Chatterbox Jazz Club
435 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46204
Chatterbox Jazz Club Menu
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Address :
435 Massachusetts Ave
Indianapolis, IN, 46204 - Phone (317) 636-0584
- Website https://www.chatterboxjazz.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :4:00 pm - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Live, Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Yes
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Has TV : Yes
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Kinsey C.
Meh. I dropped in here after a night at the Biergarten. There was no live music, which was fine with me, because I needed a little quiet after the Biergarten. This place appeals to a certain type of clientele, and I am not it. This place could use some updates. It was hard to scoot in and out of the chairs because everything is smooshed so close together. Table tops were ripping, the lights had a nice big layer of dust accumulating on them, and the bathroom was terrible. The wastebasket was overflowing, and they had Neutrogena facial soap instead of hand soap. However, I can forgive these things if the drinks are great and the atmosphere is fun. Maybe I went on a bad night, because I wasn't feeling it. This place charges more for drinks when live music is playing, which is pretty lame. I've never been to a place that charges cover and then charges more for drinks when music is playing. I don't get it! Service was also slow since we waited a long time to get our bill even thought the bartender was just relaxing behind the bar. Around 10 an act began to set up for a show, and someone came around telling us we could pay a $7 cover to watch them play or skeedaddle. We left. I didn't want to pay more for my drinks just because someone was singing. All in all: unless a great act draws me back, I won't be visitin Chatterbox again.
(2)Sharee M.
Jazz lover...check. 2nd hand smoker ... uncheck. While I love jazz, the Chatterbox has always been a place of concern for me. Every time I try to make this place work, I just cant do it. The jazz or blues is always on point. The cover is usually reasonable and while I like my space, I like the cozy feel. Yet, it's the pillar of smoke that surround this small bar gets me every time. I have been to the Chatterbox three times and each experience, I am only able to tolerate the smoke for 30 minutes or so. Then, I have to leave. Yes, the place needs a good scrub. I would not dare visit the washrooms here. Due to this, I've never had the food. Drinks are OK, but I've only had wine. Seats show wear and tear. However, no of these issues have kept me more distracted from the music as the smoke does. The chatterbox is much older than the Jazz Kitchen. So they have a very loyal fan base. So will my Yelping make a difference? Maybe not. I do prefer the Jazz Kitchen, but I would recommend for improvement a smoke free date on the schedule once or more per month. Maybe the outdoor seating provides a better experience for non smokers; not sure. But as a jazz lover, I would like to be able to go to both establishments. But with the smoke and a family history of cancer, I've tried but I just cant do it. While I understand the jazz is the feature of Chatterbox, there appears to be enough people on Yelp alone who feel the same for the management to at least consider problem solving this issue. Just a thought. I like you, Chatterbox, but until there is a solution on the smoke for light or non smokers, I more than likely wont be back.
(2)Brittany K.
This place is a welcoming hole in the wall. There are Christmas lights strung over this cluttered space. Lots of kitschy decor, wall paper peeling and spray painted, tiny stage near the front. There is a TV but I wouldn't come here to watch the game. This place is small so when I typed hole in the wall, I meant it. My fella and I saddled up to the ordered a few drinks from the nice bartenders. Attentive as possible during the rush of live jazz shows. The group we saw were good musicians but sounded like they were fighting each other a bit. If that is your kind of jazz, this is an easy choice. If it isn't your kind of jazz, come during non music hours and be anonymously enveloped at the cozy bar.
(3)Anne K.
Unlike a number of other bars on Mass Ave, the Chatterbox doesn't dogs on their patio. Okay, I get it, no hard feelings. But if they're looking to improve atmosphere explain why smokers are allowed to take over the outside seating. So smoke outside, and inside, it's dark and when I visited the other night, the bar was covered in fruit flies. So many bars on Mass Avenue, this one is worth skipping.
(1)Tania R.
The service at chatterbox is appalling. We were served by a woman who was either stoned or drunk. She had a very lackadaisical attitude despite there being many frustrated customers. In fact I had to approach her at the bar to have someone serve our table where I found her sipping on a drink without a care for waiting customers. She took 15 minutes to come to our table and had a rude attitude. We asked for a menu and waters and it took another 15 minutes for those to arrive. When she finally delivered the waters, they were half full and she never returned to get our actual drink orders. We just left due to the terrible service and couldn't even get to order anything after waiting 45 minutes. My friends and I do not plan to return.
(1)Nick C.
I do love live music and the Chatterbox has some of the best in Indy. The CB has a great patio to watch the back of the band, but you can hear well. Sadly this is another bar in Indianapolis that can be only enjoyed in the summer since the smoke is so thick it is unbearable to even a smoker. You can skip the food as the selection is simply a small Tombstone pizza or a Superpretzel. The Chatterbox has a nice laid back feel and a great vibe. Very cool Indystyle motorcycle art sculpture in the patio.
