Dorman Street Saloon
901 N Dorman St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202
Dorman Street Saloon Menu
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Address :
901 N Dorman St
Indianapolis, IN, 46202 - Phone (317) 237-9008
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Opening Hours
- Mon :3:00 pm - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Average
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Has TV : Yes
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Alex W.
Dorman Street is the quintessential awesome neighborhood bar. I know a few people who live within a few blocks and walk to/from regularly. I live relatively close so I can either walk or take a 3min Lyft/Uber there. I wouldn't necessarily call it a dive bar because it definitely doesn't give that vibe. The clientele are mostly yuppie hipsters and the drink menu doesn't reflect just standard Bud/Coors/Miller/etc etc. It's always a great time at Dorman because you never know who you're going to see, the service is amazing, and their prices are never outlandish. It may appear dilapidated, but everything else about Dorman is fresh.
(5)Ryan D.
I love finding new places that are quiet and fun. Add a patio and I'm hooked. Dorman Street Saloon is right in the middle of a neighborhood, and very close to where I'll be moving in a few weeks so i'll be in more often. At first glance this place doesn't jump out as being great. Get close to the bar and look at their menu - now you know why it is great. I love the idea of combo meals. Beer and booze mixed together. I had the #4. Dorman isn't afraid of flavor combinations - they make drinks with pepper simple syrup, ginger, fresh lime...lots of combinations. Dorman also has a great wine and beer list. Their small plate snacks look pretty good but to be honest I have not ordered any food. The patio is a great place to sit and sip on a cocktail. There is plenty of shade thanks to the umbrellas. Now Dorman is a stop on the what feel like endless Bridesmaids handlebar tours - give them 5 minutes and they will be gone leaving you the quiet conversation with the great staff and other guests.
(4)Jason A.
Dorman is a-ok in my book. Yeah it's hipster-ish but, not in a douchebaggery way, everybody is cool with everybody else and the vibe is very laid back. Stopped by here after we found out Bob Seger was postponed, all I can tell you if I saw Bob at that bar, you better have my back, that's all I'm saying. Drinks were fantastic, cocktails are strong, martinis list extensive, pool table .25, Yay! jukebox 2 for $1, 10 for $5, boo!, what was going to be a quick drink and run turned into a 2 hr drinkfest. Bartenders competent, attentive, service good, looks like limited food, idk. Dorman is perfect with a small crowd, with an overload of people could be a different story. Patio should be opening up with warmer weather, ahh you can see passing graffiti covered trains.
(4)John H.
Can't answer the damn phone, been calling all day! Is this a business or just a lazy friends house???
(1)Sarah M.
Basil & Berry cocktail is dinner in a glass, with a price to match.
(4)Vam K.
Favorite bar in the city. Go for a beer or cocktail-you really can't go wrong. Stay and play darts or pool. Be forewarned, however, their beer list isn't always updated, and to hear music you have to put money in the jukebox.
(5)D h.
dorman street is a perfect example of how the term "dive bar" is overused. as another reviewer suggests, dorman street is definitely not a dive bar, not even close. it's basically just a hipster hangout. wanting to visit for a long time and should have read yelp a little more closely. maybe it's always been a hipster place, but i would have swore it was just a good neighborhood bar with solid bar food. service is good, food is alright, beer is beer (as you'd expect, plenty of craft beers and your usual beers, PBR of course), but the atmosphere is just...not for me (avoiding a long diatribe here). physical attributes of dorman are well done. come in the south door and there are a few lower eating tables. bar is on the est wall, additional seating opposite and north of the bar. very comfortable. stone bar top that lacks a rail. tiled bar face. stone box footrest. nice wood flooring with a mix of walls and decor. lower lighting, but not dark. nothing wrong with dorman street if that's what you like. just know.
(2)Brittany L.
Dorman Street is one of those places I just like. There is no particular reason. The food is lack luster (actually I should say the Tombstone Pizza they serve), the beer is okay, but it just has a special something. A hearty mix of so many types of people on any given night. It could be its off-the-beaten-path location or the never-know-what-you're-going-to-get atmosphere, but something about it is just desirable. A great location for a large group, especially in the summer.
(4)Andrea H.
I loooove this place. They have beers on draught! And they are in a neighborhood! It's like so cool! Like OMG!
(5)Brittany L.
