I am giving them four stars, which is the average score of the almost thirty times I have been there. However, I would like to note that a lot of the "5" stars that lead to the four rating are results of the past experiences - like 1-3 years ago. As someone mentioned earlier, the food here is amazing. The chicken fingers and honey mustard sauce are up there as some of the best in the city. They have a really tasty bison burger, as well. The food has never been a problem, and that is a good thing for a restaurant. Their drink specials are usually catered more towards men, good for me, not too good for my wife, but the booze is not expensive in the first place, so there's really no problem with that either. Also, if you're looking for a reliable pour, they are usually spot-on, leaning towards generous, which is good for me and my wife. But as someone mentioned earlier, there have been more and more problems with the service. First things first, though, all the servers I have ever encountered there have been amazingly nice. I can stand slow service, from time to time, but if they were rude or threatening that would be a different story. Fortunately, that's not the case. But it does seem like the service has become more relaxed, in a not so good way. Unfortunately, the result has been long periods of time between drink orders, food, or just the waiter/waitress stopping by to ask me if I am OK. Again, they are all nice, but there have been times when I was in a hurry or just felt a little unappreciated as a customer. Don't let the service get in the way, though, it's not great lately, but at least they are nice and the food really is worth it. Just know what you're getting into, and settle in for the haul.
(4)
Alex W.
Been here a few times to watch the Colts games this past season and really enjoyed myself each time. The 2nd time I was there, the bartender/server remembered my face, don't know if that is a good or bad thing! It's a very cool, laid back atmosphere and you really do see a variety of people there. A friend and I shared fried pickles once, gone within minutes of them being brought to our table! Service is pretty much awesome too - never took more than a minute or two for my beer to be refilled. Kudos to the Elbow Room, once it is warm out I will definitely be walking here from my downtown apartment.
(5)
Richard H.
Wow, I haven't been here in years, and it's -- exactly the same! Even the menu looks the same. Decent place to hang out for a drink and some bar food.
(3)
Tricia F.
We attended GenCon Indy last year & this was our Friday night dinner choice. Being from Philly we expected it to be packed on a Friday evening in center city! But we were one of few couples in there, and got to seat ourselves. Sat in the "elbow" so could see the street & it was really chill. Food was great, not too interesting of a menu but enough choices to please. Beer selection was definitely our favorite part, we love craft beers & they had plenty of locals on tap. As far as parking, we had to walk up the back side of the building after paying the meter (to be expected). We will definitely stop in here each year for GenCon, a new tradition for us!
(4)
David W.
Everytime I am in the Elbow Room, I wonder why I don't go there more often. It's a great neighborhood bar for downtown. The only other bars in walking distance (Living Room Lounge, The Bar) do not compare. The service is always high quality and the food is tasty and reasonably priced. And whoever controls the soundtrack has excellent taste in music. I've never heard a bad song in this bar!
(5)
Catherine K.
I'm embarrassed to admit I live about 5 blocks from this place but have never been. We went the other night for a holiday party. Bar service was top notch. I was impressed with the beers on tap, and they didn't flinch when I asked for (gasp) wine. But ... the food was typical banquet food. Tasteless chicken that looked and tasted like it had been boiled. Veggie lasagna that had no flavor. Even the butter tasted weird! How do you mess up butter? I don't expect much when I am eating with a lot of other people but this was just bad. We actually had been looking at the Elbow Room for our rehearsal dinner site, because the view from upstairs is striking, but not if that is the food they serve. I'd be willing to go back for a real dinner, perhaps during Devour Downtown, because I like to support local businesses. The four stars is really for the bar. Otherwise I would have given it just a three ...
(4)
Jillian C.
My boyfriend, my best friend and I went here for the Devour Downtown experience. They ordered from the pre-set menu and I picked something else. The hand-battered pork tenderloin strip appetizer was really good. The flat-iron steak my boyfriend ordered medium was beyond well done. Completely wrong temperature and it made the steak rubbery. It was also cold by the time it came to the table. The veggie burger which I got had some great flavor so I was pleased with that. The sides other than the sweet potato fries were just bland. The fries, however, were very nice. Dessert was fairly standard. The brownie sundae was nothing special and the caramel cheesecake, while delicious, was obviously straight from a freezer shipped-in pie. On the whole, get the pork tenderloin app, the sweet potato fries as a side, and be prepared to wait on your service. I waited a good ten minutes before my glass was refilled and then waited 25 minutes for a slice of tomato for my burger.
(2)
Phillip C.
This awesome little place is not too far from my work and I love going here. They have a good fried tenderloin and awesome sweet potato fries. It has a relaxing atmosphere and the staff bend over backwards to make sure that you're having a good time.
(5)
Kathy D.
I go to Elbow room at least once aweek if not more for lunch. I have always received great service there. I adore the waitress, I have always liked their strawberry chicken salad but lately the portion has been much smaller but yet the price went up. I have tried items from new menu and they are just ok. They have taken some things off the menu that I miss. Such as their steak and bake potatoe. Since I work close to them it has been very convenient. But may have to find another place if food doesnt improve. The price for there salads are outrageous.
(3)
Nick C.
The Elbow Room is a 4.5 star establishment in the category of neighborhood pub. First of all, I love the classic Indianapolis angled corner building. I also might just make them an offer to take one of the Indy pictures off of there wall - it would fit into my family room beautifully. I will, of course, knock them for being smokey. You can avoid it in the dining area for the most part or outside (sometimes). Seriously Indy... step into the 2000s and go nonsmoking already. I can't necessarily knock the Elbow Room too much for smoking, because it is the norm around these parts. Typical diverse pubfood menu and it is consistently above average. I've never really been disappointed. Personally I enjoy the pretzels with a cold beer or two or four. Food comes out quickly and the service is always friendly. This is everything I expect from the corner pub. Oh yeah the music can range wildly. It all depends who's ipod is on that day. Sometimes it hits the mood spot on. Other times it is Led Zeppelin for 20 straight songs (ouch!). Oddly enough, this eclectic range does add to the appeal.
(5)
Andrew D.
Stopped by for a devour downtown 2 for 30 meal and it was all right. For the appetizer we go their Texas Skins, which are potato skins with chili on them. They were really good bar food. We both got the steak for dinner, and mine was way overdone. I had asked for medium and it came out well. Both steaks were quite dry. The dessert was a brownie sundae, which was fine. The service wasn't that great. When we were asked what dessert we wanted my Wife asked how large the brownie sundae was. The waitress clearly wasn't listening because she said "brownie sundae" and walked away. As far as beer goes they had one of Sun King's current specialties, so that helped out. MMM Sun King. All in all, I would go back for bar food if the feeling struck, but I wouldn't go back for a meal.
(3)
David I.
Amazing after years of not eating here, the food seems even better. The wife and I ate here with a friend the other day and were impressed. We had an attentive and helpful waiter who made choosing the right food a breeze. We all had burgers but each was different. I got the bison burger, black and blue style. I ordered it rare and it came well done. I'd say that was my only complaint. I should have ordered it bleeding. I had onion rings and cole slaw for sides and both were memorable. The onion rings were beer battered and cooked in fresh oil. I'm not sure about the cole slaw even though it was delish. It could have been fresh or from a "tub," I'm not sure which. I thought my wife was going have a foodgasm from her burger and rings. No hot chicks here but my gay friend said the waiter had a nice butt! Went back a week later, we had a cute waitress this time (haha).
(4)
Mak J.
Good bar food... a solid late night menu... drink specials... photo hunt machine... these are a few of my favorite things. The breaded tenderloin is bomb, but to be fair, breaded tenderloins generally are. it's a chill place to hang out with friends and actually talk to each other, too.
(4)
Jennifer P.
Nice bar, good beers, good service. Nothing exciting or fancy but good enough.
(3)
Benjamin H.
This is a rare spot for me to visit, but I do like that they serve food until 3am and have a couple pool tables upstairs. The crowd here can be a little too "college" for my taste, I don't really recommend visiting on the weekends.
(3)
Steffanie P.
I had not been to the Elbow Room in well over a year. I was vegan the last time i was there and i was not too impressed....but being a vegan you should not really have too much expectation from eating out. So after a long day of inventory at my work, my coworker and I decided to give it another try! I thought that it was very yummy. we got the Bo-Bo's Spicy Crab Dip with tortilla chips and it was fantastic! It was a crabby buffalo dip and heaven in my mouth. Then I got Turkey Island and it was fantistic!!!! We went in the middle of the day and I would gladly go back at anytime to eat or drink! yum yum yum!
(4)
John Z.
The Elbow Room is 'okay'. It's not my favorite, but it's reliable... I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if I'm meeting up with people for drinks and I haven't eaten yet, I'd order something here. I'm most happy with their bar service and beer selection... especially their selection of local brews on draft... and beer here is cheap. The only downside? This place usually smells like an ashtray... so, non-smokers, be aware.
(3)
TOMMY o.
Ruth is always so nice & helpful, & a great lover of tshirts like i am, as always the BEST Chicken Strips in town, with honey mustard sauce, great location for festivals downtown
(4)
Benji M.
I hope to write a more complete review in the future, but for now all i can say is that their chicken tenders are great, and these guys serve the best reuben I've had in Indy. Seriously. Get it. Get the reuben!!
(4)
MJ W.