(3)Rachael L.
I want to like this place more than I do. The cocktails are great, the wine is mediocre. The outside sitting area is cute and eclectic. But get there early or on an off night during the week to find a spot. The live Jazz is great, but be willing to pay a cover. If it makes you feel better, the cover goes straight to the musicians! Everyone has "their" dive bar. This might steal your heart and be your favorite place to hang. But for me, it just isnt doing it. Sorry Chatterbox, nothing personal.
(3)Kimberly U.
This is the most chill place on Mass Ave with some natural character. The jazz music is very real and the perfect place downtown to have a good conversation. The bartenders are great and quick with drink suggestions.
(4)Doug O.
This place is a real dump. As a dive bar fan, I mean that in the fondest way possible. There is graffiti everywhere. The seating is old and beat up. I wouldn't even dream of going to the bathroom there, and strangely, the office for the bar is in the men's room. But this place is great. Cheap, cheap drinks, and they've added some good beers that I wouldn't expect to find there. Friendly bartenders. Good jukebox, and not that Touchtunes crap either. A very intimate environment to see live music--probably the smallest venue I've ever been too. Very cool.
(4)Beth H.
Can't believe it took this long to check this place out! Great atmosphere, super friendly staff, one great bartender who took care to make sure everyone in the place was OK on their parking meters as she saw the "parking ambassadors" out checking cars. Great place, and perfectly situated bathrooms that are NOT in their office.
(5)Libby H.
No charge during the week. Interesting writing on the wall. It was very loud, so if you're trying to catch up with a friend or get to know someone, but the best place to go.
(3)Jennifer L.
Such a rad spot...never a bad show or musician...true jazz artists. Plaster your name with a sharpie basically anywhere in the bar (then try and find it years later). Super intimate venue and so much character. Great spot to take a date or hang with homies...and very affordable drinks. This magical dive will forever hold a place in my heart!
(5)Brittany L.
Surly servers. We sat down at an outdoor table (already cleared). A girl wandered through the patio then went inside. I thought she was meeting someone. Another girl came out the door, smoked, and went back inside. We sat for 5-10 minutes then thought, "We must have to order at the bar." Those same 2 girls re-surfaced multiple times (I say girl like they were teens...late-20s to 30s is the age range here) we realized they were servers. One went around me (I did not have a drink) to wait on the table of 50-somethings behind me. She checked on the 2 couples sitting nearby. When 2 tables left and then were re-occupied, she and the "smoker" took those folks' orders too. Neither said a WORD to us, when we were sitting there drinkless or when our drinks were empty for 15 minutes. After an hour, we left without ever having been spoken to by either server, and the bar service (2 beers) took awhile too. This is very much a neighborhood bar, not fancy, where you can meet friends and have a few drinks. However, I still expect the servers to acknowledge customers!
(3)Benjamin H.
The service is painfully slow, but I don't really mind.. The Chatterbox is a great spot and I hope it never changes. Watch out for the cover charge and and increased cost on beer during live music... not that it should really push you away.
(3)Nick J.
To update my previous review: DEFINITELY go here when Bashiri Asad and Xenobia Green are playing. They are fantastic.
(5)Katie G.
I really like the Chatterbox- I like the ambiance, the prices are reasonable, and the waitress we had was really friendly. The food is kind of awesome- I think they get it from where ever your old high school got food for basketball games. It's cheap and it does the job- I love it. The only thing I don't like is that it's a smoking bar. Yes, someday Indianapolis will raise to the ranks of progressive states like Tennessee- but until then, I will unfortunately have to avoid the Chatterbox as much as I like it.
(4)Chris M.
Not really sure why I don't go here very often. I have recently rediscovered the Chatterbox after having it fall off my radar for way too long. It is a dark and divey oasis in the midst of a bunch of bullshit that is trying too hard. The men's room is pretty awesome in its dinginess.
(5)Dana M.
My favorite place for live music in Indianapolis. Great jazz, affordable drinks. About as cozy as you can get.
(5)Adam C.
One of a kind, reminds me of Tootsies in Nashville TN. You can see a lot of history on the walls, wouldn't mind drinking there and listening to some music. There is a fine line between a place having character and history or being rundown, I think it is starting to lean towards the latter.
(2)Wink B.
3 stars for the awesome music and the very old architecture. The Chatterbox is populated by some of the most shallow, vapid, narcissistic hipster douchebagges in the midwest. Horrible service at the bar from more of the same.
(3)Courtney B.
Great beer, outdoor sitting and a fabulous ambiance. Also...the live music is the best...especially when the talent allows my 6' drunken girlfriend to shout out requests for more BAHBRAH (as in Streisand) and allow her to sing along. Also, come to think of it, the crowd who hangs out there is pretty fabulous for allowing that as well. Thanks Chatterbox! You got my vote!
(4)Matt F.
