4. Restaurants

Thirsty Scholar

111 E 16th St,Ste 101, Indianapolis, IN, 46202
  • (317) 602-3357
  • Store is closed

Thirsty Scholar Menu

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  • Mae M.

    Thirsty Scholar is hit or miss in terms of service and food quality, but I promise the coffee will always be good! The coffee is really great and affordable, but I wish they had soy milk besides almond milk to serve as a non-dairy alternative. The desserts are good, but only when fresh. Half the time I have been there, my cinnamon roll or muffin is hard like it had been left outside for two days. As for the evening snacks/food, most of the time after you have ordered something, they come back and tell you they are out of ingredients for the item. Which is awful, they should know when people are ordering if they are out of half the items they claim to sell. This place gets really loud at night with all the concrete walls and floors, so I usually bail when the tables start filling up. It's a shame, because the place is so cute at night. They really need some rugs or some carpet tiles in the ceiling to reduce all the sounds bouncing off of everything.

    (3)

  • Lily B.

    Danielle was a horrible server... More interested in her friends than her tables. We waited forever to get any attention from her. She needs to be talked to by management. My first time here may be my last... Way to disappoint, Thirsty Scholar!

    (1)

  • Jim B.

    Finally made it to Thirsty Scholar last week and very impressed by the smallness of the space but making great use of what you have! Had the terrific guacamole and chips and two glasses of wine since to tell you the truth the food menu is pretty limited. This is definitely a drinks and snacks place - nothing really substantial food on the menu. Speaking of the menu: Am I getting old: The font size is literally so small you can barely read the menu (seriously I am NOT that old) and I understand the lighting is dimmed but it makes for reading the menu difficult. Recommendations: Don't expect a dinner at Thirsty Scholar - its strictly a drinks (alcohol/wine/coffee) and appetizers. Hopefully they will expand their food options in the fall/winter. Laptops: Every restaurant/bar is facing this issue re: laptop users utilizing tables for extended periods of time. I think that is why many restaurants/bars don't provide a power outlet for every table. Be considerate to incoming patrons and don't hog the tables (especially if you aren't buying additional food/drinks). Will definitely try it again in a few months and see if any changes have been made to the food options.

    (3)

  • Michael+Jenni B.

    I was somewhat skeptical -- but I am completely sold on this spot for several reasons. 1. Almond Milk - I am not a big fan of dairy and Soy Milk is blah, so the fact that they have Almond Milk to make cappuccinos and lattes with is a win for me. 2. Intelligensita Coffee - It doesn't get better and it's brewed to perfection here! 3. Atmosphere - It's definitely hipster, but not some sort of crazy exclusive vibe. Anyone could slip in here and read a book or do some work without getting a second glance. People seem to be passively friendly and keep to themselves. I can't wait to spend an afternoon doing work here soon. 4. Parking - Until 6pm, there is ample parking just North of their spot and even afterwards the street parking nearby isn't too bad to slip in. 5. Real Mugs - It's a small thing, but sipping a coffee or latte on the weekend just feels better in a real mug (versus paper) -- and it's better for the earth; so a win-win there.

    (5)

  • Brent L.

    SHORT REVIEW: Find a place to park and go inside. This place is awesome for awesome people. You're reading this on Yelp; you're awesome. There! Now you're invited! LONG REVIEW: Though I found myself vacillating between 4 & 5 stars, Thirsty Scholar is a pleasant rarity among the commonplace "coffeehouse." - LOCATION/FACILITY: I applaud the location and facility here. 16th & Pennsylvania is not an over-worked intersection, but it is certainly not an unexciting corner either. It's situated on the corner, in plain view, with it's aesthetic context-appropriate marquee lit up. From the outside, the stylings of the Thirsty Scholar brand and the name itself both tell you what you're getting into when you come in. This ain't your zip in and zip out Starbucks; no. When you come here, you come here to...to....to...pontificate -Thirsty "Scholar." You come here to exist in the atmosphere, to spend a few moments progressing yourself, listening, reading, learning, observing, thinking; much like the scholars would in the coffeehouses in the days of yore. The parking situation isn't perfect, but they certainly try to ameliorate during the day with free parking in the rear before 6pm. - FOOD/DRINKS: I was stuck on offering 4 or 5 stars for this facet alone. Thirsty Scholar isn't a restaurant, nor a bar. So, understanding that, it offers some light foods and some light drinks while coffee drinks are at the heart of the matter. Food is almost an afterthought on purpose here, to keep the purpose of "coffeehouse" as a centre of ideation, creation, and conversation in the forefront. When I recognized that, this place gets 5 stars from me for keeping is simple and evoking a nostalgia in the vintage look and feel...like letter writing, which you should do here while nibbling on something small. - SERVICE: The staff here both look and seem like they want to be there, which makes for a great experience. Not only are they happier to serve scholars, but they are also more likely to stay on the team longer. They make it feel like you could become friends with them and stay a customer as long as you want. That's rare these days. I appreciate this very much. - MUSIC: The volume isn't overwhelming and doesn't distract from your work or conversations. But it is audible for when you want to pay attention to it, you can ask them what song is playing and end up striking up conversation with the staff about their eclectic playlists! - OVERALL: This hipster, local-product loving, free Wi-Fi having, vintage-inspired place rocks. It's suitable for slowing down life and taking some time to focus on....whatever (or whomever) needs a healthy dose of your time and energy. Drink up. Here's a tip: Try the mocha with brown sugar cinnamon syrup!

    (5)

  • Abby T.

    I like this place because it has created a unique atmosphere that is nothing like other places near here. I used to live in this building, so my experiences with The Thirsty Scholar might be different than most, but I loved to visit this place at odd hours. Many a night, a few friends and I have had a few beers and played cards at a corner table. The room is quiet enough to do that.... but not too quiet to feel weird. At any given time you might be surrounded by people eating appetizers, studying with macs and coffees or having some pints. I think it's pretty cool how they have brought all of this together in one little spot. The outdoor seating is scarce, but if you can snag a table on 16th street, it is some prime people watching. The Thirsty Scholar is a priceless addition to this neighborhood. I miss it!

    (4)

  • Peter P.

    It's a good thing the space is so retro cool, because the service here is awful. The walls and floors just exude slick. Big windows that look out onto the street and let the sunset in add to the feeling that you're in an old movie. I had heard such good things about this place that I had to check it out. However, when I sat at the bar and perused their menu, I quickly realized that this is strictly a place to get a coffee or a drink. Don't think you're going to have anything more than a cupcake from the bakery next door or some chocolates from a shop on Mass Ave. The menu is so limited and overpriced that I would never order anything made in-house. Especially after I saw one of the bartenders making their guacamole. Everything was pre-cut in see-through plastic containers sitting out on the back bar. When an order came in, everything just went into a stainless steel bowl and was smashed together with a spoon. I didn't come for the food so I brushed what I saw aside, ordered one of the guest beers on tap and was generally pretty pleased with my selection. However, not once did the bartender stop chatting with the other bartender to check on me or ask if I wanted to order something else, despite there were only 3 other customers in the whole place. I finished my beer and sat there a good 5 minutes with an empty glass and decided it was high time to make my escape. My bartender failed in that respect as well as I could not distract him from his conversation long enough to get this attention. So I resorted to the age-old d-bag trick of waving a $20 bill in the air. His partner-in-crime spotted it and came over to cash me out. To top it all off, when I got home, I realized the other bartender short-changed me. I usually trust servers/bartenders to give me the right amount of change and don't sit and count my change while they look on uncomfortably. But the next time I do, and he/she gives me an exasperated look, I'm going to tell them about the Thirsty Scholar. This could be a cool craft coctail bar serving the Old Northside/Herron Morton area but for the fact that they only have a beer and wine license and it would require that the service get their heads out of their rear ends.

    (2)

  • Sunah K.

    Yes, still working on things a bit, but they acknowledge it. Nice spot for night cap. Service was great--we had a taste of one of the seasonals on tap. Drink menu has an awesome collection. We also had some spinach dip, which I liked, although a little surprised at first it was cold. Probably a good thing to keep it simple--don't think theres much of a food prep area. Hope that between this place, the other businesses in the Penn Arts bldg, and Foundry Provisions down the street that this part of town cleans up and perks up! we sat on the patio outside--cute, but 16th is a busy street, often traversed by the not-so-savory, and i got spittled on by AC units from above. Sorry if this sounds snooty! Love the decor inside and the big windows-- will probably sit inside next time

    (4)

  • Tiffany B.