Bartender: A+ (friendly and fast and works like a wizard behind the bar) Cocktails: A+ (high-quality booze, fresh-squeezed juices, great combinations) Beer: A+ (large, balanced selection of craft beers in cans, bottles, and on draft) Decor: A (quirky, genuine, fun, acceptable lighting) Jukebox: A (nothing totally crappy, that your drunk self mistakenly thinks is great) Space: A (pool table, big and small tables, L-shaped bar) Clientele: B+ (no one looking for trouble, most people are cool, but every time I've been there's some train wreck of a human being who's feeling important [LOUD] and their diarrhea of the mouth is equal parts entertaining and utterly annoying) Food: I (for incomplete) So far, the soft pretzels with cheese were perfectly baked and very tasty, and the pizza smells and looks fantastic. There's hummus too. I have yet to try enough food to dispense a grade. Why do people still call this a dive bar? Have you never actually BEEN to a dive bar? Dive bars do not squeeze fresh juice. Dive bars only have cans because bottles are weapons and kegs get stolen. Dive bars do not serve innovative cocktails and craft beers from around Indiana and the nation. Dorman Street Saloon is NOT a dive.
(5)Brittany S.
It's quite possible that my experience would have hit 5 five stars had I been able to put my boots up on the counter and smoke uh big cigar. Nonetheless, the travel channel on the tube, surprisingly delicious cocktails and charming Cottage Home neighborhood surroundings made up for the difference. Walking in to Dorman, you'd think Coors Light and the local VFW all rolled into one - with a tinge of leftover smoke in the air from it's time as a smoke-friendly establishment. Leave your assumptions at the door, because you're going to find anything but Coors in this cozy local beer haven. Highlights of my visit: jukebox, travel channel, laid back, clever cocktails like basil and strawberry and pineapple with pepper simple syrup. Most of all, I think Dorman's location on Cottage Home tugs at my heart with that neighborly Icanwearmypajamasinhere feel.
(4)Dylan E.
In my experience, this place is one of those bars that has a different atmosphere seemingly every time I walk in. It's hard to tell what it is going to be like, but it is always a good time. This location is a little more outside of the hustle and bustle of the lineup of bars along Mass Ave. It's certainly walkable from Mass Ave as far as the distance goes, but I'm not sure I'd take the stroll at night. There is usually curbside parking on one of the two streets that run along the building, and they have plenty of space to lock up your bikes on their bike rack. When you pull up, it certainly looks like a local's-only hole-in-the-wall type bar, what with the older building in the quiet neighborhood. It looks like a place that used to be a house that was converted into this saloon, and it certainly has a few years under its belt. There is nothing to brag about as far the interior goes. It has older tables, the walls and ceilings could use some TLC, and the bathroom seems like an afterthought with the least amount of work put into it as possible to provide the necessary accommodations. It seems to give the vibe that screams dive bar. Instead of the 3 old guys who you expect to see sitting on barstools who turn around and wonder why somebody else is in their bar when you walk through the doors, it's usually a larger lively crowd of young adults. I'd say this place is more of a hipster bar, but you'll still find a little bit of everybody here. While this would certainly feel more at home for someone who is too cool for societal norms, it's not uncommon to have a bunch of people in here that just came from work in suits and ties who are cheering for their favorite sports team. They have lots of tables and a decent number of stools at the bar, and there is also lots of standing room. They have a pool table and an electronic darts game, both of which are pay-to-play. There are a few TVs scattered around, but there is never any telling what they are going to have on. I've seen sports, Comedy Central shows, and even movies playing. They also have a jukebox that is loaded with a very wide range of selections, so you never know what is going to be playing over the speakers either. While the crowd might surprise you from what you were expecting after reading this book by its cover, the drink selection will catch you even more off guard. They have a very respectable tap list with a lot of interesting offerings covering most of the beer spectrum. What they don't have on tap, they have in their large bottle offerings. If beer isn't your thing, they make a nice list of craft cocktails that have much more thought put into them than the standard bar offerings. They usually have a pretty good special for both one of their beers on tap and one in a bottle, but the rest of their prices aren't anything better than being on par with what you would expect. The service here has been hit or miss for me. It seems like they are understaffed quite a bit. The taller guy is who had his hair back in a small ponytail hit it out of the park as far as service at the bar the last time I was there, even with it being packed and him working solo. There have been other times when it seems like people behind the bar are not working near as hard as they could to get everyone served, and bottles and glasses pile up pretty high at tables before they are ever collected. I don't think I can make a recommendation for this place focused at a certain demographic, personality type, or subculture of people; but it is easier than that because I think I would tell everybody to go try this place out. It offers a little bit of everything, so there is bound to be something that you will enjoy here.