We used to be regulars here and loved going to the wine, bourbon, and scotch tastings. Then I guess we just got old or something. We still go from time to time, especially before or after events at the Murat. The atmosphere is unlike any other bar in the city. It should definitely be a stop on any trip to Mass Ave that involves booze. Tip: Do not try to stumble in on St. Patrick's Day with a 32 ounce plastic cup of beer you just left the Rathskeller with. David will not be happy and will deny you entry. Not that I would know anything about that...
(5)Michael C.
The Chatterbox is one of the best little jazz clubs around. We are so lucky to have live jazz available 7 days a week. If you are visiting Indy, this is a place you must put on your itinerary!
(5)Nikki P.
Years ago, when my parents first divorced, my dad and I slowly bridged the distance with the "like father, like daughter" discovery that jazz music makes my feet happy and my face look kinda sad in that hurts so good way. In the great now, my dad and I continue to bridge a distance, this one physical, with music. I was so very pleased to meet him on Mass. Ave., where we had an early dinner at Yats before wandering down to the Chatterbox. We got there well in advance of any signs of life, there was only the bartender and another couple at the bar. The music didn't start until 10:30 p.m. and it was only 7:30 p.m., should we go somewhere else? We would later find out that the decision to hold down our table in the front and drink scotch all night was the most fortuitous of the night. And, still later, as the trumpet trilled and smoke whirled and people squeezed by, no doubt coveting our table, my dad leaned in to say, "I'm so glad we're here." And I almost said, "We've come a long way, baby," but luckily I wasn't drunk enough to ruin such a lovely moment. Because the bartender was pouring the drinks just right. Everything was just right.
(4)Virginia L.
Smokey, noisy, grimey, friendly, funky, and fresh. Overall it seems to be an sweet little spot for listening to jazz.
(4)Juliette J.
The Chatterbox is a very special venue for live Jazz, drinks, socializing or just some good ol' people watching. Imagine "Cheers" meets Sultry-Bohemian-Jazz Club. I first heard Jazz here a few months back. The music was piping hot, and so were the yummy Jamaican Patties...A very simple meat pie that goes well with Tequila. I thought this location would be perfect for my newly formed group "Classical Revolution Indianapolis", and it turned out to be true! We now play at the Chatterbox about once a month on Tuesday nights. It's the perfect place for our chamber music jam sessions. So, if you want to hear classical music "out of the box," stop by the Chatterbox when we are playing! Free admission, however, donations are graciously accepted in the bucket.
(5)Richard H.
Nice relaxing place to have drinks, listen to some jazz, chat with friends.
(3)Nicolette M.
I don't believe I have had the full Chatterbox experience yet, but I love this place. It's known for its music, which is great, but my favorite thing about the place is it's patio that is right out on Mass Ave. The patio is the perfect people watching location on the street, and if you're lucky enough to get a patio seat, you shouldn't dare losing your spot by going elsewhere! I've only just recently made it inside the bar for the first time, which made me realize that I have under-appreciated the place. If I opened a fortune cookie right now, I'd probably be told that a trip to Chatterbox is in my near future.
(4)Mandy K.
A quaint little spot on Mass Ave, Chatterbox is a fun place to stop by on a warm summer evening for a drink, and to hear great jazz music. I love the outdoor seating, with cute little white tables and bright colored chairs, too. I can always feel myself being pulled gently in that direction if I'm just intending to pass by on my way home or to another establishment.
(4)Brad K.
We loved this joint. We wandered in after First Friday hoping to catch some good jazz. And that's exactly what we got. Three solid sets. The pencil-bar (it's just a long, skinny room) is a bit uncomfortable at times particularly near the end of the night when there's some wobbling by the patrons. But the place is definitely a destination for music lovers. Nobody is talking over the set. Which is nice. The only drawback -- and it's a major one for me -- is the smoke environment. I realized I've turned into one of those ex-smokers :( I walked out with a raging headache because there's no ventilation. By the end of the evening, you've turned into an ashtray. (We notice most of the hardcore music crowd left around 1245 before it got too bad.) Still: you absolutely can't go wrong for music.
(4)Shamie D.
Less than impressive. I went with my wife on July 3rd. The website said there would be live music, but much to our dismay the group had cancelled. This place came highly recommended and we were pretty disappointed. You would think in this day and age, the website would be kept up to date! There were also various drink specials advertised inside and they had apparently run out of the liquor! The service was okay and the place had a unique ambiance. We will visit again next time we are in Indy, hopefully there will be music then!
(3)Libbie V.
I love the Chatterbox for their music, their bourbon and their bathroom walls.
(5)Amber H.
The writing is on the wall and awesome live music all around
(5)Melanie L.
LOVE this place! A small hole in the wall jazz bar with a gated area for outdoor seating right on Mass ave, when the doors open you can hear the music and still be able to chat with your friends. Its a bit harder to talk when you sit inside, the small joint fills with music from local jazz bands. Wine, beer, cocktails, a few plates --perfect for an evening hangout!