    Loving so much about this place. The building: historic and restored, so of course, awesome; decor: digging it; outdoor seating (since it is still summer and all); the fun sign (one of my favorites in town right now!) and the windows! Oh, what fun to sit and watch Indy whiz by from one of the tables along the western border of the building--dang near floor to ceiling. And it doesn't hurt that you're seated at a marble table. Sitting there chatting feels like Indy OR somewhere in Europe that you can't quite put your finger on... Icing on the cake: accessible/ walkable for Herron-Morton and Old Northside and open late, late! I've always thought Indy was missing the boat not having a late night spot where you can have coffee/ tea /dessert or the option of a final glass of wine or beer. This is the spot for that. Hop to, friends! Some background- kinda like mood lighting, but better: historicindianapolis.com…

    (4)

  • Matt H.

    This place is awesome. The lattes are some of the better tasting and creamer tasting that I have had. Place has a very relaxed atmosphere and ask the staff was very welcoming. Would highly recommend anyone to go to.

    (5)

  • Laura M.

    Can we all agree that a coffee shop should have comfortable seating? I understand that Thirsty Scholar is going for a certain type of aesthetic, but the seating is just so darn uncomfortable! Like, reminds me of being in Catholic school type of uncomfortable. Maybe a carpet and a couple overstuffed chairs or something so the espresso machine noises don't reverberate so much? I've been to the Thirsty Scholar twice since they opened and each time I've been impressed by the food and beverages, not so much by the ambiance. Service is reasonably quick, except for when it comes time to pay. On the plus side, they have really good cupcakes, a decent wine selection, and some nice nibbles. The location is pretty good, too. If they could just make the seating a little more coffee shop and a little less church pew, we'd be looking at a primo coffee shop/ wine bar.

    (3)

  • Catherine K.

    I live right around the corner but hadn't been here before -- it seemed like it would be too hipster for a nearly 40-year-old like me. I popped in yesterday for coffee while getting my hair done (the salon is in the same building) and my latte was surprisingly good. Perfect temperature, good amount of SF vanilla syrup and the coffee wasn't bitter. I was told that one of the baristas makes the coffee super hot -- like, you have to wait 15 minutes hot. At 9 a.m. on a Saturday, it was pretty quiet in there ... a few people reading, a few small groups. I'd walk over for more coffee; not sure if I'd go for drinks.

    (4)

  • Joanna B.

    I really want to like this place. It is very conveniently located to me, the decor is awesome and I really like the vibe of the place. Unfortunately I am just not a fan. I just don't think that they have found their niche. They have beer wine and coffee, I don't really like any of those and I realize that that is totally my own problem. But there is nothing unique about this place. They serve local beer, the wine is in no way unique and the food leaves quite a bit to be desired.

    (2)

  • N S.

    I come here at least once a week, and I've always enjoyed everything that the Thirsty Scholar has to offer. The coffees, drinks, and ambiance is always great. However, some of the staff not so much when it comes to providing great customer service to regulars. A few times that I have been here, I have brought a light snack for myself while studying. I have had a server tell me that they do not allow people into the scholar unless a purchase has been made. I found this very rude because I more than likely would not have entered the shop if I was not planning on having coffee. The same lady had a few of my colleagues and I move from a table to the bar because the table needed to be occupied by others... Except the table remained empty for majority of the time I was there that night. Then earlier in the week, I had purchased a cup of coffee. Normally, I leave a tip (although most coffee shops don't require it, Starbucks, Mo-Joes, Henrys, etc certainly aren't adamant about tips or begging for them). The one time I did not leave a tip because my drink was $2-3.. and a tip would have been around 50 cents and I did not have any extra change.. (Again), the same lady confronted me the next day at the register in front of multiple people, including friends. I've never experienced such behavior from anyone. It was upsetting to experience in a place I enjoy being at. I will not be coming here anymore due to lack of taking care of customers properly.

    (2)

  • Kimmi M.

    The Thirsty Scholar is toned down and simple. They don't really need food here. It says it all on the sign "Coffee, Wine, Beer." Three things I very much enjoy. It's beautifully decorated and well priced. The baristas are also all sweet as pie and cute to boot!

    (4)

  • Beth B.

    So, walked in on a Sunday morning and not a seat in the house. Walked on out. Not their fault that people want to be there...it's not a large space. Flash forward to 4:30 on a Wednesday...stopped in an found a couple empty seats. Hey, it's close enough to 5:00, right? We ordered a bottle of pinot grigio and settled in for some good conversation. Definitely a wide demographic, which is cool. I like the decor and space in general. Will try again for some coffee on a weekday.

    (4)

  • Kirstin D.

    An intimate space suitable for a date, a small group or an independent study session. I love that I can bring my work and sit alone without feeling out of place. Plus the hours are ideal for night owls and procrastinators.

    (5)

  • Julie A.

    I work across the street in the WFYI center so often will walk over to Thirsty Scholar for a coffee, tea, or meeting over a small plate. The service is always laid back, nice, and not in your face. The vibe is cool and retro, with tons of natural light from the big windows, tons of seating and lots of outlets for your computer. Love that I can get a glass of wine or a latte in the same place, love the diversity of the customers, and love the nice, laid back, and swanky atmosphere that it offers. Small plates are great - the meat and cheese plate and guacamole are to die for. It isn't whole meals or a place to go for dinner, but it also doesn't claim to be. If you're wanting a small snack, sandwich, or just a drink as you work or catch up with friends, this is a great local spot with tons of charm!

    (5)

  • Sergey G.

    Thirsty Scholar is a bit uneven in everything they do. Give you a couple of examples. Main reason I come there is coffee- if it is made by a guy with a hat (and sadly I'm not social enough to ask his name), it is the best espresso drink in the city by far- traditionally made, foamy, balanced, and well presented. If however its anybody else, all you will get is the usual coffee-flavored milkshake- no balance, mostly milk, and poor presentation. Another couple of things with a contrast: great pastries, but all of them are sweet and extra fatty; beer- usually good and well-rotated, but because they offer only 4 types, if rotation is poor, the choice is lacking. Wine- a little overpriced and again poor selection for a wine bar. Food- a couple of great items to snack on, but no chance to make a dinner out of it. Etc So why 4 stars? Scholar is still a great place to grab a drink/coffee, have a little chat, and may be work/study a bit. I love big windows and that European-style coffee house feel. I also like its originality and self-confusion (beer,wine, coffee? Ah screw it- lets just offer all of them and see what happens). It is one of very few places I can visit any time of the day (the place opens super early and closes fairly late), and can stay for any occasion (well except for dinner I guess).

    (4)

  • Chris H.

    I really like this place. I live near by and I like the feel and the service. However, it is over priced. The local craft beer and the food selection is decent but their prices are a little much. I will continue to go here from time to time but not as much as I would if the prices reflected the location, food and beer.

    (3)

  • Michelle A.

    My favorite place to study while enjoying a drink!

    (4)

  • jason y.

    I enjoy having this place literally next to my building. It is a nice place to sit down and enjoy a beer. I just wish they serve hard liquor.

    (4)

  • Trevor C.

    After half a dozen visits (likely more), I'm officially a 3.5-star fan, and rounding up because it's in the neighborhood. In a nutshell: very good coffee house, good wine & fair beer bar, lackluster food. Unless you're grabbing the oatmeal, not a place to eat...but great spot to catch up with friends, read a book, or get some work finished in a different environment. My biggest gripe, the noise, is much improved thanks to a few well-placed sound panels on the ceiling. The positives are still around: mind-bogglingly scrumptious oatmeal, nice selection of tea, most of my coffee-snob friends dig the brew [I rarely touch the black stuff and can't comment], and the beer selection is decent: a few steps down from Ralston's or MacNiven's, along the lines of Bakersfield but more local and without the boots of PBR. Service speed is better than before but still seems to vary visit to visit, on the brighter side they're always very friendly! TS staff: great work! Can we pleassssssssseeeee get some Goose the Market stuff for your charcuterie?!

    (4)

  • Grace B.

    This was on my list of "go-tos" for quite some time. Finally was able to pop in for a drink with a friend. I really love the fact that they have coffee, tea and beer/wine. There aren't really any places around downtown like this. I sat up at the bar and had a glass of wine and my friend had a cider. Both were good but let's get real... I haven't met a Chardonnay i don't like. I received good service and bartender was just friendly enough. The atmosphere was the part i enjoyed the most. It promoted conversation and gave more of the cafe feel opposed to bar. I can't wait to go back for a cup of coffee and also try the food. Will definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Christian D.

    I wasn't entirely impressed with their selection of beers or edibles, but this is likely more of a reflection of my preferences rather than their selection. Or maybe I just show up at the wrong time. I wish they had more selections of beers and wines, local or otherwise. I also wish they had earlier hours on some days so I could try their coffee before a workday. And I see all these pictures of sandwiches and such: when do they have an actual food menu rather than only appetizers?