(4)Emily U.
If you live in Cottage Home, everybody probably knows your name here. Dorman Street is your classic neighborhood bar, but I'd say their beer list is above average for the category in terms of its unexpected inclusion of various micros, including many of your Hoosier-crafted brews. I stopped here for a brief, but enjoyable, happy-hour gathering last night and had a generous bourbon and soda for less than $5. Someone told me the pool table is 25 cents, but I didn't have time to test that. If it turns out to be true, I would happily bump DSS up to four stars because there ain't nothing like a shot, a beer and a cheap game of pool. The bowl of Lifesavers by the door was also a nice touch. This bar used to be called May's Place until it underwent an update maybe two years ago. The inside must be pretty similar because it's still got your expected wood paneling, faded beer signs and so on, though the outside makes it appear more yuppiefied than roadhouse-y. I'll definitely be back here as it's only a short drive from my 'hood and I love any excuse to go to the charming Cottage Home area. Maybe it won't be long before everybody knows my name.
(3)Rex S.
I have been lucky enough to live in CoHo and be a part of this bar for a very long time through ownership changes and many name changes. This is a place that at this point with the smoking ban became a place I visit often. Always noted as one of the best dive bars in Indy. While I will miss the unleveled floor and the pool table balanced by beer boxes, the owners did a great job fixing it up and maintaining the same cool vibe. The pool is still 25 cents. A big thank you for that Shawn and Tammy. The juke box is old school and reasonably priced unlike the newer digital ones that charge quite a bit more elsewhere. Another big thank you for that Shawn and Tammy. There is always a worthy beer of the day special which this local loves. They keep great hours. I'm not a big cocktail drinker but one can easily tell by the menu and mountains of liquor they are world class. FYI. This is a great escape at times when Mass Ave is a little too busy or overrun with the 20 something's.
(5)Nick S.
Great hole in the wall! This place makes great drinks! Fun atmosphere and cheap drinks. Having a classic juke box is a lot of fun. Classic games like darts and pool are present patio is comfortable. And the people that attend the bar are friendly.
(5)Matt E.
It's Dorman St. I sometimes drink here. I like to drink here. They have bicycle parking and a patio/deck. They also have two bathrooms, a jukebox and a pool table. The bartenders are friendly. I feel safe here.
(5)Nick H.
I've been frequenting Dorman for years, and it never disappoints. I find it to be a wonderful respite from the goings-on on Mass Ave. and other spots in the downtown.
(5)John Z.
This is a review I kinda don't want to write for selfish reasons. I like this place the way it is. I like the volume of people that occupy its tables and barstools, and I don't want it to be overrun. This cozy neighborhood bar is hidden away in a neighborhood on Dorman Street, North of 10th... away from the drunken hullabaloo that is Mass Ave. It's where I go to find comfort, peace, and booze. It's where I come to enjoy drinks with friends and where I come to drink alone. This place isn't fancy, but it's comfortable. The barstools fit my butt just right, the jukebox plays real CDs that were skillfully selected (a mix of old stuff like Orbison and Cash to fresh Indie rock) and the cocktails are expertly mixed. The drinks here are every bit as good as what you'll have at the Ball and Biscuit, but at half the price. Plus, you don't have to put on your extra super tight jeans and a vest to go here. Dorman Street has a great beer selection of both drafts and bottles... and the booze selection is phenomenal. There's pool and darts in the back and a patio/deck out the rear door. There's nothing not to like about this place... unless you were specifically looking for a place to wear your extra super skinny jeans and vest.
(4)Jake M.
People love this place for some reason, I think cause it's the only bar in this neighborhood. Meh, average semi divey bar. Drinks are way overpriced. Craft brews are $6 and PBR is $3.25! Bahahaha. Food, we'll it'd be better off if they didn't have food. The $8 pizza is a Tostitos frozen pizza, just warning you before you order it and are completely disappointed, they also have pretzels and hummus I think. I will give it to them their back patio is pretty cool. There are no servers so you always have to order at the bar, which is kinda obnoxious. Overall not a terrible place just not my type of place at all.
(2)Eric B.