The carry out service is exceptional! You must try the Pita Club!
(5)
Phillip H.
So I love this place. I work next door at the Federal Building and this is my lunch spot. The Good: The staff are friendly and it has the "Cheers" vibe going on after you eat there a few times. The bartender (Ruth) is by far the coolest I have met in the Indy area. They have a large lunch rush so I end up eating at the bar a bit. The food is good and surprisingly well done. Their specials are always something to give a try, especially the lasagna. Good sized portions and some of the best bar food I've had in a while. The Bad: I recommend calling ahead during the week or you will be waiting. Tables are scarce during the lunch rush and you often have to just grab a spot. The food is good but very heavy. Not a vegan friendly place when I first went but there are options and they are happy to work with you if you need something specialized. And of course the worst problem as it is with all venues in this area, parking, or a clear lack thereof. And the reason its a 4 star rating and not a 5, they allow smoking inside which is a pet peeve of mine. This may be a plus for you but I hate smoke. They also sell cigars and other smoke-wares at the bar. Go, Try it for yourself. I love it. I would gladly recommend it to a friend and will be there at lunch today!
(4)
Scotty Z.
Regarding Elbow Roo,: I love: * the Pita Club * that the service is usually pretty awesome * the fact that the dining room is non-smoking (hopefully the bar will join the party this year)
(4)
Drew J.
I watched a bum get picked up by the cops 45 sexy feet from this establishment's front door. He left his awesome sign as he was unable to convince the boys in blue to allow him to bring it with. I now have said sign which came complete with interesting craftsmanship, grammatical errors, grease stains, and the promise of a better tomorrow. This bar is all of those things. The elbow room is my haggard bum in the mean streets of Indy.
(4)
Tommy M.
2 - 1 +3 = 4 Elbow Room starts with a base of two stars just for having a cool-sounding name. This little eatery is about the only place to grab a bite for lunch in this part of town, about 5 or 6 blocks from downtown. I had the Reuben and fries. The Reuben was light on the corned beef (where's the meat?) so they lose a star for that. But they pick up 3 stars for excellent service. The waitress was friendly, prompt, and attentive without being intrusive. When I got ready to leave, on her own volition she brought me an extra soda in a carryout cup, a nice gesture. I will eat here on future visits to Indy.
(4)
Jake K.
We came here for lunch after a long series of morning meetings at the Reserve center. Some of the locals recommended it but I have to say - I wonder where their tastes are at. Now, on the outside, the building looks a tad run down in that "I've been downtown for a long ass time" sort of way. Walking in was no different - the place was a bit sleepy and reeked a bit of old cigarettes. The server was friendly with a tough love sort of charm. She recommended the Elbow Room Burger which turned out to be a 1/2 pound burger on Texas toast. I probably ate my yearly limit of cholesterol in this item that sat in my stomach like I had swallowed a large rock. The bathroom was a tad cramped as it was in the angled portion of the building. The bright spot was the Xcelerator hand dryer - man I love those things and the Dyson Blades. But yeah, return I shall not. Elbow room burger is good get it deluxe to get the chipotle mayo - place smells old and look run down.
(3)
Beth B.
I love the Elbow room for there special events room "The Parkview". I've hosted events there and have always been happy with the service and catering side. As for just stopping in, I did tonight. Met a friend for a bite and drinks. We were feeling uber junky so I ordered the spinach and artichoke dip and she the fried pickles. i love fried pickles in any form...spear, chip, whatever the case may be and these were on par with any fried pickle I've had, salty, greasy and that sums it up. The spinach and artichoke dip....hmmmm...it should have been called black olive and green onion dip. It was a delicious black olive and green onion dip. It was junky and cheesy and very black olive and green oniony. I think you get my drift~ I love the feel of the Elbow Room. Friendly bartenders are some of my favorite people.
(4)
Bob H.
Tenderloins, burgers and chicken fingers! All are awesome!!!
(5)
Jo K.
Typical bar food. Don't go for the food, but more for the atmosphere. They have pool tables upstairs. If you do eat, go for the fried tenderloin.
(3)
Melissa W.
Downtown Indy's Sunday morning options are limited. This is one of the only places open before noon. My sister and headed there for breakfast/lunch recently. We were seated in the dining room. The TV was right above our head and was really loud. We asked if they could turn it down but was told the whole system is tied together and it was game day... I ordered the eggs Benedict (with no meat) and sister ordered "crab" dip. The eggs Benedict was ok pretty skimpy on the hollandaise sauce. Sister liked her dip but said it wasn't warm enough. I tasted it and about gagged. I thought it was awful. Prices were appropriate and service was ok. I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Chris L.
Went here on a Friday night for an afterparty from a local show. Late night menu is not bad, providing a variety of options and the food came out pretty quickly. The bartender was not being very attentive and you needed to actively get his attention before he would serve you. Maybe it's an Indiana thing, who knows. They don't know how to pour a proper pint of Guinness, so avoid ordering one if you are picky about that. The smoking inside bothered me a bit too. But all things considered, I'm gonna give this place a solid 3 stars because it's not a bad little dive-ish place in downtown Indy. Pool tables, buck hunter video games, etc.
(3)
Stephanie S.
This place has enough character to spare! The food is a bit above average for bar food but the fries are AMAZING. I would recommend stopping by on a Wednesday. Upstairs they host a trivia night with cash pizes, and it's no joke. The drinks are hard and the questions are harder! Who was voted man of the year in 2000? I know! You! Also, my sister held her rehearsal dinner in the back room and it turned out to be the perfect spot. Very low key and casual. Love it!
(4)
Chuck G.
I've driven by the Elbow Room countless times but never made the stop. If you're looking for a good lunchtime spot a few blocks outside of downtown, you could do a lot worse. It's typical pub fare, which is okay for lunch. I snagged a patty melt with cottage cheese. The staff was attentive, but things were a tad slow at times. The place was pretty busy though in the dining room. I didn't get a good look at the bar area. Parking can be a bit of a pain along Pennsylvania. If you don't find a spot there, you might be walking a few blocks. I'm sure I'll head back at some point, there won't be a rush.
(3)
Indy W.
2 1/2 stars. I've eaten at The Elbow Room about half-a-dozen times since my last review. This nicely atmospheric sports bar/restaurant has gone from just fair to...better than before. The quality of the food has been consistently good even if the preparation has not (please do not fry fries until their edges are hard, sharps things). The service is noticably less terse and, at times, even engaging. Keep up the good work!
(2)
Buford C.
Hands down the best Pork Tenderloin Sandwich ( like the Philly is to Philadelphia, the Pork Tenderloin in to Indy) in Indy. Cute staff, good prices, and a fun atmosphere make this place superb!
(5)
J H.
The Elbow Room is a great place that is comfortable and friendly. I love that the restaurant side is smoke free and they have nice outdoor patio seating right on the cultural trail! They have several levels and a great quiz night. They also have a decent craft beer selection and the food is pretty tasty.
(3)
Scott B.
This a great establishment with a long history in Indianapolis dating back to the end of prohibition. The food is quality, the service is great and the crowd is friendly. It's become my "local bar" downtown.
(4)
Matt J.
A mere 1.5 stars... Unfortunately, my experience of this particular place don't match the other reviews here. There was nil atmosphere whatsoever, and I found the regulars and staff rather cliqueish, not at all welcoming. After having planned to eat here, I had one drink (note: not nearly as strong as others I've had downtown, despite other reviewers' claims...) and called it quits. I call it as I find it... not for me, I'm afraid.
(2)
Timmy K.
Good food, good service. Nice little place!
(4)
Cale H.
The Elbow Room is a longtime staple of the north quadrant of downtown. With the recent expansion upstairs and renovation of downstairs, this establishment is now one of the nicer places to get a reasonably priced meal. On Wednesday nights, they have a generous fillet steak special for $10 that includes baked potato or fries and a dinner salad. One of the best value steaks I have found in the area. Beer/drink specials are the usual for downtown, not really all that special. Atmosphere is always good and the service staff is experienced and friendly to regulars and neophytes alike. Rather you are with a large group in the dining room, grabbing a quick after work drink in the downstairs bar or playing trivia on Thursday nights upstairs.. you will be assured of a good time and be well cared for.
(4)
Larry R.
Great place for a Saturday lunch. Ambience very nice. Two ordered tenderloins and loved them. One ordered quesadilla which was extremely good. My spinach melt was good.
(4)
Kasey J.
This hot spot on Pennsylvania Avenue is a staple for downtown workers at lunchtime, and gets quite busy with the drinking crowd at night (especially on weekends). Favorites for me happen to be what a bunch of others mention: chicken strips and onion rings. Yum! Gotta love good onion rings! I also love to get a cheeseburger now and again. As for service, last time I was here it was lacking a bit. We were seated quickly but waited forever for a server. We also never got drinks refilled and had to ask for our checks. Then we had to ask for separate checks (again). Overall, it's good pub food. But that's really all it is. Fun times, though!
(3)
Keri K.
What a great spot! Friend runs off and gets married in the Domican and ends up having the after-marriage/party here! The banquet room is upstairs and it's a great lil spot! The waitstaff was walking around filling up our wine and the food served consisted of several appetizers including spinach dip, pizza, nachos, chicken tenders, etc. All american style and delicious! after we got our buzz on we hit up the bar downstairs. i love this place for an easy going wedding. oh and the kicker is my friend told me the total price was $1400! What a steal! it is not a big banquet room so forget it if you have a large group. 75 tops give or take..