    (3)

  • Chris S.

    Thirsty scholar is sophisticated and classy. The details count and the style is reflected everywhere from the light fixtures to the employees. I enjoy the atmosphere so much that I will pay the premium price just to sit there. You can count on good beer available at the tap and a solid selection of bottles. The coffee is also superb and free wifi means I can use this business as my office for the price of an endless cup of joe. Did I mention the awesome staff? Friendly, top notch service support the five star rating. You can sometimes find parking behind the Penn Arts building and street parking is abundant. All in all, treat yourself and enjoy the laid back vibe.

    (5)

  • Vanessa E.

    Atmosphere is chill and fun. Coffee was solid as were the truffles. Very clearly gay friendly! Great place to hang out and sip on some drinks. All local drinks. We will be back!

    (5)

  • Esther B.

    The Thirsty Scholar has become a great addition to the Old Northside! I love coming down and working from one of the large tables by the windows; it is such a relaxed environment. I would also highly recommend the cappuccino.

    (4)

  • Dana D.

    The Thirsty Scholar has figured out the awkward balance between coffee shop and social bar. I can (and usually do) stop by about 2 pm and get work done and by the time I leave at 6 pm, there's a pretty even number of people enjoying coffee, wine, or local brews. The service is exceptional, the coffee is lovingly crafted and delicious, and the atmosphere is cohesive to both day and night entertainment. A hands-down Indianapolis treasure in Old Northside.

    (5)

  • Richard H.

    Been back a number of times, always a fun time, and the service issues seem to have worked themselves out. :-)

    (4)

  • Darshy N.

    Forget everything else, the Thirsty Scholar gets 5 stars for it's insanely beautiful decor. Welcome to the 1920s people. Oh the level of class. Along with coffee (which btw, breathe in and out - it's Intelligentsia!) wine and beer bar with some pretty rad tunes all day (I worked from here once) this place exudes coolness.

    (5)

  • Timothy L.

    I know there are several great little coffee spots in town, but this is what has been missing! Coffee culture is an interesting one, and it often intersects with the wine and craft beer communities. The owners of Thirsty Scholar nailed the atmosphere and the drink selection. I look forward to seeing how they grow and extend their appeal here in Indy.

    (5)

  • Ntianu S.

    Based upon the reviews of fellow Yelpers, I have been anxious awaiting an opportunity to visit The Thirsty Scholar. This place gets two thumbs up from me and exceeded my expectations. When I arrived I parked on the street and was pleasantly surprised to find out that parking was free (#winning). I entered the building and loved the cozy decor. My friends and I scanned over the menu. We were initially surprised because the food options were limited and we were hungry. The drink menu included tea, espresso and coffee based drinks, wine, beer, and even cider. It is awesome that they offer cider from a local gem, New Day Meadery. All if the cider fans the South Cider is a must. We were a bit confused in regards to how to place our order. We assumed someone would come to take our order. After 10 minutes of confusion, we went up to the bar to inquire about ordering when we saw a sign that said no table side orders until 5p. Ok, point taken. I opted for the turkey grinder with a side of BBQ chips, a glass of rosé, and a double chocolate chip pretzel cookie. I believe most of the food items come from outside vendors so your food items come as is. The turkey grinder was decent. It was good and filling. The rose was ok. I wanted something a tad bit sweeter. Now the chocolate chip pretzel cookie was freaking delicious! Oh my goodness. Great combination of sweet and salty. I had to stop myself from ordering a second. I can definitely see The Thirsty Scholar as a new place to work or chat with my friends. I can't wait to go back and just hang out. I'm also excited to explore the rest of the drink and dessert menu. I see why Yelpers want this gem to stay a secret. Love at first visit!

    (5)

  • Jayne M.

    WONDERFUL place for wine, beer, and coffee. Food leaves a bit to be desired, but still good. Staff is great and extremely knowledgable.

    (4)

  • Christina M.

    People that come here are generally nice and I have met many cool people there of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. I am a bit of a wine, coffee and beer snob and I have not had a drink there that wasn't good. Their brewed coffee is great as well as their expresso drinks. The tea is tasty and they usually have about four local beers on tap which are all good. Yes, the food choices are limited. All in all, it is an authentic, awesome place. It's hard to pin this place down into one category. It's cool all around.

    (5)

  • Dylan E.

    The Thirsty Scholar is a great place to grab a late night beverage, be it alcoholic or caffeinated, in a relaxed environment. I went there reasonably late on a Wednesday (11 is late to me for a weekday), and there was a surprising number of people there sitting around and talking, or getting work done for the deadline the next morning. After pulling up a seat at the bar, we were helped by the bartender and had some choices to make. The beer and wine selection wasn't as extensive as other places, but it did provide a great selection of different things to try. I didn't look into trying out any of the snack or dessert selections that they offered, but there were a few small plate type items available. The service was great, and the bartender was really nice and helpful. I think the thing that is going to draw me back here is the setting. I love any place with dark wood, marble, chandelier style lighting, and exposed piping and ventilation ducts. It is kept pretty dark in the evenings and it has a great atmosphere that feels like a place you see in an episode of Mad Men. If it wasn't beer and wine only, I could see myself in here on a regular basis sipping on a glass of whisky and enjoying their meat and cheese plate. One of the coolest things here is that they kept one of the old ladders and some of the track that it slides around in that was used in the library and is now above the bar. Also, and it may sound like odd advice, but be sure to check out the bathroom when you are there so you get to take the walk down the hallway that runs between all the other shops in the building. You'll have to get one of the employees to let you into the hallway, but I thought it was pretty cool to see. I'll be back here again.

    (4)

  • Michael B.

    Bit pricey it nothing comparable in the immediate neighborhood. Free WiFi / password: vintage1

    (4)

  • Matthew O.

    The Thirsty Scholar has a singular atmosphere. Just a short trip from IUPUI, it is a perfect place to grab some coffee to help you through a long night of studying while also offering a spot to grab a brew and unwind.

    (4)

  • Oliver G.

    I really like the Thirsty Scholar, but I can't say that I love it. The coffee is very good. The food is honestly less so. They have sandwiches now, but they are pre-made. I would go to Thirsty Scholar for drinks...but not if you're primarily wanting to eat. Parking is a little difficult at times, but it's usually possible if you're willing to park a little further down Pennsylvania. Inside, it has a cool kind of old school atmosphere. It can be a little noisy at times, which can make it a little hard to do a lot of work there. I think it'd be a great place to meet people, but there might be better options if you want to sit and work for a while. I *love* the hours...they are open pretty late for a coffee place....I think at least to midnight. For a night person like me, this is honestly my favorite part of the Thirsty Scholar. I love having somewhere I can go without having to worry about what time it is.

    (4)

  • Brian L.

    Arrived here around late dinner with the girlfriend on a whim after driving by. Weren't particularly hungry and more in the mood for a light snack, some coffee, and a beer. Ordered the veggie platter with guacamole instead of the green goddess dressing, a cup of the dark roast, and a Shadow Chaser draft. I'm not normally a coffee drinker, and I sipped the girlfriend's roast, I must say the dark roast was delicious. Very smooth while having plenty of flavor. A real treat. The Shadow Chaser was also really tasty, and it was neat that all of their draft options were local brews. The guacamole was very delicious. Chunky, lacked tomatoes so it wasn't overly acidic like you'll find with some guac, and just the right amount of heat from the jalapenos in it. Our server Danielle was incredibly nice and frequently came back to refill water, ask if we wanted anything else, and also to have a nice chat with since we were out of towners. Decor is downright beautiful inside. I'm glad they are keeping with the design aesthetics of the larger Penn Arts building. Unlike other reviewers, I didn't notice the bad seating although we were sitting at a table, not at the window bar. Probably the only thing I would be critical of is the price of the veggie platter we ordered ($10 + another $3 since we did guacamole for the dip instead). Seemed rather steep although the veggies were quite delicious and fresh. But a good start for their first month of operation!

    (4)

  • Vivian D.

    The space is lovely with a mix of urban loft--think wood and metal--with a few touches of Art Deco inspired lighting. The marble table and bar are lovely but the chairs are a portrait in misery-round, thin, mean and unwelcoming. The coffee is good but nothing to go out of your way to find. The service is poor with little concern for the patrons--two large tables and the worker takes up one of them to hold his laptop. That seems uncool. There are also just a few outlets--which seems a problem for a place looking to entice folks to sit a spell and work from their laptops. I am sure to be back for drinks with downtown friends, but it won't be my first choice. Pretty without substance--an homage to the 1920s that misses.

    (3)

  • David H.