Everyone loves Dorman. If you've been there, you love it. And, if you've been there, you knew what you were walking into before you got there. Dorman is a purpose driven establishment. And, its purpose is being void of any stupid theme or over-stimulating business model. Dorman is what you want your regular bar to be: great beer on tap, decent prices, good mixed drinks, good juke box, and friendly people everywhere. It is a true potpourri of people from all walks of life. Inside the music is loud enough to enjoy. There is lots of open floor space to mingle and talk, but enough tables to always find an open seat. There are pool tables if you feel the need to keep your hands busy. Outside is the true Dorman experience. A great patio for night sipping. It is exactly what you want it to be. No themes, loud noises, over-ambitious table service. It feels more like you just grabbed a beer and are sitting on your own porch. It is a great place to unwind. Rarely do you go to a bar and get exactly what you want out of it. But, with Dorman, I always do.
(5)Michelle A.
If Cheers had a hipster basement, this would be it. Best cocktails and great craft beer and cider selection. The jukebox is a stylish blend of all the right classics with a lot of new indie and other ear candy. Booze selection is pretty impressive. The bartender Andy makes syrups and shrubs from ingredients in his garden too.
(5)Amanda W.
OK, I will admit it. Being walking distance from this bar is one of the reasons that I moved to Cottage Home. Top 3 Reasons Why Dorman Street is the Best: 1. Beer Selection. This is a Founder's preferred location, so they get EVERY Founder's beer that comes out. Yes, even KBS. They have a great selection of draft beers, and a whole cooler of bottled beers. 2. Cocktails. I'm a beer girl, but sometimes I just need a good cocktail. When that happens, Andy is guaranteed to whip me up something magical. My first love was the Basil & Berry, a concoction made with basil, strawberry, balsamic vinegar and vodka. Lately I've been digging The Cajun, which is a nicely balanced mango and spicy drink. 3. Music. The jukebox rocks. That is all. Also...there are few things a love more than patio drinking and Dorman Street has a great patio..
(5)Audrey K.
This is a wonderful neighborhood bar. Andy is a genius behind the bar and the rest of the team is excellent as well. Tammy, the owner, is fantastic and come hell or high water, she will make sure this place continues to grow. They have done major improvements and have a great patio. The juke box is one of the best in the city and the pool is cheap. And now they have food! This bar is like my own little Cheers. This bar is always exactly what I want it to be. I can walk in alone and find friends or I can plan to get a large group together for the night. I can walk down there after doing the Mass Ave thing to finish my night. I can drink amazing cocktails, craft beers from around the country, or a High Life. You will find business people talking to hipsters and rarely will you find any trouble (as long as you aren't THAT guy.) The first time I set foot in Dorman Street I had come in for a drink. I left with my best friends. And yeah, that makes me sound like a drunk.
(5)Abbey B.
This is one of the first bars I started hanging out at after I turned 21 and thank God for it. Andy (the head bartender) gave me some great advice when I started bartending/serving at my current location and has also whipped up some of my now favorite beverages. A true mixologist, one can simply tell Andy the flavors they're craving and he will concoct a delicious treat before your eyes. Dorman has a great bottle selection and recently installed a draft system that only pours craft deliciousness. Oh, and the outdoor patio is great, too. My only deterrent was the billows of cigarette smoke engulfing the small bar, but with the new city ordinance in place, I have no complaints about spending time at Dorman Street.
(5)Ed H.
Like the joint, but bar staff are rude and u entertaining....fix that with some class and then we can All Talk.....
(3)Colin A.
I'm so glad my Hoosier friendly Yelp-ers dragged me to Dorman Street for a nightcap on my last visit to Indianapolis. My fine friends commented this place was similar to Palomino in Milwaukee, so I was sold before even arriving. While there wasn't the decor of Palomino, the vibe, brews, and service totally fit that comparison. Plenty of tables, even after 1am on a Friday/Saturday. Friendly staff who might even give you a nickname (maybe that was just me). An A-OK beer selection. On my next visit, I'll need to sample the pool table and/or jukebox. Solid hidden gem for a late-night hang out session. If I lived in Indy, I'd visit this place on the regular for sure.
(4)Nikol P.
I have never spent enough time here to have ever had the time of my life. But, I always enjoy the low key vibe when I do get in there. The ginger pear martini is by far one of the best martinis I have ever had. I actually crave it and will make a trip there just for it. It's nice that they now have a back patio for outdoor drinking.