(4)
Scott D.
Went here for lunch today. There were five of us and the service staff was going to have to pull tables together for all of us. We didn't have a lot of time and opted to sit in the bar. We didn't really want to, though, because of the smoke but were pressed for time. Our server got our drinks and then said she was able to find a couple tables together in the dining room. Fantastic! That's service! The food was basically your average lunch pub food. A mate at our table said the burger really was one of the best in the city. (There's a contest going on presently and the Elbow Room wants to win for Best Burger. Good luck beating Five Guys!) I had the turkey island which was a reuben with turkey, I guess. The flavor was fun, but the sandwich was so runny that I was constantly retrieving my sandwich from a pool of its own juices. I didn't care for the homemade potato salad. It's not mustard-based. I probably could have asked about it and learned that before it was delivered to the table. It's basically several ounces of sour cream with a few slices of red pots inside. I didn't get the appeal. I'm not a huge fan of sour cream on its own so I had to salt and pepper heavily (I was hungry!). I'm sure if I had mentioned something our server would have exchanged the salad for chips or something. She really did a great job. Please note: I'm not saying the potato salad tasted awful in a sense of flavor, it just didn't seem imaginative. It was too heavy on the sour cream base (which is a flavor I don't like) and too light on the 'plus' flavors you need to find in potato salad. That said, I'll likely be back. Keep up the good work and get the server of ours today a raise! I didn't have to go back to the ofc smelling like an ashtray thanks to her!
(3)
David P.
You absolutely have to try the pita club and the sweet potato french fries. A perfect lunch at a perfect location. Streetside parking was plentiful downtown at noon, and the servers were as attentive as they should be.
(5)
Jami D.
I am very picky about where I go out to drink beer. Basically, if I would enjoy my beer better at home (where it's cheaper anyways AND I know what I like will be there) I won't go. This place is one of the few exceptions! They have excellent taste in seasonals and have dark beer. Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Leinenkugel's Fireside Nut Brown were fabulous seasonal choices. Bartender suggested these to us and we can't get enough of them! I had been there a handful of times and always enjoy myself. It's a bar where you can still have conversation even though TVs and music are on. People watching can be very interesting. But what really made my night this last time was splitting a reuben and fries (no 1000 Island please!) with my guy. It was perfect, and splitting it was just the right amount of food. It all came out warm and fresh-tasting. I can't wait to try other menu items (if I EVER get tired of their reuben, which will take some time). And for the record, I was still sober when I ate it!
(4)
Ted B.
Good burgers and drinks.
(4)
Cheryl M.
Went here after a concert on Sat. I had the wings and the spinach artichoke dip from the late night menu and they were great. A little smoky in the bar but hey it's a bar. I really liked the atmosphere, would definitely go back.
(4)
Jimmy W.
For me, there are 4 levels of bars. There are the places I wouldn't ever step foot in, for whatever reason. There are the places that I could probably have a beer at. There are places that are so fancy that I feel out of place at, and there are places like Elbow Room. Elbow Room falls into my "yeah! I'd love to go have a beer there!" category. I have no hesitations about this place. The bar staff was very friendly, even apologizing for making me wait a whole 30 seconds after my beer was empty to offer me another! Wow! You mean it's not normal to have to harass the bartender to get another beer? Elbow Room is nothing fancy, nothing boastful, and doesn't try to be anything it's not. It does, however, invite you to leave smelling like an ash tray. I just can't bring myself to hang out in smoky bars for more than an hour or so before enough is enough and I need some fresh, non-carcinogenic air. But hey, that's another conversation for another time.
(4)
Josiana Janel L.
My husband and a friend (who is moving to Indianapolis) and I ate here tonight. The decor is a bit old but it adds character. I wasn't too impressed initially, but liked their wine and beer menu and thought the food menu had a great variety...but then came the food! THE BEST ONION RINGS EVER! I'm not an onion ring fan, but stole one from my friend's plate, they were heavenly (light, crisp, moist, large slice of onion) I immediately ordered a side dish for myself. The 1/2 pound burger was one of the best I've eaten since I moved out of Texas 7 years ago...moist and flavorful. I normally don't eat a lot of food: this food was TOO good to waste. I highly recommend it and will return whenever the need a good burger and onion rings.
(5)
Aiden B.
This is the classic full-time alchy Cheers-ish sports bar. They serve very good greasy bar food, they're open late, and they have the worlds greatest import drought pitcher special on SUNDAYS, which is the proof positive this place is all about the professional drunk. The bartenders are also the real deal: no over-rehearsed, "Ice with your diet coke? Lemon or lime?" here. In the words of Connor Oberst, it was once "my favorite neon sign". Go.
(4)
Robin P.
Worst spinach melt ever! Menu said "fresh spinach" on sourdough which sounded like an different take on the standard spinach melt with mayo. Well, their take translated to 3 pieces of baby fresh spinach on texas toast for $6.99. Waitress said I could choose a side - so I chose french fries and was then charged $.99 for that. My friend seemed to like her crab cakes - but the entree side salad was delivered with the meal. It bugs me when restaurants can't get timing right. We ended up here after thinking we'd be able to drop in on Saffron cafe on a Saturday night without a reservation. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation at Saffron Cafe or if you can't get in there, then choose to dine somewhere other than Elbow Room!
(1)
Big D.
Food and drinks are great but the service can vary wildly. I visit there a lot and really enjoy the food. But, the servers are another story. There are some that are so GREAT at their job and yet, there is at least one that would rather be doing ANYTHING than serving. Sorry, I don't know names or I'd recommend them. So, great for lunch and even in to evening drinks as they have a full old-style bar.
(4)
Pamela L.
My husband and I took my mother and a guest to the Elbow Room on Wednesday evening. The food was good and cooked like we asked, although not worth bragging about. Unfortunately, we were bothered by a pesky fly the entire time there and no one serving seemed to care.
(3)
Chris O.
The Elbow Room is a very fun place to go. It's incredibly low key (they get a lot of traffic from the federal building which is across the street) and fairly quiet during the day. They've got excellent food and great staff. Everyone is very friendly and you'll usually see the owner running around. Give it a try...
(5)
Sam C.
This is an awesome bar! Great food and great service! The nachos are delicious! They also have a nice selection of beers and cocktails. The prices are reasonable as well. Definitely will be back!
(5)
Ryne V.
There's not much to say here. Typical dive pub environment and average pub food. Some local craft beer mixed with your commons like Bud and Miller. I got a burger and fries, both of which could've been matched on my stove at home. I'm not against this place at all and it might be a cool hangout for late nights with close friends, but it's one of those places that are so common you don't feel the need to go back. Maybe I'm biased [against] because I come from a southern Indiana town with 5 bars exactly like this.
(3)
Franklin D.
I walked in and complained about the smell...like off-gassing carpets & mildew & who knows what else. The burger I had was decent, claims to be the best in town and all that. Maybe it is but I can't say for sure until I've gone out and tried a burger at every single other place in Indy...brb.
(3)
Lisa E.
We attended a birthday party for a friend. Hadn't been here before, it's your typical bar type atmosphere not divey but yet not upscale trendy. Great place for pub food. The upstairs area can be reserved for private parties. The room itself feels small with all the tables and didn't flow easily, but it had spectacular views of the city! The appetizers were great, the staff was wonderful and very engaged in the crowd. I'd like to stop in for dinner and review further.
(3)
Chris P.
I have visited this place since it was Thee place to go downtown. It has seen much better days as the food is back to mediocre and the service is terrible. If you are not a todays regular sitting at the bar the bartender ignores you only to hang out at the end with his peeps. Like pulling teeth from a Lion, you have to go out of your way to get service. He even gave me a bad look after you tear away from regulars. Better options downtown and I will now after decades, stay away for good.
(2)
Christian K.
Their pub stocks are amazing. The chicken tenders are cut and breaded in house. Best chicken fingers I have ever had.
(5)
Tara F.
This restaurant seems to be quite a popular spot, but I can't figure out why... I am not a dive bar type person, and this is definitely a dive bar with the lighting, wooden seats, etc. it's cozy, so that may be what reels you in, especially if you're in need of refreshments after visiting Central Library across the street. The food and beverages were mediocre in quality--nothing fancy when it comes to porters and pretzels, but I think the service is what I marked it down for. I had asked the waitress for beverage suggestions, she replied with a couple, and I asked for a few more minutes to decide. When she returned, I ordered a Sun King Wee Mac ( nothing fancy) AND SHE SCOFFED at my selection, as if I wasted her time. Coming back? I think mayhaps if other venues are filled to capacity or only if I'm in the neighborhood.
(3)
Kaela V.
Trivia night is Thursday night and our group had a fun time! There were 5 categories with 10 questions each and overall the event took about 2-2.5 hrs. They could have used more help behind the bar upstairs to accommodate the crowd, but the service was friendly. I ordered the buffalo chicken wrap with French fries and it was ok-definitely not the best in town.
(3)
Edgar P.
The food is delicious, you would think "Hmm this is a bar it might not be too good", but it is. My friends and I have made it a tradition to always get shots here on the 4th of July =)
(5)
Ronak S.