    I like what they are doing here, it's like a Starbucks but with Beer and Wine instead. However, it's downfall is that it's just not comfortable. If they were to upgrade to better quality furnishings, I'll update my review.

    (3)

  • Richard M.

    So far so good. There doing everything right -- decent coffee and beer and the staff are very nice and welcoming. Wifi = check Decent music = check Great location = check The best thing? The huge windows looking out onto the Herron building, designed by Bernard Vonnegut of Vonnegut and Bohn.

    (4)

  • Jordan K.

    Employees are very nice. Always have 3-4 Indiana beers on tap. Always get a great explanation on where to find these beers throughout the city. A great place to relax after work and have a beer or two.

    (5)

  • Monnica L.

    I visited during early evening hours. I will definitely go back, and I definitely want to check out there late night vibe. I am very impressed with what they have done with the place. The last time I was in that space, it was the OFA field office. Cool atmosphere and decor. They have a decent selection of wines, small plates and pastries, and the mocha was good. If I have one criticism, it is that they need more comfortable seating. I could see myself spending hours at a time there working (free wifi) or hanging out with friends, but the seats need some padding.

    (4)

  • Jason C.

    A plate of olives and a good beer is a great way to end the day. The service is really good and consists of very attentive and friendly people. This is the first nice hangout in downtown I can refer to as trendy and hip and mean it as a compliment. You must check it out.

    (4)

  • Jake M.

    I try to give all the new places a try, so I was excited to try the Thirsty Scholar. Went here to do some work with a friend during the day and I have to say I am not impressed. Firstly the coffee was bad, I am not a coffee snob but it was not good, it tasted like Folgers that sat out all day, we were there in the afternoon and it was pretty obvious this was brewed early that morning, also it was not cheap $3 a cup. The atmosphere was pretty close and crowded, it was very hard to feel at ease as it felt like there are too many tables crammed in that small of a space. The WiFi didnt work which is always frustrating. To avoid the crowd me and my friend went and sat on the patio, it was ok but the air conditioners from Penn Arts apartments dropped condensation all over us the entire time we were sitting outside which was rather obnoxious. I know this place will thrive cause there really isnt anything else in that part of town but I was not impressed and probably wont go back. One thing that looked decent is they seemed to have a pretty good menu of local beers.

    (2)

  • Emily U.

    This is the only place I've ever encountered in Indianapolis that made me feel like I was in Europe! I love the ambiance and I want to love the experience of going there, though the service has been spotty. I have waited far too long to get my order taken and been cashed out for no reason after ordering one beer at the bar on a slow Sunday afternoon. The food offerings also leave something to be desired. I am optimistic this place will shape up over time, though, and am definitely pulling for that to happen. Love the development in this area in general! So if you want a nice, quiet weekday evening destination to drink some beer, wine or espresso and work on your existential novel, the Scholar is your place.

    (3)

  • Kevin K.

    Super cutie little shop, with a great local ambiance. I had the chai tea and it was pretty decent. I did try calling them 3 times though, but nobody answered...

    (4)

  • Catherine S.

    After a work assignment in town ended early, I had some time to kill and decided to check this place out rather than wander around the airport. I got there around 3 pm on a weekday, so it was fairly empty except for a few other people hovering over laptops. This is a very casual place with a vintage feel- equal parts coffee house and bar. The barista was super friendly and took my order quickly- even opened a new bottle of wine instead of serving one that was previously opened. I had the spinach dip with chips, and though the dip was served chilled (rather than the hot kind I anticipated), it was flavored well and the portion was a good size. Just the kind of snack I needed to make it through the afternoon. The menu isn't huge but it's got enough interesting things on there to make it worthwhile. Next time I'm in town I will check out some of the coffee offerings as well- watching the prep of other patrons' drinks, I could see the time and skill put into each one.

    (4)

  • Nicole V.

    My husband and I were looking for a fun place to go and grab coffee. We wanted a local place (non-Starbucks) and something open in the evenings. Someone recommended this place and it was fun! Great, relaxed atmosphere. They have coffee, beer, wine, and food. I would definitely recommend it to others and will plan to go back!

    (5)

  • Karen G.

    Stopped in for a warm beverage while cheering on the Indianapolis Monumental marathon . Big windows offer light and counter seating yet the view is unattractive cityscape. Ordered a cinnamon latte, got pumpkin spice and was met with a blank look when the barista was updated by his co worker. No remake was offered . The latte lacked flavor. The Thirsty Scholar has a welcoming decor and nice seating options yet the attention to service is in need of repair.

    (2)

  • Monica C.

    Love the outdoor seating and the idea of the place. It's a very classy place where you can enjoy a snack and a beverage an good conversation! I think it was a great move for the area! Love the fact I could walk to and from

    (4)

  • Angelique C.

    I really wanted to like TS, it's beautiful and convenient. The service wasn't brusque for midday, and my coffee was so so. The dessert selection was an assortment of three cupcakes, a few cookies and a cinnamon roll. Not what you'd expect in a beautiful place like TS. The lack of a bottomless drip cup sends me back down the road to the little orange building. I'll give it a try in the evening. It's not terrible by any means, but uninspiring.

    (3)

  • Jacqueline B.

    The neighborhood is so lucky to have a wonderful classy establishment like this. You can order a coffee, beer or wine. The crowd and atmosphere here is great.

    (5)

  • J C.

    It's close to my house, it's new so thought I would give it a try. It was a Thursday night (8/22) so I thought I would walk over and give it a try. There were a few people there but NOT busy. There were 2 guys and 2 gals behind the bar, all with their backs to the customers. I sat at the bar and turned on my timer on the Iphone as clearly they were not interested in serving nor paying attention. At the 6 minute mark one of the guys turned around and saw my Iphone clicking the time and about jumped over the bar. Great place that could be fun but the service is pretty bad....no one apology for ignoring the customer.... I like to support the business in the hood but think I'll pass on meeting up there.....

    (1)

  • Jessica R.

    My sister and I both live in the neighborhood and decided to meet for a glass of wine. We had both been super excited about a new local bar. We won't go back. Bartenders were very unfriendly and were less than accommodating. Atmosphere seems overwhelmingly pretentious. Hoped for more from a local establishment!

    (1)

  • Joanna S.

    Instantly a favorite for daytime remote working. Why? - good drinks - good food (they make most on-site, but get the quiche fresh from elsewhere. try the quiche!) - both breakfast and lunch food - good ambiance - good music level - big (free) parking lot - ample indoor seating, bar-style and tables - outdoor seating - walkable shops to visit during a break Okay, but any gripes? Even little ones? - It's a stretch, but I guess the chairs could stand to be a little more comfortable, but I was there 8 hours and I survived. I went outside when I felt restless.

    (5)

  • Ram T.

    Not that good place to have coffee. Seen lots of students studying, good and nice environment to study but not to have a good coffee.

    (3)

  • Ron B.

    Was in town the night before a meeting and just exploring. After finding something to eat, went in search of a coffee shop that was open late and discovered Thirsty Scholar via a yelp search. What i found was quite the gem of a coffee house, especially for someone who happens to like coffee shops and frequents them anywhere in the world I end up. I found the staff to be really attentive without being obtrusive, there is ample seating both inside and outside. It was a good mix of people meeting with other people and folks working on things well into the night, which was a great vibe. The lighting is dim but seemed to really work and the offerings from food to coffee to libations to tea were pretty deep. I only ended up drinking tea, so I can't speak to anything else going on there but...I can't really enough about Thirsty Scholar as a coffee shop hangout haven. The best part is they stay open late and the vibe was a great mix of people and despite it not being my local haunt, it had a really comfortable vibe which is really rare to find. Lastly they get an entire star for their music selection, because that sort of thing matters to me. Any joint that spins Fiona Apple, Mazzy Star, Radiohead, et. al. in succession is going to be my kind of spot. I don't have many excuses to be in Indianapolis, but Thirsty Scholar would be on the list of them if I had compiled one.

    (4)

  • Ravi P.

    The only reason I believe people gave 4 or 5 stars is because of three things 1. Open late 2. Location and accessibility 3. Silent environment - good for working and for IU students, free wifi Why did I give only 2 stars? 1. Terrible coffee - supposedly a coffee shop that doesn't know how to make a coffee 2. Terrible pastries - literally the worst pastries I ever had, pastries we had were brownie, lemon cake, caramel cone 3. No parking after 6 pm other than street parking, which is really hard to find

    (2)

  • Mary T.