(4)Sergey G.
Went there for a drink after dinner. Ended up staying for many more. The place is great. One of the most welcoming, feel-at-home bars in Indy. You wont find great design or mind-blowing food here, but if you are looking for a great place to have a drink, listen to some fenomenal juke-box, shoot some pool, and have a conversation- the palce is for you. The beer selection (mostly bottle though) is very carefully selected - everything from Three Floyds and other Indiana brews to some harder-to-find European selection. Surprisingly good cocktails. Not fancy, but innovative and well done. Atmosphere and service were great. Also, one of the most eclectic crowds I've seen in Indy, which is so refreshing. Oh and btw, it is not really a dive bar- more of a neighborhood tavern type place.
(5)Jason R.
Dorman Street Saloon is a great casual neighborhood bar. The selection at Dorman Street Saloon is great. There are plenty of new beers being tapped regularly and a huge selections of bottled import, domestic, and ciders. They cover your standards and still offer plenty of local and craft brews. The prices are pretty standard and the service is friendly and fast. Nothing to really complain about here. Inside there is plenty of seating and open space to move around, mingle, or play pool. They have a decent sized bar and plenty of tables, both big and small. The jukebox has a solid selection of old favorite and isn't so loud it ruins the overall experience. Dorman's outdoor patio is one of the best in Indianapolis. On a nice summer night the patio is always packed. This place has a real backyard feel to it and is definitely the place to be when you're here for a brew. Finding a seat is the only drawback, as it can be quite busy. Just hang out until something opens up ... it's worth the wait.
(5)Shelly F.
Don't judge this book by its cover or from stories of days gone past. This use to be a really shady bar back in the 80's if you ask my Mom. But who really wants to ask Mom about bars? mine is simply not that cool.. Ha! The crowed is ever changing. I love the diversity. The other things I love about this place are the crafted cocktails and martini's. The hand crafted drinks are on pare with some of the trendier downtown bars, but priced more reasonable. The "backyard patio" is a wonderful place to sit on a warm evening. Food options are pretty much limited to a frozen pizza or a bag of chips, so don't go in hungry.
(4)Chris M.
I am not a night owl so I cannot really speak to the hipness of Dorman Street during the late night/morning hours, but I can positively say that it is a fine place to grab a beer after work or chill at on a late saturday afternoon. Good beers are available. The jukebox is decent. You can play dumb video games at the bar. Good shit.
(4)Adam M.
Cool place, cool customers; and the most unprofessional bartender ever....good work Andy!!!!
(2)Sara L.
I'm going to start this off by getting the one negative out of the way immediately and then going on with the rest of my glowing review: There was a tv over our table and it was really distracting. The noise is off, so you can't really hear, but it is less than fun to be trying to carry on conversation with people and they keep glancing at a noiseless will farrell movie. Dorman St, you've got it all, baby. You don' t need the useless television. Now for the gushing! This place is down the street from my house and somehow I've managed to not ever know this, until this past Saturday. Hot chichuahua, this place has it all. I bought a round of shots for the table, it was 28 bucks. My ciders were perfectly reasonably priced as well, so there's that out of the way. The environment, golden. My group of 8 had an awesome time drinking the night away, talking, laughing, and generally feeling awesome at Dorman St. Dorman St., you've got some kind of killer jukebox, man! Royksopp, Prince, The Shins, from hipster fare, to beatnik flare, they had everything you could possibly want, and we played it all. We shut it down and left when the lights were going out and I'm happily and readily awaiting another night out at Dorman St. You should definitely go there.
(4)Jon A.
Hanging Tuff. I care about the structural integrity about the saloon of our stomping grounds. I take the owners by their word... if they felt the roof might just cave at any moment because the floors are so damn rickety; then, well, new floors it is. And new walls oh my. And wait a second, a new pool table felt? And, it's purple? And, it's still a quarter to play? This is change I can believe in. And, a redux on their fridge, and tapped kegs of Sun King are on the way. Heck to the Yes! It's the little things... like how they serve their Sun King in giant mugs that make me feel timeless and awesome and, well, like I'm in a painting.
(5)Kimmi M.