I'm glad this place has stuck around even as so much around it has changed. The retro "Since 1933" sign conveys the baseline pub vibe of the place, but it's really adapted and grown, offering everything from trivia nights to event space to the really rad Pub and Paints! Think Wine and Canvas, but with beer. The first time I went, I ordered a fancy veggie burger that I was really excited about. Unfortunately, it came out missing about half of the toppings, which I only realized after a few bites. The waiter not only got me the burger I actually ordered, but let me keep the first one, and didn't charge me a dime. I felt a little badly about this, but he insisted that no one should ever get the wrong order. Mistakes always happen, but it's great when the staff communicate such a level of appreciation -- definitely builds regular loyalty. Plus, the burger was delicious.
(4)
Elle A.
I went to the Elbow Room last week after work to try it out. The bar area was packed, but the restaurant area was a little more calm. I had noticed on the sign walking in that Tito's vodka was on special so when I ordered a vodka tonic I was disappointed to see that they used well vodka. I probably should have specified but in my previous experience at bars when a brand of alcohol is on special and someone orders a drink with that alcohol bartenders seem to know to use the brand on special. It wasn't a big deal, I just didn't have another drink. No one at my table got food, just a quick drink after work. I'd like to try this place again and actually order food since the reviews are pretty good on their food. Overall an ok spot to grab a drink, just specify the brand of alcohol you want when ordering.
(3)
Andrew K.
Delicious. Everything. Order a Midwestern mule. Siracha chicken tenders were delicious and the house burger is also recommended.
(5)
Maria B.
Surprise!! But I have been going to this place aince they opened on the corner of North and Penn... I love this place... The chicken tenders are awesome and very moist and their tenderloins are huge and good good good!! Great selection of cocktails.. They have an upstairs with pool table and bar. Great views of downtown!
(5)
K B.
Really good food. Got an italian sandwich. We had a large party, and the service was very good. I will be back.
(3)
Chris S.
My favorite bar for a damn good reason. The staff is like family and they treat customers the same way. Other than the exceptional service, be prepared for great food, awesome beers on tap and an atmosphere comparable to Cheers. This is a neighborhood establishment with a strong group of regulars. A good friend of mine lives right next door so I spend a lot if time here. You must try the food especially the fried pork tenderloin and the smoking goose sausage. If trivia is your thing, look no further. Thursday night trivia is always packed so show up early. The bar is owned by Lux which runs a handful of stellar establishments around Indy. There is a reason The Elbow Room had been going strong for decades, it is an incredible place. Kudus to all of the staff for making this place the best bar in Indy.
(5)
Christopher F.
Most of the food is delicious. The staff is about as friendly as any you'll find in the city. Oh heck, they are the friendliest. Rotating beers on tap keeps it interesting. My place for watching the Colts away games and after home games.
(5)
Kassandra T.
Came to Indianapolis for a family reunion and we had time to spare before one of our event so we stopped in the Elbow Room. They have great bar food (wings, burgers, chicken strips) and great customer service.
(5)
Scot C.
The Elbow room has a little something for everyone. The menu is really impressive - I had a hard time choosing what to eat, since everything they serve looks so good. The beer choices are really fantastic, with many local breweries on tap and in the bottle. They can also serve up a mean cocktail, if you're feeling so inclined. I went with their rendition of the barbecue pork salad - a nice cut of pulled pork on a bed of leafy green lettuce and a house bbq dressing, I thought is was very good. The appetizer menu also has me giddy for those house wings with bourbon bbq sauce - AWESOME. There is an upstairs area for performances or groups that can be reserved. It's pretty neat to see a small musical performance up on the second deck - I had a good time with the bar just around the corner too.
(4)
Patricia N.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed the food. Initially I thought it was a bit boring, but then when I tried some of the more unusual items, it became eclectic. Chicken Fingers w/ Fries and bourbon bbq sauce Sriracha Tenderloin Strips French Dip Sandwich Decent drink specials as well!
(4)
Kinsey C.
Pros: this place has one of those menus that make it hard to decide because there are so many yummy sounding things listed, good drink specials for the downtown area, friendly service Cons: food was "okay", this place was a little too loud for a comfortable dinner I've been here a few times, and now I feel like I have a good enough idea to give it a solid review. I was most recently in here this past weekend. We had a party of 7, but they seated us at a table for 6 and stuck a chair on one of the ends. The poor guy kept getting bumped into, even though the place wasn't all that crowded. I got the french dip sandwich. Not the best. The bread was waaaay to crunchy for a french dip, and they served me so little au jus that I ran out a little more than halfway through my sandwich. In the past I've tried their soft pretzels, burgers and salads which have all been either "okay" or "good". My friends enjoyed their meals (especially those that ordered the ham and queso sandwhich) so I was happy, All in all, I'd come back here for a a dinner when I'm int eh downtown area but don't want to fight for parking. Parking here was a breeze. If there aren't spots right in front, then there is metered parking around the whole block (free after 6!) so you won't have any trouble.
(4)
DeAnna P.
Ugh, the service at this place has always been awful and now the food is declining as well. The only reason we still go is they are the closest place to the Armory, so they get our business before Golden Gloves. To be fair, maybe service is better when they aren't packed on fight nights. On the other hand, GGs has been going on for over 30 years, so they really should plan ahead and have more staff those nights. When every seat in the place is taken, they only have one or two bartenders and at most three servers. Boo! Get more help and I will come back. Otherwise, I will be eating at home next season.
(2)
Jane L.
The staff always makes me feel at home!
(4)
Jelly R.
I've been to the bar here before, but not in years. It never really stood out in my mind, maybe because it's in a part of downtown that I don't often go. Recently, we decided to meet up with friends for "taco tuesday" night here. They had free pool, cheap (and good) tacos, and the bartender was super friendly and made sure our glasses were never empty, etc. I should make a point to go here more often.
(5)
Philip S.
Found a bug in my food, maybe a baby cockroach. Had to get up and hunt for the server because he was not checking back with our table. He gave a perfunctory apology. When he was passing out checks to the rest of my group he said he wouldn't charge me. How kind. No manager intervention, no sincere amend and no coupon for a free, next time visit. Why in the world would I ever return to this joint?
(1)
John G.
Best breaded pork tenderloin I have had so far in Indy. Overall it is a decent bar. There all pool tables upstairs but every time I have gone up there it is super crowded.
(4)
DeAndrea B.
Food is always great! However every time we go our service isn't great because there is only one server and he has the ENTIRE dining room. Our server is always very nice however we always have to wait on drinks or anything else that we need. Other than that the food is always amazing and fresh which is different from most restaurants in downtown Indianapolis.....they just need more servers!
(4)
Paige C.
I live really close to here, so it's proximity to my apartment is one of its only saving graces. The drinks and food are terribly overpriced. The first time my boyfriend and I went here we literally each got a beer, an order of chicken strips, and some sadly average mozzarella sticks and our bill was $45! Wha!? That's crazy town! I'm all about paying for good food, but there was nothing about this food that I couldn't have unfrozen and stuck in the oven myself. Sometimes they do have decent drink specials, so be sure to check those out and don't bother with the food.
(2)
Chris H.
I enjoyed the bar. Good beer selection and the food was pretty good. My only problem was I was a little more than blown away when I asked for my bill and saw a generic Stone IPA for $9. That's a little steep if you ask me. Other than the single beer price, I'll go back!
(4)
Kyle H.
Had the BLT for lunch and it was very good. The potato salad was different from the usual, but not in a bad way. Service was excellent. I will be coming back.
(4)
Robbie R.
Love love love this place. Bartenders are always very attentive, drinks are priced fairly (not too weak but not too strong), they are always spot on with reccomendations, the wings are as good as ANY wings I have had in Indy just larger, pool tables upstairs and I have never had a problem finding a parking spot.
(4)
Jennifer S.
I decided to drop in to see a friend hosting trivia night after the Yelp Film Fest preview and was surprised at the number of participants. I hopped up to the bar & was happy that I wasn't too late for pub grub at 10pmish. The menu consisted of bar staples, but also had several things that stood out that would appeal to a broader crowd, like strawberry chicken salad, gyros and homemade crab cakes. I ordered the fish tacos which came with a side of slaw in addition to chips & salsa. They hit the spot, but I couldn't help eyeballing what the guy sitting next to me ordered. Shrimp something - I wish I could find it on their menu now, but will defintely go back to ask. The crowd was very diversified, including broad age group, races and both sexes; some there for trivia, some on the pool tables and others, like myself, seated up to the bar just passing time. I liked the vibe I got and wondered why it had taken me so long to stop in. Considering the restaurant on the first level is kid friendly, this place is defnitely on my downtown radar and will be added to my kid friendly list.
(4)
Peter P.
4 stars for the food. 2 stars for the service. The food has always been good here. Vast array of sandwiches and all are good. Service on the other hand, does not match what comes out of the kitchen. Every waiter/waitress I've ever had here is either: -harried -spacey -lazy -slow -clueless -some combination of the above
(3)
Nancy Q.
My first time went there is for attending a special event which was organized by leasing office. In that time, they did a good job. So I stopped by there later. I can say that the burger here is really good! Especially the Signature burger. Certainly, I like the onion rings sides very much. Yummy ! I found this place is also enjoyed by elder person.
(4)
Jeff J.