    Dear Thirsty Scholar, I wanted to like your hipster atmosphere mixed with your Chicagoan coffee and your integration of alcohol in a relaxed immersion coffee shop but mostly I wanted to like you because Martha Stewart has frequented your establishment whilst in Indy. Unfortunately, it's an unrequited love that cuts deep. On several visits your baristas have been unpleasant, is it my absence of black rimmed glasses, my colorful attire, my chipper attitude that screams uncool kid?? Although I think your coffee is phenomenal, your lack of service disappoints me and you're never open early enough for when my weekday morning espresso addiction calls out. So I say to you Thirsty Scholar, I wish I was cool enough to be part of your club and to be considered one of your own, but until then the one sided love affair lives on inside of me, only to be provoked when the free spirit calls out.

    (3)

  • Pradeep R.

    No real taste of mocha, pastries aren't good. I think this place is to just sit and read books. But no real value for money and no good food too

    (1)

  • Cammie W.

    I came to Thirsty Scholar in search of the perfect local coffeehouse to get some work done. I'm not a coffee drinker (too sensitive to caffeine & don't like the taste) so I cant comment on any of their coffee. There's not a strong coffee smell when you walk through the door though. I tried their spinach & feta cheese quiche. It was very yummy but came out still cold on the bottom. The barista reheated it for me with no problem (although she was surprised that it was still cold). The bottom crust did get a little soggy because it was microwaved but I personally didn't mind. The side and top crust were still perfectly flakey. Their current teas are displayed in jars underneath the menu board. They had 8 loose leaf teas during my visit. I didn't see them at first so I had to ask. The barista explained the blends and even pointed out the caffeinated teas since it was obviously my first time. According to their website menu, they get their teas from Kilogram Tea. I opted for the 333 Blend, which is a rosehips, peppermint, and chamomile. It wasn't anything special; the flavors were all very light. The peppermint was not a sharp mint, which some people may prefer. There is free wifi here--you just have to ask for the password. The parking lot out back (Penn Arts lot) is open for customers from 6am-6pm, which makes it very convenient. There are also a few metered spots in front. I really liked the ambiance when I came in on a Friday afternoon. Everyone there had a non-alcoholic beverage and were working away on their laptops or readings. It was a great environment to work in.

    (4)

  • Becky T.

    Great place to work, especially when you need to focus outside of regular coffee shop hours. Love the location and free parking. They always have a decent selection of local brews and plenty of caffeine to keep me going. I've attended a couple of live music events here and am always charmed by how easily one of my favorite workspaces morphs into an intimate concert venue.

    (4)

  • Mariam H.

    Walk by the windows of the Thirsty Scholar and you will find a great mix of downtown people. Grad students buried in their laptops. Doctors running in for a quick coffee. Business meetings. The occasional acoustic set on weekends. Groups of neighbors playing board games over glasses of vino (yeah, that describes me). The business concept of combining liquid uppers and downers has been a great success in my opinion. A very welcome addition to the Old Northside. Besides the coffee, wine and beer selections you can also order small food items. I am a huge fan of the spinach and artichoke dip and the meat and cheese platter. It's the perfect amount for two people to share. Although I do not feel the coffee at Thirsty is anything special, I really enjoy the ambiance. It's an old-world feel inside with art deco lighting (the Penn Arts building was built in 1922), dark burgundy walls, sliding library ladder and collection of beautiful hardback classic novels. I guarantee someone becomes the next Kurt Vonnegut or John Green from a book they wrote on their Mac while sipping on an almond chai latte at this quaint establishment. If you still aren't sold on this place, I will give you this nugget: Martha Stewart has been a patron. And now you are sold and I will offer you another nugget: Do not. Repeat! Do NOT park in the parking lot behind the building after 6pm during the week.... you will be towed. You're welcome. Enjoy your cup o'joe or vino!

    (4)

  • Steven M.

    Went here a few nights ago for a meetup on Wednesday (this being my first week in indy). The interior of this place is very cool, very old, but very clean. It's in the bottom of the Penn Arts building on 16th street. Did not sample the food or coffee, but was impressed to find any craft beer on tap, let alone 4. I did look over the menu while I was there, and will be back to sample the goods another time. There was a lot of people studying (or trying to study) and I'm afraid our rather loud group was probably getting a little out of hand. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Sweet place in old northside, and within walking distance so I will return!

    (5)

  • Brittany L.

    Great neighborhood beer, wine, and coffee bar. Amazing decor, good service, nice snacks. This is a great place to go to get to know someone or to catch up with someone you haven't seen in awhile. Wonderful place to study, read, write, get some work done. They serve Intelligenstia coffee. We've brought games there to play on a couple occasions. Most of the servers are really nice and conversational. I think there's usually 6-6 beers on draft plus bottles...all local and good stuff. If you're unable to parallel park, this may not be a good destination for you as parking is on the street. See my previous review for more detailed descriptions of the interior. I've been here probably 6-8 times since they opened and they've come along nicely.

    (4)

  • Tony J.

    Place is nice though the one afternoon we stopped by to get some drinks, the place was packed with most of the people inside on their laptops. The drinks were fine, just kinda felt like we were the odd ball, and we didnt get the memo that we should have brought our own laptops with us as we sip our coffee and tea.

    (3)

  • Cher C.

    Thirsty Scholar's house blend coffee and El Diablo (darker roast) are amazingly delicious and drinkable without any additional sugar or cream -- this is coming from someone who loves the varieties of creamer at the store. This is a great place if you want to grab a cup of coffee and chat with your friends. I would not recommend studying here because their chairs and bench along the window are unfortunately uncomfortable and it is usually pretty noisy.

    (4)

  • Pathik B.

    This serves a need that no others serve in Indy: they're open past 11pm (til 1am), have free WiFi and serve Intelligentsia coffee (very good). If you want to study late outside of your home, this is the place to go. They have great music playing too. The only down side is that they have a limited menu, and it's small. I've been able to get a table every time I've gone, but you might have to wait if you have more than 4 people in your group.

    (4)

  • Kate B.

    Do you like drinking coffee while listening to ironic versions of popular songs? Do you long to live in wicker park? Do you use an umbrella when it's not raining? If so, thirsty scholar might be for you. I think this place has a good atmosphere. It has a couple local brews and several different types of wine. I'm just not hipster enough to fully enjoy it. I think I would like it better during the day or on a weeknight.

    (3)

  • Mike F.

    For those who have traveled to Europe, it is easy to understand the comfort of going to the ubiquitous corner café. They're often in old, historic buildings, and full of interesting, friendly, and culturally aware intellectuals. They are places where people enjoy a pint beer in the middle of the day, or a cup of coffee in the middle of the night--or vice versa. In our world of pop culture, strip malls, chain restaurants, and drywall, these cafés remind you that there are still establishments that challenge the American status quo. I've been asking myself for years why we don't have places like this in Indianapolis. Well, we do. Settled on the corner of 16th and Pennsylvania Street, the Thirsty Scholar offers the Naptowner the rare opportunity to experience the feel of a quaint European café. While the place is rather small, its brightly lit sign gives does not keep its location shrouded in mystery to passersby. The interior is beautiful, being on the first floor of the Penn Arts Building, but I would surmise that the hardwood is not original. Walking into the the establishment, one will find a host of tables, but there is also single seating along a window-facing bar. Of course, the Thirsty Scholar also has a pub-like bar, which is divided from the main dining area by small metal "fence." For this reason, one does not need to be 21 years old to enjoy the Thirsty Scholar. While I've certainly surpassed that age, I would have made the place a hangout in my teenage years. On Saturday nights, they feature a live, local band, playing music that is conducive to coffee drinking. The Thirsty Scholar is part coffee-shop, part bar, and part restaurant. Since I've yet to order food here, I'll only say that they have some tempting items on their menu. They also feature a nice selection of beer and wine (but no liquor), with several craft brews on tap at any given time. Personally, I go to the Thirsty Scholar for the coffee. They serve their house blend (my preference), a dark blend, and for those who insist, decaf. Since the Thirsty Scholar is open until 1:00AM (12:00AM on Sunday, closed Monday), it is the best place in town for a late-night coffee craving. They also have free Wi-Fi, so you can surf the web on your Mac while you drink. The Thirsty Scholar has not been free from criticism on Yelp, and it is not going to escape this review without some. First, their coffee is more expensive than going to Starbucks. Sure, they don't have the multibillion dollar backing of a major chain; I get it. I have no problem paying $3.00 for a large (16oz) coffee with $1.00 refills if I'm dining in; however, I'm not likely to visit for a coffee to-go at those prices. Second, I've been served less-than-hot, stale coffee more than once. This has only occurred late at night, when most people are coming in for alcohol. Sorry, a coffee shop should always have hot, fresh coffee, despite the time. If that involves having to discard some at the end of the night, so be it. At $3.00 a cup, the Thirsty Scholar can afford it. When the coffee is hot and fresh, it is excellent. I truly hope that the establishment's owners read this review, and correct these issues. Despite my criticism, I plan on patronizing the Thirsty Scholar for years to come. For Indianapolis, it is truly one-of-a-kind.