Dorman Street Saloon is my favorite place to go. The prices, service, and ambience all meet at the corner of 9th and Dorman. Don't be fooled by the divey atmosphere even after the remodel, the cocktail menu is to die for, and the bartenders are always willing to help make something special and unique for you. They usually also give out free pop to designated drivers. The jukbox is great, and I love listening to Iggy Pop while I'm able to sit for hours and soak up this bar. 25 cent pool and a good movie usually on TV are what I like to call heaven in a bar. Who wouldn't want to be watching Jurassic Park while sipping on a high class brew? Exactly. If it helps you make up your mind, John Dillinger used to come here. History buffs unite, and come grab a drink at Dorman Street.
(5)Jenn N.
Yes I gave Dorman five stars. It is the place to go enjoy the best craft beers and lovely cocktails with friends. The Basil and Berry and Basil Mojito are two are my favorites!
(5)Libbie V.
My Dorman Street notes: Cool, old bar located in the middle of nowhere. Great bottle & draft beer selection. Superb cocktail list. Fresh herbs from their herb garden are used for some drinks. Friendly service. Nice big fenced in patio seating area. A pool table. A tv. And, the most kick-ass jukebox in town. I dig this place.
(5)Tony W.
We took our friends who are considering moving closer to downtown to the Saloon expecting that the neighborhood watering hole would inspire them to move into the the neighborhood with us. Not so. The chips that were served with our chips and dip were from the bottom of the bag and so small that we could not use them to hold dip. When we asked for more the waitress looked at us as if we had ordered sauteed scallops. Our friend ordered a $9 cocktail off of the cocktail list but substituted one liquor for another. This increased the price of the drink $7. She wasn't warned of the ridiculous price increase, it just showed up as a $16 cocktail on the bill. Needless to say, the food and service will keep new people away rather than bring them in.
(2)Aubrey A.
This place is definitely my go-to bar when I'm ready to just hang out, drink and socialize with my friends. It's a very relaxed bar, which is what I look for when I'm ready to get "wild" on the weekends. It's got the best jukebox in Indy, very friendly staff, and moderately priced drinks. They usually have great drink specials, and the bartender Andy really knows his stuff and can make literally any drink you want! The only downfall for me is that now that I'm a non-smoker, this smokey bar has my eyes burning after a couple hours of hangage. It's totally worth it, though.
(5)Benjamin H.
This is a fairly regular after-work spot for me. Cheap pool, decent beer selection and friendly bartenders. The smoke can be a bit much sometimes, but on weeknights it is tolerable. The jukebox steals $5 from me on almost every visit.
(4)Bodie S.
Drinking at Dorman is like drinking in a secret clubhouse full of lost boys from a Peter Pan-esque world. It's so carefully hidden in the downtown area that it seems that someone wouldn't even be able to find it unless they venture with someone or use a GPS to get there. It's a great little intimate, comfortable bar with great beer and spirits. They have nightly specials that change casually and they of course have a full bar of liquors. There are plenty of tables inside to sit, and they have a very large outdoors area to smoke, drink, and chat. The bathrooms are hilarious; real saloon style. Definitely buy condoms from the condom machine because they are pretty much guaranteed not to fall apart, or even exist. This is the first bar that I've gotten the pleasure of drinking a Magic Hat Blind Faith and it was probably one of the best beers I've ever had, so thank you! If you're looking for a nice, reasonably non-chaotic atmosphere, I dare you to find Dorman saloon!
(4)Rye D.
I love this place it's kinda of hidden over by mass ave area. It's a fun little bar full of hipster/ intresting crowd. The drinks are Fabulous and nicely priced another perk you may run into our yelp leader Jon like i did LOL. The dorman also has a great pool table in the back!
(4)Nicolette M.
My first visit was on a night that we had intended to hit up First Friday on Mass Ave: a friend mentioned wanting to try this bar out and we thought it sounded like a fun side trip before continuing our plans. Oops. We never made it to any galleries that night. We fell madly in love with the atmosphere in this place and didn't leave until after all the galleries were closed. The only food here are frozen pizzas, so you don't go here for the food. They have a great selection of bottled beers as well as a bartender who likes to make some really fun drinks. This place is all about atmosphere: go there if you want an old fashioned jukebox, a bartender who is knowledgeable about his drinks, and a laid back evening.
(4)Katie G.