Good Burgers, Good Sandies, I'm a fan.
(4)
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Address :605 N Pennsylvania St
Indianapolis, IN, 46204
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Steve N.
I am giving them four stars, which is the average score of the almost thirty times I have been there. However, I would like to note that a lot of the "5" stars that lead to the four rating are results of the past experiences - like 1-3 years ago. As someone mentioned earlier, the food here is amazing. The chicken fingers and honey mustard sauce are up there as some of the best in the city. They have a really tasty bison burger, as well. The food has never been a problem, and that is a good thing for a restaurant. Their drink specials are usually catered more towards men, good for me, not too good for my wife, but the booze is not expensive in the first place, so there's really no problem with that either. Also, if you're looking for a reliable pour, they are usually spot-on, leaning towards generous, which is good for me and my wife. But as someone mentioned earlier, there have been more and more problems with the service. First things first, though, all the servers I have ever encountered there have been amazingly nice. I can stand slow service, from time to time, but if they were rude or threatening that would be a different story. Fortunately, that's not the case. But it does seem like the service has become more relaxed, in a not so good way. Unfortunately, the result has been long periods of time between drink orders, food, or just the waiter/waitress stopping by to ask me if I am OK. Again, they are all nice, but there have been times when I was in a hurry or just felt a little unappreciated as a customer. Don't let the service get in the way, though, it's not great lately, but at least they are nice and the food really is worth it. Just know what you're getting into, and settle in for the haul.
(4)Alex W.
Been here a few times to watch the Colts games this past season and really enjoyed myself each time. The 2nd time I was there, the bartender/server remembered my face, don't know if that is a good or bad thing! It's a very cool, laid back atmosphere and you really do see a variety of people there. A friend and I shared fried pickles once, gone within minutes of them being brought to our table! Service is pretty much awesome too - never took more than a minute or two for my beer to be refilled. Kudos to the Elbow Room, once it is warm out I will definitely be walking here from my downtown apartment.
(5)Richard H.
Wow, I haven't been here in years, and it's -- exactly the same! Even the menu looks the same. Decent place to hang out for a drink and some bar food.
(3)Tricia F.
We attended GenCon Indy last year & this was our Friday night dinner choice. Being from Philly we expected it to be packed on a Friday evening in center city! But we were one of few couples in there, and got to seat ourselves. Sat in the "elbow" so could see the street & it was really chill. Food was great, not too interesting of a menu but enough choices to please. Beer selection was definitely our favorite part, we love craft beers & they had plenty of locals on tap. As far as parking, we had to walk up the back side of the building after paying the meter (to be expected). We will definitely stop in here each year for GenCon, a new tradition for us!
(4)David W.
Everytime I am in the Elbow Room, I wonder why I don't go there more often. It's a great neighborhood bar for downtown. The only other bars in walking distance (Living Room Lounge, The Bar) do not compare. The service is always high quality and the food is tasty and reasonably priced. And whoever controls the soundtrack has excellent taste in music. I've never heard a bad song in this bar!
(5)Catherine K.
I'm embarrassed to admit I live about 5 blocks from this place but have never been. We went the other night for a holiday party. Bar service was top notch. I was impressed with the beers on tap, and they didn't flinch when I asked for (gasp) wine. But ... the food was typical banquet food. Tasteless chicken that looked and tasted like it had been boiled. Veggie lasagna that had no flavor. Even the butter tasted weird! How do you mess up butter? I don't expect much when I am eating with a lot of other people but this was just bad. We actually had been looking at the Elbow Room for our rehearsal dinner site, because the view from upstairs is striking, but not if that is the food they serve. I'd be willing to go back for a real dinner, perhaps during Devour Downtown, because I like to support local businesses. The four stars is really for the bar. Otherwise I would have given it just a three ...
(4)Jillian C.
My boyfriend, my best friend and I went here for the Devour Downtown experience. They ordered from the pre-set menu and I picked something else. The hand-battered pork tenderloin strip appetizer was really good. The flat-iron steak my boyfriend ordered medium was beyond well done. Completely wrong temperature and it made the steak rubbery. It was also cold by the time it came to the table. The veggie burger which I got had some great flavor so I was pleased with that. The sides other than the sweet potato fries were just bland. The fries, however, were very nice. Dessert was fairly standard. The brownie sundae was nothing special and the caramel cheesecake, while delicious, was obviously straight from a freezer shipped-in pie. On the whole, get the pork tenderloin app, the sweet potato fries as a side, and be prepared to wait on your service. I waited a good ten minutes before my glass was refilled and then waited 25 minutes for a slice of tomato for my burger.
(2)Phillip C.
This awesome little place is not too far from my work and I love going here. They have a good fried tenderloin and awesome sweet potato fries. It has a relaxing atmosphere and the staff bend over backwards to make sure that you're having a good time.
(5)Kathy D.
I go to Elbow room at least once aweek if not more for lunch. I have always received great service there. I adore the waitress, I have always liked their strawberry chicken salad but lately the portion has been much smaller but yet the price went up. I have tried items from new menu and they are just ok. They have taken some things off the menu that I miss. Such as their steak and bake potatoe. Since I work close to them it has been very convenient. But may have to find another place if food doesnt improve. The price for there salads are outrageous.
(3)Nick C.
The Elbow Room is a 4.5 star establishment in the category of neighborhood pub. First of all, I love the classic Indianapolis angled corner building. I also might just make them an offer to take one of the Indy pictures off of there wall - it would fit into my family room beautifully. I will, of course, knock them for being smokey. You can avoid it in the dining area for the most part or outside (sometimes). Seriously Indy... step into the 2000s and go nonsmoking already. I can't necessarily knock the Elbow Room too much for smoking, because it is the norm around these parts. Typical diverse pubfood menu and it is consistently above average. I've never really been disappointed. Personally I enjoy the pretzels with a cold beer or two or four. Food comes out quickly and the service is always friendly. This is everything I expect from the corner pub. Oh yeah the music can range wildly. It all depends who's ipod is on that day. Sometimes it hits the mood spot on. Other times it is Led Zeppelin for 20 straight songs (ouch!). Oddly enough, this eclectic range does add to the appeal.
(5)Andrew D.
Stopped by for a devour downtown 2 for 30 meal and it was all right. For the appetizer we go their Texas Skins, which are potato skins with chili on them. They were really good bar food. We both got the steak for dinner, and mine was way overdone. I had asked for medium and it came out well. Both steaks were quite dry. The dessert was a brownie sundae, which was fine. The service wasn't that great. When we were asked what dessert we wanted my Wife asked how large the brownie sundae was. The waitress clearly wasn't listening because she said "brownie sundae" and walked away. As far as beer goes they had one of Sun King's current specialties, so that helped out. MMM Sun King. All in all, I would go back for bar food if the feeling struck, but I wouldn't go back for a meal.
(3)David I.
Amazing after years of not eating here, the food seems even better. The wife and I ate here with a friend the other day and were impressed. We had an attentive and helpful waiter who made choosing the right food a breeze. We all had burgers but each was different. I got the bison burger, black and blue style. I ordered it rare and it came well done. I'd say that was my only complaint. I should have ordered it bleeding. I had onion rings and cole slaw for sides and both were memorable. The onion rings were beer battered and cooked in fresh oil. I'm not sure about the cole slaw even though it was delish. It could have been fresh or from a "tub," I'm not sure which. I thought my wife was going have a foodgasm from her burger and rings. No hot chicks here but my gay friend said the waiter had a nice butt! Went back a week later, we had a cute waitress this time (haha).
(4)Mak J.
Good bar food... a solid late night menu... drink specials... photo hunt machine... these are a few of my favorite things. The breaded tenderloin is bomb, but to be fair, breaded tenderloins generally are. it's a chill place to hang out with friends and actually talk to each other, too.
(4)Jennifer P.
Nice bar, good beers, good service. Nothing exciting or fancy but good enough.
(3)Benjamin H.
This is a rare spot for me to visit, but I do like that they serve food until 3am and have a couple pool tables upstairs. The crowd here can be a little too "college" for my taste, I don't really recommend visiting on the weekends.
(3)Steffanie P.
I had not been to the Elbow Room in well over a year. I was vegan the last time i was there and i was not too impressed....but being a vegan you should not really have too much expectation from eating out. So after a long day of inventory at my work, my coworker and I decided to give it another try! I thought that it was very yummy. we got the Bo-Bo's Spicy Crab Dip with tortilla chips and it was fantastic! It was a crabby buffalo dip and heaven in my mouth. Then I got Turkey Island and it was fantistic!!!! We went in the middle of the day and I would gladly go back at anytime to eat or drink! yum yum yum!
(4)John Z.
The Elbow Room is 'okay'. It's not my favorite, but it's reliable... I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if I'm meeting up with people for drinks and I haven't eaten yet, I'd order something here. I'm most happy with their bar service and beer selection... especially their selection of local brews on draft... and beer here is cheap. The only downside? This place usually smells like an ashtray... so, non-smokers, be aware.
(3)TOMMY o.
Ruth is always so nice & helpful, & a great lover of tshirts like i am, as always the BEST Chicken Strips in town, with honey mustard sauce, great location for festivals downtown
(4)Benji M.
I hope to write a more complete review in the future, but for now all i can say is that their chicken tenders are great, and these guys serve the best reuben I've had in Indy. Seriously. Get it. Get the reuben!!