    (4)

  • Meredith S.

    I love absolutely everything about this place! From the interior to the food to the drinks to the name... it is the best. Just wish I lived closer to it! Boyfriend and I stopped here one night as he wanted beer and I wanted coffee and we didn't want to go to a typical bar. I love a place that has a bell on the door. So happy! The interior is very cozy and even though it was crowded, we were able to find a table to sit at. I ordered an Americano and it was so, so, so good! Good selection of beers as well, if I would've been feeling that. Also, this is a prime place to people watch. So many different types of people were there! I can definitely see myself coming back and bringing a book or my laptop. Much better than a chain coffee shop. Yum yum!

    (5)

  • Jon C.

    I'm sure I'm going to get hate mail for this one, but I just can't get into Thirsty Scholar. Yeah.. that's right. I'm not a hipster and I don't own a Mac.. so I just don't fit in here. I met some friends the other night for drinks here because we thought every other place in town would be packed because there was a game in town (or so I was told.. I really have no clue.) Thirsty Scholar is close to me, parking is semi-decent and they have alcohol, so it made sense that we would come here. We walked in as live music was playing and snagged a seat. After about 10 minutes and no server we decided there must not be anyone waiting tables, and nominated Mark to go to the bar and place our drink order. Mark returned a few minutes later, drink-less, with a server in tow. Apparently we interrupted a smoke break, and our desire to have a drink interrupted it. Only beer and wine on the menu along with coffee, so we had one coffee, one wine and one beer. Can't say I'm a huge fan of this place, but it's open early/late and has booze for those who want it and coffee for those who want that instead. If I worked downtown or had to have meetings downtown, this would be a good place to suggest, but for me.. it's just "ok"..

    (3)

  • Tiffany H.

    Best Chai Tea Latte in Indianapolis. Fun, swanky atmosphere and live music from time to time. Always filled with hipsters, but it's really just all part of the experience.

    (4)

  • Holly H.

    This is a great spot for professionals who work remotely. The internet is reliable. The space is quiet. And you can seamless switch from coffee to wine without anyone questioning your motives. The food is still a work in progress, but I think they are getting there. But, bottom line: a glass of wine during the workday cannot be overstated.

    (4)

  • Peter K.

    Best coffee shop Indy, the staff is amazing. The awesome part is that they're open late.

    (5)

  • Ian J.

    Cool interior and nice staff. The coffee is good. I tried one of the premade sandwiches for lunch once. Don't recommend the sandwich, but a great alternative to Sbux if you want something diff. Oh, and they sell beer.

    (5)

  • Maeghan P.

    The Thirsty Scholar is an awesome quint little place located on 16th and Pennsylvania in the Penn Arts building. It is a small little place that serves coffee, wine, and an impressive selection of craft beer. There is a welcoming ambiance that makes you want to hang out there for a while. There are a plethora of hipsters that frequent the Thirsty Scholar and it makes for a great place to get a significant amount of work done. It has the feel of an elegant 19th century library with its marble tables and bar tops and intimate candlelight lamps on each table. There occasionally is live (usually acoustic) music that adds to the atmosphere. My fiance, and a coworker decided to stop in this past Friday for an afterwork beer. We got there around 11:15 p.m. and the place was very lively. They have a wide selection of board games that the patrons are encouraged to enjoy while they hang out there. I love their draft selection because it always consists of interesting local flair. I had unique rye beer that had a hint of rhubarb mixed in that was pretty delicious. My coworker enjoyed Sun King's Maluis Pie, which is a wheat beer with a slight apple hint to it. My fiance enjoyed an imperial red ale, which also was quite delicious. We also shared the meat and cheese platter which hit the spot perfectly to satisfy our hunger. My fiance and I live a few floors above the Thirsty Scholar and frequent this establishment for an occasional beer after work, or the occasional essential day-saving Americano in the morning that provides an excellent jump start to a day. This place holds a special spot in my heart because when I was proposed to in October, we went down there for a celebratory beer for our engagement. The staff is very welcoming and has made us feel like home there. If you are looking for somewhere to hangout and relax this is the perfect place! The only warning I have though is not to park in the parking lot behind the building after 6 p.m. if you do not live in the building because your car could get towed. It is not a fun ordeal to endure. I would advise either parking out front, along Pennsylvania or along one of the other side streets nearby.

    (5)

  • Sarah C.

    Love the ambience in this place! Chill yet fun and trendy :) Pros: *Free parking behind the building from 6 AM to 6 PM *They serve alcohol *Open late *Free WiFi Cons: *They don't open until 8 AM during the week.

    (4)

  • Ashley M.

    Thirsty Scholar is the perfect place to spend a late morning or early afternoon working. The ambiance and lighting are just perfect and you can even grab a table outside on a nice day! There is counter service during the day or table service after 5pm. They offer your standard variations of lattes, cappuccino, etc. I had initially hoped for a more broad lunch/ snack menu but now that I know what to expect their menu is never an issue. The atmosphere can get a bit noisy in the afternoon when the nearby schools let out, but I just work my schedule around that time so that I don't get caught on a conference call with the excited kids in the background. I am happy to see an establishment provide the nearby high school kids with a safe and positive place to hangout after school!

    (4)

  • Kristen J.

    Awesome service, drinks & snacks! Plus a perfect atmosphere to either do work or meet up for a drink with friends!

    (5)

  • Andrew D.

    In our search for a coffee shop that actually served coffee in mugs, rather then a paper cup with cardboard sleeves, we stumbled upon The Thirsty Scholar. Being new to made to order coffee we had many questions. The cashier was very friendly and none judgemental. My fiance Abbie asked for a mocha latte, which threw him a bit as it was not on the menu. He quickly recovered saying he could make something equivalent. I took a chance and ordered the 16 ounce chai latte that I saw on the business's pictures. We took a seat in the dimly lit room on rickety chairs. Enough wobble to have character but not enough to make you worried for your safety. Decor was nice and simple. Abbie liked the mini chandeliers above the bar. We then sat and watched him work. The man moved with a sense of urgency and you could tell he knew his craft. Clearing the machine's steam lines were loud and caught your attention. I watched him fresh grind my espresso puck, double froth my milk, and build a mountain of whipped cream with chocolate drizzle for Abbie. Now it was time to taste. It was the frothiest drink I've ever had. It was as if it was topped with a liquid soufflé. Very spiced with nutmeg reminding me of a warm eggnog. Abbie's tasted like a dressed up hot chocolate. Both drinks were not as hot as I'm used to. We finished our drinks and as we were putting on our coats the barista, who made our drinks, asked us what we thought and genuinely seemed to care. Only downfalls I can see would be that if we came at a busier time I can see us waiting 10 plus minutes for our drinks. We came at 9 pm on a Thursday so we didn't have a problem. The menu is very limited for food options so don't expect a real dinner here. It's hard to criticize the temperature of the drinks as I'm only used to the lava like drinks of big name coffee chains. The spices of the drink also was something I'm not used to. It left me coughing for at least 20 minutes after we left. All in all a good experience. Very good customer service from start to finish. Small details for improvement depending on your perspective. Friendly and approachable. Will definitely be coming back.

    (4)

  • Kaley S.

    Parking fills fast but this place is totally worth it! If you love Chais, I suggest you get one here. It's amazing! Great environment, good place to get a drink with friends or stop by for a quick coffee.

    (5)

  • Patrick T.

    Coffee from intelligentsia in Chicago? Yes please! Local beers. Decent enough wine selection to make me happy. Sweet marble counters/tables. I feel like I could be a law student or a hipster and hang out in here all day. Oh and there's outdoor seating for those beautiful summer days with a beer and a buddy. Or a cup of coffee and a book. Or whatever. I heard the guacamole here is pretty authentic from my friend who hails from Mexico. It wasn't my favorite and was actually a little sour for my preference, but here's to authenticity!

    (5)

  • Rebecca B.

    One of my top 3 places to meet clients for drinks. 4/5 times it's the perfect quiet place to meet. There's always an empty table. There's always something delicious to drink. Personally I'm partial to the Italian Sodas (for those afternoon meetings) and the beer/wine selection never disappoints for evening hangs and chats. Convenient street parking and a lot behind the building that's free until 6 makes this high on the convenience scale. A solid hangout joint.

    (5)

  • Ro T.