In a word: gross. First- you can barely see across the bar because it's so smoky. Second- When I was there, there were 2 bartenders- one clearly working as hard as physically possible, and another who possibly mixed his pain medication with alcohol. My husband ordered 2 beers and mixed drink which was too difficult for the bartender so he just ignored him and got someone else's order. After this happened twice, he took the order. He asked what kind of vodka- suggesting the most expensive they have (like seriously, dude look where you are right now) and REFUSED to make the drink with well vodka. REFUSED. My husband was arguing with him. When the second cheapest vodka was agreed upon, he slowly found the ingredients, made the drink and then, very slowly, knocked it over. Knocked it over. I had to walk away because I was laughing so hard. These exchanges happened a few times. I drank my beer as quickly as possible and went home to wash every article of clothing I had on and take a shower because I didn't want to cover my sheets with nicotine. When the final bill came, none of this nonsense even came decent price- it was as expensive as any other place- they were charging $6 for some mediocre IPA. I would never go back simply because it's smoking, but I see no other charm in it.
(1)Mike F.
The Dorman Street Saloon is a one-of-a-kind place. It's historical, and I consider it an Indianapolis landmark, albeit quietly tucked away. It draws an eclectic and interesting crowd and is a very friendly place to hang out. The beer and liquor selection is excellent! The staff is great and are knowledgable about the products they sell. I also think that the jukebox is also a perk as I have never seen one with such a selection. I highly recommend you check this place out - you won't be sorry!
(5)Tom S.
I love this place with all my heart. They just renovated the place which has alienated a lot of the hipsters, but I think it has drawn more of the local neighbors out of hiding. I live in cottage homes, the neighborhood Dorman is in, and seeing my neighbors is great. Beer selection has gone down temporarily, but I expect that pick back up this summer. And even with their limited list it blows every other dive bar in town out of the water. Hit it up on a day that ends in Y and say hi! We'll play a 25 cent game of pool and chit chat.
(5)Jason C.
Let Andy make a suggestion. He always knows what's good for you.
(4)Jamison H.
I only live a few blocks away so Dorman gets a lot of my attention. They have canned Pabst and a solid selection of craft beer. I like a craft beer just as much as the next person, but sometimes the Ribbon calls. Oh, and 25 cent pool and a solid jukebox....duh. The only downer is that is gets purty darn smokey on busy nights.
(5)Kjirsten K.
I checked out the newly opened Dorman St Saloon to see some of the changes and well, because I missed it while it was closed. Before seeing it for myself, I heard some pretty dramatic reviews of the renovations, but I have to say the new Dorman Street is nothing to get all up in arms about. The paint and floor got a face lift and some necessary structural updates were made, but I don't think it changes the feel or atmosphere of the bar. Its an old building and needs occasional maintenance, sounds reasonable enough. They didn't add strobe lights or weird lighting, or anything like that. One thing I noticed about my last review was the comment "It hasn't been very crowded when I've visited, which I like." Well I think I need to explain that I usually go pretty early in the evening. Last night I stayed out later than usual and it was packed. A friend said that was normal so apparently timing is everything.
(4)Janet S.
A group of us stopped in since I had moved into cottage home and had yet to check it out, even though I had heard good things. We had a great time - the guys enjoyed the variety of beers and I really enjoyed the bartender's amazing skills! I asked him to make me something special - he asked what kind of liquor I liked, and went to work. I got the most amazing vodka drink - too bad I can't remember the name! It reminds me a lot of my uncle's basement from growing up as a kid - low ceilings, wood paneling, a pool table, and shelf after shelf of liquor bottles of all kinds. They really do seem to have everything here so I am betting you could get whatever drink your heart desires. They also have a jukebox with great music choices - so nice to be able to listen to something that's not top40!!! It's a great non-pretentious laid back atmosphere perfect for a casual night out with friends.
(4)Matthew F.