(5)Jill M.
The Chatterbox is my favorite bar of all time - and I live in the bar capital of the world. If the Chatterbox were in Portland I would still go to bars. Why do I like it? Live jazz. Interesting people. Old school. Cheap. Pies of Jamaica. Yeah, it's a dive, so it comes with all the trappings thereof. If dives aren't your thing, then stay away and leave a coveted seat for someone else.
(5)James T.
Excellent bar in the most interesting artsy area of Indy. I went here 3 times during my last 15 day visit to town. The jazz players are authentic with great grooves. Good drinks with a great little street to hang out on. Very highly recommended. REMEMBER... This is a Jazz bar, not an Olive Garden. The reviews below, that complain about the condition of this place, obviously don't belong in such a great Jazz club. It's a classic!
(5)Josh H.
Friendly bar tender and wonderful hole in the wall atmosphere, plus the graffiti and bathrooms can't be beat!
(4)R T.
The signs of a great place, even a few years later. Still one of the oldest bars in town. Back in the day the Rolling Stones jammed out here - they've signed the fridge that you could see under the TV In the bar. The Chatterbox is still(acourding the the recent reviews) a real jazz lovers haven. A tiny bar located in the hip Mass Ave. district of downtown Indianapolis. A small stage towards the front of the bar caters to local jazz legends and acts that play all forms - from smooth to fusion to bebop. Sometimes there is a cover, usually on the weekends, and during the week they pass around a tip bucket through the crowd. A nice little wine by the glass list, strong poured whiskey drinks, and frequent Newcastle by the pint specials still make this a popular place for artists, musicians and hipsters, as well as more mature and open minded jazz lovers. When there is no live music, which is rare, a jukebox serving up classics from Sinatra to Elvis sits in the corner for your perusal. The bathrooms STILL are notorious for being the most graffiti-drenched in town. Everything from Dylan and Tom Waits quotes to "happy birthdays" and weird drawings, the bathroom is part of the experience! The walls, the bar, the floor - everything gets drawn and written on - no big deal. I would sit outside, it's not as smokey, and gave a great view of the area around. Lots of foot traffic and a unique crowd provided a good people watching spot, and the waitstaff is friendly and has great memories. I can still hear the music outside without straining. They have heaters also outside, for chillier nights! They have a small food menu with pretzels (worst cheese ever however), Jamaican patties, and Tombstone pizza's for late night cravings. The inside bar is not a good place for those allergic too or disliking of smoke! However outside is great!
(3)Casey R.
Great little bar...well, lets face it, dive bar but that's NOT a bad thing! Serivce is always great here and it's a great place to grab a drink before seeing a show at the Murat (Old National Center).
(4)Elizabeth C.
Always. Great. Jazz. This should be the first thing you care about in looking for this place, and if it isn't, this probably isn't your joint. This is the only jazz venue in town that isn't stuffy and affected, it's messy and divey and dirty and full of life in here. It's completely legit and it won't clear out your pockets. Also it's small and cozy, so be prepared for that. I really, really love this place.
(5)DDiablo D.
Great place for live jazz all week long. Great drinks and people. Nice to sit outside and enjoy Mass. Ave. Enjoy
(5)Emily U.
I'm no jazz aficionado, but I have to give my respect to the Chatterbox, which has more character than any bar on the Mass Ave. strip. I always enjoy the music and if you can snag a table, the outdoor seating is comfy and intimate. The servers are friendly and the overall vibe is laid back, though be prepared for a fog of smoke if you sit indoors. Sometimes you'll be asked to cough up a $5 cover charge, which I think is reasonable for the atmosphere they offer. In a city where ambiance is a rare commodity, the Chatterbox is a gem. Meet a friend or two for cocktails here; you can't go wrong.
(4)Josh O.
When I lived in Indianapolis, The Chatterbox was one of my favorite haunts for a low-key night. The drinks are affordable, the music (jazz) is typically good, and the scene is intimate. They also have a pretty decent amount of outdoor seating for those beautiful spring/summer/fall days when you're interested in people watching on Mass Ave. You can get wine by the bottle here pretty affordably, which is nice. I believe they typically have cover charges for music on the weekend, but you can enjoy the music for free on weekdays (correct me if I'm wrong). Just be sure to put a buck or two in the pot when it's passed. Jazz musicians need to eat, too! As for food, they offer Red Baron microwave pizza and patties of Jamaica. Neither are exactly gourmet cuisine, but they do the job if it's late and you're several sheets to the wind. For those of you averse to cigarette smoke, this is probably not the place for you. In the winter, when the doors are closed, it does tend to get pretty thick in there. Overall, The Chatterbox is one of the better historic bars in a city with a good number of historic bars. If you're looking for a place to spend a relaxing night listening to good music and enjoying some affordable drinks, this is the place for you.
(4)George D.