    Since I've only been once and it was a to-go order, I'll come back to give a more detailed review when I have the chance to spend a little more time there. I ordered a pumpkin spice latte that was lacking the pumpkin flavor I was looking for, but it still hit the spot because it was freezing outside. We also had a chai latte which was spot on. While I was there, I observed that it was very quiet and a big percentage of the patrons were busy on their various internet accessible devices, so it seems that it's a great place to hunker down, get some work done and enjoy a cup of joe at the same time. I'll need to spend a bit more time there to fairly gauge the staff and attentiveness. I'll keep you guys posted

    (4)

  • Stephanie K.

    Espresso was definitely worth the stop. The wifi and indie decor drew me in but I really like the fact that there's wine and beer, as well. More like a bar and less like a coffee shop, the decor inside is also more classic than charming but also very charming. The music is also pleasing to my ears, I could see becoming a regular if I lived here.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth P.

    I really love this place mainly because of the cozy atmosphere it gives off. I love that it always feels like I'm just sitting in the bay window of a comfy house and the people watching here is lovely. I agree, their options aren't the best...and a little pricey for what you actually get. I really go there mainly because it gets me in the zone and I feel right at home in the seats by the window! I haven't actually gone yet for the beer/wine bar but I intend to! If you're dropping by the Penn Arts Building, just swing by and sit in for a bit..I promise the atmosphere is well worth it!

    (3)

  • Jason T.

    Service has occasionally been slow, but that makes it even more like a French café. Perfect hangout for work or play, decent wine list, great beer list, very solid coffee. The quiche was surprisingly good, as was the apricot cider.

    (5)

  • Callie F.

    The Thirsty Scholar is one of my favorite places in Indianapolis! The atmosphere is cozy with tables big enough for small groups and smaller tables for individuals. They have a great selection of tea and every drink I have ordered I have not been disappointed. A great place to come and chat with friends or study. If you need it really quiet, this place is a little louder due to many people coming and going throughout the day. Definitely a place to go in Indy day or night!

    (5)

  • Lauren Y.

    My favorite place to go to study (fast wifi!), drink yummy chai, and chat with people at the communal seating tables. My favorite things to get are the chai (hot is best but iced is also good), beer on tap, and spinach dip. Occasionally, it get a little loud for a study session, so it's best to go in the afternoon for studying and Saturday nights for live music.

    (5)

  • Danny B.

    The Thirsty Scholar is a local solution to impersonal coffee shops and loud, obnoxious bars. It is a place you can go to get work done, study, or have a good conversation with friends. It is an open environment unlike any I've seen in Indianapolis with a culture that encourages patrons to sit next to an unfamiliar face and potentially make a friend. They stock local beer, have delicious teas, and use Intelligentsia coffee. As for food, they get the job done by providing what they can with the space they have, sourcing mostly from local vendors. Food-wise I was most impressed with both their house-made guacamole and their mustard sauce (dijon, horseradish, and beets!). Their atmosphere is summed up with their wireless password: vintage1. If you're an old soul like me, you'll find the sight of hardwood, warm lighting, and no TVs or neon signs quite refreshing.

    (5)

  • A W.

    Toss up. Super late hours get this the 4 star. I haven't found another coffee shop in the city that is open until 12am, even on Sunday. The location is also pretty sweet. They have a canned beer that is a great deal. The food however was super lacking. Don't plan to eat a meal here. The guacamole was made by hand and was excellent but I really was needing a meal...so still a bit disappointing. I sat at the counter. No problems. The rickety chairs and small tables looked inconvenient for doing any work. There are some larger tables and more cushy seats, but not a lot and odds are good they are filled. I would feel guilty taking the entire table for just me if I was working. I do like how there is beer (nothing on tap that thrilled me), wine, and coffee. If I lived closer it would be a great place to meet a friend, but I probably won't go out of my way to drive here.

    (4)

  • Ronak S.

    Now that I've been to the Thirsty Scholar, I'm always looking for a place like it in any other city I go to, but can never quite find anything like it. Classy furniture, checked flooring, and a bar with a ladder on wheels, old books, and globes that feels straight out of a mystery novel: it feels like the study and parlor you always wished you had access to, combined into one. The selection fits the scene. The coffee and tea are decent for an afternoon chat, while the drink selection can carry you later into the night, with decent grub to fit between the sips. I prefer the beer and wine selection to the coffee and tea, and if you're more of a coffee drinker it may not be your place, but the hybrid model works well for mixed groups. The food isn't amazing, but you don't come hungry to a place called The Thirsty Scholar. It's just what you need to absorb some caffeine or alcohol so that you can try something more. Perhaps the best thing about this place is how flexible it is -- again, both a parlor and a study. It's a study, in that you can easily spend an afternoon and an evening cranking away on a thesis, reading a novel, planning a lesson, preparing a presentation, or anything else where you really in a place to hone in and zone in for a long period of time. It's open later than any cafe, and is a great place to sit at the bar or by a window and get stuff done. It's a parlor, in that you can host a book club, meet a colleague, grab a drink with a date, or chat with friends outside on the patio. It fits well between any outing, especially on a First Friday. Plus, the staff is as hip as the place. You'll want to become a regular, quick. Check it out, but be careful if you're from out of town. You're going to miss The Thirsty Scholar when you're gone.

    (5)

  • Anna Z.

    I really enjoyed my short visit here. It's dark, warm, and inviting. It's seat yourself. The menus are already set on the table and bar so you can get right to browsing the menu. I decided on a cheaper canned beer at $2. It was satisfying. The waitress described it as a hopped up PBR. Not super hoppy but yeah kind of like that. I was a little hungry so we got olives and a meat and cheese board. A big helping of olives and a good variety of meat and cheeses. Anything with goat cheese is good with me. I asked for more French bread and she gave me 5 more slices at no cost. This is a really great casual place. I love the area it's in too! We need more bars/restaurants in this area. Build it up!

    (5)

  • Kristina D.

    Love the Penn Arts scene. The Thirsty Scholar has great specialty coffee drinks. TS also has a nice selection of wine and beer. Funktastic staff. Love TS apps and desserts!

    (5)

  • William Aaron K.

    The other day a friend and I decided to walk here the other day, because we wanted a bit of a drink, but not get TURNT up. However, I was kind of having a day so I was looking for a beer that had high enough alcohol percent, but the price was low enough for me to enjoy and something that didn't sound incredibly fattening. I'm not a big beer drinker, so I settled for the Original Sin Cider. I must admit..I was unbelievably nervous. Am I going to like this drink? Did I just waste my money? What's the caloric value within? However, the barmaid slapped the drink down on the table and I was going in for the first big sip. IT WAS AMAZING. I downed that and another one immediately. It was seriously the equivalence of drinking fresh apple cider. The decor was purely sensational, the lights were dim, but so charming. The seats were comfortable and everyone in there was just in such a chilled state of mind that it was just contagious to feel relaxed and enjoy a good evening. My friend was getting super tired and was saying that she needed to get a coke or something and I was like WHOA GIRLFRIEND, ask for some espresso shots. She did. She perked up in like two seconds after she drank out of that adorable little espresso mug, saucer and spoon. I will be definitely coming back here really soon.

    (5)

  • Luisanna R.

    I came here to waste some time and I have to say it was really nice. I liked the beer and wine menu there were enough choices to appease almost anyone and yet not so many that you are left feeling overwhelmed. It's a really great place to chill have some coffee a glass of wine some snacks and hang out. I think the prices are very reasonable. The next time I come I am going to get the brownie I did not get last time. Oh I almost forgot! The staff!!! The staff was super nice and accommodating and very attentive. If you are looking for a chill spot check this place out. Like and adult and hip Starbucks.

    (4)

  • Bryan H.

    I have consistently been coming to Thirsty Scholar and cannot bring myself to say one bad thing about it. To me it is the standard of which all other coffee shops must compare. Whether it be a latte, coffee, americano or a chai latte, I have had them all and they are the top of the field on each item. Today's choice was an Iced Tea and again, it's what it should be, simple and right. While I have yet to explore their beer, wine, or food, I can say that I normally do not give places 5 stars but it would be utter nonsense to withhold them from these incredibly nice, inviting people who remember your face after one days visit (did I mention the staff is incredible)! I have tried to find places to read on my off days and Thirsty Scholar has provided just that place for me with their great coffee, staff, atmosphere and music choices which allow me to keep my headphones off (expect to hear artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, Alexi Murdoch, and Jose Gonzalez). This, to me, is without a doubt the best all around coffee shop in Indianapolis.

    (5)

  • Amber C.

