bar vibe but the location and atmosphere makes it feel really comfortable and relaxed. The pitchers they have are a great deal, too!
Hotel Tango - Hotel Tango is the first veteran owned distillery in the country! The drinks are crafted with a lot of attention to detail and the summer menu is usually my favorite. Right now they have a drink called Chaos and Glitter that’s incredible. Also be sure to grab some popcorn that they make fresh on site!
Inferno Room - The Inferno Room is one of my favorite tiki bars in Indy! The space is outfitted with authentic museum level pieces from Papua New Guinea and the drinks are vague on the description but full of flavor, the Saturn being my favorite.
Rooftop Garden Cocktail Lounge - Located on top of the Fountain Square Theatre Building is the Rooftop Bar that shows sweeping views of the city skyline. This is my favorite spot for a gin mule and truly stunning summertime pictures.
Thunderbird - If you like classic rock and classic cocktails, Thunderbird is for you. The energy here is great and they have a great deal on a beer and shot combo that will make for a fun night out.
BrewDog - BrewDog brings great UK brews to Indy, my favorite being the Punk IPA. Their full kitchen also provides some amazing meals, and I’d suggest getting a flight of new beers to try to go with your food.
Wine Market - If you’re looking for a great spot to go out with your girlfriends on a night out, the Wine Market is a great spot to check out! Now that it’s summer and the weather is warmer, the wine slushies are definitely a go-to for curbside pickup!
Fountain Square Brewing - FSQ Brewing is one of the most chill breweries I’ve been to. I’m a big fan of the Preacher’s Daughter Amber Ale and the Workingman’s Pilsner and you can even buy these brews in stores like Kroger. The best part about this place is that it’s dog friendly so you will always meet a furry friend.

Things to Do

The Idle - This is hands down one of my favorite spots in the city! Situated along the highway right off of Virginia Ave., the Idle is a place to sit and reflect and think. I love coming here with friends just to chat or spend some alone time relaxing. This would also be a great spot to go on a date and get to know each other!
Cultural Trail - While the Cultural Trail runs all throughout downtown Indy, the portion that’s in Fountain Square is my favorite since it seems easy to follow and flows well into the neighborhood. Check out a Pacer Bikeshare bike and take a ride down to Fountain Square using the Cultural Trail.
Tappers - Arcade bars are becoming increasingly popular, and Tappers is one of the best in the city. They have all kinds of classic games as well as pinball, and a great selection of drinks. They even serve my favorite Broad Ripple Chips which are a great snack in between games.
Hi-Fi - The Hi-Fi is Indy’s most intimate music venue, hosting local artists as well as big names. Due to its size, it’s very easy to get as close to the stage as you can and have an amazing concert experience that you wouldn’t get at a larger venue.
Nine Lives Cat Cafe - Indy’s first cat cafe is definitely a must-see for all cat lovers! There’s not many places where you can grab a cup of coffee and pet multiple cats, but Nine Lives makes it happen. The cats are also all up for adoption so if you bond with one you may end up taking them home!
Duckpin Bowling - If you’ve never heard of this, think bowling, but miniature sized. This would be such a fun activity to do with a group of friends or on a date, and is a nice switch up from actual bowling. Be sure to hit up the Rooftop Bar for drinks and views after a game or two.
Square Cat Vinyl - If you’re a record player novice or aficionado, Square Cat Vinyl is a great place to find classics and current albums. They also have a coffee shop in the back so this would be the perfect place for a day date.

What is your favorite thing to do in Fountain Square and Fletcher Place?

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