Heard its great for jazz, but offers nothing to the casual bar patron. Bathrooms ate nasty and the bar has an odd odor.
(2)Shawn M.
The Chatterbox is the consumate dumpy dive bar, which is a good thing for a Jazz Club, kinda reminds me of the Preservation Jazz Hall in New Orleans, which should have been condemned but somehow hasnt. Woudlnt really rate it high in anything like food or drinks but its the atmosphere and people that keep bringing me back. Its an institution.
(5)Yum E.
Never again will I waste my money at the Chatterbox. I want to like it because it is right down the street from my house, a "jazz" bar, it's a little dingy and it's dark. But the thick air of pretentiousness among the staff and "regulars" will keep me away for life. On my last trip there, the bartender actually made fun of my drink order (seriously?) and her douche-bag hipster counterpart on the other side of the bar giggled at my partner and I for our jukebox choices. I mean, I don't mean to be an asshole, but it's hard to make really awesome choices on the jukebox, when this "jazz" bar has the iTunes essential mix up on the box. The Chatterbox should be cool, but people it is not. Indianapolis has some much better bars if you are looking for the dive experience, and we definitely have some really decent places to hear live music. If your downtown, check out Lockerbie Pub, The Brass Ring or Vollrath. For live jazz, check out Jazz Kitchen or the Madame Walker.
(1)Kasey J.
The Chatterbox is dark, dirty, tiny, smoky and loud. Sadly, there's not much more to say than that. My problem is that I'm not a big drinker, so I've been SOBER every time I've been here. Which means I see all the dirt, grime, puke in the bathroom, etc. Not a good scene. One night we were here, my husband actually guarded the men's bathroom door so I could go in there BECAUSE IT WAS CLEANER THAN THE WOMEN'S. Agh. I feel like I can touch all four walls just by standing in the middle of the room. Yeah, the music is decent here, but it's SO LOUD and SO SMOKY that it's not worth it to me.
(2)TOMMY o.
MICK & KEITH PLAYED HERE AFTER ONE OF THEIR CONCERTS i wish i had been there That night!!!!! one of the first orginal places on Mass Ave to hang out yes, they were cool before it was cool to hang out on Mass great place to get (limited) food before the Murat show
(5)Shawna V.
So awesome they can hang Christmas lights from the walls and I still feel cool. The perfect place to sip some bourbon listen to jazz and feel like it might still be prohibition era. Love it. Period End Dot. LOVE IT.
(5)Jimmy W.
Just stopped in for a beer last night and had a great time! The beer was cold, the music was hopping, and the place was full! It's definitely a dive, but definitely the right place to go to hang out if you're into bars where it doesn't matter who you are, just as long as you're there for a good time.
(4)Lori S.
Cheap drinks. No frills. Just booze and whatever company you brought with you. I dig.
(4)K E.
Best Jazz dive in Indiana! Small place in a great location downtown Indy. Tip Jar rolls around so remember to throw some cash in that jar. Pay the cover if they have one. It's well worth it. I suggest a bottle of Pinot Noir with some close friends.
(5)Scott W.
Great chill environment. Good music, good drink, good times. My favorite downtown bar.
(5)Gwendolyn S.
The wait staff is courteous and pleasant. This place is far from pretentious and the live jazz band selections are wise, quite in tune with the cozy atmosphere, the diverse patrons and the experienced ears. It is a popular place for jazz AND conversation, remember: it is called the Chatter Box. Considering the size my only wish is that, like New York, bars were smoke free. It is still my favorite spot in Indianapolis.
(4)J F.
Live music every day of the week. A place to go with old friends and meet new ones. Staff and owner are wonderful, super friendly. The atmosphere is superb and caters to what it's all about: music It's a venue to support local jazz. To say the least, I've become a regular.
(5)Mia M.
Love this place. Love the music, love the crowd, love the packed-full atmosphere, love the greasy Tombstone pizza and the non-stop, efficient bartenders and servers. I could go here every night of the week. The cover's a little high, but I understand why it's there. This place is small and not well-known, but it's an Indianapolis institution!
(4)Jared B.
The chatterbox is the best jazz dive in Indianapolis. It's cramped, so expect close quarters when you walk in. The stage is right when you walk in the door, so you can sit on the outdoor patio and still hear good music. The inside is dark and covered with posters. There's writing all over the walls and pens on the floor. "Mick Jagger signed the fridge RIGHT HERE" the cute bartender said, pointing to an unintelligible scrawl on the side of the refrigerator on the way to the bathrooms. They have a decent wine selection and a well stocked bar. It's slow on nights without acts, but it's great when it's a warm night out and you can listen to music on the front patio.
(5)kristi s.
Go for the live jazz, don't expect "cuisine", be amazed at the staff while they cheerfully serve in a cramped and smoky atmosphere...this DIVE is a diamond in the rough. Enjoy it for what it is!!!
(5)allison s.