Ah, the Dorman, a bar that is disctinctive in its character yet so many things to different people. This place is busiest late at night when the service industry workers shut down their restaurants and locals stop in for a drink. The unifying factor here being a stool next to the 100 year old bar off of the main drag of mass ave. John Dillinger used to stop by this bar for drinks in 1933 while casing the Massachusetts Avenue State Bank (now the Art Bank) that same year. This may give you a conception of the bar's atmosphere, reputation and typical clientele. Well, its not a haven for criminals but it does the attract the broke-the-mold sort. Maybe gangsters at heart? The atmosphere is definite dive-bar although recent renovations have attempted to make it minimally less so. Luckily, a game of pool is still a quarter and the jukebox still carries some greats (everything from the Stone's Sticky Fingers to Animal Collective to Johnny Cash). It all adds to the Dormans character. The dive bar persona is part of its appeal and the juxtaposition of the impressive prohibition era cocktails to the divey atmostphere adds again to the gangster appeal. This is where to get the best cocktails in town... and at great prices! I don't think anything is over 8 bucks and most are in the 6 dollar range. Who else house infuses vodka with peppercorns and horseradish for their bloody marys? This place. My favorite drinks are the ti punch and the east sider. They also make a mean gimlet of sorts thats a combo of hendricks, st germain and lime. My wife loves their junebug and its a pretty cool color I might add. This is the type of place that normally you would be worried about telling too many people about for fear of it becoming overcrowded with people who would change its character. Luckily, I don't think that will be a problem here. If the true dive bar atmosphere doesn't scare them off, the smoke will. This place is protected by a band of chainsmokers working in tandem with a ventillation system scarcely more effective than a cave. I'm not a smoker but I'm all for it here. Think of it as a smoke alarm in reverse. In the words of George W. Bush, "Smoke 'em out!"
(5)Richard H.
I'm not sure about all the people calling this place divey -- I don't think they've been to a real dive bar. It's a casual neighborhood place, very unimaginatively decorated, but certainly friendly. The jukebox is aces, and I really like the bartender's knowledge and enthusiasm about the various spirits they offer. Good choice for a fun evening out, but smoky.
(4)CN D.
The drink was good, not crowded although I did go on a Thurs(yelp)day. Pool table and juke box were definite highlights. The neighborhood had a lot of character and the entrance of the bar fits right on a welcoming corner. Neighborhood/Dive bar fan here and I say everyone, go!
(4)Richard H.
Wow. A gigantic beer list and an awesome cocktail list. I was here on a Monday night and there was a little gathering of folks. Seems like a neighborhood bar for sure. I got "The Cajun" a cocktail made with house-infused black pepper and mango vodka, fresh muddled limes, and (possibly) soda water. It was awesome, kinda like a mango mojito but with a kinda spicy finish and none of that minty nonsense. I also tried a very nice scotch that was quite smooth. Probably one of the best jukeboxes in any bar I've been in. I saw a wide variety of 90s alternative, trip-hop (Tricky and Portishead in one jukebox, seriously?! Nice!), hip-hop, rock, even some dance music and jazz. I was impressed. If I lived in the neighborhood, this would be my bar.
(5)Virginia L.
Sweet dive bar. I'd like it more if it were darker.
(4)Lane P.
We just discovered this place recently via a friend. Being set back from the main streets like it is, I'm not sure we'd have ever found it on our own. It's really a hidden little gem east of the heart of downtown. Walking in, it seems like just your average neighborhood bar. However, pop open a bar menu and you'll find it's anything but. They have an extensive list of signature cocktails that fit just about any craving. I had the J Cutler the first time which is a gin drink. Just sweet enough, but not too sweet and made with their homemade pepper-infused simple syrup. Next, I had the Judas which is made with plum vodka and features the same syrup. The nice thing, as far as signature cocktails go, is that they are very consistent. The drinks taste the same regardless of which bartender you order them from. While we have not tried the food here, a friend with us did order the pretzels and they looked delicious. He gave them a thumbs up. The atmosphere is a pretty standard bar. They have stools for the bar top, a few tables, and of course a pool table. They have a very nice fenced patio out back with a few tables as well. Perfect for a summer afternoon. The people are very nice and efficient, although it can take a little while to get a drink when they're busy, as the signature cocktails take a bit longer to make. Overall, I'd highly recommend this place.
(4)Naomi S.
I love Dorman. They have recently done some remodeling, so there's good news and bad news. The bad news? The main color of the walls is kinda this salmon pink which is reminiscent of Miami Vice meets a motel with a southwestern theme and matching bedspread. The good news? No more danger of the crooked floor by the pool table caving in and sending you into the basement (or whatever's under there!)
(5)Rabah R.
This is definitely the epitome of Dive bar! However, the beer selection is amazing! The bar tender was incredibly knowledgeable and suggested a couple awesome brews I had never had! Overall, a very pleasant experience. I would definitely recommend it to the blue collar types or people who like experiencing new places. FYI be careful for pool sharks, such as Jon A lurking around the vintage billiards table :)
(4)