    The coffee house is all grown up. The Thirsty Scholar wins as my new favorite coffee house. Since I'm not a coffee drinker,I trend to look for places that have a variety of offerings to go along with the coffee house atmosphere. The Thirsty Scholar more than fits the bill. Offering wine, beer, tea, and coffee, The Thirsty Scholar has something for everyone's palate. I didn't get to sample the small plates, but my escort for the evening mentioned that they are more than up to par. This is a great spot for intimate conversation. I wouldn't, however, plan on doing any work there in the evening. The lighting and ambiance makes it clear that this is a social gathering place, not a mobile office space. I thoroughly enjoyed The Thirsty Scholar, and I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Ellie B.

    A very pleasant environment with a great wine list.

    (4)

  • Lymari Q.

    The coffee was delicious. The atmosphere was perfect. The piano player was solid. The service was exceptional. Pretty sure that's all we needed to make our visit super good. We always talked about how Indy doesn't have any late night coffeehouse options... Well friends, that's a thing of the past! It was every thing we'd hoped for AND more.

    (5)

  • Daniel M.

    Great staff and good drinks. The atmosphere is inviting and they stay open late enough to crash at after the party.

    (4)

  • Sarah H.

    The wait staff & bartenders are awesome. Local beers!!! Guacamole is delish. Also had the olives, but think they might be better without the marinade...

    (5)

  • Sal W.

    DON'T PARK IN BACK. Anyway, this place is great. Chill vibe, nice beer and wine choices. lots of local beer choices, cider, wine is nice. All I've had to eat are the snacks and they were great! The meat & cheese plate is delicious, nice selection. I LOVE their chip dips. Dip seems simple enough (and their really cheap) but they really have a fantastic parmesan dip. Good for meeting friends after work, studying with a classmate or an evening drink. Haven't yet had their coffee, but I imagine it's a nice place during the day. Seriously, I hate to mention parking up front but it's a nightmare. Park on the street at all costs. The building owner allows parking in the back lot during the day, but at 6 pm you had better be gone. My friend left at 6:04 and his car was already gone (they start getting your car loaded before 6 if your don't have a permit). The tow company told us they pay spotters to watch for potential business here. $150 to get your car our at a super sketchy place on 30th. They even towed a resident who didn't have his permit. Bad first impression of the place, but I went back.

    (4)

  • John Z.

    Finally: a place where I can get a cup of Intelligentsia in Indy. About time. And not only can I get a great cup of coffee to go here, it's 80 cents cheaper than Foundry. Don't get me wrong, Foundry is great too, but I usually wait in a line to find out that their self-serve carafe is empty. The folks here seem friendly and they have a good beer and wine list. I came back later in the evening and had a nice glass of cabernet and split some pretzels with the woman. The place looks great and having been open for only a week, I'm impressed so far. They also say they plan to be open until 1 am nightly... and that makes this pretty much the only place to get a real cup of coffee other than Starbucks in the evening.

    (4)

  • Sherry C.

    Do NOT go here if you're hungry! I just started a new job down the street from here and looked online for a nearby place that served food. I was more than disappointed to find that their "sub sandwiches" were maybe 5" at best. In addition I asked for my sandwich with no green pepper and was told that the sandwich was pre-made so that couldn't be done... Then I asked for mayo or even mayo packets... Nope, they don't have that either. And the kicker was when I sat down to eat my sandwich (back at my office) and my sandwich also had onion on it (which was not listed in the ingredients) and instead of cheddar cheese it had Swiss. First and last time there... I'll stick to Foundry Provisions just down the street!

    (2)

  • Amandeep S.

    Good place if your new in town met lots of cool Indy folks here during my stay. Try the Chai! Bartenders were nice also loved the music they played in the eve great location too. Got some of my work done there as well Wouldn't mind visiting again. Cheers!

    (5)

  • Brittany S.

    Note: this review is crafted upon only one visit. More soon... I was grateful when my morning meeting requested the Thirsty Scholar for our meeting location - I mean, come on, I've got to keep up with the 7 other Yelpers who had already posted their two cents. Coffee, wine and beer....all under one roof? How does this work? Before any of that matters, they checked off two other boxes 1. good location -really excited for all of the new businesses that have popped up in this area in the past year (however, parking can lean on the tricky side) and 2.) great decor - as all others have mentioned, wouldya look at that lighting? So Gatsby-esque especially paired with the bar and movable ladder. My order of Earl Grey tea was pretty basic, so I have yet to truly experience anything that takes preparation. For those extremely loyal Intelligentsia fans - here's your new spot! I will note that the service was friendly and attentive. This will make for a great future work spot with the amount of natural light flooding in.

    (4)

  • Kinsey C.

    I had been meaning to check this place out since it opened. It seemed like the perfect happy hour spot because it was close to work and had free parking until 6pm. It may be that I expected something different, but this place just left me disappointed. When I went they had two wine selections and one beer selection all overpriced compared to what you can get them for most other places in town. Service was sooooo slow. I am pretty patient, but from the time I ordered and when I got my beer it was a good five minutes without any other patrons ordering. I just saw the woman behind the counter meandering around the bar while I waited. Table service started at 5, and the service increased after that. I thought they would have more food, as it is advertised on their windows. It was mostly just pastries from 111 (who I feel very strongly against supporting) and one sandwich. Again, just not a great variety. I would give this place another shot with more appropriate expectations to see if my experience improves.

    (3)

  • Charla C.

    I wasn't quite sure how I felt about this place before but it's growing on me. It's the perfect place for me to study or meet up with a friend. Calm atmosphere and beautifully decorated. Plus there's beer and wine! Huge bonus. Perfect spot to enjoy a good book, have a chat with a friend or two, conduct a business meeting, or study for a test. I'm excited to have this place in my neighborhood.

    (5)

  • Sabrina S.

    Cute place. Stopped in and grabbed a sandwich and a beer. Beer was a bottled IPA, and was old and malty. If I come here again, I will stick to the draught selection.

    (3)

  • Tiffany C.

    This was my first time at the Thirsty Scholar and it is my new favorite downtown coffee spot. I was amazed at how smooth the house blend is...no sugar required!! The spinach feta quiche was savory and delicious. The only thing that could enhance their breakfast is possibly some fresh fruit on the menu. I'm looking forward to checking this place out in the afternoon and indulging in the snack menu and beer selection.

    (4)

  • Amy R.

    Coffee, beer and wine, how can you go wrong. The Thirsty Scholar is reasonably priced with 4 local beers on tap, additional beers in bottles/cans, a substantial wine menu and very basic coffee drink selection. The owner tries to stay local for as much as possible, although the coffee is from a Chicago based company. They have also some snack type of food available, but nothing out of the ordinary. Their menu states that they will be adding some sandwiches at a later time. The idea behind it was to make it like a library, in fact, they were originally going to call it Library, but decided on Thirsty Scholar instead. It has neat little touches like world globes, books and some really cool light fixtures. There are places at the bar with unique bar stools, different tables both inside and outside. I will have to reassess once it has been open for a while, but I certainly will come back.

    (3)

  • Ciara L.

    I find this place very difficult to focus on homework. The service is also awful. The waitress is so rude. This is supposed to be a place I can come to do homework, but if I stay too long, they act as though I've been here too long. They have a very small menu. The one thing I wanted, a sub sandwich, she said they "ran out" of. Couldn't you just make more? It's so cute in here and I really wanted to like it, but I can't get past all of these negative things.

    (1)

  • John W.

    Awesome cosy atmosphere to hang out for a coffee or glass of wine. Occasional live music also makes this place great! :)

    (4)

  • Kelly L.

    Great coffee and service. Cute ambience as well.

    (5)

  • Rachael L.

    I like this place...does that make me a hipster? If you like things found in thrift stores and antique shops... and if you like the smell of hippies... yet you manage to maintain an air of snobbery to mainstream beer, then you will fit right in. I always receive friendly service that never misses a beat. For those that want to join in but dont want to drop the $6-$8 on a beverage....ask for the Burger Beer. It is a whopping $2.

    (5)

  • Hunter U.

    I want to love The Thirsty Scholar, I really do, but I just can't get into it despite going several times. I think the difficulty is trying to define what a "coffee-bar" is supposed to be. Do I go there to get drunk with friends on Friday? Do I go there Tuesday afternoon to get work done? I think the answer is supposed to be "Both!", however the space at Thirsty Scholar just isn't really good for either experience. On a positive note, the service is always great (save one horrid experience with a pretentious vested hipster) and the always have a varied, albeit small, draft list with good local beers. If you can figure out what to make of this space for yourself then by all means indulge!

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Tue
  • Mon :Closed

Specialities

  • Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Ambience : Hipster
    Noise Level : Average
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Happy Hour : No
    Best Nights : Tue, Wed, Thu
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : No
    Good for Working : Yes

Thirsty Scholar

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