This place is def. a dive but cool in its own right. I wish I had more to tell but this was the last stop on my 21st before I tossed my cookies. I do remember the bartenders were nice.
(4)Leslie G.
We just had our second visit to Chatterbox this weekend (we had stumbled upon it back in October when we were in Indy for a night's getaway from our B&B life back in Dayton.) Just as good the second time as it was the first. Lots of wines by the glass, though they don't necessarily correspond with what is on the list. No real menu to speak of, but with good jazz, decent wine and a haze of smoke, soft pretzels with Ortega cheese dip and Guinness chocolate truffles were a perfect snack. Music is terrific. Love the fact that the owner works the door, and comes around the club about 15 minutes before the music starts to collect the $5 cover charge if you're sticking around for the music. Gotta love hands-on ownership. We'll be back the next time we can sneak out of town over to Indy.
(5)Mark W.
A OK jazz / music club on Mass. Ave
(3)joey d.
The best place to go in Indy...Love the dirty little jukebox in the corner..love the jazz...love the jamaican patties...smells like home..and you always see the people you want to see there..its magical
(5)MJ W.
Chatterbox is great for live jazz music. I would give it 4 stars, but you really can't fit that many people inside or out. The staff is real nice and courteous. They either can read lips or read your mind when you are placing a drink order. It's a little hard to hear when music is playing.
(3)Stacey J.
The Chatterbox doesn't put on any airs, which is good, because it doesn't need to. Dark, inviting, and completely unpretentious. Jazz sounds good any time of the year. Spring, summer, fall, winter, love love love it.
(5)Clayton P.
The Chatterbox is a great hole in the wall jazz bar. The bathroom reminds me of "The worst toilet in scotland" from Trainspotting, careful with those suppositories. Make sure and check it out when there is a band playing. You'll feel like your on stage with them.
(5)James H.
When its busy i don't like it. But when there dead in the middle of the summer with the door open its awesome. You can get an old school tombstone pizza and they automatically give you the hot sauce. Good beer selection the bartenders are very nice. I like it as a place to start your evening not finish. If you get a seat outside its kind of cool too. I sometimes think they could book better jazz...just a thought. When there isnt a band, the juke has some real nice beer drinking classic on wax.
(3)Sarah S.
I know this is a local darling, but I've never been much of a fan. To me it seems like the place where all the alcoholics in town go to jointly advance their liver failure. Maybe that vibe is what gives this place its street cred, but it's not really my bag. That being said, if you like live music, you'll appreciate the collection of jazz musicians that perform here, and the intimate atmosphere. Look for the poster that says "I'm going to Mongolia--so what?" It's kind of my favorite.
(2)Luisanna R.
I just love this bar. It's a small hole in the wall place with really great jazz music and the bartenders are always really helpful and drinks are reasonably priced. I like to hang here read a book listen to music and just relax. It's a great bar for just that.
(5)William Aaron K.
So the other day when my friend and I were on an early evening drinking excursion on Mass Ave. we started at the Chatterbox. The bartender was making some crazy strong vodka-red bulls and she was very thorough about the specials. The outdoor seating was really cute and it was nice to sit out there to be able to just chat, drink, smoke and hang out. It really could have been the timing that we were there, but the place seems to be a bit of a snoozefest on the inside. It's very hole-in-the-wall, but it could use some lighting or something to liven up the place a bit. To be fair though, I haven't been there when it's dark and it probably gets busier throughout the evening, so i can't knock it until I try to go there at a later time in the evening. The patio is a really great place to sit and people watch others scurrying around Mass Ave. So I do recommend this as a place to start an evening.
(4)Sarah S.
You have to love this place.
(5)Ashley T.
We came early for a drink and a shot before a show we were going to elsewhere. I liked the feel of this bar, extremely divey and drinks were cheap. Bathroom was covered in quotes and signatures. Bathroom soap was liquid neutrogena face soap. Haha Bartender was friendly and made a strong drink. Cute, tiny little outdoor seating area where you can people watch on Mass Ave. I would like to go back for jazz when we are in town again.
(4)Laura M.
It is so nice to find a bar on Mass Ave that's affordable, has a little soul, and keeps the atmosphere at just the right level of jazziness. When the performances aren't going on it's not too loud or crowded, which is a prime consideration for me when choosing a bar. I know, I'm the oldest 25 year old you've encountered. I just like to be able to tell my friends I like the music without having to have the progressively louder "WHAT?!?" exchange a bunch of times. Best bathroom graffiti in Indy.
(4)Craig M.