(4)MJ W.
The carry out service is exceptional! You must try the Pita Club!
(5)Phillip H.
So I love this place. I work next door at the Federal Building and this is my lunch spot. The Good: The staff are friendly and it has the "Cheers" vibe going on after you eat there a few times. The bartender (Ruth) is by far the coolest I have met in the Indy area. They have a large lunch rush so I end up eating at the bar a bit. The food is good and surprisingly well done. Their specials are always something to give a try, especially the lasagna. Good sized portions and some of the best bar food I've had in a while. The Bad: I recommend calling ahead during the week or you will be waiting. Tables are scarce during the lunch rush and you often have to just grab a spot. The food is good but very heavy. Not a vegan friendly place when I first went but there are options and they are happy to work with you if you need something specialized. And of course the worst problem as it is with all venues in this area, parking, or a clear lack thereof. And the reason its a 4 star rating and not a 5, they allow smoking inside which is a pet peeve of mine. This may be a plus for you but I hate smoke. They also sell cigars and other smoke-wares at the bar. Go, Try it for yourself. I love it. I would gladly recommend it to a friend and will be there at lunch today!
(4)Scotty Z.
Regarding Elbow Roo,: I love: * the Pita Club * that the service is usually pretty awesome * the fact that the dining room is non-smoking (hopefully the bar will join the party this year)
(4)Drew J.
I watched a bum get picked up by the cops 45 sexy feet from this establishment's front door. He left his awesome sign as he was unable to convince the boys in blue to allow him to bring it with. I now have said sign which came complete with interesting craftsmanship, grammatical errors, grease stains, and the promise of a better tomorrow. This bar is all of those things. The elbow room is my haggard bum in the mean streets of Indy.
(4)Tommy M.
2 - 1 +3 = 4 Elbow Room starts with a base of two stars just for having a cool-sounding name. This little eatery is about the only place to grab a bite for lunch in this part of town, about 5 or 6 blocks from downtown. I had the Reuben and fries. The Reuben was light on the corned beef (where's the meat?) so they lose a star for that. But they pick up 3 stars for excellent service. The waitress was friendly, prompt, and attentive without being intrusive. When I got ready to leave, on her own volition she brought me an extra soda in a carryout cup, a nice gesture. I will eat here on future visits to Indy.
(4)Jake K.
We came here for lunch after a long series of morning meetings at the Reserve center. Some of the locals recommended it but I have to say - I wonder where their tastes are at. Now, on the outside, the building looks a tad run down in that "I've been downtown for a long ass time" sort of way. Walking in was no different - the place was a bit sleepy and reeked a bit of old cigarettes. The server was friendly with a tough love sort of charm. She recommended the Elbow Room Burger which turned out to be a 1/2 pound burger on Texas toast. I probably ate my yearly limit of cholesterol in this item that sat in my stomach like I had swallowed a large rock. The bathroom was a tad cramped as it was in the angled portion of the building. The bright spot was the Xcelerator hand dryer - man I love those things and the Dyson Blades. But yeah, return I shall not. Elbow room burger is good get it deluxe to get the chipotle mayo - place smells old and look run down.
(3)Beth B.
I love the Elbow room for there special events room "The Parkview". I've hosted events there and have always been happy with the service and catering side. As for just stopping in, I did tonight. Met a friend for a bite and drinks. We were feeling uber junky so I ordered the spinach and artichoke dip and she the fried pickles. i love fried pickles in any form...spear, chip, whatever the case may be and these were on par with any fried pickle I've had, salty, greasy and that sums it up. The spinach and artichoke dip....hmmmm...it should have been called black olive and green onion dip. It was a delicious black olive and green onion dip. It was junky and cheesy and very black olive and green oniony. I think you get my drift~ I love the feel of the Elbow Room. Friendly bartenders are some of my favorite people.
(4)Bob H.
Tenderloins, burgers and chicken fingers! All are awesome!!!
(5)Jo K.
Typical bar food. Don't go for the food, but more for the atmosphere. They have pool tables upstairs. If you do eat, go for the fried tenderloin.
(3)Melissa W.
Downtown Indy's Sunday morning options are limited. This is one of the only places open before noon. My sister and headed there for breakfast/lunch recently. We were seated in the dining room. The TV was right above our head and was really loud. We asked if they could turn it down but was told the whole system is tied together and it was game day... I ordered the eggs Benedict (with no meat) and sister ordered "crab" dip. The eggs Benedict was ok pretty skimpy on the hollandaise sauce. Sister liked her dip but said it wasn't warm enough. I tasted it and about gagged. I thought it was awful. Prices were appropriate and service was ok. I wouldn't go back.
(2)Chris L.
Went here on a Friday night for an afterparty from a local show. Late night menu is not bad, providing a variety of options and the food came out pretty quickly. The bartender was not being very attentive and you needed to actively get his attention before he would serve you. Maybe it's an Indiana thing, who knows. They don't know how to pour a proper pint of Guinness, so avoid ordering one if you are picky about that. The smoking inside bothered me a bit too. But all things considered, I'm gonna give this place a solid 3 stars because it's not a bad little dive-ish place in downtown Indy. Pool tables, buck hunter video games, etc.
(3)Stephanie S.
This place has enough character to spare! The food is a bit above average for bar food but the fries are AMAZING. I would recommend stopping by on a Wednesday. Upstairs they host a trivia night with cash pizes, and it's no joke. The drinks are hard and the questions are harder! Who was voted man of the year in 2000? I know! You! Also, my sister held her rehearsal dinner in the back room and it turned out to be the perfect spot. Very low key and casual. Love it!
(4)Chuck G.
I've driven by the Elbow Room countless times but never made the stop. If you're looking for a good lunchtime spot a few blocks outside of downtown, you could do a lot worse. It's typical pub fare, which is okay for lunch. I snagged a patty melt with cottage cheese. The staff was attentive, but things were a tad slow at times. The place was pretty busy though in the dining room. I didn't get a good look at the bar area. Parking can be a bit of a pain along Pennsylvania. If you don't find a spot there, you might be walking a few blocks. I'm sure I'll head back at some point, there won't be a rush.
(3)Indy W.
2 1/2 stars. I've eaten at The Elbow Room about half-a-dozen times since my last review. This nicely atmospheric sports bar/restaurant has gone from just fair to...better than before. The quality of the food has been consistently good even if the preparation has not (please do not fry fries until their edges are hard, sharps things). The service is noticably less terse and, at times, even engaging. Keep up the good work!
(2)Buford C.
Hands down the best Pork Tenderloin Sandwich ( like the Philly is to Philadelphia, the Pork Tenderloin in to Indy) in Indy. Cute staff, good prices, and a fun atmosphere make this place superb!
(5)J H.
The Elbow Room is a great place that is comfortable and friendly. I love that the restaurant side is smoke free and they have nice outdoor patio seating right on the cultural trail! They have several levels and a great quiz night. They also have a decent craft beer selection and the food is pretty tasty.
(3)Scott B.
This a great establishment with a long history in Indianapolis dating back to the end of prohibition. The food is quality, the service is great and the crowd is friendly. It's become my "local bar" downtown.
(4)Matt J.
A mere 1.5 stars... Unfortunately, my experience of this particular place don't match the other reviews here. There was nil atmosphere whatsoever, and I found the regulars and staff rather cliqueish, not at all welcoming. After having planned to eat here, I had one drink (note: not nearly as strong as others I've had downtown, despite other reviewers' claims...) and called it quits. I call it as I find it... not for me, I'm afraid.
(2)Timmy K.
Good food, good service. Nice little place!
(4)Cale H.
The Elbow Room is a longtime staple of the north quadrant of downtown. With the recent expansion upstairs and renovation of downstairs, this establishment is now one of the nicer places to get a reasonably priced meal. On Wednesday nights, they have a generous fillet steak special for $10 that includes baked potato or fries and a dinner salad. One of the best value steaks I have found in the area. Beer/drink specials are the usual for downtown, not really all that special. Atmosphere is always good and the service staff is experienced and friendly to regulars and neophytes alike. Rather you are with a large group in the dining room, grabbing a quick after work drink in the downstairs bar or playing trivia on Thursday nights upstairs.. you will be assured of a good time and be well cared for.
(4)Larry R.
Great place for a Saturday lunch. Ambience very nice. Two ordered tenderloins and loved them. One ordered quesadilla which was extremely good. My spinach melt was good.
(4)Kasey J.
This hot spot on Pennsylvania Avenue is a staple for downtown workers at lunchtime, and gets quite busy with the drinking crowd at night (especially on weekends). Favorites for me happen to be what a bunch of others mention: chicken strips and onion rings. Yum! Gotta love good onion rings! I also love to get a cheeseburger now and again. As for service, last time I was here it was lacking a bit. We were seated quickly but waited forever for a server. We also never got drinks refilled and had to ask for our checks. Then we had to ask for separate checks (again). Overall, it's good pub food. But that's really all it is. Fun times, though!
(3)Keri K.
What a great spot! Friend runs off and gets married in the Domican and ends up having the after-marriage/party here! The banquet room is upstairs and it's a great lil spot! The waitstaff was walking around filling up our wine and the food served consisted of several appetizers including spinach dip, pizza, nachos, chicken tenders, etc. All american style and delicious! after we got our buzz on we hit up the bar downstairs. i love this place for an easy going wedding. oh and the kicker is my friend told me the total price was $1400! What a steal! it is not a big banquet room so forget it if you have a large group. 75 tops give or take..
