Live the Local: Bates-Hendricks
Bates-Hendricks is an up and coming neighborhood, nestled below downtown and west of Fountain Square. The area is rife with real estate opportunities for young professionals who want the close proximity of all the things these parts of town have to offer without the exorbitant cost of living. Check out this Bates-Hendricks guide and let me know which spots you visit!
To Eat
1718 House Bar - This house bar is a cozy spot, perfect for an evening cocktail and a light meal. They have brought history to the present by using a residential home for their business and it’s definitely a unique setting. Be sure to not pass up the food menu while browsing the delicious drink list, I’ve had a great coconut curry here!
Indy All Night - One of the biggest complaints I hear about Indy is the lack of late night food options. Well, Indy All Night has you covered; open from 9 PM to 4 AM, they deliver all your late night grub from burgers to salads to pasta. Indy will never go hungry again!
Tex Mex Taqueria - This nondescript location is actually bursting with authentic flavor, so don’t sleep on Tex Mex. Their tortas are renowned and they have the traditional Mexican dishes we know and love in Indy. You can also shop for ingredients here to try your hand at making dishes at home.
To Drink
Lincoln Lane Coffee Co. - This is where coffee meets community; Lincoln Lane is a part of the Lincoln Center, an organization working to benefit those in our neighborhoods that need it most. They partner with Calvin Fletcher’s and Tinker Coffee to bring you quality roasts and the pastries are just as amazing. Visitors can also bring their laundry to use the facilities in the back, utilize the coworking space, or take their children to participate in after school programs.
Bowhaus Tap Bar - Bowhaus Tap Bar is everyone’s favorite dive bar style environment, where you always know the drinks will be good. This classic spot is a neighborhood favorite and provides a space for community to gather.
The Vault (coming soon) - Bates-Hendricks is always changing and growing so there are many businesses that are opening in the coming months. Opening on Halloween weekend, The Vault is a secret speakeasy that looks like it will have 20s and 30s bank inspired theme and decor. You’ll need a code to the vault to access the craft cocktails, food pairings, and live music inside.
The Daquiri Factory (coming soon) - This new spot won’t be open until spring but that will be perfect timing to enjoy these boozy frozen delights. The Daquiri Factory will be a self serve spot that will use a wine based margarita slushie to create the drinks. The graffiti’d walls will be the perfect Instagrammable spot and guests can enjoy board games with their slushies after a long day.
To Do
Two Chicks District Co. - Founded by Mina Starsiak Hawk who brought us the HGTV hit, Good Bones, this shop brings the TV experience right to your home. Shop for curated home decor items and dine in the bistro, enjoying sandwiches and coffee (or bubbly if you prefer). This is a great spot to do some holiday shopping or just treat yourself.
Half Moon Brow Studio - Permanent makeup like microblading is all the rage, and as someone who spends a lot of time putting their eyebrows on everyday, I appreciate the hard work and talent that goes into this craft. Half Moon Brow Studio offers microblading, lip blush, botox, and faux freckles, but if you’re looking to not go super permanent yet they also provide brow lamination, brow tints, lash extensions, waxing, eyebrow threading, facials, and more.
City Nail Bar (coming soon) - This is hands down (pun intended) my absolute favorite spot to get my nails done downtown, so I’m super excited that they’ll have a second location soon. City Nail Bar is a non-toxic nail salon, never using drills to prevent damage to your nails. I usually go for the Apres GelX nail extensions complete with nail art. They also offer gel polish manicures, pedicures, and more
Smudge Salon - Looking to treat yourself even more after your brows and nails are on point? Smudge Salon offers the traditional cuts, colors, and highlights, specializing in a lived-in, low maintenance hair look. They also have hand-tied and beaded row extension services