I am a twenty year veteran of The Chatterbox and love the place. It is my go-to spot on Mass Ave for good music, reasonable drinks and great conversation. I'm contributing my review here because it seems some of the negative reviews might have a basic misunderstanding of the place. The Chatterbox is a dive bar with live music seven days a week. There is a cover charge only on Friday and Saturday evenings (currently $7), every other night is free with a tip jar for the band. The weekend bands are often traveling jazz musicians, thus the cover. David, the owner, usually collects cover starting around 8:30 or 9pm, and he politely asks the currently seated guests for the cover charge at that time. The Chatterbox is not a restaurant. They serve Patties of Jamaica, tombstone pizza, popcorn and nachos. Don't arrive and ask for a menu. There are four beers on tap and a selection of decent but not great wines. If you consider yourself a sommelier, you will be disappointed. Head to the wine shop down the street. The Chatterbox has one television. It's probably not the spot to watch the game. The decor is there is no decor, only a visual record of fourty years of bar entropy and liquid wisdom scrawled on the walls. It's not fancy. At all. If the place is packed it holds about 70 people, and you might be sitting dangerously close to your neighbor. The Chatterbox has a good jukebox (vinyl 45's of course), a friendly waitstaff and some of the best hard-working jazz musicians in the Midwest. Jazz happens six nights a week, and on Tuesdays the music varies. First Tuesday of the month is classical music with amazing members of our symphony sitting in and picking up. Other Tuesday's vary, but the music is always good. There are sing-a-longs for Christmas and St. Patrick's days. That's it. The place has character and great music. Leave all other expectations behind and hopefully you will enjoy this place as much as I do.
(5)Mark W.
The atmosphere is the reason your here. They add decor in layers, every holiday seems represented. Always a friendly face at the bar and they usually have drink specials. Live jazz music most nights ( I think). Seems like they always have a band when I am here. Great place to check out.
(5)Ellie I.
This is my favorite Mass Ave bar. It has a neighborhood feel which is mostly due to the fact it's essentially a dive. I love the fact that the walls are covered with posters, nick knacks and anything else they could hang. The music is always great, I mean who doesn't like live jazz? The staff have always been sweet and attentive even when it's a full house. The prices are reasonable, especially if you like craft beer. Their Malbec is my favorite wine the list. Great place to catch up with friends or take a date!
(5)Jesus R.
The most fun I've had in Indy. Went two nights. The first was a Latin night, and somehow we danced a little salsa in the impossibly packed bar area. The second night, it was a jazz/soul band and they even let us join in with the singing. The band is RIGHT THERE! The ambience is really down-to-earth and pleasant. Go and enjoy!
(4)Angeleno S.
Probably the best spot I went to on my visit to Indianapolis. The live jazz was off the hook and the shops around Mass Ave. had character and curb appeal (in a good, artistic way).
(4)Sarah C.
Bummer. Bum bum bummer. I was so looking forward to hearing some live jazz at this hole-in-the-wall dive bar on Mass Ave. The bar itself is small and cozy with some interesting wall decorations. Overall, the place has character. The other night myself and two other friends grabbed a table and wanted drink recommendations. One of the servers was of little to no help when he failed to give us his favorite drink choices. Come on pal, help us out! We finally chose our drinks and they were definitely strong enough - so a few points were earned back. As we got closer to the jazz music starting up, the owner (I believe it was the owner) walked from table to table asking that each person paid $7 to stay and listen. AFTER we had already taken a seat and gotten a drink. What?! So if we don't pay the $7 we're kicked out? So we guzzled down our drinks and left. Did we want to stay and listen to the jazz? Yes. Would we have bought more drinks from the bar? Yes. But -- due to the situation, we had no trouble in picking ourselves up and leaving. Sad. If you want to charge people to listen, do so before we sit down. Or - for anyone coming in after a certain time, then charge those folks. But who charges people AFTER they've already made themselves comfortable? Again, sad. Because It seemed like I place that I would have enjoyed.
(2)Becky T.
The Chatterbox is a great place for live music and solid drinks. Highly recommended! Try the Dark & Stormy.
(5)Kelly G.
Total dive but in the best possible way! Ever since Indy eliminated smoking in restaurants/bars, this has become a favorite hangout for me. I love the graffiti on the walls, the live music, the chill atmosphere, all of it! Good place for drinking whiskey with friends, but there's not a lot of seating, and it can get really loud from performers. If you're hanging out with a lot of friends and want to have long conversations, this might not be the best place.
(4)Kayla W.
This is easily one of the best finds since moving to Indy in 2008. It is small but has a great atmosphere. The jazz is great. I love the casual feel and the fact that you can sit and enjoy the jazz or chat with the person you came with. The outdoor seating is nice as it is a little quieter but you can still hear the music. They have heaters in the outdoor area when it gets cooler. My husband and I went there two years in a row for New Year's Eve and had an amazing time. Included in the cover for that night you get a hat, poppers, and a glass of champagne at midnight. This is a great place to spend an evening.
(5)Lindsay R.
Divey.. small.. good place to hear live jazz.
(3)D h.