(4)Scott D.
Went here for lunch today. There were five of us and the service staff was going to have to pull tables together for all of us. We didn't have a lot of time and opted to sit in the bar. We didn't really want to, though, because of the smoke but were pressed for time. Our server got our drinks and then said she was able to find a couple tables together in the dining room. Fantastic! That's service! The food was basically your average lunch pub food. A mate at our table said the burger really was one of the best in the city. (There's a contest going on presently and the Elbow Room wants to win for Best Burger. Good luck beating Five Guys!) I had the turkey island which was a reuben with turkey, I guess. The flavor was fun, but the sandwich was so runny that I was constantly retrieving my sandwich from a pool of its own juices. I didn't care for the homemade potato salad. It's not mustard-based. I probably could have asked about it and learned that before it was delivered to the table. It's basically several ounces of sour cream with a few slices of red pots inside. I didn't get the appeal. I'm not a huge fan of sour cream on its own so I had to salt and pepper heavily (I was hungry!). I'm sure if I had mentioned something our server would have exchanged the salad for chips or something. She really did a great job. Please note: I'm not saying the potato salad tasted awful in a sense of flavor, it just didn't seem imaginative. It was too heavy on the sour cream base (which is a flavor I don't like) and too light on the 'plus' flavors you need to find in potato salad. That said, I'll likely be back. Keep up the good work and get the server of ours today a raise! I didn't have to go back to the ofc smelling like an ashtray thanks to her!
(3)David P.
You absolutely have to try the pita club and the sweet potato french fries. A perfect lunch at a perfect location. Streetside parking was plentiful downtown at noon, and the servers were as attentive as they should be.
(5)Jami D.
I am very picky about where I go out to drink beer. Basically, if I would enjoy my beer better at home (where it's cheaper anyways AND I know what I like will be there) I won't go. This place is one of the few exceptions! They have excellent taste in seasonals and have dark beer. Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Leinenkugel's Fireside Nut Brown were fabulous seasonal choices. Bartender suggested these to us and we can't get enough of them! I had been there a handful of times and always enjoy myself. It's a bar where you can still have conversation even though TVs and music are on. People watching can be very interesting. But what really made my night this last time was splitting a reuben and fries (no 1000 Island please!) with my guy. It was perfect, and splitting it was just the right amount of food. It all came out warm and fresh-tasting. I can't wait to try other menu items (if I EVER get tired of their reuben, which will take some time). And for the record, I was still sober when I ate it!
(4)Ted B.
Good burgers and drinks.
(4)Cheryl M.
Went here after a concert on Sat. I had the wings and the spinach artichoke dip from the late night menu and they were great. A little smoky in the bar but hey it's a bar. I really liked the atmosphere, would definitely go back.
(4)Jimmy W.
For me, there are 4 levels of bars. There are the places I wouldn't ever step foot in, for whatever reason. There are the places that I could probably have a beer at. There are places that are so fancy that I feel out of place at, and there are places like Elbow Room. Elbow Room falls into my "yeah! I'd love to go have a beer there!" category. I have no hesitations about this place. The bar staff was very friendly, even apologizing for making me wait a whole 30 seconds after my beer was empty to offer me another! Wow! You mean it's not normal to have to harass the bartender to get another beer? Elbow Room is nothing fancy, nothing boastful, and doesn't try to be anything it's not. It does, however, invite you to leave smelling like an ash tray. I just can't bring myself to hang out in smoky bars for more than an hour or so before enough is enough and I need some fresh, non-carcinogenic air. But hey, that's another conversation for another time.
(4)Josiana Janel L.
My husband and a friend (who is moving to Indianapolis) and I ate here tonight. The decor is a bit old but it adds character. I wasn't too impressed initially, but liked their wine and beer menu and thought the food menu had a great variety...but then came the food! THE BEST ONION RINGS EVER! I'm not an onion ring fan, but stole one from my friend's plate, they were heavenly (light, crisp, moist, large slice of onion) I immediately ordered a side dish for myself. The 1/2 pound burger was one of the best I've eaten since I moved out of Texas 7 years ago...moist and flavorful. I normally don't eat a lot of food: this food was TOO good to waste. I highly recommend it and will return whenever the need a good burger and onion rings.
(5)Aiden B.
This is the classic full-time alchy Cheers-ish sports bar. They serve very good greasy bar food, they're open late, and they have the worlds greatest import drought pitcher special on SUNDAYS, which is the proof positive this place is all about the professional drunk. The bartenders are also the real deal: no over-rehearsed, "Ice with your diet coke? Lemon or lime?" here. In the words of Connor Oberst, it was once "my favorite neon sign". Go.
(4)Robin P.
Worst spinach melt ever! Menu said "fresh spinach" on sourdough which sounded like an different take on the standard spinach melt with mayo. Well, their take translated to 3 pieces of baby fresh spinach on texas toast for $6.99. Waitress said I could choose a side - so I chose french fries and was then charged $.99 for that. My friend seemed to like her crab cakes - but the entree side salad was delivered with the meal. It bugs me when restaurants can't get timing right. We ended up here after thinking we'd be able to drop in on Saffron cafe on a Saturday night without a reservation. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation at Saffron Cafe or if you can't get in there, then choose to dine somewhere other than Elbow Room!
(1)Big D.
Food and drinks are great but the service can vary wildly. I visit there a lot and really enjoy the food. But, the servers are another story. There are some that are so GREAT at their job and yet, there is at least one that would rather be doing ANYTHING than serving. Sorry, I don't know names or I'd recommend them. So, great for lunch and even in to evening drinks as they have a full old-style bar.
(4)Pamela L.
My husband and I took my mother and a guest to the Elbow Room on Wednesday evening. The food was good and cooked like we asked, although not worth bragging about. Unfortunately, we were bothered by a pesky fly the entire time there and no one serving seemed to care.
(3)Chris O.
The Elbow Room is a very fun place to go. It's incredibly low key (they get a lot of traffic from the federal building which is across the street) and fairly quiet during the day. They've got excellent food and great staff. Everyone is very friendly and you'll usually see the owner running around. Give it a try...
(5)Sam C.
This is an awesome bar! Great food and great service! The nachos are delicious! They also have a nice selection of beers and cocktails. The prices are reasonable as well. Definitely will be back!
(5)Ryne V.
There's not much to say here. Typical dive pub environment and average pub food. Some local craft beer mixed with your commons like Bud and Miller. I got a burger and fries, both of which could've been matched on my stove at home. I'm not against this place at all and it might be a cool hangout for late nights with close friends, but it's one of those places that are so common you don't feel the need to go back. Maybe I'm biased [against] because I come from a southern Indiana town with 5 bars exactly like this.
(3)Franklin D.
I walked in and complained about the smell...like off-gassing carpets & mildew & who knows what else. The burger I had was decent, claims to be the best in town and all that. Maybe it is but I can't say for sure until I've gone out and tried a burger at every single other place in Indy...brb.
(3)Lisa E.
We attended a birthday party for a friend. Hadn't been here before, it's your typical bar type atmosphere not divey but yet not upscale trendy. Great place for pub food. The upstairs area can be reserved for private parties. The room itself feels small with all the tables and didn't flow easily, but it had spectacular views of the city! The appetizers were great, the staff was wonderful and very engaged in the crowd. I'd like to stop in for dinner and review further.
(3)Chris P.
I have visited this place since it was Thee place to go downtown. It has seen much better days as the food is back to mediocre and the service is terrible. If you are not a todays regular sitting at the bar the bartender ignores you only to hang out at the end with his peeps. Like pulling teeth from a Lion, you have to go out of your way to get service. He even gave me a bad look after you tear away from regulars. Better options downtown and I will now after decades, stay away for good.
(2)Christian K.
Their pub stocks are amazing. The chicken tenders are cut and breaded in house. Best chicken fingers I have ever had.
(5)Tara F.
This restaurant seems to be quite a popular spot, but I can't figure out why... I am not a dive bar type person, and this is definitely a dive bar with the lighting, wooden seats, etc. it's cozy, so that may be what reels you in, especially if you're in need of refreshments after visiting Central Library across the street. The food and beverages were mediocre in quality--nothing fancy when it comes to porters and pretzels, but I think the service is what I marked it down for. I had asked the waitress for beverage suggestions, she replied with a couple, and I asked for a few more minutes to decide. When she returned, I ordered a Sun King Wee Mac ( nothing fancy) AND SHE SCOFFED at my selection, as if I wasted her time. Coming back? I think mayhaps if other venues are filled to capacity or only if I'm in the neighborhood.
(3)Kaela V.
Trivia night is Thursday night and our group had a fun time! There were 5 categories with 10 questions each and overall the event took about 2-2.5 hrs. They could have used more help behind the bar upstairs to accommodate the crowd, but the service was friendly. I ordered the buffalo chicken wrap with French fries and it was ok-definitely not the best in town.
(3)Edgar P.
The food is delicious, you would think "Hmm this is a bar it might not be too good", but it is. My friends and I have made it a tradition to always get shots here on the 4th of July =)
(5)Ronak S.
