Live the Local: Irvington
Irvington is one of Indy’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods, with its winding roads and stately homes it was once considered the suburbs. About fifteen minutes east of downtown, Irvington is thriving with up and coming local businesses and older staples in the community that makes the people who live there rave about it.
History
Irvington was established as a suburban area outside of downtown Indianapolis in 1870 and is named after author Washington Irving. With the advent of the National Road (what is known as Washington Street now) that goes right through the main business district of the area, local businesses and restaurants populate the street. Irvington was also the original home of Butler University from 1875 to 1928 (a great Indy trivia fact for those who didn’t know!) until the campus moved to where it is now in Butler-Tarkington. Due to its namesake, Halloween is a grand affair in Irvington and you can even go on a ghost tour around the neighborhood. The Irvington community is known for being fosters of the arts and the Irving Theatre is a long-standing icon of cinema and theater.
Breakfast
Percolate Cafe - Percolate Cafe is the best of both worlds - it’s a coffee AND wine bar! They use locally roasted Bee’s Coffee beans and provide a small selection of local snacks as well.
Coal Yard Coffee - Coal Yard Coffee is another great place to grab a cup of coffee and listen to some live music or attend other live events. They roast their beans in house and have pastries and even breakfast burritos.
Landlocked Baking Co. - Created by the same people who started Coat Check Coffee, Provider, Strange Bird, Heart Breaker, and Certain Feelings Coffee Co., this baking company will have unique pastries and delectable desserts when it opens soon.
Lunch
The Legend Classic Irvington Cafe - The Legend is one of the oldest family owned and operated restaurants in the area. They provide really affordable classic meals as well as some unique spins on more traditional dishes.
Rock-Cola 50’s Cafe - Rock-Cola is a 1950s dream and definitely has those nostalgic diner vibes with an affordable cost. They also have classics like cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes with an extensive breakfast menu as well.
Dinner
Heart Breaker - Heart Breaker is a great place for those classic summertime foods with unique ingredients. They have a lot of vegan and vegetarian options like their Phoney Coney, and their milkshakes have amazing combinations of flavors.
Mama Lupita La Escollera - While there are many Mexican restaurants in the area, none is so highly rated as Mama Lupita’s, known for their authentic flavors, emphasis on fresh seafood, and large portions.
Wyliepalooza Ice Cream Emporium - Wyliepalooza has a location in Irvington and a new location in SoBro, and the number of flavors they have seem endless. They even have soy-based dairy free options if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant.
Night Out
Strange Bird - Indy is never short of tiki bars, and it seems only right that the east side of the city deserves one as well. The atmosphere is dark but inviting with classic tiki drinks using newer flavors and techniques.
LVL Up Gaming Lounge & Bar - LVL Up is a lot more than just an arcade bar, they are also a venue space for cosplayers and house online gaming systems like Xbox and Nintendo with a mission to foster more of a community with people that love to game.
Black Acre Brewing Co. Garden - Perfect for an outdoor socially distanced evening out, Black Acre Garden is a great way to enjoy some local beer while the weather is still warm. They also have a great Asian inspired meal and lots of events still scheduled into the fall.
The Butler Inn - This bar has been around for decades, starting a couple years before Butler University moved to its current location. The drinks are affordable and the atmosphere is friendly. Be sure to take a picture with its amazing mural!
Things to Do
Irvington Historical Society - Housed in one of the only buildings left from Butler University’s original campus, the Irvington Historical Society has preserved and collected objects since 1964. They currently are showing an exhibit called Saveurs de France: Rita Spalding, Fine Art.
Irvington Ghost Tours - While the 2020 announcement for ghost tours hasn’t been made yet, be sure to check out the walking tour of the 10 most haunted locations in Irvington when it is safe and healthy to do so!
Irvington Vinyl & Books - This local shop provides new and used books and vinyl for a great price. They even have a buy/trade policy you can look into if you’re looking to donate or make a little cash, and focus on contemporary and eclectic content.
James Dant - While Indy has its fair share of boutiques for women, James Dant prides itself on being “purveyors of men’s goods”. This is a great place to come to if you’re looking for a birthday or Christmas gift for him, or just something special.
Black Sheep Gifts - If you want a Silver in the City vibe on the east side, this is a great place to visit. Gifts range from unique to practical, especially including a lot of items for the home, and there’s something for everyone here.
1979 Co. - This shop brings craft and artisanship back into leather goods, hand making each piece and taking custom orders. They’ve partnered and participated in pop ups with local favorites like Mama Ochre and Rebel Vintage.
What are some of your favorite places in Irvington?
Coal Yard Coffee picture: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g37209-d7706037-Reviews-Coal_Yard_Coffee-Indianapolis_Indiana.html
Mama Lupita La Escollera picture: https://mamalupitaecollera.com/
The Butler Inn picture: https://m.facebook.com/thebutlerinn/photos/a.501437089867124/2217395741604575/?type=3&source=44
Irvington Ghost Tours picture: https://www.google.com/amp/s/fox59.com/morning-news/your-town-friday-haunted-irvington/amp/