Small place in the middle of mass ave. thru the front door is the small stage and a handful of lower tables. About halfway in, the bar starts on the west/right side. The floors, bar, and walls are cluttered with nostalgic (old) items. Bar top is a beat up wooden surface with metal trim. Bar face is even uglier and old looking. Box footrest is in no better condition. Black padded stools with no back not in best shape, but surprisingly not in horrible condition. Floor shows the years of drunken shuffling. Bar back is just a mess but you can kill some time just looking it over. Service is spot on and the music is great. Nice little outdoor area makes for great people watching. Definitely a dive, but very comfortable.
(4)James B.
If you like Jazz this is the best place in Indianapolis. The whole point of this place is to give jazz musicians a place to play and give jazz lovers a place to listen. It's small, not particularly clean, the food isn't real good and you can rest your head on the sink if you have to sit to use the restroom. Here's what you need to know: Chatterbox Jazz Club is absolutely perfect exactly the way that it is. Sitting along a strip of polished clubs and "sports bars" as far as the eye can see, Chatterbox has charisma and charm in a way it's neighbors could only dream. It's not only the bar in and of itself, it's the wonderful people you will meet there that will really make you fall in love with the place and keep you coming back over and over. Long live The Chatterbox!!!!
(5)Genna P.
Beat dive / jazz bar in the state. Been coming here for years. 126 is the best song on the juke box. Wine, beer, or liquor - they have it all. But come for the music.
(5)Melyssa H.
Back in the early nineties, I spent a lot of time at The Chatterbox and is where I built my first network of friends in the City. As far as patrons of the legendary Indy establishment, I was different. I didn't go for the jazz, I went for the atmosphere, people and great conversations. Recently I held my book launch party there and it was the perfect location. David Andrichik, the owner, was helpful and made the party easy. Tonos Triad took the stage for the event. David solidly supports musician entrepreneurs, collecting cover charges with all the money going to the bands. He also established the tradition of passing the tip bucket with an expectation that each patron give an extra dollar for each set. What he does for musicians is admirable and his establishment attracts the very best in jazz talent. The Chatterbox will always feel like home to me and one day long from now after I've left this world, don't be surprised if my ghost hangs out there. Lord knows, my picture as a 27-year old will likely still be on its wall behind the bar because the 'decor' will never change. . . . and by the way, I love the place so much I wrote it into my book.
(5)Rachael H.
It's a cozy little place with a friendly atmosphere. Reasonable drink prices. I had the Barbados punch and it was delicious. It wasn't packed with a bunch of uppidy people and it was pretty chill.
(4)Brittany S.
Every time I go here (which has been quite frequently as of late) I can't help but think of the mad piano tunes and dancing jives found on Charlie Brown. I have to fight the urge to stand up and dance pigeon-toed with a cloud of dust surrounding me. One night, you'll be strolling down Mass Ave when you stumble upon my Peanuts moves. Don't hesitate to join in. I can't believe I haven't reviewed this charming Circle City staple until now. I suppose it was my meeting of owner, Dave Andrichick, last night that did me in - handsome fella, if I do say so. Chatterbox is one of a kind - from the twinkling Christmas lights dangled in the front window and live jazz to the excellent patio seating and hip regulars. If you're looking for a place to stay out late on a weeknight, look no further. The music is pouring out of the bar into the wee hours of the night. On my last few visits I've had the pleasure of meeting several regulars who have been frequenting the Chatter for as long as a decade. I'm only in my humble beginnings to regularity, but there is something oh.so.cool . about these folks that makes me want to get there sooner.
(4)Sonya A.
My go-to dive bar when I want to have a good time, meet new people, people watch and listen to great music is the Chatterbox. People are so friendly, the outdoor seating is sweet, the drinks are strong and the music is always fantastic. Drinks: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Location: 5/5
(4)Peter P.
This is such a cool little jazz corner. And, boy, does it jump!. There's only about a dozen tiny tables in there and it's frequently standing room only. When the weather is nice, I prefer the outdoor seating because you can hear the music just as well (they usually leave the door open) and you can take in the sights of Mass Ave as well.
(4)Brian C.
Tiny little dive bar with awesome live jazz, that's what makes it great though! That's really about it and that's enough.
(4)Dan K.
When I first visited chatterbox about 6 years ago I instantly fell in love. This place is a music lover's heaven! With live music nearly every night of the week and cover charges only on Friday and Saturday nights, this place makes seeing great music quite affordable! As for the music, mainly jazz with some blues influenced artists from time to time. The musicianship of the artists that play here is second to none! World class jazz at a small hole in the wall! Indianapolis is fortunate to have this establishment hosting great artists every night of the week. The atmosphere is quite rugged. This place has been around for while and the decor shows (not in a bad way). From Christmas lights to art to silly collectible toys still in original packaging, you can sit and browse the decor for hours and still miss lots of little things. Chatterbox is a perfect name too because anytime I've gone in here and sat cramped next some strangers, conversation almost immediately ensues. Great people, great music, great bar!
(5)