I'm glad this place has stuck around even as so much around it has changed. The retro "Since 1933" sign conveys the baseline pub vibe of the place, but it's really adapted and grown, offering everything from trivia nights to event space to the really rad Pub and Paints! Think Wine and Canvas, but with beer. The first time I went, I ordered a fancy veggie burger that I was really excited about. Unfortunately, it came out missing about half of the toppings, which I only realized after a few bites. The waiter not only got me the burger I actually ordered, but let me keep the first one, and didn't charge me a dime. I felt a little badly about this, but he insisted that no one should ever get the wrong order. Mistakes always happen, but it's great when the staff communicate such a level of appreciation -- definitely builds regular loyalty. Plus, the burger was delicious.
(4)Elle A.
I went to the Elbow Room last week after work to try it out. The bar area was packed, but the restaurant area was a little more calm. I had noticed on the sign walking in that Tito's vodka was on special so when I ordered a vodka tonic I was disappointed to see that they used well vodka. I probably should have specified but in my previous experience at bars when a brand of alcohol is on special and someone orders a drink with that alcohol bartenders seem to know to use the brand on special. It wasn't a big deal, I just didn't have another drink. No one at my table got food, just a quick drink after work. I'd like to try this place again and actually order food since the reviews are pretty good on their food. Overall an ok spot to grab a drink, just specify the brand of alcohol you want when ordering.
(3)Andrew K.
Delicious. Everything. Order a Midwestern mule. Siracha chicken tenders were delicious and the house burger is also recommended.
(5)Maria B.
Surprise!! But I have been going to this place aince they opened on the corner of North and Penn... I love this place... The chicken tenders are awesome and very moist and their tenderloins are huge and good good good!! Great selection of cocktails.. They have an upstairs with pool table and bar. Great views of downtown!
(5)K B.
Really good food. Got an italian sandwich. We had a large party, and the service was very good. I will be back.
(3)Chris S.
My favorite bar for a damn good reason. The staff is like family and they treat customers the same way. Other than the exceptional service, be prepared for great food, awesome beers on tap and an atmosphere comparable to Cheers. This is a neighborhood establishment with a strong group of regulars. A good friend of mine lives right next door so I spend a lot if time here. You must try the food especially the fried pork tenderloin and the smoking goose sausage. If trivia is your thing, look no further. Thursday night trivia is always packed so show up early. The bar is owned by Lux which runs a handful of stellar establishments around Indy. There is a reason The Elbow Room had been going strong for decades, it is an incredible place. Kudus to all of the staff for making this place the best bar in Indy.
(5)Christopher F.
Most of the food is delicious. The staff is about as friendly as any you'll find in the city. Oh heck, they are the friendliest. Rotating beers on tap keeps it interesting. My place for watching the Colts away games and after home games.
(5)Kassandra T.
Came to Indianapolis for a family reunion and we had time to spare before one of our event so we stopped in the Elbow Room. They have great bar food (wings, burgers, chicken strips) and great customer service.
(5)Scot C.
The Elbow room has a little something for everyone. The menu is really impressive - I had a hard time choosing what to eat, since everything they serve looks so good. The beer choices are really fantastic, with many local breweries on tap and in the bottle. They can also serve up a mean cocktail, if you're feeling so inclined. I went with their rendition of the barbecue pork salad - a nice cut of pulled pork on a bed of leafy green lettuce and a house bbq dressing, I thought is was very good. The appetizer menu also has me giddy for those house wings with bourbon bbq sauce - AWESOME. There is an upstairs area for performances or groups that can be reserved. It's pretty neat to see a small musical performance up on the second deck - I had a good time with the bar just around the corner too.
(4)Patricia N.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed the food. Initially I thought it was a bit boring, but then when I tried some of the more unusual items, it became eclectic. Chicken Fingers w/ Fries and bourbon bbq sauce Sriracha Tenderloin Strips French Dip Sandwich Decent drink specials as well!
(4)Kinsey C.
Pros: this place has one of those menus that make it hard to decide because there are so many yummy sounding things listed, good drink specials for the downtown area, friendly service Cons: food was "okay", this place was a little too loud for a comfortable dinner I've been here a few times, and now I feel like I have a good enough idea to give it a solid review. I was most recently in here this past weekend. We had a party of 7, but they seated us at a table for 6 and stuck a chair on one of the ends. The poor guy kept getting bumped into, even though the place wasn't all that crowded. I got the french dip sandwich. Not the best. The bread was waaaay to crunchy for a french dip, and they served me so little au jus that I ran out a little more than halfway through my sandwich. In the past I've tried their soft pretzels, burgers and salads which have all been either "okay" or "good". My friends enjoyed their meals (especially those that ordered the ham and queso sandwhich) so I was happy, All in all, I'd come back here for a a dinner when I'm int eh downtown area but don't want to fight for parking. Parking here was a breeze. If there aren't spots right in front, then there is metered parking around the whole block (free after 6!) so you won't have any trouble.
(4)DeAnna P.
Ugh, the service at this place has always been awful and now the food is declining as well. The only reason we still go is they are the closest place to the Armory, so they get our business before Golden Gloves. To be fair, maybe service is better when they aren't packed on fight nights. On the other hand, GGs has been going on for over 30 years, so they really should plan ahead and have more staff those nights. When every seat in the place is taken, they only have one or two bartenders and at most three servers. Boo! Get more help and I will come back. Otherwise, I will be eating at home next season.
(2)Jane L.
The staff always makes me feel at home!
(4)Jelly R.
I've been to the bar here before, but not in years. It never really stood out in my mind, maybe because it's in a part of downtown that I don't often go. Recently, we decided to meet up with friends for "taco tuesday" night here. They had free pool, cheap (and good) tacos, and the bartender was super friendly and made sure our glasses were never empty, etc. I should make a point to go here more often.
(5)Philip S.
Found a bug in my food, maybe a baby cockroach. Had to get up and hunt for the server because he was not checking back with our table. He gave a perfunctory apology. When he was passing out checks to the rest of my group he said he wouldn't charge me. How kind. No manager intervention, no sincere amend and no coupon for a free, next time visit. Why in the world would I ever return to this joint?
(1)John G.
Best breaded pork tenderloin I have had so far in Indy. Overall it is a decent bar. There all pool tables upstairs but every time I have gone up there it is super crowded.
(4)DeAndrea B.
Food is always great! However every time we go our service isn't great because there is only one server and he has the ENTIRE dining room. Our server is always very nice however we always have to wait on drinks or anything else that we need. Other than that the food is always amazing and fresh which is different from most restaurants in downtown Indianapolis.....they just need more servers!
(4)Paige C.
I live really close to here, so it's proximity to my apartment is one of its only saving graces. The drinks and food are terribly overpriced. The first time my boyfriend and I went here we literally each got a beer, an order of chicken strips, and some sadly average mozzarella sticks and our bill was $45! Wha!? That's crazy town! I'm all about paying for good food, but there was nothing about this food that I couldn't have unfrozen and stuck in the oven myself. Sometimes they do have decent drink specials, so be sure to check those out and don't bother with the food.
(2)Chris H.
I enjoyed the bar. Good beer selection and the food was pretty good. My only problem was I was a little more than blown away when I asked for my bill and saw a generic Stone IPA for $9. That's a little steep if you ask me. Other than the single beer price, I'll go back!
(4)Kyle H.
Had the BLT for lunch and it was very good. The potato salad was different from the usual, but not in a bad way. Service was excellent. I will be coming back.
(4)Robbie R.
Love love love this place. Bartenders are always very attentive, drinks are priced fairly (not too weak but not too strong), they are always spot on with reccomendations, the wings are as good as ANY wings I have had in Indy just larger, pool tables upstairs and I have never had a problem finding a parking spot.
(4)Jennifer S.
I decided to drop in to see a friend hosting trivia night after the Yelp Film Fest preview and was surprised at the number of participants. I hopped up to the bar & was happy that I wasn't too late for pub grub at 10pmish. The menu consisted of bar staples, but also had several things that stood out that would appeal to a broader crowd, like strawberry chicken salad, gyros and homemade crab cakes. I ordered the fish tacos which came with a side of slaw in addition to chips & salsa. They hit the spot, but I couldn't help eyeballing what the guy sitting next to me ordered. Shrimp something - I wish I could find it on their menu now, but will defintely go back to ask. The crowd was very diversified, including broad age group, races and both sexes; some there for trivia, some on the pool tables and others, like myself, seated up to the bar just passing time. I liked the vibe I got and wondered why it had taken me so long to stop in. Considering the restaurant on the first level is kid friendly, this place is defnitely on my downtown radar and will be added to my kid friendly list.
(4)Peter P.
4 stars for the food. 2 stars for the service. The food has always been good here. Vast array of sandwiches and all are good. Service on the other hand, does not match what comes out of the kitchen. Every waiter/waitress I've ever had here is either: -harried -spacey -lazy -slow -clueless -some combination of the above
(3)Nancy Q.
My first time went there is for attending a special event which was organized by leasing office. In that time, they did a good job. So I stopped by there later. I can say that the burger here is really good! Especially the Signature burger. Certainly, I like the onion rings sides very much. Yummy ! I found this place is also enjoyed by elder person.
(4)Jeff J.
Good Burgers, Good Sandies, I'm a fan.
(4)